Lexi Hayman-Staples

The Origin Story of a Local HER-O Visionary mom shares her odyssey By Phoebe Samuel Rapp

Toledo mom Lexi HaymanStaples has contributed to the area arts scene and LGBTQIA+ community with contributions to a thriving art center and a robust Toledo Pride celebration. Lexi, the Artistic Director for the Collingwood Art Center and Toledo Pride founder/ organizer, also works and designs for longtime local art and jewelry mavens, Harold Jaffe Jewelers.

Born in Sandusky, Ohio, Lexi’s family moved to the Old West End in the heart of Toledo. When she was in the fourth grade, Lexi and her family moved to Bedford, Michigan. She shares, “Toledo always felt like home.”

Quick Quips:

Lexi to study art in college and

Most valuable life lesson:

Value relationships and always try to respect others, especially when you don’t agree with them.

Words to live by: Be nice.

Proudest accomplishment: Toledo Pride (my original baby) and Francis June (my other baby).

Who’s your mentor? There are too many to list. I am constantly inspired by someone new and I love to learn. Also, my Dad was amazing, so that’s an easy pick if Creative souls do wander Inspiration comes from: Art, nature,

A passion for creating art drove family and friends I had to pick. to work as a tattoo artist. With a Best advice ever: “If you’re not getting desire to start a business, Lexi parthappier as you get older, then your [messnered with her mother, Johanna ing] up.” Staples, to open Outskirts bar (on Laskey Rd.) in 2008. In 2009 Lexi decided to create a Worst advice: Don’t worry, it’ll all work itself out. But...I love to worry. Toledo celebration of pride with What lesson do you wish you had the city’s own parade. With $500 learned sooner? Math is hard and you from her mother, another $400 will have a calculator in your pocket. from an anonymous donor, and some craft store implements, Lexi went to work. the Collingwood Art Center, Lexi was

The first-ever Toledo Pride Parade was ready to make her life with Nicole “ofheld in August, 2009 at the Erie Street ficial.” Taking her original engagement Market. Lexi used poster boards and markring design to Harold Jaffe Jewelers, ers for the decor and colorful plastic table she impressed the owners and they had cloths for the backdrop. Optimistically hired her for sales and design. With the expecting 1000 attendees, she was thrilled security of a great career, the couple that 2500 showed up. In 2019, over 20,000 was married on January 16, 2016. Toledo Pride participants gathered to celebrate community, inclusion and love. Personal baby fever Lexi describes the feeling she had The makings of a family when she held a friends’ baby as

When Lexi met Nicole Hayman in 2007, “personal baby fever.” She explains, she realized she wanted to expand her life “As I held their little baby, I thought for and family. Several years later, with Tothe first time that maybe I can have a ledo Pride’s success and great progress at baby.” With Nicole pursuing a nurs

Something for Everyone!

Nicole, holding Francis, with Lexi Hayman-Staples.

PHOTO BY JAMIE WARD PHOTOGRAPHY

ing career, the couple decided that Lexi would carry their baby, a boy, Francis June Hayman-Staples.

No really, it takes a village

Nicole works long hours at the Toledo Hospital Cardiovascular intensive care unit and has a second career as a hairstylist, while Lexi works at Harold Jaffe Jewelers plus the Collingwood Arts Center. Lexi explains that with the help of aunties, friends and an indispensable grandma (Johanna Staples), they are able to manage careers and a happy home life.

Busy as she may be, Lexi confides that her heart is at home. Little Francis leads the dance party with three cats and a dog in the mix. Nicole shares, “My absolute favorite thing about being a mom is watching him grow, learn and experience new things. I never thought I would understand the amount of love you can have for a child...it’s confusing and almost too much.”

With extra time at home these days, the family enjoys cooking creative vegan meals, Facetiming with friends and family, and all kinds of art projects. Lexi concludes, “Nicole and I wanted to be parents for a long time. We are both so incredibly happy to have a great family and we are enjoying it every step of the way!”

Call today!!

Summer program begins July 6th

Program 3 weeks long - 6 classes total

Fall program begins September 8th

Program runs until June. Registration begins August 1st.

Class Schedules, pricing & info found online! REGISTER TODAY AT MINIMOTIONSDANCE .COM OR CALL 419.473.0999

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Stop. Drop. And Roll on in to Fire Station

FIRE STATION BAR AND GRILL 6040 Knights Inn Place, Maumee, OH 43537 419-491-9911 Sun-Thur: 11AM-11PM (kitchen closes at 9PM) Fri-Sat: 11AM-12AM (kitchen closes at 11PM) www.firestationbarandgrill.com

We always choose a locally-owned restaurant with great food over a national chain, any day of the week. One of the area’s newest unique restaurants, Fire Station Bar and Grill, opened in October, and it’s already a “hot” place to be.

