September 2019 - Findlay Family

FREE SEPTEMBER 2019

Parents Night Out Enjoy September’s award-winning festivals P14

After-School & Field Trip Guide Keep your child learning and growing

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In order to better serve our community we will be making some exciting changes. Take a look below...

QUESTIONS: For any questions please feel free to contact us at Findlay Family YMCA. Telephone: 419-422-4424 or Email our Membership Director - Derek Draper at ddraper@findlayymca.com

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT / FOR HEALTHY LIVING / FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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• September 2019 • www.findlayfamily.com

Volume 9 • Issue 9 September 2019

 departments

 contents

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community snapshots

 After-School

&

e d i u G l o o h c S r e Aft

& Field Trip Guide

Keep your child learning and growing p9

what’s briefly happening

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tween the lines 7 exceptional families 8 parents night out 18 calendar 21 marketplace 21

 commentary tween the lines 7

Mission Trip to Toronto

Findlay teens serve up food, smiles and dignity

by Lisa Crawford

digital age 8

10 Phone Apps for Kids

Stimulate thinking and creativity

By Kimberly Blaker

Food Fight 20

Jack & Jin’s Thai Restaurant

Add flavor and spice to your life

by Betsey Watson Mascaro

 Parents Night Out

Enjoy September’s award-winning festivals p18

August 2019

 Friendship, Fun and Purpose American Heritage Girls accepting new members, p11

Looking to beat the Back to School Blues?

Findlay Area Family is here to help! From library story times to local events to special holiday happenings, our online calendar offers everything you need to stay active after school. For stories and ideas straight to your inbox, sign up for our parent e-newsletter today! findlayfamily.com

most read online

Expert advice for expert vision p17

GUIDE Prepare for a successful year, p9

Childhood Virtues

Raising kids with character,

p14

1. Tips to Eradicate Teenage Acne 2. Soak it Up: Area Splash Pads and Swimming Pools 3. Six Ways to Explore World Cultures with Kids

www.findlayfamily.com • September 2019 •

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ONLINE

Adams Street Publishing Co.

anywhere, all the time findlayfamily.com

What was your favorite school year extracurricular activity?

Publisher/Editor in Chief Collette Jacobs

(cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) TENNIS.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer

Find, like and follow us /findlayfamily

Celebrate kids and family on IG #findlayfamily

Then follow what we like! /findlayfamily

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SWIM TEAM.

Advertising Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) GERMAN. Sales/ Classifieds Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com) JOURNALISM. Barb Neuhard (bneuhard@adamsstreetpublishing.com) HISTORY.

Editorial

Assignment Editor Laurie Wurth-Pressel

(findlayfamilyeditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) YEARBOOK. Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DETENTION. Calendar Sarah Emily (calendar@findlayfamily.com) HARMONY ROAD SHOW CHOIR. Contributing Writers Kimberly Blake, Lisa Crawford, Anita Doseck, Emilee Evans, Betsey Watson Mascaro, Bailey Poland, Laurie Wurth Pressel

Art/Production

Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ART CLASSES AND VISITING THE LIBRARY. Senior Designer Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DECA, ART, BATON, GYMNASTICS, TAP...

Church Youth Group Roundup Discover what Findlay’s churches offer

By Kay Mathias

Alice Training Program

Graphic Design Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) VICA & ART.

By Cheryl Macguire

Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SOFTBALL.

What Parents Need to Know

Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ART.

SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY Toddlers will enjoy hours of playtime with this castle set with stackable parts and Playmobil figures just made for little hands! The figures are simpler than regular Playmobil figures and there are no little pieces that could be swallowed or lost.

Made for children ages 18 months to 4 years old.

To win the Playmobil Castle 9389 (valued at $39.95), visit findlayfamily.com through September15th and click on our giveaway.

Congratulations to the August Giveaway Winner:

Cheryl Meier

Administration

Accounting Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) GYMNASTICS....I WAS A SLINKY. Distribution Hanna Wagner (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com) VOLLEYBALL.

Digital

Web Guru Courtney Probert

(digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MARCHING BAND/FLAGLINE.

Advertising/General Info

For advertising and general information, call 419-244-9859 or fax 419-244-9871. E-mail ads to adsin@adamsstreetpublishing.com.

Deadline for advertising copy 2 p.m. Friday before publication. Findlay Area Family subscriptions are available by mail for $30 per year at Adams Street Publishing, 1120 Adams St., Toledo, Ohio 43604. One copy free per person per week; extra copies $1 each. Persons taking copies for any reason other than personal use are subject to prosecution.

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. Any letter submitted to the editor or publisher may be printed at the publisher’s discretion in issues subsequent to its receipt. Entire contents © 2019 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without written permission of the publisher.

Audited by

Member

Visit findlayfamily.com to enter.

Also publishers of:

Visit findlayfamily.com 4

• September 2019 • www.findlayfamily.com

As childhood evolves so do we.

Check out some of our favorite moments on social media and send your most loved photos to production@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Ollie Whitta age 3 of Findlay

Hannah 9, Tailee 9

Hannah 9, Tailee 9

Griffin Rogers, 4 of Findlay

“I am a (your zodiac sign) and that’s why___”

Liam 1 year Fabian 8 years of Findlay

www.findlayfamily.com • September 2019 •

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Check out what we’re loving for parents this month at the Hancock County Farmers’ Market. Visit the market every Thursday through October 26, from 4-6pm, in the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts parking lot, 200 W. Main Cross.

By Laurie Wurth Pressel

Roger Powell’s Raw Honey

Landscape architect Roger Powell is a beekeeper on a mission to protect and revive our diminishing population of pollinators. Shop for jars of Roger’s delicious raw honey produced from hives located in Findlay. Honey can last for 1,000 years and is a natural sweetener for drinks and foods.

Since it harbors no bacteria, you can use it to seal cuts and scrapes.

Young musicians to rock out with Beatles vs. Stones When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 pm, the Findlay High School String Quartet will have the privilege of joining the professional musicians on stage to add some orchestral texture to the evening. The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an all-out musical showdown for rock dominance. The Findlay show is part of a 125 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia. The Findlay High School String Quartet is comprised of violinist Ethan Zheng and Ethan Bodnarik, both sophomores, violist Nick Lloyd, also a sophomore, and cellist Megan Earhart, senior. “‘Hey Jude’ is definitely one of my favorites and I like playing it too,” said Bodnarik. “I have always liked ‘Here Comes The Sun’, my mom really likes that song too so I of course like it,” said Earhart. The students are all members of the Findlay High School Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Ken Pressel and Anita Schaible.

Powell Nursery and Landscape Design, 11433 County Road 180, Findlay

Winkle named Ohio’s Librarian of the Year

Shepherd’s Kettle Corn

For three years, Jerry and Wendy Shepherd have been popping high-quality corn in a stainless steel kettle and selling it at local fairs and festivals.

At the market, purchase the fresh-popped kettle corn in three bag sizes. The Shepherds also provide custom orders for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations.

Findlay’s very own Jeff Winkle has been named the 2019 Librarian of the Year by the Ohio Library Council for making a positive impact on the library profession and for service to the community. For 40 years, Winkle has been encouraging people to read books. Before becoming the director of the Findlay Hancock County Public Library, he operated an independent bookstore and served as director of the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library and Kaubisch Memorial Public Library. In Hancock County, he spearheaded efforts to improve literacy, including working to launch the Literacy Council of Hancock County in collaboration with local school districts and community partners. He also expanded the library’s adult literacy programming and brought the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Hancock County. The Ohio Library Council will present Winkle with his award on September 25 at the Council’s Convention and Expo in Cincinnati. Congrats Jeff!

Rawson, Ohio, 419-581-9166, “Shepherd’s Kettle Corn” on Facebook

Old Homestead Soaps & Lotions

Ashley Breitigam is the sixth generation to live on her family’s farm where she has been making beauty products from goat’s milk for 17 years.

Shop an assortment of bar soaps, lotions, bug sprays, deodorants, hand soaps, lip balms and more.

