HEELS seeks to empower women Five years ago, Alicia Wagner found herself climbing the corporate ladder at one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the country B Y C H R I S T I N A C O R D O V A

Five years ago, Alicia Wagner found herself climbing the corporate ladder at one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the country — that is, until her boss and mentor told her that until she was married with kids, she wouldn’t be taken seriously for the next big promotion. “My superwoman cape was tattered,” she admits. “Nobody properly prepares women for what to expect once they get into the corporate world.”

Knowing other women encounter the same old-school sentiments, Alicia spent a year at Coaches Training Institute in California and founded her own empowerment organization in February called HEELS Coaching: Helping Women Stand Tall. Many women find themselves climbing the rungs of the corporate ladder, only to be stopped on the way to the top by old-school beliefs. Instead of shrinking in the face of adversity, Alicia, a Wapakoneta, Ohio native and University of Toledo broadcasting grad, seized this opportunity to help women pursue their dreams of reaching business and corporate stardom.

Through HEELS Coaching, Alicia helps and encourages women who feel lost or don’t have the time or energy to pursue their true passions. She guides these women to balance and fulfillment by teaching them to be accountable for their own lives. With her “Get Out of The Box” coaching model, Alicia will have you walking tall in your heels (or flats!) in no time.

HEELS’ three month coaching program can be done through Skype, phone or in person, so no matter where you are in the world, you can get to where you want to be in your life. With the help of HEELS Coaching, a girl’s superwoman cape will soon be back on her shoulders where it belongs.

You can reach Alicia Wagner by going to www.heelscoaching.com,

alicia@heelscoaching.com or by calling 419-482-8129.

One two step TSA's funky shoe fundraiser B Y C H R I S T I N A C O R D O V A

Bananas, goldfish, flying pigs — none of these are particularly show stopping (except, maybe, for the flying pigs). But if they all walk in as shoes — imagine a fish tank on heels — well then, they become the show. At Steppin’ Out, an annual fundraiser since 2006 for the Toledo School for the Arts, those are examples of footwear that waltzes through the doors of the Park Inn hotel all night long. Steppin’ Out was started because the school’s creative directors, Martin Porter, Michael Calabrese, Rob Koenig and Tom Brady, among others, knew they needed to raise money to keep the school, a nonprofit, up and running. “They knew they wanted to do an auction because auctions raise money, but many groups host auction fundraisers,” said Bethany Urbanski, TSA development assistant and former student. “So they decided to do an auction with a twist.” The idea? Create an event which encourages crazy shoe creations to let attendees’ imaginations, and hot glue guns, run wild. Now, seven years later, influential members of the community, several local artists and long-time donators still show up to cocktail hour not in evening gowns, but in high heels, loafers, flats and sneakers all whimsically decorated. “My favorite was this pair of pink, lace-up high heels — the woman had put a curly tail on the heel and wings on the sides. I loved it - our unofficial mascot is flying pigs, because many people said TSA would only succeed when pigs fly,” Urbanski says. Though the ballroom will be set up for dinner, it will resemble an art installation. “All the decorations are student-inspired. Last year was ‘Glass Appreciation,’ so all the centerpieces were made out of glass. This year, the theme is jewel tones. Student performance groups will provide entertainment — dancers, a steel drum group, a jazz band and even New Orleans-inspired puppeteers — taking turns

on stage. Student artwork, also up for auction,will decorate the walls.” After dinner , the real fun begins. The live auction, hosted by WTOL-TV Channel 11’s Jerry Anderson, is when the “big loot” is revealed. “One year, someone won a trip to France," Urbanski said. "That same year, we auctioned off the guitar and album of famed TSA alum, singer-songwriter Crystal Bowersox.” After the auction, there is a scholarship appeal, awarded to three lucky students, which includes art lessons, private music lessons, dance camps and trips. Park Inn, 101 N. Summit St. 6 pm on Saturday, March 9. $45 per person; tables of ten $400. Call Bethany Urbanski to RSVP, 419-246-8732 x256 or emailburbanski@ts4arts.org.