A tribute to firefighters and a feast for the senses

You can’t miss the three retired fire

Maumee’s HOT new spot is family friendly By Karen L. Zickes

trucks parked in front of the new Bar and Grill, visible along Airport Highway near Holland-Sylvania. The trucks provide a hint of what you will find on the interior of the restaurant, with an atmosphere and unique décor that will be a delight to children and adults alike. Your senses will be on overload. I took the virtual tour, that reviews the memorabilia collection, online after our visit and I couldn’t believe how many things I had missed when I was there. The restaurant is decorated with fire trucks, photos, murals and other types of firefighter memorabilia. Owner Jamie Wietrzyrkowski, who did an amazing job with the décor of his two Mail Pouch Saloon restaurants (one in Swanton and one in Haskins, Ohio), excelled once again with Fire Station.

A Family Tradition Since 1946!

COME DOWN TO THE FARM & VISIT THE COWS!

Come watch the ‘girls’ being milked at 4:00 pm every day. Our Viewing Room has recently been renovated! You can even milk a cow by hand if you book a farm tour! Tours are available for groups of 15 or more

Visit our country farm store. We have ice cream cones, milk shakes, sundaes, farm made fudge, local honey, maple syrup, locally grown popcorn and more! Bring a picnic and eat next to the pond. We have a large covered pavilion near the pond area, where you can enjoy your lunch. The pavilion is also available to decorate for birthday parties hosted at the farm.

CALL 734-654-2622 TO MAKE YOUR BOOKING!

9334 Finzel Rd., Carlton, MI 48117 | calderdairy.com

The restaurant boasts three full bars, a seasonal patio, and a second floor that overlooks the main dining area. There is even a fire truck with fully operating lights and sirens in the center of the second floor. All table tops have pictures from local fire stations. The murals and over 500 pictures are of current and historical engine companies and historical fires in NW Ohio. Adding to the atmosphere, they offer live music weekly as well.

Mouthwatering menu and generous portions

The large menu consists of flatbreads, chicken chunks served several ways, whole smoked wings, pasta skillets, tacos, and an array of burgers, sandwiches and entrees. As “ordinary” as those items may sound, their menu items are anything but ordinary. Every item has a unique twist or flavor combination, or perhaps a special sauce. For instance, the Nut Wagon burger has pepper jack cheese and peanut butter, and the chicken tenders can be ordered hand-breaded in Cap’n Crunch cereal!

For rookie firefighters (10 and under), they have a place mat menu (Little Dalmatians Kids Meals). If the little ones can stop “oohing” and “ahhing” while ogling the decor long enough, they can color the themed menu while they wait. They offer seven kid-approved choices on the menu, and each is served with the choice of a side and a drink for about $5.99. The menu also teaches fire safety tips for the kids.

We had the deep-fried asparagus for our “fire starter.” Always hesitant to order asparagus, I thought it might be thick and woody, but it was delicious. The Fire Ax Skillet, with bourbonsoaked bacon and macaroni noodles tossed in beer cheese, was very good. Although, on my next visit I may get what my youngest ordered: Fire House Chunks. The chicken tenderloins are cut fresh daily and either grilled or hand-breaded and fried. The white mac and cheese was topped with the

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chicken chunks, coleslaw, onion straws and brisket, then drizzled with their homemade BBQ sauce. Oh my...that was incredibly tasty. My daughter, a vegetarian, has tried a plethora of restaurant veggie burgers and she gave Fire Station’s a thumbs up.

Bottom Line: One of the area’s newest restaurants honors our past and present firefighters, first responders and police officers. Fire Station takes the theme to another level and, I assure you that, neither you nor your kids have ever been to a place quite like this. Enjoy a mouth-watering menu, maybe some live music and a feast for the senses.

The Short Course

Kid-friendly: VERY! To avoid wait: Arriving early is probably best on weekends. Noise level: Moderate to loud. Bathroom amenities: Changing Station. High Chairs? Yes. Kids’ Menu? Yes. Allergies? Alert your server about allergies at time of ordering; gluten-free bread is available, as well as cauliflower crust for flatbreads.

