toledo parent may 2016

FREE MAY 2016

Get inspired by local birthday parties

2016Birthday

GuideBirthday

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sG U I D E

ummerummersMore than breakfast in bedOn Mother’s Day, find your own tradition p24p12

LAST CHANCETO VOTE!

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2 • May 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

3www.toledoparent.com • May 2016 •

NEW COLUMN

[special features]

Local moms celebrate life, love, familyMothers know blessed—we asked local moms how they’re spending Mother’s Day By Tom Konecny, Christine A. Holliday and Heidi Borst

Creating family readersHow the Queen of Apostles School is helping the whole family learn EnglishBy Christine A. Holliday

A very special fourth birthday Ava Wegrezn will celebrate 4th birthday cancer-free By Heidi Borst

recycle this paperfor our children's future ...

Toledo’s Award-Winning Parent Newspaper

my family, my way 25The Adams and Brewer Family

Learning about love and life through transracial open adoption

by Bridget Adams-Brewer

parent profile 27Dancing for a reason

Karen Medina teaches dance to the special needs community

by Christine A. Holliday

food fight 28Pop goes the paletteSylvania’s POP Grille’s take on

Asian-fusion is vibrant and creative

by Karen L. Zickes

community snapshots 5

what’s briefly happening 6

new kids on the block 7

exceptional families 8

tween the lines 9

family favorites ballot 22

healthy kids 23

mother’s day traditions 24

calendar 29 compiled by Marisa Rubin & Chloe Rothschild

marketplace 31

[departments]

[commentary]

MAy

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Online

Volume 25 • Issue 5 May 2016

toledoparent.comJoin us and our 3,500+ followers for laughs,

updates & parenting discussions.“Like” us on facebook.com/toledoareaparent

Special Needs GuideDebunking myths, sharing heartwarming stories, and much more.

On the cover

[Always online]

Henry, 1, Toledo

10

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

hilarious reads online at

Go to toledoparent.com to share your opinion

Every month, Toledo Area Parent will take a parental poll to gauge our readers input regarding parenting methods. This month, we want to know: If you child is having a large birthday party, do you need to invite everyone from their class?

1. Yes, it’s only fair.

2. No, my kid can pick the guest list.

LASt MONthWe asked: What do you think about infants or toddlers getting their ears pierced?

12% This is a harmless tradition. It’s better to pierce early.

15% This is harmless, but I wouldn’t do it.

34% This isn’t harmless, but I respect another parent’s right to decide.

23% This is harmful and unnecessary. Parent’s shouldn’t do this.

9% This is very harmful and abusive. It should be banned.

7% Other.

Making it special Managing birthday excitement for a sensory-sensitive childBy Meagan Ruffing

sG U I D E

ummerummersPARt: 2PARt 2

Birthday Guide—Celebrations as unique as each child

FAVORITESfamily

2015

22LASt ChANCE

tO VOtE!


May 22June 22

By Sue LovettEveryone seems to know

that the symbol for Gemini is “the twins.” As parents you will be well aware of that as soon as they open their eyes and move their little hands and feet and explore the world. They are very inquisitive and curious. They literally need “one for each hand” when you give them toys or snacks. They should be taught a second lan-guage as soon as possible, even sign language. They are seldom moody and can be counted on to explore new places, new toys, and meet new people whether old or young. You may need to encourage them to finish what-ever they start before losing in-terest and moving on to some-thing else.

They are happy to go to Day Care or Pre-School because of their desire to be busy and be-cause they see different people and surroundings. They have some difficulty going to sleep at night because their little eyes just don’t want to close… soft music might help… no matter what their age. Having a Gemini child is like getting two for the price of one.

Adams Street Publishing Co.

Advertising/General Info For advertising and general information, call 419/244-9859 or fax 419/244-9871. E-mail ads to [email protected]. Deadline for advertising copy 2 p.m. Friday before publication. Toledo Area Parent subscriptions are available by mail for $30 per year at Adams Street Publishing, 1120 Adams St., Toledo, Ohio 43604. One copy free per person per week; extra copies $1 each. Persons taking copies for any reason other than personal use are subject to prosecution. Letters to the editor must be limited to 300 words, are subject to editing, and should include the writer’s full name and phone number. Any letter submitted to the editor or publisher may be printed at the publisher’s discretion in issues subsequent to its receipt. Entire contents © 2016 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited with-out written permission of the publisher.

Also publishers of:

Audited by

What’s your birthday wish?

FINDLIKE ANDFOLLOWUS

KIDS HOROSCOPE

Publisher/Editor in ChiefCollette Jacobs ([email protected]) I stAy 29 forever!

Co-publisher/Chief Financial OfficerMark I. Jacobs ([email protected]) Lots of cookIes.

EditorialAssignment Editor:Athena Cocoves ([email protected])HIGH-proteIn And 0 fAt cHocoLAte cAke.

Calendar Editor:Marisa Rubin ([email protected])to be younG forever.

Contributing Writers:Christine A. Holliday, Meagan Ruffing, Erin Marsh, Kerrie McLoughlin, Amanda Pitrof, Sierra Hudnall, TiAnna Anderson, Heidi Borst, Kerri Rochelle, Karen L. Zickles, Sue Lovett, Tom Konecny

Art/ProductionProduction ManagerImani Lateef ([email protected]) It’s A secret.

Senior Designer: Leah Foley ([email protected]) new cAr.

Graphic Designer: Ashley Crapsey ([email protected])A bIrtHdAy GetAwAy.

AdvertisingSales CoordinatorJenny Leach ([email protected]) fAmILy HeALtH, weALtH & HAppIness!

Distribution:Cassi Hadadd ([email protected])A Hot doctor.

Sales support:Catherine Bohr ([email protected])sIx montHs pAId vAcAtIon.. twIce A yeAr.

Sales Sharon Kornowa ([email protected]) A week ALone on An IsLAnd.

Sam Rotroff ([email protected])A mILLIon doLLArs And bIG muscLes.

Bonnie Hunter ([email protected])dIsney LAnd.

AdministrationAccounting: Robin Armstrong ([email protected])Good HeALtH!

Media ManagerSaul Jacobs ([email protected])A trIp to mexIco.

GEMINI


Livia, 5, Toledo

Kyler, 8, ToledoMorgan, 4, Toledo

Holly, 2, and Evah, 2, Toledo

Brody, 1, Toledo

Elijah, 2, Waterville Peyton, 8 months, ToledoKincade, 4, Toledo

We’re always looking for great photos to fill our

community snaps page! Send your favorite moments to [email protected]


,

Claire’s Day Marks 15 years

Kids and books will come together at the 15th annual Claire’s Day Book Festi-val, Saturday, May 21, at the Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Road. Fifteen authors and illustrators will give presentations, autograph their books, and be part of a special celebration to present Claire’s Award for Reading Excellence to stu-dents in grades K-8 who have demonstrated marked improvement in their reading skills over the course of a school year. (Teachers: Nominate your students us-ing the form at clairesday.org. Last year, 800 students received awards. Organizers are hoping to recognize more than 1,000 readers this year.)

No festival is complete without food, crafts, music and T-shirts for sale, and Claire’s Day will have all of these, and more. The day is funded in part by Claire’s Night, held Fri-day, May 20, in the Winter Garden at the Main Branch of The Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 425 Michigan St. Sponsors (and it’s not too late to be one!) will meet illustrators and authors, bid on silent auction items and enjoy grazing stations and a dessert bar.

Claire’s Day celebrates the life of book-lover Claire Rubini, who died at age 10 of a heart defect. The Claire’s Day organization, founded in 2001 by Claire’s parents Brad and Julie Rubini, sponsors the event with Read for Literacy. —CH

Storytime for them, espresso for youWhen I was younger, my mom always told me there were two things that bolstered a par-

ent’s stamina — caffeine and quality childcare. The older I get, the more I realize this advice was less a joke than the truth. To get your fix of both, Storytime with Teacher Denise at Black Kite Coffee might be the answer to your quest to recharge your parental batteries.

Career early childhood educator Denise Rokicki brings you the best of both worlds—a coffee shop atmosphere and story time with play designed for infants to five-year-old children. A Toledo-native, Rokicki has spent more than 30 years in education, creating music and move-ment programs for children emphasizing storytime. The all-inclusive play welcomes special-needs children as Rokicki relates stories while sharing terrific tales.

