Over 60 pin-ups show what it means to be 'Toledo Strong'

Oct. 5—Toledo's next calendar models are a mixed batch of fitness enthusiasts and athletes each with a story to tell — as well as the scars, wrinkles, and gray hair to show for it.

But organizers hope the still vital, over 60 pin-ups will inspire others in their age groups to make healthy decisions and get active by proving you can age gracefully and live a happy life, even after a severe health setback or tragic loss.

Gathered on Monday along the downtown Toledo riverfront, models chosen for the Toledo 60 Strong Ambassadors came together in-person for the first time before their 2022 60 Strong calendar goes to print next month. Some had difficulty seeing while others had difficulties walking, but all had smiles on their faces as they joked and bantered under the grey sky while a photographer's camera clicked away, capturing every moment.

The calendar project is sponsored by The Toledo Clinic in conjunction with the launch of Independence Health Senior Care Advantage, a new program to help seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare. Each calendar features a timeline regarding Medicare signup deadlines, as well as information of each pin-up who was selected by a celebrity panel last year.

Last year, organizers met individually with the 12 winners for separate photo shoots throughout the Toledo area, said Lisa Stafford, president of Stafford Communications, which helped organize the calendar project. But limitations caused by the pandemic slowed the project, which is why the group photos were scheduled so close before the November deadline for the calendars.

Deb Schmenk, a 60 Strong model of Whitehouse, said the group had met via Zoom last year and had shared some of their stories, but Monday's photoshoot together was a rare treat after the pandemic year.

"It's kind of... I'll use the word 'surreal' because I feel like we've all known each other because we've had this experience in common even though we didn't get to be together in the same place," she said. "But we know all the stories, everybody's story is well known, and it just feels good to see everybody in person."

Those featured in the calendar are:

—Ms. Schmenk: who uses strength training, yoga, and bike riding to stay in shape. She was a caregiver for her mother, who had health problems and passed away in 2014. She now cares for her brother, who has diabetes. Because of this, she has made her fitness routine and healthy eating a priority.

—Dave Wisniewski: who was struck with vision loss in 1987 because of complications from diabetes. He become a professional artist widely known for his "cowboy paintings." He was inducted into the Sylvania Arts Hall of Fame in 2019, the Roy C. Start High School Hall of Fame in 2018, and regularly supports the community by donating his work to charity auctions.

—Jim Carr: Mr. Carr was the president of the Northwest Ohio Tennis Association and now serves on the board of Sylvania Ohio Master's Swim Club. On March 1, 2020, he was rushed into surgery after experiencing an aortic dissection during his daily swim routine. Doctors brought him back to life after his heart stopped four times. Today, he coaches adult and high school swim teams and teaches tennis to children with disabilities.

—Cindy Roshon: Ms. Roshon experienced a life-altering event at the age of 38 when she had a massive hemorrhagic stroke that left her right side paralyzed. Told by her doctor she would never walk or talk again, she has re-learned to walk, talk and drive, and now she writes with her left hand. She founded the Stroke Life Center and solicits help from medical and professional community members to provide education and encouragement to other stroke survivors and their caregivers.

—Joe Sparks: Mr. Sparks is a fitness instructor who teaches yoga, running technique and kettlebell. He is the owner of Sparks Fitness and also teaches yoga and exercise classes to residents at Devlac Hall and New Attitude on My Image, or NAOMI, which are drug/alcohol addiction and abuse treatment centers.

—Linda Coogler: Ms. Coogler was a single mother at 15 who was determined to finish high school. She went on to start a successful 20-year career in mental health services as a billing supervisor. Now she mentors young girls who are pregnant, teaching them the importance of hard work and education. She also exercises five times a week, lifting weights and using a treadmill and stationary bike.

—Tony Hague: Mr. Hague is a Toledo firefighter, a job he has held for 31 years. In 2011, he created and funded the Toledo Fire Recruiting for Diversity program to recruit more diverse candidates and provide necessary education and training. Although he struggles with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, he makes health a priority, regularly biking, weight training, and eating healthy meals. He strives to leave room in his schedule for his ultimate passion — drag racing.

—Betsy Kenniston: Ms. Kenniston is a lifetime athlete who competes in golf and pickleball, having won more than 60 medals in pickleball tournaments in the U.S. and Europe. In 2014, her friend Mary was murdered by a family member addicted to opioids. To honor her, Ms. Kenniston underwrote APlace4Mary.com, an online resource for families dealing with drug addiction. She is now retired after spending 32 years as a circulation manager for The Blade.

—Annette Hallett: Ms. Hallett is a nurse manager for a palliative care program and coordinates the care of seriously and terminally ill patients and provides support and comfort to their families. She has competed in 5Ks, 10Ks and climbed a mountain in Scotland. She donates to multiple charities, including the Cherry Street Mission, which serves the homeless. She also supports online charity-based exercise programs, and during the pandemic she completed a 100-mile bicycle challenge to raise funds for children with cancer.

—Mike Navarre: Mr. Navarre is the Lucas County Sheriff and has served in law enforcement for 43 years, serving as police chief for Toledo and Oregon. During his Toledo tenure, Mike helped start the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol, a program connecting senior volunteers to homebound elderly. Mike and friends raise money annually to help individuals with serious health issues and those who experiences "bad luck."

—Joy Moritz: Ms. Moritz is a former personal trainer and aerobics instructor and is currently an avid pickleball player who also bikes, swims and roller blades. In 2012, she and her husband Gary purchased and renovated a condemned school. Today, it is a community center that hosts head start classes, fundraisers, Bible studies, sports camps and other area activities.

—Tim Hayes: Mr. Hayes is the deacon at United Vision Baptist Church. Before the age of 30, he was diagnosed with multiple conditions including: avascular necrosis, a degenerative bone disease, sickle trait, and arthritis. After his first surgeries, doctors told him he would never walk again. He proved them wrong however, and 21 hip replacements later, continues to do so.

The Toledo 60 Strong calendars are available for purchase online at www.Toledo60 Strong.com. The cost is $15 for each calendar and all proceeds will benefit the Toledo Clinic Foundation, which provides health-care assistance to families in need.

First Published October 4, 2021, 7:19pm

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