Toledo Area Parent - September 2018

25 YEARS AND COUNTING

FREE September 2018

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FIELD gTuRiIPde Planning for after the bell rings P.10

Back to School:

The Adult Version

P.18

Good Grief of Northwest Ohio How the local nonprofit helps kids to heal

P.22

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• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

Toledo’s Award-Winning Parent Newspaper Volume 26 • Issue 9 September 2018

afte r

September giveaway

Back to School: The Adult Version

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The effect on the family when mom and dad head to class p.18

We’ve rounded up ways to keep kids busy when the school day ends p.10

departments

what’s briefly happening

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new kids

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tween the lines

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exceptional families

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Online September Beyond Booksmart: Choosing Activities that Enrich

By Malia Jacobson

Finding extracurricular pursuits that round out your child’s education without ramping up stress.

parent profile 21 healthy kids 22 dad, interrupted 23

Free Museum Day!

calendar 25

When, where and how you can get into local museums for free!

marketplace 27

commentary digital age 19

Little Hands are for Building How screens impact young children — by Ashley Talmadge

kitchen table politics 20

Goodbye Summer, Hello Rhythm

Advice to keep your family from being swept away in a sea of schedules

— by Sam Melden

food fight 24 Dale’s Diner

Breakfast anytime or traditional diner fare? You’ll find it all here.

— by Karen L. Zickes

[Always online] Back to School Guide Tips and tricks to help your student make the grade this year.

This month we’re giving one lucky reader a set of Strawbees, a creative construction kit that uses straws and connectors for limitless opportunities for building. Kids can build anything from a tiny pixie to a giant robot.

To enter visit

toledoparent.com Congratulations Amanda Gagliano, our August Giveaway Winner.

Back to School Guide

most read online 1. Adam Fineske,

Sylvania Schools— Making Education a Top Priority

2. Chow Down

and Read at the Spaghetti Warehouse

3.

Birthday Guide

25 YEARS AND COUNTING

On the cover

FREE August

Evah Weber, 4, Perrysburg Parent Profile Meet Sylvania Superintendent, Mr. Fineske P.25

Up in Smoke

What you need to know about kids and vaping P.26

E GUIDP.10 Setting up for success this school year

Favorite book: Uni the Corn Favorite ice cream: Vanilla with sprinkles Favorite toy: Legos Broccoli or Spinach: Spinach

toledoparent.com Join us and our 3,200+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions.

“Like” us on facebook.com/toledoareaparent

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

www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

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Adams Street Publishing Co.

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

What was your favorite after school activity?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

KIDS HOROSCOPE

August 23 September 22 Homework Helpers Does your student need a little extra help with homework? Your local library can help! Homework Helpers are available at 13 different library branches on weekdays starting at 2:30pm. Homework Helpers offer assistance with school assignments for students in kindergarten through grade 8. You can find the schedule online at toledolibrary.org/homeworkhelper. Be sure to check before you go - Homework Helpers aren’t offered every weekday at all locations and hours do vary by branch.

Imagine, Create, Play When your kids need a creative outlet after school and weather doesn’t permit playing outside, let them build! Strawbees is a creative construction kit that uses straws and connectors with limitless opportunities for building. Kids can build anything from a tiny pixie to a giant robot. Plus, kids are learning basic mechanics and physics as well as important problem solving skills every time they break out the box. Kits start around $20. strawbees.com

By Kimmie Rose

Your Virgo child is very particular: they know what they like and will definitely let you know what they DON’T like. Creatures of habit, these children do best with a set routine and schedule. This month their creative switch will flip on so make sure you know where your crayons, markers, paint and paper are.

Otherwise, they will be expressing their creativity on your furniture and walls. If you react in a way of upset it might stifle their natural ability to create. Virgos are neat freaks and will prefer simple surroundings without a lot of distractions. Go out and get an easel for them and some simple watercolor paints or crayons and let them create their masterpieces. Be sure to have a specific place to hang what they made and your little Virgo will grow up being able to freely create, helping that nit-picky part of self will fade away. As a parent you need to show them you are excited with what they did, though they will surely only give you the painting or picture of their best work anyway!

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) RIDING OUR BIKES TO THE CREEK.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) PLAYING WIFFLE-BALL.

Editorial

Assignment Editor Kimberly Feldkamp

(toledoparenteditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) PLAYING OUTSIDE. Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ART CLASSES. Calendar Courtney Probert (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) PLAYING OUTDOOR GAMES WITH THE NEIGHBORS. Contributing Writers Brad Augustyniak, Kimberly Feldkamp, Kate Ingersoll, Erin Marsh, Sam Melden, Emily Remaklus, and Karen Zickes.

Art/Production

Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DRAWING AND CREATING ART. Senior Designer Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) HELPING MY PARENTS AT THEIR COMPANY. Graphic Design Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) RIDING MY BIKE. Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) RUN AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) GOING HOME TO WATCH CARTOONS.

Advertising

Sales Manager John Renda jrenda@adamsstreetpublishingcom BASEBALL. Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) BOYS & GIRLS CLUB - SWIMMING!!

Classifieds Eddie Knight (classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com) TEAM SPORTS. Sales Amy Ressler Rough (arough@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MAKE OUT SESSIONS AND SPORTS. Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com) RIDING MY BIKE. Kathleen Dewar (kdewar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) TELEVISION-60’S. Suzanne Bell (sbell@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SWIMMING. Brittany Stahl (bstahl@adamsstreetpublishing.com) PLAYING SUPER MARIO 3.

Katie Emans (kemans@adamsstreetpublishing.com) BALLET.

Administration

A New Way to Monitor Screen Time In today’s world, it’s easy for everyone to be distracted by their digital devices. As everyone gets busy with the start of the school year, screen-free family time is harder to come by, but more important than ever. But a new device might be able to help. The Den, created by TechDen, combines an app that parents use to manage screen time with a physical home for devices to be stored and charged.

Using the TechDen app, parents can manage multiple devices, create schedules to remotely lock and unlock TheDen and set limits for device usage. When screen time is over, devices are simply stored, charged and locked.

Creators say they wanted to promote a positive balance between screen time and family time. The Den is compatible with iOs and Android smartphones and tablets and can store and charge two devices at once. Techden.com

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We’re celebrating kids and family

#toledokids on Instagram!

Want to be featured on our IG? Use the hashtag #toledokids and your pictures could end up on our page.

FIND LIKE AND FOL LOW US

• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

Accounting Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) PLAYING OUTSIDE. Distribution Tracy Kimble (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com) READING.

Digital

Web Guru Deanna Woods (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MEGA MAN AND PAPERBOY. NINTENDO NES.

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 © 2018 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without written permission of the publisher.

Also publishers of:

Audited by

As childhood evolves so do we.

Our Community Snaps page will now include our favorite moments and your lively feedback on social media. production@adamsstreetpublishing.com

How many cups of coffee get you through the day?

L L E T D N A #sHOW Caroline,

2, Toledo

James, 2, Sylvania Victoria Silva gets her room prepared for the new school year of 3-4th graders at New Bedford Academy

A big thank you to everyone that participated in the Toledo Parent Back to School Fair at Franklin Park Mall.

www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

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Support for Breastfeeding Success

Many new moms intend to breastfeed their babies but often find it more difficult than expected. Medela LLC is hoping to help moms with two initiatives to provide breastfeeding support. The Moms’ Room and #22Victories offer a place for moms to share real stories and experiences with each other and to receive valuable information about breastfeeding.

The Moms’ Room is a free service that delivers expecting moms breastfeeding education and personalized support from six weeks prenatally through baby’s first year. The goal is to help strengthen the bond between mom and baby while helping mom reach her breastfeeding goals. In addition to product samples and breastfeeding resources, The Moms’ Room offers advice and support on topics like changes in mom’s body after baby, the benefits of breastmilk, help getting an insurance-provided breast pump, and tips for transitioning back to work. You can sign up at MedelaMomsRoom.com.

Learn and Explore in the Outdoors Adaptive uniforms now available

MagnaReady and Land’s End have teamed up to introduce the first line of adaptive school uniforms for children with disabilities.

The new collection looks just like Land’s End original uniform items but buttons and zippers have been replaced with super-strong and easy-to-manage magnets made with Magna Ready technology. The line of shorts, pants, dresses, skirts, polos and dress shirts launched September 1. All of the uniforms are machine washable, too. landsend.com

#22Victories encourages new moms with a special emphasis on the first three weeks of their breastfeeding journeys.

Statistics show that many moms struggle the first 21 days and often give up on breastfeeding during this time. Medela wants to help moms make it to day 22, so #22Victories is about sharing the real and raw emotions of the first few weeks of breastfeeding. The hope is for moms to share and learn new tips, offer advice and support and establish a sense of community among breastfeeding moms.

Join the conversation by using #22Victories and following Medela on Instagram and Facebook.

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• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

Looking for a new activity to engage your little ones this fall? Why not try a Tinkergarten class?

This fall, families can spend time at the Meadows in Ottawa Hills to connect and learn through play.

Tinkergarten leader Johanna Davis Ross facilitates expert-designed play scenarios, allowing children of various ages and needs to explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate and create. Classes are open to children ages 18 months to 8 years and the program is designed to progress season after season.

This fall, the focus skill is problem solving. Classes are $140 per student for 8 sessions on Saturdays from 10-11:15 am, September 15 to November 3.