While Storytime is free, space is limited, and is first come, first served. Adults must remain in the shop throughout the hour. 9:30-10:30am, every Saturday. 2499 Collingwood Ave., 419-720-5820. blackkitecoffee.com —AC

Innovation Week at Imagination Station Whether roller coasters scare you or you love the ride, the thrill machines are a work of engineering. Take your family to visit Imagination Station for Innovation Week, May 17-22, and discover the creative side of sci-ence. Channel your inner engineer by using funnels, clothespins, tubes and dowel rods to build your own coast-er-like contraption. Can you design a marble run to travel from the top of a pegboard to a target at the bottom, and then back again? Solve the problem with your whole family all week long. 10am-5pm,Tuesday-Saturday. Noon-

5pm, Sunday. $11/ages 13-64. $10/seniors 65+. $9/ages 3-12. Free/children 2 and under. Lucas County Residents: Free on Saturdays for children 12 and under with an adult, $1.50 admission discount. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. 419-244-2674. Imaginationstationtoledo.org —CH

Zoo to-do’s As the weather warms up and kids are itching to get outside, the Toledo Zoo is raising the stakes. Literally. This month, the new Expedition Africa! Aerial Adventure Course opens. Two high-rope challenge towers and an 80-foot-high zipline allows kids to choose their own aerial adventure. Each tower offers climbers unique views of the giraffes, kudus, zebras and other animals that call the Africa! exhibit home. A zipline, challenge course, freeflight op-tion— where thrill seekers take a 30-foot jump— and a Sky Bridge make up the aerial adventure course. For those averse to heights, or for tinier tots, a giraffe feeding deck will open on May 6, where guests can feed the Zoo’s Masai giraffe herd. For pricing, reservations, and more info on all of the new zoo offerings, visit toledozoo.org —AC

Beautiful Project Offers SupportMany adolescent girls struggle with self-confidence issues. In Sylvania schools, junior high girls get support from high school girls through The Beautiful Project. The older girls (athletes, cheerleaders, good students, and even former “bullies”) share their sto-ries of overcoming social, emotional, or academic obstacles. Their message: Don’t give up! You can do it! Project Beautiful is one of the outreach activities of the PEACE (Protect-ing Every Abused Child Everywhere) group, led by Sylvania Schools Intervention/Pre-vention Coordinator Bill Geha. For more information, contact Geha at 419 944-8191 or 419 824-8552. —CH

Compiled by Christine A. Holliday, Amanda Pitrof, Sierra Hudnall, and Athena Cocoves


New school in town There’s a new school in town— and it came all the way from the West Coast. iLEAD, an education company based in Los Angeles, is opening its first Ohio school this August in Spring Meadows. A public charter school, iLEAD—which stands for International, Leadership, Entrepreneurial Development, Arts and Design— is a commu-nity-minded school that has local, national, and international partners, including NASA scientists. “I think of us as a STEAM school,” says Tiffany Adamski, iLEAD regional di-rector. “Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.” While iLEAD Spring Meadows has plans for high school in Ohio, it is starting off in 2016 with grades K-8. To learn more about iLEAD, visit ileadspringmeadows.org —AC

Teaching Young Girls to Be ThemselvesTeach your young lady the values of being herself, not at some boring lecture, but at a party... with pizza! The Junior League of Toledo, an organization that works to inspire women and the community, is hosting the Uniquely You Pizza & Positivity Party for third-grade girls. The workshop was built to help strengthen young girls’ self-esteem within a fun environment, filled with every kids favorite, pizza and activities. There will

be three exceptional guest activity leaders, best selling author Kristi Hoff-man, Karate America founder Dan Turner, and Save-a-Pet manager

Lisa McKenzie. We all have something different to bring to the world, let your daughter know that so she can have the confidence needed for a bright future. Registra-tion is limited to the first 24 girls, so don’t wait to call. 6pm - 9pm Friday, May 6. The Farmhouse at Wildwood

Metropark. 4830 West Central Ave. 202-774-6171. [email protected]

Polish-American Student ScholarshipThe Polish-American Community of Toledo (PACT) and the Toledo Poznan Alliance have announced their sixth annual scholarship competition. $4k in awards will be given to area Polish-Amer-ican high school and full-time college students, in good standing. Both categories will be required to write about polish heritage or culture in some way. Preferences will be given to children and grandchildren of Alliance members, to students who participate in extracurricular activities or commu-nity service, and to students who display academic excellence. The application is due May 3 and competition rules can be found on PACTs website. Polish-American Commu-nity of Toledo, P.O. Box 1033, Sylvania, OH 43560. polishcommunity.org —SH

First-ever Ohio Spring Fest Do you like carnivals and live music? Jim White Honda’s Ohio Spring Fest will be full of fun things to do! During the day, there will be activities like monster truck rides and a BMX show, along with a dog show, and a petting zoo with camel rides. And, what would a festival be without fireworks? On the grounds of The Stranahan Theater, this free event runs from Thursday, May 12, through Sunday, May 15. The festival will be open Thursday 4-10pm, Friday 4-11pm, Saturday Noon-11pm, and Sunday Noon-10pm. For more information, go to funfestevents.net/ohio-spring-fest —AP


The Sylvania Sunrise Lions Club together with Merickel-Farley Trout Club, is sponsoring the 12th Annual Blind/Visually Impaired Children’s Fishing Adven-ture. The free event, held on Saturday, May 14, from 9am to 1pm (rain or shine) at the Trout Club, located off Airport Highway, ½ mile west of Toledo Express Airport. Registration and release forms are required. Siblings are welcome to at-tend, and only children may fish.

Keep It ReelChildren can catch a mercury-free rainbow trout, brown trout, or bluegill

from the filtered lake. “The awesome members of the Merickel-Farley Trout Club volunteer their time, talents, fishing poles and bait so our blind/visually impaired kids can fish on their own, with assistance as needed … They get to catch as many fish as they want and take up to four fish home,” Michelle Ballard, SSLC member and event organizer explained. Trout Club members will clean and bag the fish and pack it on ice so kids can take it home for dinner.

Off-the-hook FunProviding a lunch of grilled hot dogs and ham-

burgers, the goal is to promote a fun learning expe-rience for blind/visually impaired children and their families. “It’s a great day for kids and parents. Some of the kids have never fished, or even felt a fish, for that matter,” said Ballard enthusiastically.

Think SafetyEvery child is required to be accompanied by an adult, personally re-

sponsible for them. Fishing will take place from a gently sloping, grassy bank. The event is rain or shine.

9am-1pm, Saturday, May 14. Please contact Michelle Ballard at 419-787-5752 or [email protected] to register for the event and for more information.

Catch a Fish Angling for the 12th Annual Blind/Visually

Impaired Children’s Fishing AdventureBy Heidi Borst

For over a decade, families with a visually impaired child have joined the Merickel-Farley Trout Club for a memorable day of fishing fun.

Emily D.Patient of Dr. Je�ery Bunkers

Perrysburg419-874-1719

880 Commerce DrivePerrysburg, OH 43551

Oregon419-693-4466

3448 Navarre Ave, Suite 200Oregon, OH 43616

Bowling Green419-353-3885

1221 Ridgewood DriveBowling Green, OH 43402

Designing beautiful smiles for over

30 years...

Lauren L.Patient of Dr. Je�ery Bunkers

BracesbyDrBunkers.com


Dance responsiblyDresses, dancing, music and fun. You’ll find all of these and more at the annual

Grace Center Junior High Afro Ball on May 21. For the 33rd year, this event offers a fun, social, and safe environment for all area 7th and 8th graders. Each year, the Ball brings in around 800 area middle school students. This year’s theme is, “The future belongs to those who prepare.”

The event will be held at the SeaGate Convention Center from 7-11pm. Tickets are $30 and must be pur-chased with a parent at Grace Community Center, 406 West Delaware Avenue. Students must provide a student ID and fill out a registration form for ticket purchase. Proceeds from the event will help fund Grace Community Center’s youth programs, including the Edu-camp program.For more information, call 419-248-2467.

advice for parents with children 10-16

Cyberbullying is an ever-present danger in our selfie-obsessed, eyes-glued-to-a-screen culture, affecting children at younger ages. Heather Baker, director of Pupil Placement and Child Adjustment Services for Toledo Public Schools (TPS), leads a district goal of preventing bullying.

TPS recently made some updates to its cyberbullying policy to include all aspects of social media and the Internet. So many new platforms, makes it difficult to keep up, but the district wants to send a strict no-tolerance message. School counselors are mandated to present age-appropriate anti-bullying curriculum to every classroom from K-12, and the district also presents two programs each year. Baker says that students tend to receive a message better from their peers, so students put togeth-er skits and videos about bullying and how to react or prevent it.

Students are encouraged to notify administrators if they know of cyberbullying inci-dents and “need boxes” are placed in every school to facilitate anonymous reporting of inci-dents. Students should feel safe and secure at school while feeling loved and appreciated. To learn more about the TPS Cyberbullying Policy, visit tps.org —TA

St. Francis de Sales ExpandsParents and interested community members expressed a desire for an all-male college

prep learning environment for middle school-aged boys to help with their spiritual and educational journey. This last school year was St. Francis’ first year providing a 7th and 8th grade curriculum.

Kicking off the school year at Camp de Sales in Michigan, the retreat allowed students the opportunity to bond, while being physically and spiritually active, says Fr. Joseph Newman, director of admissions.

St. Francis de Sales said, “Be who you are and be that well.” The pre-teen and teen years are when young people are developing their identity and sense of self while testing the boundaries, so offering 7th and 8th grade classes is a natural fit.

For more information: St. Francis de Sales School Fr. Joseph Newman, director of admissions. 419-531-1618. sfstoledo.org—TA

Toledo Public Schools’ Plan to Prevent Cyberbullying

10 •May 2016 • www.toledoparent.com

From superheroes to princesses to pigs, these birthday boys and girls enjoyed magical celebrations featuring their favorite movie/television characters on their special day. For

birthday party inspiration, read these examples of truly special celebrations.

Birthday GuideBy Erin Marsh

2016

Hosted by: Violeta & Rodrigo Cantu (Perrysburg)

Hours involved: I started over one month before the party with the crafts. I made a big Peppa Pig out of cardboard from diaper boxes. Then there was all the baking. I don’t remember how many hours... but definitely a lot!

Party favors: 4 inch stuffed animal; kids could choose Peppa Pig or George.

Hosted by: Jen & Brian Creque (Sylvania)

Local Flair: Baymax cake from Cake by Jennifer and greenery from Creque Greenhouse

Photographer: Jen Creque Photography

Activities: We had a bean bag toss, but mostly the kids played superheroes with their capes. I also took a photo of each child in front of the superhero city backdrop and emailed the edited photo to mom and dad after the party.

Décor: Baymax cups, handmade capes with kids’ initials on back, superhero mask (from Etsy), handmade superhero city backdrop, superhero pictures and decorations printed from online.

