Findlay Family April 2016

S N SO E A ID RE S

0 RIL IN 10E AP

R OV VE L O O T

FREE APRIL 2016

p m a C

GUIDE

Unforgettable fun for every child

p10

p13

Mission Possible

p20

Hey, There's a Salad in my Yard!

What a mission trip is like and how to get started

Grow a salad garden with the kids

family

p21

QQ Garden

Chinese cuisine delightful for all

2015

FAVORITES

VOTE NOW!

p15

2

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

Volume 6 • Issue 4 April 2016

[special features]

p m a C

On the cover Disel,18 months, Findlay

GUIDE

10

Mission Possible What a mission trip is like and how to get started

family

2015

Hey, There's a Salad in my Yard! 20 Grow a salad garden with the kids

[departments] findlay favorites

4

community snapshots

5

what’s briefly happening 6 new kids on the block

7

exceptional families

8

tween the lines

9

healthy families

17

parent profile

19

calendar

compiled by Marisa Rubin & Chloe Rothschild

Do As I Say, Not As I Did

16

By Rose Roccisano Barto

Tears to Cheers

18

QQ Garden: Delicious Food and a Welcome Change of Pace

Online

April

Prom with a Purpose The Findlay Area Christian Prom on April 29 offers an alternative to traditional prom. It features a more modest dress code, the ability to bring “guests,” versus “dates,” catered Chipotle, prizes, and upbeat pop and rock music with some contemporary Christian sprinkled in.

By Rose Roccisano Barto.

Progressive Day Camp

A Budget Friendly Way to Entertain the Kids this Summer

Skip the high cost of summer camps and create a progressive one with friends.

The kids will get quality entertainment, and you’ll have a few hours to get things done! Here’s how. By Pam Molnar.

In a March New Kids article about Scarlet Oaks Estate, the name of one of the estate owners was incorrect. Her name is Bridgett Johnson.

Blogs by local moms, for local moms, are at your fingertips. Relatable and hilarious reads online at

Teaching Kids to Never Give Up

food fight

p15

Correction:

Keeping our Kids Safe in Today’s World

moments

VOTE NOW!

23

marketplace

[commentary] family planet

FAVORITES

13

21

findlayfamily.com

KIDS HOROSCOPE April 20 May 20

By Sue Lovett

Whenever you see an ad with the picture of a slightly chubby smiling baby, it is probably a Taurus. They have really great smiles and seem to develop a personality at the moment of birth. They often have dimples and love to snuggle. They have good appetites and respond quickly when you speak or sing to them quietly. They can be a little stubborn and, when they are walking, can stomp the floor (like a bull) to stop moving. They are very affectionate, and need soft cuddly toys. As they get a little older, they love to plan meals, even go with you to the grocery store and help in the kitchen. They should plant seeds, watch them grow, and help in the garden.

Music is a talent that should be developed, whether singing, dancing, or playing an instrument. They need a piggy bank as they enjoy saving money. The Taurus child takes a little time to adjust to day care and nursery school. They never want to be too far away from a snack! They get along well with other family members …. And it would be great if they could have their own pet.

Join us and our 1,900+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions.

New Tastes to Delight - Kids and All

By Sarah Mayle

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

3

An inside look at what we’re loving for parents this month

Adams Street Publishing Co. Explain your best childhood memory in three words.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) Bikes and popsicles

The Dressing Room Boutique Jeans that flatter any body type and high-quality, easy-to-wear clothes (i.e. wash and wear) are what you will find at The Dressing Room Boutique. Owner Lori Bowman prides herself in The Dressing Room’s ability to find individual solutions for women’s clothing dilemmas. These LOVE Premium Jeans, sizes 2-16, feature 35 percent performance stretch lycra, which helps to maintain their shape between washes and flattens the midsection while lifting the behind. High end, designer quality pieces at multiple price points are right here, in Findlay, Ohio.

404 S. Main St., 419-422-7297, Facebook under “The Dressing Room Boutique”

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) Cookies after swimming

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Sarah Mayle (editor2@findlayfamily.com) playing ghost in the graveyard in the dark Calendar Editor: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) eating a bug Contributing Writers: Halley Sullivan, Jessica Kempf, Kerry Trautman, Christy Denman, Rose Barto, Sarah Mayle, Susan Best, Laurie Wurth-Pressel, Kay Mathias, Liz Martinez, Pam Molnar, Sue Lovett

Art/Production

Findlay Wine Merchant

Hosting a party large or small? The Findlay Wine Merchant can help!

Bring in your menu and they will assist in pairing wine or beer just for your event; they can even help you estimate how many beverages you will need per person. If you are unsure of your taste preferences, visit on Fridays from 5-7pm to learn about and sample a variety of wine.

Fifty percent of the proceeds from the first Friday tasting each month are donated to local charities.

540 S. Main St., 419-424-0391, findlaywinemerchant.com Facebook under “Findlay Wine Merchant”

The Cracked Pot’s Tea Shop

Parents and kids alike enjoy the sweet flavor of the Organic Long Island Strawberry Flavor Green Tea. It is a loose leaf tea with a natural sweetness.

Many use less or even no sugar! Loose leaf tea at The Cracked Pot’s Tea Shop is luxury quality, and also economical— use the leaves three times over in the same day.

221 Broadway St., 567-525-3141, thecrackedpotsteashop.com and on Facebook under The Cracked Pot’s Tea Shop

Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) my first kiss Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) crawdad creek tire swing Graphic Designer: Ashley Crapsey (acrapsey@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Late nights playing Contributing Designer: Anita Tipton

Advertising Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) kick the can Sales support: Cassi Hadadd (cassie@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Driving my barbie jeep Catherine Bohr (classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com) playing outside Sales Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com) bikes and ice cream

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) moore’s river park Media Manager Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) green and white

Advertising/General Info:

Decorations Plus

Whether you are planning a bridal shower, or a party for a birthday or graduation, Decorations Plus is your go to place for balloons. Not just a bunch of colorful balloons, but custom centerpieces that will wow your guests. Cut-outs and stickers can be added to your balloon creation for a personalized effect. Stop by for one-on-one service and meticulous attention to detail that can’t be found at a big box store.

2219 N. Main St., 419-422-2831 decorationsplusonline.com Facebook under “Decorations Plus”

For advertising and general information, call (419) 244-9859 or fax (419) 244-9871. E-mail ads to adsin@adamsstreetpublishing.com Findlay Area Family subscriptions are available by mail for $28 per year at Findlay Area Family, 1120 Adams St., Toledo, OH 43604.

Letters to the editor must be limited to 300 words, are subject to editing and should include the writer’s full name and phone number.

Entire contents © 2016 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

Also publishers of:

TRENDS! On Main

Delight the graduates in your life with custom monogrammed spirit t-shirts or sweatshirts from TRENDS! On Main. Select a colored shirt (youth and adult sizes available), a fabric pocket square, thread color, and monogram font for a personalized shirt. Did you know TRENDS! On Main offers in-house monogramming for select pieces? What better way to send your favorite grads off in practical style.

501 S. Main St., 419-420-1582, trendsonmain.com, Facebook under “Trends On Main”

4

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

Audited by

Member

recycle this paper for our children's future ...

COMMUNITY

SNAPS

We love to see what the community is up to. Send your favorite pics with names, ages and hometown to production@adamsstreetpublishing.com Who knows... your photo may end up on our cover!

SNAP IT+ SEND IT

Scholar Power

Alisha Schroeder, Findlay High School senior, was selected as 2016 United Way Foundation Secor Scholar, winning a $2,000

Brady, 11, Findlay

renewable scholarship. Schroeder’s many achievements include volunteering with Gateway Church, Findlay High School’s Relay for Life team, Red Cross Youth Council, Gliding Stars, Clothe-A-Child and Race for the Cure. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Findlay High School Dance Team, National Technical Honor Society, BEST Robotics Team, and Hancock Youth Leadership.

Schroeder plans to attend The Ohio State University to study mechanical engineering.

Mataya, 4, Findlay

Sydney, 8, Findlay

Annie, 17, of Findlay, and Zane, 8, of Delphos, practice for the Gliding Stars Ice Show

Jacob, 10, at Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet, Findlay

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

5

Compiled by Sarah Mayle, Rose Barto, Kerry Trautman & Jessica Kempf

Findlay Mothers and More is now Findlay MOPS For nearly 20 years, Findlay Mothers and More has brought local moms together, and now, the group has a new name and a new partnership. As of January, Findlay Mothers and More is a chapter of the ore than 35-year-old international MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), which includes mothers with children ages birth through kindergarten, and MOMSnext which includes mothers with school-aged children.

Members participate in activities such as playgroups, book clubs, and service projects. According to the MOPS website and local member Emily McBeath, “We are a group of local mothers who believe we are all here, in this time and place in history, as the tribe of women who are raising the world... We don’t all have to agree with one another, but everyone is in, and we all need each other. At MOPS, every mom is welcomed, accepted, and inspired to reach her potential and recognize her influence within her family and her world. MOPS believes that better moms really do make a better world.”

April 18 to May 8, Findlay MOPS will be conducting a diaper drive to benefit Hancock County Help Me Grow, with drop-off boxes throughout town, including one at the Children’s Museum of Findlay in the Findlay Village Mall.

Findlay MOPS meets at First Presbyterian Church, 2330 S. Main St., Findlay, on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 9:15-11:15am. Childcare is provided. Membership dues are $45 per year. For more information or to request a registration form, find Findlay MOPS on Facebook, or email findlaymops@gmail. com. -KT

Hospital wins top honors Blanchard Valley Hospital has again been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by a national healthcare industry organization.

In addition to bragging rights, it’s confirmation that the hospital is doing things the right way, being recognized for the fourth time since 2005. “[A place on] this list is very coveted, and people in our industry take this seriously,” said Scott Malaney, Blanchard Valley Health System’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “They don’t tell us where we are in that list of 100 hospitals, but it tells us our level of improvement puts us in that top group.”

Hospitals across the country were assessed by Truven Health Analytics in a number of areas, including survival rates, readmission rates, length of hospital stays and operating profit margins.

More than 3,000 hospitals were evaluated. Blanchard Valley Hospital had previously been named to the list in 2005, 2011 and 2015.

