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By Penny Tullis Meeker
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Our first item for the November giveaway is Hazel’s Helpers, a SimplyFun game for kids ages four and up. The game’s characters are a family of beavers creating a lodge with logs. Players join in the fun of helping with the lodge construction. Your kids will have a blast while building decision making and fine motor skills.
Another SimplyFun game included as a November prize is for ages seven and up. SavannaScapes teaches kids about ecosystems and how to flex the strategic parts of their brains to win! Kids will find themselves immersed in the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem and all the incredible species diversity within it.
Jennifer Rosenbrook of Sylvania! the winner of our September/October giveaway!
The Toledo Ballet’s Nutcracker continues as Northwest Ohio’s premiere holiday tradition with colorful sets and costumes, live music, and this year – fresh choreography. International principal dancer Eris Nezha (La Scala, Boston Ballet) joins Toledo Ballet as Guest Director and Choreographer for this year’s Nutcracker, bringing characters to life while staying true to Tchaikovsky’s original score. Alongside recently appointed Artistic Director and Head of Curriculum for Toledo Ballet Eric Otto, Nezha’s choreog raphy will showcase the talent and hard work of current Toledo Ballet students, including a dancer in the Adaptive Dance Pro gram and will also feature Toledo Ballet alumni in the second act divertissements. Hayden Graham (15, Perrysburg High School) and Sophia Black (16, St. Ursula Academy) will dance the role of Clara. The role of Clara’s younger brother Fritz will be danced by Jonas Turk (11, Perrysburg Schools) and Connor Espinosa (11, Ohio Virtual Academy). International ballerina Katia Raj will dance the role of Sugar Plum Fairy alongside partner Gustavo Ramirez (Principal Dancer with Ballet Fantastique) as The Cava lier. Performances take place on Saturday, December 10 at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday, December 11 at 2pm. Tickets are available at www.toledoballet.com or by calling 419.246.8000.
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Easing the transition to parenthood
bundle
As I’m writing this, my family and I are in the throes of prepping for the last weekend of the Holly, MI Renaissance Festival. Matt and I have our costumes already, since I fortuitously happened upon a going-out-ofbusiness sale at a costume shop. I spent time going through a costume box from Matt’s childhood, which gave us a hodgepodge of options for Townes (now 18 months old): a random gnome hat (or as Townes pronounc es it “moan hat”), a cape and a peasant style blouse with sleeves that are way too long. We’ll make it work!
While we are still enjoying fall by hitting the pumpkin patches and apple orchards, decorating our home and baking up a storm, it’s also time to get seri ous about shopping for holiday gifts. For those of you who like to shop local, as I do, take a look at our Holiday Gift Guide, which features unique options that have the added benefit of supporting local makers and entrepreneurs.
Along with that helpful gift guide, we have the latest news on Universal Pre-K in Toledo, a review of Coop’s Downtown, tips for safe sleep practices for infants and a calendar filled with holiday fun. No matter how you’re celebrat ing this cozy season, I hope your holidays are filled with love, family and restorative times together.
With love, Erin Holden Assignment Editor Toledo Area Parent
smART Sketcher 2.0
If you’re looking for a gift idea for the artsy kid in your life, I think this projector is just brilliant. I gave it to my nephew Arlo (age six), and he has loved experimenting with it. It comes with a cartridge loaded with images that project onto paper to be traced, but Arlo has also used photos of himself to create a self-portrait! So many cool ways to use this toy.
about family roots, helping them to understand their special gifts and teaching them about similarities between themselves and other family members. Gather pictures and put them in an album to illustrate the family’s story.
If your child is small, make a memory book and show them all the things that are unique about them. This will help them connect to vast hopes and dreams for the future. Even a one-year-old child shows compassion and love. Organize a party about expression during this significant time for your child. Help them to draw a picture of themselves or put their handprints on the placemats, offering the other people who attend the birthday party a way to connect with the child’s
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This thing is a head-turner. I’m not exaggerating when I say that everywhere we go, someone asks me about it or simply marvels at it. We have taken it on cross-country road trips and never regretted it. Definitely recommend!
