Our first giveaway item is an adorable, psychedelic artwork by Kicks by Sammy, a company that features graffiti-style artwork by Sammy Handler, a highly prolific 26-year-old artist. The Dream Big Dreams Smiley Canvas is 16”x16” and is normally $50. It is perfect for a teen who wants to make their space pop, whether it’s in their dorm room or at home. You can follow @kicksbysammyllc on Instagram or subscribe to kicksbysammy.com via email.
Our second giveaway item is Himalayan Momos, the classic Nepalese dumplings that you can easily heat in the microwave, fry, steam or air-fry to introduce your kids to a bit of international cuisine. They are a big hit with kids worldwide! The winner will receive these directly by mail. Congratulations to the winner of our November/December
Erin Holden (toledoparenteditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
WEARING UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATERS.
A new year typically brings with it the pressure to look ahead. This year, I want to look back at what I’ve accomplished. You see, this time last year I completed a YearCompass New Year’s Resolutions journal (see more about this in “My Favorite Things” below), which prompted me to think about what I’d like to focus on, and it specified to “dream big.” Among the things I wanted to do in 2022 that I actually made progress on? Here are just a few:
This month brings out the passion and creativity in your mysterious and sometimes quiet Scorpio child. Do you ever get that feeling that inside that mysterious mind is a creative genius? This is the blessing of being the parent of a Scorpio. Get closer to them by watching them discover their talents through experience.
Jeff McGinnis (mcginnis@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
SEEING MY NIECES SMILE WHEN THEY OPEN PRESENTS!
DIGITAL MEDIA
Nate Light (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
Publisher/Editor in Chief
ICEBALL FIGHTS.
Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com)
I GREW THAT ONE TOMATO. IT WAS A BEAUTY.
Co-publisher/Chief
Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com)
1. Joining a local community group to build connections: Check! I joined the Toledo Writer’s Workshop and am loving it.
2. Make more time for reading: I made myself do it by joining a book club through the Toledo Museum of Art.
3. Vacation to a state you’ve never been to: I went to Maine, and I one-upped myself by going to Quebec after that!
As I look over my goals, many of them are still in progress (writing the first draft of my novel, for one…it is 15 percent complete though!), but that’s okay. I truly think if I hadn’t dreamt big by writing down what I really want, I wouldn’t have even taken the first steps toward doing any of these things.
when I start to solidify plans for family visits. Who Thanksgiving at our house? Will we be making an 18-hour Christmas? Last year threw all of those joyous of disconnect. Holiday traditions went by the stay safe and make it through without engaging me, it was a lot of watching bad Christmas rommy family get-togethers. reclaiming that connectivity with our family. In this about maintaining family ties, like our Digital app that promotes togetherness through cook In addition to our annual Holiday Happenings pages with hopeful stories, including the feature builds community among mothers. help you navigate tough decisions that moms about, including the “breast is best” topic, with lo points of view, plus resources to get you through postpartum adjustment. for tools to help you on your parenting journey know you’ll find inspiration in our November/
That’s what I would like to encourage our readers to do this year: don’t just look ahead. Also think of what you need to let go. Every year we grow and change, so every year we have to take that into account when we plan for the future.
One thing most of us think about during the new year is our health —whether it’s mental health or physical — local doctors weigh in on important practices in our Health & Wellness Guide. This issue also has a sweet feature about kids who go to work with their parents, a review of Barry Bagels downtown to celebrate the local chain’s 50th anniversary and profiles of two of our favorite nonprofits.
Speaking of favorites, make sure to visit Toledoparent.com to nominate your favorite local businesses in our Family Favorites voting!
Happy New Year!
Erin Holden Assignment Editor Toledo Area ParentTO RECEIVE OUR WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER TO ENTER CONTESTS AND GET THE “SCOOP” ON WHAT’S HAPPEINING AROUND TOLEDO.
toledoparent.com
This month, Scorpios will illuminate their inner passions. Here’s a suggestion: pick up an art canvas, colored pencils, stencils, an apron, a table cover, paint, brushes and a sponge. Put the tablecloth over your table, and set up a creative space for them to express themselves. Scorpio children love to explore new things. Tell them that you just wanted to have some fun drawing, painting and that they can too. Leave it set up for a week and you will see them (on their own time) delving into their inner expres-
Your child is a humanitarian who sometimes can be prone to self-sacrifice. This month, it's essential to teach your child how to love themselves, and that when they love themselves, others will love them for who they are. The birthday theme is, “Know Thyself.”
One way to do that is to have them try different ways of expression. Personally, I recommend checking out Boomwackers, a toy that allows kids to learn notes and how to create a beat. If you're throwing a birthday party, get the kids together in a circle and put the wackers in the center of it. Let the kids choose two of the tubes and play a beat, then have them pass the tube to the kids next to them and have them copy that beat. It's enjoyable to hear the kids as they mimic each other and create their musical sounds. It also gives them self-confidence as they collaborate to make music.
1. TMA Family Art Club - Held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-5pm, the Art Club is a laid-back event for kids of all ages. The Family Art Center has activities planned, but your child can also explore different art stations on their own, which is perfect for our 21-month-old.
2. Linkimals - These Mattel toys each have a different learning focus (Counting Koala, Play Together Panda, and so on). Each addition to your collection can be linked to the rest, so they sing together. Townes loves them so much, especially Sloth and Penguin. We got him the new owl one for Christmas.
3. Toledo Botanical Gardens - To me, one of the best playgrounds in Toledo is the one at the Botanical Gardens.
4. YearCompass - As I already mentioned in my letter, YearCompass is a very thoughtful New Year’s tool. It is free and printable at yearcompass.com.
DIGITAL MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA Margot Jacobs (margot@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WRAPPING PRESENTS.
I SUCCESSFULLY AVOIDED REVERTING TO THE CRAZY PRE-COVID SCHEDULE I HAD KEPT FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS!
Editorial Assignment Editor: Erin Holden (toledoparenteditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
SECURING NEW FREELANCE WRITING OPPORTUNITIES WITH A BIG CLIENT!
Erin Holden, Amelia Roberts, Taylor Viers, Autumn Vasquez, Jeff McGinnis, Kimmie Rose, Kiera Jacobs, Julie Pompa, Mary Rose Kulczak, Lisa Alleman, Kimberly Feldkamp, Emily Remaklus, Laurie Bertke, Erin Schoen Marsh
Contributing Writers: Laurie Berke, Erin Holden, Caitlin Hudson, Sneha Kamath, Andrew Kersten, Mary Rose Kulczak, Shaun Manning, Julie Pompa, Kimmie Rose, Matthew Sackmann, Penny Tullis Meeker, Autumn Vasquez
Suzanne Bell (sbell@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
Advertising Sales Coordinator Libby Cassidy (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
PREPARING ALL THE FAVORITE FOOD FOR FAMILY MEALS Gabrielle Huff (ghuff@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
GETTING TO WORK FOR SUCH A COOL PUBLISHING COMPANY.
You can give your child pots and pans with different types of spoons, a creative way to explore making their own unique sounds. They can also put on a talent show, play charades, draw pictures, and many other methods to express themselves with their friends. Maybe throw an art party! Your child will enjoy helping you put together the perfect party for them, especially when it allows them to create from a place of exploration. And don't forget: your Aquarius child’s mind never stops! The expression will enable them to clear their mind and feel joy.
Your Sagittarius child was born with a curious mind and will always want to explore beyond Mom and Dad’s limits; however, they also want direction from Mom and Dad about what is, and what isn’t, good for them. They are the future teachers, scientists, researchers, and explorers. This month will offer you and your child the opportunity to grow together as they will be attached at your hip, watching everything you do and wanting to try it!
5. Truly Acne Kit - This skincare kit includes a cleansing bar that isn’t just for your face; it works for the whole body!
Also publishers of:
DECORATING OUR CHRISTMAS TREE AND HAVING CHRISTMAS DINNER WITH MY FAMILY Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WATCHING MOVIES.
Account Executives: Amy Sheetz (amy@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
SO MANY LIFE CHANGES; MARRIAGE, NEW HOUSE, NEW JOB, DAUGHTER MOVED HOME! Gabbi Huff (ghuff@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
Jenny Leach (jleach@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
DECORATING OUR CHRISTMAS TREE WITH THE KIDDOS WAS ALWAYS MY FAVORITE! ALL GROWN NOW, SO MISS IT!
