Toledo Parent August 2014

our 22nd year connecting with families

FREE August 2014

Be a back to school o super her

Find your A toZen in Ten If My Minivan p30 For Mom p28 Could Talk Easy ways to find peace despite back to school stress

Witnessing motherhood through the eyes of a vehicle

super!

powers p13

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Toledo’s Award-Winning Parent Newspaper

departments

Volume 22 • Issue 8 August 2014

commentary

6 community snapshots 8 what’s briefly happening 9 new kids on the block 10 exceptional families 11 healthy kids 34 calendar

30 the upside down mom

If My Minivan Could Talk

39 marketplace

32 parent profile

The Moving Finish Line

— compiled by Marisa Rubin & Chloe Rothschild

CRYSTAL JOZSA PHOTOGRAPHY

Witnessing motherhood through the eyes of a vehicle — by Kerri Rochelle

Kick the Ball

A father learns about organized sports and his son — by Matthew Reger

31 diary of a dad

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

Madison, 15, Freshman Blake, 11, 5th Grader Chase, 5, Kindergarten Ottawa Hills, OH

ONLINE Exclusive

Getting used to new sleeping schedules when summer is over can be tough. End the ‘But I Don’t Want to Go to Bed!’ Drama For Good. Beth Morrow gives the how-to’s to a hasslefree way to get back in the routine of things. Also, check out what a Kids’ Yoga Party is like from Erin Marsh in this month’s TAP Tested.

toledoparent.com 4

powers

Big City Taste In The ‘Burg Small burger joint delivers big taste — by Karen L. Zickes

Follow us on...

baby

bloopers

Back to school means back to busy schedules! We’ve got some advice on how to take advantage of down time by volunteering at your children’s schools. Read Count Me In by Sara Kendall online.

Find your

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The Meyer family and their adoption journey — by Erin Marsh

33 food fight

Be a back to school o super her

Kids say and do the darndest things. If your kid quotes make it on this page, you have the chance of winning giveaways from Toledo Area Parent! facebook.com/toledoareaparent

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in Ten Minutes for Mom Nicole Jackson-Smith, Northwood

I went into the bathroom with my daughter Maycie in the family room by herself, I walk out to this… Desitin ALL over the couch and her holding a candy box. I couldn’t even yell at her but I was so upset. I said, “Why did you do that peanut?” She said, “Me was cleaning the couch and got hungry so needed a snack.”

September Giveaway!

Keep your kiddos germ-free when they go back to school with safeHands and safeSquirts! These alcohol-free hand sanitizers will fit perfectly in their backpacks. Submit Baby Bloopers for a chance to win!

• August 2014 • www.toledoparent.com

Tiffanie Clemens, Toledo

My children were making a father’s day card and I was getting the dishes done. When I came into the room my 2 year old went from drawing on the card to drawing on his face! On top of that he added a viking hat. It made for a priceless picture!

Adams Street Publishing Co. What did you love most about the first day back to school after the summer?

LEO

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) The new school supplies

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) Treasuring that new box of crayolas (the 24 pack, not the 48 pack, and NEVER the 64 pack)

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Nadine Hariri (nadine@adamsstreetpublishing.com) picking out my outfit Calendar: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) My clothes Social Media Specialist: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) No teacher ever assigns homework on day one Contributing Writers: Gina Gueli, Erin Marsh, Laura Blair, Rhonda Wilson, Karen Zickes, Kerri Rochelle

Art/Production

Art Director: Margaret Kelly (mkelly@adamsstreetpublishing.com) New Books, Binders and pencil cases Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) New clothes! Duh. Production Manager: Brittney Koehl (adsin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) New school supplies Graphic Design: Liz Schafer (freelance@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Seeing my friends Kyle Iwanicki (kyle@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Sharing summer stories with the buds

Advertising Sales Manager: Aubrey Hornsby (ahornsby@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Nothing!

Sales Coordinator: Molly Davis (mdavis@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Seeing my friends Customer Service Representative: Rachellyn Marsh (rsmarsh@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Showing off and comparing new school supplies!

Sales: Sharon Kornowa (sharon@toledoparent.com) New clothes and shoes Sam Rotroff (srotroff@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Convincing a brand new teacher that my name was Bartholomew Darkslinger Lydia Schaefer (lydia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Seeing who would be in my classes with me!

Brittini Gonzalez (brittini@adamsstreetpublishing.com) New pencils and art supplies!

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) It was always after Labor Day weekend!

Distribution: Michelle Flanagan (distribution@toledoparent.com) New Clothes

Advertising/General Info For advertising and general information, call 419/244-9859 or fax 419/244-9871.

E-mail ads to adsin@toledocitypaper.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 © 2014 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

Mature

KIDS HOROSCOPE

July 23-Aug 22

By Sue Lovett At birth they quickly get into position to look into the delivery room mirror making sure they are handsome or pretty. After all, they are the kings and queens of the zodiac. They are very much aware of their appearance and even as toddlers they want to pick out their own clothes. Often they want to wear hats (or crowns) to accent their royal appearances. They are dramatic and enjoy singing and dancing – the boys AND the girls!

They like entertainment – often participating in musicals and plays in the neighborhood, nursery school, and Sunday School. They enjoy being teacher’s pet and follow orders cheerfully. They are FUN!

Letters to the Editor

response Submitted in Editor’s note: es’ series of articles. to Karen Zick line at toledoparent.com Read them on

Hi Karen, I just wanted to thank you for your heartfelt articles since your husband’s death. I recently lost my husband, Eddie to cancer in January 2014 after a clean pet scan in November. Although the journey was a little different from yours (in that Eddie’s lymphoma was considered 99% treatable), the loss of anyone, no matter the age or circumstances is overwhelming.

Your words have helped me cry and laugh and I thank you. I know I can continue to live and live fully, as we are always surrounded by those that love us.

Sincerely, Chris Boggs

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what’s

by Nadine Hariri

briefly happening...

Funshops at

Sauder Village

Reach Out and Read

Sauder Village is introducing “Funshops” to do exactly what the name implies. With an in-depth look at some interesting topics throughout history, guests can attend a session to learn about spinning, gardening, tinsmithing and historic cooking. Their “Dairy Funshop” will give an opportunity to visit cows, help separate cream and make butter.

Other August activities include a showcasing of Antique Bicycles on August 2 and 3 and the Rug Hooking Exhibit from August 13 to August 16. Don’t miss the chance to participate!

University of Toledo Department of Pediatrics is the local force behind a national initiative that helps prepare America’s youngest students for success in school. Research indicates that the more words a child hears from parents, the better. When caregivers ask parents to read with their children, they are helping significantly expand vocabulary and build stronger language skills. The program, Reach Out and Read, is taking place in 20 local medical offices and is ensuring that doctors and parents have the necessary tools to promote “book time” every day beginning in infancy. Together with the help of other medical institutions and caregivers, their goal is to make sure children will enter school with larger vocabularies!

From Bratwurst to Strudels at the German American Festival

The 49th annual German American Festival is Toledo’s oldest and largest ethnic festival celebrating culture, food and dance to provide an educational night filled with fun. A parade will kick off the event with performances and depictions of historic German culture. Countless activities including baking contests, Steinstossen sporting events, live music, dancing, face painting and amusement rides will have families basking in German fun. An annual favorite is the Hummel Look-Alike Contest for children ages 2-10 by pre-application. Participants dress like the famous Hummel figurines, with prizes awarded for the most authentic look-alike.

Friday, August 22 through Sunday, August 24. $8/person, children 12 and under free with an adult. $7 discount advance purchase admission tickets & $6 shuttle tickets are available for online purchase. Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon. For more information, visit www.germanamericanfestival.net.

