Toledo Parent - January February 2024

JANUARY/FEBUARY 2024

HEALTH &

WELLNESS HEALTHY HABITS FOR THE NEW YEAR, P12

Head of the Class

ADVICE FROM LOCAL EDUCATORS, P9

Sledding Hills in Toledo

DISCOVER THE AREA’S BEST SLOPES, P18

Niche, a highly regarded website that connects students to the best schools to address their academic interests, recently gave the highest honors to two TPS magnet high schools. Toledo Early College was named the number one magnet high school in Ohio.

Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering was ranked number two in that same category.

AUTO COLLISION PROGRAM

DOUG GOGOL Doug Gogol has taught with Toledo Public Schools for the last 14 years in the Auto Collision Program in the Career Tech Program. His classroom, the lab at Waite High School, is a garage with shop cars as well as outside customers where students learn and work on body repair, mechanics and painting, including work with a frame machine and dent repair.

Gogol has applied for and received 9 grants over the last decade from the Collision Repair Educational Foundation, a national organization that supports this training with funding to update equipment including this year’s funding used to evacuate exhaust from the welding area.

The TPS program partners with auto dealerships throughout the Toledo Area.

Gogol explains that, "any student that wants to work, I can get them a job. We have more inquiries (from employers) than we have students to fill them." He adds, "I want my students to be successful." All program graduates are immediately employable, as positions are almost guaranteed, with many working in auto mechanics, body repair, auto glass repair and other related areas.

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

ELISABETH STEWART Elisabeth Stewart is a high school junior, enrolled in the Auto Collision 1 class. Her interest in vehicle repair was enhanced by the hands on aspect and the gret things she heard from other students about Mr Gogol and how helpful and supportive he is. “He critiques your work in a way that is to your advantage,” she explains.

Her plans for the future include following her father into the mechanical field as a diesel mechanic. Elisabeth regards her classmates in the Career Tech program as friendly and working well together. She sees Mr Gogol as “really wanting to teach and to be in class with us. In other classes I don’t always get that same sense.”

Her experience with vehicle repair has brought “new light” to her career options,”you don’t often see women in this field so that pushes me to do this. I strive to do it because that will demonstrate that (as a woman) I can do it.” She relates that the work is not so much physically demanding but rather requires thought and exercises the recall and memory.”

Elisabeth encourages others to enroll in the vehicle repair program, “I think more people should give the class a chance instead of thinking that they cannot do it because they are not strong enough, or it is more manly. I believe that anybody is capable of doing it if they apply themselves. “

KENDRA WEBER Kendra Weber is taking the Transportation Technology class taught by Mr Gogol as a junior in high school.

Her interest in the Career Tech Auto Collision curriculum came when she took the opportunity to shadow other students in the program, watching them work on cars in the school lab with demonstrations on mechanical repair, painting and body work and other tasks.

Kendra grew up watching her mom work on cars and is excited about the career prospects available in auto repair. While she would like to have more girls in her class, she has encouraged friends and other students to give the auto tech courses a try. “I really love working with my hands, hands on learning, not just reading from a book, but working with tools,” she explains.

Her career aspirations include working on cars or diesel engines with more advanced training in the field. She says, “I have taken apart a small engine and put it back together. I just love the feeling of accomplishment that mechanical work provides.”

Magnet Schools Toledo Public Schools offers a number of magnet schols that are open to students who are interested in pursuing a specialized course of study. Students participate in project-based learning that includes hands-on activities and assignments that reinforce the curriculum.

High Schools AEROSPACE & NATURAL SCIENCE ACADEMY OF TOLEDO 11600 West Airport Service Road Swanton, OH 43558 419-671-1700 This school offers programs in aviation maintenance, animal science, urban agriculture, wildlife and fisheries, and partners with Delta Airlines, Interjet West, The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Toledo Metroparks.

JONES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY OF BUSINESS

2801 West Bancroft St. 419-671-4800 Students graduate with an average of 55 college credits, which means they can enter college or university as a junior.

TOLEDO PRE-MED AND HEALTH SCIENCE ACADEMY

This four-year academy focuses on Biomedical Science, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Nursing, and all Health Science fields. Students will have the opportunity upon graduation to begin an entry-level career in the medical field or choose to attend college and further their education.

430 Nebraska Ave. 419-671-5400 This 7th through 12th grade school provides a college and career readiness curriculum, with a focus on business and administrative pathways.

The Bloomberg Financial Lab allows students to analyze market data and earn a certification.

TOLEDO TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

Elementary Schools

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ACADEMY FOR BOYS

CHASE STEMM ACADEMY

MARSHALL STEMM ACADEMY

ESCUELA SMART ACADEMY

MCKINLEY STEMM SCHOOL

GROVE PATTERSON ACADEMY

OLD WEST END ACADEMY

HAWKINS STEMM ACADEMY

ELLA P. STEWART ACADEMY FOR GIRLS

617 Western Ave. 419-671-5550

3020 Marvin Ave. 419-671-3350

5550 West Bancroft Street 419-671-1550

tps.org

• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

3301 Upton Avenue 419-671-3900 TTA is a full career technology school for 7th through 12th graders that’s well respected within Toledo’s industrial community and across the state of Ohio.

1300 Forest Ave. 419-671-4550

600 Bassett Street 419-671-6650

1609 N. SUMMIT ST. TOLEDO, OH 43604 419-671-0001 2

TOLEDO EARLY COLLEGE

415 Colburn Street 419-671-5700

3344 Westland Ave. 419-671-3750

3131 Cambridge Street 419-671-4700

707 Avondale Ave. 419-671-5350 Facebook.com/TPSProud

Twitter.com/TPSProud

Toledo’s Award-Wining Parent Newspaper Volume 31  Issue 1  JAN/FEB 2024

January & February

ONLINE Prestige School of Protocol Teaches Students the Fine Art of Etiquette

Giveaway Enter to win today at toledoparent.com!

By Mary Rose Kulczak

Early Diagnosis of Tongue-Tie is Key

By Karen L. Zickes

New Program Focuses on Positive Health Outcomes for At Risk Women

By Brandy Browne

Readers Sound Off Do you think there should be stricter gun laws?

New toys can be the perfect distraction on days when the weather makes it impossible to leave the house. Whether your kids spend all day trying to solve a rubix cube, saving the world with Batman or even just cuddling with a stuffed animal, toys can bring much needed excitement to a boring day. We included a toy bundle in this issue’s giveaway, which includes a P.Lushes

Pets: Juicy Jam Lola DelPin, Rubik’s Coach Cube and 12-inch Batman Adventures Figure.

Enter to win now through February 10 at toledoparent.com by providing your email address.

Congrats to our Nov/Dec winner,

Sidney Bauer

Yes 72%

MOST READ ONLINE 1 Kids Eat Free! Or Close To It

No 28%

What is your family’s favorite way to spend a cold winter night?

MOVIE NIGHT 71% GAME NIGHT 22% SLEDDING 5% ICE SKATING 2%

2 Is Cocomelon Harmful for Kids?

Do you think phones should be allowed in the classroom?

YES 20% NO 80%

3 Celebrate Christmas at the Cabin at the Fulton County Fairgrounds 4 Art Classes for Kids to Enjoy: Toledo Area Favorites 5 The Wheelers, Preserved

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

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ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

KIDS

letter from the EDITOR

A full circle moment

Adams Street Media Co.

ASTROLOGY LEO

by Kimmie Rose

VIRGO

CANCER

LIBRA

Reminiscing into the new year

What are you most looking forward to in 2024?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

SCORPIO

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) SEEING MORE OF OUR GRANDDAUGHTER AND PERHAPS A WEDDING IN THE FAMILY!

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) THE APRIL FULL SOLAR ECLIPSE.

When I was growing up in Holland, Editorial Assignment Editor: Toledo Area Parent was the source of Mary Genson many of my mom’s brilliant ideas. It (toledoparenteditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) GOING ON MY FIRST CRUISE. takes a lot to keep three kids enterSAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES tained, but she would always have something new and exciting for us to Copy Manager: Riley Runnells (riley@adamsstreetpublishing.com) do. We would frequent the various events hosted by the Toledo Zoo, Toledo December 22-January 19 CHOREOGRAPHING MY FIRST MUSICAL! Museum of Art and Metroparks — once, we even went to the Cat in the Hat’s Contributing Writers: birthday party. Because of this, I think of Toledo as a city where there is always Happy birthday to your Capricorn child! For Laurie Bertke, Brandy Browne, Srestha something going on for families and it has been instilled in me to be on the Chattopadhyay, Erin Holden, Nathan Jacobs, Sneha your serious child who always wants to be ahead Kamath, Samuel Z. Kaplan, Andrew Kersten, lookout for what is happening in the city around me. As I step into this role as of their years, this year will be very exciting.

Jessica Klimesh, Molly Klima, Kim Krieger, Mary Rose Kulczak, Beth Lawson, Penny Tullis Meeker, Make sure this year that your Capricorn child the Toledo Parent assignment editor, I hope to maintain and grow this publicaElizabeth Morabito, Julie Pompa, Emily Remaklus, is involved in celebrating their birthday the way tion, keeping it as the fantastic resource it was for me when I was growing up Kimmie Rose, Karen Zickes they want.