This month your child will be highly empathetic when spending time with you. Mars is hitting their sun sign and making them feel the need to be home. So the perfect birthday you can give them is time with you. Because your child is so sensitive, ask them how they could best spend their birthday, and then plan a special night with them. Ask if they would like to have a few friends join. Leave it up to them. It's essential to make sure that you let your child know all their favorites will be included.
Starting a tradition at a very young age is essential. Knowing their favorite cake and ice cream and preparing it for them is crucial. This year they're going to want to get their hands into the preparation, so let them go shopping with you and make the cake together. No matter their age, they can still learn to make food with you. Making the cake will be the most eventful time of their birthday. When you go to the store, ask them to pick out what they would like to decorate it with, and let them be creative. Assure them that you are excited to make the cake with them. It's also important to instill confidence in them by following their lead. They may seem a little nervous, but by standing by their side and helping them, you will accomplish amazing things together this year. They will have learned how to bake and co-create with you. A wonderful evening was made especially for them. I wish you and your Pisces child the happiest of birthdays!
Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@ adamsstreetpublishing.com)
Jenny Leach (jleach@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
SURPRISING MYSELF ON PROVIDING GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR PARTNERS
Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THERAPY.
Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) REMEMBERING MY WORTH.
Digital Media: Nate Light (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SWEET POTATO SOUFFLE.
Web Manager: John Borell (jborell@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
SENIOR DESIGNER Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING .
Digital Marketing and Social Media: Margot Jacobs (margot@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
Administration
Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) NOT LOSING MY MIND, OR AT LEAST I DON’T THINK I DID.
ACCOUNTING
Distribution: Karena Adams (distribution@toledocitypaper.com)
SURVIVING COVID
Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) OUR FAMILY OUTING TO CUT DOWN A FRESH CHRISTMAS TREE.
Karena Adams (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
For advertising and general information, call 419/244-9859 or fax 419/244-9871. E-mail ads to adsin@adamsstreetpublishing.com. Deadline for advertising copy 2 p.m. Friday before publication.
For advertising and general information, call 419-244-9859 or fax 419-244-9871. E-mail ads to adsin@ adamsstreetpublishing.com. Deadline for advertising copy 2 p.m. Friday before publication. Toledo Area Parent subscriptions are available by mail for $30 per year at Adams Street Publishing, 1120 Adams St., Toledo, Ohio 43604. One copy free per person per week; extra copies $1 each. Persons taking copies for any reason other than personal use are subject to prosecution.
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 © 2023 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without written permission of the publisher.
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 © 2021 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without written permission of the publisher.
Audited by
What is your biggest accomplishment from 2022?
A $400,000 grant that the city of Sylvania and Sylvania Recreation received from the state of Ohio Capital Improvement Community Recreation Project Grants program, as well as an additional $19,821 grant awarded to Sylvania Recreation by “GAMETIME Cares” will allow for upgrades to Burnham Park. Renovations include removal of a gazebo and the addition of new playground equipment for visitors of different ages. Some of the new playground equipment will be installed in the area closest to Maplewood Ave. and will be intended for children ages 2-5. The area of the playground catering to older children will receive new swing sets. For more information about Burnham Park, visit their website or call Sylvania Recreation’s main office at 419-882-1500. —SK
Rudolph Bike Park, located within the Wood County Park district, is a new community and family friendly hub. This bike park creates a space for everyone, from beginners to those who have been around the trails a time or two. All skill levels are accommodated by the multiple tracks that enable everyone to sharpen their skills. A pump track is a looped sequence of rollers and berms—swoopy, banked turns—for bike riders. It’s designed to maximize your momentum, so you can ride it with minimal pedaling. Rudolph Park has free admission and also offers camping, geocaching, bouldering, hiking and kayaking. Open from 8am until 30 minutes after sunset. For more information visit wcparks. org or call 419-353-1897. —OJ
Lott Industries began taking Styrofoam for recycling at the end of July 2022. Prior to this, the nearest recycling center accepting Styrofoam was in Ann Arbor. They accept styrofoam at their location: 3350 Hill Ave. on Monday–Friday from 8:30-11:45am and 12:45-2:30pm. Drop-off is on the west side of the building under the red canopy near the back of the building. To learn more about acceptable forms of styrofoam to recycle, read our full story at toledoparent.com. —PM
Local children’s author and illustrator Merrill Rainey recently received the Good Housekeeping 2022 Award for Best Board Books for Children for his book “ROAR! I’m a Dinosaur!” He is also the author of a series of books called “Color Cut Create,” which allows older children to assemble characters and backgrounds for interactive play. You can find out more about his books at littlerainey.com. —MK
With the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies, Crumbl Cookies, which opened its doors in Toledo on November 4. With more than 600 locations across the country, the bakery features a rotating menu of five specialty cookie flavors in addition to their signature chocolate chip cookie. Carryout, delivery and catering options are available. 6710 W. Central Ave., Ste. 14. Visit crumblcookies. com or call 567-408-2899. —OF
Dental Excellence of Sylvania, which offers services ranging from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, will be moving from their current location on Nantuckett Dr. across from Hobby Lobby) to Monroe Street (next to the Appliance Center). Check out the Dental Excellence of Sylvania Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates about the office relocation. —SK
In addition to the Center’s location on Talmadge Rd., Sylvania Children’s Center has also opened up a new location on Holland Sylvania Rd. The Center, known for its attentive teachers and focus on imaginative play and time outdoors, will now serve even more kids in our community! —EH
Because of the exceptional growth of the organization in the past years, founder Crystal Burnworth and her team began looking for a new place. With their board raising $140,000 and the donation of $50,000 from the Sylvania Rotary Foundation, the initial monies needed for the move, as well as any necessary renovations, are covered. 7335 W. Sylvania Ave. (next to Interstate Commercial Glass) is the new location of the Sylvania STEM center. The 9,000 ft. space will accommodate first through eighth grade students. The new location also has a conference room for community rentals. —OJ
By Molly Klima
Returning for a second year, the Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival will be held on March 18, 2023 at Rossford Junior/Senior High School. NWO Teen Book Festival is a local organization, started by Denise Phillps, owner of Gathering Volumes (an independent bookstore in Perrysburg), with the mission to “encourage a love of literature in Northwest Ohio teens, and to keep them reading by introducing them to authors and engaging them with thoughtful and fun discussions.” This year’s Festival will feature some authors from last year’s event, as well as new authors.
Free and open to all attendees age 11 and up, the event invites participants to spend the day with authors, beginning with a keynote speaker and transitioning to break-out sessions, interactive games, shopping and even a chance to pitch your own book idea. Activities also include an escape room and autograph sessions (for books purchased on site or brought from home).
“Kids have the opportunity to not only play games with the authors but also to get to know them and ask questions,” Shannon Holleran, a volunteer committee member for the event, adds. “This is a really unique opportunity for the kids to have a chance to pitch a book idea to published authors and receive feedback in real time.”
“We are trying to fill a gap. There really isn’t anything else like this in our area, and it’s a wonderful way
to continue to encourage teens and tweens to keep reading and writing.”
Holleran explains.
At least twenty authors will be presenting, half of which will be returning authors from last year. All authors have been published by major publishing companies.
Returning authors will include Chelsea Bobulski and Mindi McGinnis. Bobulski lives in Perrysburg and has found success with young adult novels with books ranging from romance to romance-thrillers. McGinnis, last year’s keynote speaker, is a 2016 Edgar Award winner, considered a prestigious award for mystery, nonfiction and film, presented by Mystery Writers of America.
Free lunch is provided for attendees. Those planning to attend are strongly encouraged to register online at nwoteenbookfest.com, but those who don’t register in advance will not be turned away. The only cost for attendees is to purchase books, if they desire. Cash and cards are accepted.
If a teacher or leader at a school would like to arrange a trip for the students that will require utilizing buses and drivers, NWO Teen Book Festival will help by providing a scholarship to cover associated costs. The bus sponsorship and agreement are also on the event website’s homepage.
“We really want this to be accessible to as many teens and tweens as possible,” says Holleran. “So if a school or organization is interested in bringing a class or group, we have a way to help them get here.”
Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival. 9am3:30pm. Saturday, March 18. Rossford Junior/Senior High School, 701 Superior St., Rossford. info@nwoteenbookfest.com. nwoteenbookfest.com
According to a recent study, in the United States, 1.5 million children and adolescents ages 3-17 are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Those children are faced with barriers in their lives, including limitations on social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communications and repetitive behaviors.