“It doesn’t mean we are perfect, but compared to the rest of the country we’re among the very best and it’s very rewarding,” said Malaney. -RB

NAMI Kidshop Provides Support and Reduces Stigma of Mental Health Conditions Beginning in February, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Hancock County began offering Kidshop to school-aged kids in the community who are impacted by mental illness. Both children who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition and those who have a family member with a mental health condition are welcome to attend. Children will form friendships and develop coping skills in a safe and supportive atmosphere through a variety of fun and engaging activities.

“Kidshop helps build and strengthen our youth, providing support and helping them to recognize they are not alone. This helps NAMI to meet our mission of reducing the stigma often associated with mental health conditions so that people can reach out for help,” explained Michelle Huff, executive director of NAMI of Hancock County. Kidshop is free to attend the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 2pm (lunch is provided) at Focus on Friends, 509 W. Trenton Ave. in Findlay. Registration is required and more information can be found at namiofhancock.org or by calling NAMI at 419-425-5988. -JK

Findlay No. 1 Micropolitan in the Country Two Years Straight

One Energy LLC’s Hancock County Wind Turbine project.

For two years running, Findlay has grabbed the top spot among micropolitan communities in the entire U.S. for new and expanding facilities.

The 2015 accolades were awarded in March by Site Selection magazine, the official publication of the Global FDI Association and the Industrial Asset Management Council. The magazine ranked 575 of the nation’s micropolitan areas - cities with populations between 10,000 to 50,000 people - which cover at least one county. Since 2000, only four small towns in America have ranked in the top 10 at least 10 times. Findlay is one of them.

The Findlay•Hancock County Economic Development Office submitted 26 projects that met Site Selection’s qualifying criteria. Among those that qualified were the One Energy LLC wind turbine project, representing a $20 million investment, Hamlet Protein’s plant expansion, a $13 million investment, Freudenberg NOK’s expansion, a $4 million investment., Plumbline Consulting’s IT staff expansion resulting in 20 new jobs, Mid-Ohio Development’s construction of a 71,400 square foot facility and Findlay Warehousing expanding their facility by 79,920 square feet.

“Our Economic Development team has worked hard to gain momentum in the community, and enhance its focus throughout the region,” said John Haywood, The Findlay•Hancock County Alliance President and CEO. “Thanks to the synergies created with other state and local entities, community partners continue to make Findlay and Hancock County a great place to live, work and play.” -SM For more information, visit siteselection.com or contact the Findlay•Hancock County Economic Development Office at 419-422-3313 or visit FindlayHancockED.com.

6

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

Coffee with a Cop

Do you have questions or concerns about safety in your community?

Do you enjoy delicious coffee? The local version of the nationwide “Coffee with a Cop” program provides a comfortable atmosphere for informal discussions between Findlay police officers and citizens.

The events have no preconceived agenda or topics, but rather allow citizens’ concerns, compliments, or interests to guide impromptu discussion.

The first event, held in February at Coffee Amici, successfully sparked conversations about suspicions of drug activity in homes, as well as a rash of automobile break-ins. Participants, Deputy Timothy Saltzman and Police Crime Prevention Officer Brian White, appreciated receiving information from residents with eyes on local streets. The second meeting in March, took place at Tim Horton’s.

White says future “Coffee with a Cop” events will be held monthly, where he and Saltzman will attend, along with available officers working nearby streets. The events are open to community members of all ages, so children may participate (perhaps skipping the coffee). Whether it’s about bicycle safety or block-party planning, the officers will be there to address your question. At press time, dates and other locations for upcoming events had yet to be determined, but announcements will be made to the “Findlay Police Department” Facebook page. -KT

Pop In for Pop-ups

Findlay is now home to the world’s first permanent gallery collection dedicated to pop-up and other paper engineered books.

Currently featuring artist Matthew Reinhart, The Laigo Gallery, which opened in November, is located within the Mazza Museum in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion on The University of Findlay campus.

Paper engineered books have been around since the 1880s. Unlike traditional books, these tomes are designed to allow the reader to interact with the story with specially designed pages through the book.

“I enjoy watching the wonder and excitement on the faces of kids as they read the books, “ said Benjamin E. Sapp, director of the Massa Museum. Sapp said a great deal of collaboration and hard work goes into the creation of the paper engineered books, as three artists typically must combine talents to create each work of art.

Be sure to check out the gallery’s Star Wars books, as little fans will love pursuing the mechanics that make the story come alive.

Unique pop-up books are also available in the gift shop. -SB Laigo Gallery, part of the Mazza Museum, inside the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion, 1000 North Main St., Findlay.

Hours: Wednesday-Friday 12-5pm and Sunday

Take a Book, Leave a Book

The newest Little Free Library in Findlay is located at the entrance to Blanchard Valley School at 1700 E. Sandusky St. Little Free Library is an international movement to encourage reading and access to books. Patrons can take or leave books, and books do not need to be returned. The box library at Blanchard Valley School will be kept stocked with lots of children’s books as well as some adult books, says Christina Treece, Friends of BVS. “We would like for anyone and everyone in the community to take advantage of this library,” she said. “I encourage teachers to utilize the library to add to their classroom libraries, or perhaps donating books they no longer want.” -LWP Other Little Free Library Locations in Findlay: 1000 North Main St. 1101 East Main Cross Street; 1827 Brookside Dr.; 30 Utah Ave.; 320 W. Hobart Ave.; 527 Yorkshire Dr.

OPEN: Monday, Thursday &Friday 9-5, Tuesday 9-7, Saturday 10-2 & Wednesday by appointment only 300 Walnut St., Findlay, OH | 419-423-8771 | LaugersCarpetOne.com

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

7

May Snapshot Giveaway Enter to win this adorable toddler backpack and nap blanket by Sydney Paige, valued at $50! This is a company worth checking out: For every product sold, a matching product is donated by Sydney Paige to a student in need. Donated backpacks are filled with school supplies, and their products are eco-friendly PVC-free. They are made from 100 percent cotton canvas, recycled 600D polyester where possible and/or natural leather. Visit findlayfamily.com and click on our Giveaway through April 30 to win! It’s that easy!

8 */ " Ê v ÀÊ«>Ài ÌÃÊ vÊV `Ài ÊÜ Ì ÊëiV > Ê ii`Ã

New Boy Scout troop fills special need A Chance to Try new Things

By Rose Roccisano Barto

Boy Scout troops offer more than just merit badges.

They offer friendship, peer interaction and the chance to try new things.

That’s why the Center for Autism and Dyslexia recently began Boy Scout Troop 0330, open to boys ages 11-18 with special needs.

“We like to teach social skills to our students and we thought the troop would tie in with that,” said Center administrator Neil Allen.

The troop meets every other Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Center, 7430 Timberstone Dr., and is open to boys with special needs who are public school or homeschooled students. By limiting membership to those with special needs, the troop can move at its own pace, working on many of the same badges as a traditional troop, but with a different set of guidelines.

“Boy Scouts try a lot of new things. Some of our students don’t like change, so the troop is something we hope will help them with that,” said Allen. “We also hope to provide service to others, possibly with a litter cleanup project in the community.”

The troop is part of the Black Swamp Area Council, and is led by one of the center’s upper elementary school teachers.

Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Megan Stechschulte, mother of four, of Findlay, who won our February giveaway, the Hugaboo baby seat valued at $70! Megan and her husband, Jason, welcomed baby girl, Emerson, on March 5.

HOW TO ENTER:

To enter, send a snapshot of the kiddos to editor2@findlayfamily.com, then visit findlayfamily.com and click to enter our Giveaway, through April 30!

8

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

For more information on the troop, call the Center at 567-525-4487.

THE LINES TWEEN advice for parents with children 10-16

y a d h t r i B uide G 1ST MAY : E T E DA /EDIT ISSU E AD H 15TH V R E RES ARC BY: M E C A SP

Need ideas for throwing your next birthday bash? Look no further than our Birthday Guide, filled with themes thought up by local parents!

s i s s e n i s u b r u Make sutrhe iysospecial issue! par t of Reserve Space NOW! Call 419.244.9859 or email sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Girl Power in Findlay!

Groups Empower, Encourage and Motivate Girls in our Community

By Jessica Kempf

“Nothing like a little ‘girl power’ to help make the world a better place,” says Emily Momberg, community support provider for the Family Resource Center of Northwest Ohio (FRC).

Inspired by the many television ads geared toward “fixing” women through weight loss, cosmetic surgery and more, Emily decided to create two groups geared toward empowering young girls and teens to be proud of who they are, exactly as they are.

Since getting started in January, each of these groups meets weekly at FRC, 1941 Carlin St., in Findlay. The groups are open to any girl who may be interested in joining.

The more, the merrier!

Girl Talk

Girl Talk takes place every Monday from 4-5pm, teaching girls, ages 7-12, to empower, encourage and motivate themselves and other girls. Each meeting starts with an icebreaker, or game, to help the girls get to know one another before they move on to a discussion and activity. “This group has given the girls confidence to make new friends,” explains Emily. “These girls stick up for each other, and they have only been meeting for a short time. Imagine what they can do in the future.”

Girl Empowerment

The Girl Empowerment Group meets every Tuesday from 6:30-7:30pm. This group is geared toward teen girls, ages 13-17, with discussion topics such as confidence, anti-bullying, body acceptance, stereotypes and more. Similar to the Girl Talk Group, each meeting starts with an icebreaker before a discussion and activity. When asked about her vision for the two groups, Emily responded, “I hope the girls leave the group feeling more confident about themselves, make new friends and develop pride in what they each have to offer the world. Also I hope to give the girls the empowerment they need to stand up for others.”

Interested in trying out a group? Parents and guardians can contact the FRC at 419-422-8616 to sign up, or contact Emily Momberg with questions at momberge@frcohio.com.

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

9

summer

By Kay Miathias

GUIDE

1207Amazing Place East Foulke Ave., Findlay 419-420-0424

We make education fun! Weekly themes vary, and will include art, science projects, outdoor time, gardening and swimming at a public pool.

Dates: May 31-August 12 Ages: Completed Kindergarten to 5th grade

The Greater NW Ohio Diabetes Camp Camp Berry Trail 77, Findlay Wendi Schworm, wschworm@bvma.com

Overnight camp for children who have Type 1 Diabetes. Activities include arts and crafts, hikes, wagon rides, climbing wall and swimming. Participants may bring a friend or sibling.