Your little Capricorn will be full of enin the Toledo area. ergy and excited about doing something advenWe start the new year with an issue focusing on health and wellness and a Advertising turous, and instead of a party, they might prefer look into some of our community’s leaders in education. The start of a new Director of Sales to go somewhere fun. They are going to be in the year is the perfect time to seek advice from local experts. It is also time to subMike Mori mode of wanting to go outside instead of being (mmori@adamsstreetpublishing.com) mit nominations for this year’s Family Favorites. We want to know what your SPENDING MORE TIME WITH MY FAMILY. ARIES TAURUS at home a lot thisGEMINI year. The best part is, CANCER they will favorite restaurants are, where you like to hang out and who your favorite Sales Coordinator want you to have fun with them.

The perfect gift Libby Cassidy medical professionals are. Be sure to check out our January/February give(sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) for them would be a gift card so they can choose away and our features on sledding hills, gaming, a local yoga and mindfulWATCHING THE SUMMER OYLMPICS HELD IN PARIS. whether to spend their money, or save it. For their ness teacher and more.

Account Executives: birthday party, they will invite a few friends, but Gabbi Huff (ghuff@adamsstreetpublishing.com) be happy with family being around.

This is a year Until next time, THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. in which they will be very interested in learning Mary Genson Bonnie Hunter more about their family history. So enjoy sharing (bhunter@ adamsstreetpublishing.com) Assignment Editor them with other family members. Happy birthday SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Toledo Area Parent to your Capricorn!LIBRA LEO SCORPIO VIRGO Jenny Leach (jleach@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

CELEBRATING MY GGB’S 1ST BIRTHDAY IN COLORADO!

Art/Production Production Manager: Imani Lateef

(imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

SWEETS 4 YOUR SWEETIE

ART MUSEUM CLASSES!

SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS

2023

FAMILY FAVORITES

NOMINATE US PLEASE

boydsretrocandy.com

MARCH/APRIL

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE PART 1

ASK ABOUT OUR UPCOMING SUMMER CAMP FAIR!

SAT APRIL 13, 2024

PISCES

January 20-February 18

954 Phillips Ave. - Toledo, OH Mon - Sat 12pm to 6pm / Closed Sunday

Happy birthday to your empathic, loving Aquarian child. This year, your child will want one thing -- the nurturing and love of their family.

Although your child is a water bearer, they are an Air sign, and security is the most important thing for them. Talk, nurture and listen to them to give them a sense of belonging. Remind them how excited you are about their birthday, and tell them you have a special surprise. Aquarians are usually the ones that take care of everyone else.

This month, they need a little extra TLC. For older children, give them a chance to show off their special talents by teaching you a skill. If they are little, then take some snuggle time with them and provide them with something that helps them to feel safe. With all the extra TLC, you will see your little Aquarian coming out of their sadness with a big smile. Here’s to a month of hugs, love and connection this month for your special Aquarian.

CALL TO RESERVE YOUR AD TODAY AD DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15

Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) A NEW HOUSE...IF INTEREST RATES EVER GO DOWN. Digital Media: Nate Light

(digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MY ANNUAL GOLF TRIP.

Digital Marketing and Social Media: Margot Jacobs (margot@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CELEBRATING WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) SAILING IN THE BVI’S, GOING TO FLA TO SEE MY SISTER Distribution: Karena Adams (distribution@toledocitypaper.com) WORKING LESS, PLAYING MORE-PROBABLY WON’T HAPPEN!.

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 © 2024 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without written permission of the publisher.

Also publishers of:

419.244.9859 AREA

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• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

Member

ALTERNATIVE WEEKLY NETWORK

Audited by

#showandtell If you have photos you’d like to share for our next issue, send them, along with a caption, to toledoparenteditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com.

Holiday Fun!

W

Wiggle Wednesday iggle Wednesday is a children’s educational experience brought

to you by Educare, NHA, Franklin Park Mall and the Toledo Parent News, that takes place monthly at Franklin Park Mall.

In December, over 50 kids participated in the event which included holiday crafts, milk and cookies, letters to the North Pole and storytime with santa. Our next Wiggle Wednesday willl be held Jan. 17th.

Alanna, age 20 months, West Toledo

Instagrams We Love

Cora, age 3, Sylvania.

@emilymandersphotography: This local photographer specializes in capturing maternity, newborn and family photoshoots.

Jeffery, age 6, West Toledo

@cakeinacuptoledo: Cake in a Cup posts the tasty treats that they sell in store.

If you are lucky, you will see a leftover alert post in time to claim discounted cupcakes.

@safekidsgreatertoledo1: They regularly post helpful tips on how parents and caregivers can keep kids safe from unintentional childhood injuries.

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

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what’s briefly happening...

Plan a Program with Toledo GROWs

New FDA Drug Game Changer for Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression (PPD) can affect any mom and poses risks to mom and new baby. A new medication, zuranolone (brand name Zurzuvae), was recently approved by the FDA for postpartum depression. Although the drug is not yet widely available, it is expected to be stocked locally in 2024. —JK

Have a Mobile Bear Service at Your Next Party Granny Joy’s Bears is a new service in the Toledo community that will bring a mobile bear service to clients’ birthday parties, events and classrooms.

Anyone who is interested can choose from three different packages which differ based on how many kids will be participating. —MG Toledo GROWs offers field trips and year round, one hour in class programs for up to 30 young students. Field trips, including a one and a half hour tour of Toledo GROWs Farm, are available mid-April through mid-October with topics recommended based on age range. Toledo GROWs offers inclusive education, accessible to students of all ages and abilities. Programs are for full classes or groups rather than individual students. —MG Toledo GROWs. 900 Oneida St. 419-720-8714. toledogrows. org/educational-programs

Toledo Express Accommodates Autistic Individuals PHOTO CREDIT: THE TOLEDO-LUCAS COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY

The Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport is the first airport in the country to receive the Certified Autism Center™ designation. The designation, made by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, recognizes the airport’s ongoing commitment to making autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals feel included and accommodated. After a comprehensive training and certification process, the airport team received the designation, joining other local organizations in Destination Toledo’s effort to make Toledo a Certified Autism Destination, a designation for cities with certified options for lodging, recreation and entertainment. —MG The Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. 11013 Airport Hwy, Swanton.

419-865-2351. toledoexpress.com

Granny Joy’s Bears.

419-917-3966. grannyjoysbears.com.

Preschoolers Donate to Seagate Food Bank Primrose School of Perrysburg preschool students learned what it feels like to make a difference in their community, donating 960 canned goods to the Toledo SeaGate Food Bank.

Part of Primrose’s Caring & Giving Initiative which encourages children to complete age-appropriate household chores for allowance money to buy canned goods, fosters giving without expectation. The Primrose Caring & Giving Initiative was featured on NBC Nightly News.

Carey Answers Ohioans’ Questions The Ohio Department of Administrative Services recently integrated Carey, a virtual assistant, into their website to answer frequently asked questions, including issues with Medicaid, food and cash, child care assistance and more. Click the “Ask Me A Question” Carey icon and open the chat box to allow for easier and more efficient site navigation providing information, resources and guidance about benefits and the self-service portal. Ask simple questions, using clear and concise language, and Carey will supply answers on general topics and how-tos. Carey can also provide helpful links and phone numbers on a number of topics. —SC Benefits.ohio.gov.

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• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

tween the lines

Keeping Teens Active

High School Students Explore Healthcare Professions

Toledo area high school students can apply for enrollment in the Toledo Pre-Medical & Health Science Academy tuition-free through a partnership between Toledo Public Schools and ProMedica. Students with a passion for a career in healthcare will learn and experience the healthcare profession through educators from the field. Any northwest Ohio student is eligible to enroll. Toledo Pre-Medical & Health Science Academy. 3281 Upton Ave. 419-671-3400. tps.org. —MG

Kids Boutique — New Owner and New Name

After almost eight years in business, Stephanie Pilgrim has passed her business, Bowinkles, to a new owner. Tess Leininger, the new owner of the baby and children’s clothing store, has renamed the boutique The Little Being. Follow along on social media for updates. The Little Being. 5627 Main St., Sylvania. 567-455-5939.

Instagram.com/thelittlebeingshop. —MG

Mental Health Urgent Care Now Open

Harbor has opened Mental Health Urgent Care in Toledo, serving children and adults. Patients can receive same day care with no appointment or referral. Harbor has several locations throughout Ohio, including several in Toledo. Harbor. 3909 Woodley Rd. 567-225-3969. Harbor.org. —MG

The Ohio State University Extension Opens New Location

The Ohio State University Extension Lucas County recently opened a new location at the Toledo Botanical Garden. The mission of the extension service, operated with county, state, and federal funds and grants, explained

by Area Leader Megan Arnold, is “We offer education on many topics such as home gardening, lawn care, food preparation and preservation, first-time home buying, mindfulness, 4-H leadership, camping opportunities, positive youth development, in-school and after-school programming, and learning how to prepare inexpensive and nutritious meals.” The Ohio State University Extension Lucas County.

5403 Elmer Dr. 419-213-4254. lucas.osu.edu.—MG

The Club Receives New Dedication

The family of James A. Huber and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo recently dedicated the James A. Huber Teen Center, in recognition of the alumnus and former board member. Huber grew up in Toledo as a teenage member of the Homer Hanham Club. A 1967 University of Toledo grad, honored in 1999 as a Connie Huber Schmidt, daughter of James A. Huber. distinguished alumnus by the College of Engineering, Huber was also an associate trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo before his passing at the age of 66 in 2006. This teen center is designed to be a safe space to develop skills through programming. The Club, James A. Huber Teen Center. 222 McTigue Dr. 419-725-5438. bgctoledo.org. —MG

Fitness in the Winter months

By Emily Remaklus The winter months come with a number of challenges from the shorter days to the frigid temperatures. While hunkering down inside and sitting on the couch might sound ideal, it’s important to get up and get fit. For teenagers getting up and active is very important.