Bluffton, Ohio, 419-721-3815, www.oldhomesteadsoap.com

Library Seeking to Expand

Muddy River Homestead

Get “the best pork you’ll ever put on your fork” from the Muddy River Homestead. Corey, a 27-year-old Findlay farmer, raises heritage-breed (not genetically modified) pigs without the use of hormones or antibiotics. The pigs have free-range of a 55-acre woodland plot. Purchase pork chops, bacon, sausage, bratwursts, ham and more delectable pork products, then fire up the grill! www.muddyriverhomestead.com or “Muddy River Homestead” on Facebook

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The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library seeks to construct an addition to their facility and to remodel the existing entrance in coming years. The project, estimated to cost around $13-15 million, will include a walkway to connect the library to the new addition which will include covered parking on the ground floor and an expanded children’s department, restrooms and large meeting space. The library offers extensive programming and the existing meeting space on the lower level isn’t sufficient to meet the growing needs. To cover the project cost, private donations and a possible levy would be sought.

• September 2019 • www.findlayfamily.com

tween the lines

advice for parents with children 10-16

Mission Trip to Toronto

Findlay teens serve up food, smiles, and dignity

By Lisa Crawford

Medical center opens in Carey

When Avery Charles, 19, began classes last month at the University of Toledo, he was a seasoned veteran of seven mission trips with St. Mark’s United Methodist in Findlay. The mission experiences have provided a good foundation for a degree in human resources. “Being on mission trips pushed me to be a leader and to interact with a wide variety of people,” said Avery.

St. Mark’s sent 17 teens and two adult chaperones to Toronto this past summer to experience life through the eyes of the needy in Toronto’s Parkdale neighborhood. Working at St. Francis Table, the group met senior citizens, ex-convicts, single mothers and unemployed transients, gathering food for them to nourish their stomachs and their souls.

Fun and significance “Our youth helped with food and kitchen prep and cleanup, serving meals and clearing tables. And after serving the meal, they would grab a plate and join the patrons in breaking bread and having conversations.

On our last day there, the kids actually pooled their money and bought lunch for the 92 patrons,” said St. Mark’s Associate Pastor Dave Charles (Avery’s Dad) who led the mission trip.

Though the trip included stops at tourist sites and the excitement of being in Canada’s most populated city, 13 year old Adelyn Metzger’s “most fun” memory was “knowing as I put food on the plate it was going to help someone,” she shared.

What is St. Francis Table?

Founded in 1987 by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of Central Canada, St. Francis Table is a registered charitable organization serving an average of 250 meals a day. The kitchen relies on two different mission teams a day for its operation. Unlike other food serving agencies, St. Francis Table waits on homeless patrons at the table, offering a choice of two entrees and serving a “sense of normalcy” on the side by giving them the same caring service a customer in any restaurant would be afforded. The fully licensed restaurant is run by Brother John Frampton, a Franciscan Monk who is a friend of St Mark’s Associate Pastor Dave Charles.

The St. Mark’s mission group blessed patrons during the meal services on their June visit. One day, a

dining patron pulled Associate Pastor Dave Charles aside. “She said that she had been coming there for many years and the St. Mark’s kids were the best group she ever experienced. She appreciated the love and kindness she received.”

Beyond meal service During their trip, the St. Mark’s youth extended friendship and dignity to homeless people on the streets of the city, as well, participating in a “walk in their shoes” experience that encouraged conversations to get the name and eye color of those individuals.

Avery led a small group of five other young people in this exercise on the day of the downtown parade celebrating the Toronto Raptors’ NBA Championship win. He was a bit nervous navigating among the crowd of 3 million people, but he did so successfully, leading his team in good conversations with those in need and gaining confidence in the midst of stress.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to lead, to help and to serve. Each one has helped me to be a better person and to discover exactly who I am.”

A history of service St. Mark’s youth have a long history of serving those in need. Having led 20+ mission trips in his pastoral career, Associate Pastor Dave Charles says church members on the missions have experienced a closeness with each other. The bonding was especially meaningful during a 2018 mission trip to the Dominican Republic, with 41 people of all ages participating. The church has also sent teams to Cleveland, San Francisco, Washington DC, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Toledo.

Experience similar growth St. Mark’s welcomes young people in middle school and high school to participate in the St. Mark’s youth group. Regular meetings take place on Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the church, 800 South Main Street, Findlay.

Call 419-581-1139 or email DCharles@stmarksfindlay.org for more information.

The Carey Medical & Diagnostic Center, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, opened in early August at 930 Sheriden Drive in Carey. The building consists of Carey Medical Center (family medicine), Carey Diagnostics Center (lab, EKG and imaging services) and Carey Specialty Clinic (rotating medical specialists). Carey natives, Dr. Troy Puckett and Dr. Robert Puckett, will be providing an array of primary care services, welcoming patients of all ages. The Carey Specialty Clinic will feature services for cardiology, obstetrics & gynecology, orthopedics, pain management, neurosurgery and urology. “We are thankful for our donors and supporters that made this new building possible,” said Paul Siefker, director of primary care services for Blanchard Valley Medical Practices. bvhealthsystem.org.

A new chip in town

The simple message on packages of JR’s Taters states they are “simply the best.” Jim Roby, who launched the new potato chip brand, grew up in Findlay and sought to recreate the taste of Findlay’s famous “Taster Taters”--a potato chip store that operated in Findlay from 1931-1973. Although he was unable to locate the exact recipe, he believes that his potato chips closely match the original Tasty Taters. Purchase bags of JR’s Taters at Findlay’s Great Scots supermarkets, Wolfies carryouts, Brinkman’s and Dietsch’s.

Heavenly Pizza undergoes renovation

Heavenly Pizza at 1400 Main Street completed a two-phase renovation resulting in an “entire new store,” says owner Josh Elchert. The store’s front was reconfigured in June to provide comfortable seating for 15-20 people with two wall-mounted televisions and WiFi access. “We wanted to make it more inviting for people to come sit, stay and enjoy their pizza rather than just standing in line to pick up their order,” said Josh. In late July Heavenly Pizza totally revamped the kitchen, including the addition of a third oven. “We were at capacity before and sometimes had wait times of 45 minutes to an hour,” explained Elchert. “We also refreshed the entire kitchen with new flooring, walls, and ceilings.”

www.findlayfamily.com • September 2019 •

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Marilyn’s Lifelong Education Center An Intergrational Childcare

Marilyn’s Lifelong Education Center (MLLEC) is a state licensed private-pay intergenerational childcare for children ages 6 weeks of age to 5 years of age.

Our preschool Lead Teacher, Reegan Holden, has a BA in Education.

At MLLEC, children learn through hands on explorations, a creative curriculum and positive guidance within a natural family-like environment.

digital age 10 Fun Phone Apps for Kids Stimulate Thinking and Creativity

By Kimberly Blaker

HISTORY: The Marilyn & Gordon Macklin

Susan Farrell is the Director of MLLEC. 25 years of experience in child care.

FOR A TOUR CALL 419-425-3049

Intergenerational Institute was established in July 2003. The Institute was endowed by Marilyn & Gordon Macklin, former residents of Findlay, Ohio, as a way to give back to a community that had been so good to them.

15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, OH 45840 | Mon. - Fri. 5:45am - 6:00pm

With a massive selection of kids’ phone apps on the market, it is difficult to determine which ones best maximize kids’ media time. The following is a selection of kid-tested and parent-approved apps to help boost kids’ critical thinking skills and creativity.

Piano Kids – Music & Songs.

Free for Android. Ages 3+.

This top-rated app teaches kids and parents how to play musical instruments, including the piano, xylophone and drums. It exercises children’s memory, concentration, creativity, listening skills and motor skills.

Flow Free. Free for all platforms. Ages 8+. This color-based game offers various levels of play to sustain the interest of ages, grade-school to adults. It improves complex thinking skills as players try to connect the dots to create pipes without crossing over another color.

Heads Up! Free for Android. $1 Apple. Ages 6+. Based on Heads Up!, created by Ellen DeGeneres, this family game is a blast for all ages. A player holds the phone on top of their head with an image facing out for the other players to see. The player’s teammate then acts out the image shown on the phone while the teammate holding it up has to guess what is being acted out.

Kids Build & Crash Blocks Game. Free for all platforms.

Ages 1 – 4. Toddlers and preschoolers can build tall towers with colorful blocks while learning their colors and numbers. When they’re done building, children thrill at crashing the tower. The app also features fun sound effects and animations.