Dates: August 5-7 Ages: 5-18

Cost: $178 weekly Staff to camper ratio: 1:18

Imagination Station at the University of Findlay 1000 N. Main St., Findlay 419-244-2674, ext. 250

Findlay City Schools, Donnell Middle School 301 Baldwin Ave., Findlay 419-427-5495, Terri Hooper campdiscovery. findlaycityschools.org

Camp Discovery is a week-long series of activities that will include: Materials & Muscles; Physics in Sports; Strengthening Your Body; Ecology Methodology; Wii Fit; and Recess & Noontime Activities. Space is limited.

Dates: June 13-17, 8:30am-3pm

imaginationstationtoledo.org/summercamp

Ages: 1st to 5th grades

Join us for a behind-the-mask look into the powers of your favorite superheroes and the science behind them. Each day will focus on a different superhero. Campers receive t-shirt, take home activities, two snacks daily, and three complimentary tickets to Imagination Station’s Extreme Science Demo on June 24.

Cost: $160 ($25 discount for siblings) Financial aid available.

Staff to camper ratio: 2 to 20

Dates: June 20-24, 9:30am-4:30pm, extended day (no added charge) available from 8am-5:30pm

Cost: $40 per camper, Financial aid available.

Ages: 7-12

Staff to camper ratio: 1:18

MEGA Sports Camp at Stonebridge Church 2111 Stonehedge Dr., Findlay Stephanie Shack 419-422-6862 stonebridgechurch.org

A typical evening includes a Biblical truth lesson sandwiched between two sports skills sessions. Additional activities include music and dancing, fun object lessons and snacks. This year’s theme is “Epic Moments.”

Dates: June 20-24, evenings Ages: 3 years – completed 5th grade Cost: FREE

Cost: $165, Imagination Station members; $195 non-members

Project HOPE Summer Camp 6645 TR 215, Findlay 419-469-0415, projecthope.st@gmail.com,

projecthope-equinetherapy.com

Ten weekend hours of fun-filled horse activities including trail-riding, horseback riding, horse-care, relay races, and a special art activity with the horses that also teaches the campers assertiveness, communication, and problem solving skills. No riding experience required. Lunch provided each day.

Dates: June 11-12; June 18-19; July 9-10; July 23-24 Ages: Age ranges vary by week Cost: $125 (scholarships available for families in need) Staff to camper ratio: 1:2 or 3

Staff to camper ratio: 1:5 10

Camp Discovery

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

Awakening Minds Art Studio Summer Camp 515 S. Main St., Findlay 419-302-3892

awakeningmindsart.org

One-hour art classes with a focus on socializing and fun art exploration. Day class will focus on educational opportunities such as science, animals, plants and habitat. Evening class will focus on exploration of art using various mediums.

Dates: June, July, August Hours: 10-11am or 5-6pm Ages: 3 years to adult Cost: $10 per person, per class Staff to camper ratio: 3:10

Heartstring Melodies Summer Music Camps Center for Autism & Dyslexia

7430 Timberstone Dr., Findlay 567-429-1909 heartstringmelodies.com

Music therapy camps are for children in preschool through elementary and will focus on social interaction and music exploration with a different theme each week. Open to individuals of all abilities.

Campers in upper elementary through high school can sign up for a music camp focused on learning ukulele, guitar, piano, drums, or songwriting in a group setting.

Dates: Various camps in June & July Ages: Preschool to 12th grade Cost: Varies by camp Staff camper ratio: Varies by camp, no more than 1:8

University of Findlay Camps 1000 N. Main Street, Findlay 419-434-5346 athletics.findlay.edu/camps/camps-clinics

The University of Findlay offers many low-cost, high-quality camps and clinics for boys and girls to improve their athletic skills and more. From “On the Ball” soccer camps to equestrian, basketball, volleyball or pharmacy camp, there is something for everyone.

Youth Western Horsemanship Camp: Advanced, June 19-24; and Novice / Intermediate, June 26-July 1, Ages: 10-18, Cost: $675.

Contact: Kim Deane deane@findlay.edu. Evening Camp: June 19-24, Ages: 10-18, Cost: $975. Contact: Sue King at kings3@findlay.edu or 419-434-6252 Boys Basketball Team & Individual Camps: June 10-11, June 13-14, June 17-19, June 22-23. Cost: $110-250, Ages: JV & Varsity High School; Contact: Charlie Ernst ernst@findlay.edu; 419-434-6935 NW Ohio Girls Basketball Team Camps: June 15-16, June 20-21, July 1-3, Cost: $90-225, Ages: JV & Varsity High School.

Contact: Jim Wiedie wiedie@findlay.edu, 419-434-6007 On the Ball Soccer Camps: Options include Residential Camp, July 10-14 for ages 9-18; Boys High School Team Camp, July 15-17 for high school students; Girls High School Team Camp, July 29-31 for high school students; Travel Camp, July 25-29 for ages 8-13 and Hancock Recreation Camp July 25-28 for ages 6-13. Cost varies.

Contact Andy Smyth, smyth@findlay.edu, 419-434-4801.

Pharmacy Summer Camp: Campers leave with a better understanding of the pharmacy profession and the University of Findlay Pharmacy program. June 12-16 for high school students. Cost: $400. Contact Suzanne Crouch, crouch@findlay.edu, 419-434-5478 The “Well” Theology Camp Summer Institute: Focused on understanding the role of faith in all aspects of life, including career and leadership opportunities. July 10-15, for high school students. Cost: Free: Grant-based; Contact: Pastor Matthew Ginter, gintern@findlay.edu.

Forensic Science Summer Camp: June 13-17, for high school students, Cost: $425. Contact Phil Lucas, lucasp@findlay.edu.

Volleyball Camps: Day Camp Session 1: Grades 2-5, June 19-21, $65; Day Camp Session 2: Grades 6-10, June 19-21, $75; Overnight: Grades 4-10, June 28-30, $230; Setter: Grades 5-10, July 18, $50. Contact: Wick Colchagoff colchagoff@ findlay.edu, 419-434-5346 or Annie Coger cogera@findlay.edu 419-424-4030.

Franciscan184Earth Literacy Camps St. Francis Ave., Tiffin 419-448-7485 sshafranek@felctiffin.org felctiffin.org/programs/summer-camps

Summer day camp programs are designed to be active, fun and educational.

Day campers will be challenged, excited, and enlightened by handson activities, experiments, demonstrations, crafts and games.

Dates: Grow it, Bake it, Eat it, Share it, June 20-24; Science Camp, June 27-July 1; Pickles, Pie, Peace & Me, July 5-8; I Will Survive, July 11-14; Science Camp II, July 18-22. Also, Developmentally Disabled Camp (Grow it, Bake it, Eat it, Share it) Children 21 and younger: June 6-10, Adults: June 13-17 Ages for General Camps: 5-12 years Cost: $60-80, limited scholarships available Staff to camper ratio: 1:10

family

2015

FAVORITES

E T VO W! O N vote online at findlayfamily.com

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

11

Family Resource Center

1941 Carlin St., Findlay 419-422-8616 (Dinosaur School Connie Grose, ext. 178, Second Step Kay Mathias, ext. 285)

Two summer programs are available through the Family Resource Center: Dinosaur School is an emotional regulation and problem-solving program that teaches conflict and anger management, emotional literacy, appropriate school behaviors, positive social skills and self-esteem skills.

Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way, Toledo

Second Step teaches children how to understand and manage emotions, control reactions, be aware of others’ feelings, problem solving and decision making skills.

Ages: For 3 to 5-year-olds

Ages: Designed for 3rd-8th graders, offered in two sessions.

Dates: June 8-Aug. 3, 10:30am-12pm or 1-2:30pm Wednesdays only.

For those going into grades 1 and 2, June 9-Aug. 4, 10:30am-12pm or 1-2:30pm Thursdays only.

Dates: June 8-Aug. 3 from 10:30-12pm or 1-2:30pm, Wednesdays only. June 9-Aug. 4 from 10:30-12pm or 1-2:30pm, Thursdays only.

419-385-5721 toledozoo.org/camps

Toledo Zoo Summer Safari camps feature classroom encounters with animals, games and activities, animalthemed crafts and tours of zoo exhibits are based on on specific topics throughout the summer. Campers receive a daily snack, two camp t-shirts and a camp water bottle.

Dates: June through August Ages: 4-15 years, varies by camp Weekly Cost: Zoo members $135-$300, Non-Zoo members- $155-325 (Discounts available for multiple or sibling registrations) Staff to camper ratio: 1:5 (older children), 1:4 (younger)

Camp World Donnell Middle School

301 Baldwin Ave., Findlay 419-427-5495, Terri Hooper campworld.findlaycityschools.org

Camp World is open to children currently enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grades (2015-2016 school year). It’s a week-long series packed with unforgettable experiences that will include daily visits to the countries of Australia, Bhutan, Croatia, Denmark, and Egypt.

Focus areas include geography and history, art and architecture, customs and cuisine, sports, music and dance and points of interest. Space is limited.

Dates: July 18-22, 8:30am to 3pm Ages: Completed Grades kindergarten to 5 Cost: $150 ($25 discount for siblings) Financial aid available.

Staff to camper ratio: 2 to 20

Look for a new section coming to Findlay Area Family in May 12

Camps through the Findlay Family YMCA

Camp Fire Northwest Ohio

300 E. Lincoln St., Findlay Jerry McNamee, Sports & Camp Director 419-422-4424, jmcnamee@findlayymca.com

305 West Hardin St., Findlay 419-422-5415 campfirenwohio.com

Rooted in caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith, our highly-trained staff helps campers realize that the Y is a place to try new things, build new skills and make new friends.

Day Camps at YMCA: Kidventure, YMCA Camp Readers, Star Wars, Mad Scientist, Wizards & Warlocks, Holidaze, Superheroes, H20 Much Fun, Hollywood, Ooey, Gooey, Sticky, Icky. Ages: 5-8; Session Dates: June 6-Aug.12; Cost: $80-$120 Sports & Specialty Camps at the YMCA: Theater, Art, Survivor, Mythbusters, Nerf, Lego, Active Girls, Basketball, Cheer, Volleyball, Team Sports, Soccer. Ages: 5-12; Session Dates: June 6- Aug. 12; Cost: $35-$130

Day campers will get the full camp experience, enjoying everything Camp Glen has to offer. From archery and swimming, to canoeing and hiking, Day Campers enjoy all the benefits of camp while returning to their home each night. The Camp Fire experience is extended to include an overnight stay Thursday night. Transportation is provided for campers to Camp Glen from the Camp Fire office, or campers can be dropped off at Camp Glen by a parent or guardian.