It’s recommended that teens get one hour of physical activity each day, and an increased physical fitness activity level is recommended a couple days a week. However, the American Heart Association statistics show that only 25% of teens are getting that recommended daily hour of physical activity.

Breakaway from screens The biggest suspected cause is probably no real surprise — technology. In previous years, teens would spend free time playing outside, however, screen time is ever increasing in adolescents. With laptops, tablets and cell phones, teens have a lot of entertainment options literally at their fingertips.

Although it can be difficult for some teens to break away from their screens, it’s really important that they do take that break and get physically active. Teens who are physically fit are less likely to suffer from diabetes, hypertension and cardiac disease.

Daily exercise also ensures strong bones and muscles.

It’s not just a teen’s physical wellbeing that benefits from daily exercise; regular physical activity also has a significant effect on mental health.

While rates of depression and anxiety in teens have increased in recent years, exercising on a daily basis can help because certain bio-chemicals like serotonin, stress hormones and endorphins change when exercise occurs. These feel-good chemicals affect a teen’s mood for the better.

As many parents probably know, it can be difficult to get teens to do something if they don’t want to do it. So while it might be tough to get your teen up and moving, it can be even more difficult during the winter months.

To help you out, we rounded up some suggestions on ways that teens can get more physically active while it’s cold outside.

Shoveling This might not be a favorite choice for most teens as shoveling isn’t much fun, but shoveling is definitely good exercise. And elderly people in Northwest Ohio who could benefit from a younger person coming to help shovel their drive. So whether your teen might use this as an entrepreneurial opportunity or just a great way to volunteer, shoveling is certainly a way to get exercise and to help the neighbors.

YMCA The YMCA of Greater Toledo has many locations in the area, and they offer lots of fun opportunities for teens such as basketball courts, swimming pools and even various fitness classes.

Ice Skating One of the perks of living in Northwest Ohio in the cold winter months is the chance to go ice skating. Ottawa Park has an open air ice rink during the winter. Additionally, many Metroparks in the area have outside ice skating opportunities. For year round fun, there are also indoor skating rinks with open skate times, including Sylvania’s TamO-Shanter and the Slater Family Ice Arena in Bowling Green.

Trampoline Parks There are multiple trampoline parks in the area including Urban Air Adventure Park in Toledo, Sky Zone in Holland and Get Air Trampoline Park in Toledo. Each park not only offers trampolines, but also other attractions such as dodgeball games, Ninja Warrior courses, basketball and more. Most teens would find this a fun way to spend an afternoon, and they probably won’t even realize they’re also exercising!

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Toledo Christian

Open House Spotlights Where you decide to send your child matters deeply when it comes to their educational experience. We have several schools and programs in our community that vary in style, giving parents the opportunity to choose what makes the most sense for their child.

Children’s Discovery Center 6450 Weatherfield Ct., Maumee 419-867-8570 childrensdiscoverycenters.com

Children’s Discovery Center has been serving the Toledo community for more than 41 years and now has five locations throughout the area. Fostering your child’s natural curiosity and nurturing their development is always at the forefront of what they do, offering a unique educational experience with award-winning child care. The Centers promote a S.T.E.A.M. powered curriculum that educates children and prepares them for their future.

Children bloom in CDC’s one-of-a-kind classrooms, each equipped with unique workstations. These internationally recognized educational environments offer learning experiences that engage curious minds. CDC also has a premier Reggio Emilia educational approach, sparking creativity and inspiring imagination in each child, while adhering to Ohio state educational standards.

For four decades, CDC has viewed its families as an extension of their own, guiding Toledo’s children toward brighter futures. Learn more at childrensdiscoverycenters.com. Call one of their locations to schedule a tour. 1640 Timberwolf Dr., Holland. 419-861-1060. 3839 Talmadge Rd. 419-474-8303. 11090 Avenue Rd., Perrysburg. 419-874-8203. 7033 Lighthouse Way, Route 25, South of Levis Commons, Perrysburg. 419-872-4510. 8011 Dutch Rd., Waterville. 419-878-8689.

6450 Weatherfield Ct., Maumee. 419-867-8570

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2303 Brookford Dr., Toledo 419-389-8700 ToledoChristian.com

Toledo Christian Schools has been a member of the Toledo community since 1975. From our humble beginnings in downtown Toledo to today, we have been committed to providing our students with the best in Christian education while creating a life-long community for our families, alumni, and friends of TC. We believe strongly in partnering with Christian families to provide a college-preparatory Bible-centered educational program to educate, disciple, and prepare students to follow Christ and impact culture.

Choosing the right education for your child is pivotal and significantly impacts who they become. There is no better environment than one that sets its foundation on the word of God. We would love for your family to partner with us in shaping today’s youth into godly men and women for tomorrow. Join us at our next Open House on Saturday, February 10 to see firsthand what makes TC the right fit for your Preschool through Twelfth Grade student! Schedule now at toledochristian.com!

Northwest Ohio Classical Academy 5025 Glendale Ave., Toledo.

567-420-6180 nocacademy.org

Are you seeking an exceptional educational experience rooted in academic excellence and virtue? Look no further than Northwest Ohio Classical Academy! Our curriculum focuses on a classical education model, equipping students with critical thinking skills, a love for learning and a solid foundation for future success.

Experience a supportive community of students, teachers and families. Various extracurricular activities, events and volunteer opportunities enrich the educational journey of our students. We prioritize virtue and character development, teaching values that will guide your child not just academically, but also in life.

Discover our commitment to nurturing young minds through an American classical education! Together, let's shape a brighter future for your child at NOCA! Now accepting applications in K - 12th grade! Apply now at nocacademy.org. Visit our Enrollment Open House on January 20 from 1:00-3:00 PM.

• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

s

FAMILY

2023

H

t f he C l o d a as e

SPONSORED CONTENT

FAVORITES

Nominate Your Family Favorites One vote per email address per day.

Top 6 make the final ballot.

Final voting begins 3/1 - 4/15

toledoparent.com

O

By Mary Genson

ur children’s education is in the hands of these leaders who have stepped up to help provide the best learning situation for local students. However, learning does not stop when students come home for the day.

We spoke with local leaders who shared their best advice to parents as well as information about their programs.

Joella Simmons SCHOOL LEADER

HOPE LEARNING ACADEMY 4234 Monroe St, Toledo.

419-297-6313 I am Joella Simmons, a mom of three and the School Leader of HOPE Learning Academy. I firmly believe that every child has the potential to thrive academically and personally. Here is my best advice for Nurturing Your Child’s Education.

ADVICE FOR PARENTS

You are your child’s first teacher.

Understand your child’s unique learning style.

Find a school that can meet their individual needs.

Create a partnership with the school and teachers.

Stay engaged with your child’s education.

The best advice that I can give any parent is that you are your child’s first teacher.

Start early by teaching academic and social skills. Every child learns differently.

Observe and identify their learning style — whether visual, verbal or hands-on.

Recognizing these preferences empowers you to support and advocate for your child’s unique needs. Research schools and choose one that fits your child’s needs.

View educators as partners in their education. Collaborate with them to address challenges and celebrate successes, creating a supportive network for your child’s educational journey. Stay engaged, offer consistent support, and watch your child grow into a successful and fulfilled adult.

ABOUT US

HOPE Learning Academy is all about creating a positive, safe space where kids are not just valued but also where their unique learning needs are met. Our mission is simple: we’re here to help each student reach their highest potential.

At HOPE, we’re committed to making a real difference in your child’s education.

We have small classes, with a max of ten students, so everyone gets the attention they deserve. Plus, our dyslexia support program and social skills program, along with sensory integration, make learning a personalized and holistic experience. Join us at HOPE Learning Academy, where education goes above and beyond, and your child can truly shine!

CONT’D ON P10

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Shannon Bedard REGIONAL DIRECTOR

EDUCARE ACADEMY educareacademy.com Various locations 419.704.2009

ADVICE FOR PARENTS

Time is the best gift that you can give a child. In a world that’s always busy, time may be our most valuable resource.

Children thrive when given the gift of time and intentional attention. It matters less what you are doing with your child and more that you are doing it.

ABOUT US

At Educare Academy, we meet each individual child’s needs while fostering their growth. We use the whole-child approach. The whole-child approach to teaching supports and nurtures all areas of children’s development and learning — from social-emotional and cognitive skills to literacy, math and science understanding.

Our goal is to develop healthy and well-rounded children who are equipped with the skills they need for life.

Scott Henry HEADMASTER

NORTHWEST OHIO CLASSICAL ACADEMY 5025 Glendale Ave, Toledo.

567-420-6180 Parents have the most influence over child development and learning from the time children are babies. Two simple ways to make a big impact include introducing simple concepts in daily life and reading to your child.

Asking for right and left hands and feet as you are doing activities and getting dressed will help children learn their right from left, for instance. Reading good books to your child is the best thing to develop an inquiring mind. Stories have a way of inspiring wonder and a love of learning. While there are great cognitive benefits to reading to your child, early introduction to examples of virtuous heroes set examples of good character for children to emulate.