Doodle Magic Joy. Free for Android. Ages 3+. This drawing app, with colors ranging from soft pastels to bright neons, offers a variety of art tools including pen, calligraphy, airbrush, crayon, pastel, sponge, eraser and more.

When doodles are complete, the art can be saved and even played back as a cartoon. This is a fun app for all ages, kids to adults.

Unblock Me Free. Free for all platforms. Ages 7+. This mental workout boasts 16,000 puzzles. The object of the game is to unblock the red block in as few moves as possible.

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• September 2019 • www.findlayfamily.com

Hoopa City 2. $3.99 for all platforms. Ages 5 – 10. Kids can build the city of their dreams with skyscraper apartments, shopping malls, and beach resorts in this 3D game app. Then they can play inside the city they’ve built, dress up their citizens and even switch to night mode to see their city light up.

Magic Tiles 3. Free for all platforms. Ages 7+. This massively popular piano game requires players to tap the black tiles while avoiding the white ones to generate beautiful, high-quality music. The app features additional instruments such as guitar, as well as a battle mode where kids can compete with other players around the world.

ColorMinis Kids. Free for all platforms. Ages 3+. With this color and design app, kids experiment with a variety of colors and materials, including Real 3D gloss, clay, glass, metal, and more. They can color and design anime figures, animals, robots, castles and much more. When their design is complete, they’ll create animated gifs with their creations.

Drawing for Kids! Learning Games for Toddlers. Free for Android. Ages 2 – 5. This app is an easy way for even the youngest toddlers to learn how to draw. It includes fun sounds and animations as each drawing comes to life.

BENEFIT FROM A MENTOR/ TUTORING

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e d i u G l o o After Sch

Children’s Mentoring Connection 305 E. Lincoln St. 419-424-9752 cmchancock.org

After the school day ends, keep your student learning and growing. The Findlay area offers numerous enrichment opportunities for children, including after-school clubs, classes and field trips!

HAVE FUN AND LEARN Mazza Museum 201 College St. 419-434-4560 mazzamuseum.org

The Mazza Museum on the campus of the University of Findlay is an often overlooked gem. It’s home to more than 11,000 pieces of artwork and children’s picture books, making it one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world.

Funday Sunday, one Sunday a month from 1:30-3:30pm, is a day of fun, art and literature for families, at no cost! Each month explores a different theme. Visit Mazza’s website for the Funday Sunday schedule.

Children’s Museum of Findlay

1800 Tiffin Ave., Suite 201 567-250-9616 cmfindlay.com “Children’s Museum of Findlay” on Facebook Located inside the Findlay Village Mall, the Children’s Museum is designed for ages birth to 10-years to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics through a variety of hands-on activities. The museum encourages pretend play, stimulates the brain through STEM challenges and lets kids explore and imagine in a world just their size.

Hancock County Historical Museum 422 W. Sandusky St. 419-423-4433 hancockhistoricalmuseum.org “Hancock Historical Museum” on Facebook

The Hancock Historical Museum brings history to life for children of all ages. Explore the Museum as a family or have your children participate in the special events and camps that the Museum sponsors throughout the year. Periodically, a “night in the museum” program allows students the opportunity to sleep overnight and engage in fun, hands-on activities.

“Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County” on Facebook Could your child benefit from a mentor? Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County serves youth ages 6-14 with school-based programs in five area schools, providing mentoring for students after school or during the child’s lunch period.

Volunteer mentors are trained/vetted and can be high school students or any age adult. The mentors seek to develop a relationship with their students to enhance personal growth as competent, caring and confident individuals.

The Clubhouse

JOIN A CLUB Black Swamp Area Council, Boy Scouts of America 2100 Broad Ave. 419-422-4356 www.blackswampbsa.org

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people for ethical and moral lives with a focus on citizenship, character, personal fitness and leadership. Cub Scouting focuses on fun, hands-on learning and achievement with access to camps and activities at Findlay’s Camp Berry.

Camp Fire Northwest Ohio

University of Findlay 1000 N. Main St. baer@findlay.edu www.findlay.edu/education/ The-Clubhouse

305 W. Hardin St. 419-422-5415 campfirenwohio.com “Camp Fire Northwest Ohio” on Facebook

“The Clubhouse Reading Center at the University of Findlay” on Facebook A free literacy outreach program, The Clubhouse is coordinated by the University of Findlay’s Department of Education with a mission to enhance the reading skills of area students through relevant and personal assessment and intervention. The 3-2-1 program offers small group tutoring and the C.H.I.P. program provides individual tutoring. All services are Findlay Martial provided by UF undergraduate eduArts Academy cation majors under the supervision of their professors.

Camp Fire believes every child has a “spark”— unique skills, talents, and interests— that they can explore outside of the school day. They offer after school club programs at some area schools and at their location on Hardin Street. The clubs pair trained staff and volunteer leaders with youth groups to work on homework and the Camp Fire curriculum. Clubs typically go on field trips, undertake service projects and other activities to earn beads and life skills.

Camp Fire also offers school-day-out Findlay Martial Arts Academy programs for those school vacation days.

Findlay Martial Arts Academy

CONT’D ON P10

ACCEPTING ENROLLMENT

in our Enriched Preschool & Kindergarten Readiness Programs

1740 Lima Ave, Findlay, OH AGES: 6 WEEKS TO PRE-K. 222 Center Street | Findlay | 567-250-9040 | earlyyearsfamilychildcarecenter.com

(419) 427-3988 findlayma.com

www.findlayfamily.com • September 2019 •

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EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVE SIDE Awakening Minds Art 515 S. Main St. 419-302-3892 awakeningmindsart.org

A non-profit organization, Awakening Minds Art offers therapeutic and educational art to students of all ages and abilities. They feature a variety of classes (pre-registered and drop-in) throughout the year that teach skills in painting, sculpture and more. It’s a space for kids to simply relax, explore and be creative!

Hancock County Children’s Choir

200 W. Main Cross St. 419-423-2787 marathonartscenter.org/education/ hancock-county-childrens-choir If your child loves to sing, consider having him/her join the Hancock County Children’s Choir. Open to children in grades 2-5 from the surrounding area, the ensemble for treble voices rehearses and performs throughout the winter and spring. Children have the opportunity to develop relationships with others and to gain an understanding of using their voices in an ensemble. Children must audition and there is a tuition fee.

Becky’s School of Dance 15440 U.S. 224 419-423-7423 beckysschoolofdance.net

Becky’s School of Dance has provided children in the community with quality dance instruction for more than 50 years.

Their goal is to help children be all they can be. Dance classes help children build character, acquire poise and increase rhythm and coordination skills. Becky’s School of Dance offers classes in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theatre and pointe and serves dancers aged 3 to adult.

Early Years Family Childcare Center

222 Center Street 567-250-9040 earlyyearsfamilychildcarecenter.com Early Years Family Childcare Center offers a safe, secure and caring environment for children ages 5-11 who need care before and after school. Currently, Jacobs Primary provides transportation to and from its school for children attending Early Years Family Childcare Center. Focused on a child-centered and educational environment, Early Years has knowledgeable and experienced staff on hand to provide homework help to the students in their care.

Youtheatre

200 W. Main Cross St. 419-423-2787 marathonartscenter.org/education/youtheatre “Youtheatre” on Facebook Participating in theatre programs helps kids become more creative and confident.

Youtheatre, a program funded by The Arts Partnership,is geared toward students in grades 1-12. Youth can develop lifelong skills, make new friends, and have fun, through their participation in Youtheatre performances, classes and workshops.

STAY ACTIVE The Cube

3430 N. Main St. 419-424-7176 “The Cube” on Facebook Enjoy fun and fitness on the ice at The Cube, Findlay’s indoor ice rink. Open seasonally from September to late March and May to July, The Cube offers public skate times on Friday and Saturday evenings (when it attracts a teenage crowd) and on Saturdays from 1-2:50pm and Sundays from 3-4:50pm. They also offer skating lessons for children, from beginning skaters to advanced.

Hancock Park District 1424 E. Main Cross St. 419-425-7275 Hancockparks.com

Kids of all ages will enjoy playing and exploring at Hancock County’s public parks. The park district also offers numerous programs, events, and camps throughout the year for children of all ages. Popular programs include nature hikes, star gazing, pioneer programs at Litzenberg Woods and more.