Avenues for Autism, a Toledobased nonprofit, is working, along with several partnered organizations throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, to remove those barriers, with the goal of providing opportunities for inclusion, empowerment and the ability to succeed in life.
“The autistic community can count on us to help them to explore their options and to walk beside them as they discover new possibilities. We are humbled to serve,” explains Stacy Harper, executive director of Avenues for Autism. “We witness firsthand what individuals with autism can accomplish when the limitations are removed.”
The organization got its start in 2004 as Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism through the efforts of Bob and Suzy Tyner, parents of a child with autism. They used their personal challenges to help other parents with autistic children cope with similar struggles. In 2019, Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism changed its name to Avenues for Autism while continuing to promote the same level of public awareness of autism, actively searching for partners of other autism-focused nonprofit organizations and providing financial relief to families in need.
“We can provide up to $1,500 per family per year to assist them in caring for their family member,” says Harper, while cautioning that it costs about four to six times more per year to cover therapy, medical costs, the purchase of sensory enhancement items and other development needs. Since 2018, Avenues for Autism has given over $300,000 to families. Harper adds that the financial assistance means even more for parents who are forced to
move to part-time employment, or no employment at all, to care for their loved one. The organization’s YouTube video, “Avenues for Autism,” explains the in-depth impact that raising a child with autism has on families.
To help provide funding to families, the organization runs special events and fundraisers throughout the year. All funding comes from the Suzanne Tyner Fund. The organization usually runs two fundraisers each year: the Suzanne Tyner Autism Assistance Fund annual breakfast in April that directly benefits the Susan Tyner Fund, and the 9 and Wine Golf Outing that happens every August.
In addition, Avenues funds a high school program, Venture Bound, which helps autistic students transition from school life to employment.
In 2023, Avenues for Autism is launching a new program, Autism Navigation Services, to provide family therapy and coaching, individual therapy for parents and caregivers, and a referral program. The goal is to help autistic individuals develop and maximize their potential without limits. The organization had a soft launch in November and looks forward to growing the program in the coming years.
To get involved in making a difference for those living with autism, sign up to be a volunteer for the organization’s events or by donating at avenuesforautism.org.
“Individuals affected by autism are unique because no two individuals are the same,” says Harper.
for parents with children 10-16
By Erin Holden
An academic institution’s success depends largely on the leaders at its helm. We spoke to several of those leaders from area schools, scholarship funds, and other educational organizations that keep our kids learning and thriving.
5025 Glendale Ave. • 567-420-6180 nocacademy.org
What brings you the most joy? What brings me joy is the sweet innocence of children captivated by goodness and wonder. As educators, we are entrusted with the sacred responsibility to lead souls to all that is good, true and beautiful. Working with a strong community of parents and staff who share the same vision makes me happy.
Biggest win professionally: I think my biggest “win” (professionally speaking) is using the knowledge and experience acquired over the span of 19 years to offer a tuition-free classical education to the residents of Northwest Ohio. Northwest Ohio Classical Academy is home to about 480 students and enrollment continues to grow each year with an annual waitlist. It is an honor to be part of such a unique initiative.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your downtime? Spending time with my family, watching my children compete in their athletic pursuits and seeing a good movie.
What are the top three attributes that an educator should have? Perseverance, dedication and a love of learning. In order to translate those individual attributes into a successful academic experience, it requires a team of motivated servant leaders who partner with families to model the virtues we seek to instill in our students.
What makes NOCA Unique? NOCA is unique for three primary reasons. First and foremost, NOCA is dedicated to the development of virtuous citizens. Secondly, NOCA offers one of the most rigorous curriculums in all of Northwest Ohio. That includes explicit phonics, grammar, cursive, rich literature, authentic history, Singapore math and a robust science curriculum. Lastly, NOCA is comprised of a strong community of conscientious parents and staff who believe in school choice rooted in the moral and intellectual development of children.
2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000 toledomuseum.org
How did you decide that this was the right position for you? What about it brings you joy? Being able to teach from the Toledo Museum of Art Collection and having the work right in front of you with the students creates such an incredible atmosphere for imagination and creativity. I love learning along with the students, hearing their ideas and how they respond to works of art and what their opinions are about specific artworks. Working for the museum gives me an opportunity to wonder, play and explore with students from all neighborhoods, backgrounds, and abilities who all have one thing in common — a love of art.
How do you maintain a work-life balance? Working as an art teacher, you tend to bring a lot of your ideas and planning home with you. Work gets intermeshed with life in exciting and inspirational ways, just as life is always inspiring art. I have a space dedicated in my home to work on my own artwork, but also to work on projects in their experimental phase.
I consider my fellow art teachers to be close friends and colleagues with brilliant ideas. We have a great community and are able to build upon our ideas with one another.
Name the top three strengths an educator has to have in order to be good at their job. Flexibility, organization and curiosity.
5800 Monroe St., Sylvania 419-720-7048 nosf.org
How did you decide that this was the right position for you?
I had already been working for NOSF for almost five years as the marketing and communications coordinator when the opportunity for this position came up.
What about it brings you joy? The families that we serve and knowing the joy and financial assistance that this program brings to them. When they call and write thank you letters, you know that NOSF is giving them an opportunity they may not be able to afford without the scholarship.
Describe your biggest win professionally from 2022.
Continuing to serve Northwest Ohio and the community for another year.
This was NOSF’s 24th year serving K-8 families in Northwest Ohio.
What is your favorite thing to do in your downtime?
Spending time with my family and friends.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
I think that being organized in your daily life, personally and professionally, allows you to have that balance. This then allows you to know what you are up against for the week, and having that plan provides you with that balance.
Name the top three strengths an educator has to have in order to be good at their job. Patience, kindness and knowledge.
Sarah Hawley School Director
1615 Timberwolf Dr. Holland, Ohio 43528 419-491-7423
ileadspringmeadows.org
How did you decide that this was the right position for you? What I knew that I wanted to be in a position where I would have the opportunity to drive change in education to provide children what they need! A big part of that is being able to identify staff that are the best fit for our school. I love recruiting creative educators that are passionate about their work and up for a challenge. My greatest joy comes from seeing our learners come to school with smiles on their faces, excited to be here, working with a family to overcome challenges that will allow their child to thrive, and hearing learners share their presentations of learning that culminate in each of their projects.
Describe your biggest win professionally from 2022. It was extra exciting to host our Harvest Festival and other in-person community events after a couple of years of less face-to-face interactions. We love having families and community members on campus for presentations of learning, open houses, volunteering and seasonal events!
What is your favorite thing to do in your downtime? I try to dedicate any downtime that I have to my family. Spending time with my own children, close friends, and extended family is the most fun I ever have! We love to cook together and visit new places!
www.toledoparent.com
School Leader
4234 Monroe St. 419-297-6313 hopelearningacademy.org
Describe your responsibilities as school leader: As the school leader of HOPE Learning Academy of Toledo, it is my responsibility to uphold the mission and vision of HOPE. Our primary goal is to support the social, emotional and academic needs of students with special needs and exceptionalities. Hope Learning Academy uses a non-traditional classroom approach to meet the needs of students we serve. I support my staff in executing their commitment to high standards and success for all our students.
I lead the day-to-day activities of the school with a positive, enthusiastic attitude, taking the time to listen to what the students, staff and parents need. It is my responsibility to ensure that our teachers are effective by supporting classroom instruction, providing professional development, and providing a curriculum across all grade levels to support our students’ learning.
My most important responsibility is to provide a safe and engaging learning environment where each individual student can learn, be inspired and grow academically and socially.
What is it that makes your school stand apart from others?
There is no other school in the Toledo area that is like HOPE Learning Academy. We are dedicated to being a successful school by focusing on the social, emotional and academic needs of the students we serve. HOPE provides small classroom sizes, sensory integration, social skills and arts integration.
What is your educational philosophy? My personal philosophy of education is that all children are different and have different learning needs. Every child deserves to have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my mission to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. HOPE provides a safe environment where students are invited to be themselves.
My personal mission is to teach, inspire, and help others to grow. HOPE Learning Academy is about giving hope to students and families that may have faced challenges in traditional classrooms. We individualize our education and instruction so that each student can learn and grow to their fullest potential. As the school leader, I am able to make a positive impact on the students and teachers that I lead.
5700 Davis Rd., Whitehouse lialschool.org
How did you decide that this was the right position for you?
When I found Lial, I knew it was the right fit for me. This little school in the woods has become the center of my days; I work, pray, and spend time outside of school with the families and staff in our community. The balance of faith and friendship at Lial has brought me joy.
