12/17 - Toledo Area Parent

Celebrating 25 years

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Thinking outside the gift box Gifts that really do give all year

p10 p15

Traditions, new and old.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season

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• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

Toledo’s Award-Winning Parent Newspaper Volume 25 • Issue 12 December 2017

[special features]

Holiday Happenings SPONSORED BY

10 So much to do, so little time! Where to go and what to do this holiday season

departments community snapshots

5

what’s briefly happening

6

new kids

7

tween the lines

9

Get YOUR CRAYONS, MARKERS, and PAINT...Coloring contest details pg13

in Online December

December givea

way

Don’t miss your chance to win this month’s Giveaway! Visit toledoparent. com to enter for your chance to win the Max Traxx twin loop set. Perfect for ages 6+, this glow in the dark dual lane race track comes with two tracer racers.

For your chance to win, enter at toledoparent.com.

parent profile 19 healthy kids 20 craft of the month 21 kitchen table politics 22 calendar 25 marketplace 27

commentary

Parenting Hacks:17 Holiday Version

Simple tips to survive the most wonderful time of the year.

— by Erin Marsh

Sending Christmas Cheer

Santa will be sending local children holiday cheer, thanks to Toledo’s Handwritten Dreams program. Learn more about this collaborative holiday effort...and where your kids can mail a letter to the jolly man himself!

[Follow us online] WIN all month long!!

All month long we’ll be giving away fun stocking stuffers, including tickets to the Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo. Make sure to like and follow us on social media for your chance to win!

food fight 24

This Toledo tradition is the perfect place to grab a delicious pie during this busy season.

— by Karen L. Zickes

On the cover

Congratulations to

Lauren Bertke, Paisley Simpson and Tesssa Anderson.

Each one won a fun game for their family

most read online

Gino’s Pizza

Grayson, 6, Reid, 4, Whitehouse

NOVEMBER WINNER

Join us and our 3,500+ followers for laughs, updates & parenting discussions.

“Like” us on facebook.com/toledoareaparent

toledoparent.com

needs 1. Special resource guide 2. Open house guide 3. 13 reasons why not

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

www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

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Adams Street Publishing Co. Favorite holiday tradition?

KIDS HOROSCOPE November 22 December 21

By Kimmie Rose

Building Strong Minds.Strong Faith

Now Enrolling

Toledo Christian Christian Schools Schools Toledo Open House House Open Saturday, February 24 1pm-3pm PS-12th Grade

419.389.8700

Sagittarian kids are fun and adventurous and they often change their minds.

This month they will want to visit family members - a perfect activity for the season. Something inside of them yearns to know about themselves and where they came from. It’s a good time to visit family or to pull out old pictures and share stories, reminisce and create new memories. These kids also need a sense of security and this will surely give them that feeling of belonging.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledoparent.com) Santa’s arrival.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledoparent.com) Ebenezer is my hero!

Editorial Assignment Editor Kimberly Feldkamp

(toledoparenteditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) All of them.

Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Binging on sweets.

Calendar Mara Kalinoski (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Watching white christmas.

Contributing Writers TiAnna Anderson, Heidi Borst, Athena Cocoves, Kimberly Feldkamp, Carolyn Jabs, Erin Marsh, Sam Melden, Raegan Nelson, Emily Remaklus, Kimmie Rose, Karen Zickes

Art/Production Production Manager Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) eating.

Senior Designer Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Midnight Mass and watchng my son open his gifts.

Graphic Design Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Christmas morning with my family in our house.

Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Christmas Poker with the Family.

2303 Brookford Dr. Toledo, OH

ToledoChristian.com

Advertising Sales Coordinator Jenny Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Christmas Eve with the Family.

-Wanted Freelance Writers for Email resume to

toledoparenteditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Classifieds Catherine Bohr (classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Christmas cookies and family gatherings.

Sales Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com) making cookies with the kids.

Kathleen Dewar (kdewar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Christmas Eve mass & Chinese restaurant.

Lindsay Greene (lgreene@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Watching kids open gifts Suzanne Bell (sbell@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Decorating the tree.

Brittany Stahl (bstahl@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Celebrating Jesus, All Christmas movies, playing board games.

Accounting

Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledoparent.com) Finding and cutting down a real christmas tree.

Distribution Anne Harrington (distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Watching the Rose Bowl Parade.

We’re celebrating kids and family

#toledokids on Instagram!

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

FIND LIKE AND FOL LOW US 4

• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

Digital

Tech Manager Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) family.

Web Guru Ashley Boardman (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Cascarones (my mom’s side is Mexican).

Advertising/General Info

For advertising and general information, call 419-244-9859 or fax 419-244-9871. E-mail ads to adsin@adamsstreetpublishing.com. Deadline for advertising copy 2 p.m. Friday before publication. Toledo Area Parent subscriptions are available by mail for $30 per year at Adams Street Publishing, 1120 Adams St., Toledo, Ohio 43604. One copy free per person per week; extra copies $1 each. Persons taking copies for any reason other than personal use are subject to prosecution.

Letters to the editor must be limited to 300 words, are subject to editing, and should include the writer’s full name and phone number. Any letter submitted to the editor or publisher may be printed at the publisher’s discretion in issues subsequent to its receipt. Entire contents © 2017 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without written permission of the publisher.

Also publishers of: Audited by

We’re always looking for great photos to fill our community snaps page! Send your favorite moments to production@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Parker 8, Layla 6, Walbridge Zolie Rae, 2, Toledo

Riley, 4, Addison, 1.5, Holland

Wesley, 5, Tole do

Collin, 2 Months, Toledo

Ellie 8, Grace 5, Brady 3, Oregon

Kyler Koopmans, 10, Toledo Hiroki 1, Jocelyn 7, Carlito 8, Carlie 5 Holland

www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

Stevie, 6, Drew, 5, Toledo

5

Compiled by Kimberly Feldkamp

Sylvania Schools receives award

Book Clubs for Kids

Adults aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy the fun of a book club. Thanks to Gathering Volumes bookstore in Perrysburg, children ages 6-12 can be a part of one, too. If you’ve got an avid reader, consider signing them up for Book Warriors, a monthly group that reads books for 8-12 year olds. For younger readers, Mischief Makers might be a good fit. This group is geared toward 6 to 8 year olds. Both groups meet monthly and read a chosen book.

Gathering Volumes Bookstore, 196 East South Boundary St., Perrysburg, gatheringvolumes.com

Great news for Sylvania Schools - the district has received the 2017 Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education. The Momentum Award is presented by the State Board of Education and recognizes schools for exceeding expectations in student growth for the year. Based on the 2016-2017 Ohio School Report Card, this specific award symbolizes the State Board’s commendation for the strong academic support the district staff and community have provided to students from every background and ability level.

Free Parent Training Dyslexia might seem like a devastating diagnosis but it doesn’t have to be. The Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West is hosting a free parent training on dyslexia, offering tips and strategies to help parents support their child’s learning. Presenter Pam Croson, Director of the Dyslexia Education Training Center, will cover topics such as the signs and prevalence of dyslexia, tips and strategies to use at home and in the classroom, interventions, accommodations and types of assessments and understanding the results. The training is at the Maumee Public Library on Tuesday, December 12 6:30-8:30 pm.

The event is free, but registration is encouraged. To sign up, call 419-214-3066 or email wsmenner@esclakeeriewest.org.

West Side Montessori makes history West Side Montessori is at the leading edge of disaster readiness, making history

as the first school in the state to have a safe room that can withstand an F5 tornado.

To be proactive and provide the safest possible school environment for students, families and nearby neighbors, the school worked closely with the Lucas County Emergency Management agency on the design of the tornado safe community room, which can shelter 420 people for two hours. “It’s satisfying to create a safe space to give parents, students and teachers peace of mind, with the hope that it is never needed,” said Keith Russeau, Architect, and Principal of The Collaborative, the architects for this project, which also included the completion of a gym, enhanced art and music studios and additional classroom space.