Donations of new or gently used books are appreciated. For more information, visit www.reachoutandread.org.

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Sauder Village hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am-5pm, Sundays from Noon-4pm. To participate in a Funshop activity, registration is required on the day of the program. $10/adults and $6/children ages 2-16.

For more information, call 1-800-590-9755 or visit www.saudervillage.org.

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Get a taste of historic uptown Maumee as you stroll the tree-lined streets at the Maumee Summer Fair. During the day, local musicians will play for fair-goers of all ages on St. Luke’s Stage. Kids will love the Toledo Zoo petting zoo, pony rides and Happy the Clown. Other activities include the craft and commercial vendor fair and a classic car show. Each evening will feature a parking lot party

for the 21 and over crowd with local artists performing such as Johnny Rocker and the Hitmen, Nine Lives, Distant Cousinz and The Reaganomics.

Friday, August 15, 5-11:30pm & Saturday, August 16, 9am-11:30pm. 601 Conant, Maumee. 419-720-1751. maumeesummerfair.com

Girls Just Want to Have Fun Timeless Boutique by Christine in Bowling Green is more than just your average clothing store. The boutique just opened in the spring of this year and features women and young girls clothing, as well as an array of salon services like spray tanning, makeup, hair, manicures and pedicures. These services are also available at the boutique’s hosted birthday parties for young girls, teens, and adults alike. The salon section of the boutique can be rented out at a per person rate for “Diva Parties” which include young girls strutting on the store’s indoor catwalk while also being pampered with mani-pedis, hair styling, and makeup tutorials. The “Pajama Parties” for teens are similar and also include a spray tanning option. “Ladies Night Out” for women includes a massage, mani-pedis, and salon services. Christine, the owner of the unique shop, has been in the beauty and fashion business for years as a licensed cosmetologist. She was inspired to open a boutique to support women’s individuality and says she truly thrives by making women feel and look their best.

In the fall, the boutique will introduce a men’s line of Rock Revival clothing. A fashion show September 6, to showcase the new line, will be hosted by DJ Drake Doren. -GG Timeless Boutique, 124 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green.

419-410-0509. facebook.com/timelessbboutique.

Your Next MotherDaughter Date!

What mother and daughter duo doesn’t like to shop for shoes together? Valencia’s in Bowling Green has a plethora of high quality shoes at affordable prices for women and young girls alike. Andrea Wagner, a teacher at Leipsic Local Schools, opened the store in early spring with an official ribbon cutting ceremony in May. As a child, Andrea grew up with hand me downs and what she refers to as “garage sale shoes.” Once she was old enough to purchase shoes of her own, she became an all out shoe fanatic. However, she found that quality shoes were usually pricey. Andrea dreamed of opening a store that would have an eclectic variety of shoes that anyone could afford. As a Bowling Green State University graduate herself, she knew BG would be the perfect fit for her store as many of the local residents support local businesses.

Valencia’s Shoes has been welcomed to Main Street by the community. Not only does Valencia’s offer shoes but also a variety of jewelry and trendy infinity scarves.

This fall, she will offer men and boys shoes for the start of the school season. -GG Valencia’s is open Wednesday and Thursday 11am-7pm and Friday and Saturday 11am-8pm. www.valenciasshoes.com.

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Project SEARCH

As the old proverb goes, “give a man a fish and you can feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Such is the case with Project Search.

The school-to-work high school transition program for students with disabilities has been in place at the Penta Career Center since 2007. Affiliated w i t h the University of Toledo and UTMC, Project Search coordinates internships, transition services, and resume building for Penta high school students while still earning high school credits. The program assists individuals with various disabilities in gaining the skills necessary to transition into entry level customer service, warehousing, clerical, housekeeping, and custodial jobs while interning at the University of Toledo and UTMC. Working side by side with a job coach initially helps facilitate each student’s transition into the internship and, after high school, into the workplace independently. -GG To find a program, donate, or become a partner in Project SEARCH visit www.projectsearch.us or contact Project SEARCH’s current coordinator Amanda Williams at awilliams@pentacc.org.

Logan Davies: A Success Story

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory.” This rings true for Logan Davies and his family. Now a star football player, Snocross champion, and honor roll student, Logan was diagnosed with severe hearing loss at 18 months of age. Logan’s mother Kathleen facilitated fundraisers for Logan to receive a cochlear implant at the University Logan Davies showing off his of Michigan at the age of two. A cochlear implant is a Snocross skills at a competition small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. Logan, his brother Blaine, and his mother Kathleen moved to St. Louis, Missouri to enroll him in the Moog Center for Deaf Education, staying there until he was ready to be mainstreamed into first grade in Northwest Ohio. The Moog Center for Deaf Education is an independent, non-profit school that provides educational services to children with hearing loss, ages birth to early elementary years. Eleven years later; Logan is enrolled in the engineering program at the University of Toledo this fall and racing on the national Snocross circuit.

Logan and his parents Tom and Kathleen Davies tell other families of children with hearing loss that “the possibilities are endless” as long as you and your child are willing to rise to the challenge. -GG Visit www.moogcenter.org for more information.

Biking Around the USA

This summer’s cross-country bike-a-thon began on June 15 in Astoria, Oregon and spans 15 states and 3,500 miles before reaching its destination in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey on August 15. The youth bikea-thon, nicknamed JettRide, benefits The Jett Foundation, which is an organization that raises funds and awareness for boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne is a genetic disease that kills more children in the world than any other genetic disease, and there is no approved treatment.

The teen riders will visit families with Duchenne as they bike across the country, and the teens will also explore famous landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. The Jett Foundation has raised over $2 million for Duchenne research since 2001. -EM 10

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healthy kids

Left: Seth Baden, Kazen Miller and Wesley Boeding get their fitness on outside with free weights Below: Lydia Boeding uses a tire in a whole new way to keep fit and actve

Black Swamp CrossFit

Get your kid fitness on

By Laura Blair

The fall sports season is heating up, but children who don’t want to focus on one sport don’t have to be left out.

CrossFit, which is often called the sport of fitness, can be a way to introduce exercise to a child without committing to a specific sport.

Abbey Mortemore opened Black Swamp CrossFit with her husband in 2012. Because she likes working with children, she took the extra step of earning a separate certification to run Kids CrossFit. Black Swamp, which is in Sylvania, is the only Northwest Ohio location that has a Kids CrossFit program.

Kids CrossFit is not a scaled-down adult class. It is a 45-minute workout specially designed for kids ages 5 to 12 that incorporates strength training and conditioning.

Each workout includes an explanation of the whole workout, warm up, special skills and the workout of the day.

Like adult CrossFit, each workout session is different, and the kids have input into their workout. Unlike adult classes, the kids get popsicle breaks. Teens can attend an adult class, but have a slightly different workout.

Children that participate in CrossFit develop a level of overall fitness that is a great foundation for good health and can supplement sport-specific training. CrossFit’s fo-

cus on constantly varying workouts means less boredom and less risk of repetitive stress injury.

“We’re just here to get them moving and get into a lifelong habit of fitness,” says Mortemore.

“They don’t see it as exercise, and that’s the point. We’re like a cool gym class. We make it safe, and we make it fun.”

Fall classes will take place Wednesdays at 4:30pm and Saturdays at noon. $60 for the first child for a monthly membership; each additional child per family is $30. Black Swamp CrossFit, 7335 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. 419-343-2434.

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Be a back to school ro super he n so

By Rhonda Wil

It’s that time again! Back-to-school is a time when parents rejoice, kids groan, and leaves fall. Bedtime is earlier, breakfast is even more important, and kids must choose how to spend their precious after-school hours. Germs are spread, bullying is resisted (and hopefully one day nonexistent) and parents must determine how to get their kids to use their ever-present smart phones and IPads for good and not evil.