Dates: Session 1: June 27-July 1; Session II: July 11-July 15; Session III: June 18-July 22, 8am-5pm for all camps.

Ages: 1st to 6th grades Cost: $135 Staff to camper ratio: Varies by camp

YMCA Day Camp at Riverside Park: A Pirate’s Life, Cartoons, Splish, Splash Bash, Star Wars, Wonderland, Gladiator, Sports Galore, Gumshoe, Spanning the Globe, Camp Rewind, Counselor in training, Leader in training; Ages: 1st to 8th grade; Cost: $64- $150 Preschool Camps at the YMCA: Princess Parade, Happy Campers, Little Warrior, Build it!, Let’s Get Messy, Little Chef, Across the Globe, May the Force Be with You, The Wild West, Super Hero Training, Ahoy Matey; Ages: preschool age; Cost: $10-$35

Cultural Connection Meet the people making Findlay a vibrant community with a rich cultural hertitage.

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

Mission Possible Volunteering can make you feel like you really can change the world for the better. Locally, the 2016 Back Mission Trip on April 23 is a great opportunity to help. Churches in the Findlay area are gathering volunteers now to assist with yard work, painting and home repair in the community. To sign up or pass on the name of a family in need, call Becky Greeno at 419-424-7466.

Jeff Swaisgood of Van Buren tests out the new desks with a few Haitian friends.

Check out the tips below to try a healthcare mission only a drive away, and read about Findlay Area Family’s own Christy Denman’s experience volunteering in Haiti.

A Study in Love

Author ponders what makes us tick after a mission trip to Haiti

By Christy Denman

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to visit Haiti on a mission trip with a team from my church, College First Church of God in Findlay. I was struck with overwhelming emotions.

We did countless projects during our time there, both tangible and intangible. We built desks for schoolchildren who were sitting on the dirty floor. We attended a 2-hour worship service all in Creole, and I learned that you can pray and worship even if you don’t understand the language. We went to the hospital, which would barely be considered a clinic in the United States, where we passed out hygiene bags and Bibles, and prayed for the people there. We played music and prayed for ailing people lying in the sick house, a place for people who couldn’t afford to travel to a hospital, much less the hospital care itself.

These people were desolately poor, more poor than anything I have ever seen – and I’ve traveled to over 20 countries, so I’ve seen a lot! I looked upon a 5 foot by 5 foot home made of mud, shared with half a dozen people, containing no belongings except a mat on the floor where they sleep. I was overcome with sadness by their living conditions.

But as we traveled throughout the country, I realized that these people are happy. I mean really happy. They were almost constantly smiling big, bright smiles. They gave a jovial wave as we drove by. They laughed and hugged their neighbors. Their joy was contagious, and they were incredibly fun and uplifting to be around.

As I return to my blessed life here in Findlay, Ohio, I look around and wonder if maybe we have more to learn from them than they do from us. We are in the business of being busy, and we place value on having bigger and better things. But the Haitians taught me that simpler is better, and happiness doesn’t come from our possessions.

Happiness comes from people and from the community they live in. Happiness comes from love.

Pastor Bill Reist cuts wood to assemble desks for a Haitian school.

Byron Denman of Findlay and Chris Sturgill of McComb install new playground equipment with the help of a Haitian student.

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

13

Make sure your business is featured in these special issues!

y a d h t r i B uide G

Voluntourism: An Experience for the Whole Family Teaching Kids the Value in Helping - only a drive away

by Liz Martinez

1ST : MAY T E T A DI ED ISSU AD/E E V R RESE E NOW!!

SPAC

Participating in healthcare missions can instill values in kids while providing them with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Combining “volunteering” with “tourism,” voluntourism is a way to help others while traveling.

The benefits of seeing a new place, meeting new people, and learning how others live are enjoyed while engaging in a worthwhile purpose. These activities are open not just to healthcare professionals and adults, but to service-minded lay volunteers and their families.

Need ideas for throwing your next birthday bash? Look no further than our Birthday Guide, filled with themes thought up by local parents!

A Medical Mission a Drive Away

Maternity & Baby Guide From hiccups to breastfeeding— expecting parents count on our Maternity & Baby Guide for help.

Feature your business today.

ISSUE DATE: JULY 1ST RESERVE AD/EDIT SPACE BY: MAY 15TH

RESERVE SPACE NOW! 419.244.9859 OR EMAIL SALES@ADAMSSTREETPUBLISHING.COM 14

Mission Possible

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

The U.S. organizations that coordinate medical missions always need volunteers. Founded by Stan Brock, star of Wild Kingdom and Expedition Danger, Tennessee-based Remote Area Medical (RAM), brings several missions to Appalachia each year.

A day’s drive away, Wise, Va., is home to one of the largest annual events. Situated in the Tennessee-Virginia region of the Smoky Mountains, Wise is a beautiful area with high rates of poverty and illness and little access to medical care.

During the course of the three-day mission, some 3,500 people—who begin lining up days before the event—receive over $1.2 million worth of dental, vision and medical treatment.

Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) works with RAM to provide patients with optical care, which encompasses an eye examination and eyeglasses made on the spot. Patients also access dental care, including cleanings, fillings and extractions, as well as a variety of general medical care, such as

mammograms, diabetes care and kidney tests. All treatment is free.

Volunteers Make the Difference

The mission depends on lay volunteers to check patients in and out, coordinate patient flow, run errands and much more.

Youngsters 12 and up who are accompanied by a parent are welcome to help.

Breakfast and lunch are provided, and housing is sometimes available as well.

For those who want to roam farther, RAM holds missions in Las Vegas and Texas. The organization also coordinates missions following natural disasters, such as in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. VOSH has chapters throughout the United States that mostly bring eyecare abroad, including to places such as Romania, Africa, Latin America and Haiti.

Volunteers typically pay for their own transportation to a mission. Housing is sometimes provided free or at a reduced cost. Of course, such trips are tax deductible. But no amount of money can buy the opportunity that voluntourism provides for the whole family to learn, experience, grow and give back. A family that participates in a healthcare mission together makes lifelong memories.

Find out more on Remote Area Medical missions at ramusa.org, or VOSH chapters and missions at vosh.org. Liz Martinez is a veteran of many VOSH and RAM missions. She is a writer who can be reached through her website at LizMartinez.com.

E T O V W! NO

family

2015

FAVORITES

Time to Party

Doctor’s Orders Pediatric practice Emergency care Place to give birth Birthing classes OB/GYN Midwife

Boutique Beauty

Doula Family doctor

Place for a birthday bash

Kid’s clothing

ENT doctor

Place to buy a birthday cake

Kid’s shoe shop

Optometrist

Family-friendly entertainer

Maternity clothing store

Chiropractor

Place to buy birthday decorations

Place for furnishing the nursery

Allergist

Family photographer

Baby boutique shop

Dentist

Organic baby store

Orthodontist

Mom-owned business

Ophthalmologist

Favorite Places and Spaces Place for winter fun Rainy day activity Place to read

Veterinarian

The Digital Age Local mom blogger

Get Active

Place to worship

Local parent Facebook group

Place to go ice skating

Museum

Local Pinterest account

Place to go roller skating

Fair or festival

Local Instagram account

Place to buy sports equipment

Place for a picnic Place to volunteer Day trip spot Animal encounters Tween activity Bowling alley Local toy store Garden and nature center Date night

Park or playground

Watch Me Soar Preschool

Waterpark Family-friendly gym

Tutoring center

Biking trail

Teacher and their school

Martial arts program

Elementary school

Swim lessons

Middle school

Baby swim lessons

Charter school

Sports camp

After-school program

Summer day camp

Special needs services

Delicious Eats

Indoor playspace

Horseback lessons

Daycare

Cupcakes/Bakery/Sweet shop

Babysitting/Nannying service

Family-friendly restaurant

Parenting classes

Kid-friendly coffee shop

Acting and Theatre classes

Ice cream shop

Dance class

Frozen yogurt shop

Kids art class

Healthy fast food

Gymnastics class

Local pizza place

Music class

All About Us Favorite thing about Findlay Family New ideas you’d like to see in Findlay Family Best Findlay Family column

Place where kids eat free

Rules: 1. You may only vote once. 2. No answer should be repeated more than three times. 3. A minimum of 20 questions must be answered for your ballot to be eligible. 4. Your name and email address must be included. 5. No ballot stuffing! No photocopies! (We will discard any ballots that we suspect are fraudulently submitted.)

Deadline: Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 5 p.m.

vote online at findlayfamily.com

NAME: ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP: _______________________________________________________

ADVERTISERS

RESERVE SPACE NOW! 419.244.9859 or email sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com Space reservation deadline June 15th Winners announced in the July issue of Findlay Family

EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________ Please mail completed ballots to 1120 Adams St. Publishing Attn: Family Favorites, Toledo, OH 43604

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

15

419-425-3598

WE DON’T BELIEVE IN TYPICAL

Do As I Say, Not As I Did Keeping our Kids Safe in Today’s World

LEARN MORE @

FindlayDigitalAcademy.com

By Rose Roccisano Barto

Grades 9-12 t Register for Classes Today!

JOIN US

Discover AAA Car Care Plus Car Care Plus

10270 W. US 224, Findlay

(419) 422-4839

carcareplus@aaafindlay.com

SAVE UP TO Complete Auto Repair

100OFF

SERVICE BILL

$50 off $250 - $499 $10 off $75 - $99 $25 off $100 - $249 $100 off $500 - $749

Teens and young adults face challenges the generation before never had to consider.

Terms and Conditions: May not be combined with any other discount or offer.

Excludes tire purchase. Expires May 30, 2016 FAF

201

5

Voted Best Romantic Getaway

11 Years In A Row

Toledo City Paper & Toledo Area Parent

Ultimate Jacuzzi Suites and Presidential Swimming Pool Suites

Voted one of the top 10 hotels for Romance in the United States Video tours of our suites at BelamereSuites.com Two-Story Royal Swimming Pool Suites!

ÈDfjk D\dfiXYc\ <og\i`\eZ\É

12200 Williams Rd. Perrysburg 419.874.2233

Enter as a couple and leave as

16

one.

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

There are times I’m just amazed I’m still alive.

I try to take care of myself. I lock the doors at night. I wear my seat belt. I do everything an adult is supposed to do to make it to the next day. When I think back on my childhood and young adulthood, I’m surprised I made it this far.

Please wait a moment while I adjust my old-lady hat and set my cane next to my rocking chair. Ah, that’s better. Now, let’s sit a spell and think back on how we all could have easily faced tragedy when we were younger.