Children’s Business Fair If you think your child would be the perfect candidate on Shark Tank, don’t

miss the upcoming Children’s Business Fair at the Padua Center. On Saturday, December 16, children ages 6-12 are invited to share and sell their business products with the community. The event runs 11am-2pm. It’s hosted by the Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo.

The Padua Center, 1416 Nebraska Ave, Toledo. paduacenter.org

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS /JUDAN JUDO

7ia ki WXekj ekh >eb_ZWo If[Y_Wb Fh_Y[i 5020 Lewis Ave.#B, Toledo,OH 43612, Corner of Lewis and Laskey Phone: 419.726.8388 s email: JudanJudoToledo@ gmail.com Web: americanacademymartialarts.com 6

• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

Looking to beat the winter blues?

Toledo Area Parent is here to help! From library story times to local events to special holiday happenings, our online calendar offers everything you need to stay active this winter season. For stories and ideas straight to your inbox, sign up for our parent e-newsletter today!

toledoparent.com

Feeling hungry?

Salon expands services

For more than a decade, Toledo’s Studio 32NINE Salon Suites has been serving the community, offering hairstyles for students and providing services for the homeless. The salon recently expanded, adding 3600 square feet to provide more client services. The salon will now offer makeup artistry, nail services, massages, space for training and more.

Studio 32NINE Salon Suites, 1244 Flaire Drive, Toledo.

The fast-casual Balance Pan-Asian Grille announced the opening of its fourth restaurant, this one in downtown Toledo at 215 N. Summit St., in the retail space that is part of the parking garage attached to the Tower on the Maumee (formerly the Fiberglas Tower). Adjacent to the planned 2,300 square-foot restaurant will be an 8,000 square-foot indoor aquaponics farm to grow vegetables, fish and shrimp to supply the group’s area restaurants.

Balancegrille.com

The Mancy’s Restaurant Group has opened Mancy’s Ideal in the former Revolution Grill. A throwback to the family’s foundational restaurant of the same name, which operated in the current Mancy’s Steaks location from 1921 to 1974, the menu offers old recipes and favorites.

419-841-0066. 5333 Monroe St., mancys.com The local, farm-to-table restaurant Fowl and Fodder’s has opened in downtown Toledo. The new restaurant will serve cold-pressed cocktails, beer, brunch, lunch and other goodies.

614 Adams St., fowlandfodder.com Scrambler’s will open the second location of its fast-casual restaurant concept, City Egg, in the retail space at the lower level of the parking garage in Promenade Park. With a smaller menu and full-service coffee and juice bar, City Egg plans to open by spring 2018.

Cityeggrestaurants.com

-Wanted Freelance Writers for

Gently Read Books S

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www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

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• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

f o d Hea ss a l C the

Jan. 1st Space Reservation by: Dec. 15th

tween the lines

advice for parents with children 10-16

n Children’s Theatre Workshop

ctwtoledo.org

Winter Workshop

December 28 and/or January 4 Ages: 10-14 Theatre Classes for the Ensemble

(10-12) January 13 - March 17 (Saturdays)

Theatre Classes for Teens (13-18)

Act It Out Theatre for life

Children’s Theatre Workshops’s production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.

By TiAnna Anderson Being involved in theatre, not only gives kids acting experience to launch a future career, but it also teaches them how to command an audience, how to articulate, along with critical listening and speaking skills. These are skills that everyone can use no matter where life may take them. Toledo is home to several amazing theatre companies, and many of them offer classes and casting opportunities for tweens and teens. If your child is looking to try something new in the New Year, you’ll find there are plenty of opportunities around town.

Age specific, one hour focused classes on Saturdays n Toledo Repertoire Theater toledorep.org

Improv! (7-17)

“This past season we had kids from 100 different area schools, and not one school offers regular drama programming, “ said Aimee Reid, Executive Artistic Director at Children’s Theatre Workshop (CTW). When designing programming for students, CTW follows the Ohio Education Board standards for drama and theater, which means the skills learned are also applicable in a school setting, as well. The students in the Ensemble (ages 10-12) have an opportunity to write four scripts each year, and two are chosen to be the next production.

The Toledo Repertoire also offers plenty of opportunities for tweens and teens to learn more theatre techniques and grow their portfolio. Dave DeChristopher, Artistic Director, was excited about Heathers The Musical for ages 14-19. The Rep enjoys introducing the students to older works, but making them applicable to today. Students also have the chance to work with the top local professionals in theatre.

Here are some upcoming classes and productions for teens and tweens to get started or continue in acting and/or theater production

January 6 - February 24, 2018 Audition Bootcamp: Cold Reading

(7 -16) March 3

Audition Bootcamp: Singing (7 -16)

March 10

Playwriting 101 (7-16)

March 17 - May 20, 2018

n Cutting Edge Theatre Company

cuttingedgetheatre.org

Teen Acting Classes (14-17)

Saturdays

www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

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Holiday Happenings Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season

By Emily Remaklus

SPONSORED BY

A Christmas Carol December 1-3

The Valentine Theatre

410 Adams St., Toledo 419-242-3490, valentinetheatre.com Enjoy a Christmas classic when a musical version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is brought to the stage by the Toledo Rep. This story of a bitter old man transformed by three spirits of Christmas will surely put you in a holiday mood. Tickets: $27 for adults, $17 for children.

Holiday Lantern Tours “A 1920s Christmas” December 2, 8, and 9 • 4:30–8pm

Sauder Village

cedarcreek.tv

Oh happy holidays! While it may seem that Christmas arrives earlier and earlier each year (thanks to retailers and radio stations), this month is when the real fun begins— the holiday festivities! With the countdown beginning, it can be difficult to make time for all the fun events around town, so we did the tough part for you! Check out some of the Toledo-area holiday happenings and enjoy the beauty of the season.

Lights Before Christmas

December 1-December 31 Sunday–Thursday 3-8pm Friday and Saturday 3-9pm

Toledo Zoo

2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-4040, toledozoo.org The Lights Before Christmas is a holiday favorite for people across the region. Enjoy visiting the zoo at night when you can witness a light display like no other. Be sure to stop by the aquarium to see Santa swim with the fish. Then visit Santa’s Workshop at the Arctic Encounter where you can tell him your Christmas wishes. Other attractions include a new 3-D holiday light display, ice bumper cars and the ice slide.

North Pole Express

December 1-December 30 Friday-Saturday 5-9pm, Sunday 5-8pm

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation

12505 County Road 99 Findlay 419-423-2995, nworrp.org All aboard! The North Pole Express will allow your family to travel by train through Northwest Ohio.

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Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you ride along through the winter wonderland. Tickets are reasonable, $3 for adults and $2 for children. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop!

Hensville Lights

December 1-January 20 • Daily, 6pm-midnight St. Clair Street between Washington St. and Monroe St. in Toledo hensvilletoledo.com/calendar/event/4228 A relatively new holiday tradition, the Hensville Lights brighten up downtown Toledo with more than 200,000 twinkling lights decorating all the buildings on St. Clair located between Washington St. and Monroe St. Enjoy a stroll and view a special dancing light show in Hensville Park.

Nite Lites

December 1-31 Sunday-Thursday 5:30-9pm / Friday-Saturday 5:30-10pm

Michigan International Speedway

12626 U.S. 12, Brooklyn, MI 49230 517-937-6426, nitelitesshow.com Enjoy an amazing light display as you drive along at the Michigan International Speedway. For 20 years Nite Lites has been impressing visitors, who can enjoy this year’s three-mile display of over 500,000 lights. On certain days guests can visit Winter Wonderland where children can see Santa and take a free train ride. The cost is $20 per car.

Miracle on Main Street December 1-3 Friday: 5pm / Saturday: 11am-4pm/ Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Downtown Sylvania

5632 Main St. Sylvania, OH 419-882-2135, sylvaniachamber.org/event Ready for a jump start into the holiday season? Enjoy a weekend of festive events in Sylvania at the Miracle on Main Street. The weekend will include live music, crafts, art exhibits, a parade, tree lighting, a 5k run, and a visit from Santa. For a full schedule please visit the Sylvania Chamber website.

• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

22611 St. Rte 2, Archbold 1-800-590-9755, saudervillage.org Learn about the holiday traditions of the 1920s as you visit the Grime Home, learn about shopping at the Elmira Depot, act out The Night Before Christmas in the District 16 Schoolhouse, and sing 1920s Christmas songs in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Truly a blast from the past, the tours, which are about 90 minutes long and begin every half hour, are family oriented, but they may be a little too long for your really young ones. Preregistration and prepayment is required. Non-members $13/adult, $7/children. Members: $11/adult, $6/ children

Annual Christmas Festival and Cookie Walk

Saturday, December 2 9am-2pm Zion Lutheran Church 8307 Memorial Hwy, Ottawa Lake, MI 419-410-9380. zionlutheranottawalakemi.com Celebrate the holidays with the Annual Christmas Festival and Cookie Walk, which will feature crafters and vendors from around the area.

Candy Cane Trail Saturday, December 2 • 1-3pm Shoppes of Mayberry Square

Centennial Road, Sylvania 419-885-8787 Follow the Candy Cane Trail and enjoy the holiday decorations at the Shoppes of Mayberry Square. There will be face painting, visits with Santa and a meet and greet with a princess or two from Laurel’s Princess Parties. The whole family can enjoy this free event.

Holiday Happenings Visit with Santa

December 1-23 Specific days and times can be found on their website

Levis Commons

3201 Levis Commons Blvd, Perrysburg 419-931-8888, shopleviscommons.com Visit Levis Commons during December for a great opportunity to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus They will be available to listen to holiday wishes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as everyday during the week prior to Christmas. And while you’re at Levis Commons, enjoy a beautiful horse and carriage ride through the beautifully lit mall.

Holidays in the Manor House December 2–December 17 • 10am-8pm

Wildwood Preserve Metropark

5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo 419-407-9700, metroparkstoledo.com Enjoy one of the classic family traditions of Toledo with a visit to the Manor House. Volunteer decorators have transformed the home into a winter wonderland. After visiting the house, stroll over to the Metroparks Hall for some family-friendly activities, stopping to make a s’more on the way! Because of a great turnout last year, an additional week has been added. Oh, and did we mention admission is free?!

A Community Celebration of Christmas Saturday, December 2 • 6pm

Franciscan Center Lourdes University

6832 Convent Blvd, Sylvania 419-283-1434 or 419-243-1958, cscchorus.com The Clarence Smith Community Chorus presents an evening of beautiful music featuring the community chorus, voices of Bowling Green State University, Voices of Harmony, Ballet Folklorico Imagenes Mexicanas and jazz saxophonist CJ Manning. Prior to the concert, audience members can visit a special art exhibit by local artists from 4-5:30pm.

Tickets for this concert, $15, can be purchased online or at the door.

Hanukkah Palooza December 3 • 11:30am-2pm

Tam-O-Shanter

7060 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania 419-724-0361, jewishtoledo.org Get your skates ready because it is time for fun! For $10 at the door, you can enjoy ice skating, crafts, music, a photo booth, and a pizza lunch at the Hanukkah Palooza.

Perrysburg Holiday Parade Sunday, December 3 • 2-4pm

Downtown Perrysburg

130 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg visitperrysburg.com A popular Perrysburg tradition, the Perrysburg Holiday Parade will surely put everyone in a festive mood. The parade includes man marching bands, horse drawn carriages, dancers, street performers, candy, and a visit from Santa!

Toledo Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah Sunday, December 3 • 4pm

Rosary Cathedral

2535 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo 419-255-8000, toledosymphony.com The Toledo Symphony returns to Rosary Cathedral to perform alongside choirs and international vocalists for this entrancing performance. Last year’s performance was sold out, so be sure to get your tickets soon!

Cedar Creek Church Services

Every weekend in December Saturdays 5:15 and 7:00pm; Sundays 9:00am, 10:45am, and 12:30pm Locations vary across Toledo CedarCreek.tv/locations Discover the true meaning behind Christmas with Cedar Creek’s weekend church services. Cedar Creek offers age-specific programming, so everyone in your family can better prepare spiritually for the holidays. Cedar Creek Kids (babies-5th grade) and CedarCreek Students (6th-8th grade) are offered at all Cedar Creek locations. Christmas services will be held on December 22nd at 5pm and 7pm, and December 23rd and 24th at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm.

Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House Sunday, December 3 • 3pm

Downtown Whitehouse

6925 Providdence Street, Whitehouse 419-877-5383. whitehouseoh.gov.

Providence Street and Waterville Street will be dressed to the nines for the holiday season during the decorating contest. Visit with Santa, enjoy a Holiday Open House with downtown businesses, watch a parade, listen to live music, and don’t miss the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6pm.

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www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

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Holiday Happenings SPONSORED BY

cedarcreek.tv

Think Tank Workshop: Gingerbread Construction December 2-24, weekends • 2pm

Imagination Station

1 Discovery Way, Toledo 419-244-2674, imaginationstationtoledo.org Use a holiday tradition of building a gingerbread house to work on your engineering and geometry skills at The Imagination Station. Kids will put their design skills to use as they create this tasty treat. And after your gingerbread house is finished, you can take it home to snack on or display it during the holiday season.

Children’s Wonderland December 8-December 24 • 11am-8pm

Tam-O-Shanter

7060 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania 419-882-1500, playsylvania.com/childrens-wonderland For over 50 years, Children’s Wonderland has been a delight for adults and children alike. With train rides, exhibits and visits with Santa, it’s an event you won’t want to miss! Plus, you could win free tickets this year with our special coloring contest.

See details on page 13.

Hayes Train Special

All December during regular museum hours

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums

Spiegel Grove, Fremont 419-332-2081, rbhayes.org A train whistle signals the start of the Christmas season as the “Hayes Train Special” model train display is ready for visitors at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. Your family will love the 12-foot-by-24-foot display where they can blow the train whistle, run the Ferris wheel, lower the crossing gates and more with interactive buttons. This holiday favorite for kids and adults alike is included in the price of a regular museum ticket. Members are admitted for free.

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• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

Holidays On A Carriage Ride Friday, December 8 10am

Wildwood Preserve

5100 W Central Ave, Toledo 419-407-9720. metroparkstoledo.com Oh what fun it is to ride! The whole family will enjoy a traditional carriage ride. this season when Molly and Sally, the mule team from Providence, take you on a leisurely ride through the wintry park.

Registration is required in advance. Rides every half hour beginning at 10am. $6/ rider, free/kids 5 and under.

77th Annual Nutcracker Ballet

December 9-10, Saturday 2 & 7pm, Sunday 2pm

Stranahan Theater

4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo 419-246-8000, toledosymphony.com For 77 years, The Toledo Ballet has brought Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to life on stage. Enjoy breathtaking dancing, exquisite scenery and beautiful music from the Toledo Symphony Orchestra as Clara is whisked away with her Nutcracker Prince into a magical world.

This Stranahan Theater is one you won’t forget!

Fort Meigs Holiday Open House Sunday, December 10 • 1-4pm

Fort Meigs

29100 West River Rd., Perrysburg Fortmeigs.org Take a step into the past and visit Fort Meigs for educational festivity. Enjoy holiday music, hands-on activities and refreshments while answering your questions about the War of 1812.