Buttons, Magnets, Mirrors and More…The Possibilities Are Endless One 16 year old proves there is no limit to what you can accomplish, as long as you believe in yourself. B Y C H R I S T I N A C O R D O V A If you’ve ever needed a kick in the pants, Claire Coder—junior classman at South View High School and owner and founder of There’s a Badge for That—is the girl to give it to you. And not because she’s pushy, or bossy or any of those other terms (inaccurately) applied to ambitious women, but because she is truly accomplished. On top of volunteering with youth organizations, interning at her local church, going on missions to Haiti, participating in both Toledo Rep’s and South View’s theater groups, winning Mock Trials and STILL maintaining an outstanding GPA of 4.3, Claire manages to run her own business—and she’s only 16. The idea behind There’s a Badge for That was conceived last Christmas, when Claire’s grandmother gifted her with a button-making kit. Instead of writing the gift off as another one of Grandma’s attempts to keep her young, Claire saw the opportunity to present her friends and family with gifts that were truly one-of-a-kind. It didn’t take long for Claire’s parents to realize that she was onto something. With a little encouragement from her mother and father, Claire’s buttons—with catchy phrases such as “Today is the day” and “Perfection is boring”—as well as magnets and compact mirrors (the most popular of which reads “Shut up. I think you’re gorgeous”) were on the market within a few short months. Now, almost a year later, her business is thriving. “I’ve been asked to badge portraits, wedding favors, business logos, name tags…People want me to do birthday parties and workshops.” When asked how she does it all, she replies, “It’s simple. I love what I do. I do what I love.” At 16, Claire seems to know more about business and life than most adults. When asked if she has any words of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, she says, “As long as you have the inner self-confidence and passion, the possibilities are endless.” You can find Claire’s clever badges at Shram’s Flowers and Gifts, Embellish, The Keeper’s House, Sweet Cheeks and various art fairs across the city. Contact Claire Coder at claireannet@gmail.com or http://www.theresabadgeforthat.com/home.html.

HIV Speaks Friday, November 30 from 7-10 pm B Y C H R I S T I N A C O R D O V A

HIV/AIDS patients and their supporters are giving voice to the real issues and concerns not addressed in your typical conversation during the show HIV Speaks. Written and performed by Northwest Ohio residents for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio World AIDS Day event, HIV Speaks allows the audience and the cast to celebrate those fighting the epidemic as well as to honor those who have lost the battle. Stop by the cash bar for a cold drink or snack or try your luck with a raffle — all proceeds go to Toledo’s AIDS Resource Center.

Friday, November 30 from 7-10 pm. 1717 Adams Street (in the former International Boxing Club next to Manos Greek Restaurant). www.arcohio.org. –CR

Holiday with Heart Gala Saturday, December 1 B Y C H R I S T I N A C O R D O V A

Brush the dust off your tuxedos, ball gowns and dancing shoes the GLBT (gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender) community's premiere social event, the Holiday with Heart Gala, is Saturday, December 1. Founded in 1977 by a group of 16 gay friends as a way for the GLBT community to get together and celebrate the holidays with dance, food and gifts, the event has grown into a fundraising effort, with proceeds going to different organizations which support the Toledo GLBT community. The event is open to all — leave your jeans and t-shirts at home and come dressed to impress. $70. Toledo Club, 235 14th St. 5:30 pm-midnight.

For more information contact Rick Cornett at 419-470-3937 or emailholidayheartrick@aol.com. –CR

Stage stars Lisa Mayer-Lang trains future Broadway brights B Y C H R I S T I N A C O R D O V A