My mother-in-law gifted us a membership to the Zoo, and it has been such a joy to take Townes there as often as possible, especially with all the fall festivities that have been happening there lately.
party which is a time to teach them the importance of sharing and connecting with others. If they’re old enough, ask your child and their friends to help plan the party. If your child is very young create a party around what interests your child.
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free because Matt is a teacher and Townes is still young, so they go all the time! I love going too and am happy to support such a fun, educational place.
Yoga with Adriene My at-home yoga practice has been the same since about 2013. I am all about Yoga with Adriene, an Austin, TX based yoga instructor who has since become a YouTube darling, and for good reason. She is wonderful.
Capricorn children will tell you at a very young age what they want to be when they grow up. One of the challenges that Capricorns have as adults is balancing work and home life. A party game I always suggest for Capricorn children involves a parachute. First, you and the kids stand in a circle and pick up each side of the parachute, forming a circle.Have them hold the parachute, while you start pushing it up and down to create a ripple effect; then have them do the same and ask them what they felt. The important lesson here is for the kids to recognize how easily we affect one another and that throughout life our actions and words affect others.That lesson about compassion is important because, as your child gets older, he or she will be the one spreading it throughout the world!
In August, Gov. DeWine unveiled the Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant Program, which pro vided $47 million in grant funds for security upgrades to 1,183 Ohio schools. The funds cover expenses like security cameras, public address systems, automatic door locks, visitor badging systems and exterior lighting. To see which Toledo area schools will receive fund ing from this grant, check out the list within
Ottawa Hills High School Senior Elise Ans berg will receive the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award on November 16 — Na tional Philanthropy Day — to honor individ uals and organizations who give back to their communities in remarkable ways. Ansberg (17) did not let her disability hold her back. Instead, she has become an advocate for oth ers, working with the organization HearAide to provide hearing healthcare to underserved communities, both locally and around the world. Read a detailed story about her at toledoparent.com. —MK
Executive Director of Nature’s Nurs ery, Allison Schroeder, has teamed up with local illustrator Don Lee to create a series of books centered around real-life animal rescue stories that align with the Center’s mission to “improve the well-being of North west Ohio wildlife populations and habitats through public education and rehabilitation, with an emphasis on coexistence.” Both the new release, titled “One Friendly Fox,” and the first book in the “Animal Rescue Tails”series are available for purchase on natures-nursery.org, Amazon, Target and Barnes & Noble. —AV
Northwest Ohio Classical Academy (NOCA) spent their summer making significant renovations after a 25 percent increase in enrollment from last year. The renovations included important safety measures, an increase in the number of classrooms to accommodate the growing student body, new restroom facilities and much more. Read more about their progress at nocacademy.org
Washington Local School District hosted two ribbon-cutting ceremonies to introduce the public to the newly-constructed Shoreland Elementary and Sil ver Creek Elementary Schools. Present at the ceremony were school faculty, future students, school district board members as well as Mayor Wade Kap szukiewicz and State Representative Lisa Sobecki. These elementary schools are the first buildings to be replaced by the school district in 60 years. Com pared to older buildings in the district, the new buildings feature improved safety, greater energy efficiency, better technology and updated furnishings. Learn more at wls4kids.org. —SK
The high school, in collaboration with Toledo’s Brew Coffee Bar, opened The STEAM Café by The Frankel Family. It’s located in a common area for students, parents and teachers called The Foundry, which promotes collaborative learning and an interest in entrepreneurship. Visit jhhs.ohschools.org to learn more.
Oregon’s newest coffee shop — Freight House Coffee Company — offers baked goods and ice cream for kids and grownups alike, along with teas and coffee for you to get your caffeine fix! Their coffee is roasted in-house daily and they have a wide variety of blends from all over the world. Freight House Coffee Company, 16 S. Stadium Rd. 419-214-1153. freighthousecoffeeco.com
Dolly Darah and Karen Smith founded the fundraising nonprofit neighborhood bridges, which now has a presence in Sylvania. The organization aims to help alleviate poverty, particularly for students. So far, they have provided aid ranging from scholarships and clothing to medical devices and eye exams. To learn how you can contribute to the cause, visit neighborhoodbridges.org/community/ Sylvania-oh.
