October 2016 Toledo Area Parent News by Adams Street Publishing Co.

FREE OCTOBER 2016

Halloween guide p9

p15

Open House Local schools open their doors

p17

NE COL W UM N!

Kitchen Table Politics Including your kids in the conversation

OVER

100

REASONS TO LOVE OCTOBER INSIDE

ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO HELP A LOVED ONE LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS? The National Alliance on Mental Illness(NAMI) of Greater Toledo has 2 FREE programs that can help! t 0VS Family Navigator can help ZPV Ã¶OE SFTPVSDFT BOE TFSWJDFT UP IFMQ ZPVS MPWFE POF 0S JG ZPV OFFE NPSF POHPJOH TVQQPSU t 0VS Mentor Program XJMM NBUDI ZPV XJUI TPNFPOF XIP VOEFSTUBOET ZPVS TUSVHHMF " NFOUPS XJMM MJTUFO PÃ²FS TVQQPSU BOE IFMQ ZPV Ã¶OE SFTPVSDFT .FOUPST DBO NFFU XJUI ZPV JO QFSTPO BOE QSPWJEF TVQQPSU PWFS UIF QIPOF *G ZPV BSF JOUFSFTUFE JO FJUIFS PG UIFTF QSPHSBNT PS IBWF BOZ RVFTUJPOT QMFBTF DPOUBDU

SARAH SMITLEY

Family Navigator and Mentor Program Coordinator ssmitley@namitoledo.org 419.243.1119, ext. 202 www.namitoledo.org

â&#x20AC;¢ October 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ www.toledoparent.com

Toledo’s Award-Winning Parent Newspaper Volume 25 • Issue 10 October 2016

departments community snapshots

what’s briefly happening

new kids

parent profile

my family, my way 18 calendar 21 compiled by Virginia Parry

marketplace 23

commentary

kitchen table politics 17

Including Kids in the Conversation Using your kitchen table to feed your child’s body and mind — by Sam Melden

growing up online 18

[special features]

Halloween guide

On the cover

Sofia, 9 months, Ottawa Hills Nicole Slovak Photography

OPEN HOUSE

Haunts, happenings and ghoulish fun for the whole family.

Step inside and see what local schools offer.

Online

October

Get Moving for a Good Cause

By Emily Remaklus

Hit the pavement October 2nd for the 15th Buddy Walk to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo

Playing Pokemon GO Safely Helpful tips to create groundrules for the game — by Carolyn Jabs

food fight 20

Mail Pouch Saloon

Finding a bit of the wild, wild west in the Midwest — by Karen L. Zickes

[Always online]

After School & Field Trip

Keep the fun and learning - going after the bell rings.

Guide

Giving before Receiving

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

It’s not all tricks this Halloween. Learn five ways your kids can give back before they collect those treats.

Join us and our 3,500+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions. “Like” us on acebook.com/toledoareaparent

By Sarah Yale

A Needed Resource recycle this paper for our children's future ...

By Heidi Borst

A traumatic brain injury survivor starts a local nonprofit to help others in the community

Special Needs

toledoparent.com

Do you assist families with special needs? As we discuss topical issues, highlight your business’s accessibility in our Special Needs Guide.

Issue Date: November, Reserve AD/Edit Space by: oct. 15th www.toledoparent.com • October 2016 •

October

SnapShot Giveaway We love to see what the community is up to. Share your special moments and snaps of fun to production@adamsstreetpublishing.com by October 31st for a chance to win one of these great prizes! Be sure to include your child’s name, age and city.

Keep your kids busy as the weather cools down with Doodle Quest, a fun game that takes players on an aquatic adventure. Kids can discover treasures, save divers and gobble fish. With 36 different challenges, kids will be hooked on fun for hours.

Adams Street Publishing Co.

KIDS HOROSCOPE October 23 November 22 By Sue Lovett As soon as they come into the world, they open their eyes and see everything – they just don’t miss a thing. They are so curious and want to see what’s in their toy box, in the kitchen cupboards, in all of the closets, even the front and back yards. Their first words may be “what’s that” or “who’s that”. As they get older they will always want a chemistry set or some type of magic trick book, maybe both. They enjoy putting puzzles together. You will want to take them to the zoo, especially the Aquarium so they can see all types of living things. They will get along with other members of the family as long as they learn to respect their right to privacy. When they are old enough for pre-school they will be eager to go. The same thing applies to regular school. They usually learn quickly IF they are interested in the subject being taught. Math and science are their favorites. They enjoy a challenge and get bored easily if a subject is too easy. They absolutely love Halloween – the costumes – and the parties.

What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid? Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) Hobo

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) Raggedy Andy

Editorial

Assignment Editor Kimberly Feldkamp

(toledoparenteditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Carebear Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Cowboy Calendar Editor Virginia Parry (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Tinkerbell Contributing Writers Christine A. Holliday, Emily Remaklus, Karen L. Zickes, Carolyn Jabs, Randi Petrello, Heidi Borst, Sarah Yale, Ern Marsh

Art/Production

Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Spiderman Senior Designer Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Dorothy Graphic Designer Ashley Crapsey (acrapsey@adamsstreetpublishing.com) witch

Advertising

Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Rocker girl Sales support Catherine Bohr (classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Pirate Sales Sharon Kornowa (sharoncitypaper@gmail.com) Shirley Temple Sam Rotroff (srotroff@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Kris Kross Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Cowboy

Administration

Accounting Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) Ghost Distribution Cassie Hadadd (cassie@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Mulan Tech Manager Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Robot

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

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• October 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

Also publishers of:

Audited by

FIND LIKE AND FOL LOW US

There’s no trick— it’s always a treat when readers send in great photos. This month, we’re showing off Halloween fun and other special snaps. Send your favorite moments to production@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Connor, 8 weeks, and Jack, Toledo

Layla, 4, Perry

sburg

Noah, 4, and Abigail, 6, Toledo

Alona, 4, Toledo

Tegan, 5, and Jagger, 3, Oregon

Owen, 3, Toledo and Cillian, 5 months, exico Albuquerque, New M

edo

Reagan, 3 and Evelyn, 4, Tol

Lifesaving Kits for Parents

Levi, 5, Monclova

5, Oregon Tegan, 5, and Briella,

The American Heart Association and the Spieker Company have teamed up to help parents with children in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by providing free Infant CPR Anytime kits. These kits teach the Nick & Charity Hogrefe core skills of infant CPR and choking relief. On August 26, a kit was presented to Nick and Charity Hogrefe and their twins, Easton and Andersyn, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. “We’re grateful to impact the lives of 100 families right here in Toledo,” said Allyson France, executive director of the American Heart Association Toledo Metro. “Approximately 80 percent of cardiac arrest episodes occur at home and almost 92 percent of those victims don’t survive. Effective CPR can double, or even triple, a victim’s chance of survival.”