The back-to-school sales are only a harbinger of all that is to come when the kids go back to school.

S M R E G Keeping Healthy Healthy Keeping It is a widely known fact that with the onset of the new school year comes illness. A popular teacher “gift” is a gallon-sized bottle of hand sanitizer and for good reason. The CDC estimates that the average elementary school child gets eight to twelve colds or cases of the flu each year.

Keeping kids away from school while they are sick greatly assists in stopping the spread of germs. Some of the best advice for parents struggling with when to keep sick kids home from school comes from Jennifer Gose, a nurse at the Pediatric Center, Inc. of Toledo. “Generally, if your child has a fever, a major cough or any rash, then don’t send them to school.” Kids can go back to school when their pediatrician or doctor no longer deems them contagious.

Perhaps the most effective way to keep kids clear of serious illness is to be sure they are vaccinated against preventable diseases.

UsinG SMART Phones Smarter

Bedtime is a challenging time for many families, and the onset of the school year makes the transition from long summer evenings to early school nights an unwelcome priority. Who wants to go to bed while it’s still light out?

Kristy Voss, mom to Bailey, 8, Paige, 9, Eden, 11, Jordan, 12, Alexis, 15 and Michael, 16, in Toledo, makes it fun for her kiddos. “Two weeks before school starts in the fall, we go back to our school bedtime. They make a game out of it. If the younger kids go to bed all week at their 8 pm bedtime, then they get to stay up until 9 pm on Friday.” She also staggers bedtimes, making it easier for her to give attention to each one in the evening. “I have set times for age groups in my home. The 8 and 9 year olds go to bed at 8 pm, the 11 and 12 year olds go to bed at 8:30, and the 15 and 16 year olds go to bed at 9:30.”

Access to smartphones, tablets and iPads by young children is quickly becomIn order for them to be at their healthiest and ing the norm in our most attentive, the Centers for Disease Control technologically advanced and Prevention recommend at least ten hours American lifestyle. It’s no of sleep for elementary-aged children and wonder the “powers that be” between nine and ten hours for teens. in the electronics world have Creating a bedtime routine is the best created learning apps geared way to incorporate good sleep habits toward schoolchildren. Just a quick for the whole year. perusal of Apple’s App store shows a great number of free apps touted to enhance spelling, science and math lessons previously learned as well as improving fine motor skills. Many teachers suggest using smartphones and iPads to help bridge the gap summer often creates. On iPhones, just searching “Summer Bridge Apps” brings to attention many games, some that can be further sorted by grade level.

Cosmic Quest is specifically marketed by the Summer Bridge brand and offers both math and spelling games within the one game.

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Linda Smith, a 5th grade teacher at Toledo Catholic Diocese, recommends the iPad and smartphone app Story Maker. “Students love to create characters and write their own stories,” she says.

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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2014 immunization schedule, children between the ages of 4-6 should be receiving the following immunizations: DTap, IPV, MMR and Varicella. Children between the ages of 11-12 should be receiving Tdap, meningococcal and begin a three dose series of HPV4, the human papilloma virus vaccine. A meningococcal booster should be given at 16. The AAP also recommends a yearly flu shot for most children. Keeping up to date on these recommended immunizations can help keep many illnesses at bay and most school districts require records proving they have been received.

Changing Bedtimes

“Hoodamath is full of math games that cover a wide variety of topics.”

Smith also likes the website INFOhio.org. “It is a great resource for students to sharpen their reading skills with fiction and nonfiction stories and games.

They will enjoy that everything is read to them.”

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Breakfast of Champions

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any parents simply do not have the time in the mornings to make a full breakfast spread. One way to be sure the kids have a good breakfast on weekday mornings is to make it convenient. Why not make a double batch of French toast or pancake mix on Saturday morning? Substitute a flavored yogurt or sour cream for some of the milk in the recipe and add chopped cooked sausage to enrich them. Freeze separately for a few hours then store them in a freezer bag. Parents (and kids!) can easily grab a few and pop in the toaster. Voila! Weekend-worthy breakfast before school!

Lea Wuellner, mom to Deagan, 10 and Dominic, 18 months, in West Toledo, makes quick and healthy breakfast burritos in the morning. “My ten-year-old old stepson loves them. Egg whites with onions and cheese in a whole grain or veggie tortilla shell with salsa.

It takes five minutes to make and the kids can eat it in the car if they have to.”

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Try a rec ipe from Pint erest. guarante ed to keep k ids full until lun chtime

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Strawberry Banana French Toast Casserole 6 slices of cubed bread (any kind) 1 mushed banana 6 ounces of diced strawberries ½ cup milk 4 eggs ½ tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon vanilla Preheat oven to 375°.

Spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray. Place cubed bread in dish. Mix remaining ingredients in separate bowl until well combined. Pour evenly over bread and bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.

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“Mrs. Smith, Principal Lindsay, There has been a scuffle With the onset of puberty, hormonal fluctuations and normal everyday stresses for kids, it’s important to be sure to eliminate any extra stressors, specifically bullywith your son. ing. Cyberbullying is perhaps the easiest form of bullying to combat. Monitoring kids’ we need you to come to internet access and friend choices on popular social media sites can be done by creating and sticking to limits of social media screen time. Many schools now have meetings with the school right away.” students regarding bullying and peer mediation programs to assist kids in learning how to diffuse situations together with teamwork and understanding.

“It is important for parents, as the primary educators, to express their disgust and discontent for bullies,” says Linda Smith, a 5th grade teacher for the Toledo Catholic Diocese. “Parents need to set an example of the attitude that they want their child to have.”

Stopbullying.gov notes warning signs that a child is being bullied as: unexplainable injuries, lost or destroyed belongings, faking illness, coming home hungry because they did not eat their lunch, avoidance of social situations and behaviors relating to depression. It is also noted that kids who are bullying also have signs that point to wrongdoing: unexplained extra money or belongings, blaming others, getting into fights and having friends who are known to bully.

Parents can talk with their children and encourage them to seek out safe adults they trust to discuss how they are feeling and what they are experiencing.

Parents can learn more about Ohio’s anti-harassment and bullying policy at the Ohio Board of Education’s website, www.education.ohio.gov.

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EXTRA AR L U C I R CUR ITIES ACTIV

SEE PAGE 27

UPCOMING EDITS....

Field Trip!

Help working parents by continuing their child’s development after school.

David Klepaski, Program Director for Youth Sports, Aquatics and Teen Leaders Club at the Wolf Creek YMCA, says extracurricular activities are really an extension of the learning process for kids in education as well as spirituality and maturity. “Extracurricular activities such as swim lessons, volunteering and youth sports really try to reinforce what kids are learning at school and at home to help make it a reality. What they learn at basketball practice, things such as, “hard work pays off,” “make sure you listen to your coach,” “practice makes perfect,” “try your best,” etc. applies and works in the classroom and at home. Physical activity can improve your body of course but also your spirit and mind!”

The YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo’s fall session runs from September 2 until October 25, and has programs for all ages and interests. Drama, dance and music are just a few of the arts and humanities programs being offered. Learning to swim, martial arts and sports programs are also offered year round.

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Halloween

Guide!