Describe your biggest win professionally from 2022. 2022 marked the 50th anniversary for Lial. With it comes a year of celebration, and we have been blessed with alumni returning to campus for multiple events. Our 50th celebration has also brought in donations and a major safety grant which have been designated for capital improvement projects, including a new building sign, a new outdoor building and our entire school being outfitted in 3M security film on all our interior/exterior windows and doors.
What is your favorite thing to do in your downtime?
I love spending time with my family and our new puppy, Rocco Rose.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
I use my Google calendar to schedule my entire day, including work and family commitments. I even schedule time throughout the week devoted to working out, which is an amazing tool to help manage stress.
Name the top three strengths an educator has to have in order to be good at their job. Faith-filled, prepared and approachable.
For many restaurateurs, food is a family business. And when the family includes young children, creative parents find ways to include the kids in the day-to-day operations. The children learn practical, hands-on lessons in math, reading and spelling, and the parents often involve the kids in daily tasks. Kitchen Impossible? Not at all!
We spoke with local restaurant families to see how they manage the work-life balance.
PHOTOS BY NAILYA WEBER - THE FABEL PHOTOGRAPHY
What do you like about helping at the restaurant?
MAGGIE: Just helping. It’s fun.
RETTA: Money. I get moolah.
JOEY: That I, at least, get to carry some stuff.
What is your favorite job there?
MAGGIE: I guess I’d say host. I get to make all the calls.
RETTA: Host, because it’s really hard.
JOEY: Waiter, the one who gets the orders. What do you hope to do when you grow up?
MAGGIE: I have no idea whatsoever, but a singer sounds kind of fun.
4448 Heatherdowns Blvd. 419-382-0615
PARENTS: Jonathon Sagaser, Owner and Chef Sarah Sagaser, Owner, Front of the House Manager
Sebastiano’s is a family-owned business that enjoys being part of the South Toledo community. They focus on a kitchen-driven setup that emphasizes quality to better connect with their guests.
HOW DO YOUR CHILDREN HELP OUT AT THE RESTAURANT? The girls help host or serve when they are feeling it, or when we are in a pinch and they can tell their help is truly needed. Joey is the master schmoozer. He charms and entertains everyone he interacts with — a total restaurant kid!
WE HEAR YOU HAVE A PLAYROOM SET UP FOR THEM AT THE RESTAURANT! TELL US ABOUT IT. When Jon and I purchased the restaurant from the founders, Sebastiano and Helane, they had already raised their own two girls in the restaurant. The back storage room was already set up where half was a living room/playroom, so we have kept that going.
A wonderful staffer gave it a makeover when we were on a vacation last year, and we’ve acquired some inexpensive furniture and carpet remnants to make it more than comfy for homework and hangout time. That room sees a lot of creative uses for emptied boxes and frequently bears the clutter of three busy and imaginative minds.
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN WHEN BRINGING KIDS TO WORK? I absolutely love that our family can be “together” while we keep the place going. Many customers have seen our children grow these last 9+ years and are invested in what’s going on in our children’s lives.
CHILDREN: Loretta “Retta,” age 8 Joseph “Joey,” age 6 Margaret “Maggie,” age 10
RETTA: Be a teacher. JOEY: Be an astronaut.
Over the years, our staff has more than just “put up with” the kids, they adore them as they would nieces or nephews or younger siblings. They stick around at the end of the night for the Sagaser Kids Revue on the corner stage, and they watch puppet shows in the back room between waiting on tables. Many staffers or regular customers have helped with homework! Musicians who play at Sebastiano’s often feature the kids’ favorites!
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE THE KIDS IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS? Jon and I each grew up with a parent/ parents who owned small businesses. We knew that meant missing out on the experiences of some things but gaining others. I remember when school was virtual during the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020. I would get them involved in as much as possible and send pics to their teachers asking how many subjects they could get extra credit for. Just helping in the restaurant covers math, technology, reading, spelling and social studies.
When they were smaller, they had jobs like blowing out the candles at the end of the night. Now that they are older, they can help with stocking and putting orders in. They know the table numbers and can run food or water/ soft drinks. We are trusting them more and more as they show responsibility and they are invested in seeing the restaurant succeed. They move around the restaurant like they own the place!
CHILDREN:
Lorenzo, age 3
Ludovic, age 5 Luciano, age 7 mo.
6130 Levis Commons, Perrysburg 419-873-6590
PARENTS: Jeff Dinnebeil, Vice President of Operations at Benchmark Restaurant Group. Megan Dinnebeil, Sales and Marketing at BRG
The Dinnebeils are co-owners, with Ed Harmon of NAI Harmon, of the Benchmark Restaurant Group, which includes Benchmark Restaurant, Claude’s Prime Seafood and Harbor Town Tavern.
HOW DO YOUR CHILDREN HELP AT THE RESTAURANT?
E.V. does everything from working at the host stand, greeting and seating guests, to running food to tables and prepping. Chopping, breaking down tenderloins, cracking eggs, cleaning king crab…I mean everything! She has worked at Zoo to Do and many offsites with us. This kid takes after her chef father — she loves all food and loves to cook. Theo, being 5, doesn’t get to hold a knife yet! But he is learning. Right now, Jeff has him counting and sorting and he helps out with some special events.
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN WHEN BRINGING KIDS TO WORK? It’s good when it’s good, and when it’s bad… But, all jokes aside. It’s difficult to keep kids entertained in any setting. We are lucky that our team is more like a family. Everyone has seen E.V. and Theo grow up. The staff is always engaging with them, asking them how school was providing them with simple tasks to help.
CHILDREN: Theodore “Theo,” age 5 Evelyn “E.V.,”age 9
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE JOB AT THE RESTAURANT? All of it! I like bringing food to people so that I can meet them. Cooking pasta and cracking eggs is so much fun.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP? When I grow up, I want to do what Mom and Dad do. I want to work in a restaurant and make people happy.
ELEMENT 112 RESTAURANT
5735 N. Main St., Sylvania 419-517-1104
PARENTS: Chris Nixon, Owner and Chef Madeline Nixon, wife and mother
Chef Nixon’s restaurant serves French bistro-style classics made with farm-fresh seasonal ingredients in a comfortable ambience in downtown Sylvania.
HOW DO YOUR CHILDREN HELP AT THE RESTAURANT?
Define “help.” I would say they more or less just add to the environment and sample the food!
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN WHEN BRINGING KIDS TO WORK?
The staff is very understanding. The kids add to the family feel of the business. We have learned to hide the chocolate croissants.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE THE KIDS IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS?
It shows them how the family functions on a day-to-day basis, and lets them learn about finances and hard work.
Wellness
By Erin Holden
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112 E. Dudley St., Maumee 419-326-5732 bloomwomenscounseling.com
Describe your role at your practice. Owner and therapist. What is your favorite thing about what you do? Helping women feel seen and heard. What is the most difficult thing about what you do? Honestly, I enjoy all aspects of my work, even the more challenging things. However, the most challenging thing I often hear is how alone women and mothers feel in their experiences. One of our goals at Bloom Women’s Counseling is to provide a space where women can feel safe to talk about their biggest struggles and fears.
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5012 Talmadge Rd., #100 419-474-9611 jonfrankeldentistry.com
Tell us a little about your practice, and what sets it apart?
Frankel Dentistry is the first 100 percent employee-owned dental practice in the United States. I am sharing the legacy my father started in 1946. Seventy-five years later, Frankel Dentistry continues to change the lives of patients and the owners.
What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty? Regularly scheduled dental visits are the key to not only a beautiful, healthy smile, but enhanced overall health. Dentistry has changed dramatically over the years. Most of our patients tell us they look forward to their visits.
What’s the biggest mistake you see people making when it comes to their health? Avoiding preventative measures and symptoms of disease. Waiting too long leads to serious issues. Take care of small issues before they become big problems.
What health-related resolution would you suggest people consider for 2023? Schedule a dental appointment!
10 locations in the Toledo area 419-704-2009 earlylearningacademies.com
What mistakes do you see parents making when it comes to feeding their kids?
Helping your kids develop lifelong healthy eating habits starts with providing structured, routine meals served at the table with the entire family present. While this scenario isn’t feasible every single day, do your best. Children learn so much from family meals. Another common mistake is forcing children to clean their plate. Forcing kids to continue eating once they are full trains them to ignore hunger and fullness cues and, over time, will create a habit of overeating. If your child genuinely does not like a particular food, do not force them to eat it! Everyone has their own individual food likes and dislikes, which can include sensitivity to different textures. Forcing children to eat a food they do not like will only make them resist it even more. Oftentimes, people who were forced to eat foods they disliked as a child will continue to avoid these foods into adulthood. Would you rather your child eat their green beans today or avoid them throughout the rest of their life?