Register today at tinkergarten.com/classes/52096.

Festival Celebrates Toledo Full of Artistry

In conjunction with the Arts Commission’s Momentum Festival showcasing local artists, the Toledo Mini Maker Faire celebrates creativity, innovation, and learning. People who love to invent, experiment and DIY projects will share what they are passionate about. From scientists to crafters and engineers to students, families will learn what drives their brains to create. Get inspired and meet with fascinating people who make our city interesting and full of imagination.

Then, check out live performances, including the Hot Glass Exhibition and interactive art displays in Promenade Park. The Maker Faire takes place Noon-6pm, Saturday, September 15 at Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. Check out a full schedule of events at momentumtoledo.org. Admission is free.

New Radio Station in the 419

New Name, Same Mission

The Toledo Animal Shelter is getting a new name and a new look.

Toledo’s oldest no-kill animal shelter is now known as Toledo Animal Rescue. The non-profit says the rebrand, which includes the new name, logo, tagline and re-energized spirit, allows the organization to communicate its mission to a wide and varied audience with a new messaging strategy, digital platform, strong corporate partnerships and strategic community outreach. Still, Toledo Animal Rescue’s main focus will continue to be the wellbeing of animals.

Toledo area residents can tune into a new radio station - Nuestra Gente 96.5FM, the first 24/7 Spanish FM radio in the area. The station was launched by Linda Parra, founder of Nuestra Gente Community Projects, Inc., a nonprofit in the local Hispanic/ Latino community.

New Attractions at Kalahari

For a weekend break, take a trip to Kalahari Resort in Sandusky to check out new attractions for the whole family, including Bug’s Burrow - an outdoor water play area for little ones that demonstrates what the world would look like if you were shrunk down to the size of a bug.

Float Experience is a new feature in the spa where parents can get away from it all and float in a gravity defying, sensory free solution of water and Epsom salts for total relaxation.

B-Lux Grill & Bar is a new eatery with burgers and handcrafted milkshakes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

3D/4D/HD Ultrasounds & Gender Determination

♥ Early Visualization starting @ 7 Weeks ♥ Gender Determination @ 16 Weeks ♥ 3D/4D/HD Live Packages Available ♥ Keepsakes Available in store FREE GIFT BAG ♥ ASK ABOUT OUR RENTAL ROOM FOR EACH for Gender Reveal PARTIES!

567-331-4215

CUSTOMER

$50 - 15 minute 3D Package w/DVD Expires 12/31/2018

www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

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tween the lines

Halloween

Issue Date: Oct. 1st • Reserve By Sept. 15th

advice for parents with children 10-16

So much fun it’s scary!

Call 419.244.9859 or Email Sales@AdamsStreetPublishing.com

Sugar Shock

Teen sports drink consumption is on the rise

By Audrey Fairbrother

more prevalent choice for teens. Marketing campaigns around these types of beverages, often targeted directly at teens, have led to the belief that the drinks are ‘healthy’ or necessary to replenish electrolytes after activity. But Dr. Pesch says that’s an assumption that needs to be challenged.

“The marketing on these drinks can be so pervasive. The athletes who endorse the product are beautiful, powerful winLots of calories and sugar ners, so who wouldn’t want to be one According to a recent study by the step closer to that. Combining that with American Academy sports, makes it look of Pediatrics, more “I think a sports like a healthy option, than half of U.S. so it’s quite deceptive in drink is really only high school students that way,” Dr. Pesch exconsume a sports useful in very plains, “I think a sports drink at least once extreme elite drink is really only usea week. The proporful in very extreme elite athletes, exerting tion of teens who athletes, exerting themreported having themselves at high selves at high levels sports drinks at least such as ultra marathon levels such as once in the previous runners or Olympic ultra marathon week rose from 56 athletes. They’re not percent in 2010 to runners or useful for an hour long almost 58 percent in soccer practice, even Olympic athletes. “ 2015; while the difa hot football practice.

-Dr. Megan Pesch ference seems slight, In those situations, it UM Children’s Hospital it’s a bit alarming to doesn’t give any sort of health professionals who are warning edge over water, and the beverage is full of parents to avoid buying drinks with lots empty calories.” of calories and sugar for their children.

“In the last five years or so, there’s Comparing nutrition labels Dr. Pesch thinks that parents can help been more awareness around sugarsweetened beverages. It’s becoming educate their teens by comparing the common knowledge that those empty sugar content on the nutrition labels on calories can predispose a child to greater sports drinks to that of a soda or juice, to weight gain,” said Dr. Megan Pesch, de- make teens aware of the amount of sugar velopmental and behavioral pediatrician in their favorite sports beverages.

“I think it should be the next wave in at University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott the decrease of sugar-sweetened beverChildren’s Hospital.

The average sports drink on the mar- ages. Five years ago kids would have a ket contains around 56 grams of sugar soda with lunch, so we’re headed in the per 32 ounces; that’s twice the daily rec- right direction. Once we learn about the amount of sugar that’s really contained ommended amount for an adult. in some of these drinks, we all make betMarketing to teens ter decisions,” she said.

Dr. Pesch believes advertisers and marketers for these beverages also hold some responsibility in making the drinks a With the recent bans on sodas and other sugary drinks in schools, more teens are now reaching for what might look like a better alternative - sports drinks. But that image is a bit of an illusion. Many experts think parents should be warned that sports drinks, with their claims to replenish fluids, electrolytes and to recharge energy, should be taken with a grain of salt, or should we say, sugar.

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• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILIES for parents of children with special needs

Toledo TOPSoccer An equalizer in the sport

By Emily Remaklus

Sports are a great way for people of all ages to get fit, build strength, and develop friendships, but for individuals with disabilities opportunities to participate in sports can sometimes be difficult to find. Fortunately, TOPSoccer gives children and adults who are cognitively, physically, or emotionally challenged the opportunity to play soccer.

Passion Project TOPSoccer, a national organization, made its way to Toledo in 2015 after Paul Holgate, a soccer enthusiast with a passion for helping others, was introduced to the organization while attending a conference. He quickly realized that the program was something that Toledo needed and he contacted Elaine Stead to see if she would run the organization.

Stead admitted that at first she was a little hesitant about running the organization as she didn’t have the experience working with individuals with special needs. However, now, after running the Toledo organization for three years, she explained that it has become her passion. And that passion is evident when talking to Stead as she shares the success stories of the TOPSoccer participants.

Getting Involved The organization has grown immensely over the past three years. It first started with three participants, but that number has grown to almost seventy participants, of all ages. A typical Sunday (when practices are held) usually has around thirty participants. TOPSoccer, currently more of a skills-based program than a soccer team, allows participants to attend at their convenience .

Stead explains it as “drop-in, drop-out”, which means participants can attend whenever they choose.

There are no age restrictions, although Stead does state that they try to keep the youngest players at about five

years old simply because really young children often require more individual attention than the volunteers can currently provide.

Many of the volunteers are from the Toledo Football Academy. Coaches from TFA coach TOPSoccer along with many of the TFA players who volunteer their time to work, one on one, with the TOPSoccer players. What starts out as simply volunteering often turns into much more for both TFA and TOPSoccer participants. “Friendships have formed and the stories are just phenomenal,” explained Stead. “It’s become a place for those [participants] to feel included and accepted...it’s become a great equalizer.”

Participating in TOPSoccer is entirely free thanks to grants and donations from area donors. There is no formal registration, but the organization does have a group email list that they use to keep participants informed. The easiest way to get involved as a participant, or as a volunteer, is to email Elaine Stead at registrar@tfasoccer.org.

Excuse Just L t s a L e ft !

Your

Let’s Play!

2018/2019 Dates:

September 16th and 30th October 21st November 4th and 18th December 2nd and 16th January 6th and 20th February 3rd and 17th March 3rd and 17th April 7th Location: Maumee Soccer Center 1620 Marketplace Dr., Maumee Cost: Free!

RSVP: registrar@tfasoccer.org

www.AmericanMobileFitness.com info@americanmobilefitness.com | 419.351.1381 2727 N. Holland Sylvania Rd., Suite H

www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

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r e t f a AND

P I R T D L E FI e d i gu

By Emily Remaklus GREAT FIELD TRIP

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Students learn Educational & Fun Facts about Farm Animals Fall Field Trips Milk a Real Cow Hold Baby Ducks, Chicks & Bunnies Feed Large Animals Barrel Train Ride & Hay Climb Observation Bee Hive

Hay Ride to Pumpkin Patch where kids get a pumpkin & Teachers too!

Pumpkin Patch Only Tour also available.

Countrylanetreefarm.com for all the info Call (419)461-1298 to book a tour

GOOD FOR AFTER SCHOOL

$8/ Student...

Teachers & 2 additional adults FREE.

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Now that school is back in session, you may be looking for after school programs to help your children discover new interests and talents. Or perhaps you simply need ideas for things to do once the bell rings.

We’ve got your covered!

Read on for a list of organizations guaranteed to keep kids engaged and excited about learning outside the classroom.

Plus, you’ll find ideas for places to explore for potential field trips - perfect for the class during school hours or the family on the weekends.