Seatbelt? Car Seat? Nah...

When I was growing up, they sold cars without seat belts. And our parents drove them, with us along for the ride. A car seat was where you sat in the car. I remember driving six hours to see my grandparents riding on my mother’s lap in the front seat because my brother and sister didn’t want me in the back seat. Granted, the car was a 1974 Impala which was the size of a small tank, but it was not a move that would pass muster today.

I rode my bike everywhere in my town.

I’m not sure I even told my mother where I was going. I just took off to the lake or ceramics class. I would ride my bike behind the high school to hit tennis balls against the side of the building. Did I mention it was very isolated and hidden away from the street? And I went during the summer so there were absolutely no cars in the parking lot?

The Carefree Young Adulthood of Yesteryear I managed to graduate high school relatively unscathed, and then the fun began.

I went from a hometown of 3,000 people to a large urban university where my fresh-

man class had nearly twice that number.

The school was, of course, bordered by the worst neighborhoods in the city. Night classes? No problem! Let’s take that shortcut behind the Carrier Dome that takes you out of sight. Let’s go to a frat party where you don’t know anyone. Nothing bad will happen, right?

Now, of course, I know that bad things happen even when you do everything right. Once I had children, I realized they should come with literal and figurative bubble wrap. Car seats, baby gates, fireplace bumpers and government-approved cribs were a given. Once they got older it was toddler-sized playgrounds, training wheels and flotation devices. Make your location invisible on social media, don’t allow any Instagram followers you don’t personally know, and never post a rant that could come back to haunt you. Text me when you get there, and text me when you leave. I will come get you anywhere and anytime, no questions asked.

Welcome to Today’s List of “Don’ts” The scariest milestone of all will pass soon – my oldest is looking at colleges.

We still have some time, but I am already providing warnings. Don’t walk anywhere at night by yourself. Don’t drink anything you didn’t personally see being poured.

Never leave anyone behind at a party.

Never be the person who stays behind at a party. Always return your mother’s phone call or text.

Before she goes, I have one more thing I need to do. It is just as important as paying for tuition, buying new bedding or picking a meal plan. Maybe more so.

Anyone know where I can buy enough bubble wrap for a teenager?

healthy families

When it Could be Abuse

If You “See Something” What Should You Do?

By Kerry Trautman

If we see a mother struggling with groceries while reprimanding an unruly toddler, we might chat with the child to distract him, or offer help unloading the cart. But what if we witness an adult overtly mistreating a child—for instance smacking or shoving? Should we intervene? If we “see something,” what is the best way to “say something?”

Jill Stonebraker, supervisor of intervention and intake processes at Hancock County Children’s Protective Services, said it’s best to call 911. Confronting the accused adult may be unsafe. The staff at Children’s Protective Services cannot act immediately when called, but the police can arrive quickly, question the involved parties, and the information collected will be shared with Protective Services.

Walk or Run for Heart Health in Downtown Findlay Wellness Activities for the Whole Family

By Christy Denman

Heart-related problems are the No. 1 killer of Americans today. In Findlay, hundreds will gather for Heart Walk on April 16 to raise awareness and funds for heartrelated diseases and illnesses.

Heart Walk - an annual 5K walk and run and/or a 1-mile walk - will take place in downtown Findlay, with activities for all ages. New this year, kids can look forward to an obstacle course designed for children and sponsored by Cooper Tire, to promote activity and healthy habits. Children of all ages can test out their skills through balance beams, hurdles, ducking and weaving, and more. There is no cost to go through the obstacle course, or to participate in any of the other children’s activities available on site. Those who complete the obstacle course will receive a medal and a prize.

By the numbers The 5K run costs $30 (early registration before April 8) or $40 (late registration).

The walk is free to attend, and walkers who raise $100 or more in donations will receive a free t-shirt.

Donations can be raised by sponsoring a participant, putting together a team to raise funds or by making a general donation. Visit the Heart Walk web site at heart. org/hancockcountywalk and click on “Get Started” for more information on donating.

Some employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees.

To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, you can enter your employer’s name in a search box on the Heart Walk website by clicking “General Information,“ then “Double your Dollars.”

Prizes will be awarded in several categories.

Participants can choose to join or form a team within their business, church, or other organization, or participate individually or with their family.

“Often times people come out just to walk in memory of a loved one,” said Heart Walk Director Kerri Rochelle.

Supporting the cause Funds raised from the Heart Walk go toward research for new heart treatment techniques used in local hospitals, as well as to provide preventative care and education, including CPR classes, to the local community.

Some people are born with heart problems — over 32,000 infants each year are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

However, many heart problems develop over time and are preventable with healthy eating habits and regular exercise.

Anonymity is OK Callers to Protective Services at 419-424-7022 also may remain anonymous.

An intake worker records the caller’s information, and if enough information exists to open a case, an assigned caseworker spends 45-60 days investigating.

Accused adults sometimes are uncooperative, however Lauth says most parents are open to accepting help. She estimates that about 80 percent of these cases result in referrals such as anger management, counselling, and parenting classes which create successful improvements within families.

In the event that children are removed from the home, more local foster families are always needed, as it is preferable to keep children in familiar schools and communities, said Angie Rader, Supervisor of Foster Care and Adoption at Protective Services. For more information visit fosterlocal.org.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, with “Wear Blue Day” on April 13th to show support. For information, visit preventchildabuse.org .

Are you considering becoming a foster parent?

Classes for prospective foster caregivers will be held 9am-4pm on Saturdays, May 7-June 18, with a second session from 9am-4pm on Saturdays, October 29-December 10.

The Hancock County Job & Family Services, 7814 CR140. For information or to register, call 419-422-0182 or visit hancockjfs.org.

an.

Photo by Kerry Trautm

Findlay community members gather for the annual 5K Heart Walk, which helps raise money for heart-related medical research.

It Could Be all of the Difference According to Karmen Lauth, supervisor of ongoing cases at Protective Services, “You just never know” if a 911 tip “could provide that extra bit of information needed to open a case” against an adult who might have been previously suspected of abuse. Lauth also advises that the child could be a victim of trafficking or kidnapping, needing immediate help. “The younger the child, the more at risk they are,” says Stonebraker.

Police can be contacted, also, to provide checks at homes where abuse is suspected. If no abuse is determined, Stonebraker assures callers acting in good faith need not fear being charged with any crime. 911 callers can ask to remain anonymous so their name is excluded from public record.

Registration required. 7:30am/on-site registration, 9am/race begins. Saturday, April 16.

Start/finish line is located in front of the YMCA at East & Lincoln Streets. 419-936-0638. heart.org/hancockcountywalk

Children’s Protective Services staff members (mentioned in the article). Left to right, Angie Rader, Jill Stonebraker, Karmen Lauth).

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

17

moMENts Tears to Cheers

Teaching kids to never give up

By Patrick Hempfing

to Experience ourâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Newâ&#x20AC;? Club!

Inquire online how our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discoveryâ&#x20AC;? Memberships allow you to â&#x20AC;&#x153;test driveâ&#x20AC;? the club!

Findlay Country Club 1500 Country Club Drive 419.422.9263 www.findlaycc.com Be sure to like us on Facebook

Summer Schedule includes: UĂ&#x160;Junior Golf Clinics UĂ&#x160;-Ă&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201C;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192; UĂ&#x160;*Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;>Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤĂ&#x160;/iÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x2022;VĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC; UĂ&#x160; >Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;}Â&#x2026;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;*Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160;qĂ&#x160; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Âş Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;ÂťĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;iĂ&#x192; UĂ&#x160;/Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;LiĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;{Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;*>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;` Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;VÂ?Ă&#x2022;`Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;VĂ&#x20AC;i`Â&#x2C6;LÂ?iĂ&#x160; Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x17D;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;ÂŤÂ?>Ă&#x17E;

7Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x2022;LÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x20AC;iÂ&#x201C;Â&#x153;`iÂ?Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x160;ÂŤÂ&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;iÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C;ÂŤÂ?iĂ?Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤ}Ă&#x20AC;>`iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;LiĂ&#x160;VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C;ÂŤÂ?iĂ&#x152;i`Ă&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;>Â?Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;Ă&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;v>Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160; vĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;iÂ&#x2DC;`Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;}Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x201C;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vviĂ&#x20AC;i`]Ă&#x160;

Ă&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;}Â&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;LiĂ&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;ÂŤÂ&#x153;ÂŤĂ&#x2022;Â?>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; v>Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;`iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;>Ă&#x20AC;i>t Ă&#x160; iĂ&#x153;Ă&#x160;Â&#x201C;iÂ&#x201C;LiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;ÂŤĂ&#x160;VÂ?>Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;vÂ&#x2C6;V>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2026;>Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;>Â?Ă&#x192;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;LiiÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;>``i`Ă&#x160;vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;`iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;{äĂ&#x160;Ă&#x17E;i>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;>}iĂ&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;Ă&#x20AC;i>Ă&#x192;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;>LÂ?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Vi`Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Â&#x201C;>Ă&#x152;VÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Â?Â&#x2C6;viĂ&#x160; Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;>}i°Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;6Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x153;iLĂ&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160;vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x201C;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;VÂ&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;>VĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;iVĂ&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Â?v]Ă&#x160; iÂ&#x201C;LiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;ÂŤĂ&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x17D;iĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}]Ă&#x160; Â&#x2026;>`Ă&#x153;Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;`>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤĂ&#x160;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;ÂşÂ&#x2DC;iĂ&#x153;ÂťĂ&#x160;v>VÂ&#x2C6;Â?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;`Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;VĂ&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x160;Â&#x201C;iÂ&#x201C;LiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;ÂŤĂ&#x160; Ă&#x192;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Â&#x201C;>Ă&#x152;VÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;v>Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x17E;½Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Â&#x2DC;ii`Ă&#x192;°

Our Mission: To offer our members an inviting family atmosphere, personalized services, outstanding facilities and a commitment to excellence.

18

â&#x20AC;˘ April 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ www.findlayfamily.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did it, Dad!â&#x20AC;? Jessie ran across the yard and leaped into my arms. After the hug, we slapped a high five. Jessie and I had reached our goal. Her smile told the neighborhood.

Last summer, 10-year-old Jessie and I set out to catch 100 softballs in a row. We stood in our front yard, about 12 yards away from each other, and tossed the ball between my tan leather glove and Jessieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pink one. We often had to pick the ball up off the grass, sometimes from our neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yard.