CONTINUED ON P. 14

Coloring Contest office

Child’s Name:____________________________________________________________________________________Age: ____________ Parent’s name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________Phone #:________________________________________________ Coloring contest is open to all children ages 12 and under. There will be three age groups for judging: ages 2-5, 6-9, 10-12. Entries are due to Adams Street Publishing Company by Wednesday, December 13. You can drop off entries in person or mail to 1120 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604. You can also email them to production@adamsstreetpublishing.com. Coloring contest sheets are available for download online at toledoparent.com. One entry per child, please. Judges will choose a winner in each age group (2-5, 6-9, 10-12). Winners will be announced Friday, December 15. Each winner will get a family four-pack of tickets to Children’s Wonderland. After judging, entries will be displayed at Children’s Wonderland at Tam-O-Shanter.

www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

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CONTINUED FROM P. 12

Holiday Happenings

The Toledo Club’s Annual Parade of Trees December 12-14; 19-21 5:30 with seating every hour

The Toledo Club

235 14th St. Toledo 419-243-2200, toledoclub.org The Toledo Club will host their Annual Parade of Trees. This is an event open to the public and allows participants to enjoy a prime rib dinner buffet ($39-adults/$16-children) and bid on beautiful Christmas trees. All the trees are donated and the money earned from the silent auction will go to a charity of the donor’s choice. An additional event allows the public to bid on the trees, but rather than dinner, visitors can enjoy a Sunday brunch and a visit with Santa. The Sunday brunch will take place from 11am-2pm on December 17th.

Enter to win an“Aďż˝ernoon 1][S W\ 1VSQY =cb =c` 9WRĂ‚a ;S\c

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Go Inside the Tree Saturday, December 15 6-9pm

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Levis Commons

6165 Levis Commons Blvd, Perrysburg 419-931-8888. shopleviscommons.com.

Forget admiring the tree from just the outside - go inside the glowing 50-foot Christmas tree at the Town Center.

This event gives you a unique and beautiful perspective from the inside, perfect for photographs.

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Toledo’s largest music school: ĂĽÄˆ1ݬxÄˆÂ…Â–ÂŹÂąÂ¨Â´p¹›¨ ĂĽÄˆ1ݬxÄˆÂŹÂąÂ´t…› ĂĽÄˆ1ݬxÄˆÂ›ÂĽÂĽÂ›Â¨ÂąÂ´Â–Â…ÂąÂ…xÂŹĂŠ 14

Check our Calendar for more fun events throughout the month

• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

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Gift Certificates Available

Holiday Happenings

Thinking Outside the Gift Box Gifts that give back

By Heidi Borst

This holiday season, you can buy your kids yet another toy to add to the ever-growing heap in the corner of your family room or you can pay it forward.

Allow your kids to experience the joy of giving back to their community and assisting those in need.

There’s no greater gift than making someone’s day a little brighter!

Adopt A Family: Make a Struggling Family’s Season Merry

Organized by the University of Toledo and the Salvation Army, the “Adopt-aFamily” program is a great way to give back and spread cheer by sponsoring a family in need. Provide your “adopted” family with gifts and food items, a great opportunity to show your kids the importance of community.

To participate in the program visit: utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/osi/Adopta-Family Cost: Minimum of 3-4 brand new gifts per child & a gift card to a local grocery store (you can choose the size of the family you’d like to sponsor).

For your musician

Rock Christmas this year with lessons at Toledo’s Forte Music School.

Whether your son or daughter has an interest in guitar, cello or any instrument in between, Forte Music School offers more instructors, more studios and more opportunities for your young musician to learn. With a wide variety of gift certificates available, you’re sure to find whatever meets your needs...and your budget. fortemusicandarts.com.

Toys for Tots: Donate a Gift to a Grateful Child Give a toy and bring joy to a local child in need of help. Make it a family affair and go shopping with your kiddos to pick out a toy for a child between the ages of 6 months and 12 years old.

Simply bring the new toy, unwrapped, to one of this year’s designated Marine Toys for Tots Foundation drop-off locations, and feel instant gift-giving gratification.

For up-to-date Lucas County drop-off sites, visit: perrysburg-oh.toysfortots. org Cost: The price of a toy (or toys).

Adopt a Soldier: Show Gratitude to Our Troops

Adopt a US Soldier is a program that aims to boost the morale of our troops, who are often far from family and loved ones during the holidays. Families may volunteer to send a one-time letter and care-package or commit to sending weekly letters to a soldier for 6-12 months (you must be 18 to sign up, so make it a family affair). Provide support and encouragement to an active military member, one letter at a time!

Mobile Meals of Toledo: Volunteer or Donate to Serve

Teach your kids to make a meaningful difference in their neighbor’s lives by contributing to Mobile Meals.

Volunteer to deliver your time (about two hours per month using your own vehicle) to deliver meals to those in need within the community, and bring the kids along! Or, make a one-time financial donation in your child’s honor to help them experience the magical gift of giving.

For more information: mobilemeals.org Cost: Free to volunteer, or make a donation in the amount of your choice.

The Toledo Zoo: Adopt a ZooPal Animal

Become an animal “owner”, without the work. Contributions are needed to help feed and care for all the zoo’s animals, including the baby elephant, giraffe, and brand new tiger cubs — what a great holiday gift for your kids! Individuals or families can choose from a wide range of animals to sponsor at a donation amount that fits their budget.

Find more details here: toledozoo.org/zoo-pal Cost: $45 and up

Toledo Area Humane Society: Cuddle a Furry Friend

If you’re able to foster or adopt an animal in need, amazing! But, if fostering isn’t feasible, there are many ways to help the animals in your community. The Toledo Area Humane Society is looking for people to walk dogs, cuddle with kittens, and more. Volunteers must attend a two-hour orientation and be 10 years of age or older.

Unable to volunteer? Monetary donations are always appreciated.

Check it out: toledohumane.org/volunteering Cost: Free or Donation

Get Started here:

adoptaussoldier.org Cost: Minimal, just the cost of postage.

www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

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• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

Holiday Happenings

TICKTOCK

Parenting Hacks: Holiday Version

Easy tricks to survive the season

By Erin Marsh

Parenting is hard. Much harder than anyone tells you--or maybe we just don’t believe it until we actually HAVE children. Here are five parenting hacks that make the exhausting job of parenting a tad easier during the bustle of the holiday season.

1. Simplify the gift-giving process Simplifying the gift-giving process is one way to reduce stress. Instead of fighting the crowds shop small, local businesses to avoid long lines.

If you’re buying presents for teachers, coworkers, babysitters, etc., buy them all the same thing--gift cards never fail. Give wine or craft beer to neighbors instead of bothering with time-intensive baked goods.

Set up a gift-wrapping station in an unused portion of the house and wrap presents as you bring them into your home..

2. Shop with Kroger Clicklist Kroger Clicklist is perfect in every way--except for the fact that it didn’t exist when I had a newborn and a 2-year-old.

Create your “shopping cart” from the comfort of your home, which prevents parent/child impulse buys.

Instead of buying yet another jar of spaghetti sauce because you can’t remember if you have any, and it wasn’t on the list so you didn’t check when you were home, simply go look, preventing adding a fourth jar to the other three buried in the pantry.

Couponing and price comparison becomes infinitely easier online, and if Kroger is out of the item you request, they will substitute a similar item, and you always pay the cheaper price.

Your first three trips are free; after that it’s the cost of an overpriced coffee to have your grocery items bagged and brought directly to your car within minutes of pulling into the Clicklist parking space. No lugging kids in and out of the car in the freezing cold!

3. Invest in Amazon Prime How did our parents raise us before Amazon Prime? From obscure school

project needs to last-minute birthday gifts, Amazon Prime delivers in just two days, no matter what the item.

Gone are the days of a repeat grocery trip because you forgot to buy a scrub brush (again), or a special trip to Ulta, dragging reluctant kids along, for that one obscure product that works wonders on your hair. Instead, sit on the couch, let the kids play, and make a few clicks from your Amazon app. They even deliver on Sundays.

4. Meal planning and food prep Meal planning, while boring and tedious, prevents the last minute scramble to figure out a meal or the habit of rotating the same three meals over and over.

It also helps eliminate food waste. Ask for suggestions from family members or simply pick some easy crockpot recipes from Pinterest, whatever works for your life and your family.