ADVICE FOR PARENTS

ABOUT US

Northwest Ohio Classical Academy trains the minds and improves the hearts of students through the use of a classical curriculum for the purpose of developing virtuous citizens. The focus of an American classical education is to educate the whole child: mind and soul. Through discussion of history, literature, the arts, and sciences, students gain an appreciation of not only the world around them, but an understanding of human nature. This informs their growth as individuals and how to interact with those around them. Learning is a habit of the mind as well as the soul, as students acquire knowledge and put on virtue. Ultimately, this habit is developed through inspiring wonder of that which is good, true, and beautiful.

The result is an educated and good person who can think, reason and communicate with those around them.

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• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

Choose Your Seat!

Northwest Ohio Offers Excellent Educational Options

By Beth Lawson, Director of Media & Communications for School Choice Ohio

Ohio has become a national leader in educational options and school choice programs with the passage of HB 33 which included universal school choice for all Ohio students. One goal of this legislation was to put true educational choice into the hands of each family… not just those that have the ability and resources to pay tuition.

While the majority of students and families are happy with their local public school district, there are students who need a different environment, learning style or educational focus in order to truly shine.

Northwest Ohio offers a wide variety of educational options for families to choose from.

Public school districts provide a tuition-free education that is available to all students who reside within the district. Many public-school districts offer additional educational options within their district such as open enrollment, career tech/vocational programs, and magnet schools which are schools with a specific educational focus.

Joint vocational school districts are tuition-free, public schools that primarily provide students with vocational and workforce related training programs.

Private schools are non-public schools that hold a charter from the state of Ohio and must maintain compliance with Ohio’s Operating Standards.

Private schools are not directly supported by local or state tax dollars and require the family to pay tuition.

Community (charter) schools offer options for families seeking a non-traditional, K-12 public educational setting for their students. Community schools are tuition-free, public, non-profit, nonreligious schools that receive state and federal funds but operate independently of traditional school districts.

Non-chartered, non-tax supported schools are schools that choose not to be chartered by the state of Ohio. Each NCNT school must certify in an annual report to its families that the school meets Ohio’s Operating Standards.

Families are required to pay tuition.

in their child’s education. There are several groups and resources available to families who choose home education for their students How does universal school choice work?

If a family chooses a private education for their student, Ohio provides a scholarship to help cover the cost of tuition. The full annual scholarship awards are $6166 for K-8 and $8408 for high school annually. The scholarship is prorated for students whose family income is above 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The scholarship may not cover all the costs associated with a private education. Tuition assistance programs, low-income write-offs, parent volunteer programs and other resources may be available to further assist in covering the cost of tuition.

Special needs scholarships Ohio offers two different scholarships to assist students with special needs: the Autism Scholarship and the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship (JPSN).

Scholarship funding helps parents access resources and educational services specific to their child’s learning needs.

You’re invited!

Celebrate National School Choice Week and learn more about all of the educational options in Northwest Ohio by attending the 2024 Northwest Ohio K-12 School Fair on Saturday, January 27 at the Toledo Zoo’s Malawi Event Center from 11am to 2pm.

The event will feature a wide variety of school options including public, charter, STEMM, private and home education groups and resources. It will be a fun day for the whole family to enjoy music, food, activities and prizes.

To register to attend the FREE event, visit scohio.org/event/2024-nw-ohioschool-fair.

Home education is an option for families who want to take on the responsibility and actively participate

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

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Nomina Nominate Your Let The Run frotions Nominations Family Favorites 12/1/1 5/23 tmhru 31/24 Begin!

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HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE 2024

NEW YEAR, NEW HEALTHY HABITS

Dr. Sarah Hansen DMD, MDS

HLS Orthodontics Locations in Sylvania and Maume, OH and Lambertville, MI. perfectbraces.com What’s something, with regard to your specialty, that you wish people knew about their health? Baby teeth are so important! Even though they eventually fall out, they work as space holders in the mouth until they are no longer needed. Often when baby teeth are exposed to too much sugar or aren’t cleaned properly, they may need to be removed before they are ready to fall out. This causes the back teeth to shift forward, leaving no room for the permanent teeth to replace them.

This can create the need for an early phase of orthodontic treatment, or may make future treatment longer and more complex.

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age?

The best way to instill healthy dental habits at a young age is to help your children learn, and get used to a routine of proper brushing and flossing. One way is for them to watch you! When they see you brush and floss, they will be more likely to try. As soon as you see baby teeth erupting, it’s time to start brushing them, and as soon as a baby

tooth touches the one next to it, it’s time to start flossing. Even if regular floss is difficult to use, flosser picks and water flossing are great alternatives!

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new, healthy lifestyle? You don’t have to totally give up the things that you love in order to have a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes making a simple switch like cutting back on sugary drinks can make a big difference. Replacing sugary drinks with water and substituting a sugar-free option can keep your teeth healthier.

What part of your practice brings you the most joy? I love seeing how patient smiles and self-confidence change as a result of orthodontic treatment. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and straight teeth can greatly improve how you view yourself! It’s wonderful seeing patients who wouldn’t smile much before or during treatment finally show off their teeth at the end.

CONT’D ON P14

“INSTILL HABITS AHEALTHY DENTA L T A YOUN G AGE”

By Mary Genson

W

ith fresh beginnings and resolutions, the new year is a great time to reevaluate how we take care of ourselves. Self care is important and that includes making sure you are regularly making appointments to gather input and advice from local experts. To start the year off right, we asked local health care professionals for their tips for guiding our well being through healthy habits.

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

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SPONSORED CONTENT

What’s something, with regard to your specialty, that you wish people knew about their health? A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. There is a strong correlation between heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Dr. Jon Frankel

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age?

Bring your child to the dentist when the first tooth pops through. If you have dental fear, do not share that concern with your children.

Make visits to the dentist, eating healthy and brushing and flossing fun and engaging.

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new, healthy lifestyle? For DDS children, make toothbrush selection a special Jon Frankel Dentistry treat, play a two-minute favorite song, or use a Locations in Toledo and toothbrushing app to make the time fly while Maumee. brushing your teeth. Brush your teeth with jonfrankeldentistry.com your children demonstrating proper technique and a commitment to oral health. As parents, give yourself an incentive. Perhaps teeth whitening or a new electric toothbrush. Don’t forget to floss. It is the only way to clean in-between your teeth.

Franklin Park | PEDIATRICS

What part of your practice brings you the most joy? When happy, healthy families come for regularly scheduled visits, the joy is contagious. The excitement children display when they pick their television channel, the color of their toothbrush and a special gift from our treasure chest is simply the best.

Parents who give their children the gift of regularly scheduled dental visits are also giving them the enhanced potential for healthy lives. What could be better?

2023

FAMILY

FAVORITES PLEASE NOMINATE FRANKLIN PARK PEDIATRICS

Serving adolescents aged 11-17 with creative programming to meet their mental health needs.

Most programs are covered by insurance.

BEST Pediatric Practice

Teen Mental Health Services, include:

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(419) 309-3991 | 3110 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43606 | beyondhctoledo.com

• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

ALTH E H L A T N “ME H!” IS HEALT

Ashley Bush MSW, LISW-S, PMH-C What’s something, with regard to your specialty, that you wish people knew about their health? It’s very hard to be physically well if your mental health is suffering. Mental health IS health!

Bloom Women’s Counseling, Consulting, and Wellness, LLC. 112 E Dudley St, Maumee.

419-326-5732 bloomwomenscounseling.com

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age? Parents can help their children thrive by working to remove the stigma from mental healthcare.

At some point in their lives, most people have a need for mental healthcare. If we remove the stigma and shame around seeking care for our minds as well as our bodies, we can impact the world for generations to come!

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new, healthy lifestyle? Work to understand why you’ve struggled to stick to healthy lifestyles before and remove those barriers. A qualified mental health provider can help you process these barriers more fully.

What part of your practice brings you the most joy? Seeing our clients grow, thrive and live happy lives bring us so much joy.

FUN! “ T I E K A M “ What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty? You don’t have to have neck or back pain to see a chiropractor.

A large portion of our practice comes for healing from other health challenges like colic, reflux, digestive issues, poor sleep, anxiety, ADHD, ear infections, prenatal care and baby positioning and much more.

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age?

The best way to instill healthy habits is to lead by example and educate. Children often imitate what they see around them.

When they understand why they are making certain decisions, it will become who they are. Make it fun!

Dr. Nick Goin Innate Health Chiropractic 26580 N. Dixie Hwy, Ste 101, Perrysburg.

419-872-2255 getinnatehealth.com

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new healthy lifestyle? My best advice for people beginning a new healthy lifestyle is to start with addition not subtraction. Start by adding something healthy into your lifestyle rather than taking something away. You will be more successful with the change and feel more empowered to sustain it.

What about your practice brings you the most joy? What brings me the most joy is seeing the testimonies of healing. Our bodies are made for health when given the right things and have an amazing ability to heal from the inside out.

Chiropractic care is one of the best things you can do for your health.

CONT’D ON P16

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

15

SPONSORED CONTENT

Dr. Regina Eich MD Maumee Pediatric Associates 520 W Sophia St, Maumee.

419-893-1880 maumeepeds.com

What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty? Children have ways of letting us know what is bothering them; we just have to listen to them.

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age?

The best way to instill healthy habits in their children is for parents to have healthy habits for themselves and to find ways to include their children.

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new healthy lifestyle? Don’t try to do too much at one time. Focus on one area or one healthy activity at a time and then build from there. Taking on too much at one time can be overwhelming and lead to a sense of frustration and failure.