CALENDAR JULY SATURDAY , 7.4

Light Up The Point fireworks

spectacular - Watch from your car as the night sky above Cedar Point explodes in a palette of colors, flashes, booms and sparkles. A patriotic soundtrack will accompany the display, broadcast live on Sandusky’s 102.7 FM (WCPZ). All ticket proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, OH Go and the Sandusky State Theatre. 8pm, parking lot opens. 10pm, fireworks. $20 per car. Cedar Point - main parking lot, 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky. Cedarpoint.com

THURSDAY, 7.9

The Toledo Repertoire Theatre Young Rep presents The Crucible

See one of Arthur Miller’s dramatization of the Salem witch trials during this production, which will be performed outdoors and viewed by audiences via livestream. July 9-12. 7pm, Thursday-Saturday. 2:30pm, Sunday. $12 livestream access pass. Toledorep.org

SATURDAY, 7.11

Toledo Zoo Garden Tour Series:

Stop and Smell the Roses - Explore the Toledo Zoo’s beautiful gardens and learn about gardening from a Zoo horticulture staff member during this 90-minute educational tour. Reservations required, space is limited. 9:30am. $10, members. $15, nonmembers. Meet in front of Ziems Conservatory 15 minutes prior to start time. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org/gardens

TUESDAY, 7.14 Meet and Greet Pet Show - Bring your pet to the virtual library and share your funny animal stories at our Meet and Greet pet parade. All types of pets are welcome. Hosted via Zoom. Register in advance. 4-5pm. Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 419-259-5200. Toledolibrary.org Free FRIDAY, 7.17 10th Annual Pizza Palooza - The by Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual celebration of all things cheesy is still planned to take place, and organizers are working with the Ohio Department of Health, the Toledo Lucas County Health Department, and State & Local Officials to develop a plan to keep everyone safe. Stay tuned for more information. 5pm, Friday. 4pm, Saturday, July 18. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. sylvaniachamber.org

LAST DAY Community Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale

Pre-order a rain barrel and compost bin online by July 17 to pick it up from 10am-2pm, on July 25 in the parking lot of the Ottawa Hills Elementary School (3602 Indian Rd.). Hosted by The Village of Ottawa Hills, in partnership with the Lucas Soil & Water Conservation District and Partners for Clean Streams. enviroworld.us/ottawa

SATURDAY, 7.18

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Children’s Theater Workshop provides a “drive-in theater” style experience with live theatrical performances. Families can choose to stay in their cars and listen to the audio via a transmitter to their car radio or step outside to enjoy from afar on a blanket. 11am-1pm. Smith Park, 998 Dorr St., 419-936-2020. facebook.com/cityoftoledo. ctwtoledo.org. Free TUESDAY, 7.21

So You Want to be a Teen Fiction

Author? - Want to be an author? Not sure how to get started? Elissa Peterson, published author of the teen fantasy Ransom’s Ruin will share tips and tricks about the writing process. Hosted via Zoom. Register in advance. 4-5pm. Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 419-259-5200. Toledolibrary.org Free

Toledo Zoo Garden Tour Series:

Stop and Smell the Roses - Explore the Toledo Zoo’s beautiful gardens and learn about gardening from a Zoo horticulture staff member during this 90-minute educational tour. Reservations required, space is limited. 9:30am. $10, members. $15, nonmembers. Meet in front of Ziems Conservatory 15 minutes prior to start time. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, 419- 385-5721. toledozoo.org/gardens WEDNESDAY, 7.22

Sunset Serenades Summer Concert

Series - The 22nd season of this popular concert series will be back on the Nederhouser Community Hall deck every Wednesday from July 22 to August 26. Each concert event begins around 6:30pm and ends at 9pm. FREE for Sylvania School District residents; $3 per car admission for non-residents. Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. olanderpark.com

THURSDAY, 7.23 The Wiz - Bring a blanket and enjoy a free screening of this iconic 1978 film. As part of the City of Toledo’s free Movie in the Park series. 7:30pm. Joe E. Brown Park, off of E. Manhattan Blvd., facebook.com/cityoftoledo. Free AUG WEDNESDAY, 8.5

Fun Fitness at Wilson Park

Stretch your legs and get moving during this free fitness program for kids, hosted by the City of Toledo and Athletes Global Free Youth Summer Park Programming. 10-11am. Wilson Park, 3251 Otto Rd., 419-936-2020. facebook.com/cityoftoledo Free SATURDAY, 8.8

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Children’s Theater Workshop provides a “drive-in theater” style experience with live theatrical performances. Families can choose to stay in their cars and listen to the audio via a transmitter to their car radio or step outside to enjoy from afar on a blanket. 11am-1pm. Highland Park, 1690 South Ave., 419-936-2020. facebook.com/cityoftoledo. ctwtoledo.org. Free TUESDAY, 8.18