The hardest part of food prep is carving out the time to do it. Cutting up fruits and veggies for meals and snacking for the next several days might take 30 minutes, but you save the time of repeatedly washing and cutting produce throughout the week. You also cut down on the amount of dishes you’re washing.

Take it a step further by washing, cutting and seasoning all of your meals for the week, freezing some and tossing the rest in the fridge. This saves an incredible amount of time and makes weekday meals a cinch.

5. Rapid Pickup When you don’t have the energy, time, or food to cook a meal, rapid pickup is a lifesaver. Find the restaurants near you that offer the service and put them on rotation. Our favorites are Balance Pan Asian Grille, Starbucks, Panera, and Core Life Eatery.

Place your order online or through an app, and at the designated time, simply run in and grab the bag with your name on it. It takes under a minute, so the kids can easily wait in the car.

Affordable, healthy, and fast options.

Beats waiting in a drive-through line for fast food!

www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

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• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

Q&A w ith Billy Mann What’s your favorit e activity to do around the holiday s? Being a part of Boys & Girls Clubs and Kiw anis Club of Toledo’s Christmas Parties. Just seeing smiles we can bring to kid’s faces, an d their appreciation of our simple gifts gives me gre at satisfaction.

Best holiday memo ry you have from when you were a kid?

(Erin, this is so tough!).

I would have to say celebrating Christmas Eve, singing carols and having Santa visit our family each year.

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

Sitting outside in our gar den to read or take in the view.

Describe your life in five words.

Energetic, Fulfilling, Th ankful, Fun, Engaging

Parent Profile Billy Mann and partner Mitch Perez with Daphne

This Cause Is People

Billy Mann: Director of Development for Boys & Girls Club

Billy Mann and Club Member Jade W. at the Annual Fishing Derby with the Kiwanis Club of Toledo

By Erin Marsh

We seem to be continuously reminded of hate and injustice permeating our world these days, but then there are those fighting to make our world a better place.

Locally, Billy Mann is one of those fighters. At 30, Mann is the Director of Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, and his optimism and warm heart make the world seem less bleak.

In the family The Mann family has a long and dedicated history with the Boys & Girls Club. Mann’s great-grandfather was a Boys Club member in the 1920s and 30s, so his grandfather supported the club, as did his father.

Mann remembers helping out with the Club as a child. “I remember, as a kid, passing out goodies and volunteering. In the mid-90s, my father joined the board, and as he got more engaged with the club, I tagged along and helped where I could.�

Mann continued to volunteer with The Boys & Girls Club throughout high school. When he attended college at Loyola University in Chicago, he worked with the Chicago Union League Boys & Girls Club, and when he returned to Toledo for summers, he interned at the local chapter. In 2010, Mann returned to Toledo and began working part-time as the development coordinator. About 3 years ago, he was promoted to Director of Development.

Want to get involved?

Lend a hand and volunteer as a tutor, mentor, coach or more.

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

Important work Mann illustrates the importance of the Boys & Girls Club, saying, “Our goal is to develop a well-rounded individual‌.When they’re young, we want them to achieve academic success: good grades, going to school regularly.

We also emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, so we have all kinds of programs centered around healthy eating and exercise.� “This is a safe place with adults who care. It’s not just about playing pool and doing their homework. It’s about the person asking them how their day was and making sure they’re fed.� “When our kids turn 18,� Mann continues, “we want them to have a plan-trade school, employment, college, military. We want them to be responsible citizens in the community. It is the mission of our club across the country to serve ALL children,� Mann adds proudly.

The only requirement for joining is that students must be pursuing their education. “We want them to be in school.

They MUST be in school,� emphasizes Mann.

The cost to the Boys & Girls Club is $360 per kid per year, despite only charging members $3/year. That is where Mann’s important work comes in: “My job is to ensure that we have the funding to cover the programs and that we raise enough money to maintain our incredible staff.� “I’m serving a cause, and this cause is people,� Mann continues. “I’m raising money for children — our future.�

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Keep Calm and Merry On! Tips for handling the holidays

By Heidi Borst

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tis the season, the most wonderful time of the year, but alas, the most stressful.

The shopping, the traveling, the baking, the entertainingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; if it can make your head spin, think about how it might affect your little ones. Read on for tips for keeping the peace this time of year.

Expectations: keep it real and stick to a budget

Resist the urge to rack up a ton of debt this year and stick to a realistic budget.

Before shopping, get a clear idea of what you can afford to spend, and stick to it.

Shopping online can make it easier not to overspend while eliminating the hassle of enormous crowds and lines. Explaining your financial limits to the kids is also a good idea.

Heath and Nicole Woodward, Toledo parents of three, offer advice on managing childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are upfront and honest with our kids about what we can do,â&#x20AC;? Heath said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have them make realistic lists of what they want and choose from those items depending on our budget.â&#x20AC;?

Gifts need not be monetary, either.

Psychologist Dr. Rebecca Alperin of Psychological Resources, Toledo, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice to take this time of year to encourage children to do something nice for someone else, in the spirit of the holiday. For instance, taking a treat to an elderly neighbor, donating some toys to a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital or shelter, or donating items to an animal rescue organization.â&#x20AC;?

Stress-less holiday travel tips

If you travel over the holidays, the key to a successful trip is preparation. Keep your kids involved by giving them their own responsibilities. Renu Kielhorn, a Sylvania mom of two, has a few tips. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My kids each have a rolling backpack they pack themselves to take to the airport with books and toys to keep them busy on the plane.â&#x20AC;?

For cartrips, Kielhorn suggests being flexible and allowing time for extra breaks to let kids burn energy. Be sure to pack the iPad, books and let kids pick a podcast or radio station to listen to. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I go to the dollar store and pick up new toys for the kids to open while we travel. Playdough is a good one to

â&#x20AC;˘ December 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ www.toledoparent.com

Dr. Rebecca Alperin, of Psychological Resources, encourages using this time of year to teach children to do something nice for someone else. keep younger kids busy, and we like activity books like mazes, puzzles, and word searches for the older children,â&#x20AC;? said mom of three Amy Choksey of Sylvania.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re flying, prepare your kids for what to expect at the airport: crowds, lines, security check, etc. Be sure to check your airlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidelines on what is okay to bring on board for younger kids; most are okay with reasonable amounts of formula/milk and baby food. Be sure to pack an easily accessible change of clothes for each family member. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able, splurge on an extra seat for your infant. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much easier (not to mention more comfortable and safer) if your little one is in her own car seat.

Save the drama for your mama

Travel can be hard on kids, so as parents we must try to keep any additional stresses to a minimum. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maintain your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schedule and routine as best as possible (sleep, meals, etc.). They may need some downtime from all of the activity and events,â&#x20AC;? said Alperin.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re staying with a friend or relative, be mindful of their routines and schedules, and try to keep the chaos to a minimum. Be gracious: contribute and help wherever you can, teach your children to be respectful, and clean up after yourselves.

Navigate tricky family dynamics cautiously. If it becomes difficult to keep the peace with everyone under one roof and you or your children are stressed, staying in a hotel might be a good idea.

And remember, just staying home and celebrating with your family unit is always an option. Mother of two Amy Barricklow of Sylvania recalls, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We took the kids to my parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house when they were 2 and 4 and my father said to me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You need to make Christmas your own holiday. Have it in your own home.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bring the kids here.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Barricklow said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It really is about your immediate family, so we spend time with just our family and meet up with other family later.â&#x20AC;?

Craft of the Month

e m i l S Snow Supplies: We have all bundled up our kids in snow gear to send them outside to play, only to have the activity cut short because of chilly noses and fingers. To satisfy the snow itch without stepping outside, create this simple snow slime recipe. Not only is this faux snow fun to squish and stretch, you can also extend the play by cutting it with cookie cutters, filling different shaped molds, or hiding little toys in the ‘snow’ for younger children to find. This is the perfect way to “play in the snow” on days that you may not be able to face the outdoors.