Outlook: With our first child and his first birthday party, I wanted everything to be perfect, but after three kids, I go with the flow and whatever happens, happens. The kids had fun; that’s what matters. Hudson was so excited because he woke up from an extra long nap that day and there was all this superhero stuff all over the house. He knew it was for him; he was so excited.

Traditions: For birthdays, our big thing is cake because I don’t bake. Each time it’s one of my kids’ birthdays, we sit down and pick out a cake together. That’s our big, fun thing to do.

Hours involved: Probably 3 the day of the party, 5-6 the week of, and 12 hours total. The capes took some work. I found a pattern online for the cape, cut them all out, used velcro and fabric glue for the front, cut out circles and letters out of fabric, and then used fabric glue to attach the initials.

Valentina CantuAge: 2 • Theme: Peppa Pig

Local sweets and treats: Everything came from Joy Cupcakes New York (on Facebook): Peppa Pig cake, fruit bowls, pretzel sticks with chocolate and sprinkles, Peppa pig cookies, #2 cookies, little Peppa Pig boxes filled with popcorn.

Hudson CrequeAge: 3 • Theme: Superhero (emphasis on Big Hero 6)

Party favors: Goody bag with superhero themed tattoos, stickers, pencils.


Hosted by: McKenna & Greg Reitz (Sylvania)

Activities: We had the party at SkyZone. The kids jumped for an hour, then we went to the party room for pizza. Anna and Elsa showed up for 30 minutes, sang a couple songs, sang happy birthday, and then they took a of picture and signed an autograph for each kid there.

Bloopers: We didn’t tell Karsen [Elsa and Anna] were coming. We thought it would be a good idea for her to be surprised, but she was so shocked she wouldn’t say or do anything, even smile. She literally ‘froze’ when she saw her Frozen heroes! Of course, since then, she hasn’t stopped talking about them. Then we ran out of time in the room (we only had it for 40 minutes), and some kid popped in to tell us that we only had 10 minutes left, and we hadn’t even done cake or presents yet. So we basically had five minutes for ‘Happy Birthday’ and cake.

Fashion: Karsen wore a pink Frozen t-shirt from Gap. I told the parents that it was a Frozen party, so every kid wore Frozen stuff.

Elise (Ellie) Reynolds

Age: 5 • Theme: Peace, Love, and Pottery

View this Birthday Online at Toledoparent.com

Karsen ReitzAge: 4 • Theme: Frozen

Party favors: Frozen pencils, bracelets, tattoos, cups, and a tiara for each little girl (and one little boy).

Local flair: Frozen cake from Anderson’s Market with Elsa and Anna (from Laurel’s Princess Party).


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

sG U I D E

ummerummersOur Summer Camp Guide offers the perfect program for your child. Whether you have an artistic tween, a scientifically curious 8 year old, or a toddler, we have options perfect for your whole family.

St. Francis de Sales

High School Summer Camp

2323 W. Bancroft St.419-531-1618. sfsknights.org

Day camp. Grades 4-9. $55-$75. All camps are throughout June and July. Sports camps are boys only, academic camps are boys and girls, except Robo Camp, which is boys only.

Program length: Baseball camp (4-7pm, June 5 & 9am-noon, June 6-8, grades 4-9). Basketball camp (9am-12:30pm, session 1 is June 13-15 and session 2 is June 20-23, grades 4-9). Football camp (9am-12:30pm, June 27-30, grades 4-9). Golf Camp (9-11:30am, June 13-16, grades 4-9). Lacrosse camp (9-11:30am, July 18-20, grades 4-9). Soccer camp (9am-noon, July 11-14, grades 2-9). Art camp (12:30-3:30pm, June 13-16, grades 6-8). Music camp (9am-noon, June 21-23, grades 6-8). Cyber camp (9am-noon, July 11-15, grades 5-8). Graphic design camp (9:30am-noon, June 13-16, grades 6-8). Robo camp (8:30am-noon, June 13-17, grades 5-8, space limited to 18 people).

Camp Focus: Encouraging students to develop and build stronger skills in whichever camp they sign up for.

Summer at West Side

Toledo Campus: 7115 W. Bancroft St., 419-866-1931

Perrysburg Campus:

13587 Roachton Rd., 419-874-9835

montessoritoledo.org

Day Camp. Ages 13 months through Grade 4. Prices vary.

Program length: WSM offers camp for nine consecutive weeks. Campers can attend one or all of the weeks! Camp begins Wednesday, June 9 and ends Wednesday, August 3.

Camp focus: Adventure awaits through exciting community partners and top-notch programming. Check out the program website for weekly partners and themes!

Most anticipated summer activity: Throughout the summer WSM will work with 16 different community partners. Campers can look forward to trains, reptiles, archery, swimming and more!

Most popular activities: Elementary campers love swimming every afternoon and our exciting field trips. The younger campers enjoy visiting with the reptiles from Frogtown Exotics!

Hunter’s Run9241 Secor Rd., Temperance, MI

734-856-2404

9:30am-2pm. Ages 4+. $150/three day camp, $210/four day camp.

Program length: (Camp 1) June 8-10, Wednesday-Friday. (Camp 2) June 13-16, Monday-Thursday. (Camp 3) June 28-30, Tuesday-Thursday. (Camp 4) July 5-8, Tuesday-Friday. (Camp 5) July 11-14, Monday-Thursday. (Camp 6) July 18-20, Monday-Wednesday. (Camp 7) August 1-3, Monday-Wednesday. (Camp 8) August 8-11, Monday-Thursday. (Camp 9) August 15-17, Monday-Wednesday.

Camp Focus: Children get a hands on experience learning proper care for their horses, how to tack up their horses, how to give a horse a bath, how to make horse treats, along with various crafts which the children will be able to take home with them.

Most anticipated summer activity: A mock horse show on the last day. 4 day campers have a pizza party on the last day.

SummerTime at Maumee Valley

Country Day School1715 S. Reynolds Rd. 419-381-1313. maumeevalleysummertime.org

Day Camp

Cost: For incoming first grade through high school: $120 per weekly half day camp/class, $228 per weekly full-day camp/class (materials fee may be additional). Preschool camp: $195 per full-day week, $110 per weekly mornings, $95 per weekly afternoons

Staff/camper ratio: 1:16 or less

Ages: 2 through high school

Program length: June 13-July 1, closed July 4-8, back open July 11-22. Hours are 9am-3:30pm. Half day is 9am-noon, or 12:30-3:30pm. Before and After Camp Care is available at no extra charge from 7:30-9am and 3:30-5:30pm.

Camp Focus: We offer weekly half-day classes (that can be combined for a full-day) in Academics, Athletics and The Arts (performing and visual) for incoming grades 1-12. Our preschool (ages 2-5) camp runs weekly themes for half-day or full-day.

Most anticipated summer activity: We have some favorite classes returning and some new classes to offer students from all over the area.

Most popular activities: Due to the variety of classes and camps, students can pick the ones that best suit their interests. Make your own summer!

PART 2PART 2

Fun & Unique Birthday Party Packages

Call for details (419) 346-1363

Interactive tours for any groups.

Now Registering for Summer CampsWeeks of: June 27-July 1July 25-29 • August 1-5

www.rosenbloomsfarm.weebly.com



Children’s Theatre Camps2417 Collingwood Blvd. 419-244-5061. ctwtoledo.org

Day and night camp options. $75-$225. 6-18 years.

Staff/camper ratio: Between 1:5 and 1:20

Program length: Most camps are one week, one is three weeks, one is all summer long! They range between three hours and eight hours per day.

Camp focus: All camps have a theatre focus, but they vary between acting, choreography, improvisation, musical theatre, technical theatre, and stage makeup.

Most anticipated summer activity: We love our summer musicals, “FAME, Jr” and “A Year with Frog and Toad” because there’s a fully mounted public performance at the end. Our campers love to show their stuff!

Most popular activities: The 6-9 year old camps.

Campfire story: All of our programs take place in CTW’s building, in the Collingwood Arts Center, so there’s lots of fun, spooky ghost stories associated with the building.

continued on page 15

Toledo Volleyball Camp2901 Key St., Maumee. 419-794-4656. Toledovolleyballclub.com

Single day clinics and three-day camps. Ages 4-grade 12. $40-$195.

Program length: Camp options— College Experience Camp (9th-12th graders with High School Varsity or National Level Travel Experience. 1:30-5:30pm, June 11-13. $195.). General Skills Camp (7th-10th graders, 9:30am-noon, June 11-13. $95). Clinics include 14 different, single-day sessions for ages 4-18, with specific skill or positional work.

Camp focus: The multi-day camps provide a well-rounded and intensive experience, led by top collegiate coaches from University of Florida, Georgia Tech, and University of Southern Indiana. The clinics include a variety of specific workshops throughout July, including VolleyTots Summer Camp (ages 4-8) and clinics for grades 3-6: skills and drills, tryout tune ups, serving, footwork, hitting, blocking, arm swings, hand positioning and more. All clinics are $40 each, or $30 for two or more. For a full list, see online.

Hey kids! Are you looking for something fun to do

this summer? The Toledo Area Humane Society

offers fun summer camps for children ages 5-14!

Animal Tails Summer Camps!

Camps fill up fast so reserve your spot online today! 827 Illinois Avenue \ MAUMEE, OH 43537

419.482.7106 \ www.toledohumane.org/child-education-programs-and-camps 419.482.7106 827 Illinois Avenue

Maumee, OH 43537

Animal TailsSummer Camps!

Dtoledohumane.org/child-education-programs-and-camps

D

The University of Toledo Volleyball Camps 2016

Work With Experienced Staff Including:

For detailed camp information and registration please visit rocketvolleyballcamps.com

For any additional information please call 419.530.7255

Improve Your 6 Fundamental Skills:Summer Camps July 9 - July 15

REGISTER NOW !