Ranyah, 2, Toledo

www.toledoparent.com • October 2016 •

Compiled by Randi Petrello and Kimberly Feldkamp

Moms Pump Here Are you a nursing mom? Looking for a place to feed your baby or pump in public? Well, there’s an app for that. Thanks to MomsPumpHere, nursing mamas on the go can easily find a clean place to pump or breastfeed their babies. Created by moms for moms, the app lists more than 5,000 room locations including quiet, private nursing rooms, lactation lounges and breastfeeding-friendly places in the United States, Canada, UK, Singapore, Australia and more, all vetted by moms. App available through Apple iTunes and Google Play. momspumphere.com

Teal Pumpkin Project aims to raise food allergy awareness Halloween can be worrisome for some children, as one in 13 children in the U.S. suffers from a food allergy, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The Teal Pumpkin Project allows children with allergies to feel more at ease while trick or treating. Started in 2014, the project promotes safety, inclusion and respect for those with allergies. The goal is to provide non-food treats for kids with allergies to various foods, including peanuts, eggs, dairy, wheat and more. To participate, set out a pumpkin, real or fake, that has been painted teal. When trick-or-treaters arrive, give out items such as stickers, toys, glow sticks, bubbles, or crayons. These items can be found at party supply stores, dollar stores or online. Last year almost 20,000 families nationwide pledged to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. —RP For more information and ideas go to: foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project.

Record Climb

Ain’t no mountain too high for eight-year-old Cece Camp. This September the third grader traveled to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to climb a difficult route known as the North Ridge. Her goal was to set a record by becoming the youngest climber to reach the top. While high winds and cold temperatures kept her from reachng the peak, Cece still learned a valuable lesson. “Even though nature wasn’t on her side this time, Cece followed her dream. She pushed as hard as she could, giving it everything she had when the world was literally pushing back,” said Jeff Camp, Cece’s dad. “She can officially call herself an alpinist at 8. That’s pretty cool.” gofundme.com/cecediamondrecord

Calling young comedians

Master the improv stage this month with the Toledo Repertoire Theater’s fall workshop “Comedy Improv for Kids”. Students will get a crash course in instant performance and learn the same games and techniques you see in “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The workshop is Saturday, October 15, for students ages 7-11 and Saturday, October 22, for ages 12-17. Cost is $15. For more details or to sign up, visit toledorep.org

#ThatSelfieShow A group of students from Notre Dame Academy experienced the trip of a lifetime when they took the stage at the prestigious Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Students performed That #Selfie Show, with Notre Dame Academy as the only Ohio school to perform in the first festival session. The Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world, features performances of music, theatre, dance and comedy acts during a three-week run each August. Notre Dame Academy was selected from U.S. and Canadian schools who were nominated by the American High School Theatre Festival Board, which identified the top high schools based on their most recent bodies of work, awards, community involvement, philosophies and recommendations.

Ready, set, audition Mark your calendar for this year’s audition dates for the American Guild of Organists scholarship auditions, 2pm Sunday, October 23 at the First Presbyterian Church in Maumee. Each fall the Toledo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) awards several scholarships, including a $500 award for the top qualifying high school student. Winners have the opportunity to perform in a recital the following spring. Auditions are open to students in grades seven through 12. For more information and audition applications, visit toledoago.org. The deadline for applications is October 16.

• October 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

Toledo Lucas County Library - King Branch With cooler days and longer nights upon us, fall is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book. When Toledo Lucas County Public Library opens its 20th branch location this month, it’ll be even easier to pick up some great reading material. The King Road Branch Library in Sylvania will officially open its doors on October 10. You’ll still find traditional library services like storytime and book checkout, but this new branch will offer state-of-the-art technology and convenient amenities like a drive-thru to pick up and drop off materials. For more details on the grand opening, visit toledolibrary.org. 3986 King Road, Toledo.

2017 Tryout Dates "VÌ°ÊÓÎÀ`ÊUÊÓ Î« Ê*Ài /ÀÞ ÕÌÊ iiÌ }ÊUÊÎ x« Ê > Ê"«i Ê ÕÃi "VÌ°ÊÎäÌ ÊUÊ > £Ó«Ê1££ÊEÊ1£ÓÊ/À>Ûi Ê/ÀÞ ÕÌÃÊUÊÓ Î\Îä« Ê1£äÊ/À>Ûi Ê/ÀÞ ÕÌÃ Û°ÊÈÌ ÊUÊ > £Ó«Ê1£{Ê/À>Ûi Ê/ÀÞ ÕÌÃÊUÊÓ x«Ê1£ÎÊ/À>Ûi Ê/ÀÞ ÕÌÃ Û°Ê£ÎÌ ÊUÊ > £Ó«Ê1£ÈÊ/À>Ûi Ê/ÀÞ ÕÌÃÊUÊÓ {\Îä«Ê1£ÇÊEÊ1£nÊ/À>Ûi Ê/ÀÞ ÕÌÃÊ UÊÈ «Ê1£xÊ/À>Ûi Ê/ÀÞ ÕÌÃ Early registration is $30 available online now. Day of registration is $40.

2016 Fall Training begins Oct. 2 Technical Series Ê {Ê À ÃÜ }]Ê xÊ-iÌÌ }]Ê ÈÊ-iÀÛ }]ÊEÊ ÇÊ ivi Ãi Open Gym -Õ `>ÞÊ> `Ê7i` iÃ`>ÞÃÊ ÊfxÊi ÌÀÞ *Ài /ÀÞ ÕÌÊ{ÊÛÊ{ÊÌ ÕÀ > i Ì

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Green Bubble Gorgeous It’s time to get your bubble on, Gorgeous! Green Bubble Gorgeous, which makes handcrafted luxury bath and body goods, now has a flagship store in Grand Rapids, Ohio that offers decadent body products like olive oil soaps, scrubs, bath bombs, body butters and facial care. Green Bubble Gorgeous products are as good for you as they look and smell– they’re all paraben, phthalate, SLS and Petro free. For fall, you’ll find favorites like the Natural Sugar Scrub Pumpkin Creme Brulee or the Pumpkin Creme Brulee Olive Oil Soap. Be prepared– you won’t be leaving this store empty-handed. Green Bubble Gorgeous, 24195 Front Street Suite 3, Grand Rapids, Ohio.