What part of your practice brings you the most joy? The humorous perspective kids have on the world and their honest candid ways of expressing that!

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• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

N “FOCUS O Y LTH ONE HEA AT ACTIVITY A TIME “ CONT’D ON P18

SPONSORED CONTENT

SYLVANIA PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE

2023

FAMILY FAVORITES

Please vote for us as BEST DENTIST!

CALL 419.882.7187 5860 W. Alexis Rd., Sylvania, OH 43560

Visit us online at SPDC.dental

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SPONSORED CONTENT

HE “CELEBRATE T SMALL WINS“ What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty? A pediatric dentist is more than a dentist that loves kids — we have a minimum of 2 additional years of specialized training where we learn to treat the unique needs of your growing child. We love hanging out with kids all day (and their parents too) and have limited our practices only to them. Kids should start seeing us by their first birthday!

Dr. Erin Knierim

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age? Start creating healthy habits early on, and lead by example. Kids look up to parents and older siblings; if you model healthy habits they will naturally want to be a part of your good health practices!

DMD, MS 3036 West Sylvania, Toledo.

419-474-0733 drknierim.com

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new healthy lifestyle? Celebrate the small wins, don’t be so hard on yourself if you don’t get to meet your goal every time. Change doesn’t have to be perfect, just keep moving in the right direction!

Ultimate Sledding Hill Guide A roundup of slopes in the 419

By Erin Holden with contributions by Sneha Kamath Once the snow begins to accumulate on the ground this winter, there will be just one thing on many kids’ minds — sledding. This resource describes multiple hills to suit your needs when it comes to location and, in many cases, thrill level. If we’ve missed one of your favorites, let us know! As always, make sure to take safety precautions when sledding!

Bowling Green

What part of your practice brings you the most joy? I think the most joyful and rewarding part of my practice is when you can take a child from fearing the dentist to someone who actually likes coming to see me. It’s not always an easy process, sometimes you take one step forward and two steps back, but it is so worth it! I am so thankful for the chance to build relationships with my young patients and show them that the dentist is a safe and fun place!

Conneaut Park

This sledding hill is the site of the city’s old reservoir system, and it is perhaps the most popular spot for kids to have a fun wintery time in Bowling Green.

Conneaut and Haskins Rd., Bowling Green. 419-354-6223. bgohio.org.

Maumee

Fort Miamis Park

In-network with Aetna, Anthem BC/BS, and Humana Military Tricare insurances

Consultations available for: • Breast Feeding • Pumping • Bottle Feeding and weaning • Newborn • Prenatal

• Back to Work

419-326-5732 MAU ME E

bloomwomenscounseling.com Online appointment requests available

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Young sledders and their parents can gaze out at the Maumee River while taking a thrilling ride down the hills at this historic site (it’s the former British Fort Miamis). Slip and slide down the hill until dark. 600 Michigan Ave., Maumee. 419-360-9187. metroparkstoledo.com

Side Cut Metropark

Head to Wagener Hill in the Silver Lake area of Side Cut for an impressive sledding hill, where you can spend the whole day racing down the slope, or even stay after dark thanks to the added lights along the way. 1025 W. River Rd., Maumee. 419-407-9700.

Metroparkstoledo.com.

Perrysberg

• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

Rivercrest Park

Winter weather is no reason to avoid visiting Rivercrest Park — visit to try the sledding hill, the coolest part of the park!

13761 Eckel Junction Rd. 419-872-7968. ci.perrysburg.oh.us.

Pine Glen Park

Toledo

A barbecue at Pine Glen in the summer is hard to beat, but you should also stop by during winter to check out the sledding hill for a completely different experience! 3145-3195 Wynnewood Dr. 419-936-2875. Toledo.oh.gov.

Glass City Metropark Take advantage of Toledo’s newest Metropark by trying out their lighted sledding hill! With a beautiful view of the Maumee River and the downtown Toledo skyline, it’s definitely an experience you’ll want to add to your winter sledding traditions. 983 Front St. 419-360-9178. metroparkstoledo.com.

Oregon

Maumee Bay State Park

The 70-foot sledding hill at Maumee Bay State Park offers a stunning view of Lake Erie, along with an exciting ride for the whole family! 1400 State Park Rd., Oregon. 419-836-7758. parks.ohiodnr.gov/maumeebay

Pearson Metropark

This Oregon lighted sledding hill is perfect for a nighttime slide, and you might as well bring your ice skates to complete the winter wonderland experience when the lake is nice and frozen. The hill is located across from the lake near Parking Lot 1. 761 S. Lallendorf Rd., Oregon. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com.

Highland Park

This Southside Toledo favorite is known for its approachable-yet-adventure-filled sledding hill. You’ll find kids of all ages taking advantage of Highland Park’s slippery slope. 1690 South Ave.

Ottawa and Jermain Parks

Toledo’s largest park features three amazing sledding hills: one between North Cove and Ottawa Drive, the other two between the park’s amphitheater and golf course. You’ll find a helpful map on the website to help you navigate to these popular slopes. 2532 Upton Ave. 419-936-2875. ottawapark.org.

Wauseon

Whitehouse

One of the largest parks in Wauseon also features one of the taller sledding hills you’ll find in the area as well. The park is located between West Leggett Street and Lawrence Avenue. 715 Lawrence Ave., Wauseon. 419-337-0900. wauseondowntownassociation.org.

One of the tallest sledding hills in our area, the Blue Creek hill isn’t lighted, but you can enjoy it beginning at 7am and call it a day once it gets dark out. 7215 Providence St., Whitehouse.

419-877-5383. metroparkstoledo.com

Homecoming Park

Blue Creek Metropark

Sylvania

Harroun Community Park

This one is much better suited to older kids. The long trudge up the hill to brave it’s heights is totally worth it if you are looking for the ultimate sledding thrill ride! 5500 Main St., Sylvania.

419-885-8733. cityofsylvania.com.

Northview High School

Snow days wouldn’t be snow days without a trip out to Northview High School’s legendary hill. Families typically flood this spot with their sleds, tubes and makeshift slides anytime weather permits. 5403 Silica Dr., Sylvania. 419-824-8570.

Sylvan Prairie Park

Part of the Olander Park System, this park has three slopes! It’s free and open from 7:30am until just before dark.

8601 Brint Rd.

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

19

INCLUSIVE TOLEDO

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY QUINN THOMAS.

People First of Toledo Supports Self-Advocates Growing a community of support

By Molly Klima

Courageous Community Services has been serving Northwest Ohio since 1963.

CCS was created by families with loved ones with disabilities to provide a safe and engaging outdoor recreation experience. CCS continues to operate Camp Courageous each summer and is also home to People First of Toledo.

People First Since 1998, People First has been offering support, education and community building for individuals with disabilities who are self-advocates. They provide moral and practical support by assisting with applications and recommending resources.

People First is an international organization with forty chapters in Ohio. The local chapter meets at the Ability Center on the third Thursday of every other month. Meetings run from 6-7:30pm.

The Ability Center and Manahan (formerly Josina Lott) have been longtime, instrumental partners with People First.

Quinn Thomas, facilitator, publishes a monthly newsletter for CCS with an em-

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phasis on People First. These newsletters focus on advocacy for adults and school aged children. People First meetings are for individuals 16 and older.

Self Advocacy “The term ‘self-advocate’ can mean something different for each person,” Thomas explains. “For me it means making sure your own voice is heard while boosting the voice of others.”

In 2020, meetings were held via Zoom.

As the group transitioned back to in person meetings in 2021, they selected a hybrid option for all meetings. This allows those who may not be able to be present physically to still participate in meetings on a Zoom platform. Closed captioning is provided at all meetings, including for those attending in person. These meetings are open to everyone, whether they have a disability or not, as well as those who are self-diagnosed. As the facilitator, Thomas works with CCS’s five elected board members to decide on topics for upcoming meetings and planning.

People First provides many opportunities for its members to explore Toledo.

People First also hosts social events, such as holiday parties and Wednesday Walks. They collaborate with organizations such as SALUTE and MemoryLane Care Services. Each year, People First provides scholarships for individuals to attend Synergy—a conference for businesses to connect with Developmental Disability boards and organizations as well as individuals with disabilities. Synergy is a wonderful opportunity for all individuals, of all abilities, to learn about different topics, develop new skills and broaden their network.

In January and February, 2024, People First hosts a story-telling workshop, in

• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

collaboration with Toledo Lucas County Library-Waterville Branch, for self-advocates to learn to tell their story with a purpose. Thomas looks forward to helping attendees learn to communicate their own lived experiences in a way that empowers others and demonstrates selfadvocacy.

Attendance at each meeting costs $5, or $50 for a full year membership. For more information on People First of Lucas County, find them on Facebook or on the CCS website at ccsohio.org/ohiopeople-first.

healthy kids

LIKEWISE: OUR READERS WRITE.

The Wheelers, Preserved

Helping Kids Build Healthy Lifestyles

Memories of the couple down the road

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MARSHA HILL.

Families For Fitness earns funding from local foundation

By Julie Pompa

Families for Fitness, Inc., a local healthy lifestyle program for kids, has received validation in the form of a $15,000 grant from the Greater Toledo Community Foundation’s (GTCF) Equity & Access Initiative Fund. The program emphasizes changing behaviors regarding diet and exercise and has offered in-class and after-school programs since 2011.