Boys & Girls Club 2250 N. Detroit Ave. | Toledo 419-241-4258 bgctoledo.org

With a belief that success is within the reach of every child, the Boys & Girls Club works hard to provide a safe place where children can learn and grow through new experiences, various programs, and adult mentors. The club focuses on helping kids become productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

Programs include Power Hour, an after school homework help program, Cadet Corps, a weekly brainstorm and goal setting session for kids 7-9 years old, Leadership Development clubs for kids of all ages, Computer Technology, Sports and Fitness, and Arts and Crafts.

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

Maumee Valley 2244 Collingwood Blvd. | Toledo 513-619-1431 gswo.org A great way for girls and young women to experience adventure, success, and leadership opportunities is through Girl Scouts. Girls of all ages can get involved in engaging and fun activities such as outdoor opportunities, developing life skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and involvement in STEM subjects. And, of course, this is a great way for girls to make lifelong friendships as well.

Toledo Turners Gymnastics

26280 Glenwood Rd. | Perrysburg 419-873-0511 toledoturners.com Looking for a fun way for your son or daughter to get active after school?

Toledo Turners are enrolling new students interested in gymnastics. This non-profit organization helps children to be physically active while building self-confidence in a fun way. Classes are organized by age and skill level.

They offer competitive teams and cheer tumbling along with gymnastics classes, great ways for kids to burn off the extra energy built up during the school day.

The Toledo Ballet We’re always enrolling new students!

Family Famil y

orite avorite FFav

WINNER

Thank you for voting us Toledo’s Family Favorite Gymnastics Class!

26280 Glenwood Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-873-0511  ToledoTurners.com

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• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

5327 Monroe Street | Toledo 419-471-0049 toledoballet.net

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a seasoned dancer on your hands or a beginner, Toledo Ballet offers a wide range of dance classes for students of all ages and abilities, making it a great option for an activity after the bell rings this fall. Toledo Ballet offers classical and contemporary dance as well as conditioning classes (cross training for dancers or anyone who wants to stay in shape). Toledo Ballet also offers an adaptive dance class for children and young adults with Downs Syndrome.

Call today for a tour of the state-of-theart facility or to register for a class. The fall session starts September 4!

Simply Stated and Painted

WWW.JOHNSTONFRUITFARMS.COM 2790 AIRPORT HIGHWAY

2534 Parkway Plaza | Maumee 419-214-0224 simplystatedandpainted.com For the young artist, a visit to Simply Stated and Painted is a great after school activity. Visitors can choose from hundreds of ceramic pieces to paint.

Select a mug, plate, figurine, ornament, or one of hundreds of other pieces and then apply paint and other supplied decorating elements. After the painting is complete, the piece is fired in a kiln and you can take it home. Painted pieces make great gifts! Simply Stated and Painted also hosts parties and painting classes.

After School All Stars 1500 N. Superior St. | Toledo 419-680-2821 toledoasas.org

After School All Stars is a great after school program for Toledo area kids.

The organization focuses on three main goals: academics, enrichment, and health & fitness. With academics the students can get extra support in core subjects like English and math. Enrichment focuses on providing kids with unique extracurricular opportunities that help build social, artistic, and emotional skills. Lastly, the focus on health & fitness teaches the benefits of living healthily.

ONE MILE WEST OF SWANTON, OHIO (419) 826-1453

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

JOHNSTON FRUIT FARMS

• Hayrides on the weekends starting Sat. Sept. 29

10TH ANNUAL

• Pumpkins & Squash for Fall decorating

Make a new tradition this fall at...

SINCE 1954

YMCA of Greater Toledo

APPLES FOR EVERYONE

1500 N. Superior St. | Toledo 419-729-8135 ymcatoledo.org The YMCA of Greater Toledo has many opportunities for youth development at their numerous locations across the Toledo area. The Y allows kids and teens to explore their interests and discover new talents which naturally helps kids become more confident. One program is the Youth Opportunities Program which is an after school program for disadvantaged teens from 14-21 in Lucas County. The program offers tutoring, life skills training, work experience, mentoring, group events and field trips, financial advising, and so much more.

In addition to Youth Opportunities, the Y also offers many youth sports opportunities, child care, and camps.

BENEFIT FOR TOLEDO SEAGATE FOOD BANK SATURDAY SEPT. 29 | 10AM TO 5PM

• Apple, Maple or Pumpkin Donuts!

• Apples $30/Bushel U-Pick Starts Sat. Sept. 16 • Cider Mill • FREE Petting zoo

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28 Years of Teaching Dance

Family Famil y

orite avorite FFav

WINNER

1ST PLACE MOM OWNED BUSINESS

Classes Start

September 4th

Classes for ages 2 and up Use of Tap and Ballet Shoes with registration Personal and Rewarding Recitals Performances outside of the dance center.

419.473.0999 • 2437 TREMAINSVILLE RD. MINIMOTIONSDANCE.COM TAP • BALLET • TECHNIQUE • JAZZ HIP-HOP • TUMBLING • LYRICAL • CHEER MODERN • COMBINATION CLASSES

Mini Motions

2437 Tremainsville Rd. | Toledo 419-473-0999 minimotionsdance.com Mini Motions Dance Center is a great place for kids of all ages (even as young as 2) to gain confidence, coordination, balance, strength, listening skills, and social skills. Mini Motions specializes in classes which allow students to learn several dance styles. Classes are offered during the evenings from Monday-Thursday and Saturday mornings. Some of the dance styles that are offered include jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical/contemporary. Mini Motions also offers cheerleading and gymnastic classes.

PARCTRAYSHERS CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK!

CALL TODAY! 419.290.7832 www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

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Toledo Zoo

2 Hippo Way | Toledo 419-385-4040 Toledozoo.org We are lucky to live in a city that has such an awesome zoo. The Toledo Zoo is a great place for both kids and adults to visit. With over 700 different species of animals, the zoo teaches kids to learn about the world around them.

Be sure to also explore the aquarium which has a touch tank that allows kids an up close look at the ocean’s wonders. For an additional fee, visitors can sign up for Behind the Scenes Tours to see the zoo from the perspective of a zookeeper, an awesome opportunity for any kid with the plan to someday work with animals.

Meadow Montessori School- where exceptional education meets affordability.

6 weeks through 12 th grade Beautiful 8 acre campus Small class sizes Personalized curriculum Fine & Performing Arts Foreign language Outdoor time & PE daily AP classes Dual enrollment at MCCC MMS is the only AMS accredited Montessori, infant through high school, in the United States!

Schedule a tour today!

Olander Park Affordable independent education, just minutes from Toledo!

www.meadowmontessori.org 1670 S Raisinville Rd • Monroe, MI 48161 • (734) 241-9496

6930 Sylvania Ave. Sylvania, OH. 43560 419-882-8313 olanderpark.com/olanderpark olander-park Sylvania’s Olander Park is a great place for kids to play, learn, and explore nature surrounding them. Olander Park offers a 28 acre lake which is a great spot for fishing and boating.

Additionally, a 1.1 mile paved path surrounds the lake which is nice for walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, and bicyclists. Kids will love the four playgrounds that the park offers, and older kids and adults can enjoy the two sand volleyball courts. The park also offers spaces to rent for weddings, meetings, and reunions.

Country Lane Tree Farm

3525 N Bolander Rd. Genoa, OH 43430 countrylanetreefarm.com Get everyone out of the house and spend a day down on the farm. Your whole group can explore the grounds, get up close and personal with the animals and even milk a cow! Country Lane Tree Farm is still a working agricultural and animal farm that has been owned by the same family for more than 126 years.

Toledo Botanical Garden 5403 Elmer Dr. Toledo, OH. 43615 419-536-5566 metroparkstoledo.com/ explore-your-parks/ toledo-botanical-garden

The Toledo Botanical Garden is a beautiful 60 acres with numerous garden displays. The gardens offer many opportunities for visitors to learn about a variety of annuals and perennials.

The gardens also host the Artisan Village which includes original sculptures located throughout the garden, and award-winning art available during the annual Crosby Festival of the Arts in June. Kids can explore nature through pioneer living activities, and hands-on plant exploration.

Sauder Village

22611 State Route 2 | Archbold 419-446-2541 saudervillage.org Put the cell phones down and take a step back to simpler times. At the historic Sauder Village, visitors explore what it would have been like to live from 1803 to 1928. Costumed guides may convince you that you are in a different era. Visitors can explore historic homes and shops, such as the one-room school house, Dr. McGuffin’s office, a printer, a cider mill, and much more. Craftsmen, located throughout the village, demonstrate working with glass, metal, fiber, wood, and clay. Also, be sure to stop by and visit the farmyard animals.

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EMU Planetarium 303 Strong Hall Ypsilanti 734-487-4144 emich.edu/planetarium/

Learn about stars, dark matter, the planets and the constellations at Eastern Michigan University’s Planetarium! Built in 2011, this 37-seat facility features a 28 foot-diameter domed ceiling that features shows on a variety of space-related topics. When planning your field trip, keep in mind the planetarium is in use Monday through Thursday, September through April for University Astronomy courses, but visits for outside groups can be scheduled for Fridays and some weekends during the regular school year. The cost is budget friendly for this one, as the Planetarium field trips only cost around $2 per person.