Achieve Center Opens New Doors Achieve Career Preparatory Academy started the school year at a new campus on Martha Avenue in Toledo. The renovated facility has extensive technology, including a 3-D computer lab, a huge gym, full kitchen and plenty of green space. Achieve is a tuition-free community high school educating grades 8-12. Students create a career or college plan and can work in their area of interest while gaining valuable experience and job training, with the ability to graduate in two years. Achieve Career Preparatory Academy, 3891 Martha Ave, Toledo, Ohio.

New Art in the Neighborhood There’s new art in the neighborhood, thanks to a project collaboration between the Old West End Neighborhood Initiatives (OWENI) and The Arts Commission. The project was planned with input from OWENI leadership and residents to beautify the community through resident engagement. Under the direction of local artist Natalie Lanese, youth volunteers from the Kent Library Branch helped to create a mural for installation on Detroit Avenue. Lanese designed imagery for local youth to paint, which took about 100 hours and one month to complete. This project created partnerships within the neighborhood, provided artistic opportunities and brightened up a gateway into the central city. You can find the mural at 3333 N Detroit Avenue. photo credit: Lindsay Akens

www.toledoparent.com • October 2016 •

Kristian Brown: Working TV Mom Gives Advice By Christine A. Holliday Moms know the drill. They have to keep on top of it all: school schedules, health appointments, sports activities, and local events. Kristian Brown is one of those moms. With three children, she is busy keeping tabs on her brood’s homework, sports matches, and visits to friends. At the same time, she works as a news reporter and anchor at 13abc WTVG-TV, keeping the rest of us informed with the news we need.

Lights, Action

Camera,

Brown got her first taste of broadcasting at St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, as a member of the class of 1996. She recalls her Kristian Brown and her husband Tirrell are parents to 11-year-old excitement at being asked Isaiah and 8-year-old twins Laila (near her mom) and Lauren. to do the morning announcements, saying she She credits her mom and her husband was hooked on broadcasting from that Terrill with keeping things going on the moment. With the help of her late father, home front. “I am blessed that my mother Pastor Richard Brown, she learned and is retired. She has been the true force in developed time management skills and allowing me to keep a balance. It is tough study habits. Then she took her enthu- working 9:30am to 6:30pm. My kids siasm and abilities to the E.W. Scripps have after-school activities, they have School of Journalism at Ohio University homework, we have to keep up with the to earn a degree in broadcast journalism. laundry and make sure dinner is made. Following her first job was as a reporter My mom plays the role of tutor, and my at KTVE in Monroe, LA, she returned to husband is the after-school ‘Uber’ for the work at WTOL TV 11 in Toledo before kids and their activities. It is not always joining 13abc. seamless, but we make it work.” She has a long list of awards and honors for her work on television, including Breathe, Believe, Receive Toledo’s coveted 20 Under 40 Award in Brown has some good advice for other 2007, the Northwest Ohio Black Media working moms. “Breathe. Find time to Association Media Achievement Award do something you love for an hour a in 2008, and a Telly Award and Associ- day. I enjoy going to the gym. It makes ated Press award for her story entitled me feel accomplished and it also make “Hip Hop Math.” my health a priority.” She continues, “Believe. You must beFinding Balance lieve that you are making an impact in Keeping us all informed forces her to your home. Sometimes it feels like the work long days, learning to balance the work will never end, but all your hard fluctuating schedules of a broadcaster work will pay off. One day, your kids will with that of a wife and mom. “I abso- be appreciative, compassionate and posilutely believe that being a mom made tive contributors to the community.” me a better journalist. I believe I am “Receive,” she insists. “We all like to tapped into what moms want to know think we can do it all…but sometimes to keep their families safe, because I feel we cannot. If someone offers a hand, let the same way. But, at the same time, I them. Use the extra time to breathe!” don’t have it all together; it’s a constant “I’ve learned to do what I can,” this effort,” Brown said. busy working mom explains, “and not cry over what I cannot. I surrender the rest in prayer.” Good advice! 8

• October 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

Halloween guide

A go-to resource to guarantee a spooktacular October By Kimberly Feldkamp

There’s so much to love about fall – the crisp air, the beauty of the changing leaves and the fun of pumpkin patches, hayrides, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating. We’ve rounded up a boo-tiful list of Halloween happenings. Happy Haunting!

Pick a Pumpkin Patch Fleitz Pumpkin Farm

Daily 10am-7pm through October 31 7133 Seaman Rd., Oregon 419-836-7613 • Fleitzpumpkinfarm.com It’s not fall without a trip to the pumpkin patch. Head to Fleitz Pumpkin Farm to find your perfect pumpkin, wander through mini corn mazes and feed goats and chickens.You can hop on a hayride for $1 before hitting the snack shack with homemade apple doughnuts and apple cider.

Country Tree Lane Farms Fall Festival, Panic in the Pines*, Haunted Hayride and Trail* 11am-4pm Saturday and Sundays all October 3523 Balander Rd., Genoa 419-461-1298 • countrylanetreefarm.com

You’ll find something fun for everyone here! There’s cow-milking, farm animal feeding, a petting zoo, pony rides, a playground and a corn maze. All of that before you hit the area’s largest pumpkin patch. Admission is $5 for adults, $10 for kids ages 3-10; under 2 are free. If you dare for a scare, stick around for the Panic in the Pines Haunted Hayride and Trail *October 15, 22 & 29. Tickets are $20. Panic in the Pines is not recommended for small children.

GIANT PUMPKINS FRESH HOMEMADE DONUTS HAYRIDES AND CORN MAZES

Johnson Fruit Farm

8am-7pm daily 2790 US-20 ALT, Swanton 419-826-1453 • johnsonfruitfarms.com

BARN FOR KIDS TO PLAY IN, CRAFT BARN OPEN DAILY: 10AM-7PM

Interested in apple or pumpkin picking? This is the place to go to pick out your own produce or find the perfect gourd. There’s also apple cider, homemade donuts and a petting zoo.