ISSUE DATE: OCTOBER 1 RESERVE AD/EDIT SPACE BY

SEPTEMBER 23

Special Needs Guide ISSUE DATE:

NOVEMBER 1

RESERVE AD/EDIT SPACE BY

OCTOBER 25 22

As many parents know, probably from loads of negative experience, if the energy is not expelled in an appropriate and timely way, it will come out in the form of misbehavior, mischief and mess. During the school year, this is especially true because of the many hours kids are spending in the studying pose: primarily sitting still and quiet. Extracurricular activities assist in keeping these at bay by offering kids an extra outlet for play as well as learning.

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y e n Mo y v v Sa Tips

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For families with kids in school, Back to School is a holiday – a scary one. Jaime Clark is mom to NaLeenah, 6, JorgeAnn, 7, Nelson, 9, Macey, 13, and MiKayla, 16, in Sylvania. “With five kids, shopping for school clothes is hard! My teens are picky, so I set limits on what they can buy at the mall.” For her younger ones, she shops at The Children’s Place and Twice But Nice.

Parents spend nearly as much time and money planning for Back to School as they do planning for Christmas! Retailers have caught wind of this and now there are more chances than ever to save on the supplies and clothes your kids need.

Know any m Mone ore y Sav vy ti Let u ps? s kno We l w . .. ike t faceb o share. ook.c om/ toled oarea pare nt LL Bean, with free shipping and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, is an excellent place to get backpacks and lunchboxes.

Return them if something wears out, rips, stretches, etc. for free replacements.

Amazon.com and eBay are great places to find deals on new and used textbooks, calculators and headphones.

The Children’s Place has a rewards program and multiple sales per month on their adorable children’s clothing and accessories.

ShopSavvy, an Android app, scans barcodes and informs the shopper if there are better deals at other retailers.

Meijer has mPerks, an online coupon cutting program that could help save 5% on general merchandise like lunch packing accessories, supplies and clothing, as well as other savings like Summer Bucks.

Signing up for emails from your favorite stores can offer discounts, too.

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l o o h c S R I A F 20th Annual ‘14

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PRESENTS

Back To School Fair

Franklin Park Mall

Saturday - August 16 10am-5pm

419-244-9859

toledoparent.com Bright Horizon

Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Buckeye TeleSystem

Maritime Academy

Checkmate Games And Hobbies

Mosaica Academy

Double ARC

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Epworth United Methodist Church

Nexus Academy of Toledo

Fairwood

Premier Academy

Herzing University

Toledo Public Schools

Imagine Schools

Toledo Volleyball Club

Judan Judo of Toledo

SPONSORED BY

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b

A toZen

in Ten Minutes for Mom Easy ways to find some peace despite back to school stress

By Sue LeBreton

When children resume school and extracurricular activities the stress level rises for moms as the family transitions into the new schedule. While children are learning their ABCs, moms can learn the ABCs of self-care to prevent becoming frazzled and stressed by juggling so many demands.

It’s time to rethink the notion that you lack time for self-care. Amazing Zen can come from just ten minutes and some simple attitude adjustments. Here are 26 quick ways to enter a more Zen state.

A

ask for help. Let someone else be the giver for a change, it will make them feel better as well.

B

K

you. Treat yourself the way you treat your best friend.

L

Deepen your breath. Consciously

take a deep inhale and a deep exhale before you start any activity or conversation. Do this every time you remember, waiting in line, at a stop sign, starting your car.

C

Exercise kindness, starting with

Stretch like a cat. Get

D

and start doing it for 10 minutes each day. If you already move daily, can you add 10 minutes to your current routine?

E

Eat mindfully. Sit down to eat

healthy, nourishing food. Really look at your food, taste your food and give thanks for your food.

F G

Forgive someone who has slighted

you and move on.

Giggle. Call a friend who always

makes you laugh. Read or watch something funny.

H

Hydrate by drinking more water, less juice, coffee and soda. A hydrated body is more energetic and alert.

I

Ignore media for a day. No Facebook, no newspaper or television. How does it make you feel?

J

Start a success journal.

Daily jot at least one success you had and periodically review your successes.

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• August 2014 • www.toledoparent.com

and then swivel; swing legs up the wall and lie down, moving your pelvis away from the wall until you are comfortable.

Stay five to ten minutes, longer if you are comfortable.

M

Meditate.

down on all fours. As you exhale, round your back to the sky, drawing your chin to your chest, belly to your spine. Inhale back to your starting position and repeat several times.

Move daily. Pick an activity you love

Practice legs up the wall pose. Sit sideways against the wall

Set a timer, sit comfortably (yes a chair is fine) and just watch what thoughts arise in your mind. Don’t judge, simply observe.

N O

Say no to a request for your energy or

time that you are not excited about.

Open a spiritual or motivational book. Let the uplifting

material soothe and buoy your soul.

P

Pause before you react. Ask yourself,

will this be important in 10 minutes? In 10 months? In 10 years?

Q

Quit all electronics 30-60

minutes before bed. Notice if it improves your sleep.

R

REST - Buy a pair of PJs that you

love. Make sure your body feels cuddled and treasured wrapped in the fabric. Savor the feeling as you slip into them at bedtime.

S

Lower your standards. If you are feeling stressed does the floor really need to be vacuumed today? Use that time for you.

T

Commit to a regular time out

with your partner, children or family members to re-establish your connection. No electronics, no distractions, just shared focus for 10 minutes.

U

Turn your world upside down

and change your perspective. Learn to do the yoga pose downward dog at www. yogajournal.com/poses.

V

Uplifting Books

Examine your volunteer commitments. Assess how much

and how often is practical in your current life. Be open to taking a break or choosing a new focus if you need to. Do not simply replicate last year’s schedule.

W X

Take a walk. Start with 10 minutes.

Reconnect with nature and yourself.

Go eXtreme. What is the most decadent, delightful act you can think of?

Now go do it.

Y

add some yellow to your life.

The color of the sun makes you cheerful and optimistic because your body releases more feel-good hormones when surrounded by yellow.

Z

Catch more ZZZZs, go to bed just 10 minutes earlier and see how that makes you feel.

Firstlight

by Sue Monk Kidd

Heal Your Life

by Louise Hay Full Catastrophe Living

by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Sue LeBreton is a freelance writer with two children. A trained yoga teacher, she is always looking for ways to increase the Zen in her life.

Check out these reads for some Zen inspiration!

Daily OM

by Madisyn Taylor Energy Now!

by Michelle Cederberg

www.toledoparent.com • August 2014 •

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The

UPSIDE DOWN MOM

If My Minivan Could Talk

Witnessing motherhood through the eyes of a vehicle

By Kerri Rochelle

As the mother of three girls who spend much of their time upside-down as gymnasts and cheerleaders, Kerri Rochelle often feels upside-down herself from the chaos of practices, camps, meets, competitions, fundraisers... But she has found that it’s often times when moms feel the most crazy and upside-down that they discover the truly WOW moments of motherhood.

She blogs about the wow, and some of the not-so-wow, experiences of being a busy mom to Mikayla, 13, Macie, 10, and Mylee, 6, at theupsidedownmom.wordpress.com.

I had a funny thought the other day while running the vacuum through the van. As I swept up month-old fries, sequins, gum wrappers and ponytails, I wondered; if this van could talk what would it say? I imagined the conversation would start something like this: “Well! You’re finally cleaning up some of this junk, huh?” (I imagine Whoopie Goldberg’s voice).

After my initial shock that my van just spoke, I would answer, “Um yeah, sorry about the neglect. I’ve been busy.”

She’d probably then use several expletives to express the discomfort she felt when I rear-ended the lady getting on the expressway and when I backed into the parked

30

dump truck at Taco Bell and side swiped the guardrail on the way to a regional meeting.

I’m sure we’d disagree on just how often it is appropriate to wash her. She’d tell me twice a year isn’t enough and again I’d apologize and remind her how BUSY I am.