All-SkillsCampJuly

11-15

PositionCampsJuly9-10



Here are some easy to imple-ment ideas and the thoughts be-hind them. First, get rid of the clutter and disorganization. Get rid of the toy box. Small chil-dren are overwhelmed with too much “stuff” and can’t possibly be expected to take care of their belongings if they are jumbled together with parts scattered here and there. Select a small group of toys that your child currently en-joys and store the rest out of sight to be rotated as needed. Put all

PERSPECTIVES ON PARENTINGadvertorial

of the parts in a sturdy open con-tainer such as a bin or basket and place on a shelf or other child-ac-cessible space. Help your child to clean up after play and put every-thing back in its place until a rou-tine is established and your child can do it independently.

Personal items should be ac-cessible so young children can be as independent as possible from an early age. A small, low shelf in the bathroom can hold a child’s toothbrush, toothpaste, wash cloth, soap, hairbrush, etc. Two-year-olds want to do everything for themselves. Let them put the toothpaste on their toothbrush. A small, travel-size tube is perfect for little hands. A small stool to reach the sink is a must as well as a low mirror. Teach your children, step by step, how to do personal care. Aim for personal respon-sibility, not perfection. You’ll be amazed how proud they are of their accomplishments.

Perrysburg Campus13587 Roachton Rd.

Perrysburg, OH 43551

Lynn FisherFounder and Head of SchoolWest Side [email protected]

Toledo Campus7115 W. Bancroft St.Toledo, OH 43615

Spring Cleaning: Creating A Child-Friendly Home

Join us for First Thursday–Presentation and Open House!

First Thursday is a monthly parent education program presented by West Side Montessori teachers from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at the Toledo Campus. The topic listed below is geared to children ages 1-5. Any family is welcome to attend any or all programs. This is an opportunity to learn more about Montessori through the eyes of children, teachers, and other Montessori parents. Tours of our campus will be available following the program.

May 5-The Outdoor Learning Environment Learn how Montessori education

embraces the natural world

Summer Camp registration is now open!

To sign up visit montessoritoledo.org

Give young children reason-able choices. Teach them to think for themselves. Start with two choices and build from there as your child matures. “Do you want to wear the green shorts or the blue ones?” “Would you like to read this book or that one?” “Which green vegetable should we have for dinner tonight?” Montessori teachers constantly assess the developmental maturity of the children they serve in order to determine reasonable expecta-tions. You can do that too. Take the time to observe when your children truly need help and when to step back and let them try and then to fly.

UNBOXYOURTHINKING

An Online Summer Camp for grades 9-12from Thinking Habitats

Beat summer learning loss. Phlox is an interactive online learning program for high school students.Get better in reading, writing, math,and science with our two week program.Just one hour per day.

www.ThinkingHabitats.com/Phlox419 .419 .5115

Thinking Modules

For more information and to register

SAVE$30

Use code: Toledo16




FortE Music School

3208 W. Sylvania Ave. 419-471-2100

Fortemusicandarts.com

Ages 6 to adults. $20 for 30 minute les-sons once a week, with advance student options of $40 for a 60 minute lesson. $80-$160 per month.

Focus: While not a summer camp, Forté offers a slightly different tune that your child can carry on throughout the year. Children of all ages can stimulate their brains, enhance their creativity and take lessons for all musics. Forté is the largest, most professional music school in Toledo, with around 20 music teachers with either college training or professional performance experience.

Program length: The school schedule is very flexible and lessons will be tailored to your needs. Most teachers are available Monday through Friday, and a few even teach on the weekend. Contact the school for up to date times.

Most anticipated activity: Have you ever seen a child discover they can play, or sing, a beautiful song? Experience the joy, confidence and the fruits of your child’s hard work during the two free student showcases every year— plus plenty of performance opportunities for students.

University of Toledo Volleyball CampJohn F. Savage Arena. 2025 Douglas Rd. rocketvolleyballcamps.com

Day camp. Grades K-12. $100 for position specific camps, $175 for all-skills camps.

Program Length: Youth All-Skills Camp (July 11-15, grades K-8). High School All-Skills Camp (July 11-15, grades 9-12). Outside/Right Side/Libero Camp (July 10, grades 6-12). Setter/Middle Blocker Camp (July 9, grades 6-12).

Camp Focus: Athletes will hone their volleyball skills in sessions with UT players and staff, in the recently renovated Savage Arena.

Activities: The day starts with a group warm up and stretch, followed by skill set training relevant to the position specific camp. The day ends with scrimmages and game play.

2016 Camp Dates

MAKES A GREAT GIFT! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

3 day camp - $150 4 day camp - $210*

*4 day camp includes pizza partyand take home shirt*

CAMP DATES

All camps will have a mock horseshow on last day. 4 day camps have a pizza party on the last day as well. Camp runs 9:30-2pm, (Drop off anytime 9am or after)

Extended Care Available.

Camp 1- June 8-10 Wednesday- FridayCamp 2- June 13-16 Monday- ThursdayCamp 3- June 28-30 Tuesday- Thursday

Camp 4- July 5- 8 Tuesday- FridayCamp 5- July 11-14 Monday- Thursday

Camp 6- July 18-20 Monday- WednesdayCamp 7- August 1-3 Monday- WednesdayCamp 8- August 8-11 Monday- Thursday

Camp 9- August 15-17 Monday- Wednesday

continued from page 13

Toledo Ballet Dancing Dolls Camp5327 Monroe St. 419-471-0049. toledoballet.net

Day Camp. June 27-July 1 & July 11-July 15. Ages 4-8.

Program length: Morning: (1-2:30pm, ages 4-5). Afternoon: (2:30-4:30pm, ages 6-8).

Camp focus: Aspiring ballerinas will learn about the storybook ballet Coppelia, about a doll who comes to life. They’ll learn some ballet basics, and do doll related arts and crafts. Campers are encouraged to bring their favorite doll or stuffed animal. They will put on a small performance on the last day.

Toledo Zoo Summer Safari Camp2 Hippo Way. 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org/camps

Day Camp. Ages 4-15. $135-$340, member discounts apply.

Staff/camper ratio: 1:10, for most camps; 1:7, for ages 4-5 and experience based camps.

Program length: M-F. 9am-3pm, for most camps. 9am-noon, or Noon-3pm, for ages 4-5.

Camp focus: Animals, environment and fun.

Most anticipated activity: Meeting animals up close.

Most popular activities: Watermelon Wednesdays, Zoo Tours and animal games.


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONcontinued from page 15

Toledo Area Humane Society827 Illinois Ave., Maumee. 419-891-0705. toledohumane.org

Day camp. Ages 5-14. $25 single day, $75-$150 multiple days.

Program length: Both single and multi-day camps are available in a few age ranges.

Single day options: For ages 5-8: Mini Furball Fall (June 9 or August 3) and Pet Safety 101 (June 8). For ages 7-12: Dog Grooming 101 (June 9), Dog Lovers (June 8 or August 4) and Frisky Feline Fun (June 7 or August 2). For ages 9-13: Canine Coaching (June 22 or July 28), CSI for Animals (June 21), Pet Photography (July 26) and TAHS Shelter Detectives (June 23 or July 27).

Multi-day camps: Junior Animal (ages 10-15, $150, June 28-30 or July 19-21). Paws and Claws (ages 7-11, $150, July 12-14). Waggin’ Tails (ages 5-8, $75, June 14-16). Critter Creations (ages 8-12, $75, June 14-16). Careers with Animals (ages 10-14, $75, June 21-23 or July 26-28).

Camp focus: Learning about animal behavior, care and fun with visits, animal themed games and crafts.

Most anticipated activity: During each camp, children will take a tour of the shelter and visit with a few of our furry friends.


The Toledo Repertoire Theatre16 10th St. 419-243-9277. Toledorep.org

Day Camps. Ages 7-16. $125.

Program length: 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday. There are three one week long summer intensive drama camps: “Theatre Through The Ages” (June 27-July 1), “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Theatre” (July 18-22) , and “Build Your Own Broadway” (July 25-29).

Camp focus: Acting, dancing, singing, play writing, technical design, theory, foundational components of live theater, and more.

Most anticipated activity: “Theatre Through The Ages” and “Build Your Own Broadway” will perform a showcase of their talents at 3:15pm on the last day of camp.

REGISTER NOW!CALL 419-243-3275 or

Visit collingwoodpc.net/madcamp $25 per child or $50 per family (up to 4 kids)



Phlox: An Online Summer Camp from Thinking Habitats

419-419-5115. ThinkingHabitats.com/Phlox

Anytime camp. Grades 9-12. $320. Discount with Toledo appreciation code: Toledo16

Staff/camper ratio: Phlox is an interactive online learning program. Each learner is paired with an expert mentor who will give them personalized tips and feedback daily.

Program length: 2 weeks x 1 hour per weekday = 10 hours of learning time. The program is self- paced, so log on when it’s convenient for you and your learner. Offered in June, July, and August.

Camp focus: Phlox is all about college and career readiness. Put together a toolbox of good thinking skills and reading strategies. Unbox your thinking to be successful in life. Make thinking fun again.

Most anticipated summer activity: Learn critical thinking while reading and learning about your own community. Check out your local news reports online. What is going on in your community? What’s hopping? Is the news reporting accurate? Learn the difference between facts, opinions, and good explanations.

Campfire story: The camp pet is an octopus. Do you know why? You’ll figure it out.

continued from page 17

M.A.D Camp (Music, Art & Drama)2108 Collingwood Blvd. 419-243-3275. collingwoodpc.net/madcamp

Day camp. Grades 1-6. $25 per child, or $50 per family up to 4 kids.

Staff/camper ratio: 1:10.