7133 Seaman Rd Oregon, OH | 419-836-7613 | fleitzpumpkinfarm.com

Fall Festivals Apple Stir Festival

10am-6pm • October 1-2 MacQueen Orchards 7605 Garden Rd., Holland 419-865-2916 • macqueenorchards.com For more than 30 years this festival has been a great way to kickstart the autumn season. Join in on family festivities with apple picking, touring the Giant Apple Cider Press, and riding in wagons. Live performances, an apple pie baking contest, pony rides and bounce houses will keep everyone entertained.

Sylvania Fall Festival

11am-4pm • October 16 Downtown Sylvania • Sylvaniafallfest.com Don’t miss this annual tradition in its 31st year. Enjoy food and craft vendors, kids’ activities and games and a fun parade through the streets of downtown Sylvania. Kids of all ages are welcome and your fourlegged friends are, too!

Northwood Fall Festival

11am-10pm • October 8 Central Park (corner of Wales and Oram), Northwood Spend your Saturday outside at Central Park! This festival kicks off with a parade at 11am, followed by games, a cornhole tournament, a car show, a beer garden and ends with live entertainment.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

www.toledoparent.com • October 2016 •

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Halloween guide Fall Festivals (contINUEd)

Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest

10am-5pm, October 9 Downtown Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Ohio 419-748-8238 • applebutterfest.org

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2790 US HIGHWAY 20A, 43558 ONE MILE WEST OF SWANTON, OHIO (419) 826-1453

UÊ «« i]Ê >« iÊ ÀÊ *Õ « Ê ÕÌÃt

Mon - Sat: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Sun: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

JohnstonFruitFarms.com

A traditional fall event that’s fun for the whole family. Enjoy making apple butter and experiencing farm exhibits, pioneer demonstrations, military and colonial life reenactments, and feast on fall foods such as bratwurst, steel-kettle bean soup and apple creations.

Fall on the Farm

10am-5pm, October 8 Sauder Village 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, Ohio 419-446-2541 • saudervillage.org Take a step back in time and help prepare the farm for the winter ahead! Roll up your sleeves and get ready to shell corn, pick apples and make apple cider. At Fall on the Farm, children get a sense of farm life with hands-on activities such as digging potatoes, making pumpkin leather, drying apples and churning butter.

Halloween safety tips

By Randi Petrello

Keep anything too frightening from happening to your little ghosts and goblins by following a few simple safety tips: Choose the right costume: A bright, light-colored costume is easier to see at night, and one that fits well will prevent trips and falls. Add glow sticks or reflective tape to increase visibility. Inspect your children’s candy: Look through the candy and toss any that appear to be open. If in doubt, throw it away. Be street safe: Cross at street corners and crosswalks. Do not cut between parked cars. Visit: only well lit homes in familiar neighborhoods. Older kids: trick or treating without adults should stick to a group.

Amazing (corn) Mazes Kackleberry Farm

Th 5-10pm, Fri 5-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-10pm until November 6 6421 N. Stony Creek Rd., Monroe, MI 734-240-0825 • kackleberryfarm.com It’s a great corn maze, Charlie Brown! Kackleberry Farm is one of 90 farms across the country to feature a unique, one-of-a-kind corn maze that pays tribute to the beloved Halloween classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! You won’t want to miss this maze, open until November 6. A regular farm pass is $12.

Leaders Farm

Fri 6-10pm, Sat 2-10pm, Sunday 2-9pm until October 30 0064 Co. Rd. 16, Napoleon 419-599-1570 • leadersfarm.com Another local location to feature a unique corn maze that pays tribute to the Halloween classic It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! If this amazing maze isn’t enough, there’s also a barnyard, hayrides, jumping pillow and more to keep the family entertained. Prices start at $9 for ages five and up and increase depending on activities.

• October 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

Fall Family Fun Nights 6-9pm, October 21-22 Sauder Village 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, Ohio 419-446-2541 â&#x20AC;˘ saudervillage.org

Haunted Happenings Garrison Ghostwalk 7-9:30pm, October 21 & 28 Fort Meigs: Ohio War of 1812 Battlefield 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg 419 -874-4121 â&#x20AC;˘ fortmeigs.org

Make your reservation now for this spirited stroll through Fort Meigs. An 1812 tour guide will lead your family through the historic place, sharing tales from the past. A frightfully fun event for the whole family.

Family Haunted Bike Ride 10:30am-3pm, October 22 Oak Openings Preserve, Whitehouse register.mvadventures.org

Exercise combines with fall fun in this family bike event that covers three to five miles of haunted trail, all within Oak Openings Metropark. The Maumee Valley Adventurers haunted ride is designed for families with children ages 12 and under. Put on your costume and bike helmet and hit the park for a memorable fall day.

ScreamAcres Haunted Cornfield

Dark to 10pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October 30 Leaders Farm 0064 Co. Rd. 16, Napoleon 419-599-1570 â&#x20AC;˘ screamacres.com If your teens are looking for a real fright, Scream Acres is sure to deliver! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a night full of terror as you as you make your way through a haunted cornfield, monster-infested laboratories, wild warzones and more.

Not recommended for young children.

Frightfully Fun Stuff Boo on the Boat

10am-2pm Museum of the Great Lakes 1701 Front St., Toledo 419-214-5000 â&#x20AC;˘ inlandseas.org Your ghouls and goblins will have loads of Halloween fun aboard one of Toledoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most historic haunts, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship. Come in costume to trick-or-treat from the pilot house to the galley and everywhere in between. Museum admission required.

Sky Zone Black Light Trunk or Treat 7-9pm, October 30 1600 Albon Rd., Holland 419-491-1194 â&#x20AC;˘ skyzone.com/toledo

Sky Zone indoor trampoline park will go dark for a special black-light trickor-treating event. Youngsters can walk through Sky Zone collecting candy before hitting the back lot where cars will be decorated for a trunk or treat. Cost is $10 per child.

Halloween Boo Cruise

October 26-29 Departure times: Weekdays: 5:30, 6:15 and 7pm Saturday: noon, 12:45, 1:30 and 2:15pm Sandpiper Boat, Jefferson Ave. Docks Jefferson Ave. & Summit St., Toledo 419-537-1212 â&#x20AC;˘ sandpiperboat.com

The tricks begin once the sun goes down during Fall Family Fun Nights at Sauder Village. Treat your family to some Halloween fun with hayrides, pumpkin painting, evening train rides and more! Pre-registration is required.

Boo at the Toledo Zoo 10am-3pm, October 20-21 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-5721 â&#x20AC;˘ toledozoo.org/boo

A chance for toddlers and preschoolers to delight without the fright! The little ones come in costume to trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, play games and make Halloween crafts. Separate fee.