Then we’d reminisce about road trips to Disney World, Myrtle Beach, the Smoky Mountains and Chicago and all the fun times we have had in her and at the destinations she delivered us to.

She’d recap watching the excitement we bring back after Macie, 10, has done well at a gymnastics meet.

She’d tell me that the talks I have with Mikayla, 13, on the way to practice about boys and friendships are her favorite conversations to listen to. She’d laugh about the way Mylee, 6, can never decide where she wants to place her booster seat. She’d remind me how lucky I am that my husband still reaches for my hand when he’s driving. She would share that she loves to watch my angels sleep on the way home from trips to my in-laws. She’d

• August 2014 • www.toledoparent.com

tell me it’s ok and I’m not a horrible mother for psychotically spazzing out when we are rushing to get to school and the kids won’t stop fighting.

I’d apologize for the coffee stains, the gum in the carpet and the sticky film that three kids just somehow mysteriously create.

She would ask me to stop singing when I am driving alone and to please get her oil changed more often.

I would thank her for being a major part of my family’s life and allowing us to make so many great memories in her and for never leaving us stranded anywhere despite the fact that I really don’t take care of her the way I should.

And she would thank me for sharing my motherhood experience and three of the most amazing kids in the world with her.

EJBSZ PG B %"%

Kick the Ball

A father learns about organized sports and his son

By Matthew Reger

“Soccer! I think Noah would love soccer,” I exclaimed to my wife as she sat in our bed immersed in a book.

“Are you sure?” she responded skeptically still looking at the book.

“Sure. He is four. He would love kicking the ball and… well, just playing.”

“We’ll see. Make sure he wants to do it.”

The next day I asked Noah if he would like to play soccer.

“Hey buddy, do you want to play soccer? You get to kick a ball and make it go into a net.”

“Sure. Can I watch a movie?”

“Okay. Now I am going to sign you up. Is that okay?”

“Sure. Start the movie, Dad! Now!” I left him to his movie and went to the computer to sign him up and pay the $50 fee. The week passed and I took Noah to practice and, as is usual in our home, we were in a rush to get there in time.

After a week, his enthusiasm for soccer had waned. It was cold but sunny.

As we walked to our field Noah told me he did not want to play soccer now because it was too cold. I thought he was being difficult, so we continued to walk over to the fields.

“Dad! I am not playing!”

“Come on Noah. Let’s see what is going on over there.”

“I don’t want to!”

We walked over to the field and the other kids were already kicking the ball around. Noah was clinging to my leg, hanging on as I tried to walk.

“Come on Noah, let go and play.”

“NO!” We sat on the grass for a few minutes while the other kids played. I tried to get him up but he would not budge. As each minute passed I got more and more frustrated. Finally I told Noah we were going home.

As I walked away he sat on the grass and continued to watch the other kids.

They were playing Duck, Duck, Goose. I noticed his interest and decided to abandon my childish act of walking away.

I encouraged him to play. After a little

coaxing he sat down in the circle and ultimately got touched on the head on the word “goose.” He ran around the circle, laughing and enjoying himself. When practice ended he decided that he liked soccer and wanted to go get a ball.

We picked one up on the way home and I was able to report the victory to my wife. Unfortunately that was my only victory in the six-week season. The following weeks were cold and he had no interest in playing. Even when it warmed up he did not want to play.

But what he did love to do was kick the ball with me while at practice or games. Although he would not play with the other kids he loved playing with me.

I ultimately realized that he just was not ready for an organized sport. I had pushed him to get involved in an organized activity that he had never played before.

We now have a ball and lots of time to kick it around in the yard. I told my wife that we spent $50 for a t-shirt. That’s what Noah got, but I got something more. I learned how to introduce a sport to my son: just he and I kicking around a ball in the back yard, not by signing him up for a team.

for The perfect site

und Monkeying Aro toledoparent.com www.toledoparent.com • August 2014 •

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The Moving Finish Line The Meyer family and their adoption journey

By Erin Marsh

For Larry and Heather Meyer, becoming parents was a long and arduous journey. Heather, mother to Ella, 5, says, “After several years of marriage, Larry and I decided we were on board with parenthood.

When it wasn’t happening naturally, we knew that we had a decision to make.”

Heather and Larry decided to adopt for a plethora of reasons, but their friend, Denise Soto, and her adopted daughter helped seal the deal.

“We met them and their daughter, Grace, and we walked away knowing that the journey to adopt had been decided for us.” After thorough research and much discussion, the Meyers chose to adopt from China, because, Heather explains, “of the predictability. We knew that thousands of people had gone before us... it was a well-oiled machine.”

While the process was expensive, the lengthy wait was the most grueling part for the couple. Originally,

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they were told the adoption process would take 10 months; four and a half years later, they finally met their daughter, Ella. Heather quips, “The finish line just kept moving.”

Within hours of meeting their daughter, the Meyers had their first conversation about adoption with Ella, who was only 10 months old at the time. Heather summarizes, “In those four and a half years of waiting, Larry and I attended a lot of training. One of the things that we learned was talking to your child often about adoption would make you more comfortable as parents. We knew if we screwed up, at 10 months old, it wasn’t going to compute. So by the time she was old enough to understand, we had all the bumps worked out.”

The adoption conversation still continues today, and Ella refers to her birth mother as her “China mama or tummy mama.” Adoption becomes tangible for Ella when she

Heather’s Faves: Toledo Spot:

Toledo Museum of Art Restaurant: El Nuevo Vallarta TV: PBS Masterpiece Theater, or some British crime show on Netflix.

Band: “I suppose I should say Old State Line because it is my husband’s band...”

Hero: Maya Angelou

Favorite part of Toledo:

“Everything! Even bumps and bruises.”

witnesses her parents’ friends who are pregnant or breastfeeding; Ella realizes that neither of those things happened for her and her mom, Heather.

While adoption has changed the Meyers in innumerable ways, Heather reflects that for Ella, adoption has created “layers.” She elaborates, “Children are complicated little beings to begin with, but adoptees come to us, no matter how old or how young, with other layers. The biggest one is that all adoptees have loss. It’s there from the beginning, and it will be with them until the day they die. It sounds sad, but it is so real.”

• August 2014 • www.toledoparent.com

Heather and Larry Meyer, waited a long time to be parents to their 5-year-old daughter, Ella

Meyer Quick Bio: Gigs: Attorney at Manah-

an, Pietrykowski, DeLaney & Wasielewski (Larry) and Office Manager for Inside Out (Heather) Extracurriculars: “Photography...whether it’s photographing life or assisting one of my good friends, Nicolelee.” (Heather) Music: Drummer in Old State Line and listener of local music (Larry).

Volunteer Work: Old Orchard Mom’s Group, Love Without Boundaries, Families with Children from-

China (FCC), Augsburg Lutheran Church (Heather) and Arts Commission, Sylvania Avenue Neighbors, Feed Your Neighbor, licensing for Toledo Free Press fundraising CDs, Toledo Bar Association Intellectual Property Committee (Larry)

Pets: Thomas and Mavis,

sibling, 1 year old cats that were 2 of the 10 they fostered last year.

Hopes for Ella: “Kindness, love, faith, and a wicked sense of humor.”

Big City Taste In The ‘Burg

PerrysBurgers

Small burger joint delivers big taste

By Karen L. Zickes

220 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg 419-931-9083 Mon-Thur: 11am-8pm Fri-Sat: 11am-9pm Sun: Noon-8pm www.facebook.com/PerrysBurger Sometimes you need to throw the diet out the window and hunker down with a big, juicy hamburger and a basket of delicious hand cut fries. Maybe I was jammin’ to Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” one too many times, but I found myself suddenly craving the All- American beef sensation and convinced the kids they were craving it too! And so began the quest for our cheeseburger in paradise.