By Raegan Nelson

• White School Glue (2 cups) • Borax (3/4 tsp) • Warm Water (1 and 1/2 cups, 1 and 1/3 cups) • Glitter (1 TBS Blue or iridescent) • Bowls (2) • Fork • Measuring cups

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of the chilled school glue with 1 and 1/2 cups of very warm water. Stir until there is no separation.

2. In a second bowl, combine and stir ¾ teaspoons of borax with 1 and 1/3 cups of very warm water.

3. Pour the borax/water mixture into the glue mixture and stir. After the initial mixing, use your hands to knead the ingredients for a few minutes until there is no longer any water.

4. Once the slime is thoroughly mixed, add glitter to make the

slime sparkle.

5. Optional: Store the slime in a zip seal bag in the fridge before and after play IF you want it to be cold to more closely resemble snow.

www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

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Kitchen

Table Politics

Giving Back With Kids In Tow Redefining “kid-friendly” to serve our community better this holiday season

By Sam Melden

Each year these few days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are filled with chances to serve our community.

Preparing and serving Thanksgiving dinner for someone in need, packing food boxes, buying presents for children, singing carols to seniors, and on and on it goes. And I think the question that most parents work through in this season is: “What can I do with my kids?” We want to serve our community, we want to give back, we want to get involved in making our community a better place… and we want our children to experience this with us.

Redefining “kid-friendly” Recently I had a friend ask what local service opportunities exist in our community that were “kid-friendly.”

They wanted to bring their kids along in their seasonal service endeavor but they weren’t sure which activities would be appropriate for children. While I certainly understand this impulse

22

I want to suggest another question we should ask as we try to give our children memorable moments of giving back. Often when I hear parents talking about whether or not something is “kidfriendly” they are either talking about how easy it is to manage their children in that space, or how their kids may understand what is actually happening.

Parents can worry about whether or not their children will get the same satisfaction as the parent. They worry about whether or not the kids will understand why they are doing the specific act of service.

I believe, the better question than “what can I do with my kids?” to ask is: “What can I do, that I truly care about, to make a difference?”

The reason this is a better question to ask is because our kids often aren’t going to get their own personal “warm and fuzzy” feelings from serving their community. They are going to feel good

about what they are doing if they do it with their parents. If we, as parents, are engaged, passionate and committed to the work we are doing, and bring our kids along, that will make the biggest impact on our children in the long run. Now, there may be exceptions, but as long as you aren’t really passionate about building houses or putting yourself in unsafe environments, then this rule probably applies.

(One tip to keep in mind if you aren’t sure about bringing your kids along?

Call ahead and ask the organization, the church or the group you are working with how they would feel about you bringing your children.)

Remember, 10 years from now, when your kid looks back, what they will remember most is the cumulative set of experiences they had with you. They will remember how you acted, how you gave up your time, and how you went out that night in the terrible weather to go serve your community.

There is a quote I love from Howard Thurman that goes like this: “Do not ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive,

• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

“If we, as parents, are engaged, passionate and committed to the work we are doing, and bring our kids along, that will make the biggest impact on our children in the long run.”

and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

This time of year as we parent in the midst of the Holidays I would offer a different version of that quote: “Do not ask yourself what your child needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that.

Because what your child needs is parents who have come alive.”

kids who have experienced domestic violence. (childsplaycharity.org)

Tech Gifts—for People Who Truly Need Them Bridging the digital divide

By Carolyn Jabs

Gift-giving holidays are all about gadgets these days. Families that are comfortable with technology have a big advantage. Not only do they enjoy the latest technogizmos, they are also comfortable figuring out how things work, navigating virtual spaces and doing the inevitable problem-solving.

Since technology plays such a big part in education as well as adulthood, it would be great if everyone had easy, early access. Instead, we face what’s been called a digital divide. Families that don’t have ready access to technology often fall behind. During the holidays, when people who have more look for opportunities to share with people who have less, it’s worth thinking beyond warm mittens and turkey dinners. Consider participating in one of these efforts:

n Donors Choose

is one of several websites that give teachers a chance to explain how they would use specific pieces of equipment. (donorschoose.org)

4. Volunteer. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a tech guru, there are ways to help children learn about technology. n Code.org hopes to make computer science a standard part of the curriculum just like biology or chemistry. (code.org/volunteer/guide.) n Community Corp identifies volunteer opportunities for people who have more technical expertise. (communitycorps.org) 5. Set up passive donations. Perhaps the easiest way to support charities is by registering with a site that makes a microdonation every time you do some-

thing simple like searching or shopping online. n Goodsearch is an ordinary search engine powered by Yahoo that makes a tiny donation to a chosen charity each time you search. n Giving Assistant is a coupon marketplace that offers discounts from big retailers like Best Buy, Kohl’s and Bed Bath and Beyond. A percentage of what you save goes to the charity you designate.

Whatever you decide to do, involve your kids as much as possible. Encouraging them to imagine life without their beloved devices may very well be the gateway to a lifelong habit of empathy and generosity.

3. Donate Equipment. If family members get tech gifts during the holidays, you may have used equipment to donate. Or share the joy by giving another child a game your child loves. n The Non-Profit Locator helps donors identify local organizations that might need equipment they aren’t using anymore. (donatetechnology.com) n Child's Play gets video games to children’s hospitals and shelters for

1. Donate money. The simplest way to get technology into the hands of kids who wouldn’t otherwise have it is to donate to well-run organizations. n One Laptop Per Child has an ambitious goal—get a rugged, connected low-cost computer into the hands of every child in the world. (one.laptop.org) n The Rural Technology Fund was founded by a tech executive who had limited access to computers when he was growing up in rural Kentucky. His organization helps out-of-the-way schools get equipment and books to encourage students to study electronics, programming or engineering. (ruraltechfund.org) 2. Adopt a classroom. Public schools are another way to give kids access to technology. Teachers usually know what would make a difference in their classrooms, and playing Santa can be very rewarding. n Your local school district. Find out if teachers at your child’s school have technology on their wishlists. Or make a gift to your local school foundation. If your district is affluent, consider reaching out to a school in a community that has more challenges.

www.toledoparent.com • December 2017 •

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The Original Gino’s Pizza

5307 Monroe St. at Nantucket Toledo 419-843-3567 **6 locations in Toledo area Sunday-Thursday: 9am-11pm Friday-Saturday: 9am-midnight originalginos.com Can you guess which day is a great day for pizza? Every day! And as the hustle and bustle of the holidays approach and time is scarce, let someone else do the cooking. Pizza is not just for kids. As you may have guessed, my Pizza Posse was out and about yet again. I was so excited to introduce a couple of friends to The Original Gino’s Pizza.

Toledo Tradition

The Original Gino’s Pizza, or Gino’s for short, was started by Steve Sparks and his brothers in 1953. After years of success they retired, and in 1986 Chuck Kreutz became the new owner and president.

Now with six locations across the Toledo area from Perrysburg to Alexis Rd. and everywhere in between, there is sure to be one near you.

Gino’s has kept its special recipes the same through the years. The signature sauce, no longer made at each location, is made in bulk to exact specifications to ensure the highest quality. I have always raved about their red sauce that has, to me, just a touch of sweetness. I may have discovered one of the secrets to this special sauce: it’s made with 100 percent California tomatoes, according to Kreutz. “We make our dough fresh ourselves” every day at each location, he said. Only the freshest ingredients are used, and you can surely taste the difference. There is a reason Toledo City Paper and Toledo Area Parent readers have frequently voted Gino’s a past winner for “Best Pizza.”

Stretch the imagination

Honestly, I have always done carry-out

24

Taste The Tradition

Gino’s remains aToledo favorite

By Karen Zickes

until recently. We enjoyed dinner at the Monroe and Nantucket location, which had ample seating with booths and tables.

Eventually half of the seating was filled, but the phone rang off the hook with carry-out orders the entire time we were there. I should have asked how many pizzas they make on any given day. It’s a lot.