Program length: 9am-noon, Monday-Friday, with a special Friday showcase event at 7pm.

Camp focus: All types of art, including music, drama, and visual arts.

Most anticipated summer activity: The last day we have our Bravo! Celebration, where children perform and/or display their various works of art.

Camp rumor dispelled: MAD Camp is open to everyone, not just members of the church.

Summer Programs at Toledo Botanical Garden

5403 Elmer Dr. 419-536-5566. Toledogarden.org

Day camp. Ages 6-12. $18/members and $23/non-members, unless otherwise noted.

Program length: Most classes are single sessions, 9am-noon. Camp Dig It is a new, multi-day camp (July 26-28).

Camp focus: Students will learn about gardens through diverse program offerings. Art classes: Fairy Gardens (June 24), Art of Nature Journaling (June 29, ages 10+, $20-$25) and two Blooming Artists workshops, Garden Masterpieces (July 12) and Farm Creations (July 13). Pioneer programs, $34-$42 if attending both: Pioneer Life (July 19) and Wagons Ho! (July 20). Students will learn about athletic animals during Animal Olympics (August 2, $18-$23). Kids get their hands dirty during Camp Dig It, a three-day gardening and farming camp (July 26-27, $50-$65).

General Skills Camp - $95For all players in 7th-10th GradeTo see our full summer training line-up for players age

4-18 years old, visit toledovolleyballclub.com/summer

in the area featuring top collegiate coaches from University of Florida, Georgia Tech, & University of Southern Indiana.

College Experience Camp - $195


Parents everywhere could learn a thing or two from Hannah Davis, who has been a mom for longer than most of us have been alive. Her holi-days are different now, having lost her husband Gene in 2014 at age 99, after 66 years of marriage.

What is your favorite Mother’s Day memory? My first Mother’s Days as a mother were beautiful. We went to church as a family. I remember dress-ing our very young daughter in a beautiful hat, dress and gloves. Our two sons were handsome, and we went to a restaurant for dinner. I can remember being so proud and thankful. I’ve been so blessed, it’s difficult to separate Mother’s Day from any other day.

When you were young, how did your family celebrate Mother’s Day?My first Mother’s Day experience was with my dear mother who was 98 when she died. She loved to wear an orchid corsage to church.

What are your plans for this Mother’s Day?Our plans this year will be different. We will be attending Mass, celebrated by our youngest child, Mark. Dad will be missing, but we know he is in heaven and smiling down on us.

What’s your favorite part of being a mom? This may sound like bragging, but I have wonderful children. And, my husband was the best. I’ve just been blessed. It’s hard to say it any other way.

An experienced mom: Hannah Davis

A mother for 64 years.

Juggling a successful accounting career, a busy social life, and raising two teenage daughters with the help of “overly supportive” husband Navin, comes naturally to CPA Vinita Singhania. A fierce mama bear who values family and friendship above all else, she will do anything in her power to help out a friend.

What’s your favorite Mother’s Day memory?My favorite memories are when the kids were in elementary school. They would make special handmade gifts and sing songs for all the moms, followed by a cake ceremony at home.

When you were young, how did your fam-ily celebrate Mother’s Day?Growing up in New Delhi, India, we did not celebrate Mother’s Day, but after having kids here in Toledo, we started celebrating. One year my mom was visiting from India on Mother’s Day; she was very surprised and happy with the day, and she still reminds me of that special moment.

What are your plans for this Mother’s Day?My kids usually surprise me with a small gift, but it is more about the thought that goes into prepar-ing for the day. We will be at the temple for our morning prayers, followed by an elaborate lunch cooked by the dads of the community.

What’s your favorite part of being a mom?My daughters have added purpose and a sense of responsibility to my life. It is a pure joy taking care of them and watching them grow. It has taught me to be patient and positive all the time. I hope that I am able to transfer the legacy I learned from my own mother to my children through the moments and memories we have created together.

Meet Liz Livecchi (the mother of 10!, left), 13abc’s Diane Larson (right),

and other moms in our special Mother’s Day section, online at

toledoparent.com

Mother knows blessedLocal moms celebrate life, love and family

by Tom Konecny and Heidi BorstShe’s your BFF and your role model. She’s made you angry, but she also taught you love. She

offers advice when you need it, and even tells you what to do— when you forget to ask. There’s no one way to be a mom, and there’s no one type of mom. To celebrate Mother’s Day— Sunday, May 8— we’re honoring all the local moms who have found a way to make motherhood work.

Mama Bear: Vinita SinghaniaA mother for 15 years.

On family vacation, Vinita enjoys a moment with her daughters: (L-R) Anika (15) and Vedika (13).

A lucky Hannah Davis, with her sons, Jim (64) and Rev. Mark (56), and late-husband, Gene. Her daughter, Nancy (62), is not pictured.


VOTEONLINE

FAVORITESfamily

2015

Place for a birthday bash

Place to buy a birthday cake

Family-friendly entertainer

Place to buy birthday decorations

Family photographer

Place for winter fun

Rainy day activity

Place to read

Place to worship

Museum

Fair or festival

Place for a picnic

Place to volunteer

Day trip spot

Animal encounters

Tween activity

Bowling alley

Local toy store

Garden and nature center

Date night

Cupcakes/Bakery/Sweet shop

Family-friendly restaurant

Kid-friendly coffee shop

Ice cream shop

Frozen yogurt shop

Healthy fast food

Local pizza place

Place where kids eat free

Kid’s clothing

Kid’s shoe shop

Maternity clothing store

Place for furnishing the nursery

Baby boutique shop

Organic baby store

Mom-owned business

Local mom blogger

Local parent Facebook group

Local Pinterest account

Local Instagram account

Preschool

Tutoring center

Teacher and their school

Elementary school

Middle school

Charter school

After-school program

Special needs services

Daycare

Babysitting/Nannying service

Parenting classes

Acting and Theatre classes

Dance class

Kids art class

Gymnastics class

Music class

Pediatric practice

Emergency care

Place to give birth

Birthing classes

OB/GYN

Midwife

Doula

Family doctor

ENT doctor

Optometrist

Chiropractor

Allergist

Dentist

Orthodontist

Ophthalmologist

Veterinarian

Place to go ice skating

Place to go roller skating

Place to buy sports equipment

Park or playground

Indoor playspace

Waterpark

Family-friendly gym

Biking trail

Martial arts program

Swim lessons

Baby swim lessons

Sports camp

Summer day camp

Horseback lessons

Favorite thing about Toledo Area Parent

New ideas you’d like to see in Toledo Area Parent

Best Toledo Area Parent column

Rules: 1. You may only vote once. 2. No answer should be repeated more than three times. 3. A minimum of 20 questions must be answered for your ballot to be eligible. 4. Your name and email address must be included. 5. No ballot stuffing! No photocopies! (We will discard any ballots that we suspect are fraudulently submitted.) Deadline: Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 5 p.m.

NAME: ______________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP: _______________________________________________________

EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________

Time to Party

Favorite Places and Spaces

Delicious Eats

Boutique Beauty

The Digital Age

Watch Me Soar

Doctor’s Orders

Get Active

All About Us

or vote online attoledoparent.com

LAST CHANCE

TO VOTE!

Winners announced in the July issue of Toledo Area Parent

ADVERTISERSRESERVE SPACE NOW!

419.244.9859 or email [email protected]

Space reservation deadline June 15th


healthy kids

Relaxing in a chaise by the pool on a gorgeous summer day while your kids belly flop off the board, when sud-denly you hear a sickening crack. Your 10-year- old’s last attempt left him hitting the diving board, and now he’s got a bloody mouth and a missing tooth!

Being prepared for such emergencies can go a long way in keeping everyone calm. Brookview Dental’s Dr. Brad Barricklow, DDS, offers his advice on handling common dental emergencies.Knocked-out Tooth

What should a parent do in the knocked-out tooth scenario? If it’s a baby tooth, first find the tooth to make sure it wasn’t inhaled or lodged in the throat. Other than that, “a knocked-out baby tooth requires no treatment outside of reassuring the child,” Dr Barricklow advises. “An adult tooth should be rinsed off quickly in water or milk and immediately re-implanted into the socket. Then, immediately see a dentist to get it splinted for four to six weeks.” If you can’t get the tooth back in place, put it in a small container with some milk and take it to your dentist right away.

Soft-tissue injury to the inside of the mouth, causing bleeding from biting or other injury, is also fairly common. Dr. Barricklow informs these superficial wounds usually resolve in a couple of days. Sometimes a stitch may be required, but usually cleaning the wound and applying ice to the area will suffice.

A Mouthful of Worries The Stress “Less” Guide to Dental Emergencies

By Heidi Borst

The Elusive ToothacheIf your child is complaining of a toothache, a good rule of thumb is to have it

checked by a dentist. Toothaches are most often caused by cavities. The bacteria from cavities “eat the tooth away, causing nerve pain. While Ibuprofen and Tylenol can help with pain, a visit to the dentist is the only way to fix the diseased tooth,” Dr. Barricklow cautions. If a tooth is merely chipped or cracked, an appointment to the dentist within a day or two to have it checked is recommended, unless it is sharp or it hurts, in which case a dentist should be seen sooner.Painful Sores in the Mouth

Some 20% of kids suffer from canker sores (small ulcer-like sores on the in-side of the cheeks, lips, or gums). Caused by injury to the mouth or stress, canker sores are not contagious but can be extremely painful, making eating, drinking, and brushing difficult. The sores can last up to 10 days. Dr. Barricklow suggests treating the sores for pain by using Ambesol. To speed healing, he recommends “treatment by the dentist with an agent that mildly burns the area to allow healing, or applying homemade preparations like hot sauce on a Q-tip.”