Not quite paradise, but darn good burgers I had heard there was a burger joint in downtown Perrysburg, but had never given it a try. I did, however, hear they also had a great veggie burger so I persuaded my vegetarian friend and her husband to join us on our quest.

The outside of PerrysBurgers, located in downtown Perrysburg, appeared quaint and inviting with its wrought iron patio furniture for outdoor dining. I had absolutely no preconceived notions of what it would be like, but when I walked through the doors, admittedly, I was a little taken back. There was nothing fancy about the inside; as it even had what I’d call cafeteria style tables and chairs. It was much smaller than I envisioned, and the menu was on a dry erase board behind the counter where we placed our orders.

BUT, never judge a book by its cover, so the saying goes. As I started reading the menu I realized we were probably about to eat some unique and tasty burgers and fries.

Revamped menu takes it up a notch The burgers are eight ounces of certified Angus beef; never frozen. The delicious hand cut fries are never ending and they also offer sweet potato fries with maple mayo. If you haven’t been in PerrysBurgers within the

last five months, you will THE SHORT want to stop back in; Ben COURSE Isaacson brought his ChiKid-friendly Yes cago fine dining culinary experience to the place To avoid wait and the menu is totally Anytime new. “I revamped the Noise level Moderate entire menu. Everything Bathroom amenities is completely made from No changing station scratch,” said Isaacson.

High chairs Yes “We even do our own baGot milk No, but con,” he added. there is lemonade As I glanced at the Kids’ menu Yes, for menu I saw that the least kids 8 and under expensive burger and fries were $9, so I made the executive decision that my youngest would be ordering the Krabby Kids Meal for $4 to save a little money. Veggie burgers or marinated chicken breast can be made in place of any burger on the menu. Unfortunately for my friend they were out of the acclaimed veggie burger that night!

They were very accommodating and whipped up a mushroom burger with cheese and other sautéed vegetables. She really enjoyed it. Her husband also bypassed the beef and had the chicken breast. But for the kids and I, only beef would do.

They offer a variety of eight specialty burgers and a monthly burger special. My daughter loved the Sunrise for $10. I was shocked she ordered a burger that had a sunny-side up egg on top. I’m pretty sure the homemade maple mayo, cheddar, and house made bacon added to her liking. Brie-lieve It or Not for $10 with a peppercorn crust, roasted Roma tomato, roasted garlic puree, and melted Brie, was delicious. One bite of that and I quickly got over the less than fancy interior. After all, I was there for the food, not the décor. Other burgers on the menu had peanut butter sauce, caramelized onions, bang-bang BBQ, cilantro ranch, homemade cole slaw, roasted portabellas, and many other flavorful ingredients any foodie would love.

The only kids menu offering is $4 and consists of one 2 oz. mini burger with cheese, fries, and drink. My eight year old son can put away the food, and well, the kids meal didn’t quite cut it. However, we asked for another basket of unending fries and he was a happy camper.

Like most kids I know, they were very content with a soda, cheeseburger, and fries. They’re ready to go back soon, though the youngest declared he’s ordering a much bigger burger next time! We’ll see.

Bottom Line: Chances are you’ll be the “world’s greatest

parent” if you announce to the kids you’re taking them out for burgers and unending fries. PerrysBurgers offers the basic burger, as well as delicious and unique varieties for the more adventurous. The casual atmosphere allows the kids to be kids, and the parents less uptight while dining with young ones in tow!

Karen Zickes is a mom of three active children and freelance writer who resides in Holland, OH. She can be reached c/o editor@toledoparent.com.

www.toledoparent.com • August 2014 •

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August 2014 Time to Get School'd

Saturday, August 16 / Franklin Park Mall Welcome back another school year with a day of back to school info and advice. Join Toledo Area Parent as they host the 20th Annual Back to School Fair at Franklin Park Mall. The fair will be packed with over 40 exhibitors, sharing what the 2014/15 school year has in store. Collect info on doctors, schools, after-school programs, fall camps, churches, technology and colleges. Meet other parents who are experiencing the same back to school rush. The fair will also feature games and free swag. 10am-5pm. Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St. 419-244-9859. toledoparent.com

l o o h c S R I A F

Bac

k to

1 FRIDAY The Music Man - Enjoy Perrysburg Musical Theatre’s summer production of the The Music Man, as it tells the story of Mayor Shinn and his high-society wife as he governs the fictional town of River City, Iowa. Through August 3. August 1 and 2, 6-7pm; August 3, 1-2pm. Adults, $12/ children, $10. Perrysburg High School, 13385 Roachton Rd., Perrysburg. perrysburgmusicaltheatre.org All the Way from Africa: The Ugandan Orphans Choir Traditional, authentic African singing, drumming and dancing by children from Uganda. The Ugandan Orphans Choir is a ministry of the Childcare Worldwide Organization whose goal is to raise awareness and bring hope to povertystricken children around the world. 11am.

McMaster Center at the Main Library, 325 Michigan St. 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org Free Free Family Art: Mosaics - Similar to the pixilated images used to create a video game, the ancient artists used pieces of tile to create mosaics. Create your own mosaic tile inspired by the Art of Video games exhibition. For ages 10 and under with an adult. 3:30-8pm. Toledo Museum of Art Family Center, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org Free

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• August 2014 • www.toledoparent.com

‘14

2 SATURDAY 31st Annual Doll and Teddy Bear Show - Exhibitors will showcase their antique dolls, original dolls, teddy bears and modern collectibles. Doll and bear artists will offer workshops. Antique bicycles will also be on display around the village. 10am-5pm. Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rt. 2, Archbold. 419-446-2541. saudervillage.com The WoodsStock Music and Arts Festival - The festival includes food, a juried art show, a classic car show and two stages of live music with eight bands performing throughout the day. General admission, $25/ VIP, $45. Schedel Arboretum and Gardens, 19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore. woodsstock.org

3 SUNDAY Free Family Event: Greek Games Inspired by the ancient Greek Olympic games portrayed in the exhibition Fun & Games: The Pursuit of Leisure, use scratch art to decorate your own Greek vase shape. For ages 10 and under with an adult. Also on August 5 & 7, 10am-3pm & August 8, 3:30-8pm. Noon-5pm.

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

4 MONDAY Metroparks Explorers - Campers spend the week learning about creatures that live in our backyards. Superstrength, flight and invisibility are just a few of the animal and plant super powers that explorers learn about in this camp. Registration required. For ages 5-7. Through August 8. 9am-2pm. $115/ Toledo Metroparks member, $95.

Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Wee Workshop Camp - Explore a different nature theme each day through songs, puppets and games. Enjoy multisensory activities, crafts and outdoor exploration. For ages 3-5 with an adult.

Registration required. Through August 8. 10am-noon. $65/ Toledo Metropark member, $45. Swan Creek Preserve, 4659 Airport Hwy. 419-407-9758. metroparkstoledo.com

5 TUESDAY Rocket Science - Trajectory, fuel and so much more. Use Newton’s third law of motion to propel objects high into the sky. The science of rockets is about to blast off! Through August 10. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. 10am-5pm.

Imagination Station admission.

419-244-2674. imaginationstationtoledo.org It's a Parking Lot Party - Celebrate the end of Summer Reading Club with inflatables, games, prizes, food and more! All ages are welcome. 10:30am12:30pm. South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway St. 419-259-5395. toledolibrary.org Free Fizz! Boom! Pop! - Enjoy a rockin’ pizza party at this Summer Reading Club Grand Finale! Boogie and bop to the tunes of Wilson Lake and the Rock Bass.