Continued On Page 16

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• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

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after

Continued From Page 14

The Kelsey Museum of Archeology

AND

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Johnston Fruit Farm

434 South State Street Ann Arbor 734-764-9304 lsa.umich.edu/kelsey

2790 US-20 ALT | Swanton 419.826.1453 johnstonfruitfarms.com

The Kelsey Museum has a fantastic K-12 field trip program with tours and handson activities. Check out Kelsey’s popular Egyptian, Roman and Greek artifacts including objects from Karanis and Seleucia, a colorfully painted Egyptian mummy coffin, magical amulets from the ancient Near East, Greek pottery, and Roman sculptures. A special exhibit, running through January 6th 2019, called Urban Biographies, compares the evolution of Greece, Rome Turkey and (our local) Detroit to examine the cities and how they grow and change over time.

Another perk - every dollar goes to the development of educational programming and resources for students and the community.

The fall is a perfect time to get out and enjoy a tour at Johnston Fruit Farms.

The local, family-owned farm offers behind-the-scene tours to groups of 12 or more, hayrides, and a chance to pick pumpkins and apples. You’ll also find delicious peaches, apples, donuts, you-cut sunflowers and a free petting zoo. With a class of students or just your family, this is one farm you’ll want to visit.

Fun & Unique Birthday Party Packages Group Tours • Hayrides

For all age lessons and to see our full training line-up for players age 4-18 years old, visit:

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August:

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Interactive tours for any groups.

Fall League

September:

Coed Youth Training • Fall League

October:

Coed Youth Training • Fall League Technical Clinics

2901 Key St., Maumee • 419.794.4656

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F or C

Call for details (419) 346-1363

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• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

Find more tips, and learn how to choose extracurricular activities that enrich your child online at

toledoparent.com

Toledo Museum of Art 2445 Monroe St. Toledo, OH. 43620 419-255-8000 toledomuseum.org

The Toledo Museum of Art is an impressive museum which also offers free admission. Founded in 1901, the main purpose of the museum is to provide arts education. Not only can visitors learn about the artwork displayed throughout the museum, but TMA also provides youth and adult art classes, art demonstrations in the glass pavilion, and guided tours.

Back to School!

Band and String Instrument Rentals HUGE Selection of Sheet Music & School Music Books Guitars, Keyboards, Band Accessories & Gifts

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2534 Parkway Plaza, Maumee, OH 43537 419-214-0224 www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

17

Back to School: The Adult Version

When grown-ups hit the books

By Kate Ingersoll

Going back to school can be daunting for anyone, but for parents seeking higher education, it poses a particular challenge. A recent study by The Young Invincibles found that careers which once required only a bachelor’s degree now require advanced degrees as many employers are increasing education requirements for the newly hired. So with the increased need to advance education to lead to advancement at work, how can busy parents balance work, school, and domestic responsibilities?

Establishing a support system James Vander Hooven, President of a Community College in Massachusetts, works with a large population of parents. “When times get difficult or unexpected situations happen, school generally becomes the first to go,” he said. “There’s the myth of Super Mom or Super Dad where parents think they don’t need help, but actually the opposite is true.”

Parents who proactively have plans for child care in place prior to the beginning of classes have a better chance of success.

Amy Zabac, a local teacher at St. Joseph in Maumee, had two sons at home when she decided to go back to school. “I had been teaching for about 13 years with a Bachelor’s Degree when I decided that I really wanted to finish my licensure with the State of Ohio.”

Zabac’s husband was a tremendous help in taking care of their children and doing housework. “Our family made it a team effort,” she says. “We studied together, did housework together, ate together, and made sure we kept the lines of communication open at all times.”

Taking the first step Getting a degree can be a “career changer” or a “career enhancer”, so it’s vital to establish your goals upfront. If you want a completely new career, the best option may be a full-time program with internships that provide hands-on experience. However, if you plan to stay in your current field, but advancement depends on a higher degree, a part-time or online program may be a better choice.

Vander Hooven strongly recommends the community college route.

“The support networks are much

18

stronger,” he says. “In fact the colleges themselves are almost completely designed around working adults. It’s important to start slow, taking only one or two classes to get an understanding for what it will be like to work, go to school, and care for children.”

Getting involved with an extra-curricular activity is also highly suggested.

“That’s shocking for a lot of people,” he admits. “We’re talking about a population of students who are already very busy. It doesn’t have to be every week, or even every month, but there has to be some level of involvement that builds community and a connection to the college that becomes unbreakable outside of the classroom.”

A Local Choice Michelle Rable, Dean of Admissions and Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research at Lourdes University, encourages parents to stop dreaming and go for it. “Lourdes offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as the Direct Admit to Nursing for both transfer and new students,” she says. “We also offer a Flexible BSN program that provides the opportunity to complete a degree in three years, or two years for transfer students.”

The Lourdes MBA is available as well which develops business professionals and empowers them with the necessary resources to be successful in an ever-changing global society.

Financial Consessions Researching financial aid options can also make a big difference. Financial aid is available at Lourdes and Ms. Rable states that often opportunities are overlooked. “I find many adults think they are not able to afford higher education. However, there are many ways to make it work. Scholarships, grants, and loans exist to help make your education dream a reality.”

“My boys were in high school when I went back to school,” Zabac explains. “One of the things that made me nervous about going back to school was the tuition; however, when I looked around, I found there was help out there.”

Vander Hooven recommends contacting individual colleges to ask about financial aid and grant options.

“The easiest way to get started is a simple Google search. Taking the time early in the process can save money.”

Be Honest with Your Kids It’s a big adjustment for children when a parent decides to go back to school. More time away from home means less time for them. Little ones need to be informed about time constraints every step of the way to avoid blindsiding them with the additional commitments involved in attending classes and study time. Children who are old enough to attend school can understand why mom or dad is choosing to pursue higher education. Some families set aside specific times when everyone in the family does homework together.

Take time to relax with your children when you can. While it’s important to model good study habits, it’s equally vital to maintain healthy relationships and model positive ways to relieve stress.

• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

Take care of yourself It’s important to establish a healthy lifestyle for all family members. Eating and sleeping well are cornerstones to being able to balance work, children, and college. Set your priorities and work together as a family to create as harmonious an environment as possible for everyone.

Going back to school as an adult can be a complicated journey, but with proactive planning and dedication, the degree you earn will be well worth the effort.

digital age

Little Hands Are For Building

How screens impact young children

By Ashley Talmadge

Screens seem to be ever present, and as we click, sweep, and scroll through our lives, kids are becoming tech savvy earlier and earlier.

With so many games and apps available, it’s easy to place screens into little hands. Yet experts say there are good reasons to hold off. Diana Shepherd, PhD, says that for children under the age of five, there are few (if any) benefits from using screens—and potentially many harmful consequences.

“Infants and toddlers cannot learn from traditional digital media as they can, and do, from interactions with caregivers,” explains Dr. Shepherd.

They’re watching us Young children need loving caregivers to sing, read, play, and cuddle with them. “The parent is the child’s first and most important teacher,” says Tami Winternitz, director of a preparation program for early childhood education (ECE) teachers. This means children also depend on parents to be good models. “How adults monitor their own screen time in the presence of children often translates into how present they are with the children,” Winternitz says.

Interruptions caused by our devices, can negatively impact parent-child interactions. Dr. Shepherd says that when the television is on, even in the background, parents spend less time How they learn talking to and playing with their infants.

Young children are wired to learn “Positive engagement is reduced when about the world through their senses. parents are distracted by their devices, Thomas Kaut, a Montessori school diverting their attention to a text, media administrator, serves children ages two message alert, snapping photos, or through 12, explains, “Children are acwatching television,” she says. What’s tive learners. Viewing a screen does not more, research indicates that when provide the same learning opportunity parents allow as active explorathese technologytion with their “How adults monitor based interruphands. You can their own screen time in tions, children always do better respond with blocks, the presence of children often with negative sand, and water.” often translates into how attention-seeking When a child present they are with behavior—whinbuilds a tower ing, crying, clingthe children,” with wooden ing, or otherwise blocks, she gains “acting out.” skills in all areas of development. She learns about shape, size, texture, weight, Be mindful of content and spatial concepts as she picks up The American Academy of Pediatand places each piece. She counts and rics (AAP) recommends that children sorts her blocks. She repeatedly squats under 18 months avoid screen exposure and stands, describes her structure, and except for video chatting. For children negotiates with peers. In contrast, the up to five years, screen time should be click-and-drag virtual tower offers few limited to one hour per day of highof these learning opportunities. quality programming, viewed with an Kaut worries that the more time adult. “Letting children use media by young children spend with screens, the themselves should be avoided,” says Dr. less time they’re engaged in real-life Shepherd, explaining that adults need activities that support cognitive, physito help children interpret what they are cal, and social-emotional developseeing and apply it to the real world. ment. They aren’t moving their bodies, In addition, parents must choose conplaying outside, and interacting with tent carefully. On-screen violence can adults and other children. Problems lead to increased aggression, particusuch as language delay, obesity, and larly among boys. And young children sleep disturbance have been linked to whose media diet includes lots of increased screen time and early expofast-paced programming with multiple sure to screens.

Things to do without digital interference n Walk

through your neighborhood without your phone. Comment on the weather, pets, vehicles, neighbors.

n Use

texture—soft, rough, bumpy, slick—in your play time.

n Install

a sandbox.

n Build

a fort with cardboard boxes and blankets. n Play

old board games, like Hi Ho Cherry-O, Candyland or Chutes and Ladders. n Create

portable activity boxes (stickers, pipe cleaners, putty, paper and markers, small board books, dolls) for waiting rooms, restaurants, car rides.

n Pull

a chair up to the sink and let your toddler play with bubbles while you make dinner. n Watch

old episodes of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, a great example of the slow-paced, prosocial content that’s appropriate for young children. n Set

‘no-screen’ times and places (dinner table, bedtime routine). n Talk

to your child about what he’s feeling, and comfort him. n Sing,

dance, and read with your children.

screen shifts (think SpongeBob), are at greater risk for attentional difficulties.