Lisa Mayer-Lang, Toledo native, is the best kind of threat there is to musical theater: a triple threat. With acting, voice and dance talent to boot, Lisa landed her first job on the Fame and Musical Tour. It was love at first curtain call. But, twenty years and several stints on Broadway later, Lisa decided it was time to go back to her roots and pay homage to the schools that made it all possible for her. She now teaches at the University of Michigan and the Toledo Ballet, where she helps produce Broadway stars. You did musical theater for 20 years, and a lot of shows in that time. Which was your favorite? Carousel. I danced the role of Louise when I was 14, and that’s when I really got my first taste of musical theater. So when it came to New York, I knew the show, but the audition process was the hardest I’ve ever been through. Usually a show has two callbacks, but this show had six. There were a bunch of professional ballerinas, but they wanted people who could sing, dance and act. I could do all three. When I landed this show, I just knew — it was so rewarding. The cast was so talented. Why did you decide to come back home and teach? It was just time. We [Michael, my partner and I] wanted our girls to have family around — to have all that “normal stuff” we had growing up. When we came back, U of M called me because of my time on Broadway, and shortly after, the Toledo Ballet called. I knew it must be right. Madeline Trumble, one of your former students, is coming to Toledo to perform as the star of Mary Poppins. How does it make you feel, knowing you helped her get there? To even get into U of M’s theater program is like trying to get on Broadway — we get 1200 video auditions and 800 live auditions and only 18 to 20 students make it — so the ones that do are already extremely talented. But the fact that Maddie landed such a major play is amazing. I am so excited to

take the class to see her next week. What advice do you have for anyone hoping to break onto Broadway? You’ve got to be a triple threat — a great dancer, singer and actor. The competition is so fierce. You have to be able to do everything. Lisa Mayer-Lang's former student, Madeline Trumble, will take the stage as Mary Poppins Tuesday, February 26 through Sunday, March 3 at the Stranahan Theatre, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. For tickets, call 419-381-8851 or visitwww.marypoppins.com/ticket/toledo-oh.

The Toledo Museum of Art’s Family Center Friday, December 28. 6-7pm

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An artsy start to the weekend

The Toledo Museum of Art’s Family Center is giving kids and their parents a new reason to say “T.G.I.F.” with an alternative that is fun, educational and accessible for the whole family. The last Friday of every month, the Family Center hosts a local artist who speaks to families with children 10 and under about their process and inspiration. Started back in September, the Family Center’s creative curators have devised a way to connect each month’s exhibition with an interactive learning experience. This month, kids not only get to admire TMA’s very own Mary Gaynier’s paper-cut portraits — a fun spin on paper snowflakes — but they get to create some of their own. “The idea is to break down an artwork into elements and principles of design so that together, families can appreciate not just the art that hangs in museums, but art that is being created all around them, everyday,” says Center manager Regina Jankowski. Best of all, it’s a nice way to introduce families to local artists and increase their awareness of the vibrant arts community in the Glass City. Free. Friday, December 28. 6-7pm. For more information, contact Regina Jankowski, 419-255-8000, ext. 7411 or visit www.toledomuseum.org. —CR

Madison Saint John The young artiste has created glass objects like T-Town Frogs

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Sugarplums, super-soakers and baby dolls are what many children dream of this time of year. But not seven-year-old Madison Saint John. The budding artist finds time in her busy school schedule — soccer on the weekends and spelling practice on weekdays — to create fun, quirky glass pieces she sells through her growing business, Madison’s Creations in Glass. While other children decorate their sidewalks with chalk or finger-paint while their mothers cook dinner, young Madison has watched — and learned from — her father, glass artist KC Saint John, while he works his magic in the studio. Once he recognized her talent, KC let Madison take over the glassblowing while he works on his personal campaign backing local artists, called Support Your Local Talent. The young artiste has created glass objects like T-Town Frogs to commemorate Toledo’s frog history, ladybugs, hearts and even a collection of life-like butterflies. You can find Madison’s Creations in Glass at art fairs across the state, in local boutiques, on the internet or even in her own front yard.

With the holiday’s fast approaching, this young Labino makes sure her glasswork is affordably priced — most pieces range from $10 to $20. 419-481-0102.www.facebook.com/#!/MadisonsCreations. —CR

(Sand) castle kings and queens Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29.

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Levis Commons is bringing the coastline to the country for all you “staycation-ers” with the Sand-Tastic Festival on Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29. Build sand sculptures with professionals and sand castles with your kids, dance the summer night away to live music, or watch the sunset as your little ones splash around at the water tables. Cheer on your neighbors as they showcase their talents from 7-8pm on Friday during the amateur sand sculpture contest, or learn the art of sand carving with demonstrations from 2-2:45 pm on Friday and Saturday. Sign up for the sand-sculpting contest early Friday, as contestants are chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Free. For more information, contact Sara Wilson at 419-931-8888 or visit www.shopleviscommons.com/events/2013/06/28/events/sand-tastic.