Pumpkin Path

10am-4pm, October 22-23 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-5721â&#x20AC;˘ toledozoo.org/pumpkins Pumpkin Path is when the Halloween fun really comes alive! In addition to trick-or-treating for all ages, there will also be games, artistic pumpkin carving demonstrations, bounce houses and magic shows to entertain all the ghosts and goblins. Separate fee.

Jumping Pumpkins

10am-3pm, October 29 2 Hipp Way, Toledo 419-385-5721 â&#x20AC;˘ toledozoo.org/jumpingpumpkins

Toledo October 31, 6-8pm Sylvania/ Sylvania Township October 31, 6 - 7:30pm Ottawa Hills October 31, 6 - 7:30pm Waterville October 31, 6 - 8pm Whitehouse October 31, 6 - 8pm Bowling Green October 31, 6 - 8pm For a full list of times go to toledoparent.com

Zoo animals get to share in the Halloween fun when they find pumpkins in their exhibits. Some of will make a meal and others will make a mess, but all of them will be using their natural instincts and displaying natural behaviors. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

By land or by sea, trick or treat is a guarantee. This Halloween, leave dry land and check out a Boo Cruise with your little ones. A non-scary experience for kids of all ages, this 30-minute boat ride delivers plenty of treats and little tricks. Be sure to bring your costume on board!

Keep your little monsters happy!

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Halloween guide

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Frightfully Fun Stuff Bring this Ad for $2 off your next open jump time for the month of October

(contINUEd)

Trunk or Treat Fun Festival

3-6pm, October 13 • First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo 6520 Pilliod Rd., Holland • 419-865-9174 • fbcogt.com Grab your costumes and head to this free festival. In addition to trick or treating, kids can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and more. Don’t miss it!

Trunk or Treat

6-8pm, October 26 Crossroads Community Church 6960 Sylvania Petersburg Rd.,Ottawa Lake, MI 734-854-130 • crossroadson23.com Enjoy safe, family-friendly trick or treating where kids can visit more than 75 decorated car trunks at Crossroads Community Church parking lot. There’s also inflatables, live music, hayrides, stage performances, a photo booth, bonfire and more! This is a free event, except for food available for purchase.

Friday from 9pm-11pm

Valid at Toledo location ONLY good through Oct. 31st, 2016

Spooky Science

12-5pm, October 22-23, 29-30 Imagination Station • 1 Discovery Way 419-244-2674 • imaginationstationtoledo.org You’ve never seen science this scary- or fun! Explore the hair-raising, bone-chilling, spine-tingling myths of Halloween while learning chemistry, physics and biology with fun, spooky activities.

Halloween Doesn’t Have to be Scary for Children with ADHD According to the Brain & Behavior Foundation, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 3-5% of American children. That’s approximately two million children struggling with impulsivity, disorganization, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness and restlessness. Special events can create more challenges for these children than usual. With Halloween just around the corner, all of its costumes, scary and exciting moments and sweet sugary candy everywhere can present unique challenges to children with ADHD. Children with ADHD tend to become stimulated at special events (think classroom Halloween party, a Costume Walk around school, Trick-or-Treating) – especially since they are surrounded by other children who are also excited. Additional stimuli can make kids that tend to be overactive and impulsive lose self-control, sometimes in a big way. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that can be done to help prevent overstimulation: Talk to your child before Halloween. Explain that they are going to wake up on Halloween morning feeling more excited than usual. Remind them to take deep breaths, slow down and enjoy the day. You both want it to be fun and you will appreciate their cooperation.

Do your best to limit the amount of candy they have in one sitting. Talk to the child, talk to the teacher or do both. Establish regular meal times with healthy food. This is important every day, but is especially vital on special days like Halloween. This will regulate their blood sugar and make the treats slightly less tempting. Make a deal—as long as they eat the healthy foods, they can enjoy some candy. Set limits for trick-or-treating. There is no need to drive all over town or hit several neighborhoods. Supplement trick-or-treat time with another fun activity, such as going to the movies. Your child also might enjoy handing out candy –it’s always fun to see the other costumes. Some parents buy back some or all of their child’s candy. This option may work, depending on your child’s personality. If they do sacrifice their candy for money, take them shopping for a new toy or something they will love. If they won’t part with their stash, set daily limits on how much candy can be eaten. Paying special attention to your child’s diet and preparing them ahead of time for parties and trick-or-treating can prevent Halloween Howls for all. For more information or for additional help dealing with holiday stressors, call Harbor at 419-475-4449.

Donna Bacon, M.Ed., LSC Prevention Education Specialist 419.475.4449 www.harbor.com

• October 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

“Hoodies, bonfires, football & smiles”

Happy Fall

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www.toledoparent.com • October 2016 •

• October 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

OPEN HOUSE

25 years ďż˝ teaching dance

Halloween Dance Party Saturday, October 29th

Parents, mark your calendars! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re invited to the following schools as they open their doors to families looking for the best educational options. Meet the teachers, tour the schools, and find the best fit for your child.

St. Ursula Academy

Classes for ages 2 & Up Use of Tap or Ballet Shoes with Registration Personal and rewarding recitals Performances outside the dance center

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419.473.0999 | 2437 TREMAINSVILLE RD. | WWW.MINIMOTIONSDANCE.COM

West Side Montessori

4025 Indian Rd. 419-531-1683 toledosua.org

7115 W. Bancroft St. montessoritoledo.org

Open house: Sunday, November 13 from noon to 3 pm

Open house: Thursday, November 3 from 9 to 10:30 am

At St. Ursula Academy every hero has a story. Academic Excellence, AllGirls, Faith Formation, Individual Attention, and Leadership are just some of the chapters in SUAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book. This Catholic college prep school serves grades 6 through 12. At the Open House families can take a student-guided tour and learn why SUA is where your daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story should begin.

For 40 years, West Side Montessori has been inspiring the development of individual children in a safe and supportive environment that gives them the freedom to explore, create and become independent learners. One of only five accredited Montessori schools in Ohio, West Side Montessori offers programs for toddlers through eighth grade.

Maumee Valley Country Day School 1715 S. Reynolds Rd. 419-381-1313 â&#x20AC;˘ mvcds.org

Open house: Sunday, November 13 from 1 to 3 pm MVCDS is an independent, co-educational school for preschool through grade 12 that challenges, supports and prepares students for success academically and in life. Tour the 75-acre campus, meet teachers and talk to current students to discover why MVCDS is a first choice for many families. continued on page 16

www.toledoparent.com â&#x20AC;˘ October 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

continued from page 15

Your Best Choice in Personalized K-6 Education!