Findlay Family YMCA

Downtown Branch: 300 E. Lincoln St. East Branch: 1400 Manor Hill Rd. 419-422-4424 findlayymca.org The Findlay YMCA offers extensive programming to keep kids active. Members and non-members can sign up for classes including swimming, cheerleading, tumbling, gymnastics, racquetball, tennis, judo, volleyball, and basketball and flag football leagues. Check out the website for information about fall, winter and spring class sessions.

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• September 2019 • www.findlayfamily.com

Findlay Martial Arts Academy 1740 Lima Ave. 419-427-3988 www.findlayma.com

Martial arts classes are a positive outlet for children’s extra energy and they help to build self-esteem and discipline. Findlay Martial Arts Academy is a familyoriented center that has been in the community for 20 years. Their outstanding instructors offer karate lessons for children of all ages and skill levels and a Little Ninjas program developed by the National Association of Professional Martial Artists geared toward little ones ages 4-6.

Triple T Ranch

6717 Marion Township Rd. 215 419-424-1417 www.thetranch.com Triple T Ranch offers horseback riding lessons in both English and Western style for children of all ages and experiences. You can opt for 30-minute or 60-minute lessons. They also offer trail riding experiences through a beautiful, wooded 10-acre lot.

XT Fitness

2725 N. Main Street 419-420-7586 jimsteffenfitness.com Obstacle courses are a whole lot of fun and good exercise! Your child can pretend to be an American Ninja Warrior during XT Fitness’s open gym hours on most Saturdays from 10:30am-2pm.

There are four obstacle course levels to complete, each one progressively more challenging, and your child can earn an XT Ninja Pro card for successful completion of each stage.

l o o h c s r Afte s e i t i v i t Ac Friendship, Fun and Purpose

American Heritage Girls accepting new members

by Laurie Wurth Pressel

I

n the five years that Kristen Giles has been volunteering with the local troop of American Heritage Girls, she’s watched “girls grow in friendship and blossom with interests and activities that they didn’t even know they’d enjoy.”

American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered character and leadership development program for girls aged 5-18. Started in 1995 in Cincinnati, Findlay launched its local troop in 2014.

The Findlay troop is open to girls in Hancock and surrounding counties. “We are nondenominational and our membership includes girls from all faiths as well as those who attend private and public schools and some who are homeschooled,” said Giles, who is serving as troop coordinator for the coming year.

Findlay’s troop meets the first and third Thursday of the month, September to May, at the Findlay Evangelical Free Church. In the summer, members get together for outdoor activities such as day camp, camping, horseback riding and hiking.

Focus on faith, service and fun The program’s focus is on faith, service and fun. Girls are placed in one of five units based on their age: Pathfinder (ages 5-6); Tenderheart (ages 6-9); Explorer (ages 9-12); Pioneer (ages 12-14) and Patriot (ages 14-18). Troop members earn badges for activities and service work.

“The options are numerous, everything from engineering to arts and crafts, citizenship to ancestry and more,” said Giles.

American Heritage Girls inspires girls to get involved and try new things in service to others. As a result, they develop leadership and communication skills and uncover hidden talents and interests, says Giles. She recalls one troop member who involved community members in sewing over 300 dresses for girls in Haiti, before later embarking on a mission trip to Haiti.

Findlay’s troop tackles many service projects in the local area. Troop members have planted flowers and pulled weeds for the Women’s Resource Center, packed lunches for the Feed-a-Child program, and held a donation drive for shoebox presents for the Operation Christmas Child organization.

“Because we are a Christ-centered organization, we also focus on faith development,” explained Giles. “We don’t teach doctrine, but we pray together and encourage girls to develop their character, grow in their faith and to get involved with their church.”

Future plans In July 2020, American Heritage Girls will hold its national convention at Cedarville University (just east of Dayton) and Findlay’s troop plans to take as many girls to the convention as they can. “We are super excited about it,” said Giles. “It’s a chance for them to meet girls from across the country and be together for three days of fun, badge activities and leadership activities. The national convention is held only once every five years, so it’s a pretty big deal in our world!”

Findlay’s troop has been steadily growing and now has about 40 participants. Girls can sign up until the end of September. “It’s just a really awesome group of girls and they have so much fun and find many good friends,” said Giles. “I am looking forward to seeing the program grow and seeing its impact on girls in the future.”

For information on joining American Heritage Girls, call 419-581-0781 or visit americanheritagegirls.org or “American Heritage Girls Troop OH2014” on Facebook.

www.findlayfamily.com • September 2019 •

11

According to the American Academy of Pediatric and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should find a dental home within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth, but no later than 1 year of age. Although this may seem very young, many children exhibit signs of dental decay almost immediately following the eruption of teeth. Most times, early examinations and education can help to minimize these issues and assist parents in providing quality in-home care that will decrease the chances of developing future problems.

Looking to beat the Back to School Blues?

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD VISIT THE DENTIST?

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT:

567.525.4193 • www.bvpedsdent.com

12

1733 Western Ave. Suite C., Findlay Ohio 45840

• September 2019 • www.findlayfamily.com

Findlay Area Family is here to help! From library story times to local events to special holiday happenings, our online calendar offers everything you need to stay active after school. For stories and ideas straight to your inbox, sign up for our parent e-newsletter today! findlayfamily.com

CONNECTIONS

Sharing Culture and Music

By Bailey Poland

A group of Findlay High School students recently performed at a self-organized musical evening entitled “A Classical Piano Concert” at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Findlay for an audience of over 100 people. Ethan Zheng, a sophomore, had been practicing on St. Andrews’ grand piano and arranged the concert as a way to give back to the church and to share the cultural experience of classical music with community members.

The students involved in developing and carrying out the performance included Zheng, Gabi Gazette, Emi Kawamura, Nick Lloyd, Shane Reed, and Haruka Takizawa. Planning the event took about a month with the group creating a set list that included both solo and group pieces.

The students performed a range of songs representing different time periods and cultures, including a Romanian Folk Dance, a gavotte, and Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.” The students performed on the piano, violin, and cello.

Zheng’s mother, Ping Huang, said, “It was encouraging to see that the kids themselves did this and came together to promote classical music. They gave that

(gift of music) back to the community.”

Additionally, she noted that many of the smaller children who came to the event expressed a desire to put on their own concerts.

At the concert, each student introduced the musical pieces they were about to perform. Although unrehearsed, Zheng said that they had learned how to introduce music professionally by watching their orchestra director, Kenneth Pressel.

The students, who have all been playing music from a young age, drew on those experiences to create a professional concert environment for the audience.

Huang hopes that the concert put on by the students is a model for other young people, and an example of how students are willing to come together to promote classical music and cultural experiences within the community of Findlay. “This will hopefully encourage more children to do something like this and make Findlay a more culturally diverse and active city,” she said. “This is another example of how the Findlay community and our schools are raising our kids. These are the positive things that are happening.”

A unique evening of fine wine, craft beer, food, and music benefiting Children’s Mentoring Connection. Guest will be entertained by soothing jazz riffs while they enjoy hand-selected wine that has been paired with gourmet food prepared by The Bistro on Main.

Attendance by reservation only.

From left to right: Ethan Zheng, Emi Kawamura, Shane Reed, and Gabi Gazette.

Good Times for a Great Cause!

11th ANNUAL UNCORKED AND UNPLUGGED OCTOBER 11, 2019

Don’t wait, Register for your tickets now!

cmchancock.org n 419.424.9752

www.findlayfamily.com • September 2019 •

13

Parents Night

OUT!

Regular date nights help to keep the spark alive.

Or perhaps a night out with friends is what you need. So grab a sitter and check out these local events this month to enjoy some fun downtime!

Enjoy September’s award-winning festivals

Northwest Ohio hosts some great festivals and many take place in September—a month that promises ideal Ohio weather. Why not line up a babysitter and parktake in these annual festivities? Or, make it a family affair and take the kids.

Thursday September 5 – Sunday September 8 Pioneer Days

Always the weekend after Labor Day, Pioneer Days in Kalida is the oldest festival in Ohio. This year marks 145 years for the small-town’s festivities. Located on State Route 224 just 32 miles from Findlay, all events take place “on the square” in the town’s center. Treat yourself to the delicious festival food, including the St. Michael Holy Name Society’s famous burgers.