“We work on cause and effect,” explained Families for Fitness Executive Director Marsha Hill. The program offers health and fitness classes for elementary school students, with a message of replacing bad behaviors with good. “We try to emphasize the good things kids are doing — naturally — and then build upon that.”

Making good choices, getting more exercise In-class programs last for 8 weeks, focusing on one topic (such as hydration, food choices, reading food labels and the importance of sleep) each week. In addition, professional trainers are there to lead fitness activities. After-school programs are centered on physical activity, indoors and outdoors, 2 or 3 days per week with leadership from trainers.

Families for Fitness has programs currently in Springfield Schools (meeting at Holland Elementary) and in Toledo Public Schools (TPS) (meeting at the Martin Luther King Academy for Boys). A program is also scheduled to begin next spring at Holloway Elementary School.

Families for Fitness collaborates with the Ohio State University Extension Service, Mercy Health and the TPS program Partners with A Purpose to develop their programming. Monnettes Market has provided fruit treats for some of the classroom programs.

“We’re trying to change the environment for kids,” Hill said. The program is committed to addressing health disparities (such as youth obesity) and fostering well-being among marginalized youth and families. “For kids, obesity can lead to bullying, depression and isolation.

We’ve designed this program so kids can

By Samuel Z. Kaplan

Marsha Hill, executive director of Families for Fitness, helps replace bad habits with good. blow off steam. They need to be able to step away for a time.”

Funding the organization Equity & Access Initiative Fund grants, administered through the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, are made to nonprofit organizations working to remove barriers that impact marginalized communities. Grants are available for nonprofit organizations which focus on economic development, employment or advocacy. Hill explains that the recently received $15,000 grant funding will help Families for Fitness to take the next steps for future growth in 3 areas: strengthening administrative and development efforts, revitalizing programming and expanding community reach.

“We have just recently been able to get back into schools after the pandemic,” Hill said. The extended break meant revision of some of the organization’s programming and connection with partners, teachers and parents.

The grant also offers the opportunity for the organization to have its own facility. “It’s difficult to have time with parents, to continue our training after the school programs,” Hill said. “Having a facility will allow us to expand our programming to more communities while adding staff to lead programs there and at schools.”

Hill surveys parents and teachers of participating students to measure the impact of the program on kids’ behavior and attitudes about diet and exercise. To further support the message of each lesson, Hill sends a recipe home with kids at the end of the week’s program.

“By collaborating and thinking inclusively, we can creatively address our community’s challenges,” said Greater Toledo Community Foundation President Keith Burwell when making the grant. “This grant reflects our shared commitment to creating a healthier, more equitable Toledo.”

F

James and Anna Wheeler were both public school teachers.

or much of childhood, my family lived on one end of Section Road. At the other end, about a mile up, lived the Wheelers. They were the kind of people you don’t meet much anymore. They seemed to be from another era; even then.

Husband and wife were both public school teachers. I had Mrs. Wheeler for fifth grade in 1978-79.

She taught all the core subjects and she wore the same style dresses every day; there was little question they were hand sewn.

Mr. Wheeler taught in the high school. Without fail, he wore shortsleeved button-down shirts yearround with dark pants. He used a pocket protector and both wore the kind of eyeglasses now considered “throwbacks,” chunky and oldfashioned.

Together, they were my favorite teachers. As a pupil, I never knew them personally. And apart from knowing where they lived and how they taught, I knew only that they had no children.

After James and Anna Wheeler died, their home and property were gifted to the township and a lovely little park now exists. It’s called “Wheeler Preserve.” A mile down, at the busy end of the same road, lives a new family in my old house.

With autumn always being reminiscent of school and the start of another year, I went recently and sat on a bench in their namesake park and leaned hard on memory.

I had Mrs. Wheeler when I was younger but the memories are stronger. From multiplication tables to the states and their capitals, I remember easily. Mr. Wheeler taught Calculus but, other than the class name, I can’t recollect substance – my deficiency, not his. He also taught driver’s education. When I was 16, and for six weeks every day after school, I, along with too many others, learned the rules of the road from him. He was a fine teacher, my subsequent citations and license suspension notwithstanding. In this, blame falls where it should: squarely on me.

Memory is a curious thing. It would be overstatement to say they were instrumental in my life. While neither changed or charted my life’s course, they both left standing memories. Both seemed to be extraordinarily fine and good people.

In a lifetime, you come across some like that. In a fortunate lifetime, you come across many.

I’m also supremely confident they were without memory of me.

I was just another among the hundreds – surely thousands – of students they had the opportunity to instruct. They taught. I took. And some I was able to keep. That, I suppose, is how it should be when things go well: a gracious memory returns them back from decades’ distance. Call it memory’s kindness.

Samuel Z. Kaplan is a local attorney and the father of three daughters.

Submit your writing for consideration for publishing to toledoparenteditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

21

family matters

Mindfulness in Parenting and Teaching

The Mindfulness Deck: An Easy and Fun Way to Introduce Children to Mindfulness

By Penny Tullis Meeker

Jenn McCullough has been interested in yoga and mindfulness since before she had children. As a special education teacher, she had been incorporating yoga and mindfulness into lessons with her students. That teaching experience allowed her to realize the powerful tool of mindfulness to help kids learn to manage their feelings and behavior.

Mindfulness benefits Watching a sunset mindfully, for example, means putting your attention fully on enjoying the scene rather than making plans or being on the phone while you observe. “Mindfulness is a practice of being present with yourself – how you’re feeling in your body, your mind, your energy level. [The practice includes] being aware of where you are and who you’re with so that you can enjoy things more fully,” McCullough explains.

McCullough began teaching yoga in Toledo to people of all ages and abilities when her children were young. Based on her growing knowledge of the benefits of mindfulness, around the same time she also began teaching mindfulness in a local elementary school. She developed and taught activities for children designed to lower stress, increase focus, develop compassion and deal with big emotions.

The Mindfulness Deck The idea for a deck of cards with a mindfulness activity on each card came from McCullough’s desire to encourage children, teachers and parents to practice mindfulness on their own. From her years of working with children, she had collected these wonderful mindfulness activities that were fun and useful and she wanted children to be encouraged to practice them at home and at school.

 Jenn McCullough (right) and illustrator Sarah Kear (left) with The Mindfulness Deck.  The Mindfulness Deck includes 26 unique activity cards.

Q & A with Jenn McCullough

She consulted with local yoga teacher and artist, Sarah Kear, who designed the deck using drawings of different animals to demonstrate the activities.

Each card has a different animal and mindful activity. A butterfly doing a sleeping butterfly pose, a blowfish teaching a slow breathing exercise with a pinwheel and a turtle teaching mindful walking are a few examples of the 26 unique cards in the deck. The cards are organized into 7 themes: breathe, focus, move, calm, relax, care and create.

McCullough loves that the illustrations “are visually very appealing and engaging, and . . . how parents, teachers and children can follow the instructions very easily.” The back of each card contains questions to encourage discussing the activities and the benefits along with ideas for when to use the mindfulness activity.

Order mindfulness decks and learn about Jenn’s yoga and mindfulness offerings including hike and yoga, kayak and yoga, and yoga with alpacas at integration.yoga

22

• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

What do you love most about living in Toledo? I love our Metroparks and I use them all the time for hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing, connecting with friends and teaching yoga.

What are you currently reading? A Man Named Ove,

by Frederik Backman, which is very heartwarming.

What is one of your favorite memories of spending time with your kids in Toledo?

Spending time in the museum, especially the family center where we could do art activities.

What is one thing you like about being a mom of two young adults?

I love that my kids enjoy doing outdoor adventures with me.

What is one of your hobbies outside of yoga? I love the creative aspects of gardening, and literally enjoying the fruits of my labor — the flowers, veggies and many, many tomatoes.

DIGITAL AGE

When Gaming Becomes a Problem

Afraid that your kids are playing too many video games?

By Nathan Jacobs

When I was growing up in the 1980’s, my family couldn’t afford a Nintendo Entertainment System. But playing Nintendo was always the highlight of weekend sleepovers at Granny’s house. By the 1990s, our Friday nights were consumed by endless rounds of “Tekken,” “Twisted Metal” and teenage banter. Now, as a father of 3, I game to relieve stress at the end of a long day in the office.

With a father who is a gamer, it is no surprise that my kids are avid gamers.

And that’s usually fine. Usually. However, at various points in their lives, the amount of time they spend gaming has been a problem. And who can blame them? Video games allow players to escape the troubles of reality, to express themselves in ways that are not possible in real life and to explore situations and worlds representing the culmination of human creativity. And all of that can be achieved from the comfort of home.

As parents, it is our responsibility to guide our children past life’s pitfalls, and gaming is no different. So, when does gaming become a problem?

Lack of motivation Gaming can be so immersive that your child may find enough fulfillment through games to replace the need to pursue interests in real life. A quantifiable warning sign is a slip in their grades, and other indicators may be a lack of interest in participating in extracurricular activities or lacking desire to get a first job, learn to drive or to reach for other normal childhood milestones.

Social disconnection Many modern games have social aspects built into them. Children may see this as a replacement for face-to-face social interaction — even with members of their own household. Ever have your child tell you that they don’t know how to talk to people, but always seem to be

GamingProblem- It is important to monitor how much your child is gaming and how it affects them. talking to friends online? Another warning sign is when they stop attending, or show aversion to attending, social events like school dances and family parties.

Health problems For the most part, gaming is a sedentary activity, which often spans several hours, or longer. Health issues such as weight gain and eye strain are not uncommon. And that’s not to mention the host of problems that accompany sleep deprivation.