Also common are cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus. Found on the lips and around the exterior of the mouth, they are contagious and extremely painful. “Antiviral medications can be prescribed. Abreva can be bought over the counter,” Dr. Barricklow offers. A medication called Viroxyn, available at a dentist’s office, can be applied to the affected area at the onset of symptoms to greatly decrease duration and severity.Care for Your Smile

Dr. Barricklow gives some precautions to help kids prevent injury to their mouth and teeth: “Wearing a protective mouth-guard is essential to prevent mouth injuries, especially during sporting activities … Helmet use is important. Concussions have lifelong consequences and (helmets) can help with facial injuries. Full face shields should be required for sports like football, lacrosse, softball, baseball and hockey.”

With Dr. Barricklow’s tips, you can be prepared for

common dental emergencies.


By Kerrie McLoughlinTraditions

Ah, it’s time for my favorite holiday: Mother’s Day! I always feel relaxed and pampered one day of the year, and I definitely milk it and enjoy it. Here are some ideas for Mother’s Day traditions you might like to see in your house this year—or any year!

Note: Please don’t require your loved ones to follow all six or you’ll go on a laundry strike. Just tear these ideas out, leave them lying around and surely they’ll catch the hint!

Mother’s Day is just short day that happens once a year when moms deserve to be showered with love and to be treated special all day long.

1. Flower Mom with love. Flowers are a favorite–and very easy–way to make a mom feel special. My very favorite flower is Lily of the Valley because it reminds

me of my own mother. One year my husband planted some in front of our house, and they bloom every year as a reminder of what he did for me on Mother’s Day. Consider hitting the local florist for a bigger bouquet in a colorful vase. A potted flowering plant or hanging basket of petunias would be low-maintenance and long-lasting.

2. “Letter” know how you feel. I love the hand-made notes and cards from my kids on Mother’s Day. Leave some construction paper and colored pencils,

crayons, and glitter glue on a table and see what happens.

3. Eat your heart out. What’s Mother’s Day without breakfast in bed? It doesn’t have to be fancy; it can be as easy as store-bought donuts and orange juice, or as

extensive as biscuits and gravy with fresh fruit and coffee. The point is, Mom will know she is being thought of and cared for, like she cares for everyone else every other day of the year.

4. Picture perfect. Find a fabulous photo of mother and child and buy or make a cool frame. On Mother’s Day, make sure more pictures are being taken of that

special duo to be treasured always. Then, consider putting together a scrapbook to enjoy for years to come.

5. Basket case! Put together a basket of her favorite things. Ideas include a favorite candy bar, a candle, a gift card, or homemade coupons for special hugs and

favors. The sky is the limit! Just make sure to pick things out that Mom would like.

6. Just spend time together. I want to throttle those coaches who schedule baseball games or Team Picture Day on Mother’s Day … don’t they know

who they are dealing with?! Try to boycott any activities that are not mother-child related. Even watching a favorite or new movie in the evening, while snuggled up together eating pop-corn, is bonding time!

Six

Kerrie McLoughlin, mom of five and blogger at TheKerrieShow.com, looks forward to chillin’ out every Mother’s Day and playing the Mom Card.

TOLEDO AREA PARENT ASSIGNMENT EDITOR: This part-time position is perfect for a creative, organized and enthusiastic parent. You will generate large and small story ideas, collaborate with design, assign stories to freelancers, write, copy edit, and represent Toledo Parent in the community. Journalism background strongly preferred.

OUTSIDE SALES REP: You love Toledo, you know Toledo, and you’re excited to join a fast-paced and fun team. You’re a hard worker, great communicator and reliable. You’re comfortable with warm and cold calling. You rely on constructive feedback and are ready to build relationships. Sales experience preferred.

Email your resume with references to [email protected]

WE ARE

NOW HIRING

WANT TO WORK WITH US? WE’RE FLATTERED.


I’ve never been fond of babies. When people hand them to me, I count the seconds until I can hand them back without letting on I’m uncomfortable. Joe and I got married at 28 and we both figured we’d want a family “someday”. And we didn’t, until we were 36. The traditional route to parenthood didn’t work for us, even though my stubbornness made us pursue years of painful, emotion-ally devastating fertility treatments.

The day we finally decided to wholeheart-edly pursue adoption, a weight lifted. It’s not an easy decision for everyone, but it was the perfect one for us. We chose a local, nonprofit agency, with a sliding fee scale— Catholic Charities of Toledo— and have not looked back. Things to consider

When you learn about domestic infant adoption, two of the first things you con-sider are race and openness. Because there are more white families than families of color waiting to adopt, and frequently, more children of color being placed with adoptive families, transracial adoption is a reality. It’s not ideal— the best thing for children is to be part of a family of the same race. But there’s a need, and after a lot of self-examination, we decided we could do a decent job.

We decided we were very interested in an open adoption, where the adoptive parent(s) are known to the birth family, and they are known to you. It’s widely acknowl-edged to be the best thing for kids, to keep a connection to their heritage and to always know where they come from.

It wasn’t long until we got The Call. I was at work and heard there was a baby born at St. Luke’s and a mom who wanted to meet us. We all hit it off quickly and, strangely, deeply, and I held the baby boy that would be mine, although I didn’t know it at the time. I didn’t want to hand this amazing boy back. We were chosen and we got to know each other.

I didn’t expect to feel so keenly the loss involved in adoption. I was getting the best news of my life, and we were overjoyed to

The Adams and Brewer

Adoption StoryFamily is more than just

black and whiteBy Bridget Adams-Brewer

FAVORITE THINGSBridget’s

Favorite Park: Woodlands Park in Perrysburg, for the special little-kid play area.

Favorite Restaurant: San Marcos

Your Child’s Favorite Activity: Slides and swings. But he calls them both “whee!”

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving. We host 25-30 people

What did you name your son, and why: We kept a short list of names for years and finally decided he looked most like a Miles. Coming up with names helped us through some really difficult times on our way to finding him.

become a family, but hearts were breaking at the same time. If there’s one thing I could teach people about adoption it’s that, even in the best circumstances, it comes from major loss. I can’t count the emotions I had during this newborn period, but for every bit of joy, there were corresponding tears. We are truly fortunate to be able to visit frequently with Miles’ birth mom and older brothers. They are family to us. We tell Miles his story often. He doesn’t understand it all yet, but he knows his birth mom makes him laugh like nobody else and that his brothers are fun guys to play with.Loving our differences

My kid is the most beautiful child in the world. We are grateful every day to call ourselves his parents. As a new, multiracial family, we anticipated a lot of dumb ques-tions and stares in public, but have been shocked to be treated normally. I think

it’s because Toledo is such a diverse city, along with our neigh-borhood and circle of friends. If you’ve ever thought about transracial adoption, hair is a great entry point, and a way to make connections. It makes up about 2% of the stuff you should learn about raising a child of color, but it’s a good first step.

The other 98% you need to learn as a white parent of a Black child includes: culture, connection, pride, and the spectres of racism, colorism, and bias. It should be a lifelong study, an exer-cise in de-centering yourself to give your child what he needs. Which, really, is what parenting is about.

After eight years of marriage, Bridget and Joseph began a family with the open

adoption of their son, Miles.

After a call that changed her life, Bridget rushed to the hospital and

first held newborn Miles in her arms—

not yet knowing that he would

become her son.

Transracial adoption is a lifelong study, an

exercise in de-centering yourself to give your child what he needs. Which, really, is what parenting is about.

—Bridget Adams-Brewer

419.726.5100 1.800.246.1731Take a look at the available children on our Web site.www.adoptamericanetwork.org

© 2016 Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC

Kaylah and Kiahla are adorable and entertaining girls who love to talk. Both girls are in the third grade and are currently doing well in school. Kiahla is a shy, polite girl who enjoys coloring, playing with dolls, and reading. Kaylah is outgoing and loves engaging in physical activities such as romping on trampolines, engaging in sports, and hula hooping. Both girls need positive parents who will help them feel accepted and valued.

Jaidin is a bright and analytical young man that is gifted artistically. His artwork and drawings are highly impressive. Jaidin is in the eleventh grade and does well academically in school. He enjoys working in the yard, skateboarding, camping and fishing. He would like to live where he could be around animals and have opportunities to go horseback riding. Jaidin needs loving parents who are highly supportive and are willing to nurture and embrace his artistic talents.

MY FAMILY My WayNEW COLUMN


By day, Karen Medina is a dietician, and by night, she helps adults with special needs balance the physical, social, and emotional aspects of their lives through dance. Medina’s outreach into the spe-cial needs community has earned her a 2015 Maumee Valley Civitas Award for Community Involvement

While Medina has been involved in the area’s dance community for several decades, about six years ago she grew tired of the dance world’s cutthroat competition. “After all those years, I felt that I didn’t want to spend my time worrying about costumes and trophies and fights for first place. I thought there was something more I could do,” Medina reflected.

Through the suggestion of a friend who works for the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Medina became inspired to do more. Six years ago, she opened iDance Adaptive Performing Arts Studio, which now embraces near-ly 100 students with physical and social challenge. From blindness and autism to Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The ope-ness keeps the students coming to dance class and begging for more. And, Medina delivers, charging students a nominal $25 monthly fee which directly benefits iDance to keep the program grooving. Dancing for joy

Free-style hip-hop dance lessons and weekly dance parties allow students a chance to work on balance, coordination and spatial awareness. After gaining those structurally-important dance skills, the students have performed at several local events, including half-time at a University of Toledo basketball game.