“Parents must ask themselves,” says Dr. Shepherd, “What do I want my children to experience and learn from media, and how will this shape their thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviors?”

Digital books should be previewed, too. Research has shown that distracting elements—sounds, lights, and animation—may decrease a child’s ability to follow the plot. But comprehension increases when an ebook is viewed with an adult and includes features such as word highlighting and repeatable text.

It’s helpful to note that there’s no harm in not exposing a young child to screens. Parents are often misled when toys and apps are marketed as “educational.” They want to provide every advantage, and many parents worry their children will be left behind without access to the latest technology. However, most research indicates young children do not benefit from using these products, and experts agree that kids learn best when reading books and doing other hands-on activities with their caregivers.

Setting boundaries Though it’s tempting to hand a tablet or phone to a fussy, bored child, it should be avoided. “Using a screen as a babysitter or distractor may make the situation easier on the adult for that moment,” says Winternitz. “However, a screen will not likely provide what the child actually needs—food, rest, comfort, calm, support, or social interaction.”

Dr. Shepherd also cautions parents against using a screen as the go-to for calming a child—this can lead to problems with a child’s ability to selfregulate. As a busy mom to six children, she knows it’s not always easy. “But the patterns we establish early guide their behaviors as they grow up,” she says.

“When they are young, that’s the time to invest in their future by making these choices and by making time to engage with them.”

www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

19

Good-Bye Summer, Hello Family Rhythm Avoid being swept away in a sea of schedules

By Sam Melden

If your house is anything like mine, over the past months many different plans have been justified by two simple words: “It’s summer!” Bedtime gets pushed back? “it’s summer!” Staying out later than normal eating pizza and ice cream on a Tuesday night? No problem… “it’s summer!” If summer equals impulsive outings, longer days, weekends or vacations away, September means the return to schedules. School schedules, sports schedules, pick-up and drop-off schedules. With all the requirements of a new school year, our tendency is to rush back to a “routine.”

Family rhythm But how to make that routine meaningful? How can we bring the big issues in our lives to our kitchen tables?

How can we talk to our kids and make

connections for them that last? I think finding a meaningful family rhythm is more important than sliding back into a routine.

Routine is what you do yourself, individually, alone. Routine is how you get ready in the morning. It’s about when you brush your teeth. Routine is about when the coffee pot gets switched on.

Rhythm is something different. Rhythm is what we remember years from now.

Rhythm is like waves in an ocean all moving together. It’s a song’s notes rolling to the same beat, or all the leaves on a tree, blown by the same breeze. And rhythm is what we want for our families. Not uniform routine, but a rhythm that has us all moving through the crazy schedules, together. Think about it this way: a rich, healthy family rhythm is

what our kids will remember when they are grown.

So, how can we create rhythm for our families?

It all starts with values Often in this space we talk about living our values, together as a family. How we spend our time, where we invest our attention, is all based on our values. Does your family value time together? Building a rhythm of family game nights, or “pizza & a movie nights” might be key to building a good family rhythm. Does your family value being active together? Taking family bike rides or going on long Saturday morning walks at a park might be the way to get started. Finding a good family rhythm assures that your values remain at the top of your household’s priority list.

confident communicators Babies communicate from the moment they are born. Parents who quickly develop new listening and observation skills are better able to respond appropriately. Is the baby hungry, in need of a diaper change, overtired, fearful? Once mutual understanding is established with parents, a baby’s confidence grows. How do you keep that confidence growing so that young children feel their words and actions matter and can influence the actions of others?

All behavior is motivated. Taking the time to truly listen and observe your child to gain understanding is always the first step. When we are rushed (and who isn’t) the fall back is to simply react and be frustrated with a child who is not responding to our wishes. A child experiencing a full-blown tantrum is certainly communicating but is out of control. If we listen for understanding, take the point of view of the child, and respond accordingly it can help establish a lifetime of mutual understanding.

Try to put the young child’s actions into words by suggesting what they may be feeling, what they may want. Get validation from the child.

Explain your position if you can’t give the child what she wants. Show you understand. Do not give in to unreasonable demands, however, or Toledo Campus 7115 W. Bancroft St. Toledo, OH 43615

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Your “Yes” is a “No” Identifying your values is so important to building a healthy family rhythm is because there are so many things competing for our time. To fully live our your values as a family requires discipline. And the best way I’ve come to think about discipline is realizing that your “yes” to one thing, is a “no” to something else. Being committed to family dinners together three or four nights a week has clear implications for what other routines individual members of your family can say ‘yes’ to. If you want to go on family walks every Saturday morning, saying “yes” to that, means you will most likely have to say “no” to the myriad of other Saturday morning opportunities. If your family wants to build a rhythm around supporting each other, saying “yes” to one child’s sports team might mean saying “no” to other activities. Our ability to say no to certain opportunities gives us a better chance to form meaningful rhythms for our families, with those choices rooted in our values.

So, as we move out of one season and into another, find a meaningful rhythm based on your values. And I hope you find the collective willingness as a family to say “yes” to what matters, and “no” to anything that might get in the way.

PERSPECTIVES ON PARENTING advertorial

teach your child that communication is all about controlling others. Be firm but fair.

Developing self-control at any age helps children to think before they act or speak. Your calm modeling makes a difference. When they reach the “why” stage as pre-school or kindergartners, take the time to discuss.

“Because I said so” effectively shuts down communication and sends the message their thoughts don’t matter.

By the time children reach adolescence they have a strong sense of their ability to be seen and heard, and whether their opinions matter.

They are forming a world-view that you can strongly influence by encouraging open-ended communication throughout their childhood. A healthy sense of self is evident in children who can interact appropriately with peers, converse with adults, have the confidence to approach a teacher, the courage to speak to a group, or even express an opposing view in class.

Children who can communicate with confidence are preparing for success in relationships, careers, and life.

Perrysburg Campus 13587 Roachton Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551

• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

Lynn Fisher Founder and Head of School West Side Montessori lfisher@montessoritoledo.org

Working the Muscles Between Your Ears

Joe Gillen, co-founder of Sylvania STEM Center, on FIRST LEGO League Robotics

The family that STEMs together, stay s together. Here the Gillen family, Sydn ey (13), Nichole, Bailey (16), Joe, and share a smile after the FIRST Tech Chal Emily (11) lenge competition that qualified Baile y’s team for state competition.

By Erin Marsh

Healthy competition, working as a team, and losing gracefully are important traits for children to learn and experience, qualities that will carry them through their school years and into the workforce.

But what about children who aren’t athletes or have no interest in sports? Outside of athletics, extracurricular options are often limited. Joe Gillen recognized this quandary with his own children, and he, along with Tom and Crystal Burnworth, whom Gillen dubs “the brains behind it,”, formed Sylvania STEM. Sylvania STEM Sylvania STEM provides extracurricular science, technology, engineering, and math education through a joint partnership with FIRST LEGO league (FLL) programs.

Gillen explains, “FIRST robotics is based on a sports model, and 4th through 8th grade has competitive aspects.. Dean Kamen, billionaire philanthropist and inventor, saw [children’s] love for sports celebrities, and how they knew every name and statistic, but they couldn’t tell you a popular scientist or engineer.”

“Kamen then funded the 1989 FIRST competitive robotic organization,” Gillen continues. “The kids are on teams just like sports, up to 10 people, and the team is made up of all ages, both boys and girls. They are presented with a challenge every year, and that includes the robotic challenge and the research portion. Last year’s theme was all about water and how to develop an innovative solution using robotics.”

“One of my favorites quotes from Dean Kamen is, and I’m paraphrasing here, “Every child on every team can ‘go pro’ in robotics or science engineering.

Less than 1% go pro in sports.”

Core values Gillen adds, “As a parent, what really sold me was the FIRST core values; [they’re] woven into every aspect of the program. Basically, have fun, and [practice] gracious professionalism. Compete as hard as you can, but never ever at the expense of another team. If you have a problem and need a part, you can go to any other team and ask for help, and the teams will drop what they’re doing and help you. Really--just because that’s how the program is built. You learn teamwork and dealing with defeat and working with other people.”

What’s your fa vorite activity to do with your family?

Robotics, that’s wh at we do.

Best holiday m emor y from when you wer e a kid?

Tradition of going to different family’s houses for the holid ay.

What’s your go -to activity when you have a few minutes to your self?

I don’t usually, but woodworking.

Describe your life in five words or less.

Crazy busy, tech nologicallydriven, volunteer ing.

What is your favorite Toledo hang out?

Sylvania STEM Center!

Describe Tole do.

Hardworking an d dynamic.

Commited to the cause In FIRST Robotics, Gillen asserts there is something for every child. While every member on the team must know about the robot and how it works, not all kids need to physically build the robot. Some children focus on the design work, others on outreach, and still others on computer programming.

Gillen spends hours with FIRST every week, and all of that time is completely volunteer work--he is not paid. He comes home every day around 4:30--he works full-time as an IT Help Desk Administrator at the University of Toledo-eats a quick dinner with his family, and then they’re all off to the Center.