Register online. 7-8pm. Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. 419-259-5370. toledolibrary.org Free Budding Artist Sketchbook - Artists will take home a decorated beginner’s sketchbook, as well as a charcoal pencil set that includes drawing pencils, charcoal pencils and sticks, a sharpener, erasers, pastels and blending tools. For ages 5-14.

Registration required. 1-4pm. $30/3 hours. Monclova Community Center, 8115 Monclova Rd., Monclova.

419-861-1336. monclovacommunitycenter.com

7 THURSDAY 31st Annual Northwest Ohio RibOff - The Rib-Off closes out the summer of its thirty-first year with mouth-watering BBQ alongside performances by War, Ted Nugent, and Dennis DeYoung, a founding member of the band STYX. Lucas County Fairgrounds, Maumee. Prices vary. etix.com

9 SATURDAY Can You Dig It? Field Work Participants should bring a lunch and bottled water, and dress to be outside for the duration of the afternoon. Workshop includes a tour of the Historical Center and interpretation of found objects. For ages 10-15 with an adult. 9:30am-3:30pm. $15. Wood County Historical Center, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. 419-352-0967.

11th Annual Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair & 13th Annual River Raisin Jazz Festival - Have fun in downtown Monroe as you enjoy browsing from over 80 artists as the art fair will highlight the best artists from the local art scene. There will also be a Children’s Corner filled with face painting and art projects to keep the little ones entertained.

Two blocks away is the 13th Annual River Raisin Jazz Festival. Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. Loranger Square on East First and Washington Streets, Monroe.monroefineartfair.com H2OOOOOOOh! Water Rocket Challenge - This exciting science challenge allows the opportunity to design and build a rocket. Materials will be provided. Also on August 10, noon-4:30pm.

11:30am-4:30pm. General admission.

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. 419-244-2674. imaginationstationtoledo.org Family Pottery - Learn how to make beautiful pieces of pottery together as a family. Also on August 16. 2-4pm. $20. 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 419-872-0305.

577foundation.org

10 SUNDAY Free Family Event: Pixilated Pictures - Be inspired by viewing the exhibition The Art of Video Games and create your own pixilated picture using a wide variety of supplies. For ages 10+ with an adult. Also on August 12,14 & 15 from 10am-3pm. Noon-5pm. Toledo Museum of Art Family Center, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org continued on pg 36

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continued from pg 35 Art in the Garden - The afternoon features a variety of hands-on art activities, local artists displaying their work, theater performances by Toledo Ballet’s Adaptive Dance Troupe and Children’s Theater Workshop, as well as delicious food.

11am-5pm. Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. 419-536-5566. toledogarden.org

11 MONDAY Star Struck - A naturalist will point out constellations and you’ll get a chance to try out a telescope. This is the peak evening for the Perseid Meteor Shower. Bring a blanket and bug spray. Registration required. 10-11pm. Farnsworth Metropark, 8505 S. River Rd., Waterville.

419-407-9701. metroparkstoledo.com Free

12 TUESDAY Lab Night - Learn how to tag and document archaeology findings. Ages 10+.

Reservations required. 6-9pm. $8. Wood County Historical Museum, 13660 County Home Rd, Bowling Green.

419-352-0967. woodcountyhistory.org

14 THURSDAY Blissfield Car Show - Show off your ride or just enjoy the show, as classic cars and bikes roll down the street. There will also be local vendors and fantastic foods.

No registration fee, check in at 4pm.

Also on September 11. 5-8pm. Lane St., Downtown Blissfield. blissfieldmainstreet.com Free

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• August 2014 • www.toledoparent.com

15 FRIDAY National Tractor Pulling Championships - This is the world’s largest outdoor pulling event with five sessions of premier truck and tractor pulling on two tracks. Through August 17.

Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green. 419-352-0441. woodcounty-fair.com Free Family Event: Pixilated Pictures - Get inspired by viewing the exhibition The Art of Video Games and create your own pixilated picture using a wide variety of supplies. Activities at the Family Center are designed for children 10 years of age and younger accompanied by an adult. 3:30-8pm. Toledo Museum of Art Family Center, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org Free Maumee Summer Fair - The Maumee Summer Fair will house 150 arts and crafts booths, an antique car show, family entertainment and live bands. Also on August 16. 9am-5pm. 601 Conant Street, Maumee. 419-875-6986, Ext. 1263.

Taste of Maumee - Try a taste of 15 different restaurants. Live bands, beer vendors and food in the parking lot. Cover band, Nine Lives, plays from 5pm-7pm and Jonny Rocker plays from 7:30pm-11pm. 5-11pm. Conant, Wayne & Dudley Streets, Maumee. maumeeuptown.com

16 SATURDAY Levis Commons Fine Art Fair - More than 125 artists and artisans will take part in this juried show. Featured work will include every type of medium from painting to photography. Also on August 17.

Town Center at Levis Commons,

3201 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg.

419-931-8888. shopleviscommons.com Mill Fest: Kernel of Truth - Come to Providence Metropark and see the power of corn in action through historic baking, crafts and demonstrations. Try your hand at corn shucking and then see how our ancestors harnessed the power of the mighty Maumee and put the river to work grinding our corn. Take home some freshly ground corn meal and test your new knowledge in your own kitchen.

Imagination Station will be doing a Steam Demonstration. Noon-4pm. Providence Metropark, 13827 Old U.S. 24, Grand Rapids. 419-832-6004. metroparkstoledo.com Free American Girl Club - Participants will discuss their favorite American Girl dolls and make a craft. Feel free to bring your American Girl doll to the event.

Registration requested. 2pm. Barnes and Noble, 4940 Monroe St. 419-472-6164. barnesandnoble.com Free

17 SUNDAY Annual Car and Bike Show - Take a look at some beautiful classic cars and bikes. Donations benefit the local Wreaths Across America efforts to honor veterans laid to rest at Toledo Memorial Park. Rain date: August 24. 10am-2pm.

Toledo Memorial Park, 6382 Monroe St., Sylvania. 419-882-7151. toledomemorialpark.com Sunset Jazz and Arts Festival - This fantastic community event will feature performances from the Toledo School for the Arts, as well as many other local music acts, delicious food and a wide variety of local business exhibits to browse. The festival will be held in the park between the merchants on Front Street between the canal and the Maumee River in Grand Rapids. 2-10pm. Grand Rapids Towpath.

419-832-ARTS. grandrapidsohio.com Free Savour Sylvania - The tasty kick off to Sylvania Restaurant Week is here, and it is filled with grazing stations from Tree City’s favorite local eateries such as Avenue Bistro, Ciao, Element 112, Revolution Grill and Tony Packo’s.

Attendees can cleanse their palette during the wine tasting, featuring international wineries. The food and drink are accompanied by live entertainment. Funds will be directed toward scholarships for culinary arts students. 5:30-7pm. $35 per person/$65 per couple. Historic Village, 5717 N. Main St.

22 FRIDAY 49th Annual German-American Festival - Celebrate history with delectable German edibles, dance and of course, beer. Through August 24. General admission, $7/Ages 12 and under, free.

Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon. See brief pg. 8. germanamericanfestival.net

23 SATURDAY Rossford Riverfest This family friendly community celebration includes a Kids’ Zone, co-ed softball tournament, a dunking tank, numerous food vendors, a beer garden, and live music, culminating with a fireworks display. continued on pg 38

Daily

Animal Demonstrations, Experience animal-feeding demonstrations and enrichment throughout the zoo. Through September 1. 10am.

Free with zoo admission. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-4040. toledozoo.org

Tuesday-Sunday

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Takes a journey back in time and experience the legend of Titanic like never before. 10am-5pm. $15.50-$19.50.