Notre Dame Academy

3535 W. Sylvania Ave. • 419-475-9359 • nda.org

Open house: Sunday, November 6 From 11 am to 2 pm Notre Dame Academy is an all-girls Catholic school for young women in grades 7 through 12. The only school in Northwest Ohio to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, Notre Dame Academy has the largest, all-girls’ fine arts program, more than 30 clubs and sports, and many spiritual and service opportunities.

St. Francis de Sales High School

2323 W. Bancroft St. • 419-531-1618 • sfstoledo.org

Open house: Sunday, November 13 from 1 to 4 pm

i nternational

LE A D E R S H I P E ntrepreneurial Development A rts De s i g n Now Enrolling! Call or email to schedule a tour

A Tuition-FREE Public Charter School 1615 Timberwolf Drive, Holland, OH 43528

iLEADSpringMeadows.org 419-491-7423

• October 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

A Catholic college prep school for young men, St. Francis de Sales promotes the academic, spiritual, social and physical development of students in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, who challenges “be who you are and be that well”.

Kitchen

NEW

COL

Table Politics

Including your kids in the conversation Nourishing bodies and mind By Sam Melden

I love my kitchen table. A few friends of mine made it out of wood left over from the repairs the front porch of our old house. It’s one of those “trendy” farm-style tables, but it was also quite cheap because it was repurposed from an intense building project. It seats 8-10 people and will be in our house for a long, long time. Recently, my wife and I have been thinking about the role this table plays in our kids lives.

Heart of the home

We have three daughters and they eat and draw and read and write at that table. They also laugh and scream and argue and spill and smear food at that table. It holds a significant place in their life and whether they know it or not, it fills an important role in their development. How to clean up and how to have fun with your family.

talking about family and friends or what’s happening in the neighborhood or what N! bills we need to pay. Sometimes we are talking about current events and headlines and political candidates and campaigns. And while the subjects may change, around this table everything is in someway connected. Yet, we have found that sometimes there can be a hefty, and not so healthy, distance between the kitchen table experience our kids have and the kitchen table experience we have. We want to merge the two. How can we talk about the issues that really matter to us with our kids? And especially in this election season, how can we talk to our girls about the political issues that matter to our family? How can we begin to merge those two conversations when apSam and daughter Norah, age 6 propriate and formative to our young children?

And while they are learning manners and listening skills they are also learning how Mommy and Daddy interact with each other. Learning about conflict and resolution and sustenance and contentment and lack and want. It is the place our children are filled. We have some really great moments around this table. But what else our little ones be learning at this table? A few nights a week, after the kids go to bed, this table transforms into the space where my wife, Lindsey, and I discuss all different issues. Sometimes we’re talking about what homeschooling might look like in upcoming weeks. Sometimes we are

Recipe for success

I think the best way to form some of the most central habits and perspectives in our children is to begin with those topics and issues that are most central to them. Want to talk about poverty? Talk about hunger at the dinner table and see what conversation emerges. Sure, it may be easy to talk to my three daughters about the possibility of the first woman president in US history, but what about crumbling infrastructure and pothole-ridden roads and tap water with microcystin? Go to the

lake and ask them what color the water should be. Then start to explore how the water became that shade of neon green. The next time you are on a bike ride together ask them who should take care of the roads? All of these conversations, bit by bit, add up to something. As we have started to explore these discussions, we found we need our children in this dialogue. They are the most creative, intuitive and imaginative people on the planet. Why not give them a shot at thinking about these things? When we teach our kids, we force ourselves to become more informed. We gain perspective. By talking to our children we discover the issues that really matter. It is an active practice that forces us to be involved. It forces us to research and dig for answers to those questions your kids ask that leave you stumped. “Kitchen table politics” is a common term in political circles referring to issues that immediately affect our lives. What is more immediate than our kids? What has a deeper effect than their well-being? What if kitchen table politics referred to the issues that mattered to you so much, that you had to talk to your children about it? What would that list look like for you? I encourage you to explore it. Sam Meldon is committed to furthering the common good in Toledo through politics, leadership and community involvement while including three daughters with his wife Lindsey.

www.toledoparent.com • October 2016 •

Playing Pokemon Go Safely Common Sense Rules for Augmented Reality By Carolyn Jabs

MY FAMILY My Way

Moving Past Labels

Addressing special needs in order to move forward By Erin Marsh

Pokemon GO may be the first breakthrough game to use augmented reality (AR), but it certainly won’t be the last. The boundaries between virtual and tangible worlds have been blurring for a long time, and new games fuse the two into one irresistible package. Pokemon GO makes tiny monsters appear everywhere from museums and malls to backyards and kitchens. Entire families have cheerfully headed out into their neighborhoods and beyond to collect as many monsters as they can. But augmented reality also creates risks. As a parent, keep these five P’s in mind as you create game ground rules.

Permissions

Children under 13 can’t sign up for games unless they have parental permission. Younger children need supervision in augmented reality so play together if you can. Or ask your child to walk you through the game so you can comment on what’s fun and what’s risky. AR apps also ask for permissions when they are installed, and parents should get in the habit of reviewing every request. The best policy is to give each app as little permission as possible.

Place

AR games encourage children to explore the world but kids still need boundaries. For kids old enough to play without direct supervision, be very clear about where they are allowed to go, especially if monsters show up outside of the approved play zone. Remind children to use caution near water, never cross safety barricades and don’t trespass on private property.Traffic is another obvious risk. People staring at phones have bumped into things and stepped in front of cars.Turn the game off while driving or riding bikes, scooters or skateboards.

People

The best games are often social, and AR is no exception. Chatting with others who are playing in the same vicinity seems natural, and some objectives require teamwork. Most of the people your child encounters will be fellow enthusiasts. But the Pokemon GO game draws Pokemon— and their hunters— to specific locations, and that creates opportunities for predators. Remind your child that all the usual rules about talking to or going anywhere with strangers apply. Encourage kids to play with friends and reiterate the fact that they shouldn’t go into isolated places like dark alleys or abandoned buildings.

Price

Apps are seductive because they seem to be free but something is always for sale. In the case of Pokemon GO, players can purchase Pokeballs, Pokecoins and lures that will make it easier to catch rare specimens. Make it clear that your child needs to get approval before spending real money on virtual goods. Because Pokemon GO depends on GPS tracking, it consumes lots of data. Show older kids how to monitor usage so they don’t exceed the family limit.