All 4 Kids LLC, a 5-star-rated early childhood education center, opened All 4 Kids 2 in August. The new loca tion promises the quality care offered at the original location, with free Pre-K classes and Head Start services. To learn more about their program and to enroll your child visit their website, all4kidsllc.com.
All 4 Kids 2, 6520 Pilliod Rd., Holland. 419-866-KIDS.
There’s nothing like the joy of perusing the aisles of your favorite toy store with that loveable mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe at the helm. The beloved national toy store chain recently joined forces with Macy’s, launching 400 stores within it nationwide. Luckily for Toledoans, our Macy’s at the Franklin Park Mall is one of them! To enjoy all the nostaligia and epic toy selection, visit the mall at 5001 Monroe St. today.
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Georgette’s Grounds & Gifts in downtown Maumee, a combination coffee house, café and gift shop, has a lot to offer. Locally roasted and pack aged coffee in a variety of flavors is available for purchase, either in bever age or bean form. Fresh, local produce is used in selections gracing a delight ful breakfast and lunch menu, and the choice of sweet treats is difficult to pass up. The gift shop invites visitors to admire artisan originals.
Those aspects make Georgette’s a local gem, but it’s the staff that truly makes this establishment stand out. Georgette’s is part of Sunshine Com munity’s supported employment program for Sunshine residents with developmental delays, disabilities and other conditions. The name comes from Georgette Engler (her face graces Georgette’s logo) who, along with her husband Roy, founded Sunshine in 1950 to supply a loving environment for those who would have traditionally been institutionalized.
Their coffee, locally roasted, is
packaged by Sunshine Communities residents, in a packaging plant housed in the original Engler home. Benefits from Georgette’s extend beyond the local community as coffee beans are bought from farmers in developing countries while the business promotes sustainability and supports those with developmental delays.
On the corner of Toledo and Rice St. in downtown of Elmore, Ohio, Christy’s Corner Café, a charming small town eatery, is the first business to be spon sored by Engaging Opportunities Foun dation (EOF), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit.
Named in honor of Christine “Chris ty” Bosch, who had Down Syndrome and was the sister of a founding mem ber of EOF, Christy was supported with love and encouragement, and she led a fulfilling life. When she passed away in 2011, her death inspired the creation of EOF “to provide opportunities for teens and adults with special needs, as others had provided for Christy.”
The Café serves coffee, breakfast,
lunch and the sweetest of treats! Their coffee, “Christy’s Blend,” is ethically sourced and locally roasted by Master Roaster Stephen Beam, owner of Brick House Roastery in Perrysburg. Christy’s was one of the chosen charities for the 2022 Dana Open!
EOF provides employment, job training and life skills for those with disabilities, but also for those with silent challenges, such as anxiety and traumatic brain injuries. EOF is also looking for businesses to partner with. To investigate or learn about business partnerships, visit engagingopportuni ties.org!
“We hope to seek out partner ships with local businesses to increase employment opportunities in various fields for our special needs students and staff,” EOF espouses. “Businesses could provide us with specific skills needed to obtain employment; we in turn would incorporate cited skill sets into our training. Our hope is that our students/ staff will eventually become employed in a field that they enjoy.”
While Georgette’s and Christy’s are independent of each other, and oper ate in separate counties, they share a common mission: to create community, equity and independence for everyone across Northwest Ohio.
The Mercy Health Trauma Recovery Center (TRC) fields daily referrals for victims of crime — including children.
Staffed by a team of licensed social workers, clinical counselors and a certi fied court victim advocate, the Toledo TRC is the only Trauma Recovery Center in Northwest Ohio.
The clinic’s certified trauma clini cians have accompanied about 2,000 vic tims on healing journeys since 2018. The outpatient program at Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center provides trauma recovery services, clinical case manage ment and advocacy for victims of all ages at no cost.