Toledo Zoo Garden Tour Series:

Flowering Perennial Care - Explore the Toledo Zoo’s beautiful gardens and learn about gardening from a Zoo horticulture staff member during this 90-minute educational tour. Reservations required, space is limited. 10:30am. $10, members. $15, nonmembers. Meet in front of Ziems Conservatory 15 minutes prior to start time. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org/gardens TUESDAY, 7.28 Teen Virtual Escape Room - An escape room is a series of riddles and puzzles that an individual or group solves in order to meet a goal or receive a prize. Do you have what it takes to win? Hosted via Zoom. Register in advance. 4-5pm. Toledo Lucas County Public Library,

419-259-5200. Toledolibrary.org Free

THURSDAY, 8.20 Space Jam - Bugs Money, Michael Jordan and more favorites take the screen in the 1996 live-action/animated sports comedy. Come on and jam! Bring a blanket. 7:30pm. Woodsdale Park, 1226 Woodsdale Park Dr., facebook.com/cityoftoledo. Free

SATURDAY, 8.22 Toledo Zoo’s Dart Frog Dash - A competitive USTAF (USA Track and Field) certified 5k race with prizes, a noncompetitive 5k walk and Kids’ Fun Run. The 5k course takes participants through the neighborhood to the west of the Zoo, through Tembo Trail and ends in Main Plaza. The Kids’ Fun Run is contained within Zoo grounds. Fitness fun for the whole family! 8:30am, 5K race/walk. 9:45am, Kids’ Fun Run. $11-$28. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org/dartfrog

LOOKING FOR A SUMMER CAMP? Keep your kid curious all summer long. Imagination Station, Country Lane Tree Farm, Metroparks Toledo, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Ballet, Mini-Motions, and more all have virtual and in-person options. See the details, and more camps, in our guide online at toledoparent.com.

www.toledoparent.com • JULY/AUGUST 2020 •

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• JULY/AUGUST 2020 • www.toledoparent.com

Mondays & Thursdays Yark Food Trucks

Head to Yark Automotive Group on Mondays and Thursdays, from 11:30am-1:30pm, to taste some of the best grub area food trucks have to offer. For the full list, visit facebook.com/YarkAutomotiveGroup. Yark Automotive Group, 6019 W. Central Ave., 419-841-7771. yarkauto.com

Tuesdays Sylvania Farmers’ Market

This year’s market has relocated to Sylvania First UMC at 7000 Erie St. to provide more space for social distancing while enforcing a oneway route for shoppers to visit vendors while maintaining safety. 3-7pm. 7000 Erie St,., downtown Sylvania. facebook.com/ sylvaniafarmersmarket

Wednesdays Music at the Fountain

Enjoy local musicians performing fountain-side at Levis Commons. Virtual tip jars will be available for the musicians. 11:30am-1:30pm. The Town Center at Levis Commons, 3201 Levis Commons Blvd., shopleviscommons.com. Free

Stroll the Street 2.0 Food Truck Fiesta

Taste fare from up to a dozen NW Ohio vendors as the food trucks line Dixie Highway, State Route 65, into Downtown Rossford. Food trucks will be spaced out from Ford Memorial Park to the Rossford Recreation Center with signage for safe distancing as patrons wait in line. 4:30-7:30pm. Visitrossfordohio.com

Bowling Green Farmers’ Market

Shop local produce, homemade jams and jellies, honey, fresh-roasted coffee, and more, during the weekly market. 4-7pm. 201 S. Main St., Bowling Green. 419-352-5059. facebook.com/BGFarmersMarket

Toledo Farmers’ Market: Westgate

Fresh produce from area farmers along with great coffee from Flying Rhino, Olde Tyme Kettle Korn and Gertie’s delicious barbeque sauce. Keep the weather in mind, as this is an uncovered, outdoor market. 3-7pm. 3301 Secor Rd., across from Costco. 419-531-2451. toledofarmersmarket.com

Thursdays Perrysburg Farmers’ Market

The weekly market offers a bounty of fruits, veggies, flowers and more. 4-7pm. Louisiana Ave., downtown Perrysburg. perrysburg-farmers-market.com

Saturdays & Sundays Toledo Farmers’ Market

The year-round tradition of the Market lives on with fresh produce from area farms, food and drink and homemade crafts. 8am-2pm, Saturdays. 9am-1pm, Sundays. 525 Market St., 419-255-6765. toledofarmersmarket.com

EVENTS

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

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