A berry good time 31st annual Cherry Festival, from Thursday, June 13 to Saturday, June 15 in Whitehouse 75th annual Strawberry Festival is June 12-16, 7807 Angola Rd., Holland

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It’s that time of year again for funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, fried bananas and ... strawberries! Just as you can count on sunshine and corn during the summer, you can count on Holland to hold their annual Strawberry Festival. The event’s 75th anniversary festivities kick off on Wednesday, June 12 at 4 pm with games, music and, of course, the nightly 50/50 raffle. Throughout the weekend, get a little crazy with the haywire band, or bring your game face over to the bingo tables. Roll in early Saturday morning for the Rollie-Run, and parade in on Sunday to watch “the-people-who-make-it-happen” drive by in floats.

Strawberries not your thing? Drive over to Whitehouse for the 31st annual Cherry Festival. From Thursday, June 13 to Saturday, June 15, 10,000-plus cherry lovers will convene for Friday’s family movie night, Saturday’s pie-eating contest, rides, food and fun. The 75th annual Strawberry Festival is June 12-16, 7807 Angola Rd., Holland (parking is $3). Whitehouse Cherry Festival is June 13-June 15, downtown Whitehouse. For more information on the schedule of events and pricing, visitwww.hollandstrawberryfestival.org or whitehouseohiochamber.com.

A new network for dads Once a month at Black Kite Coffee and Pies (2499 Collingwood Ave.)

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Being a dad is one of the greatest joys in life, but, as Toledo father Daina Vincent knows, it can be difficult to maintain a strong relationship with your children when parents experience a separation. After struggling to spend quality time with his son, Vincent aspired to find a better way, so he and a close friend started the Dad’s Club of Lucas County, a local organization that allows dads in similar predicaments not only to vent their frustrations, but to find solutions. The Dad’s Club, which meets once a month at Black Kite Coffee and Pies (2499 Collingwood Ave.), allows fathers to swap resources, share stories and encourage positive change in their own lives as well as their children’s. Participation is free.

To find out more about the Dad’s Club of Lucas county and their next meeting time, visit their Facebook page: Dad’s Club of Lucas County.

Free- wheeling C H R I S T I N A C O R D O V A

Encourage your teenagers to make art, not war, with their siblings, by bringing them to the Art Supply Depo for the chance to throw some clay and create anything from a funky cereal bowl to a sophisticated flowerpot. Though the Depo has been hosting classes for adults for a while, the pottery classes for teens and tweens are a new addition, and a way to get your kids out of the house and involved in the arts. If you’re hesitant about how they might react to “summer school,” you shouldn’t be: The potter’s wheel has a mystical allure, and even the most rebellious children are a little curious as to how one works. As for the clay itself, it’s fun, tactile and easy to use. Best of all, like crayons and music, it’s expressive. However, if your angst-y teenager needs a little encouragement, mention “throwing clay,” and you’ll have their undivided attention. Classes begin Monday, June 17 through Thursday, June 20; ages 9-13 attend 8-11 am; ages 13-17 attend 1-4 pm. Tuition of $285 includes all materials and one time instruction. Space limited to 3 students per session.

Call to register at 419-720-6462. 29 S. St. Clair St. www.artsupplydepo.com

There is no love like Shutterlove One woman strives to create lasting memories through her art

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Owner of Shutterlove Studio and Boutique, Carli Felix

Tutus, Tonka trucks, laughter and love—whatever your family is all about, Carli Felix, owner of Shutterlove Studio and Boutique, wants to capture the reality of your beautifully unique family. Through her photography, Carli hopes to preserve life’s moments by doing away with the stiff clothes and rehearsed poses of traditional photography. “Those just aren’t real,” she says. “Photos should reflect [a] family’s personality and relationship together,” Felix says of her passion. “We strive to have the photos really show who you are. We like to let newborns sleep, toddlers pick their own outfits for part of the session (even if it doesn’t match). We will guide you into the right starting pose. We really like you to interact as a family, snuggle together, laugh and have fun!”