By the end of the summer, our record stood at 33 consecutive catches. Though we fell 67 catches shy, we kept 100 as our goal. Winners keep trying â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what my wife, Mattie, and I have taught Jessie since she was a toddler.

Last October, Jessie and I recorded a brief video to promote a Halloween contest.

Jessie did great. I did, too, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count the first 99 takes. As my eyes focused on the bright light and camera, my mouth forgot the words. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help that I only had about four hours of sleep the night before, at least thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I told myself.

Although it was not my finest moment, I am proud I did it. I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave it my best effort. I did feel a little extra pressure, though, as I wanted to make Jessie proud of her dad.

She tickled me when it was finally over, after what felt like â&#x20AC;&#x153;take 100.â&#x20AC;? She came over to my chair and gave me a little hug. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You did great, Dad.â&#x20AC;?

Getting back to our 100-softball-catch goal, Jessie and I kept tossing, catching, and dropping softballs throughout the fall and winter. A few weeks ago, we tried again. We had only tossed a few balls when one of my throws glanced off Jessieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glove and hit her leg, a little above her right ankle. She fell to the ground, holding her ankle and cried.

I remained calm. Jessie has many strengths and drama is one of them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shake it off, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be okay,â&#x20AC;? I said. Mattie, hearing the commotion, ran out of the house. I told her there was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;minor incident,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;possibly there will be a black and blue mark.â&#x20AC;?

Jessieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story differed slightly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mom, my leg is broken.â&#x20AC;? After a little Mom sympathy, Jessie said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think I passed out for a minute.â&#x20AC;? Mattie broke out in laughter.

Mattie went back into the house and Jessie and I began tossing again. Before too long, we had broken our record of 33 catches. Could we make it to 100?

I threw the ball to Jessie. She caught it, 97. She threw it back and I caught it, 98.

As I pitched number 99 to Jessie, the ball felt like a 50-pound weight, but my throw was on target and Jessie caught it. All Jessie needed to do was to make one more good toss and Dad had to catch it. She did, which is where this story began.

After our celebration, I said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see how high we can go.â&#x20AC;? I tossed the ball; it hit the end of Jessieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glove and fell to the ground.

Though our success was short-lived, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud Jessie recovered from her â&#x20AC;&#x153;broken legâ&#x20AC;? and continued on, like her dad did with the video. Sometimes we need to get past the tears of pain or embarrassment before we can appreciate the victory cheers.

In the years ahead, Jessie and I will continue to set new goals and strive to achieve them. Chances are weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up with a few bumps and bruises along the way, and probably some tears. But weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also share hugs, high fives, and cheers. I just hope I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass out, even for a minute, and miss any of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did itâ&#x20AC;? moments.

Until next month, remember to cherish the moments.

Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad, and writer. Follow Patrick at www.facebook.com/patricklhempfing and on Twitter @PatrickHempfing. Check out Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first book, MoMENts: A Dad Holds On. The book compiles favorite stories and new material and is scheduled for release on Amazon.com on May 1.

Wide Open Spaces

Local moms organize weekly unstructured play dates

By Halley Sullivan

Community Open Gyms Open Gym for Little Ones When: Wednesdays 9-10:30am Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, The Community Life Center (GYM), 935 W. Bigelow Ave. Feel free to bring balls, toys, etc. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

School-aged children are welcome to join their younger siblings during the summer and non-school days.

For additional information see Facebook under Open Gym for Little Ones First Presbyterian Church Playtime When: The 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of each month; 9:15-11:30am Where: First Presbyterian Church-The Great Room, 2330 S. Main St. Open to all preschool age children and younger. Bring your kids’ favorite ride on toys, soft balls and excess energy! Parents or guardians must be present.

For more information contact Betsey Mascaro betsey.watson@gmail.com or Dana Bourne in the church office 419-423-2112

(L to R) Christy Bauer and her son, Matthew, 3, and Krista Wachtman with her sons Weston, 3, and Bennett, 1.

Parents of preschoolers know that kids need to stay active to be healthy, happy, and sleepy at the end of the day. Last winter, Krista Wachtman and Christy Bauer faced this age-old challenge head-on by arranging for their children and a few friends to play in the gymnasium of their church, Trinity Lutheran. One year later these Findlay moms have established a community of families who meet year round for free, unstructured, gross motor play that benefits local children and caregivers alike.

Meeting a need Wachtman and Bauer were looking for an active and social outlet for their children during the winter months when it wasn’t possible for them to simply play outside.

“My son William (7) has autism,” Bauer, a mother of two, explains. “Our family was involved in interventions for behavior, gross motor, and socialization. I realized how important it was for young children to socialize and began to pursue play dates with friends to provide for those interactions for my sons.”

Wachtman, a mother of three, was also seeking an opportunity for her young children to interact with others. “After a lot of thought and prayer, I realized, certainly there are other children who are in need of a place to burn off energy and socialize!”

Which is where the idea to use the church’s gym came from.

Bauer and Wachtman knew each other from Sunday School and have similar aged children. They emailed the pastor at Trinity Lutheran, asking if they could use the gym and were encouraged not only to use it, but also to invite other families. “I invited three other stay-at-home mothers to the first gathering. They then shared Open Gym with their friends. Each week we have added new families,” Wachtman said.

The openness of the gym invites children to run and there are toys and balls readily available for play. Caregivers feel safe knowing they can keep an eye on their

children from any vantage point in the multi-level gym.

Open to Everyone Having a child with special needs, Bauer was very aware of the difficulties others with special needs children may face. “We have a separate, quiet room for children who may be over stimulated in the gym and need a break from the larger group.” Bathrooms, a water fountain, and kitchen are all within steps of the gym making it accessible and easy to use for any family.

A second consideration in the inclusivity of Open Gym for Little Ones is the cost.

It’s free! Wachtman believes they are meeting a need in the community that has not been previously available and they did not want to prevent anyone from participating by asking them to contribute financially.

Gateway Mommy and Me Play Date When: The 1st and 3rd Friday of each month; 9:30-11:00am Where: Gateway EPC-Gym, 9555 County Road 9 Feel free to bring your kids’ favorite indoor riding toys and a snack. Come fellowship with other parents and let the kids burn off some extra energy.

For additional information see Facebook under Kidway

Giving Back Open Gym for Little Ones not only offers a fun place for young children to socialize and grow but this group of moms and caregivers is also giving back. We were being frequently asked, “What do we need (for Open Gym), How can we help?

But we don’t need anything,” says Bauer, so they opted to divert the generosity of church members and Open Gym attendees to local charities and organizations.

In December they collected almost $200 in change for Parent 2 Parent, a support group for parents of children with special needs. In honor of the one-year anniversary of Open Gym for Little Ones the group is collecting donations for The Women’s Resource Center of Hancock County.

Krista and Christy are most certainly not the only moms who want their children to burn off some energy and benefit from social interactions. Open Gym for Little Ones continues to grow in numbers each week.

For more information, please visit Open Gym for Little Ones on Facebook.

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

19

Hey, There’s a Salad in my Yard!

Plant your favorite vegetables and watch them grow.

Tips to Bring the Green Thumb out in Any Kid

By Kerry Trautman

It’s planting time again (finally!) and a salad garden is a fun way to teach kids to care for plants and, hopefully, encourage them to eat more veggies. You don’t have to be a master gardener with an acre of soil. Many salad ingredients can be grown inexpensively in containers, small patches of yard, or right alongside your marigolds and lilies. The vegetables will be ready to harvest at various times—just grab a bowl and step outside with your child to see what’s ready to be picked each morning.

Prepare and eat whatever you gathered, and your backyard salad will provide a rotating variety of different surprises!

Plan it out Most vegetable plants sold here in the Hancock County area should be suitable for our hardiness zone, 6a. When in doubt, ask the employees at your local garden center for recommendations. Bring a sketch of your garden area, flower beds, or containers to the store as a reminder of how much room you have, and how much sun each area receives. When choosing what to plant, read the seed or plant information labels carefully, and choose varieties suitable for your spaces. You’ll need to place plants or containers where they’ll receive their needed amount of sunlight, and with room to grow to their mature sizes. Plants in containers tend to need more frequent watering, but they also can be moved easily if needed—for sun exposure, or to make room for extra chairs at your BBQ. Be sure to mark your plantings so you’ll remember what you have and avoid stepping on them. Plant markers can be made by painting rocks, labelling craft sticks, or simply using the plastic tags included with potted plants.

Seeds come in packets, of course, but some are also sold affixed to biodegradable tape which can be buried in neat rows.

Some seeds are also available in small, biodegradable pods containing a bit of soil and

20

fertilizer—the whole pod is ready to bury.

You can dry and save seeds from your harvested veggies from one year to the next, or swap seeds with friends and neighbors.

Dress it up Once you’ve gathered your bowl of veggies from outdoors, how about some home-made salad dressing? A basic vinaigrette recipe, like the one below, can be made quickly, by shaking the ingredients in a container with a tight-fitting lid, and then stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just have the kids give the jar a shake before each use. If they typically enjoy honeymustard dipping sauce, try adding 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard to the basic recipe. Look online or in your favorite cookbooks for other simple variations to shake-up together.

Basic Vinaigrette 6 TB oil (Extra-virgin olive oil preferred, or something else light-tasting) 4 TB vinegar (cider, white, or wine.

Not balsamic.) salt/pepper to taste makes 1/2C Adapted from: food.com food.com/recipe/basicvinaigrette-dressing-with-8-variations-213989 Basil (Italian or lemon) Versatile basil can be tossed into a salad as well as added to sandwiches, pasta sauce, and other favorite recipes. Its dark green leaves are lovely when planted in a pot alongside flowers. Frequent harvesting encourages new growth in produce such as lettuce.

Bell Peppers (Orange Sun, California Wonder, Burpee’s Carnival Blend) Bell pepper plants can be planted, beginning in mid-May, in the ground or in pots in areas with at least 8 hours of sun per day. The sweeter orange, yellow, red,

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

Kids love decorating the garden, and checking plant growth each day.

and purple varieties often can be harvested when they’re still green, if you’re too eager to wait for their colors to change. But generally colored varieties have better flavor and sweetness when allowed to fully mature to their vibrant colors. Peppers are easier to grow by plant than by seed. Try planting multiple varieties with different maturity dates to stagger your harvest, or try a seed packet with several sweet varieties.