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. 419-244-2674. imaginationstationtoledo.org Summer on the Farm, Experience life on an Ohio farm more than 100 years ago with festive fiddle music and great hands-on activities like making rope, grinding sorghum and churning butter. Sauder Village is open TuesdaySaturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, noon-4pm. The village is closed on Mondays except for holidays. Adults, $16/ Students ages 6-16, $10/ ages 5 and under, free. Ages 16 and under are free every Sunday this season and Senior, Military and AAA discounts are also available. Sauder Village, 22611 Ohio 2, Archbold. 419-446-2541. saudervillage.org

Tuesdays

Art Classes, Children will learn about famous artists such as Van Gogh and then will create their own masterpieces.

3:30-4:30pm. $30 a month. Monclova Community Center, 8115 Monclova Rd., Monclova. 419-861-1336. monclovacommunitycenter.com

Wednesdays

Babytime, Have fun with stories, rhymes and music and discover ways to develop early literacy skills in your young child. Registration requested.

10-10:45am. Sylvania Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. 419-882-2089. toledolibrary.org

Thursdays

Postnatal/Mom & Baby Yoga, This class focuses on regaining muscle tone and strength after childbirth, and provides ways to connect with your baby during your practice. This class is ideal for babies 6 weeks-18 months, no prior yoga experience necessary.

2:30pm. $15 drop in rate/ $100 for 8-class package. Lullaby University, 3100 Main Street Suite 735, Maumee.

419-878-0127. lullabylane.com Park Playdates, Meet other moms and let the kids play at our park playdates this summer. 10-11:30am.Visit website for location, as it varies weekly.

330-663-1801. motherscenter.net Free Toddler Time Tour, Check out all that the museum has to offer for little artists. Registration required. 10:30am & 11am. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org Free

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continued from pg 37

ADD AN EVENT toledoparent.com

FR EE

it’s easy, fast, and

A. Go to toledoparent.com/calendar B. Click “Submit an event” C. Create an account D. Add text, images and links

T HAT’ S IT !

Your listing will appear on toledoparent.com for you to share on your favorite social media app!

419.244.9859 • toledoparent.com/calendar

38

• August 2014 • www.toledoparent.com

4-11pm. Rossford Marina & Veteran's Memorial Park, 400 Hannum Ave., Rossford. 419-662-2905. rossfordrecreation.com.

23rd Annual Pollyball - Proceeds from this fun fueled event support the YWCA Encore Plus program helping under- and uninsured women obtain breast cancer screening and treatment, education and support. Entry fees and sponsorship levels vary and include lunch and t-shirt. Registration required. 9am-5pm. $75+. International Park, 2 Main St. 419-241-3235. pollyball.com

25 MONDAY Understanding Bicycles - Dave Pickering from Cycle Werks will discuss gearing use and conditions, what bike is best for your needs, proper bike size and more. Registration required.

6pm. Whitehouse Village Hall, 6925 Providence St., Whitehouse.

419-877-5383. Free

26 TUESDAY Wee Workshop: Rivers and Rocks This hands-on nature experience includes a craft, story time and a nature walk, and lessons about life on the Maumee River. Adult companion is required. Also on August 28. 10am-noon. $5/Toledo Metropark member, $4. Farnsworth Metropark, 8505 S. River Rd., Waterville.

419-407-9701. metroparkstoledo.com 419-407-9701.

27 WEDNESDAY

Hancock County Fair - There is fun for the whole family at the Hancock County Fair! Check the Hancock Fairgrounds website for more information and for a schedule of events. The fair runs until September 1. Daily Admission, $7.

Hancock County Fairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay. 419-423-1373. hancockfairgrounds.org

30 SATURDAY 2014 Boy Scout Half Marathon The course is flat and fast consisting of 10 water stops staffed by area scout troops, and chip timing for quick results. All finishers of the half marathon will receive a high-quality custom finishers medal. To conclude the morning is a pancake breakfast held on the grounds of the fairgrounds for a $5 donation. Registration required.

Half marathon, $40/ 5K, $25/ kids run, $5. Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green.

419-352-0441. boyscouthalfmarathon.com Butterfly and Bug Festival - Visit Nature’s Neighborhood for a day of fun, dedicated to the little creatures that creep and crawl and float and flutter. Enjoy crafts and activities inspired by bugs and butterflies. 10am-4pm. Zoo admission + parking, $7-$15. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org Click With Nature Walk - Capture stunning northwest Ohio scenery and learn a few fun tips to become a better photographer and naturalist. Bring an SD Card. Cameras provided. For ages 7-13.

10-11am. Swan Creek Preserve, 4659 Airport Hwy. 419-407-9758. clickwithnature.org Free

marketplace

ADVERTISING IN MARKETPLACE

Free Classifieds: Individuals may receive one free 20-word ad per month (products offered in ads must sell for under $100). Each additional word 40 cents, payment must accompany ad. Free ads run 1 month and are reserved for private-parties use, noncommercial concerns and free services.

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@toledoparent.com REFUNDS: Sorry, NO REFUNDS given.

MISPRINTS: Credit toward future ads.

Auditions

EVENTS

Join Mom’s Meet! A community of moms sharing thoughts on raising healthy families and living green.

Sample organic products.

419-376-6690.

lessons

IN HOME PIANO LESSONS for 6yrAdult. Degreed Instructor, 30 years of experience. $15/half hour lesson. Call Rob 419-514-5321

ENTERTAINMENT

Magic Shows 0$*,& n 086,& n %,5'6 n %811,(6 n %$//2216 Every Friday 7:00 PM 9RWHG %HVW %LUWKGD\

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SERIOUS MOMS WANTED. We need serious & motivated people for expanding health and wellness industry. High speed internet/phone essential. Free online training. www.iworkforfreedom.com Kidz Watch Ltd. - Kidz Watch Ltd. - Now hiring a full time Preschool Teacher. Also have part time - days, evenings, and weekend positions available. Send resume to info@kidzwatch. net or visit DropInChildCare.com for info.

FreeLance writers Needed. Send resume to editor@toledocitypaper.com

Adoption A childless married couple seeks to adopt. Will be full-time mom and devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Call/text. Patricia & Adam. 1-800-790-5260.

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL Rachellyn at 419.244.9859

for sale POLE BARNS Garage Kits and pole barns, we manufacture, we ship direct, you save. www.apmbuildings.com 888-261-2488

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Crochet Puppy Pads and Kitty Carpets $5 Book Worms 50cents 419-698-8522

Services

DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/ month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-281-4970

Free Fatherhood Parenting Programs! Every Thursday, 6pm at Operation Reseed Ministry. Call to register 419-297-3530

Reliable, Creative and Professional Nanny seeks family.

Please email supernannyforyou@gmail. com with schedule and rates.

Help wAnted EXPERIENCED OTR DRIVERS VAN DIVISION: Runs 48 states, heavy from WI to Philadelphia/ Baltimore/ MD area. Flex home time. 99% No-Touch.

Top Pay! Vacation/ 401K/ Vision/ Dental/ Disability/ Health. Require Class A CDL, 2 yrs OTR exp. good MVR, references. Call Ruth/Mike TTI, Inc. 1-800-558-2664 www.TTItrucking.com

PET

Health & Wellness

SAFE, EASY WEIGHT LOSS! Phentrazine 37.5, a once daily appetite suppressant, boosts energy and burns fat. 60 day supply - only $59.95! To order, call 800-681-2178

Want to have your events listed?

LET US KNOW! Calendar@AdamsStreetPublishing.com

www.toledoparent.com • August 2014 •

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