Enjoy music/dance on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, a craft show and car show on Saturday morning, a parade on Sunday afternoon, and much more.

Visit pioneerdays.com.

Saturday September 14 Historic Barn Tour

Friday September 6 Sunday September 8 Black Swamp Arts Festival

Named “Best Arts Festival in Ohio” by Ohio Magazine, the Black Swamp Arts Festival in downtown Bowling Green is definitely worth the short drive! This year’s festival features more than 150 fine art booths, three stages of live music from national, regional and local performers, youth arts and activities, food and community. All events are free! Visit blackswampfest.org.

Friday September 6 Sunday September 8 Toledo Greek Fest

tiffinfestival.com.

Celebrate everything Greek— food, pastries, music, dancing, culture, clothing, language and more! The 49th Annual Greek American Festival near Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Toledo is sure to draw an enthusiastic crowd. Visit toledogreekfest.com.

Friday September 20 Sunday September 22 Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Days

Although technically not a festival, the Hancock County Museum’s Historic Barn Tour is an outdoor event you don’t want to miss. It’s been called a “model program for the state” by the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office. From 10am-4pm you can tour five historic barns in the Mt. Blanchard area that date from the 1840s to the early 1900s. Locations will also feature heritage items like old farm machinery and quilts as well as food and music. Tickets the day of the event can be purchased at any location for $10 for museum members and $15 for non-members. Children 16 and under are free. Visit hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

Billed as Ohio’s “8th largest festival,” Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Days is celebrating its 41st year. Events take place at two main locations in Tiffin (about 28 miles from Findlay). A “living village” from Civil War times can be explored in the Hedges Boyer Park while downtown Tiffin features music, rides, food, carnival games, a German heritage area and more. Visit

Saturday September 21 Harvest and Herb Festival

Head to downtown Ada for the village’s 34th annual Harvest and Herb Festival.

The festivities take place from 9am-5pm and include craft booths, entertainment, a large parade at 10am, and lots of food.

The festival attracts over 10,000 people every year. Visit adachamber.org.

Saturday September 28 Oktoberfest Findlay

Northwest Ohio has a rich German Heritage and each year Findlay celebrates this heritage with Oktoberfest. The 2019 Oktoberfest Findlay, in the 300-400 block of Main Street, will feature live German music, polka dancing, delicious German foods and libations, kids’ activities and more! From 2-10:30pm, you can savor food from Wurst and Bier, Saums Market and Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and enjoy more than 40 varieties of German beers while taking in performances by Fred Ziwich & His International Sound Machine and Aaron Dussing and the Polka Revolution. The cost is $5 for ages 21 and over and $3 for ages 20 and younger. Visit hancockhistoricalmuseum.org/Oktoberfest

Thursday September 19 Saturday September 21 Momentum

PHOTO BY ARAM BOGHOSIAN

14

• September 2019 • www.findlayfamily.com

Experience a full sensory experience filled with art installations, live performances, and a chance to interact with the world around us in unexpected ways during this arts and music festival held at Toledo’s revitalized Promenade Park. See live glassblowing demonstrations, art exhibitions, film screenings, and more. Visit momentumtoledo.org.

Growing Great Kids

4-H educator passes down tradition

By Anita Doseck

What do you love about your work?

I’m in the business of growing great kids, that’s really what motivates me. Seeing kids who are super shy and then are teaching classes a few years down the road, or seeing kids earn a scholarship or be recognized for their efforts—knowing I had a role in that is really awesome.

What does the future hold for Hancock County 4-H? We are in the midst of restructuring and expanding our school enrichment program. Also, a new program we just started is 4-H Buddies. We pair up kids who need accommodations or have special needs with mentors 12 years and older to empower all youth to have a 4-H experience.

How can the community get involved? Within the 4-H community clubs, there’s always opportunities for volunteering, especially if you have a special skill set. The volunteer selection process starts in the early fall, so contact us then.

After Cloverbuds, older children can participate in the competitive program, which starts in the third grade. These community clubs go above and beyond what the community sees at the Hancock County Fair. They are designed to be youth-driven. Participants elect their own officers and run their own program with the assistance of advisers who support and guide. Students do community service, participate in leadership opportunities, embark on field trips and teach their peers.

4-H is about family, tradition, and passing the legacy of leadership, hard work and skills on to the next generation, says Cassie Anderson, extension educator for 4-H youth development for the Ohio State University (OSU) Extension Office in Hancock County.

Anderson grew up on a cattle farm in Auglaize County, Ohio, where her family has been involved in 4-H for generations.

As a child, she completed a variety of projects, among them raising sheep, cattle and hogs, sewing and completing leadership projects. “My roots are in 4-H from a traditional sense,” she says.

Finding Her Path Anderson aspired to one day become a veterinarian, but after arriving at college, she discovered she loved education and programming as much as she hated organic chemistry. After completing an internship with a local extension office, she knew the path she wanted to take with her career.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and life science from the University of Findlay, and completed graduate studies in human and community resource development at the Ohio State University. After graduating, Anderson worked for the Boy Scouts before ultimately taking her current position leading Hancock County’s 4-H program.

Serving the county’s youth Within the county, there are currently 875 kids involved in 4-H. Kids ages 5 through 19 can participate in 4-H through community clubs, Cloverbuds, and shooting sports programs.

Cloverbuds, geared toward children ages 5-8, offers activity-based, familyoriented programs that are non-competitive. Members participate in activities like day camps. Recently, the Hancock County Cloverbuds experienced a K-9 Unit demo, field trips to One Energy, the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation and a trip to a pumpkin patch.

Each participant selects one or more projects early in the year. The projects can be in virtually any area of interest, from the more traditional areas of 4-H like agriculture, animal raising and gardening, to non-traditional like robotics, kitchen chemistry, or photography. There are 200+ projects that students can get involved in. The students diligently work on their projects throughout the year, and then display their projects at the Hancock County Fair for judging.

Teaching lifelong skills 4-H is family-oriented and heavily focused on relationships, says Anderson. It’s also accessible to anyone. While some 4-H projects are more costly or time consuming than others, each project is a choice that the student makes with their family.

“In 4-H, you learn how to do something, you proactively do it, then you teach it to someone else,” says Anderson.

“It’s a full circle of learning and it teaches lifelong skills and the importance of giving back.”

Beyond 4-H Anderson’s work at the OSU extension reaches 1,500+ local students who aren’t in 4-H. The extension office provides enrichment programs to local schools, covering topics that are highly practical like financial literacy, local history, STEM, and learning about the source of their food.

For more information about the Hancock County OSU Extension office, visit hancock.osu.edu

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www.findlayfamily.com • September 2019 •

15

Add Flavor and Spice to Your Life JACK & JIN’S THAI RESTAURANT

Try a Taste of Thailand

By Betsey Watson Mascaro

1406 North Main St., Findlay 419-427-2526 “Jack & Jin’s Thai Restaurant” on Facebook Open Monday-Friday: 11am-9pm, Saturday: 12am-9pm, Sunday: 12pm-6pm www.jackandjins.com Nestled in a strip mall on the north end of Findlay lies a jewel. With its humble location and simple red and white sign, Jack & Jin’s Thai Restaurant could easily be overlooked. However, this small restaurant offers an exotic and extensive menu that will astonish and delight your taste buds. One evening, as a summer night descended upon us, my family set out to explore the flavors and spices of Thailand.

It was the end of a family vacation and this mama was in no mood to cook (and neither was my husband Jeremy). The temperature was soaring so firing up the oven or standing over the stove sounded wholly unappealing. And after three days traipsing around Ohio, this family of homebodies just needed to be home.

Seeking the glorious convenience of take out, we pulled up Jack & Jin’s menu online and set out to enjoy the delicacies of Thailand from the comfort of our own home.