Our group ordered about six different pizzas. If you are dining in, you place your order at the counter, grab your drink and your seats, and the staff brings your order out to you when it’s ready. The menu is a bit daunting with a choice of 26 pizzas, 26 subs and five salads. Of course, the “build your own pizza” makes the options endless. Pasta and appetizers are also available. According to Kreutz, a revamped menu will be ready to go in the coming weeks. I look forward to seeing what’s new! He said a couple of their customer favorites are the cheeseburger pizza, the barbecue chicken pizza, and the chicken bacon ranch pizza.

However, if you stretch your imagination just a bit more, maybe you’d want to try the Jiggs pizza with corned beef and sauerkraut with white sauce. Or a Stanley’s Kickin’ Kielbasa, Cajun Seafood, or even the Holiday pizza topped with turkey, stuffing, gravy and cheese. What?

I might have to order that one next just to say I did!

Pizza Pleasers

The Pizza Posse didn’t exactly make things easy. Not only did we order many different pizzas, but we even had one or two that were half this and half that. The employees were gracious and happy to

accommodate. We ordered tomato feta garlic bread, which is a must try, and when an extra plain garlic bread came out as well, Gino’s gave it to us on the house!

Both were gone within seconds.

Though we liked the gyro pizza and the buffalo chicken pizzas, we decided our group still loved the more traditional pizzas with Gino’s signature sweet and tangy red sauce. Though there isn’t an actual kids’ menu, the mini-size pizzas are a great option for around $5, and juice and milk are available as well as fountain drinks.

Bottom Line:

The Short Course Kid-friendly: Yes

To avoid wait: Anytime Noise level: Moderate Bathroom amenities: Changing station

High chairs? Yes

Got milk? Yes and juice

Kids’ menu? No, but the mini-size pizzas are perfect for the younger set

The Original Gino’s Pizza has been offering Toledoans palate-pleasing pizza that tempts your taste buds since 1953. You can order online for convenience and dine in or carry out at six locations throughout the area. Gino’s offers coupons online or the daily grab-and-go special after 4pm, consisting of a large pepperoni pizza for just $9.

• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

{ December

2017 }

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

1 FRIDAY Christmas Tree Sale - Pick out a beautiful Christmas tree for your home this holiday season. Proceeds support the Mission and Ministry of Waterville Presbyterian Church. 5-8pm Monday-Friday. Noon5pm Saturday and Sunday. Runs through December 8, or until trees run out. Prices vary. Waterville Presbyterian Church, 611 Farnsworth Rd., Waterville.

419-878-2806. watervillefpc.org The Nutcracker - The joy and beauty of winter is onstage during this production of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker, featuring over 90 dancers from the River Raisin Ballet. 7pm. $20/adults, $18/ seniors, $15/child. River Raisin Centre for the Arts, 114 S. Monroe St., Monroe, MI. 734-242-7722. riverraisincentre.org

2 SATURDAY Breakfast With Santa - Enjoy a beverage and breakfast buffet, visit with Santa Claus, and enjoy music from Kerry Clark. You might even win one of the giveaways! Buy your ticket now. 8:15am and 9:45am time slots, December 2 and 9. $12/person, free/kids 1 and under.

The Shops at Fallen Timbers Granite City, 3100 Main St., Maumee. 419-740-7080. theshopsatfallentimbers.com Toy-A-Thon 2017 - Bring a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation to the Toy-A-Thon, where you’ll help make Christmas bright for children in need.

101.5 The River and 92.5 Kiss FM broadcast the event. 10am-4pm. Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., 419-473-3317. shoppingfranklinparkmall.com Homesteading: Pioneering Christmas - Your child can learn all about how pioneers celebrated Christmas, help build gingerbread houses, and explore the Johlin Black Swamp Cabin.

11am-3pm. Pearson Park, 4600 Starr Ave., Oregon. 419-407-9714. metroparkstoledo.com. Free Christmas Tree Ship - Watch the arrival of beautiful Christmas trees on a Geo. Gradel Co. tugboat, accompanied

by Santa Claus. If you’d like to take home one for yourself, you must preorder tree.

11:30am-1pm. $45/tree, Santa visit, and refreshments. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., 419-214-5000. inlandseas.org Kids Cookie Decorating Class - Your child will love this exciting cookie decorating class, just in time for the holidays.

Noon session: 6-10 years old. 2pm: 11-17 years old. $15/child. Cake Art Supplies & Bakery, 2858 W Sylvania Ave., 419-472-4959. facebook.com/cakeartsuppliesandbakery Cabin Fever Demonstration DayThe Historical Center’s Log Cabin will host a wide variety of activities, including Victorian ornament-making, storytime, costumed interpreters, caroling, Christmas tree decorating, and German-influenced

holiday traditions. 1-4pm. Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green.

419-352-0967. woodcountyhistory.org.

Free

3 SUNDAY Impact With Hope’s International Tea and Gingerbread Party - Build a gingerbread house, enjoy tea, food, and desserts, and check out the Christmas Shoppe for gifts and trinkets. Proceeds benefit those affected by the hurricanes.

12:30-3:30pm. $30/person or $50/Tea & Gingerbread House package. Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons, 6165 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg.

419-878-8548. Impactwithhope.org Soothing Santa - A Sensory-Friendly Santa will be visiting the mall before it opens to hear the Christmas wishes of children of all abilities. Hosted by the Mall with Autism Speaks. Reservations required. 8am-10am. Picture prices: $21-$47. Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., 419-473-3317. shoppingfranklinparkmall.com. Free Holidays Family Night Hike - Enjoy Christmas activities in the Manor House, brave the dark for a nighttime hike with a naturalist, and make s’mores around the fire. Dress for the weather. 7-8pm.

Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave., 419-407-9790. metroparkstoledo.com. Free

Noon Year’s Eve Toledo Zoo Sunday, December 31 11am-1pm

HAPPY new year!

For some of the youngest family members, midnight can be a little too late. So why not ring in the New Year a little early? The Toledo Zoo hosts Noon Year’s Eve complete with confetti and an apple juice toast. Enjoy crafts, ice carving, animal feedings, the ice slide and bumper cars. This is a great way for the whole family to ring in 2018!

2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-4040, toledozoo.org

Harlem Globetrotters Saturday, December 30, 7pm

Get ready to be amazed and entertained when the Harlem Globetrotters take over the Huntington Center. This exhibition basketball team combines athleticism, theater and comedy for a show that’s sure to entertain the whole family.

Tickets start at $37 and can be purchased at huntingtoncenter.box-officetickets.com Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo.

New Years Eve Family Center Activities Sunday, December 31, 12pm-5pm

TMA will host fun daytime activities for families to enjoy, including giant chess and a handmade gift crafting station. Noon-5pm.

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

4 MONDAY Coding Club and Sphero Robot Play - Drop in anytime to learn coding and programming skills and play with robots. Also Monday, December 18. 4-5pm. Wood County District Main Library, 251 N. Main St., Bowling Green.

419-352-5104. wcdpl.org. Free Cirque du Papier Origami - Michael Roy presents an interactive afternoon of oragami, including a demonstration and instruction. Your kids will make their very own origami creation to bring home.

3:30-4:30pm. Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St., 419-259-5310. toledolibrary.org. Free

5 TUESDAY Flurries of Fun - St. Luke's Auxiliary presents its 2017 Flurries of Fun fundraiser, where Imagination Station will demonstrate hands-on extreme science and Santa will make an appearance. Ticket includes meal, beverage, and all activities.

6-8pm. $8/ticket, free/2 and under. St. Luke’s Hospital Auditoriums A & B, 5901 Monclova Rd., Maumee. 419-893-5911. facebook.com/StLukesHospitalMaumee Taster's Choice: Candy Shop - Learn all about the sweet world of candy making, and make some delicious treats to share with your friends. Recommended for teens and tweens. 4-5pm. Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon.

