Softball, Prayer Vigils & Butterfly Bonanzas: A Weekend Planner

1.

Where/When: , begins Friday and continues throughout the weekend

Why Go: The NTD Super Draft Tournament was organized to help softball players in extreme times of need. The tournament consists of players that sign up individually and then are drafted to a team based on information supplied at registration.

Teams are drafted Friday. Players should show up and check in starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. First pitch will be at 9 a.m.

The proceeds from this year’s tournament will be donated to Justin Keichel. Justin is a remarkable young man whose talent is only surpassed by the size of his heart.

He has played for years with Mentor Adult Softball and many other leagues across the tri-county area. Justin was injured playing second base during a tournament in Geneva.

While trying to take a throw from the outfield to put out an advancing runner, the ball struck Justin in the temple and caused multiple fractures of his skull.

The injuries sustained were so severe that Justin was immediately Life-Flighted to Metro Hospital for emergency surgery. Doctors and Surgeons were able to repair the damage but stated that Justin was only minutes from certain death.  Justin does not have medical insurance and the amount of bills resulting from the life saving surgery is staggering.

This tournament is to help him chip away at those bills and try to get his life back to normal as quickly as possible.

All teams will play four games on Saturday and their record will be used to determine their seeding for the double elimination tournament on Sunday.  Sunday’s tournament will start at 1 p.m. and continue until a champion is crowned.

Pricing: $40 per person

2.

Where/When: , 2 p.m. Sunday

Why Go: Join a Mentor Marsh Naturalist and guest butterfly expert, Mary Ann Wagner, on a Sunday hike to learn more about butterflies and providing habitat for them in the Mentor Marsh.

Hikers will view native plantings designed to attract butterflies and other pollinators and will explore the connection of providing nectar and host plants for these winged critters.

Restored areas in the Marsh also provide ample nectar and host plants, so we will venture out to the Wake Robin Trail’s boardwalk looking for butterflies, too.

You will scout for both butterflies and caterpillars and tag monarchs along the way. Registered participants will receive butterfly identification materials.

Mentor Marsh Nature Center programs are family friendly and all are invited. Activities will be held rain or shine and will only be cancelled in the event of severe weather.

Reservations are requested for all programs. For questions or to make a reservation, please contact the Mentor Marsh Nature Center at 440-257-0777 or rdonalds@cmnh.org.

Pricing: Free

3.

Where/When: , 6 p.m. to midnight Friday

Why Go: Advent Lutheran Church is welcoming all to gather in love, healing and unity to pray for the victims and perpetrators of acts of hatred and violence.

The 6-hour vigil begins at 6 p.m.

Please stop in to pray and/or meditate at anytime during these hours.

Pricing: Free

4.

Where/When: , 7 p.m. today (Aug. 16)

Why Go: The Wildwood Theatre Camp presents its latest original show, The Absolutely, Positively Error-Free History of the World.

This production stars more than 35 campers ages eight to 15, is directed by Steve Couch and features music by Joseph Hollings.

The performance is free, family friendly and open to the public.

To see if you might enjoy Wildwood Theatre's particular brand of wackiness, check out this slideshow from last year's performance of .

Pricing: Free

5.

Where/When: , 11 a.m. Saturday

Why Go: Wish it could be adult swim all of the time?

Well, on Senior Fun Day, seniors get the whole pool to themselves during this free event.

There will be fun in the pool, coffee and something sweet. Everyone who gets in the water will be entered into a drawing for door prizes.

Pricing: Free