Having tried Thai food over the years, Jeremy and I had a general idea of dishes to order, with pad thai and green curry topping the list. Jack & Jin’s menu outlined the categories to choose from including basics, along with soups, noodles, stir fry, Thai curry, fried rice and house specialties. Thai food is easy to customize with choices of protein source (meat, seafood, tofu), type of rice, and spice level. And although there isn’t a

children’s menu, with so many appetizers, several grilled dishes and a few familiar items, Jack & Jin’s makes trying Thai food lots of fun for families! Egg rolls, potstickers, wontons, satay (skewers of pork or chicken), stir fry and fried rice are all typically kid-friendly. We opted for three orders of the chicken satay appetizer, crab rangoon, chicken fried rice, and egg noodles with chicken to round out our meal. In an effort to get Mae, our five-year-old, to try everything, we ordered no spice (on their scale of 1-5, we ordered a zero).

Modest interior, outstanding food Although we chose to eat at home, I was still eager to check out Jack & Jin’s interior. The modest exterior (classic strip mall!) opens into a simple yet attractive restaurant. Comfy booths line the left wall while several tables dot the rest of the interior. The overall clean, minimalist look is brightened by a few colorful accents that line the walls including brilliantly-colored tapestries from Thailand. The overall effect is airy and invit-

ing. (However, the limited seating could make visiting with a herd of children tricky. Perhaps better to visit during an off-peak time or opt for take-out!)

Upon arriving home, we eagerly dug into the food. Our observant eight-yearold, Josephine, panicked when she saw the corners of two Styrofoam containers ripped off. Jeremy quickly assured her that it was purposefully done to vent the steam and keep our food crispy but hot. It worked. The crab rangoon--little ravioli-like delicacies--maintained their crunchy exterior while the creamy filling remained piping hot. Leland (our almost-ten-year-old) and Joey practically fought over the crab rangoons while Mae preferred the chicken satay. Each satay appetizer came with three sticks of skewered chicken. The generous portion featured a slightly spicy flavor and was served with a delicious peanut dipping sauce (which tones down the spiciness!).

All three kiddos devoured their satays while also sampling the four main dishes – egg noodles, pad thai, fried rice and green curry.

Every dish was a winner As we scooped small portions of the main dishes onto the kids plates, we recited our family’s food directive, yet again: “you don’t have to like it, you just have to try it.” Thankfully, the kids don’t fight this rule nearly as much as they used to. And as usual, our daring Leland was the first to eagerly try the Thai food.

With one bite, he declared his love for the fried rice and quickly ate two more servings. Indeed, while I’ve never been a fan of fried rice, Jack & Jin’s offered a wholly different experience with nuanced flavor, loaded with veggies and tender chicken.

Joey didn’t care for the fried rice but

16

• September 2019 • www.findlayfamily.com

eagerly ate the pad Thai-that famous Thai dish with noodles in a tangy sauce, garnished with ground peanuts and lime wedges (and for those who love a stronger peanut flavor, use Jeremy’s practice of ordering extra peanut sauce and mixing it in!). Pad Thai was my gateway dish to Thai food years ago, but I hadn’t really tried much else. The egg noodles and green curry had been sampled by my sister-in-law (a college student in NYC) during a visit to Findlay when she declared it amazing. So I was happy to dig into this new dish to discover how much flavor was in the greenish sauce. The answer? A LOT! Creamy coconut milk blends with flavorful yet subtle basil and green chilies and a healthy kick of spice showcases the textures of the veggies, chicken, and rice.

(Can’t handle much spice? Use more rice.)

The last item I tried were the egg noodles which proved to be delicious. Bathed in a flavorful brown sauce, tender chicken and veggies vie for attention with the soft, almost chewy noodles. Technically I only had one helping of the egg noodles, but in reality, I kept stealing bites from the container throughout the rest of the meal!

(Shhhh! Don’t tell the kids!)

An adventure in food We began dinner weary and ready to veg out in front of the TV. After dinner, however, the kids started an impromptu dance party and we ended the evening laughing and joyful. I attribute part of that to filled bellies, but also to the excitement and delight of discovering new foods. Meals with children can be trying, but when the meal itself stimulates conversation and engages everyone’s curiosity, the meal becomes a shared adventure.

The Short Course: Kid-Friendly: Yes!

To Avoid a Wait: Visit during an off-peak time or order takeout.

Noise Level: Average.

Bathroom Amenities: Clean.

High Chairs: Yes. Kids Menu: No. Anything Healthy for Kids: Absolutely!

Food Allergy Concerns: Speak with your server about specific allergy concerns.

{ September

2019 }

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

Demolition Derby - Visit the Hancock Fair for derby day! Prepare to get loud and cheer for your favorite driver as they take on a tough course. $10. 3-6pm.

Hancock Fairgrounds, E. Sandusky St. 419-429-7344. hancockfairgrounds.com

3 TUESDAY Make and Take - Children can create a special craft at the Museum and take it home. Included with admission. All supplies provided. 11am-noon. Children’s Museum, 1800 Tiffin Ave. 567-250-9616. cmfindlay.com

4 WEDNESDAY Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa Concert The popular teen entertainer brings her fun DREAM Tour to Toledo’s Huntington Center. From Youtube fame to television star, this young superstar knows how to put on a great show. $47.50-$67.50. 7pm.

Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave. 419-255-3300. jojodreamtour.com Preschool Dance & Movement Preschoolers will learn a variety of simple dance steps at these 40 minute classes. $40. This course runs for six weeks. Noon.

Wednesdays through October 9. Findlay Church of Christ, 307 E. Hardin St. 419422-3306. facebook.com/ musicandmorefindlay

5 THURSDAY Homeschooler in the Park - This ten month program will feature one activity a month from September to June.

Homeschoolers ages 5-13 years will practice problem solving, STEM reasoning, gain social skills and build confidence at each monthly class. Register in advance. $30 for the series. 10-11:30am & 1-2:30am. Various Hancock County Parks.

419-425-7275. hancockparks.com

6 FRIDAY Black Swamp Arts Festival - This three day festival brings together art, food and live music all on one street! Three stages, Community, Family and Main offer music all three days. Hundreds of fine artists will show their wares along with festival food and family activities.

This year’s headliners include The War and Treaty, Shinyribs and Nikki D. and the Browns. Don’t forget to visit the Youth Arts Village for arts and crafts on Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm. The festival hours are 10am-midnight. Through Sunday.

Downtown Bowling Green, Wooster & Main St. blackswampfest.org Free

Ultimate Dog Pawlooza Calling all pet lovers! The event benefiting the Humane Society brings together fun obstacle courses and games for you and your pup. Donations. 10am2pm. Riverside Park, 231 McManness Ave. 419-423-1664. hancockhumanesociety.com Free

Just a short drive from Findlay in Pandora, Ohio, Suter’s Produce offers spectacular fall fun for the whole family with a corn maze, pumpkin activities, and hayrides. This year’s corn maze “One Small Step” celebrates the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

Pick a beautiful weekend afternoon and enjoy all the farm fun that autumn offers at Suter’s! Maze tickets are $6 for adults and $4.50 for children kindergarten through college. Hayrides cost $3 per person (children 2 and under are free).

Saturdays and Sundays, 1-8pm, 4678 Road R, Pandora, Ohio, 419-384-3331, www. suterproduce.com or “Suter Produce” on Facebook

8 SUNDAY

SATURDAY n SEPTEMBER 14 Touch a Truck

Brunch & Brush - Take a day to yourself at this interactive art class and brunch. $35-$40.

11-12:30pm. Mancy’s at Hancock Hotel, 631 S. Main St. 419-3023892. paintandpartake.org

Are your kids curious about vehicles? Touch a Truck enables kids to explore cool vehicles both inside and out. This FREE family event at the Hancock County Fairgrounds features plenty of hands-on activities with vehicles, tractor rides, raffles, food and beverages for purchase, giveaways and more. It’s a Kids’ Dream Day! All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Museum of Findlay.

H.A.M. Radio Fest - Join the Findlay Radio Club for a HAM Radio expo. Meet with the club to find out more about the hobby. $8-$10. 6:30am-1pm. Hancock Fairgrounds, 618 S. Main St. 419-4323402. facebook.com/ findlayradioclub

10am-2pm, Hancock County Fairgrounds, 1017 E Sandusky St., findlaytouchatruck.com

SATURDAY n SEPTEMBER 21

9 MONDAY Wee Ones - Wild Adaptations will focus on animals and their habitats.

Kids three and under with an adult and their siblings are invited to enjoy a story and a craft. 10am & 1pm.