Read the rest of Angelas Tips for healthy eating at toledoparent.com
www.toledoparent.com
bloomwomenscounseling.com
6407 Monroe St., Sylvania 419-882-1017
7928 Secor Rd., Lambertville, MI 734-854-6221
4413 Keystone Dr., Maumee 419-887-1247
perfectbraces.com
At HLS Orthodontics, the facility is not only equipped with the latest technology and the staff trained in the latest techniques, but they also manage to make the experience as fun as possible for the kids in their care.
Dr. Andre Haerian says that many people think that orthodontic care is just about achieving a pretty smile, but it is so much more. “Although the end results are always aesthetically pleasing, our treatment offers jaw alignment for long-term oral health,” he says.
Though it’s tempting to put dental care on the back burner with our busy schedules, Dr. Haerian warns that this will come back to bite you in the long run.
“Looking for treatment when something is wrong as opposed to preventive health maintenance is always a mistake,” he says. “2023 can be the year for everyone to consider their own health and how their decisions can affect their loved ones and others in the community. Stay healthy and avoid unhealthy habits.”
Make an appointment at one of HLS Orthodontics’ three locations to get your child started on their healthiest year yet!
1510 Spring Meadows Dr., D-100, Holland • 419-370-2801 10602 Fremont Pike, Ste. 4, Perrysburg • 419-359-8174 safesplash.com
What is your #1 tip for getting kids to be more physically active? I firmly believe that for kids to be consistently physically active, they need to be having fun.
When should a parent first sign their kids up for swim classes? At what age can they begin? We offer swim lessons from 6-month-old kiddos all the way to adults, which is really cool! I think that any age is a great age to start swim lessons. It’s an important life skill that’s useful for everyone.
What is the most difficult thing about what you do? I love what I do every day. It’s amazing to see kids and adults alike make progress with swimming so that they are water safe. Our biggest challenge is that drowning is still a huge issue in the United States, including Ohio.
What health tips do you have for our readers going into 2023? Just like swimming is a life skill, staying healthy is also a very important life skill. Stay active doing the things that you enjoy and your body will thank you!
26580 N. Dixie Hwy., #101, Perrysburg 419-872-2255 getinnatehealth.com
Tell us a little about your practice and what sets it apart? The focus of our office is prenatal and pediatric care, which makes up over 60 percent of our practice. Our doctors have extensive training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) which allows them to specialize in these areas, which includes certification for the Webster Technique for prenatal moms.
What’s something you wish people knew about their health and chiropractic care? You don’t have to have neck or back pain to see a chiropractor. A large portion of our practice comes for healing from other health challenges like colic, reflux, digestive issues, poor sleep, anxiety, ADHD, ear infections, prenatal care, baby positioning and much more!
What health-related resolution would you suggest people consider for 2023? Get your spine and nervous system checked. Nervous system health is vital to reaching your health goals because your brain and nervous system control and regulate all functions of your body!
Educare Academy proudly partners with the Ohio Department of Education to provide Free Pre-K to prepare children for school success. Maximize early learning with age-appropriate activities for social, cognitive, and emotional growth—all at Educare’s 10 convenient Toledo-area locations!
SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! 419-704-2009 educareacademy.com
www.toledoparent.com
5860 Alexis Rd., Sylvania 419-882-7187 sylvaniapediatricdentalcare.com
Describe your work. We have an amazing team of pediatric dentists at Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care. A pediatric dentist is a dentist that has had additional training beyond dental school, so they are equipped to treat the dental needs of our pediatric population.
What is the biggest struggle kids have when it comes to taking care of their teeth? Life gets busy, which we certainly understand here at SPDC, but it is still important to find time to brush and floss your teeth well. We love to see parents helping their kids by making sure they are not missing any spots. Diet also plays a huge role in oral health. The more kids snack throughout the day or drink sugary drinks they consume, the more likely they are to get cavities.
At what age do you recommend taking a child to their first dentist appointment and why? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends every child establish a dental home by their first birthday. Our goal is to teach good habits early so we can create healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Would
Would
For families whose child is diagnosed with a serious illness, life is anything but normal. But at that critical point, the time of diagnosis, a stealth volunteer team can spring into action to help relieve at least some of the burdens local families may face.
“We try to take some of the burdens off the family while their child is sick,” said Lisa Fulton, president and founder of Operation Surprise Attack. Fulton identifies the organization’s mission as “surprising sick children in our community by attacking them with an outpouring of love, encouragement and support.” Established in 2007, the organization became a 501( c ) 3 nonprofit in 2021.
Over the years, Operation Surprise Attack has organized campaigns to collect thousands of greeting cards, gifts and financial donations for sick children and their families in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. They reach out for financial support, gift donations and greeting cards from every corner of the community – businesses, schools, health care providers and the public.
Four general “card launches” are scheduled each year around Valentine’s Day, spring, back-to-school / fall (which is also Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month) and the holidays.
“When I started Operation Surprise Attack, it was just me, and I was working with families across the country,” Fulton said. She’d spend hours on the phone asking local schools for greeting cards and talking to businesses about making donations.
“It’s been difficult locating kids to support because we have to rely on word-of-mouth from the community,” she explained. When she learns of a possible child to support, she will have the family complete a recipient application. Then they can be scheduled for an upcoming card launch. “Today there’s nothing else like what we do, and I have an amazing team. This is really my life’s calling.”
Local business Taylor Automotive is a corporate sponsor, providing funding and making cards for each card launch. Meijer funded holiday activities. The group has created fundraisers with businesses throughout the community and held card-making events at fairs and other community events this past summer, at local churches and businesses, and through regional schools.
They are primarily focused on creating cards and gathering gifts to present to the children, but families are not overlooked. “Because children have to travel (to other cities) for treatments, we like to help fami-
www.toledoparent.com
lies out with gift cards, and also help with household needs, such as groceries and utility payments,” said Fulton.
The families in each card launch tend to stay in touch with one another, as well as the group, as time goes on, said Fulton. And they are establishing a fund to help with the expenses for continued treatment, and for final expenses if a child passes.
During the 2022 holiday season, the group selected four children for holiday “attacks”: Danica, 11, from Taylor, MI; Ivy, 3, from Manitou Beach, MI; Jackson, 14, from Perrysburg; and Brody, 4, from Tiffin.
Greeting cards and other items were delivered to the children on December 21.
People are invited to participate by providing cards, or working within their group, business, church, etc., to have a card-making event. The organization established a wish list of family items on Amazon for contributions during the launch period, and individuals and organizations will often “adopt” a child on the list to sponsor. Donations are also accepted.
Operation Surprise Attack is located at 27100 Oakmead Dr., #307, in Perrysburg. Contact 567-331-2162, operationsurpriseattack. org or their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Speaking with former Toledo native and author Vincent Flowers is inspiring, encouraging you to give back to the community, to travel and maybe even to write a children’s book. The reason? Vincent Flowers gives anyone who hears his story permission to dream.
“I grew up ‘Out Stickney’ on Paxton in North Toledo. Me, my mom and my sister,” Flowers explains. As a student of Spring Elementary, he recalls the teachers who shaped his early years. “When I think about Spring School, I think about three teachers. In second grade, Miss Nixon. In fifth grade, Ms. Redmond. And in sixth grade, Mr. Ford.”
An encounter with Ms. Redmond shaped his future. “In fifth grade, I started missing school. Ms. Redmond sent a friend to my house to bring me a note from her. The note said ‘If you don’t get your butt back in school, I’m going to flunk you.”
Flowers went back to school, and Ms. Redmond encouraged him to strive for something more. “She took me aside and said ‘You’re very intelligent, you can do a lot of things, but you need to focus.’”
Redmond recommended Flowers for the Ohio State Young Scholars program, and he was accepted. The program required students to maintain a 3.5 GPA in middle school and a 3.0 GPA in high school. Flowers did just that, graduating from Central Catholic High School with a 3.65 GPA. Based on that success, he received a full academic scholarship to The Ohio State University.
At OSU, Flowers earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He went on to work for Johnson and Johnson for over twenty years. His work has taken him to over 25 countries, and
he has traveled to an additional dozen countries on his own. Not bad for a kid whose annual family vacation was a summer day trip to Cedar Point.