All three of his children, Bailey (16), Sydney (13) and Emily (11), help out and volunteer, and they also participate on their own FIRST teams. During a slow stretch of the season, Gillen is “only” at the center 3 to 4 days a week.

When the teams are preparing for competition, they can be there every day, including weekends.

Sylvaniastem.org 3315 Centennial Road, Unit H Sylvania, OH 43560 stemcenter@sylvaniastem.org

www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

21

healthy kids

Airport Hwy & Wilkins Road

Good Grief Summer Camp students practice yoga with instructor Erin Marsh.

2 Miles West of Toledo Express Airport

Good Grief of NW Ohio

(419) 825-1438 OakParkWaterGarden.com

We Have all Your Fall Planting needs!

Nonprofit provides peer-support services for grieving children

By Erin Marsh

Hours

Mon-Fri 9am-6pm SAT 9am-6pm SUn 10am-4pm

One out of five children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they reach 18, explains Dorothy Mockensturm, managing director of Good Grief of Northwest Ohio. In the greater Toledo area, that’s approximately 40,000 children.

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Good Grief provides services for local children who are processing grief. “We provide a place and a time for grieving children to come together with other kids their own age who are experiencing a lot of the same things because a death has impacted their lives,” explains Mockensturm. “When they’re together, they can hear other people’s stories and truths, and in doing that, it helps them proces their own stories and their own truths. This thing that has happened to them--this death--can become part of who they are and how they operate in this life without the person they loved.”

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Helping to heal Good Grief is a peer-support organization--not counseling or therapy-where children, teens, and adults can meet and discuss their thoughts and concerns with peers in similar situations. The sessions begin with circle time, where individuals have the chance to introduce themselves and talk about the person who died. Age-appropriate grief-related activities follow, and each meeting allots time for playing and selfexpression exercises.

There are no charges for services provided at Good Grief, and “families decide when to step away,” clarifies Mockensturm. “We’re here to hold their hands while they take the journey.”

Good Grief only employs three people; everyone else is a volunteer.

• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

Raising awareness Besides helping grieving children along their journey, Good Grief aims to bring a greater awareness to childhood grief. “There are risk factors for kids when childhood grief is left unaddressed,” discloses Mockensturm.

“Death and grief are difficult things to talk about. People don’t want to talk about it because they don’t want to make you sad. For children, it can often make them feel ‘less than‘ or ‘different than’ because people don’t know how to talk to them anymore.” “[Death] is something we need to talk about and address in the school room, home and churches--really everywhere,” continues Mockensturm.

“We...need to hold space for that child to process [the death] in their own way.

We can’t well-wish them into being happy again. We need to sit with them and be fully present and accept that things aren’t the same and never will be.

The beginnings of that start in this kind of setting [at Good Grief].”

Tips for Grieving Children: Be purposeful and clear with your language. “We always say ‘dead’ or ‘died;’ we avoid ‘lost’ or ‘passed away.’

For a child, that creates a vagueness that is difficult for them to process,” explains Mockensturm.

Be honest, open, and available. “Let a child know that you hurt, too, and you’re always there, willing to talk,” Mockensturm encourages.

To learn more about peer support groups or to volunteer, call 419.360.4939 or complete the online form: goodgriefnwo.org/enrollment/ Families can schedule a time to meet Dorothy or Shana (the program director).

Special Needs Guide

Issue Date: Nov. 1st Reserve By: Oct. 15th

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Taking Risks

Balancing risk and failure– A Dad’s perspective

By Brad Augustyniak

Watching your kids get older and develop the ability to be more responsible and take on new challenges is exciting, but it’s not always easy. I’m not talking about the standard milestones like the first word or first step. I’m talking about the things that help define them as a person. The things that occur in their life as they age. The challenge comes in balancing the observation with wanting to be the dad, stepping in to help. In my experience, it often works itself out.

to watch our younger boys while we run to the store, grab dinner on a quick date night and things that just take a couple hours. The result has been great; she’s learning responsibility, conflict resolution and other valuable lessons. At first, I was hesitant because my job as the dad is to keep everyone safe and leaving the kids home alone, even for a short time, is not something I take lightly. I quickly learned that trust carries greater importance as they get older.

Teaching Resilience My 2nd grader was hit in the face with the ball on the soccer field but insisted on continuing to play, while bleeding! I got him patched up and (as his coach) offered to pull him, but he insisted on continuing to play and scored 2 more goals. That night I was thinking about how our kids are often tougher than we think, especially when they really want to accomplish something. It’s a lesson we as adults can learn from too, because few people accomplish their goals without effort, and some sacrifice.

Risk vs Reward I love this concept. It’s fascinating when kids learn that taking risks often leads to rewards. A few weeks ago my 6-year-old son was afraid to jump off a seven foot pier into Lake Michigan.

The water was a bit choppy and I too was hesitant but I encouraged him to jump (with me in the water directly underneath) so he could feel his sense of accomplishment in facing his fear. He finally did it, and while he didn’t want to do it again, the sense of accomplishment he felt was awesome.

Let Them Fail This is a big one, and not something I am particularly good at but it is necessary. As parents we want our kids to succeed and be the best they can be. But it’s easy to forget that failure is a huge part of success and contains important lessons. I often let them win during games or small contests in an effort to build self confidence, but lately I have taken a different approach and I win.

The results have been interesting; at first they were upset. Then when we play again they became more strategic and play the game better.

Try New Things Kids are curious and it’s healthy to get them involved in new things early. Over the last few years we have tried soccer, baseball, dance, scouts and band. Of course, they don’t stick with everything, but it helps them decide what they like and to become their own person. It helps them avoid worrying about what other kids think. My 8 year old son, for example, tried dance last year and actually liked it. Granted, he loves sports a LOT more, but he wants to keep going with a hip hop dance class for the annual recital with his sister. As a result, he seems to be more into music and has even made his own playlist.

Trust Just a few months ago my 11 year old daughter completed a Safe Sitter program that trained her to babysit. She’s very excited and we started allowing her

Learning from risk has given me valuable lessons in raising my kids and, hopefully, some of these will help you too.

www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

23

DALE’S DINER

34 N. Third St., Waterville 43566 419-441-0044 Open 7 days a week 7a.m.-2p.m. dalesbarandgrill.com

Small Town Diner Delivers Big Taste

The Short Course

Dale’s Diner fills a void

By Karen L. Zickes

Travel just down the road a piece and leave the big city behind for a quainter place — Waterville; small town America. Situated on the Maumee River, Waterville’s historic downtown has a small diner that welcomes regulars seven days a week. Dale’s Diner is always busy, and now we know why.

Yes, it’s related to Dale’s in Maumee Even though Dale’s Diner will celebrate seven years of food and friendship in December, many don’t know about it.

Dale’s in downtown Maumee opened in the 1920’s so, likely, the Maumee landmark comes to mind when reference is made to Dale’s.

According to Dale’s Diner assistant manager Shawna Harris, William Anderson, the owner of Dale’s in Maumee for the last 35 years, also owns Dale’s Diner. “I work for the best boss ever”, said Ms. Harris. Wow, that’s something you hear most people say — never. He must be doing something right because the trickle-down effect results in cheerful employees, palate pleasing food, and happy customers.

Small diner, large menu It was a hot, summer Wednesday when we stopped in for lunch. Though the patio out front looked ever so inviting, the stifling humidity kept us indoors. It didn’t take long to notice that this was a popular spot. “We have a lot of great regulars”, said Harris. We watched as one gentleman walked in alone, spotted a friend, and decided to join him for lunch. That isn’t unusual at Dale’s.

Thought we weren’t regulars (yet), we were made to feel welcome just the same.

You can order off the breakfast or lunch menu anytime. So if you have a hankering for a Buffalo chicken sandwich at 7am, have at it. Ms. Harris said they make their waffles and pancakes from scratch, and they are delicious. Hmm… I see a trip to Waterville for breakfast in our future.

The menu selection is quite large with nine omelet choices, skillets, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, pancakes, and French toast. For lunch you might enjoy one of eight burgers, as both my sons did, or one of 28 sandwiches and wraps. Honestly, for a small diner, we were surprised at what seemed to be endless options.

My youngest has quite an appetite these days so he dove into the Humpty Dumpty, a third of a pound burger topped with avocado and fried egg for $7.49. They offer a sizeable kids’ menu for those 12 and under. Drinks are included and kid’s breakfast options are $4.79, while lunch is $5.59. With 14 choices you may need to help them decide. Though our bellies were content after our meals, as we added fries and crisp homemade potato chips to our meals, our eyes spotted the pie and we couldn’t resist taking home two slices of homemade goodness from Cherry Tree Bakery and Café in Whitehouse. Dale’s offers Cherry Tree’s fresh baked pies daily, and I dare you to leave without taking a slice (or two) home.

Slow down and enjoy the surroundings Dale’s Diner filled a void in the Waterville dining scene. When it opened, Waterville was lacking a place for locals to enjoy breakfast. The location, service and food have drawn a following of regulars. But remember to take in the

Kid-friendly: Yes To avoid wait: Anytime, but weekends can be busy Noise level: Moderate Bathroom amenities: Changing Station High Chairs: Yes Got milk? Yes, as well as apple juice, orange juice and lemonade

Kids’ menu? Yes, several breakfast and lunch options for 12 and under Allergy info: Be sure to alert the server of any allergies so the kitchen can prepare your meal without the risk of cross contamination.

quaint downtown before or after your meal. The kids and I soaked up some sun and enjoyed walking through town, checking out some of the shops. Then we drove just up the road to the beautiful Farnsworth Metropark, right on the Maumee River. We really enjoyed slowing down for a bit and enjoying all that Waterville had to offer that afternoon.