Oakwoods Preserve, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.com Free

10 TUESDAY Toddler Trot - Ages 18-36 months with an adult will learn more about squirrels and their habitat in the forest. The hike will move slow for the kids and provides a great chance to meet other parents.

4:30pm. Mercy Community Preserve, 45 St. Lawrence Dr., Tiffin.

419-447-8091. senecacountyparks.com Free

11 WEDNESDAY Fall Lacrosse - Grades 1-4 will learn and play lacrosse. $25. 6-7pm.

Wednesdays 9.11-10.2. Emory Adams Park, Blanchard St. 419-424-7176.

1827 S. cityoffindlay.maxgalaxy.net

Pumpkin Train - Week 1

It’s that time of year again! The Pumpkin Train at Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc. is back for its 17th year. Families can ride the train and pick a pumpkin. It’s the perfect fall activity for the whole family!

The Pumpkin Train kicks off Saturday, September 21 and runs every Saturday and Sunday through October 20. Pumpkin Train rides are $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 12 and under. Pumpkins are an additional cost but do not need to be purchased to ride the train.

1-5pm, NWORRP, 12505 County Rd 99, 419-423-2995, NWORRP.org, “NORTHWEST OHIO RAILROAD PRESERVATION, INC” on Facebook

14 SATURDAY Kids Day at Hayes: Leaves of Spiegel Grove - The Presidential Museum is home to over1000 trees. Kids will play scavenger hunt games, make crafts and explore the campus. $3 for non-members. Adults are free. 1-2pm. R.B. Hayes Museum, Spiegel Grove, Fremont.

419-332-2081. rbhayes.org

Historic Barn Tour & Breakfast A community breakfast will begin the Historic Barn Tour, hosted by the Hancock Historical Society. Next, begin a self-guided our of five historic barns and farms. Each site will host children’s activities, educational presentations and historic demonstrations from blacksmithing to woodworking. Breakfast $10. 7-10am. Tours $10-$15. 10am-4pm.

Hancock Historical Museum, 422 W. Sandusky St. 419-423-4499. hancockhistoricalmuseum.org

Preschool Pals - Ages 3-5 years with an adult will visit the creek looking for signs of life in the watershed. It’s a fun playdate that doubles as an educational outing. 4:30pm. Forrest Preserve, 701 E. CR 6, Tiffin. 419-447-8091. senecacountyparks.com Free

12 THURSDAY Keep Active & Healthy - Families are invited to the State Park for an evening of archery and archery challenges. 6pm. Van Buren State Park, 12259 TR218, Van Buren.

419-424-7176. findlayohio.com Free

Focusing on Outstanding Eye Care ly Fav through Innovation and Compassion 2018 orites

First Free Fridays - Take a self-guided tour of the grounds that once housed countless ‘poor farm’ inmates. The Pestilence House tells the grim tale of the limited care given to victims of TB, while the exhibition “For Comfort & Convenience” completes the picture of early mental health care and all its failings. 10am-4pm. Wood County Historical Center, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. 419-352-0967. woodcountyhistory.org Free

7 SATURDAY

Suter’s Corn Maze and Hayrides

Fami

2 MONDAY

SATURDAY n SEPTEMBER 14 SUNDAY n NOVEMBER 3

15840 Medical Dr. SUITE A, Findlay, OH 45840 (419) 422-6190 | spectrumeyecareinc.com

www.findlayfamily.com • September 2019 •

Spectrum Eye Care would like to welcome Dr. Anne Jacobs to the practice. She comes to us with over 30 years of surgical and eye care experience. She is seeing patients by referral only for cataract evaluations. For more information visit www.spectrumeyecareinc.com

17

Full Moon Hike - Take a guided tour of the park after hours. The sights and sounds of the forest at night are very different than that of the daytime.

8pm. Oakwoods Preserve, 1400 Oakwoods Lane.

419-425-7275. hancockparks.com Free 19th International Festival The festival features over 20 international organizations all under one tent. From games and dancing, music to food, this event has everything. Parking on site is $5. 11am-5pm. Also on Sunday. Islamic Center, 25877 Scheider Rd., Perrysburg.

419-874-3509. icgt.org The Family Stone - The Family Stone features founding members of Sly & the Family Stone playing hits like “Stand,” “Higher,” and “Everyday People.” It’s a family affair. $30-$55. 7:30-9:30pm.

Marathon Arts, 200 W. Main Cross St. 419-423-2787. mcpa.org Sensory Workshop with Dr. Tony Morman - Learn about behavioral vs. sensory processing issues from a variety of wellness professionals. Register in advance. 9am-1pm. Awakening Minds Art, 317 S. Main St. 419-302-3892. awakeningmindsart.org Free

STEM Saturday - A fun activity that asks students to use science, matt and logic to create. This month’s theme, Let’s Get Messy, says it all. $5-$7. 11am-1pm.

Children’s Museum, 1800 Tiffin Ave. 567250-9616. cmfindlay.org

15 SUNDAY Planetarium Presentation - A special presentation “Life and Death of Stars” will focus on the lifecycle of stars as we understand it. Through satellite imaging and countless hours of research, scientists now know how planets and stars are formed and what forces cause them to collapse, burn out or explode! 1-2pm. Oakwoods Preserve, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. 419425-7275. hancockparks.com Free

16 MONDAY Discovery Story - Ages 3-5 with an adult will learn more about community efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. Every bit helps! Create a bird feeder and create a reusable bag. Bring an old t-shirt with you. 10-11am & 1-2pm. Oakwoods Preserve, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. 419425-7275. hancockparks.com Free

17 TUESDAY ADDAPTCO - Special needs kids and teens that need extra help with socializing and feeling comfortable in a group setting are welcome to this hour art class. $10.

4:30pm. Awakening Minds Art, 317 S. Main St. 419-302-3892. awakeningmindsart.org Free Young Adventurers - Ages 6-12 years will join a naturalist for a guided hike and discussion. The topic River Exploration will show students the local watershed and ways to preserve this important resource that serves humans and wildlife. 6pm.

Clinton Preserve, 400 E. TR 132, Tiffin.

419-447-8091. senecacountyparks.com Free

19 THURSDAY Momentum - Toledo’s three-day festival Momentum brings a crowd downtown to Promenade Park. To kick off the fest, Art Loop offers $1.50 bus rides to over a dozen venues, each offering an exhibition, live performance or other arts activity. Take a self-guided tour at no cost with the help of the Art Loop guide now available. 5:309pm. Downtown Toledo. 419-254-2787. theartscommission.org Free

Beatles vs. Stones Musical Showdown - Two top tribute bands compete for the ultimate title of best band!

Sing-a-long together, you know the words! $35-$65. 7:30-10pm. Marathon Arts, 200 W. Main Cross St. 419-423-2787. mcpa.org Theatre Thursday - Visit CMF Thursday for fun theatre activities for kids of all ages. A different topic will be covered each month, with games and role play to accompany. $5-$7. 1-2pm. Children’s Museum, 1800 Tiffin Ave. 567-250-9616. cmfindlay.org Discovery Series - Ages 12-17 will join a naturalist for a guided hike and discussion. The topic Tree Wanderer will give students ways to identify trees and learn fun facts about these giants. 7pm. Streyer Preserve, 5901 N. CR 33, Tiffin. 419-4478091. senecacountyparks.com Free

20 FRIDAY 41st Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival - This three day festival features a parade, vintage market, live music, carnival games and a dedicated area. Historical reenactors will set up in Hedges Boyer Park at the Heritage Village, offering a look back in time to the Civil War and pioneer era.

Live music with Wolf Creek Risin’, Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus as well as a special drum ceremony by the Southeastern Water Spider Drum group. $3 entry to the Heritage Village. Ages 12 and under are free. All day. Friday 9.20 - Sunday 9.22.

Downtown Tiffin, E. Market St. & Hwy. 231. Hedges Boyer Park, 180 Summit St., Tiffin. tiffinfestival.com Free Momentum Friday - Head to Downtown Toledo to view contemporary art installations, interactive art projects and other live performances throughout the day. Chaka Khan performs after 6pm.