Privilege

Playing any game is a privilege that can be revoked if kids don’t follow the rules. When is it OK to play? When do you expect phones to be powered down? Are there things your child can do to earn extra time? What behaviors will result in suspending privileges? The answers to these questions won’t be the same for every family, but it’s always up to parents to be sure that the allure of AR is tempered with real world common sense. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing Growing Up Online for more than a decade. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart, available on Amazon and at cooperativewisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2016, CarolynJabs. All rights reserved. 18

Erin Marsh shares a smile with son Dexter and daughter Camille during family yoga time. When I pick up our three-year-old son from the fitness center childcare, I frequently hear something along the lines of “Dexter was great again today! He played, helped out and was just overall easy!” As a parent, these positive reports are welcomed. A year ago, however, this was not the case. When I was pregnant with our second child, the gym had to write an incident report because Dexter hit another girl over the head with a toy and broke the skin. (In his defense, she was taking away his toys and he was still unable to speak, but it was the last straw for me.) That was the moment when I decided to stop taking him to any function with children because it was overwhelming for him and exhausting for me. Fast-forward a year and things are quite different. Today Dexter uses ageappropriate words and sentence structure, and his behavioral issues have all but disappeared. The high maintenance twoyear-old seems like the evil twin of our current little boy.

Early Intervention

It’s possible that Dexter just outgrew that stage of his life, but the more likely reason for his maturation is the services he received from Help Me Grow, his speech language pathologist (SLP), and recently, Sylvania Schools. We scheduled an evaluation at Help Me Grow when Dex was just over two. They suspected a speech delay, sensory processing disorder, and mild low muscle tone. We knew his speech was lagging and he was more active than most toddlers his age, so when we heard the diagnoses, it all made sense. Our early intervention developmental specialist from Help Me Grow came over once a week to work with Dex, and the occupational therapist visited once a month. They both gave us seemingly simple tricks to help Dex build muscle tone and address his sensory-seeking needs, and we immediately noticed a difference in his behavior.

• October 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

After a few weeks of speech therapy, our SLP, Katie Nelson, administered the Kaufman Speech Praxis Test (KSPT). Dexter’s results confirmed what Nelson had already suspected: childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). We were bummed by yet another label, but addressing the other issues had proven so effective that we were anxious to tackle the CAS as well. As Dexter’s speech continued to improve, his sensory-seeking behavior seemed to slowly dissipate.

Steady Progress

When Dexter turned three, we enrolled him at Northview Preschool, where he is part of the special education program. In just a few short months, Dex blossomed. His speech advanced rapidly, his behavior drastically improved, and he turned into the easy little boy who merits rave reviews from childcare workers and strangers at the store! Maybe Dexter didn’t need all of that therapy– maybe he would have outgrown all of this on his own– but we believe it all helped make him the awesome little boy he is today. We are so thankful we acted upon our concerns and sought out help. He still has his moments but I now have the pleasure of the world seeing the same sweet little boy that I have always seen.

Need a little help?

If you think your child might be behind on a milestone or could use a little extra help, there are three local resources to look into: Help Me Grow Early Intervention (Lucas County): 419.725.7194 Family physician/pediatrician: PediatriCare 419.841.6202 Franklin Park Pediatrics 419.475.5433 Toledo Peds 419.291.2121 Rehab Dynamics 419.841.1840

www.toledoparent.com • October 2016 •

The Wild, Wild West…..Of Ohio

Mail Pouch Saloon returns to Haskins By Karen L. Zickes

Mail Pouch Saloon

102 W. Main St. Haskins, OH 43525 419-806-7616 Mon-Thur: 11a.m.-10p.m. Fri-Sat: 11a.m.-1a.m. Sun: 11a.m.-10p.m. www.mailpouchsaloon.com Haskins, Ohio. If you blink on your way to Bowling Green, you’ll likely miss it. When a new restaurant reclaimed a historic space and boasted the “best damn food in Haskins,” I had to chuckle because I was pretty sure it was the ONLY restaurant in Haskins. The renovations were laborious, but the end result proves no detail was too big or too small.

Bringing back the old… and making it new

Restaurants are a dime a dozen and frankly, I am tired of the quantity of nondescript restaurants around town that offer mediocre atmosphere, food, and service. Yes, I want scrumptious food, but I want all the extras, too! Mail Pouch Saloon hits the mark on unique. The building that Mail Pouch Saloon calls home has quite a history, and the owners of the “new” Mail Pouch Saloon, Jamie Wietrzykowski and Larry Bertok, took extra care to preserve that history. Over the years the building has housed a grocery store, car dealership, post office, restaurants, and in 1977, the original Mail Pouch Saloon. Wietrzykowski and Bertok went to great lengths to renovate the building and create an old western saloon. The outside seasonal patio and bar, referred to as the Smokin’ Gun Bar and Patio, allows customers to enjoy swings at the bar and cigar events, featuring cigars from Third Street Cigar Smoking Lounge in Waterville. I realize you won’t be looking for a cigar event to attend with the family, but keep that in mind for a dads’ night out! Mail Pouch claims to be as biker-night friendly as it is family friendly. The kids and I were

happy to see that our favorite magician, Andrew Martin, performs tableside magic on Thursdays 6-8pm. We’ll be back! Using old pallets for wood siding really adds to the theme of an old western saloon. Despite seeing “Most Wanted” signs hanging around, spittoons, and the various other things that make it a true old western saloon, patrons in the year 2016 can enjoy modern amenities such as a plethora of TVs playing anything you want, free Wi-Fi for those who can’t live without the ’net, jukebox, mini arcade (for the kid in all of us) and more. Upon our return, I want to check out the historical photos in the bar top.

Bottom Line: If you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to step back in time, take a short jaunt to Haskins, Ohio where you’ll find a bit of the wild, wild west in the Midwest. Mail Pouch Saloon will not disappoint on atmosphere, food, and service. Despite the presence of “saloon” in its name, it’s very family friendly and includes Andrew Martin magician on Thursdays and a kids’ menu to more than satisfy your little buckaroos.