Now, thanks to a two-year, $145,000 grant awarded by Gov. Mike DeWine, the TRC is expanding its focus to include education, direct intervention and train ing to prevent area youth from becom ing victims of human trafficking. The grant awarded to Mercy Health is from a collaboration between the Governor’s Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund (OCTF), and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ (ODJFS) Children’s Justice Act Task Force.
“We are excited about this because it allows our team to shift from doing reactive services after a crime or victim ization or trauma has happened,” said OraLee Macklenar, TRC supervisor. “In stead, it allows us to open up the scope of what we’re doing [with] prevention and training geared toward youth ages 11 to 17 who are most at risk for becoming victims of human trafficking.” Services include psychosocial support groups, psychotherapy and case management.
Many young people served by the TRC fall into a category that puts them at a higher risk for trafficking, Macklenar explained. Vulnerable youth include those in the mental health or legal sys tems, children who are exposed to fam ily violence and kids in foster care. Most of these kids have already experienced
some kind of trauma, Macklenar ex plains, and it is essential to address that trauma to prevent them from falling into “more complex layers of victimization.”
The fundamental goals of the initia tive are to promote safety, stabilization and engagement for the youth, to restore their faith in humanity and to build their sense of empowerment.
In addition to working directly with youth at the clinic, the TRC presents the Human Trafficking Prevention Youth Curriculum to young people through local high schools and the Greater To ledo chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Macklenar said the TRC also receives patient referrals from the hospital and many community agencies, including the Victim-Witness Assistance program through the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office.
In addition to youth services, the grant covers training for staff members from the TRC and the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office Victim-Witness As sistance program, as well as other com munity professionals to recognize the signs and symptoms of human traffick ing in minors.
“We are excited to partner with the Mercy Health Toledo Trauma Recovery Center on this initiative,” said Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates. “I think that anything we can do, as a collabo ration to help at-risk youth in our com munity, we should make every effort to do. This is a community problem and to gether we can help with solutions, com fort, care and compassion.”
Macklenar relates that the training increases the knowledge and awareness of professionals so they can better pre vent young people from becoming the next victims. ”I think that it helps all of us to have a better recognition of what might potentially be in front of us,” said Macklenar.
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The only fashion that lasts forever.
A SMILE.
Coats are zipped, hats and gloves are on, and the kids are noticing a nip in the air. Yes – it’s the holiday season in Toledo! If you’re looking for ideas for the whole family to enjoy, we’ve got you covered with our roundup of activities happening throughout the area in November and December.
The Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way
November 18 – December 31 | 3-8pm, Monday-Thursday 3-9pm, Friday-Sunday toledozoo.org/lights
The Zoo will close one hour after last admission to allow guests to finish their visit. This annual spectacular returns for its 37th year with more than one million lights. The six-week event begins with the lighting of the 85-foot Norway Spruce “Big Tree,” decorated in over 30,000 individual LED bulbs.
Admission is $26 for adults (ages 12-59) and $23 for kids (ages 2-11) and seniors (ages 60 and up). Chil
Main Street, Downtown Bowling Green
November 19 | 10am-2pm
Everyone loves a parade, and this one is certainly a favorite!
Miracle on Main Street & 5K Downtown Sylvania 5651 Main St. Dec. 2 | 5pm | Dec. 3 | 5pm redbirdsylvania.org/events
Art lovers and runners, this event is for you. On Friday and Saturday in Downtown Sylvania, attendees can enjoy the crisp winter air while working on their holiday shopping list through an Art Walk featuring local vendors. Don’t miss the annual tree lighting ceremony that follows! 5K happens on Saturday.
The Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way
Polar Paws & Santa Claws 5K at 4pm Polar Paws Kids Cub Run at 3pm toledozoo.org/polarpaws
This two-race event is for everyone, no matter the age! 5k registrants will receive a collectible medal, tech-friendly gloves, a collectible cup and a custom bib
Cost to participate in the Polar Paws & Santa Claws 5K is $35 plus processing fee. Cost to participate in the Polar Paws Kids Cub Run is $15. It is open to ages 12 and under. For more information on registration, visit the Toledo Zoo website.
