current licensure. To date, LifeLine has an unblemished safety record. Most volunteer pilots own singleor twin-engine aircraft and can fl y between 100 and 1,000 miles. LifeLine also partners with similar organizations to accommodate destinations beyond 1,000 miles. Patients must be ambulatory and have written referrals from a licensed physician for treatment at these specialty facilities. About 20 percent of the fl ights are humanitarian in nature, such as parents who must travel when a child is in a distant hospital, or a family member who is traveling and has been hospitalized. Lack of transportation to the closest metropolitan airport, the cost of commercial air travel, as well as the physical demands of navigating large metropolitan airports — where the risk of missed connections is common – makes LifeLine a necessity for many patients. “Keep in mind, most of these medical specialists book appointments out months in advance. One missed connection and the patient goes home, untreated. Most of these severe medical conditions cannot wait prolonged periods of time for treatment,” Ellis said. Once the team receives a request, along with a physician’s referral, the pool of pilots are informed and signed up. “We are fortunate to have a huge network of pilots, so we can accommodate these requests quickly and effectively,” he said. LifeLine Pilots works with providers and local hospitals, as well as community organizations such chambers of commerce, Rotary clubs, United Way chapters and Kiwanis, to share information about the service with their communities. Still, more could be shared, he said. “I wish our service was commonly known in every hospital, every community organization and every local government offi cial’s offi ce. Awareness is our greatest challenge,” he said. For more information, visit www. lifelinepilots.org or email Phil. Ellis@lifelinepilots.org. Also visit Facebook and other social media for posts about the program. Indian Celebrations Bring Color, Community and Culture to Northwest Ohio By Ed Conn, Creative Director, TSN In the Toledo and Bowling Green areas, cultural diversity continues to enhance community life. One of the brightest examples comes from the Indian community with its rich traditions rooted in a wide array of religions. Celebrations of the different religions of India bring a kaleidoscope of color, music, food and tradition to Northwest Ohio. A Growing Community Over the past few decades, the Indian population in Northwest Ohio has steadily grown, thanks to the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and major employers like ProMedica, Owens Corning and First Solar. Families and students from across India now call the region home, carrying with them centuries-old traditions that have become fi xtures in the area’s cultural calendar. The Hindu Religion in India The majority of the world’s population of Hindus reside in India where about 80 percent (1.14 billion) of Indians are Hindus. In fact, Hinduism was born in India. The name, “Hindu,” is the Sanskrit name for the Indus River, “Sindhu.” Ganesh Chaturthi, Navarathri and Diwali are three of the major Hindu celebrations that occur in the fall. Another popular celebration, occurring in spring, is Holi. Festivals of Light, Color and Tradition The most widely celebrated festival in Northwest Ohio is Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Organized by local temples, cultural associations and university student groups, Diwali events often feature classical and Bollywood dance, devotional music, children’s performances and a feast of Indian food. Both Toledo and Bowling Green host Diwali galas that draw crowds of hundreds, including many non-Indian neighbors curious to experience the festival. In spring, Holi, the Festival of Colors, fi lls the air with joy and vibrancy. At BGSU and UT, students gather on campus lawns to toss brightly colored powders, turning the afternoon into a living rainbow. Music, dancing and traditional snacks round out the day, creating a playful celebration that Page 5 often welcomes participants from across cultures. Other observances include Navratri, marked with evenings of Garba and Dandiya Raas dancing; Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrating the beloved deity that helps to overcome obstacles, bless new beginnings and inspire intellectual pursuits; and national days like Independence Day of India, which bring together families for parades, cultural showcases, and fl aghoisting ceremonies. Anchors of Tradition: Temples and Associations Much of the organizing happens through community hubs such as the Hindu Temple of Toledo in Sylvania. Established in 1989, the temple has become not only a spiritual center but also a cultural anchor, hosting festivals, religious ceremonies and educational programs for children. In Bowling Green, the Indian Student Association at BGSU and similar groups at the University of Toledo play a vital role in keeping traditions alive for younger generations and introducing Indian culture to fellow students. More Than Festivals: Food and Friendship Celebrations are inseparable from cuisine, and Indian gatherings often highlight regional dishes — from spiced curries to sweet desserts like gulab jamun. Restaurants in the area, such as Tandoor, Deepam, Jewel of India and Bombay Kitchen, also join in by offering festival specials, giving the broader community a taste of India. A Shared Celebration What makes these events especially meaningful is their openness. While rooted in Indian traditions, they are often organized with an inclusive spirit, inviting the broader community to participate. Non-Indian residents regularly join in for Diwali or Holi, fi nding joy in the colors, lights and fl avors while also building friendships across cultures. Looking Ahead As the Indian community in Northwest Ohio continues to grow, so too does the visibility of its celebrations. These festivals are more than cultural showcases — they are moments of connection, helping to weave together the diverse threads of the region into a stronger, more colorful fabric. In the lights of Diwali, the laughter of Holi, and the rhythms of Navratri, Northwest Ohio experiences not just Indian Hindu traditions, but the universal spirit of joy and community.
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