Carrots (Scarlet Nantes, Danvers, Short-n-Sweet) Because they like looser, well-turned soil, carrots are good candidates for containers. Once they’re technically ready to be harvested, they’re happy to hang out in the soil and wait until you’re ready to eat them. Plant in mid-April, and again in early September.

Cherry Tomatoes (Small Fry, Yellow Pear) These sweet cuties, packed with nutrients, are easy for kids to pick, and can be grown, beginning in mid-May, in containers or right in the ground in areas with at least 8 hours of sun each day. It’s easiest to begin with a plant rather than seeds.

Lettuces and Spinach (Martha Stewart’s Lettuce Salad Bowl, Burpee’s Gourmet Blend or Heatwave Blend) Mixed varieties of leaf lettuce seeds can be found in one packet. If you have more space, try planting rows of different varieties. Plant the tiny lettuce or spinach seeds very shallowly in pots or in loose, well drained garden soil in April. With most leaf varieties, the more often you harvest— by picking the larger, outer leaves and leaving the inner leaves to keep growing—the better your crop will be. Plant more seeds every couple of weeks through September to extend your harvest.

Sugar Snap Peas (Oregon Sugar Pod, Sugar Sprint, Sugar Ann) Sweet snap peas or sugar peas, with their crisp, edible pods, are a welcome treat on any plate. Look for a string-less variety. They can be planted, beginning in April, near a trellis or lattice at a sunny deck or porch where they can climb upward all summer.

Info included here plus lots more can be found on The Old Farmer’s Almanac website: almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates/OH/Findlay and on the Urban Farmer website: ufseeds.com/Garden-Guide.html

QQ Garden

1331 N. Main St., Findlay 419-427-8801 Hours: 11am to 10pm Tuesday-Friday, 12pm to 10pm Saturday, Sunday 12pm to 9pm, closed Mondays.

Carryout available findlayqqgarden.com Online ordering available.

Fun and memorable, QQ Garden proved to be an excellent place for dinner with the family. The food was delicious and the kids learned to enjoy new tastes.

We also placed our character traits under full scrutiny, and now accept ourselves for who we are.

Thank you, Chinese Zodiac.

My 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter were endlessly entertained by their placemats featuring this personality predictor. We determined which animal represented each of our birth years with great interest (monkey, snake, rooster and rat), then moved on to aunts, uncles, friends, grandparents… And what were grandma and grandpa thinking...didn’t they know the Dragon should never marry the Dog? Recently, I realized we had never been inside QQ Garden. Why not check it out?

The restaurant prides itself on modern interpretations of classic dishes coupled with high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Christina Lu, daughter of owner and chef Wen Su Lu, explained that her family took ownership of the restaurant in September.

Delicious Combo Meals and Menu Choices QQ Garden’s menu is home to a nice variety including chef’s specials, a number of combo platters with rice, egg roll and soup, several appetizers, and fried rice choices. Patrons can also decide between many vegetable, chicken, beef, pork, or seafood dishes, as well as mei fun (rice noodles), lo mein (soft noodles), chow mein (white rice and fried noodles), or sweet and sour entrees. There are also healthy choice selections, and several photos on the menu help in making a selection.

QQ Garden: Delicious Food and a Welcome Change of Pace New Tastes to Delight - Kids and All

New Experiences: Exciting Results We ordered spring rolls and egg rolls for the kids to try. My son even tried the sweet “duck sauce,” that comes with it and offered, “I like everything about it. It warms my mouth.” My daughter could not put her thoughts into words, but said between chews that she liked the rolls.

This, from the girl who rarely ventures from standard kid fare! Thrilling!

For his main course, my son ordered vegetable fried rice. Embedded inside the brown rice was broccoli, carrots, water chestnuts, mushrooms, onion, mini-corn, and peas. He loved it all but, unfamiliar,

Kid-friendly: Yes

To avoid wait: Friday and Saturday dinner is busiest. Consider coming at an off-time.

Noise level: Quiet

By Sarah Mayle

With carryout orders, customers can earn free items, such as a can of soda with a purchase over $15, crab rangoon with a purchase over $30, a sweet and sour chicken dish with a purchase over $50, and more.

The Short Course

Bathroom amenities: Clean and

paused to carefully examine and inquire about the mini-corn and water chestnuts.

Accepting our explanations, down the hatch they went, and he enjoyed it. Go Ben! We ordered the boneless chicken with white rice for my daughter and she happily munched away. She really enjoyed it.

My husband ordered the sweet and sour chicken combo, which came with an egg roll and brown rice. He noted that the chicken was crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

I went with the General Tso’s chicken combo. The chicken was exceptional, probably the best General Tso’s I’ve ever had.

It was sweet and spicy, a delicious flavor, with a great crispy outside coating.

Following dinner, the kids were again highly amused, this time by their fortune cookies. We taught them how to break them open to reveal the all-important

adequate

High chairs? Yes Got milk? No

Kids’ menu? No, but staff is helpful to find what the kids can enjoy

Food allergy concerns? Let your server know what you need to avoid

message inside. Our favorites were: “You will find what you lost but first you must remember where you left it,” and, “Even the smartest person can learn something from the dumbest.”

Words to live by.

Great Scot Introduces Produce Happy Hour Looking to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your family’s diet but cringe at the cost? Great Scot Community Markets on Broad Ave has just the answer! Every Thursday from 4-7pm all items in the produce section are HALF price. The promotion began in January as a kick-off to a healthy New Year and was so wildly popular that management decided to make it a regular feature. During “Produce Happy Hour” customers are treated to live cooking demonstrations and samples along with special events such as The Seafood Roadshow, featuring specialty seafood, removed less than 24 hours prior from the ocean.

For more information visit: Great Scot Community Markets, 2021 Broad Ave. 419-422-9521. communitymarkets.com, or visit Community Markets on Facebook.

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

21

{April 2015 }

All calendar events are subject to change, cancellation and limited size. Calling ahead for confirmation is recommended.

6 WEDNESDAY

4 MONDAY Discovery Story: Flowers of SpringIt’s starting to get a little warmer outside, and the flowers are waking up! We’ll have a story, activities and a craft all about spring wildflowers. Learn what flowers to plant so butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other exciting visitors will be attracted to your yard. For ages 3-6 with an adult.

10am & 1pm. Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center, 1400 Oakwoods Lane.

419-425-7275. hancockparks.com Free

5 TUESDAY Baby & Me Monthly Meeting - Do you have a picky eater? Not sure if your infant or toddler is eating a healthy enough diet? Attend Children’s Museum of Findlay’s program BABY & ME. Women, infants, and children will be joined to answer questions regarding your child’s nutrition. 9-10am.

Hancock County, 1800 Tiffin Ave. 567-250-9616. Cmfindlay.com Free Teen Movie Night - Come to the library and watch teen-friendly movies. Grades 6 to 12 can attend with a parent permission form on file. Popcorn is provided. Teens are welcome to bring additional snacks or drinks. Movie titles are announced one month prior to the showing. 5:30-8pm.

Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org Free

Inspired by the Masters - Learn about a famous artist from the past or present and create your own art inspired by that artist.

For all ages and abilities. No registration required. 5:30-6:30pm. $10. Awakening Minds Art, 515 Main St. 419-302-3892. awakeningmindsart.org Mommy + Me: At the Museum - Selfguided tour, snacks .This is a stroller-friendly event. Register online. 10am. $5 adults, kids free. Wood County Historical Center and Museum, Country Home Rd., Bowling Green.

419-302-3892. woodcountyhistory.org

8 FRIDAY Friday Extended Hours - Come and play at the Children’s Museum even later than usual with these extended hours!

10am-7pm. $6.50 adults, $4.50 children, free/ages 3 and younger. Children’s Museum of Findlay, 1800 Tiffin Ave. 567-250-9616. cmfindlay.com

Prom with a Purpose Friday, 4.29 / The Lighthouse Check out the Findlay Area Christian Prom for an alternative to traditional prom.

The prom is an affair to remember, an evening where teenagers – both homeschooled and those who attend area schools - can have fun in a relaxed environment that supports a more conservative lifestyle.

“The kids can be themselves,” said Lisa Towell, who began the prom in 2012 through Spotless Ministries. “It gives them an opportunity to be who they are in an environment that doesn’t promote activities that aren’t part of God’s plan for us.”

Girls are encouraged to dress modestly, with minimal cleavage and dresses that reach the knee. Boys should wear nice dress clothes. The music will be upbeat pop and rock music, with some contemporary Christian sprinkled in. Dancing and interaction should be appropriate. Rather than bring dates – which might feed into peer pressure - attendees may bring guests.

“You can come with your friends, you can come alone,” said organizer Cody Towell, Lisa’s son, who said 60 teens attended last year. “We want to be one body in Christ.”

For high school-aged teenagers, 7 to11 p.m. Friday, April 29, $10 at the door, at The Lighthouse, 10055 US 224 West. Catering by Chipotle and Cakes for Heavens Sake. For more information, call Cody Towell at 419-957-4439 or visit “Findlay Area Christian Prom” on Facebook.

9 SATURDAY Build & Learn with Sparky Participants will be building wooden fire trucks with a slot on top to hold fire safety tips. Join Sparky to learn how to keep your family safe from fire and create your very own hand-crafted wooden fire truck!

11am-1pm. $6.50 adults, $4.50 children, free/ages 3 and younger. Children’s Museum of Findlay, 1800 Tiffin Ave. 567-250-9616. cmfindlay.com

Make & Take: Spring Birdbath - It’s time for the birds to wash off the cold winter, so come out and enjoy making a nature birdbath. A variety of materials will be used, including, but not limited to, large leaves and other items from nature.

For ages 13 and up. 1pm. $5. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center, 1400 Oakwoods Ln. 419-425-7275.

Hancockparks.org Telescopes 101 - Don Trinko of the Millstream Astronomy Club will give a talk - titled “Telescopes 101”- to explain the different styles of telescopes and how to use them. The program will be followed by observations of the crescent moon, Mars and Jupiter. Riverbend Recreation Area, Shelter 5. 8pm. All ages welcome.

419-425-7275. 16618 Township Rd. 208.

Hancockparks.org Free

11 MONDAY Young Explorers - Join us for some messy fun as we dive into sensory exploration play. 10:30am. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org Free

13 WEDNESDAY All Abilities Day - Children of all abilities and their caregivers can come enjoy a fun, hands-on, sensory-friendly time at the Children’s Museum of Findlay. 4:30-6pm. $3/child, free/adult. Children’s Museum of Findlay. 1800 Tiffin Ave. 567-250-9616. cmfindlay.com Mercury, Venus & Mars - Come and learn about the other rocky planets and our closest neighbors in the solar system.