Flowers married, moved to Florida and started a family. While reading a book to his son, Zion, one day, Zion pointed to a character in the book and said, “Daddy, that’s me!” Flowers saw how Zion identified with a character that looked like him, and decided to look for similar books. “I was looking around for more books with characters that looked like him, and I was struggling,” Flowers said.
That experience made Flowers decide to write a book that would better represent his family and other families, too. The book, “Zoe and Zion Love To Build,” with characters based on his own children, was published by Mahogany Press Publishing on Father’s Day 2022.
Flowers’ second book, “Zoe and Zion Love to Bounce,” will be published on Father’s Day of 2023. “Both stories show how Zoe and Zion have each other’s back and how they play together. My plan is to follow them as they age, highlighting different aspects of their relationship and how they love each other.”
Flowers showcases his personality in the ways he gives back to his community. When the movie “Black Panther” was first released, he worked with teachers and administrators at Spring Elementary to send an entire class of kids to see the movie in the theater, paying for tickets, popcorn and soda.
Recently, he returned to Spring Elementary to read his book to all of the first and second graders. When he finished reading, one student asked, “Hey Mr. Flowers, the question I have is ‘Can I have that book?’” Flowers was happy to report that every student would get a book that day. “It was like Oprah. Everybody gets a book!” Flowers said with a laugh. Flowers hopes to inspire more people giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of children.
“You don’t really hear about the positive stuff from people who grew up Out Stickney. We’ve got positive people who have come out of Toledo. People who grew up in Toledo are doing big things. How do we get more people to give back? How do we get more people to see that our children need to see them doing positive things so that they can choose to do positive things, too?”
Flowers believes that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. “I’m an IT guy. I published a children’s book that rose to number one in three categories on Amazon. What I’m trying to do is set an example for my kids, and other kids, to say ‘Hey look, if you want to do something and you just lock in on it, you can make it happen.”
social
As parents across the country continue to struggle to find baby formula for their children, a new tool provides help in locating it while getting the best price.
The reason for what experts are calling “the worst formula shortage in decades” can be traced back to a reported contamination at the Abbott factory in Michigan in February, 2022, and the lasting supply-chain shortages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The factory resumed operations in July, and production has increased.
That being said, there have also been positive effects with social media, especially in its ability to connect people during the toughest of lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic. But of course, moderation is key.
Did it surprise you when news broke that Facebook’s own research showed its photo-and video-sharing app, Instagram, can be toxic for teenage girls?
The iReviews site lists four simple steps to get started:
You have worked with youth and families for more than 13 years. What kind of changes have you seen in your teen clients with the rise of social media?
1. Download the official extension from the Chrome Store. On the page, you can see an overview about the extension, read about pri vacy practices and check reviews.
2. When the download is complete, head to Amazon to search for baby formula.
With a lot of our teen and young adult patients, there’s a complicated relationship with social media. We’re seeing skyrocketing rates of youth anxiety, depression, and suicidality, but I wouldn’t necessarily (or directly) attribute this solely to the increase in social media use. Nonetheless, we know that social media has played a huge role in exacerbating what may have been benign mental health challenges.
iReviews, a product review firm, launched an online shopping assistant in September as a browser add-on for Google Chrome to give parents a way of finding and purchasing formula without ever leaving their homes.
The add-on allows parents to find in-stock baby formula and compare the prices from reputable sources. According to the iReviews website, the tool works by checking the stock and price of a preferred formula brand from the top online stores. For example, if you go to Amazon and search for baby formula, you can click on the brand you prefer and, in a matter of seconds, the add-on will check other top competitors to give you the best price along with in stock information. If the formula is out-ofstock, you can choose to receive a desktop notification as soon as it becomes available.
3. If your preferred baby formula isn’t in stock, you can choose an alternative page where the product is available.
Definitely not a surprise to me, and I would assume that most who provide mental health services for adolescents would agree. It’s pretty obvious even when you scroll through your own Instagram feed — let alone the feed of an average teenager — that the platform is designed to promote an idealized version or curated sense of reality. But most of us aren’t actively thinking about that when we’re scrolling, especially younger people who follow influenc ers who have huge sway over their audiences. They’re bright and shiny and perfect and don’t usually disclose the murkier parts of their lives, so it makes sense that their followers would think that their own lives will never measure up.
4. To be notified when an out of stock item comes back in stock, click the small bell icon next to the price. You’ll need to log in with your Chrome account and give the extension permission to send you the notification.
include lower grades in likelihood of developing disorders (or the worsening ing ones), disrupted sleep a huge role in the development especially during the teenage loss of friendships...the
Parents should approach tion with empathy, first Remember: just because spending a lot of time on device doesn’t mean they’re (remember when you would hours on the landline with friend after school?). But that the relationship with has begun to affect everyday ing and mental health, try child down and start a conversation with them about it. Communication is key; be curious without sumptions in your questions. tant for them to feel heard,
When the functionality is being impacted by technology cial media, that’s when professional help. If you’re seek help! Mental health are here to guide and support never too soon to ask for
To give an example, someone might be looking for healthy recipes on Instagram. They already have underlying issues around body image, but Instagram picks up on the user’s interest in healthy eating and slowly takes them down a rabbit hole that can lead to posts promoting restrictive eating and ultimately facilitate the development of disordered eating or potentially more severe challenges. This is just one example, but it can manifest with almost any insecurity or seemingly benign inquiry.
There is an instructional video on the iReviews YouTube channel that takes you step-by-step through how to install the add-on and how to use it.
parents can do while the formula
The CDC has a dedicated web page for parents who are unable to find formula that includes guidelines for children under six months old and for children six months to 12 months old. Additionally, there are tips on the web page for families. View the page at cdc. gov..
Other negative effects range from increased feelings of loneliness and isolation, worsening sense of self-worth, addictive tendencies with the technology itself…all of the issues circulating in the news right now have been presenting clinically for years.
It’s dangerous and irresponsible for both the platforms and the influencers to continue to peddle this false narrative, especially around body image. There’s an incredible amount of proeating disorder content on Instagram that’s masked as wellness, fitness, etc. And it’s teaching young people that smaller is better; that altering your body is better than accepting and loving it for what it is. Lots of research found that rates of eating disorders increased in young girls during the pandemic, and I absolutely think that’s because there was more time to scroll and compare.
At McLaren St. Luke’s, we understand that when you need emergency care, the waiting room is the last place you want to be. That’s why we offer online registration for non-life-threatening emergencies so you can check in to our ER right from home and minimize the wait when you arrive.
Just visit mclaren.org/stlukesER to select an ER treatment time that fits your schedule.
phone begins to impact other relation ships, that’s when it becomes important to reevaluate its use. This can look like lower self-esteem, marked decrease in participation in activities they used to enjoy, increased feelings of loneliness or disconnection, higher irritability or anger than usual, disrupted sleep patterns, and disproportionate reactions (sobbing, screaming, etc.) when faced with the idea of losing access to the technology and/or platform.
How can parents help maintain a balanced and tionship with digital media? Encourage them to set Model and demonstrate boundaries yourself with social media. For example, mealtimes are device-free. ents spend just as much more — on Facebook or email. This isn’t just a young problem. Lead by example environment that sets healthy ies with devices.
At McLaren St. Luke’s, we understand that when you need emergency care, the waiting room is the last place you want to be. That’s why we offer online registration for non-life-threatening emergencies so you can check in to our ER right from home and minimize the wait when you arrive.
My child is about to first cell phone. What ground rules can we us avoid problems down road?
Just visit mclaren.org/stlukesER to select an ER treatment time that fits your schedule.
The next time you need expert ER care for non-life-threatening emergencies, register online so the waiting room can be your living room. It’s one more way McLaren St. Luke’s is doing what’s best.
What are the risks of digital addiction, and how should parents respond if they are seeing these warning signs?
The next time you need expert ER care for non-life-threatening emergencies, register online so the waiting room can be your living room. It’s one more way McLaren St. Luke’s is doing what’s best.
What guidelines would you offer to help teens use social media safely?