Supporting local artists

When she’s not making memories, Carli is supporting local artists. With a passion for her community as well as photography, she loves the idea of shopping locally and supports local talent by selling handmade items in her studio such as cloth diapers, nursery artwork, pacifier clips and designer clothes. She is always looking for new and fun items to offer for sale, and she encourages local artists to approach her with their ideas. The Shutterlove Boutique opened with studio in the spring of 2012. “I really do think I have the best job in the world,” says Felix. “I love that I get to provide my clients with a cherished memory...[and] that people can stop in the boutique and find a unique gift while also helping support someone locally.” The concept behind Shutterlove Studio may be new, but the results—a memory worth a thousand words—will be timeless.

Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Shutterlove Studio and Boutique, 202 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. Portrait sessions by appointment. Contact Carli Felix at 419-874-2663 or

shutterlovestudio.com.

Raising the Bar For Washington Jr. High principal, raising the bar is the norm

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When Katherine (Katie) Spenthoff—principal of Washington Jr. High—initially began her career in academics, her heart was in curriculum, and she had no desire to lead from anywhere other than the front of the classroom. However, a few, short years after being hired by the Washington Local School District, she discovered that she liked the idea of working with all the parts—the students, teachers, parents, administrators—and she soon found herself in the position of Werner Elementary School principal. Only two years after that, she was honored with the “20 under 40” Recognition Leadership Award, recognizing individuals who are making outstanding contributions to their communities. And that’s just what Mrs. Katie Spenthoff does, everyday.

While Mrs. Spenthoff was recognized for the “20 under 40” award this year because of the Sensory Learning Program she implemented at Werner Elementary, her achievements go far beyond that one program…

One of the first lessons Katie learned as an administrator was that consequences don’t change behavior. “Although my role was to handle discipline,” she says of her stint as Assistant Principal at Jefferson Jr. High, “I liked the idea of trying to talk with kids who were disengaged and acting out. I worked with them, the teachers and the parents to find solutions that were best for everyone.” This practice proved to be successful with both teachers and students, and it grew into the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports program—the program that would be the basis by which she would lead in the future.

Now, as principal, Katie makes it her job to acknowledge needs within her entire school and to do whatever it takes to make sure that those needs are met. “For me, being a principal is about looking at the successes that need to be celebrated, then looking at the pieces that need to be supported —then helping with THAT.”

When asked if her underlying goal has changed since moving up from elementary to junior high, she says no, “the ultimate goal is always to connect with the kids and help them grow into successful adults.” And she adds, she could not do this without the help of all the outstanding teachers, parents and administrators that inspire her and educate her every step of the way. “I’m so lucky to work with and for outstanding people…Washington is a district full of people that insist on doing right by the kids and raising the bar. It’s a district that empowers teachers to think outside the box. For us, it’s always about ‘What can we do positive-wise to re-engage our students?’”

When asked what she hopes to accomplish in the future, Katie replies, “I don’t ever want to be stagnant or to think that I’ve ‘gotten there,’ because I haven’t. There is always a new challenge, and always a new approach, and in order to do right by the kids, we always need to be trying something new.”

Ollie and Stella Outfitters online-based children’s retail business

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When Lin Buyher came across a picture of her great-grandmother and great-great-aunt, Ollie and Stella, as children, she couldn’t help but wonder how they were able to move, must less play, in the starched clothing they were sporting. Her own children had been wearing DucKsday gear, full-body playsuits from a Belgium company that were funky and functional, providing protection from rain and snow. That photo — and the positive feedback from parents and kids alike about her children’s new outerwear — served as the inspiration for the online-based children’s retail business she started this year, Ollie and Stella Outfitters.

The site officially opened for online business in August, and has proven to be “an interesting learning curve and a full-time job” for Buyher, an architect by training and mother by profession, and her chemist husband. DucKsday gear comes in four affordable pieces: the fleece, the pants, the rain suit and the jacket, two of which, when combined, make the most comfortable, flexible snow suit you can imagine. “Just take the rain layer and the fleece and you’ve got snow gear. Two pieces do the job of three!” Now, not only can families be prepared for whatever weather happens, kids can play the way they were meant to — all year long.

Suits range from $25-$70. OllieandStellaOutfitters.com. —CR