While four planets are big and gassy, see what’s so neat about the other three smaller planets and why it’s best to be here on Earth! See what planet has the “day” that lasts over 240 Earth days and whose daily temperature fluctuates by 1000 degrees.

22

• April 2016 • www.findlayfamily.com

Participants must sit on the floor, and since the Lodge floor is not carpeted, you may want to bring a pillow or blanket to sit or lay on. Registration is required. For ages 7 and up. 7pm. Riverbend Recreation Area Brugeman Lodge, 16618 Township Rd. 208.

419-425-7275. Hancockparks.com Free Tales for Toddlers: Plants and Seeds- Toddlers ages 1-3 years old are invited to come to the Mazza Museum for storytime about plants and seeds and an optional sack lunch following story time.

11-11:30am. Mazza Museum, 201 College St. 419-434-4560. mazzamuseum.org Free

15 FRIDAY 48th International Celebration Night This event is free and open to the public.

It is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience various cultures, traditions, and foods presented by the international students at the University of Findlay. The event is on the U of F campus but has been re-located to the Student Rec Center located in the Koehler Recreation Facility.

1000 N. Main St. , 419-434-4663. athletics.findlay.edu/landing/index Free

17 SUNDAY April Foods in Nature: Open House Discover how nature plays tricks on us and other animals through mimicry, camouflage, adaptations and natural selection. Explore stations as a predator looking for your next meal, a prey hiding for dear life or a trickster waiting for a victim.

1-4pm. Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center, 1400 Oakwoods Lane.

419-425-7275. Hancockparks.com Free

19 TUESDAY Canvas Painting: Spring has Sprung The third canvas in the seasonal painting series is a true spring beauty. Awakening Minds Art will provide step-by-step instructions on how to paint a beautiful nature scene on canvas. All necessary supplies needed to create your artwork on an 11” x 14” stretched canvas will be provided. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required. For ages 16+. 6-8pm. $30.

Riverbend Recreation Area: Brugeman Lodge, 16618 Township Rd. 208.

419-425-7275. hancockparks.org

21 THURSDAY Twice Blessed Children’s Consignment Sale - Browse a large selection of high quality items, including children and teen clothing, toys, furniture, games and more. Through April 23. 4-8pm Thursday, 9am-noon Friday & Saturday. Findlay First Church of the Nazarene, 2501 Broad Ave. 419-422-8660. findlayfirstnaz.org

22 FRIDAY Beauty and the Beast, Jr. - This classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. It is a “tale as old as time” that the whole family will love. Through April 24.

7pm. $12/adults, $8/students and seniors.

First Presbyterian Church, 2300 S. Main St. 419-422-3412. artspartnership.com

23 SATURDAY 18th Annual Enchanted Forest Walk - Explore the enchanted Oakwoods Nature Preserve and meet some native friends on a night hike through the forest.

Hancock Park District program staff will be costumed as non-scary woodland creatures that will interact with the guests. Before your hike, enjoy the Discovery Center and meet Mother Nature! Groups will leave the Richard S. “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center with a guide every 15 minutes. Warm up after the hike with refreshments by the outside fireplace. 7:30 PM. For ages 4 and up. Registration is required. 7:30pm. $2. Oakwoods Nature Preserve: Discovery Center, 1400 Oakwoods Ln. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.org Kids in the Park: Spring Nature Hike - There is so much to see as the park starts to come alive after a long winter.

Come to the park for a spring hike. Which birds have migrated back home again and which flowers are now coming up with the warm rays of sun? 1pm. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center, 1400 Oakwoods Ln. 419-425-7275.

Hancockparks.com Free Stunt Dog Experience - This highly visual show features seamless transitions that are choreographed to music, and professionally presented to showcase the most talented dogs in the world! Stunt Dog Productions teams up with only the best dog trainers and performers in the country.

The dogs enjoy performing because they’re doing what they love. 2 and 7pm. $20, $25, $30/adults; $15, $20, $25/students; $10, $15, $20/children. Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, 200 W. Main Cross St. 419-423-2787. marathoncenterarts.org

Ghost Town Arts and Crafts Show Come to Ghost Town Findlay, a small area with 40 buildings. This craft show will have handmade arts and crafts for sale. 9am-4pm. Ghost Town Findlay, 10630 County Home Rd. 40.

419-270-2667. visitfindlay.com

25 MONDAY Tabletop Game Night - Adults and teens are invited to play gaming favorites like “Munchkin Loot Letters,” “Sushi Go!”, “Castellan”, “Dominion” and more.

Participants can bring their own games or join a friend’s. The program is made possible in part by the generosity of game creators: Alderac Entertainment Group, Rio Grande Games, Gamewright, & Steve Jackson Games. No registration is necessary. 6-8pm. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. Findlaylibrary.org Free

30 SATURDAY Walk a Mile in Her Shoes - Come to the 8th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes walk. Come walk a mile in high heels to speak out against domestic violence and sexual assault. Riverside Park, 219 McManness Ave. openarmsfindlay.com.

Pre-register online. 10:30am.

marketplace ADVERTISING IN MARKETPLACE Free Classifieds: Individuals may receive one

free 20-word ad per month (products offered in ads must sell for under $100). Each additional word 40 cents, payment must accompany ad. Free ads run one month and are reserved for private-parties use, noncommercial concerns and free services.

Ads MUST be typed or neatly printed and MAILED, E-MAILED, or DROPPED OFF to Ann Arbor Family Press. Classifieds by the15th of the month prior to publication.

Line Classifieds: Only $20 per month for 20

words or less. Each additional word is 40 cents each and any artwork will be $5 extra.

Display Classifieds: Display classifieds with a box may be purchased for $25 per column inch. Photos are accepted with ads for an additional $5 per photo.

HELP WANTED Now Hiring Excited to join a growing, fast-paced and fun team with a ton of potential? Excellent sales opportunity in Findlay. Bring a smile, open mind, hard -work ethic and the rest will come together. Call 419.244.9859

employment

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Storytime, Children will enjoy stories, songs and a craft. 10:30-11:30am.

Findlay Hancock County Public Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org Free

Wednesday & Friday

Babytime, The youngest imaginations will have fun with rhymes and stories. For ages up to 36 months. 9:45-10:15am.

Findlay Hancock County Public Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org Free

Saturdays

Painting Class, Create a painting on card stock with step-by-step instructions.

Canvas sold separately. For all ages and abilities. No registration required.

Awakening Minds Art, 515 Main St. 419-302-3892. awakeningmindsart.org

US POSTAL SERVICE Now Hiring. 1-800-282-1185 $21/hr avg. w/Fed. Ben. incl. to start. FT/PT. Not affiliated w/USPS. SERIOUS MOMS WANTED. We need serious & motivated people for expanding health and wellness industry. High speed internet/ phone essential. Free online training. iworkforfreedom.com

FOR SALE For Sale Building Materials Closeout PlyGem Single Hung Aluminum window with Nail Fin for Pole Building Etc, Low-E: 24”x36”, 32”x36”, 32×44, 32×52, 32×60, 36×36, 36×48, 36×52, 36×60, some with grits. $79 ea. 717-445-5222 Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved

by Arthritis Foundation.

Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. AntiSlip Floors. American Made.

Installation Included. Call 1-800-906-3115 for $750 Off

Services

Searchable listings updated daily findlayfamily.com

Call Cassie 419.244.9859

to sell your stuff today

Music Lessons Offered - voice, piano, keyboard and guitar. By BGSU grad. Call 419-422-7804

ANNOUNCEMENTS Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800-410-7127 for FREE DVD and brochure.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill

Deadlines: Ad copy must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Payment: Payment must be received before an ad can

be placed. We accept checks, cash, money orders and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).

Mail or drop off:

Ann Arbor Family Press Classifieds, 3003 Washtenaw Blvd., Ann Arbor.

Phone: 734-668-4044 E-Mail: classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com Refunds: Sorry, NO REFUNDS given.

Misprints: Credit toward future ads.

Gordon & Associates at 1-800208-6915 to start your application today!

Switch to DIRECTV and get a $100 Gift Card. FREE Whole-Home Genie HD/DVR upgrade. Starting at $19.99/ mo. New Customers Only.

Don’t settle for cable. Call Now 1-800-530-1453 Attention Small Businesses: Simplify Your Payroll & Taxes with Paychex!

New customers receive one month of payroll processing free! Receive a Free Quote!

Call 800-805-0164 Life Alert. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar.

Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE Brochure. CALL 1-800-746-0979 GIVE BLOOD - SAVE LIVES! #ChooseYourDay to donate blood. Call 1-800-448-2543 or go to RedCrossBlood.org.

Appointments preferred.

Walk-ins welcome.

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-800-895-7416 Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-419-3684 Got an older car, boat or RV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1- 800-758-2204

events Second Annual Bloomdale Spring Arts & Crafts Show - Saturday 16 - , Featuring a wide variety of hand-crafted items from jewelry and baked goods to breast cancer awareness items and yard art, the craft show includes something for everyone. A portion of pro-

www.findlayfamily.com • April 2016 •

ceeds benefit Cancer Patient Services.9am-3pm. Bloomdale Community Center, SR 18 (just north of SR 613), Bloomdale.

LOTS &ACREAGE HANDYMAN FARMHOUSE! 5 acres – Trout Stream – $69,900 Country 3 BR house, stream, fields, views, beautiful Catskill Mountain Setting!

Call (888) 738-6994 NewYorkLandandLakes.com LENDER ORDERED FARM SALE! CATSKILL MTNS! 39 acres – was 119,900 NOW $99,900 Fields, woods, apple trees, valley views, stonewalls, ATV trails! 3 hrs NY City!

Terms avail. (866) 495-8733 NewYorkLandandLakes.com MOUNTAIN GETAWAY! 5 acres – $39,900 Jaw dropping views, fields, stonewalls, southern exposure, less than 3 hrs from the GW Bridge! Call 888-431-7214 NewYorkLandandLakes.com

ADD AN EVENT findlayfamily.com

FREE

it’s easy, fast, and

A. Go to findlayfamily.com/calendar B. Click “Submit an event” C. Create an account D. Add text, images and links

THAT’S IT! Your listing will appear on findlayfamily.com for you to share on your favorite social media app!

419.244.9859 • findlayfamily.com/calendar

23