In teaching the dance classes, Medina noted that her students didn’t move easily and freely, which led her to incorporate a gymnasium into the dance studio, made possible by private funds, volunteers and a donation from General Motors. “The students often work in very sedentary jobs, so they need activity. We work on activities and I think they would come five nights a week if they could! They really enjoy working with the dumbbells, weighted balls, and stretch bands, and it is great to see them last longer in the dance classes because of their increased strength and stamina,” says Medina. Drumming, singing & nutrition

Medina has also added a Drumfit class, where students tap on large balls as a way to develop cardio fitness. Students also

come to iSing, a vocal group organized for those who find moving in a dance class too difficult. “Everyone can sing,” says Medina, “They don’t need to be able to balance themselves or have any physical stamina, but every one is able to sing something!”

Medina’s upcoming projects include a Nutrition Now program, where she will bring nutritional education to her students with help from Beth Williams, a registered dietitian and instructor at Owens Community College. “The students’ caregivers, who help with preparing their meals, will also be part of the class to make sure everyone involved gets the best information about the best foods to eat,” says Medina. Family involvement

Taking the family approach, Medina’s two young sons, 11-year-old Ace and 9-year-old Cruz, assist in her work. She calls Ace her “tech guy,” noting that he runs the lights and sound for the dance classes. Cruz is responsible for watching his mom for the cues his older brother needs to make the necessary light and music changes. She says both boys are learning a lot about interacting with a vari-ety of people and she is proud that they aren’t shy or nervous about working with special needs adults.

“I am here to help and I find [my stu-dents] inspire me to keep on going,” says Medina. “My motto is ‘Step Forward’ and that’s what I’m going to do.”

On the dance floorAward-winning instructor welcomes all ability

levels to dance their heart outby Christine A. Holliday

Six years ago, Karen Medina began iDance,

a non-profit that brings dance and fun to the

developmentally disabled community.

Splash Bay Indoor Water Park

1705 Tollgate DriveMaumee, Ohio 43537

419-482-7777splashbayresort.com


The Short Course Kid-friendly: YesTo avoid wait: AnytimeNoise level: Moderate Bathroom amenities: YesHigh chairs? YesGot milk? YesKids’ menu? Yes, even steak as an option!Food allergy concerns? The menu has a code that lets patrons know what dishes are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, or contain nuts. It also indi-cates which entrees could be prepared vegan, vegetar-ian or gluten free. Always alert your server of allergies before ordering.

I’m not certain exactly how many res-taurants are located in Toledo and the sur-rounding areas, but I know it’s still a lot. When you cruise through town it’s easy to spot countless restaurants with the flashy signs, fancy buildings, and packed parking lots. However, if you pay closer attention you will see there are many res-taurants around town that you may have otherwise driven past not giving them more than a hurried glance. POP Grille is one of those places, and I won’t pass it up next time.

Unexpected surprisesOn occasion I had read something here

and there about POP Grille. POP stands for Party On The Palate. That caught my attention. I was certain it was an Asian fusion restaurant, but then I saw it adver-tised as something slightly different. No, I wasn’t going crazy. Since its opening in January 2015, the cuisine that began most-ly as Asian fusion morphed into more ‘American with a flare’ cuisine according to owner Tom Parent. You can still find many Asian items on the menu such as potstickers, wonton pork or chicken, and a lobster roll, but a new menu will debut this spring so there are sure to be many new offerings.

When my children and I spotted the nondescript and not overly attractive building on Holland-Sylvania, I thought, “This is the place I read had such great

Party On The Palate!POP Grille is full of surprises

By: Karen L. Zickes

POP Grille3809 N. Holland-Sylvania, Toledo

419-517-5310Mon: 4p.m.-10p.m.

Tue-Thur: 11a.m.-10p.m.Fri-Sat: 11a.m.-12a.m.

Sun: Closed

food?” Admittedly, I was surprised and judging already. My boys looked at me and with a quizzical look inquired, “This is the place?”

We ventured in to find our next sur-prise; live music! It was a Wednesday evening and I was surprised to hear live music, on a weeknight. The boys and I really enjoyed listening to Don Coats on the keyboard and guitar. The atmosphere is very casual, and the dark tile floor might very well be from when the build-ing was home to the old El Matador. The back room was painted and much bright-er than the front half of the restaurant. The booths up front line the windows, so the kids and I settled in and enjoyed a window seat.

Our waitress Diana approached our table with the next surprise. She was so friendly and so excited we were there for the first time. She couldn’t wait to tell us about the flavorful and unique food that would soon begin to “party on our pal-ates.” My boys said, “Wow, this place is really friendly!” The surprise after that? You guessed it. The food was wonderful. I just never expected it when we pulled up and stepped inside this unassuming and modest restaurant.

Pop goes the palate!A Toledo native, Mr. Parent knows what

the people of Toledo want when they go to dinner. One of those things is most certainly great food for a good value. “Everything is made in house. We bring everything in fresh,” said Parent. Entrees ranged from $8-$25 and included steaks, pork chops, shrimp, chicken, and so much more. The children’s menu

ranged from $5 for the grilled cheese with drink and sides, to $8 for the kid steak din-ner. My youngest devoured the steak with sautéed Brussel sprouts.

We began with tender, breaded cala-mari followed by the must have chicken tortilla soup topped with avocado and cilantro. My three fish tacos were served with spicy aioli, wasabi coleslaw, and mango salsa were a refreshing treat. I cer-tainly couldn’t eat all three. My daughter inhaled my leftovers when we arrived home and I never saw another bite.

When we return, I may need to order what my oldest son enjoyed that evening. For $13 he had the Bulgogi burger. It was thin sliced marinated steak served with cheddar cheese, pineapple, mixed greens, and onion all topped with their signature tropical glaze. Lots of parties on the palates were going on at our table! Our seemingly mundane Wednesday had gotten a bit more fun….and tasty!

Karen Zickes is a mom of three active chil-dren and freelance writer who resides in Holland, OH. She can be reached in c/o

[email protected] .

Bottom Line: POP Grille or “party on the palate” is a most suitable name for this restaurant that opened in early 2015. Though the outside isn’t much to look at, you will find wonderful service, entertainment, and delicious food on the inside that will keep you coming back. The kids’ menu offers a variety of choices including steak, and the adults will have a difficult time choosing their entrees.


1 SUNDAY

Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Take a trip south of the border and celebrate Mexican culture with live entertainment, crafts and pinatas. 11am-3pm. $19/adults, $16/children (under 12), $16/seniors, free/under 2 years. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-4040. toledozoo.org

Color Time! - Youngsters can express some creativity and add color to the Manor House as they fill in Wildwood-related designs with crayons. Then, the artwork will be dis-played at a community gallery in the Manor House Solarium for the summer. Noon-5pm. Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Free

Sunday in the Park with Art: Family Gallery Day - Start your Sunday in the gallery spaces to explore the current exhibits, create nature inspired art, join the nature photography walk at 1pm, hear the gallery story at 2:30pm, and follow the fun to the Window on Wildlife and park trails to discover what is waiting to be seen around Secor Metropark. 10am-4pm. Secor Preserve, 10001 W. Central Ave., Berkey. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Free

2 MONDAY

Adventures in Painting - Students explore both watercolor and acrylic paint-ing with the help of an experienced paint-er. For ages 5-7 years old. Registration required. 4:30pm. $50. Create Studio, 422 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-873-6240. createperrysburg.com

3 TUESDAY

Cupcake Boss - Put on your baker’s hat and get ready for an icing challenge! Teens will be provided a cupcake, icing, sprinkles and more to decorate their own cupcake creation. For grades 6-12. 4pm. Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. 419-259-5280. toledolibrary.org Free

Make it New Again - Recycling, repur-posing, upcycling? The library staff has fun ideas for making something new from the things you might otherwise throw away. 6pm. Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr. 419-259-5220. toledolibrary.org Free

4 WEDNESDAY

Back to the Future - Travel back in time and learn what it was like to go to school in a one room school house. Registration required. 6:30-8pm. $4. Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com

5 THURSDAY

Cinco de Mayo - It’s a Fiesta! Celebrate the holiday with music and activities just for niños ages 2-5. 10am. South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway St. 419-259-5395. toledolibrary.org Free

SuperSchade’s Sensory Friendly Family Movie Night - Enjoy a spe-cial screening of The Good Dinosaur. Registration required. 5:45pm-6:30pm. Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant St., Maumee. 419-410-5980. superschades.org

{May 2016}All calendar events are subject to change, cancellation and

limited size. Calling ahead for confirmation is recommended.

6 FRIDAY

Education Class: Kids Night Out Kids will have fun playing animal-themed games, making crafts, touring the facility and visiting with some adoptable animals. Snacks and a beverage will be provided. For ages 6-11. Registration required. 6pm. $25. Toledo Area Humane Society, 827 Illinois Ave., Maumee. 419-891-0705. toledohumane.org

Firewall - This amazing planetarium show explains Earth’s violent history, describing the impacts from comets and asteroids that have mercilessly shaped its surface. The ancient barrage continues today; from harmless meteors to mountain sized boulders wander-ing perilously close to Earth. 8:30pm. $5/children, seniors, UT community members, $7/adults, free/ages 3 and under. Ritter Planetarium, 2855 W. Bancroft St. 419-530-2650. utoledo.edu/nsm/rpbo

The Little Mermaid - Go under the sea with St. Francis de Sales School as they present Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Also on May 7, 13 & 14. 7:30pm. $10/students, $12/senior citizens, $15/adults. Franciscan Center at Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. 419-531-1618. sfstoledo.org/musical

Mother/Daughter Workshop: Floral Fabric Wreath - Together, you will learn to cut and tie fabric to create a unique wreath perfect to hang for spring and throughout the summer. All supplies included. (You may bring your own fabric). Tea and cookies will be served. All ages welcome. Registration required. 4:30pm. $25. Create Studio, 422 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-873-9400. createperrysburg.com

7 SATURDAY

Maker’s Mart: Spring 2016 Edition This semi-annual, one-day indie art and craft fair presented by Handmade Toledo features handmade goods and artisanal food made by independent crafters, makers, and artisans creating a unique shopping experience in the heart of Toledo. 10am. Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St. handmadetoledo.com/makers-mart

Mickey Matinee: The AristoCats Starting at 1pm, there will be games, crafts, and snacks all in honor of these cool cats. Aat 1:30pm there will be a showing of Disney’s The AristoCats. 1pm. Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-874-3135. waylibrary.info Free

Sesame Street Live: Let’s Dance! - Join Big Bird, Elmo and friends as they dance on the big stage. Also on May 8. $33+. 10:30am & 2pm Saturday, 1pm & 4:30pm Sunday. SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. sesamestreetlive.com

Schedel Gardens Community Day Festival - With more than 60 vendors, the day features live musical entertainment, food and drink, face painting and family friendly activities. 10am-3pm. Schedel Arboretum and Gardens, 19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore. 419-862-3182. schedel-gardens.org Free

Nursery & Greenhouse Ponds Miniature Gardens Classes Free Design Service

2 Miles West of Toledo Express 419.825.1438

OakParkWaterGarden.com

Garden Center & Landscape

Open House

April 23 & 24

April 30 & May 1 Food! Fun!