Tickets for the concert are $15-$20. All day. Promenade Park, 250 Water St. 419254-2787. theartscommission.org Free

21 SATURDAY Wooden Pumpkin Door Hanger Tweens and adults will create a colorful fall decoration. $25. 2-3:30pm. Awakening Minds Art, 317 S. Main St. 419-3023892. awakeningmindsart.org Chalk a Walk -Community artists will take to the streets, literally, for a sidewalk chalk marathon. Artists will design an outdoor art installation, on the sidewalks using chalk. Awards will be given out at 6pm. 9am-6pm. Various locations downtown.

419-422-7847. findlayartleague.org Free Harrison Rally Day Celebrate Perrysburg’s heritage with a morning parade, family games and crafts, art vendors, food trucks and live music.

9:30am-4pm. Downtown Perrysburg, Louisiana & Front St. 419-874-9147. visitperrysburg.com Free

22 SUNDAY 25th Anniversary of the Discovery Center - The Discovery Center at Oakwoods is turning 25! Help celebrate with guided hikes, crafts and special presentations about the educational center. 1-4pm. Oakwoods Preserve, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.com Free

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• September 2019 • www.findlayfamily.com

marketplace

23 MONDAY History for Homeschoolers Homeschoolers 8-12 years with an adult will explore the Historic McKinnis Farm.

Special folk crafts and pioneer skills will be introduced through a variety of interactive presentations. Register. $2. 10am-2pm.

Litzenberg Woods, 6100 USR W. 224.

419-425-7275. hancockparks.com

27 FRIDAY Homecoming Parade - Findlay welcomes the high school football team back from away games with a parade down Main Street. Stick around for the game, Findlay vs. Fremont! 5-5:30pm. Main & Center St. findlaycityschools.org Free

28 SATURDAY Oktoberfest - Downtown comes alive with live music, German food and refreshments, dance performances and polka polka polka. This year a special ‘Kinderplatz’ tent will be set up for the kids. $3-$5. 2-10:30pm.

1415 S. Main St. 419-423-4433. hancockhistoricalmuseum.org 46th Roche de Boeuf Festival The Waterville fest features regional performers, food vendors, art vendors and a parade. In addition, a Pioneer Arts area will showcase crafts, trade demonstrations and storytelling from the early 1800s. The annual car show will award Best in Class, People’s Choice and Award of Excellence prizes. 9am-5pm. Downtown Waterville, Farnsworth & Anthony Wayne Trail. 419878-5188. watervillechamber.com Free

29 SUNDAY Pioneer Life in Ohio - Visit Fort Meigs for historical reenactors demonstrating early pioneer crafts, cooking, and trade skills like smithing and candle making. $8-$10. 9:30am-5pm. Ft. Meigs, 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg. 419-874-4121. fortmeigs.org A Pioneer Birthday - Visit the Litzenberg Farm for a special birthday celebration, pioneer style! Find out what life was like in the mid-1800s in Ohio. 1-4pm.

Litzenberg Woods, 6100 USR W. 224.

419-425-7275. hancockparks.com Free

30 MONDAY Hikes for Tykes - Kids 3-6 with an adult will explore the park, the river and the watershed area, looking for signs of life.

1-2pm. Riverbend, 16618 Township 208.

419-425-7275. hancockparks.com Free

Add your event online at findlayfamily.com

Tuesdays

Lima Farmers Market Lima hosts a large market on Main St. every Tuesday, now with earlier hours through October 8. 2-5:30pm. Lima Square, S. Market & W. Market St., Lima. 419-222-6045. facebook.com/ downtownlimafarmersmarket Free Chill Zone Teens and tweens can relax and play games after school. 3:30-4:40pm.

Bluffton Library, 145 S. Main St., Bluffton. 419-358-5016. blufftonpubliclibrary.org Free Painting Classes No registration is required for these weekly art classes for kids ages 6-13 years. Everyone is welcome. $10.

10-11am. Awakening Minds, 317 S. Main St. 419-302-3892. awakeningmindsart.org Storytime This story time is for kids of all abilities.

Sing-along to a creative story, create a craft and learn about a subject or person. Every Tuesday 10:30-11:30am.

Findlay Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org Free Makerspace Grades 2-6 will learn about science and technology through arts and crafts workshops. A different project will be featured every week. Meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2-3pm. Findlay Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org Free

Tuesdays

Painting Classes Open to all ages and abilities. These weekly classes are open to walk-ins. $15. 5:30-6:30pm. Awakening Minds Art, 317 S. Main St. 419-302-3892. awakeningmindsart.org Free

Wednesdays

Bowling Green Farmers Market The weekly Market comes alive with live music, fresh vegetable vendors and community conversation. 4-7pm.

BG Farmer’s Market, 201 S. Main St., Bowling Green. 419-354-4332. bgfarmersmarket.org Free Baby Storytime Sing-along with your child to a fun storybook story, hand play, games and more.

Meets every Wednesday & Friday, 9:45-10:15am. Findlay Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org Free Music Makers Young children with an adult will learn and play music with the group. $5.

11-noon. CC Church, 307 E. Hardin St. facebook.com/musicandmorefindlay LGBTQ+ Support Group Everyone is welcome to this community support group, helping people find community and discuss personal conflicts.

7-8:30pm. Spectrum, 2447 Tiffin Ave, 217. specturmofindlaylgbt.org Free

Thursdays

Hancock Farmers Market Market season is in full swing. The market will be filled with produce vendors and artisan culinary goods, crafts and more. Don’t forget your shopping bags!

4-6pm. Hancock Farmers Market, 200 W. Main Cross St. 419-422-5594. facebook.com/ hancockcountyfarmersmarket Free

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.

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

Family Support Group NAMI of Hancock opens its doors Thursdays to this community support group for families with a loved one experiencing mental health issues.

6-7:30pm. NAMI, 306 N. Blanchard St. 567-525-3435. namihancockcounty.org

PAYMENT: Payment must be received before an ad can be placed. We accept checks, cash, money orders and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).

Fridays

E-MAIL: classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Baby Storytime This weekly storytime will have baby and parent singing along, playing and listening to a story together.

Recommended for 3 years or under and all abilities are welcome. 9:30am.

Findlay Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org Free Drop & Date Kids ages 4-12 will explore different crafts and enjoy a social environment.

No registration required. $15.

6-8pm. Awakening Minds Art, 317 S. Main St. 419-302-3892. awakeningmindsart.org Free

Saturdays

Bluffton Farmers Market The Bluffton Market opens its doors Saturdays 8:30am-noon. 102 S. Main St., Bluffton. 419-369-2985. explorebluffton.com Free

MAIL OR DROP OFF:

Adams Street Publishing 1120 Adams St. Toledo, OH 43614

PHONE: 419-244-9859 Refunds: Sorry, NO REFUNDS given.

Misprints: Credit toward future ads.

EVENTS MINDFUL YOGA – All levels welcome.

Thurs. Oct 1st, 4:30 – 5:30. 1415 Miller Ave. (Calvary Church) 1st class is FREE! $10.00 each session

Call Jen

419.244.9859

to sell your stuff today

Toledo Farmers Market Toledo’s Market is year round, with outdoor space for a large variety of goods, from fresh eggs and bacon, buttery croissants to organic summer produce.

8am-3pm. Toledo Farmers Market, 525 Market St., Toledo. 419-255-6765. toledofarmersmarket.com Free Sensory Explorers Toddlers with an adult will listen to a story and create crafts. No registration required. $15. Noon-1pm.

Awakening Minds Art, 317 S. Main St. 419-302-3892. awakeningmindsart.org Free Saturday Painting Class All ages and abilities are welcome to drop in and create arts and crafts. $15.

10-11am. Awakening Minds Art, 317 S. Main St. 419-302-3892. awakeningmindsart.org Free

Saturdays & Sundays

Train Rides Visit the Preservation area for train rides and museum tours. Prices vary. 1-4pm.

NWORRP, 1205 County Rd. 99.

419-423-2995. nworrp.org

Looking to beat the Back to School Blues?

Findlay Area Family is here to help! From library story times to local events to special holiday happenings, our online calendar offers everything you need to stay active after school. For stories and ideas straight to your inbox, sign up for our parent e-newsletter today! findlayfamily.com

www.findlayfamily.com • September 2019 •

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