419-259-5250. toledolibrary.org. Free Cont'd on 26

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7 THURSDAY Ice Carvings at Lights Before Christmas - Magnificent ice sculptures will rise right before your eyes in the Zoo’s Main Plaza during the Lights. 6pm. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org. Free with Lights admission Winter Wonderland - A special edition of Family Storytime features games, crafts, and stories focused on the beauty and magic of the winter season. 6:307:30pm. Sanger Branch Library, 3030 Central Ave., 419-259-5370. toledolibrary.org. Free

8 FRIDAY Mallstars Merry Days - Meet Santa and take a picture, and get in the Christmas mood with holiday crafts and activities. All ages welcome. 3-5pm.

Macy’s Wing of Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., 419-473-3317. shoppingfranklinparkmall.com. Free The Alien Who Stole Christmas When Santa meets Mr. Freep, an alien from another planet, they go on an interstellar adventure. Find out if Santa makes it back to Earth for Christmas in this educational program for all ages. University of Toledo Ritter Planetarium, 2855 W Bancroft St., 419-530-2650. utoledo.edu Sounds of the Season with TSA Music students from Toledo School for the Arts will dazzle you with tunes at the library this holiday season. 12:301:30pm. Main Library, 325 Michigan St., 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org. Free

9 SATURDAY Jingle Bell Run - The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell 5K run or 1-mile walk will benefit the community while giving you a fun, holiday-themed morning.

Show off your ugly Christmas sweater or tie bells to your laces to get in the spirit of things. Registration required. 7-11am.

Prices vary. The Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee. 614-503-5591. theshopsatfallentimbers.com 14th Annual Holiday Cookie Sale The Holiday Cookie Sale, presented by the St. Anna Ladies Guild, will feature holiday cookies, kolachi cookies, decorated cookies, kolachi rolls of different flavors, specialty items, and the St. Anna's Gift Shop. 10am-2pm. St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 738 Glenwood Rd., 419-662-3922. Free Heritage Holiday - Bring the whole family to try Victorian holiday games, try warm cider and cookies, listen to carols, and enjoy more holiday activities. 1-4pm.

Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Rd., Bowling Green. 419-353-1897. woodcountyparkdistrict.org. Free

10 SUNDAY Winter Festival of Crafts - The Toledo Craftsman’s Guild’s annual craft fair is the perfect opportunity to pick up last minute gifts and decorations. 10am4pm. Franciscan Center, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. 419-824-3515. lourdes.edu. Free

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• December 2017 • www.toledoparent.com

11 MONDAY 2nd Annual Oregon Branch Gingerbread Challenge - Bring your family, or your kids can attend with friends, to work together to design and build magnificent and tasty gingerbread houses. All ages. Registration required.

6:30-7:30pm. Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon.

419-259-5250. toledolibrary.org

12 TUESDAY Family Center Activities: Treasure Boxes! - Decorate your own box to hold trinkets and treasures. Stop by between 10am-3pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Free

13 WEDNESDAY Elf Escape - Join the Library for a special Christmas-themed escape room, filled with puzzles, clues, and holiday cheer. 4-5pm.

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

14 THURSDAY Readers and Crafters - Crafting activities and read-aloud practice sessions.

Older kids are welcome to join as reading buddies and mentors. Recommended ages 5 and up. Wood County District Main Library, 251 N. Main St., Bowling Green.

419-352-5104. wcdpl.org Posadas Celebration - Elaina Hernandez presents a special event where you can learn about the Las Posadas holiday while enjoying food, stories, fun activities, and more. All ages. 7-8pm.

Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Ln., 419-259-5330. toledolibrary.org. Free

15 FRIDAY Historic Vistula Christmas Tea & Open House - Take a look around the beautiful old home while enjoying scrumptious treats and teas. 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm sessions. $30. Matthew Brown House, 1107 N. Superior St., 419-266-8039. Check Facebook for details.

Campfire Cooking Warm Delights - Learn how to prepare a variety of yummy foods over a campfire, including cinnamon sugar baked apples. 6-7pm. $7/members, $8/non-members. Oak Openings Preserve, 4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com

16 SATURDAY The Baking Club - The Creativity Lab’s kitchen is open for your child to experiment, cook, and create. Also on Saturday, December 2 and 9. 2-3:20pm. Main Library, 325 Michigan St., 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org. Free

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19 TUESDAY Pizza and Pages Middle School Book Group: Unlikely Friendships 6th-8th graders are invited to a pizza party and discussion of the books The Great Treehouse War, Hello Universe, and The Littlest Bigfoot. 2:30-3:30pm.

Wood County District Main Library, 251 N. Main St., Bowling Green.

419-352-5104. wcdpl.org. Free Crazy Craig - Get ready to be wowed

by Crazy Craig and his juggling skills, unicycle tricks, and a special grand finale at this interactive show. For teens and tweens. 4-5pm. Main Library, 325 Michigan St., 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org. Free

21 THURSDAY Art Loop - The last art loop of the year is upon us! Don’t miss out on the amazing art, music, food, and culture downtown.

Wristbands cost $1.25 and grant you unlimited bus rides. 5:30-9pm. Downtown Toledo. theartscommission.org. Free Winter Solstice Storytime - Books, activities, and all things winter are highlighted at an evening storytime for the whole family. Registration required.

6:30-7pm. King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., 419-259-5380. toledolibrary.org

Ongoing EVENTS Everyday

S'mores, S'mores & More S'mores Drop in to the Anderson’s S’more Hut and make a warm treat over the open fire. Takes place at the Manor House.

Runs through Sunday, December 10.

10am-8pm. Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave., 419-407-9790. metroparkstoledo.com. Free Santa’s Wonderland Meet Santa and take a photo while also enjoying free holiday-themed games, activities, and crafts. Bass Pass required for photos. Through December 24.

10am-8pm Monday-Saturday. 10am5pm Sunday. Bass Pro Shops, 10000 Bass Pro Blvd., Rossford. 419-8913900. basspro.com. Free

Saturdays

Santa’s Secret Star Rudolph, Santa, and friends will explore the constellations and use the stars to navigate their way back to the North Pole in this fulldome version of the classic children’s program. Every Saturday through December 23. 1pm. $7/adults, $5/children, free/3 and under. UT Ritter Planetarium, 2855 W Bancroft St., 419-530-2650. utoledo.edu

Monday-Saturday

Tinkering With Sound Your child can craft their very own instrument or sound-maker, and play around with sounds and tones. Through December 23. 10am-5pm TuesdaySaturday. Noon-5pm Sunday. Free with admission. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. 419-244-2674. imaginationstationtoledo.org.

Solstice Winter Walk - Celebrate the first day of winter and shortest day of the year with a beautiful outdoor walk. 6-7pm. Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave., 419-407-9790. metroparkstoledo.com. Free

22 FRIDAY I Spy Candy Canes - Want to win a prize? See how many candy canes you can find hidden in the library to collect!

Also 9am-8:30pm Thursday, December 21. 9am-5:30pm. Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Ln., 419-259-5330. toledolibrary.org. Free

25 MONDAY Holiday Nature Walk - Take in the beauty of nature on Christmas with this family walk followed by a warm holiday beverage in the Window on Wildlife. 2-3:30pm. Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave., 419-407-9790. metroparkstoledo.com.

Free

27 WEDNESDAY Frozen Party! - Meet Elsa and Kristoff at this special Frozen-themed winter party. Kids of all ages will love meeting the Disney stars. 2-3:30pm.

Main Library, 325 Michigan St., 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org. Free Winter Day Camp - Crafts, games, exhibit tours, and animal visitors.

Wednesday’s camp theme: Penguin Parade, Thursday: Over in the Arctic, Friday: Animal Detectives. Ages 5-10.

9am-3pm. $40/members, $45/nonmembers. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org Winter Break Junior Zookeeper Camp - Your child can learn to be a zookeeper through behind the scenes animal activities, tours, and keeper meet and greets. Ages 11-12. 9am-3pm. $45/day for members, $50/nonmembers. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org

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