Gaming addiction Gaming can become a true addiction.

Some signs of gaming addiction include thinking about gaming even when not playing, lying about how much time is spent gaming, being unable to stop playing even knowing it’s an issue and showing withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and apathy when not gaming.

What can you do?

If you think your child may have a gaming problem, the first step is to talk to them. Explain why you feel it’s a problem and what you can do together to solve it. If that approach doesn’t work to have usage curtailed voluntarily, you may need to set gaming time limits. Remember, limiting gaming time may not alleviate the underlying issues causing the desire to game. If you believe your child is suffering due to gaming addiction, please reach out to your doctor or mental health provider for help.

www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

23

A local chain with family favorites and a few surprises

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 11am - 10pm Friday & Saturday: 11am - 11pm Sunday: 12pm - 10pm It’s hard to go wrong with bar and grill fare when dining out with kids, and Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub has all the crowd pleasers you would expect — plus some delightfully creative comfort food menu options for grown-ups.

Odds are good you live near a Sidelines if you reside in the greater Toledo area. Chris Etts, Eric Sitter and Jerry Edmunson founded the business just over the Michigan border in Lambertville in 2000, and it has since grown to include six additional locations in northwest Ohio..

Despite this rapid expansion, director of operations Thomas Morris said each location runs more like a small, family-owned business than a chain. He attributes the success of Sidelines to its dedicated employees, many of whom have worked for the group for a long time and know their regular customers.

He notes Sidelines also gives back to schools and other nonprofit organizations through its fundraising programs.

The menu, refreshed several times a year, is rooted in the usual sports bar favorites — build-your-own-burgers, pizza, chicken wings and a variety of sandwiches and salads.

“Our most popular [menu item] is our fowl balls,” Morris said. “[They are made with] fresh chicken tenderloins that are delivered daily that we cut up

3.6 of 5 on Facebook with 522 reviews 24

into small pieces, and we flash fry those to order. That’s our bread and butter; people really enjoy those.” Customers can choose from a variety of sauces, seasonings and toppings for the chicken chunks.

Pub favorites and comfort foods We visited the Maumee Sidelines location on a Thursday evening. There were plenty of tables available when we arrived and we seated ourselves at a roomy booth that comfortably fit our family of five. The vibe at Sidelines is that of a typical sports bar, with plenty of flatscreen televisions lining the walls and a moderate noise level.

After we were seated it took about five minutes for a server to greet us and take our drink order.

Once we received our drinks, there was an additional delay of 10 minutes or so before our server reappeared and we were able to put in our food order.

That wait did slightly extend the time for our dining experience from the time we walked in to the time we got our food. While this is not an issue for our family with older children, it could be more challenging with a squirmy baby or toddler in tow.

We ordered an appetizer of pickle chips ($9.99), which had a tangy dill flavor and a light, battered coating. They were a hit that disappeared quickly at our table.

The menu features most of the entrees you would expect at a sports bar, with a few standout surprises such as the white cheddar parmesan mac and cheese ($12.99 + extra for add-ins).The mac and cheese is offered with the ability to select from a long list of proteins and veggies that can be added to customize the dish. I ordered it with grilled chicken, and was pleasantly surprised at the generous quantity of tender

Founded in 2000, Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub now has seven locations in the area.

The Short Course Online ordering? Yes Carryout? Yes Delivery? Yes chicken that was baked into the creamy pasta. The portion size was enough to provide leftovers to enjoy for lunch the next day.

My husband ordered the meatball pizza ($12.99) and appreciated the neatly sliced meatballs and the light, thin crust. One of our sons also sampled the meatballs on an oven-baked grinder ($14.99), which came topped with a red sauce and a five-cheese blend. His only critique was that the sauce was a bit heavy.

My oldest ordered his stand-by, an American cheeseburger, which is a 1/2 pound patty of premium fresh-ground steak served on a Kaiser roll. Sidelines offers a wide assortment of toppings to choose from to customize each burger.

There is a sizable kids menu with entrees for $5.49 that include two sides and a drink, and kids eat free on Wednesdays. Our daughter usually

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• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

Outdoor Dining? Yes Kids Menu? Yes Changing Table? Yes Booster Seat/High Chair?

Yes likes to do her own review of chicken tenders at most places where we eat out, and she said the ones at Sidelines were among the best she has sampled.

Bottom line We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food at Sidelines, which sets it apart from the typical sports bar.

Service at the location we visited was a little slow but the restaurant offers easy carryout and delivery ordering on its website, which our family will add to our rotation of favorite spots for quick dinners in the future.

4.3 of 5 on DoorDash with 830 reviews

PHOTO BY LAURIE BERTKE

Locations in Toledo, Lambertville, Maumee, Perrysburg, Sylvania and Norwalk sidelinessportseatery.com

Perrysburg Sidelines

Meatball grinder with waffle fries

By Laurie Bertke

Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SIDELINES SPORTS EATERY & PUB

Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub: A quick and quality family dinner

CALENDAR JANUARY

WEDNESDAY 10

WEDNESDAY 3

Winter Break Play: Imperfect Proposal - Students in this program will spend their day rehearsing and preparing a short play, with performances for their families Friday at 3:30pm. They’ll also spend time playing theatre games, improv and crafting. Register online. $130.

Runs through Friday, Jan. 5. 9am-4pm.

Children’s Theater Workshop, 2417 Collingwood Blvd. ctwtoledo.org

THURSDAY 4

Family Storytime - Everyone is welcome to this accessible and sensoryfriendly storytime experience hosted by The Ability Center. Register online. 10am11am. Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd. abilitycenter.org

FRIDAY 5

Red Bird First Friday: Ring in the New Year with Red Bird Sylvania with live music, shopping, an art walk and demonstrations. 5-8pm. Red Bird Sylvania, Main St., Sylvania. redbirdsylvania.org

Helping Your K-3 Reader - The Ready to Read program is designed to support parents and caregivers to help strengthen reading skills. Register online. If you are interested and can’t attend this session email readytoread@toledolibrary.org to schedule an individual session at a time that works for you. 6pm-7pm. Virtual. toledolibrary.org Star Struck: Deep Sky Objects (Adults and 12+) - Explore the night sky with Metroparks naturalists, and get up close with planets, galaxies, and distant objects with amateur astronomers John Starr and Jim Gasser. Bring a camp chair and dress for the weather. 6-7pm. Bend View Metropark, 10613 S. River Rd., Waterville. Metroparkstoledo.com FREE

THURSDAY 11

Nature Scavenger Hunt - Use the power of magnetism to navigate Wildwood Preserve Metropark. Find clues in nature to solve riddles and puzzles along the way. $3. 2-4pm.

Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com

SATURDAY 13

SATURDAY 6

Jan Early Stages (ages 3-4) Drop In Class - Preschoolers will use songs, puppetry, and movement to learn about performing arts. Parents are encouraged to observe and participate. 9:15am-10am.

Children’s Theater Workshop, 2417 Collingwood Blvd. ctwtoledo.org FREE

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Mindful Movement - Kids can relax and listen to mindfulness stories, learn a few yoga poses and enjoy a craft and snack. Dress in comfortable clothing!

Bring a yoga mat or towel if you’d like. 2pm-3pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org FREE Whitmer Cheer Fundraiser for Nationals - Whitmer Cheer will host a taco dinner with raffles and entertainment to raise money to attend Nationals. $15-$20. St. Clement Hall, 2990 Tremainsville Rd.

MONDAY 8

Musically Me - Move, sing, clap, dance and listen to music together with your child! This activity is designed for babies and toddlers accompanied by a caregiver. Register online. 10:30am11:15am. The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. Abilitycenter.org

TUESDAY 9

Family Explorers Club - This program for families of children ages 3 - 5 encourages young scientists and their families to explore and discover the world around them through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). Free with admission. 4pm. Also on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 11am. Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 4pm. Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11am. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. imaginationstationtoledo.org

Positively Portable Preschool - Lead by Denice, a talented Early Childhood Teacher. Families and children up to age 6 of all abilities are welcome. Registration is not required. Also on Saturday, Jan. 27. 10-10:45am. The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. abilitycenter.org FREE

MONDAY 15

School’s Off, Parks On! Mini-Camps: Hopeful Heroes Mini-Camp - Martin Luther King Jr. Day themed day camp offering story time, crafts, games and nature strolls. $28. 9am-2pm. Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com Special Education Free Legal Clinic The Special Education Legal Clinic offers parents and guardians an opportunity to meet with a special education advocate or attorney to discuss specific challenges related to education. Register online.

Noon. Virtual. lawyers4students.com, lucasdd.org. FREE

TUESDAY 16

Creative Kids Art Workshop Art program for kids and adolescents 6 to 17 years old to express themselves creatively through art and identify positive coping skills. Email Kristen Zientek at kzientek@namitoledo.org to register. 5pm-6:15pm. NAMI Office, 4334 Secor Rd. namitoledo.org. FREE

THURSDAY 11

Principles of Karen - This wacky Scooby-Doo type mystery was written by Children’s Theater Workshop Devising Class. A Company and B Company performances run through Sunday, Jan. 14. 7-8pm. Also on Friday, Jan. 12, 7-8pm.

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2pm and 5pm. Sunday, Jan. 14, 2pm and 5pm. $8-$10. Ohio Theatre & Events Center, 3112 Lagrange St.