The first step is awareness. Be aware of when and how much you’re on social media. Maybe you don’t need to look at your Instagram as soon as you wake up
mclaren.org/stlukesER 419.893.5911
Living with a digital addiction can be thought of through the lens of other addictions: it chips away at the person’s identity, it cuts them off from their relationships and the things they love, and it makes participating in a balanced life nearly impossible. For kids, the risks
mclaren.org/stlukesER 419.893.5911
I always advocate for emphasize moderation. anything can become dangerous. set boundaries, I might cell phones while we’re family (i.e. eating dinner a movie or hiking, or anything those lines). Encourage staying present in the moment value quality time with
1 Discovery Way 419-214-9180
barrybagels.com/downtown-toledo
Tuesday-Friday: 8am-3pm Saturday: 10am-3pm
Barry Bagels is a Toledo area classic, and now families can enjoy the local chain’s most popular menu items in a new “express” location adjacent to Imagination Station in downtown Toledo.
Founded by the late Barry Greenblatt, Barry Bagels is a regional favorite serving tasty deli-style sandwiches, soups, salads, and — of course — bagels. The family-owned business celebrated 50 years in business in November, and we visited its newest franchise location for an early lunch on a recent Saturday.
Barry Bagels had a presence downtown for several years in The Junction building at the corner of Summit and Jefferson, but in Spring 2021 the store moved to Imagination Station as part of the science center’s $11 million renovation that included construction of the KeyBank Discovery Theater.
With a public entrance off Summit Street, the new location offers better visibility for the downtown Barry Bagels, according to Tim Melroy, regional manager for the branch of Sodexo Catering Services that oversees food services for Imagination Station.
The “express” designation simply means the restaurant offers a scaled down version of the menu found at the bigger corporate locations, and they do not offer catering. All food is still made fresh on site, according to Melroy, including the bagels. “Even though we have a smaller, condensed menu, most of the popular items are available,” he noted.
The new Barry Bagels location is bright and modern, with high ceilings and countertop seating along two huge walls of windows that provide nice views of the river and downtown Toledo. My kids loved sitting on the tall stools to look out through the front windows where Summit intersects with Adams Street while they ate lunch. For those with younger children who might provide concerns about toppling off the high stools, the center of the restaurant also offers standard height tables and chairs.
Barry Bagels is a fast casual restaurant, where guests order at the counter before seating themselves. The employees were friendly, repeating our order back to us for accuracy several times.
The menu features a variety of deli sandwiches, extras such as potato salad and mac and cheese, breakfast sandwiches known as “eggels” and bagels with cream cheese. Most deli sandwiches cost around $8, with an option to “junior size” your selection (subtract $1.25). While the regular menu already offers plenty of crowd pleasers, there is also a kids menu with five choices, each of which comes with a juice box and chips ($5.45-$6.45). For the littlest eaters, a bagel with butter ($2.10) also is a safe choice that won’t break the bank. Soups are available Monday through Friday, but not on Saturdays due to reduced operating hours.
My oldest son ordered the pizza bagel, a classic I fondly remember from frequent visits to the old Westgate location of the bagel deli as a child. A thick layer of melted mozzarella covered the tomato sauce and pepperoni, and he declared that it tasted just like pizza.
My daughter had high praise for her lunch of chicken tenders and Miss Vickie’s jalapeño kettle-cooked potato chips, which she said weren’t overly spicy.
My other son ordered the bagel dog, which is served nestled inside a customshaped bagel. If you have a picky eater, be advised that the bagel “bun” comes topped with a generous portion of poppy seeds. My son also said the hot dog was a bit chewy, so he might like to try something different next time.
The BLT I ordered on a honey wheat bagel featured crisp, fresh bacon piled high, and was delicious and filling. My husband opted for the roasted turkey on a plain bagel, topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and pickle. As a person who is suspicious of any menu boasting saucy sandwiches, he appreciated that he was able to customize his selection with his choice of toppings (hold the mayo).
Beverage options include soft drinks and fresh Caribou Coffee. An assortment of cookies, cakes and yogurt parfaits are also available to accompany your meal.
We were in and out of Barry Bagels in less than 30 minutes, and our bill for a family of five came to $42 for lunch. While we didn’t visit the science museum that day, it’s great to know there is a fresh, fast and affordable dining option available there, even if you just need a quick bagel snack for an exhausted kid and a coffee for a tired parent after a visit highlighting play and discovery.
Google 4.2 out of 5 with 53 reviews
TUESDAY 1.3
Early Stages (3-4 year olds)
THURSDAY 1.12
Hans Christian Andersen’s well known tale with a menagerie of mischievous animals, inventive physicality and live music and songs that quack and trill. This charming production plays with the importance of identity and self-worth as leads a journey to discover inner beauty. $18. Doors open at 1pm. Sunday, January 15. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com
Join Children’s Theater Workshop for a monthly drop in class. Explore January’s theme, Sweet Dreams, with songs, crafts, stories and puppets. Classes are free and donations are appreciated. 4-4:45pm. Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. ctwtoledo.org Free
WEDNESDAY 1.4
THURSDAY
Join the City of Toledo for a series of listening sessions with Toledo youth. The focus on how youth can grow into fulfilled adults who want to live, work, and raise families in Toledo. Registration is required. 4:306pm. Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. toledo.oh.gov Free
FRIDAY
Practice your engineering skills and put your creativity to work in this fun building program featuring LEGOs and K’Nex geared towards 6-10 year olds. 3:30-4:30pm. Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. toledolibrary. org Free
SATURDAY
THURSDAY 1.5
Learn about the flora and fauna that call our Metroparks home, and then learn how to paint them! They’ll provide step-by-step instruction, plenty of time to be creative, and a warm cup of hot cocoa. Fun for ages 10 and up. $15. 5:30-7:30pm. Brookwood Metropark, 5604 Swan Creek Dr. metroparkstoledo.com
Shake off the winter blues with a fun afternoon of archery and warm s’mores! Try out archery for the first time, or the first time in a long time, with the instruction and guidance of Metroparks staff. $6. 1-2:30pm. Pearson Metropark, 761 Lallendorf Rd., Oregon. Metroparkstoledo.com
Learn the basics of coding with kid-friendly software and hands-on activities. Grades K-3. 2-3pm. Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3625 Glanzman Rd. toledolibrary.org Free
In this fast-paced video workshop, teens 11-17 will experiment with the basics of filmmaking and acting. Using iPads and various editing apps, students will make films together within 60 minutes. 3:30-4:30. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org. Free
Join the City of Toledo for a series of listening sessions with Toledo youth. The focus on how youth can grow into fulfilled adults who want to live, work and raise families in Toledo. Registration is required. 4:30-6pm. Birmingham Branch Library, 203 Paine Ave. toledo. oh.gov Free
Teens and Tweens game night! Come and play the Nintendo Switch with friends. 6-8pm. Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Rd., Maumee. toledolibrary.org Free
Metroparks and the Ability Center of Greater Toledo are partnering for a fun evening of indoor archery! All equipment provided. Ages 8 and up. $4. 7-8pm. The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, 5605 Monroe St. metroparkstoledo.com
Celebrate the coming of the new year with wildlife and holiday lights! Life-size animal statues are adorned with twinkle and color, lighting up the cool winter nights. 5-8pm. Also on Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. wcparks.org Free
You’ve done it now! You and your classmates broke the teacher’s favorite porcelain lamp while you were goofing off in the classroom. Consequently, the entire class has been locked in the schoolhouse while the teacher rounds up everyone’s parents to discover and punish the culprits. Can you escape before the teacher returns? $15. 7:30-8:30pm. Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28, 2-3pm. Wildwood Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. toledometropark.com
Lewis Ave., Temperance, MI. facebook.com/ bedfordblizzardfest
Annual Tree Lighting Event- If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, look no further! See the Christmas tree festooned with twinkling lights. 5pm. 6925 Providence St., Whitehouse. 419-8775383. whitehouseoh.gov Free BG Philharmonia Holiday ConcertHear live holiday music at BGSU! The BG Philharmonia will present a holiday concert in conjunction with ArtsX. 4pm. 1001 E Wooster St. Bowling Green. 419371-8171. Free Christmas at the PeristyleCelebrate the sounds of the season! Join the Toledo Symphony and Santa himself for this festive holiday tradition! 3pm. $10+. 2445 Monroe St. 419-246-8000. toledosymphony.com
Maumee Valley Historical Society Antique Show & Sale- The Annual Maumee Valley Historical Society Antique Show & Sale. $8. 10am-5pm. Also Sunday, December 5, 11am-4pm. 7315 Championship Dr. Perrysburg. 248-4252868. wolcotthouse.org.