Classic Movie Nights Maumee Indoor Theatre
Mondays or Tuesdays all-season-long (Check back for more details) maumeeindoor.com
The Maumee Indoor Theater is back at it this holiday season for its free Classic Movie Night Series! Movie selections will be decided by popular vote, so stay tuned to their social media pages to cast your vote!
BABY SHARK LIVE!: The Christmas Show Stranahan Theater and Great Hall 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd.
Doors open at 5pm. Show begins at 6pm stranahantheater.com/events/baby-sharklive-the-christmas-show Baby Shark do-do-do-do-do-do… don’t act like you don’t
know it. Bring the kids to the Stranahan Theater and splash along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong. Ticket prices range from $29 to $69. Kids under 2-years-old do not require a ticket to sit on a parent’s lap.
Maker’s Mart Holiday Edition
Handmade Toledo 1717 Adams St.
November 12 | 11am-7pm handmadetoledo.com
Bring the family to UpTown Toledo and enjoy one of the city’s best craft fairs, holiday style!
Admission is $5. Kids 10 and under get in free.
Holiday Light Parade and Holiday Hustle 5K
Maumee Uptown Business Association 601 Conant St.
November 27 | 6pm
Runners and walkers unite in Maumee for some ofthe best lights the Toledo area has to offer. Beginning with the Holiday Hustle 5K walk/run, participants will don their best holiday attire while navigating the circuit beginning at the Maumee Indoor Theater and continuing on Conant St. to West Wayne St.
The parade begins at 6pm.
Holiday Night Market
Fifth Third Building at One Seagate
Dec. 10 | 4-10pm & Dec. 11 | 2-8pm
The Grand Lobby inside the Fifth Third Building at One Seagate will be decorated in Christmas cheer. Attendees can venture down the escalator to the Lower Level where a vintage department store awaits for those hard-to-buy-for people on your gift list. Free parking at the Vistula Parking Garage that is connected and accessible via the lower level.
Admission is $5.
The Nutcracker
Stranahan Theater & Great Hall 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd.
December 10 | 2 & 7pm
December 11 | 2pm
toledosymphony.com
The Toledo Ballet is back with its 82nd staging of “The Nutcracker,” a rendering of E.T.A. Hoffman’s story with fresh choreography and Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by the Toledo Symphony. Ticket prices range from $36 to $58.
By Julie Pompa
businesses
Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way 419-385-5721
toledozoo.org
Make the Toledo Zoo your family getaway throughout the year with a membership that includes family days, demonstrations and enrichments, as well as events like “Lights Before Christmas.” Help with conservation programs or adopt an animal. Run and shout through the tunnel or find the biggest fish in the Aquarium. And be sure to look for special treasures in the gift shop!
Toledo Museum of Art Store 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000
toledomuseum.org
The Museum Store featuring Collector’s Corner offers a diverse and delightful selection of original works of art, unique merchandise, and specialty gifts inspired by the Toledo Museum of Art’s world-famous collection. Whether your tastes are classic or modern, elegant or whimsical, you’ll find much to enjoy at the Museum Store. Treat someone special—or yourself—to the gift of art. Shop online or visit us in store www.toledomuseum.org/visit/store
Georgette’s Grounds and Gifts
311 Conant St., Maumee | 419-891-8888 georgettes.org
This Maumee shop has an incredible story and mission. Georgette’s is famous for its breakfast and lunch menus, but also for its legendary coffee, roasted locally and grown in developing countries. As for gifts, Georgettes features unique items and necessities for shoppers of all ages. The restaurant and gift shop are staffed by people with developmental disabilities, fulfilling the mission of “Georgette” herself, a local parent who, with her husband Roy, founded Sunshine Children’s Home.