FRIDAY 19

Glow Skate at the Ribbon - The Ribbon transforms into a glowing wonderland for another popular Glow Skate. Advanced reservations are recommended. $8$10. 5pm session and 7pm session.

Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St. metroparkstoledo.com

SATURDAY 20

Winter Wonder Ball - Laurel’s Characters & Co. invites you to the 9th Annual Winter Wonder Ball. Live character sing along show, sit down meal with live characters, face painting and a dance party. Ticketed. $75-$175. The Pinnacle, 1772 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee. shopmagicalexperiences.com

TUESDAY 23

THURSDAY 18

Homeschoolers: Winter Night Hike Join a Wood County Parks naturalist and fellow homeschool families for a winter night hike. Registration required for all participating family members. 7pm8pm. William Henry Harrison Park, 644 Bierley Ave., Pemberville. wcparksarks. org. FREE

FRIDAY 19

Autism Play and Parent Support Group - A space for children to explore and socialize in a supportive environment while parents connect.

Registration is required. $5. Sylvania Playland, 3620 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. avenuesforautism.org

Wild Lights - Celebrate the coming of the new year with wildlife learning and holiday lights. 5-8pm. Also on Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21. W.W. Knight Nature Center, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. wcparksarks.org. FREE

Cocoa & Canvas (Adults and 8+) No experience is necessary for these winter-inspired paintings. Step-bystep instructions, plenty of time to be creative, and a warm cup of hot cocoa are provided. $15. 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Wildwood Preserve Metropark, Ward Pavilion, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com

Early Literacy Parent Training - Learn tips and tricks to incorporate early literacy practices into your daily life for your child ages 0-4. Registration is required. Readytoread@toledolibrary. org. (419) 259-5253. 10am-11am.

Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. toledolibrary.org. FREE Playgroup & Parent Talk - Everyone is welcome to this accessible and sensory-friendly experience. Children can play while parents supervise and chat. Register online. 10am-11am.

Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd. abilitycenter.org

SATURDAY 20

Helping Your K-3 Reader - The Ready to Read program is designed to support parents and caregivers to help strengthen reading skills . Register online. If you are interested and can’t attend this session email readytoread@toledolibrary.org to schedule an individual session at a time that works for you. 11am-noon.

Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane. toledolibrary.org. FREE Northwest Ohio Classical Academy Open House - Prospective new families are invited to attend an Open House.

Activities include interactive mock classroom lessons, performing arts demonstrations, treats, and shopping.

1pm-3pm. Northwest Ohio Classical Academy, 5025 Glendale Ave. @ NorthwestOhioClassicalAcademy FREE

WEDNESDAY 24

THURSDAY 25

MOBILE BUILD-U-A-BEAR SERVICE

Call and Email For Quotes & Bookings: Grannyjoysbears@gmail.com

419.917.3966

Parties, Social Events, Daycares, Celebrations

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www.toledoparent.com • January/February 2024 •

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CONTINUED FROM P.25

FRIDAY 26

Mom’s Gathering - Refresh and Reconnect in the new year. Learn new ideas that will help build healthy habits.

Come cozy up with an evening of refreshments, conversations, and journalmaking. Register online. 6pm-8pm.

The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. abilitycenter.org

SATURDAY 27

Adventure Kids Club: Winter Animal Tracking & Atlatls (Ages 8-12) - This drop off program focuses on how animals survive and thrive in the winter while honing tracking skills. Enjoy a campfire hotdog and mac n cheese lunch. $20. 10am-1pm. Wildwood Preserve Metropark, Ward Pavilion, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com 2024 School Choice Fair - During the event, families and students will have an opportunity to learn more about all the excellent educational opportunities available to NW Ohio K-12 students.

11am-2pm. The Toledo Zoo, Malawi Event Center, 2 Hippo Way. scohio.org

Heart 2 Hearts “A Forever Memory” Father Daughter Dance - A night full of love, laughter, dance, and connecting.

Formal attire is required. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $15-$50. 4pm8pm. Gesu’s Charles E Sullivan Center, 2049 Parkside Blvd. Eventbrite.com

FEBRUARY SATURDAY 3

Family Storytime - Everyone is welcome to this accessible and sensoryfriendly storytime experience hosted by The Ability Center. Register online. 10am11am. Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd. abilitycenter.org Family Think Tank Workshops: Solar Eclipse Science - Attend a solar eclipse workshop at The Imagination Station before the upcomming April 8 eclipse.

Each Saturday in February. 2pm. $14$16. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. imaginationstationtoledo.org

SATURDAY 3

Family Think Tank Workshops: Solar Eclipse Science - Attend a solar eclipse workshop at The Imagination Station before upcomming April 8 eclipse.

Each Saturday in February.

2pm. $14-$16. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. imaginationstationtoledo.org

THURSDAY 15

Snowballs - Kids will read and act out a fun winter story, Snowballs by Lois Ehlert.

Bring a pair of gloves or mittens to be used for a game.

A winter craft, a walk outside, and fingerplays will round out the class. $4-$7. 10am-11am. Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center, 6930 W. Sylvania Ave.,

MONDAY 5

Sensory Friendly Play - For those with special needs, their siblings, and caregivers, Urban Air transforms into a calmer environment. No flashing lights, music, or whistles are present. Contact Melissa Huebner at melissa@urbanairtoledo.com. $19.99. 4-8pm. Urban Air Adventure Park, 5343 Airport Hwy. urbanair.com

TUESDAY 6

Family Explorers Club - Free with admission. This program for families of children ages 3 - 5 encourages young scientists and their families to explore and discover the world around them through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). 4pm.

Also on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 11am. Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 4pm. Saturday, Feb. 24 at 11am. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. imaginationstationtoledo.org

FRIDAY 9

Preschoolers in the Parks: Wildlife Detectives Children 3-6 learn how to interpret animal tracks and signs to become honorary wildlife detectives through a short story and hike. Registration is required. 10:30am11:30am. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. Wcparks.org. FREE

SATURDAY 10

Shorties-U - Shorties U is an engaging four-week filmmaking workshop for youth, grades 5-8. This creative learning experience takes students through the steps of creating their own short films. $100. Classes will run Saturdays, February 10, 17, 24 and March 2.

9 am-noon. Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. sylvaniaarts.org Positively Portable Preschool - Lead by Denice, a talented Early Childhood Teacher. Families and children up to age 6 of all abilities are welcome.

Registration is not required. Also on Saturday, Feb. 24.

10-10:45am. The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. abilitycenter.org FREE

MONDAY 12

Musically Me - Move, sing, clap, dance and listen to music together with your child! This activity is designed for babies and toddlers accompanied by a caregiver.

Register online. 10:30am-11:15am. The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. abilitycenter.org

26

• January/February 2024 • www.toledoparent.com

THURSDAY 15

TUESDAY 20

Special Education Free Legal Clinic The Special Education Legal Clinic offers parents and guardians an opportunity to meet with a special education advocate or attorney in an open and welcoming environment to ask questions and discuss specific challenges related to education.

Register online. Virtual. lawyers4students. com, lucasdd.org FREE

Homeschoolers: Winter Birds Homeschoolers 6 years old and older, join a Wood County Parks naturalist and fellow homeschool families to learn about the winter time birds near us. Registration required. 10am-noon. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. Wcparks.org. FREE

FRIDAY 16

Creative Kids Art Workshop Art program for kids and adolescents 6 to 17 years old to express themselves creatively through art and identify positive coping skills. Email Kristen Zientek at kzientek@namitoledo.org to register. 5pm-6:15pm. NAMI Office, 4334 Secor Rd. namitoledo.org. FREE

Playgroup & Parent Talk - Everyone is welcome to this accessible and sensory-friendly experience. Children can play while parents supervise and chat. Register online. 10am-11am.

Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd. abilitycenter.org FREE

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

HEALTH/MEDICAL

DOWNTOWN OTTAWA LAKE NEEDS A CAFE OR RESTAURANT! Have space available in our building at 8484 Brown St. All or part of building; Great opportunity.

Call (734) 807-1826 for more info

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www.dental50plus.com/ macnet #625

ANNOUNCEMENTS Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book!

Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed.

Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo.com/macnet

FREE OFFER FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET FOR THOSE THAT QUALIFY.

Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-833-516-2829

SATURDAY 17

Northwest District Klondike Derby Northwest District, with the assistance of Troop 777, will be hosting the annual Klondike Derby. Events run through Sunday, Feb. 18. Camp Miakonda, 5600 W. Sylvania Rd. erieshorescouncil.org

MARKET PLACE

Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association.

Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection!

Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening.

Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-866518-8391

HELP WANTED

Surrogate Mothers NEEDED!

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419.244.9859

Earn up to $50-60K in Expenses & Fees REQUIREMENTS: Age 21-43 Healthy Pregnancy History Nonsmoker BMI Under 34 Give the gift of life... the rewards are more than financial!

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SAVE THE DATEy,

It’s g be a g onna summreat er

Saturda April 13, 2024

Join Toledo Area Parent News at the Franklin Park Mall for the area’s most exciting FREE Summer Camp Fair. Talk with dozens of camp representatives about your options for summer fun.

Make sure your business is a part of this fun event!

Call for more information 419.244.9859 or email sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Nomina Nominate Your Let The Run frotions Nominations Family Favorites 12/1/1 5/23 tmhru 31/24 Begin!

FAV

VOTE HERE

2023

MITLEYS FAO RI

One vote per email address per day.

Top 6 make the final ballot. Final voting begins 3/1 - 4/15

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