16th Annual Holiday Crafting Wishes for Make-A-Wish- Peruse the work of crafters and vendors from near and far as they come together to sell their wares at this holiday show. Also live performances, pictures with Santa, and more! 10am-4pm. 2901 Key St. Maumee. 419494-5247. toledo.com Free
A Children’s Theater Workshop ensemble 10-12 year old performance. If the multiverse really is real, it would probably be a lot more random than the movies let us believe. Welcome to Carbohydrate Catastrophe, a multiverse adventure with the villainous Sophie, whose potato experiment punches a hole in the multiverse and disrupts EVERYTHING! See website for times. Ohio Theatre, 3112 Lagrange St. ctwtoledo.org
School is off on Presidents’ Day, but that does not mean you can’t have a fun-filled day learning to be leaders in the park! Join the Metroparks team for a day of fun, age-appropriate camp activities themed around being leaders in protecting, conserving and advocating for the environment. $28. 9am2pm. Monday, February 20. Wildwood Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com
Learn about winter bird counts and their importance to studying bird populations. The group will search out and count as many birds as possible. Snacks and warm drinks will be provided. 10-11:30am. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. wcparks.org Free
MONDAY 1.16
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, school is out for a day of remembrance of this important, world-changing hero. What better way to celebrate than a day full of fun, age-appropriate camp activities focused on finding his inspiring messages of diversity, celebrating differences and hope in nature? $28. 9am-2pm. Wildwood Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com
TUESDAY 1.17
Celebrate Winter by choosing your animal team and making a mask, then make a snowball launcher for an indoor match up to see which team is victorious! 3-4pm. Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. toledolibrary.org Free
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Join the City of Toledo for a series of listening sessions with Toledo youth. The focus on how youth can grow into fulfilled adults who want to live, work, and raise families in Toledo. Registration is required. 4:30-6pm. Reynolds Corner Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St. toledo. oh.gov Free
Sibshops are for 8–15 year old typically developing brothers and sisters who have a brother or sister with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or special needs. They provide opportunities for brothers and sisters to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context. 10am-1pm. Alternate Learning Center, 3939 Wrenwood. Asno.org
This program focuses on how animals survive and thrive in the winter while honing our sleuth skills looking for evidence of the animals that call the Metroparks their home. Enjoy a scrumptious campfire hotdog and mac’n cheese lunch. $15. 10am-1pm. Wildwood Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com
Full of exuberant favorites like ”A Spoonful of Sugar” and ”Chim Chim Cher-ee,” this magical Disney classic gave audiences some of the most cherished songs of all time. The Toledo Symphony performs the supercalifragilistic soundtrack with the entire film! $21.50-$64. 4-6pm. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. toledosymphony.com
It’s National School Choice Week in Ohio. Discover your local school options along with food, music, raffle prizes, face painting and more! 12:30-3pm. Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. Free
Join the City of Toledo for a series of listening sessions with Toledo youth. The focus on how youth can grow into fulfilled adults who want to live, work and raise families in Toledo. Registration is required. 4-5:30pm. West Toledo Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St. toledo. oh.gov Free
Maria Montessori based her educational philosophy on the idea that children develop through a series of four planes. Learn about the four planes from West Side’s Head of School, Jenn Schoepf. 8:45-9:45am and 5-6pm. West Side Montessori, 7115 W. Bancroft St. Free
Join the City of Toledo for a series of listening sessions with Toledo youth. The focus on how youth can grow into fulfilled adults who want to live, work and raise families in Toledo. Registration is required. 4-5:30pm. South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway St. toledo. oh.gov Free
THURSDAY 1.26
St. Ursula Academy - The Phantom of the Opera St. Ursula Academy’s student presentation of “The Phantom of the Opera” takes place on the Valentine Main Stage. $18. 8pm. Also runs Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28 at 8pm and Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com
FRIDAY 1.27
Children, and their favorite grown-up, are welcomed to the Library, a fun and exciting place to play and build early literacy skills. 1011am. Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Rd., Maumee. toledolibrary.org Free
SATURDAY 1.28
An open discussion for girls ages 7-11 to talk about what’s going on with them over cookies and milk. Register on Eventbrite. Noon-2pm. The Onyx Cafe, 27 Broadway St.
SUNDAY
Use the power of magnetism to navigate around the winter wonderland of Wildwood Metropark! Find nature clues to solve riddles and puzzles along the way. $3. 2-4pm. Wildwood Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com
THURSDAY 2.2
Enjoy interactive science and engineering with a spark of creativity during Imagination Station’s Tinkering Takeover. 3-5pm. Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. toledolibrary.org Free
FRIDAY 2.3
Preschool Learn & Play
STEM for little ones! We’ll break out the crafts, toys, and more for preschoolers to learn while playing, including reading a few fun stories. Each Friday in February. 10-11am. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary. com Free
SATURDAY 2.4
Get ready for Valentine’s Day by making some fancy ornaments to give to the special people in your life. 2-3pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.com Free
MONDAY 2.6
Code Your World with 4-H
From coding to unplugged activities 4-H makes computer science easy and fun! Tweens and Teens will learn basic coding skills and acquire life skills using STEM education. Runs each Monday through March 13. 4-5pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.com Free
Join Children’s Theater Workshop for a monthly drop in class. Explore February’s theme, Best Friends Forever, with songs, crafts, stories and puppets. Classes are free and donations are appreciated. 4-4:45pm. Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. ctwtoledo. org Free
Who will win Super Bowl LVII? To prepare for the big game, make some tasty tailgate snacks to share with your friends and family! 2-3pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.com Free
Every third Thursday of the month we’ll explore various ideas and discoveries in the world of STEAM while engaging in a fun project! Geared towards ages 11-17. 6-7pm. Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. toledolibrary.org
The tuneful, heartwarming story, it is based on the real life story of the Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world’s best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II. $5. 7:30pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com
When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! $20. 2pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre. com
Car fans, start your engines! Children’s Library is hosting a Hot Wheels Derby where kids will build the ultimate track to race with. 2-3pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.com Free
Sibshops are for 8–15 year old typically developing brothers and sisters who have a brother or sister with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or special needs. They provide opportunities for brothers and sisters to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context. 10am-1pm. Alternate Learning Center, 3939 Wrenwood. Asno.org
An open discussion for girls ages 7-11 to talk about what’s going on with them over cookies and milk. Register on Eventbrite. Noon-2pm. The Onyx Cafe, 27 Broadway St.
THURSDAY 2
MONDAY 2.27
Get rid of those Monday blues with art, crafting, games and movement in this hour of fun.
A Christmas Carol- Come see the timeless tale of redemption with Ebenezer Scrooge at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre, a show that has been a holiday tradition for more than 30 years. 8pm. $19.75+. 16 West 10th St. 419-243-9277. toledorep.org
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SUNDAY 28
FRIDAY 3
Activities are geared toward the tween ages of 9-12, but younger and older kids are welcome too. 3-3:45pm. Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. toledolibrary.org Free
Toledo Choral Society presents Handel’s Messiah. The longstanding area tradition returns with a live concert accompanied by orchestra, harpsichord and organ. $25. 4:30pm. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N. Erie St. Also 7pm, Friday, December 3 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Parish, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd. toledochoralsociety.org
Trans-Siberian Orchestra- The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back! And just in time to celebrate 25 years of Christmas Eve and other stories! 4pm and 8pm. $69.50+. Huntington Center 500 Jefferson Avenue. 419-255-3300. transsiberian.com
The Toledo Craftsman’s Guild Crafts for Christmas A winter spectacular showplace of fine handmade juried crafts, gifts, and holiday decorations, two big shopping days. Saturday Nov. 27, 9am-4pm and Sunday Nov. 28, 11am-4pm. Lucas County Rec Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee. Free
FRIDAY 3 Singalong Movie Night: The Muppet Christmas Carol- The holidays are here! View a classic holiday movie, and sing along if you’d like! Popcorn and snacks will be available to purchase as well! 6:30-9pm. 3114 Lagrange St. 419-214-9025. ohiotheatretoledo.org Free
Come learn from local young entrepreneurs Tre’Shawn Pittard Lawn Service Business; Melissa Penix and SaRiyah Kerns Published Poets; and Leila’s Promise. Hear about Ohio Unity Coalition’s Brown Women Roundtable Take It to the Top Entrepreneurship Challenge and available resources from the library’s Small Business and Nonprofit Services department. 4-5:30pm. Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. toledolibrary.org Free
SATURDAY 4 17th Annual ArtsX- Visit this holiday showcase to interact with and imagine the power and beauty of art! From performances to art sales, this event has it all! 5pm. 1001 E Wooster St. Bowling Green. 419-371-8171. Free
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