Savings!

Connecting Kids with Nature For Over 30 Years!

KIDS!Bring in

this Ad for a FREE

PLANT to grow this summer!

419.473.0999 | 2249 TREMAINSVILLE RD. | WWW.MINIMOTIONSDANCE.COM

Celebrating 25 years

11 h 28Variety of Dance and Tumbling Classes

6 Classes for $64 (ages 2-3)6 Classes for $72 (4 & up)

Starting classes at our New Location in July! 2437 Tremainsville Rd.


10 TUESDAY

Preparing for Your Newborn Taught by a Montessori-certified Infant and Toddler Teacher, this class is an introduction to life with a newborn for first-time parents. Registration required. 4:30-6pm. $15. West Side Montessori Toledo Campus, 7115 W. Bancroft. 419-866-1931. montessoritoledo.org

13 FRIDAY

Kindergarten KickStart! - Do you have a child who’s starting kindergarten in the fall? Join Kindergarten KickStart! for an event that includes story time, an information session, and a great big hour of fun. Songs, stories, games and activity stations will prepare both you and your child for success in school. Participants who attend this event will receive a Ready, Set, Kindergarten Backpack of early literacy materials. Registration required. 10am. Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Ln. 419-259-5330. toledolibrary.org

14 SATURDAY

Spring on the Farm - Guests will experi-ence life in rural Ohio more than 100 years ago while visiting with baby animals, playing old-fashioned games and learning about gardens. 10am-5pm. $16/adults, $10/ages 6-16, free/ages 5 and under, $2 discount for seniors. Sauder Village, 22611 State Route 2, Archbold. 1-800-590-9755. saudervillage.org

Storytime: If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don’t If your mom says to get ready to play at the beach, she means with a Frisbee or a shovel. She is NOT talking about the piano. But Magnolia

is a little girl with a big idea. What’s the worst that can happen? Activities to follow. 11am. Barnes and Noble Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St #1400, Maumee. barnesandnoble.com Free

20 FRIDAY

Make Sense: Multi-Sensory Tour with TMA Teen Apprentices - Let the Toledo Museum of Art’s Teen Apprentices show you that there is more to art than what meets the eye. Use all five senses to explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt. Taste and smell new foods, look at art in different ways, hear live music, and do a hands-on activity. This free event is open to local high school students, but registration is recom-mended. To reserve a spot, email [email protected]. 6:30-8:30pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org Free

21 SATURDAY

Claire’s Day - Meet children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers, enjoy live music and hands-on crafts. Visit the Barnes & Noble Book Sale area, purchase books and then have the author or illustrator sign your book for you! 9am. Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Rd., Maumee. 419-259-5200. clairesday.org Free

22 SUNDAY

Bark in the Park - Fetch your sneakers and grab a furry friend for a 1.5 mile journey during the Toledo Area Humane Society’s fundraising event. Registration required. 10am. $25/adult (includes a t-shirt), free/under age 8. Toledo Area Humane Society, 1920 Indian Wood Cir., Maumee. 419-891-0705. toledohumane.org

24 TUESDAY

Partners In Fun: Pirate - Aye Matey! Children have fun creating pirate-themed arts and crafts. For ages 3 and 4 with an adult. Registration required. 10am. $5. The 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 419-872-0305. 577foundation.org

25 WEDNESDAY

Toddler Drive In - Toddlers and caregiv-ers will create their very own car, followed by snacks and a movie. For toddlers ages 19 months to 2 and a half years old. Registration required. 10am. Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-874-3135. waylibrary.info

28 SATURDAY

Open House at Oak Grove School: Extracurriculars - Build your “study skills” with a visit to the Oak Grove School House. Drop in during open hours to pick

up a lesson in nature study or practice read-ing, writing and arithmetic with the school marm. 10am-1pm. Wildwood Preserve Oak Grove School, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.org Free

29 SUNDAY

Family Film Club - Enjoy a screening of an animated or live-action film perfect for children and families. Noon. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org Free

That’s the ticketSaturday, 5.7 / Toledo Amtrak StationOnce the main source of trans-portation, railroads helped to create the America (and Toledo) we know today. Step into the locomotive during the Ninth Annual National Train Day Toledo for a variety of train and railroad-related activities. As the depot fills with “conductors” of all ages, every-one will have the opportunity to see train cars from the Ann Arbor and Norfolk Southern Railroads up close and personal. The day also features informative rail safety courses, miniature model trains, vendors with educational books and videos for children, as well as local food trucks from The Displaced Chef, Rosie’s Restaurant, and Rusty’s Road Trip to keep your appetite on track. 9am-4pm. Toledo Amtrak Station, 415 Emerald Ave. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza. tmacog.org/National_Train_Day_Toledo.htm Free

Shake your tail featherSunday, 5.8 & Various Sundays throughout the Season / Hensville Park

More than just for baseball games, the Mud Hens new roost, Hensville, offers the perfect outdoor “coop” for youngster to ruffle their feathers. On select Sundays through the 2016 season, the community area at Hensville Park turns into an inflatable theme park complete with everything to “squawk” about. The play area will fea-

ture a 4-person climbing wall, a bungee run, an 18-foot firetruck slide, face painting, magic shows and family-friendly entertainment. Times vary. Combo tickets include a ticket to the Mud Hens game and unlimited inflatable park play from 4:30-7:30pm. Sunday, May 8. Also on June 19, July 3, July 10 & September 4. $12/field, $15/adult for field, game and inflatables, $13/child for field, games and inflatables; Already have a game ticket? Add an additional $3 for admission to the inflatable park. Hensville Park, corner of Summit St. & Monroe St. mudhens.com —MLR

SaturdaysPortable Preschool, Have fun at this children’s story hour with singing and dancing. 9:30am. Black Kite Coffee, 2499 Collingwood Blvd. 419-720-5820. facebook.com/blackkitecoffee Free

SundaysFamily Center Activities- Each week will feature a new artistic activity perfect for youngsters to let their imagination run wild. For ages 10 and younger with an adult. Noon-5pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org Free

Searchable listings updated daily

toledoparent.com

Depression can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, or ethnicity. Depression includes symptoms like sad mood; lack of motivation; changes in sleep and appetite; feel-ings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthless; and thoughts of suicide. In fact, the Centers for Dis-ease Control (CDC) reports that, in the US, a person takes his or her life by suicide every 13 minutes. If you are worried a friend or loved one may be thinking about suicide, you may be able to help!

Here are some guidelines for approaching someone about suicide:

expressing your concern about the person using specific examples of your observations, like “I noticed that you haven’t been to game night in 3 weeks,” or “The past several times I’ve seen you, you seem worried and distracted.”

Don’t be afraid to ask directly. If you seem comfortable discussing your concerns about the person’s well-being, he or she may be more likely to discuss his or her experienc-es with you. “Are you having thoughts about hurting yourself?” or “Have you ever thought about killing yourself?” may help open the conversation lines for the person.

Ask how you can help the person. None of us are mind-readers, so asking the person how you may be of help to them is the best way to know what they need from you during this hard time for them.

Be familiar with resources. If the person admits to being suicidal, you will need to act quickly. Go into your conversation ready with a list of emergency rooms and crisis centers nearest you. You may also call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for additional assistance.

Offer to go with the person while they seek help. He/she may be more likely to follow through with asking for the help he/she needs if you are there as a built-in support.

about his/her experiences, remind him/her that you are there if he/she needs you in the future. Remind yourself that you did what you could to help the person in need!

Katie Smith, LPC-CR

419.475.4449 | www.harbor.com

If you are still unsure of what to do, Harbor can help! Our clinicians are trained to assess for suicide and are more than happy to help anyone in need. Give us a call at 419-475-4449 for more information.

6 Ways to start the conversation about suicide

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PAGE 22Family Favorite


ADVERTISING IN MARKETPLACEFREE 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: [email protected]: Sorry, NO REFUNDS given.MISPRINTS: Credit toward future ads.

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MauMee’S beSt & biggeSt RuMMage Sale foR 90 yeaRS!!!! St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Elizabeth and E. Wayne St., Maumee Tues./May 3, 9am-7pm & Wed./May 4, 9am-1pm for bag day/half price sales Furniture, clothes, collectibles, toys, linens, elec-tronics and more! Come early for the best selections 3 floors, 2 garages & 2 tents full of merchandise 100% of the proceeds go to outreach!

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Minds that Think, Hearts that Love, Hands that Help

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