Portions for a cowboy

Despite the large horseshoe bar, dining tables, booths, and high-top tables, we still needed to wait a few minutes for a seat on a busy Saturday night. I have heard it’s as much a place for the locals as it is for those willing to travel a bit of a distance. It seems word has traveled through the vast frontier since its opening in February. Our waitress, Jeannette, was a delight. My children even commented on her friendly demeanor. For starters she recommended the Bavarian soft pretzel breadsticks with queso or cheddar cheese. The menu was almost overwhelming with enough choices to make any cowboy happy. Those with hearty appetites will enjoy ribs or a choice of steak, served with two sides. Other choices include almost any kind of burger and sandwich you can imagine as well as salads, wraps, wings, hot dogs with an inhouse made chili sauce, and a large variety of kickin’ chicken chunks. The chunks are cut in house daily from choice tenderloins. For $10.99 I threw caution to the wind and delved into breaded chunks dipped in parmesan herb garlic butter, and then topped with cheddar cheese and bacon. Even with my cowboy appetite, I was still unable to devour all of my chunks, so I had a delectable lunch the next day. For your little buckaroos, 10 and under,

the Mail Pouch offers eight generous options that include one side, drink, and goldfish for only $3.99. My youngest went for the cheeseburger and fries and my oldest enjoyed a Black Angus chuck-andsirloin blend burger. Mmmm, Mmmmm good.You had to roll us out to our wagon when we were done. Karen Zickes is a mom of three active children and freelance writer who resides in Holland, OH. She can be reached in c/o editor@toledoparent.com .

The Short Course Kid-friendly: Yes

To avoid wait: Weekend nights can be busy Noise level: Moderate to loud on a busy night

Bathroom amenities: Changing station High chairs? Yes Got milk? Yes

Kids’ menu? Yes

Food allergy concerns? Always check with your server before ordering to avoid cross contamination.

READ ONLINE:

toledoparent.com 20

• October 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

{ October

2016 }

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

1 SATURDAY MacQueen Orchards’ Apple Butter Stir Festival - Enjoy apple butter making, picking your own apples, cider making, craft show, pony rides, horse, wagon and kiddie rides. Come check out live entertainment, apple pie contest, Christmas gift barn, Martha’s Country Gifts, bakery and much more! Food served will include barbeque ribs, chicken, french fries, roasted almonds, Philly sandwiches, sausage, hot dogs and gyros. 11am-6pm on Saturday, 10am-6pm on Sunday. 7807 Angola Rd., Holland. 419-865-2916. macqueenorchards.com Free Heart & Sole Walk for AutismThis inaugural walk and fun run will include fall-themed children’s activities, a silent auction and informational fair linking families to local Autism support and disability services. Proceeds benefit Helping Empower Abilities Resource Team (H.E.A.R.T.) of Southeast Michigan, which provides programming promoting community inclusion, education, recreation and awareness for disabilities. 8:30am12:30pm. $8/kids age 13 and under, $20/adults. Heritage Park, 3221 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian, Michigan. 517-265-0950. promedica.org/event/ heart-sole-walk-for-autism

2 SUNDAY 2016 Mutt Strut / Fall Feline Festival at Fort Meigs - The Wood County Humane Society will host this dog walking event and festival at historic Fort Meigs. All dog and cat lovers are welcome! 11am-2pm. 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg. 419-352-7339. woodcountyhumanesociety.org Free

3 MONDAY Hispanic Heritage Month Family Dance Celebrations - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library system is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of great activities. Enjoy family dance celebrations in October at the following libraries: Oregon (6pm, October 3), Locke (4pm, October 10), West Toledo (4pm, October 12) and Sanger (6:30pm, October 20). For more information, 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org/hispanic-heritage-month-2016 Free Nursing Mothers Group - ProMedica Toledo Hospital’s Preparation for Parenthood is hosting a nursing mothers group. Come relax in a comfortable environment and spend time with other new breastfeeding moms. This ongoing support group is led by a certified lactation consultant who is also a mother. Topics will include breastfeeding lifestyle, sleep for babies and mom, managing time and relationships. An infant scale will be available for impromptu weight checks for the little ones. A second group will be held on Monday October 17. 7-8:30pm. Ronald McDonald House, 3883 Monroe St., Toledo. 419-291-5666. promedica.org/ event/nursing-mothers-group Free

5 WEDNESDAY Plants on Your Plate - Toledo Grows will show you how plant-based foods come from all different parts of a plant. Discover a variety of fruits and vegetables and the health benefits of these on your plate. 4pm. Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd., 419-250-5340. toledolibrary.org toledogarden.org/toledogrows Free

8 SATURDAY 14th Annual Autumn Harvest Festival - Enjoy delicious eats and fall treats around a warm bonfire, a tractor hayride on the farm or search the pumpkin patch for unique pumpkins and gourds. We’ll have a petting farm with barn animals, pony rides and indoor crafts and outdoor activities for kids of all ages. 11 am-5pm. Hoen’s Garden Center, 1710 Perrysburg Holland Rd, Holland. 419- 865-6566. hoensgardencenter.com/ events.html Free Lego Brick Architecture: Sky High Science exhibit opens - Visit the Imagination Station for their new exhibit of over half a million LEGO bricks, weighing 2,700 pounds and would stretch 11 miles long. See breathtaking large-scale skyscrapers built from LEGOS and travel from San Francisco to Shanghai, Dubai to Chicago and admire the unique skylines. After, build your own and play. 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday. Noon5pm, Sunday. $11/ages 13-64. $10/ ages 64+. $9/ages 3-12. Free/children 2 and under. See online for discounts. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. 419-244-2674. Imaginationstationtoledo.org

#BetheForce: Girl Leadership Summit Saturday, 10.16, 1-4 pm/ Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle Total Girl Package, a tween and teen girl confidence and leadership brand based in Toledo, Ohio, is hosting its first Girl Leadership Summit. The event will cover topics such as mean girls, body image, cyber bullies, personal confidence and strength, relationships, adversity and secret weapons for leadership success. Kristi K. Hoffman, M.S., the CEO of Total Package Global and author of the bestselling Amazon book Total Package Girl: Discover the Ultimate You for Life, is the brainchild behind the event.

Tickets are $15. Girls ages 11-17 are the target audience, as well as women and mentors. For more information, including the lineup of event speakers or to purchase tickets, visit TotalPackageGirl.com/Leadership2016.

Blessing of the Animals Saturday, 10.1, 11am St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Bring your furry friends to the Lucas County Courthouse lawn (opposite St. Paul’s Church, 428 N. Erie St.) to have your pets blessed. You can chat with trainers, groomers and visit with different vendors at this family-friendly event.

Tuesday, Nov. 8th

4:30-7:30pm