Maumee Vibes: Community Updates, Medicare Tips, and Nicole Khoury on Acoustics for Autism | Episode 2
In the second episode of Meet Me In Maumee, hosts John and Julie kick off with lighthearted banter about car mishaps and introduce themselves more deeply—John as a Maumee resident running a nonprofit and freight brokerage, and Julie as a lifelong Maumeean working in mortgages and community advocacy. They share personal shoutouts to their spouses and discuss local gems like Jim White Toyota (sponsor) and Clara J’s tea room, praising its sandwiches, teas, and Airbnb vibe.
The episode dives into practical advice, including Julie’s cautionary tale on Medicare enrollment—urging listeners to consult local insurance experts and involve family to avoid pitfalls. City news, sponsored by Downey Plumbing and Heating, covers a one-year moratorium on data centers (with a forming committee), applications for the 2026 Safety City program for kindergarteners ($30 for residents), a free tree survival talk by Bill Burray at the library on February 19th, winter pipe-freezing tips, a free Valentine’s Day screening of How to Train Your Dragon at the Maumee Indoor Theater on February 14th, and open submissions for the Maumee Film Festival in September.
School updates, sponsored by Meuire Insurance, include a March 12th meeting for incoming kindergarteners at Maumee High School, a youth baseball clinic on March 7th ($35), and shoutouts to middle school athletes like Harmony Nolan (cheerleading), Kelvin Lang (wrestling), Dylan Pile (basketball), and the eighth-grade boys’ basketball team for winning the NBC championship.
Community events highlight the Maumee Senior Center’s Nifty Thrifty Market (vendors needed for June 27th), Super Soup Luncheon on February 25th ($8), and a mystery day trip on April 21st ($105–115). Other happenings include American Legion fish fries during Lent (February 20th–March 27th, 5–7 PM), Maumee Youth Soccer spring registration (ages 2–5th grade, $60 + $20 uniform, open until March 17th) with a casino night fundraiser, and a call for community input on their website’s upcoming calendar.
The main interview features Nicole Khoury, Maumee Municipal Judge, Artic Clam band singer, and founder of Project I Am, which runs the annual Acoustics for Autism music festival. She shares its origins as a 2008 fundraiser for a friend’s autistic child, growing from one venue and 17 bands raising $10,000 to a massive free event on March 1st (first Sunday in March) with 10 stages, 107 bands, and claims of being the largest single-day free music festival in the U.S. per Rolling Stone. Funds go directly to families’ therapies (over $200,000 in debt relief inspired it), with Nicole managing every penny volunteer-style. Highlights include loyalty to bands, no entry fees, shuttles from Hollywood Casino, Leroy & Margaret’s, and Renewal by Anderson for parking, new sensory-friendly areas at the Maumee Theater (with acoustic sets, a Trolls Band Together screening, and music therapy demo), kids’ zones, and a “love fest” atmosphere. Rapid-fire questions reveal her preferences (e.g., judge over lawyer/singer, ZZ Top over Eagles, blues over country) and fun facts like wearing band tees under her robe.
Closing & Future
The episode wraps with thanks to contributors, a teaser for Episode 3 with Amy Mendlesson on America’s 250th celebration, and encouragement to attend Acoustics for Autism. Overall, it’s a mix of local news, heartfelt stories, and community spirit, emphasizing Maumee’s events and volunteer-driven initiatives.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to Maumee, this episode is packed with practical info, laughs, and positive energy about what makes our city special. Got a story, event, or guest idea? Email info@meetmeinmaumee.com.
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