Bottom Line:

Dale’s Diner is a quaint little diner in downtown Waterville. Though relatively small, the menu is quite large, attracting customers of all ages. You’ll feel as welcome as the regulars and your kids will be excited with the many options. Before or after your meal take a stroll around the downtown area or enjoy the Farnsworth Metropark just up the road.

Kids Eat Free!

If you don’t feel like cooking on those busy days, decide where to dine by picking a place where your kids eat free.

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• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

{ September

Free Family Movie Night at Promenade Park SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 8-10PM

2018 }

Promenade Park, 250 Water Street, Toledo

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

1 SATURDAY Community Days at the Village Experience history with hands-on activities, demonstrations, pop-up creativity stations and visits by area cultural and education partners. Featured partners include Sauder Village, MetroParks Toledo, and Imagination Station. 1-4pm. Sylvania Historical Village, 5717 N. Main St., Sylvania. 419-517-5533. sylvaniahistoricalvillage.org Free Howard Marsh: Pieces of the Past Discover wetland wildlife and its history filled with ship-building, saw milling and prosperous farming. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Registration required. 1-2:30pm.

Howard Marsh Preserve, 611 S. Howard Rd. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Free Homesteading: Let There Be Light Learn about pioneer life and see how much has changed over the years. Stop by the Johlin Black Swamp Cabin anytime for fun and educational activities. 11am3pm. Pearson Park, 761 Lallendorf Rd., Oregon. 419-360-9178. metroparkstoledo.com Free Notebook Making - Craft your own journal with bookbinding and using upcycled materials. $6/members, $8/nonmembers. 2pm. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. 419-244-2674. imaginationstationtoledo.org Science Fun at the Experi-tent Conduct mini-experiments with the park staff and have fun with science. 2-4pm.

Oak Openings Mallard Lake Area, 5402 Wilkins Rd., Whitehouse.

419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Free

2 SUNDAY Olander 24 Hour Ultra Run & Relay - Run or walk around the scenic pond at Olander and camp out on the park grounds while enjoying scheduled meals, activities and entertainment through the challenge. $75-$150. Starts 10am Sunday, ends 10am Saturday, September 3. Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. 419-882-8313. runtoledo.com Adams Street Block Party - Meet with the community and have a blast on Adams Street with plenty of fun activities for not only adults, but children too. 4pm1am. Village on Adams, 1700 block of Adams St. villageonadams.org Free

3 MONDAY Music and Movement Playdate Children 2-5 years old of any ability are welcome to get together for dance, music and stories. 10:30-11:30am. King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Sylvania.

419-259-5380. toledolibrary.org Free

4 TUESDAY Back to Hogwarts! - Celebrate back to school week with Harry Potter themed activities and prizes. 9am-9pm. Also offered 9am-5pm Wednesday, September 5 and 9am-5:30pm Thursday, September 6. Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr. 419-259-5220. toledolibrary.org Free Wacky Messy Outdoor Painting Join Maumee City Schools for their day off with STEAM-based programs. All students from other schools welcome too. 3-4pm.

Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Rd., Maumee. 419-259-5360. toledolibrary.org Free Blackout Poetry - Using pages of old books and other tools, tweens celebrate Banned Book Week by making and designing their own poetry. 4-5pm.

Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Rd., Maumee. 419-259-5360. toledolibrary.org Free

5 WEDNESDAY Toddler Trails - Accompany your children ages 18 months to 3 years in this outdoor, multi-sensory nature play and exploration. Registration required. $2. 10am-11am. Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com

6 THURSDAY

Family Friendly Cooking Class FRIDAY, SEPT. 14, 6PM Foodlogy 2059 W. Laskey, Toledo

What better way to beat a dinner menu rut than with a family cooking class? Your family can enjoy the popular Foodlogy class that focuses on favorites of Asian Cuisine. Learn knife skills and knife safety while cooking up Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry, Pork Egg Rolls and Peanut Pad Thai Noodles. Kids ages 6 and up are welcome to join in on the fun. Register today app.getoccasion.com/ pn/5o0h1ib0?source=agenda_ calendar#

Baby Tours - Enhance your baby’s early visual literacy skills during a lively, colorful tour of art. 6-6:30pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org Free Art Walk: Sidewalk Sideshow Explore the sales, sites and sounds of Sylvania with the grand-reopening of the Sylvania Branch Library, artist booths, and local food. 5-9pm. Downtown Sylvania.

419-885-8381. redbirdarts.org Free

8 SATURDAY

Campfire Cooking: Dutch Ovens Cook dump cake and John Wayne Casserole (chili, cornbread and cheese) using a dutch oven and cast iron pans.

For adults and children 8 years and older. $8. 5:30-7pm. Oak Openings Mallard Lake Area, 5402 Wilkins Rd., Whitehouse. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Free Me + Baby Yoga Storytime - This unique storytime combines movement and early literacy skills with stretches and yoga inspired stories. No experience necessary.

10-11am. King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Sylvania. 419-259-5380. toledolibrary.org Free Family Game Night - Bring your own games or use the library’s while having fun with others during this night of friendly play. West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 W. Sylvania Ave. 419-259-5290. toledolibrary.org Free

7 FRIDAY Preschool Pioneers - 3 to 5 year olds will learn about Northwest Ohio’s earliest settlers with a story and interactive history activity. $4.10-11:30am. Pearson Park, 4989 Seaman Rd., Oregon.

419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com

Photography Basics: Ages 8 and Up - Learn basic photography skills in the classroom, then head out to the trails to practice. Bring your own camera or borrow one from the park. Bring an SD card. $5. 2-3:30pm. Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey.

419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Flying Pig Arts Fest - The music festival celebrates its fourth year showcasing live bands that include at least one member of the TSA staff. $10/adults, $5/ students over 5 years old, $35-$50/VIP. 4-10:30pm. Toledo School for the Arts, 333 14th St. 419-246-8732. ts4arts.org

Pop some popcorn, grab a blanket and head to Promenade Park for a free Family Movie Night on the big screen, presented by ProMedica and Buckeye Broadband. This month’s movie is Wonder, which begins at 8PM. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. You’re welcome to bring your own food and snacks, but no alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Shave for the Brave - Help continue the funding for children’s cancer research by donating to the cause, showing up to walk or volunteer, or even shaving your head. The event begins with a walk around the shops. 11am-4pm. The Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee. 888-899-2253. stbaldricks.org/events/believe Free Second Saturdays R 4 Kids - There will be storytime in the museum auditorium at 11am and a scavenger hunt outdoors offered between 9am and 5pm. $1 admission for kids, $13 museum only for adults. Rutherford B. Hayes Museum, Spiegel Grove, Fremont. 419-332-2081. rbhayes.org

9 SUNDAY Grandparents Day - Take a family trip to the zoo with the grandest members.

Grandparents receive free admission when accompanied by at least one grandchild. 10am-5pm. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org Free

Recovery is Beautiful Family Festival - Enjoy great food and family fun with games, inflatables, music, raffles, a resource fair and a Kids Zone with face painting and more. 10am-2pm.

Market on the Green, 1806 Madison Ave. 567-585-0055. lcmhrsb.oh.gov Free MADteens - Your teens can earn service hours as they come together to help the community with hands-on projects to benefit local organizations. 2-4pm. Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. 419-878-3055. toledolibrary.org Free

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Sensory Friendly Jumps - Music is turned off and distractions are toned down for children of all abilities to join in on the fun. $8. 11am-noon. Also on Sunday, September 23. Sky Zone Toledo, 1600 Albon Rd., Holland.

419-491-1194. toledostore.skyzone.com

10 MONDAY Pottery Course 3rd-5th Graders Learn the basics of hand building & explore the potter’s wheel. Learn about glazing, and finishing pieces with high and low fire glazes. $95. 4-5:30pm.

The 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 419-874-4174.

577foundation.org

Mosaic Art with Molly Miller Create unique mosaic pendant necklaces or magnets with eggshells. 6:30-7:30pm.

Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon. 419-259-5250. toledolibrary.org Free

12 WEDNESDAY Friends of Side: S’mores and More! - Gather at the fire pit near the sledding hill and meet with a historical character from the past. 7-8:30pm.

Side Cut Metropark, 1025 W. River Rd., Maumee. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Free

13 THURSDAY

Adventures in Painting - Children between the ages of 5-7 years old explore watercolor and acrylic painting with an experienced painter. $80. Every Monday through October 15. Create: Art Studio, 422 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.

419-873-6240. createperrysburg.com

Acrylic Painting for Kids - 3rd-6th graders learn basic painting techniques to create a monarch butterfly piece on canvas. Register in advance, space is limited. $15. 5-7pm. 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St. 419-874-4174.

577foundation.org

Mondays in the Garden - Gather at the Community garden and get your hands dirty while learning everything there is to know about gardening. 3:304:30pm. Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. 419-259-5230. toledolibrary.org Free

Tinkerlab Build Challenges - Work as a team with the family to create, explore and tinker through science, tech, engineering and math learning. 4-5pm.

King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Sylvania. 419-259-5380. toledolibrary.org Free

11 TUESDAY Drawing for Kids - All supplies provided at this all-inclusive drawing session for kids between the ages of 5-10. 6:307:30pm. Sanger Branch Library, 3030 Central Ave. 419-259-5370. toledolibrary.org Free

High School Junior & Senior Poetry Workshop - Co-editor at Cocklebur Press, Dan Denton, helps students create their own poem to be entered in the Ohio Northern University’s Single Poem Broadside Contest. Register in advance.

6-7pm. Also meets Thursday, October 11. Gathering Volumes, 196 E. South Boundary, Perrysburg. 567-336-6188. gatheringvolumes.com Free

14 FRIDAY Drawing Fun with Mr. Picasso: 2nd-7th grades - Youngsters develop drawing and compositional skills with local artist, Roy Wilson, using his step-bystep methods during this multi-day class.

Register in advance, space is limited. $65. 3:55-5pm every Friday through December 14. The 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg.

419-874-4174. 577foundation.org

15 SATURDAY Family Hike - Take a guided nature tour with a park interpreter and discover the water fowl found in our region.

1-2:30pm. Pearson Park, 4989 Seaman Rd., Oregon. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Free Cow Eye Dissection - Explore the eye of a cow through examination of its interior with dissection. $6/members, $8/nonmembers. 2pm. Also offered Saturdays September 22 and 29.

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. 419-244-2674. imaginationstationtoledo.org Burger Battle: Teens Only - Teams of two or three battle it out to win best burger. Burger recipes include the stuffed onion ring, salmon, turkey-bacon, buffalo chicken, and cupcake and fudge dessert burger. $40. Noon. Foodology, 2059 W. Laskey Rd. 567-970-7100. foodolgytoledo.com

16 SUNDAY Play Naturally - Your little ones will make new friends and learn about nature at this playdate encouraging imagination and independence. 10:30am-1:30pm.

Side Cut Metropark, 1025 W. River Rd., Maumee. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Free Kids Yoga Glow Class - Dress in bright colors for this glow bright yoga class including games and other activities.

Ages 7 and up. $10. 1-2pm.

Toledo Yoga, 4324 W. Central Ave. 419-531-0006. toledoyoga.com

17 MONDAY Musical Jamboree: 2-4 Years Old & Adult - Make music with your little ones as you dance, play games, listen to stories and use toy musical instruments.

Register in advance, space is limited. $60. 10-10:45am. Meets every Monday through November 5.

The 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 419-874-4174.

577foundation.org

18 TUESDAY Hurray for Homeschoolers: Water Fun - Drop off your child at the park for an educational exploration of water with river wading and paddling around the pond in canoes. Registration required. $8. 10am-1:30pm. Side Cut Metropark, 1025 W. River Rd., Maumee.

419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com CARE Family Meeting Series - This meeting class provides support for parents who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy or after birth. 7-8:30pm. Also offered Tuesday, September 25. Ronald McDonald House, 3883 Monroe St. 419-471-4663. rmhctoledo.org Free 26

• September 2018 • www.toledoparent.com

Side Cut Explorer: No Place Like Home - Travel along the Maumee River on an open-air trolley as a naturalists highlights the plants and animals of the park. $4. 10-11:15am. Side Cut Metropark, 1025 W. River Rd., Maumee.

419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com The Incredible Edible Landfill - Build a model landfill out of pudding and pie crust with Miss Melinda from Keep ToledoLucas County Beautiful. 3:30-4:30pm.

Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. 419-259-5310. toledolibrary.org Free

20 THURSAY International Dot Day - Members of the community are invited to participate by painting “dot boards”, as inspired

by Polish refugee and artist, Wassily Kadinsky, to welcome refugees and asylum seekers. Noon-1pm.

HeART Gallery and Studios, 428 N. Erie St. 419-243-4214. stpaulstoledo.org/heart-gallery Free

21 FRIDAY Parent’s Night Out - Children can be dropped off for a night of fun, dinner, friendship and games. 5:30-8pm.

Christ Presbyterian Church, 4225 W. Sylvania Ave. 419-475-8629. cpctoledo.org Free

22 SATURDAY Grandparent Playdate - Children and their grandparents meet at the library for play and special activities. 2:30-4pm.

West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. 419-259-5290. toledolibrary.org Free Story Time with Tink and Pan Tinkerbell and Peter Pan from Laurel’s Princess Parties join your little ones for an engaging story time. Register in advance.

10-11am. Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg.

419-874-3135. laurelsprincessparties.com Free

23 SUNDAY Make Bath Bombs - This hands-on workshop is for ages 10-16 to make their own bath bombs using essential oils and natural, plant-based products. $30.

Noon-2pm. The Art Supply Depo, 29 S. Saint Clair St. 419-720-6462. artsupplydepo.com

24 MONDAY School Finance 101 - Perrysburg Schools treasurer Pam Harrington will present this class, discussing how public school are funded. 6:30-7:30pm.

Perrysburg Board of Education, 140 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg.

419-874-9131. perrysburgschools.net Free

25 TUESDAY Adventures in Yoga - A beginner level class that will cover the basics for ages 6-13. Bring a yoga mat or towel. 3:304:30pm. Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Ln. 419-259-5330. toledolibrary.org Free

marketplace

26 WEDNESDAY Fantastic Fish - Staff from the Metroparks will teach kids all about fish and their anatomy, along with how to dress like a fish and create fish slime.

4-5pm. Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. 419-259-5280. toledolibrary.org Free

27 THURSDAY Tales and Trails - This program is for ages 3-5 to enjoy storytime and craft inside, then go outside for a nature walk.

Registration required. $3. 10-11am.

Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Kindness is the New Cool - Learn how to incorporate kindness into everyday situations. 4-5pm. Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. 419-259-5280. toledolibrary.org Free

28 FRIDAY Luminous Nights Opening - The Zoo lights up with more than 500 handcrafted Chinese lanterns. Professional live acrobatic shows will be featured on the weekends, community cultural activities during the week and themed food and drink options. Open through November 4.

6:30pm. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org Family Center Visiting Artist: Darius Simpson - Local artist visits the family center to meet the kids and make works of art together. 6-7pm.

Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org Free

29 SATURDAY Slimefest - Enjoy an afternoon full of slime making of different types, including some that’s edible. 2-3pm. Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. 419-878-3055. toledolibrary.org Free Halloween Card Class - Create a handmade Halloween greeting card with instructor Lisa Abdoo. All abilities and ages welcome. $10. 1-2pm.

Sunshine Studios, 305 Conant St., Maumee. 419-891-8877. sunshinestudio.org

30 SUNDAY

Thursdays

Baby Bump Belly Dance Strengthen pelvic and abdominal muscles during this gentle, exercise class for pregnant mothers. Classes start September 6 and continue through October. $10/drop-in, $27$35/month. 5-5:30pm. Mind Body & Soul Fitness. 5416 N. Summit St. 419-280-3674. mindbodysoultoledo.com Sit, Stay, Read - Your child can improve reading skills while reading to a friendly therapy dog. Register in advance. Sessions offered every 15 minutes from 7-7:55pm. King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Sylvania. 419-259-5380. toledolibrary.org Free

LINE CLASSIFIEDS: Only $20 per month for 20 words or less. Each additional word is 40 cents each and any artwork will be $5 extra.

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

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

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

PHONE: 419-244-9859 E-MAIL: classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com REFUNDS: Sorry, NO REFUNDS given.

MISPRINTS: Credit toward future ads.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BIG TICKET SPECIAL! Are you selling a property/ home, classic/ antique cars, farm/ construction equipment, etc. We give you a FREE week when you place your ad in the network for Two Weeks. Call our office at 800-450-6631 or contact a representative at this publication for more details. This is not intended for commercial use.

AUTOS WANTED [WANTED] CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

All Makes/Models 2002-2018! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer!

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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? GET 4 FREE WEEKS OF ADVERTISING when you purchase 4 weeks in up to 3 Million homes.

Learn more at macnetonline.com or give us a call at 800-450-6631.

Fridays & Saturdays

Toddler Time - Skyzone welcomes your little ones aged 5 and under for specifically designed activities for children. $8/hour.

10am-noon Fridays and 9-10am Saturdays. Sky Zone Toledo, 1600 Albon Rd., Holland. 419-491-1194. toledostore.skyzone.com

Saturdays

Babytime - Spend storytime with your little ones from 0-18 months old with songs, movement, rhythm and rhyme. 9:30-9:50am. Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Rd., Maumee. 419-259-5360. toledolibrary.org Free NAMI Basics - This educational and supportive group class is for parents and caregivers, covering the mental health of children and adolescents. Starts September 15 and continues throughout the month.

10am-12:30pm. NAMI Greater Toledo, 2753 W. Central Ave. 419-243-1119. namitoledo.org Free

marketplace HELP WANTED

Fall Mom2Mom Sale - Toledo Mothers of Twins Club hosts this sale. Shop gently used children’s items such as clothes, toys and accessories. $1 entry. 1-4pm.

Stranahan Theater & Great Hall, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd.

419-381-8851. “Mom to Mom Sale: hosted by Toledo Mothers of Twins Club” on Facebook.

Searchable listings updated daily toledoparent.com www.toledoparent.com • September 2018 •

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