We’ll Frame It 328 W. Dussel Dr., Maumee 419-897-0591 wellframeit.com
For a meaningful holiday gift, go to the locally owned We’ll Frame It shop, which offers framing not only for photos, but also for items you want to display (check out their homepage for a glimpse of framed arrowheads, for example!). Whether you want to display your child’s artwork from a school project, a family heirloom or simply give your family por trait the beautiful treatment it deserves, We’ll Frame It is the place to go.
Learning Express Toys and Gifts
5577 Monroe St., Sylvania 419-885-3959 learningexpress.com
Customers will always find the perfect toy for their little loved ones at Learning Express Toys and Gifts! The local business in the Promenade Shops on Mon roe St. reopened after remodel ing last fall, and owner Rene Rusgo is excited to help visitors find everything they need for the holiday season. Follow Learn ing Express Toys and Gifts on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok for the latest news.
Toledo Symphony’s Musically Me Classes 1838 Parkwood Ave. | 419-246-8000 toledosymphony.com
For children ages 0-7, the eight-week music classes are a meaningful, fun and educational gift at only $90. Designed to be enjoyed by caregivers and kids alike, the upcoming sessions include “Rhythm of the Rhyme” and “Best of Sandra Boynton.” Check out their website to see the most up-to-date schedule.
5901 Airport Hwy. 419-865-5743
sjjtoledo.org
By Toledo Area Parent Staff
When it comes to educational opportunities in Toledo, there’s plenty to talk about. Whether it’s the monumental expansion of Toledo School for the Arts, an open house spotlight on St. Francis de Sales High School, or the exciting news about universal pre-k options in our area, our region should be proud of all we have to offer.
St. John’s provides students with a Catholic education in the Jesuit tradi tion, but it is so much more than that. The school’s academic success and focus on serving others make it an excellent choice for students. Retired Air Force Colonel Mark Swentkofske was recently named the school’s 12th president. An alum nus himself, Swentkofske says, “Our mission as a Jesuit school has always been to educate and develop young men as Christian leaders with Ignatian spirituality who desire to give back to their communities. St. John’s has always been steadfast to this mission during changes in leadership and changes in our world. I recognize the Toledo community has high expecta tions of SJJ and our graduates which I intend to exceed.” To learn more about the school’s mission and to take a virtual tour, visit their website today.
Open House: Call to make appointment
Toledo School for the Arts recently began construction of a $9 million expan sion project called The Next Big Thing. The plans for Toledo School for the Arts (TSA) are more than an expansion and renovation of the school’s building. The new studio spaces, stairwell, cafeteria, classrooms and community portal mean that TSA can expand programming and increase community engagement.
A new stairwell may not seem criti cal to expanding programming, but TSA is currently limited to 700 total students because of the size of the stairwell. Once the new basement-to-rooftop stairwell is completed, TSA will be able to increase the number of students who can attend. The annual wait list to get into TSA is 200 and TSA will be able to admit an addi tional 140 students, a 20 percent increase in enrollment.
The Next Big Thing includes build ing a new annex with a black box studio, a flexible space where a variety of per formances for smaller audiences can be held onsite. “It will have the flexibility to be a dance space one day, a theater space the next and then a concert space, all in the course of three days,” explains Rob Koenig, Interim TSA Director. The ex pansion also includes numerous new or upgraded classrooms and studios. New dance studios will be created that are free of building columns which current ly restrict dance instruction. In addition, a new student lounge and café space will be added.
A top priority for the project is the creation of a Community Portal located along the Adams Street Corridor in the Uptown Neighborhood. The portal will
provide “greater access for the com munity to learn about us and greater access for our kids to be involved with the community,” says Dave Gierke, TSA Development Director.
The Community Portal includes a new student gallery, maker’s space, school store and a glass kiln studio that will be open to the public. These spaces will be able to completely open to the sidewalk along Adams Street with large doors that roll up like a garage door.
TSA students will learn about operations for arts-related businesses such as publishing, retail and artist management. “Everything on this site is going to be concentrating on income generating funding for the school as well as opportunities for kids to work the ancillary positions of the industry,” says Gierke.
The community will have more access to the resources of TSA. The portal pro vides a place where community mem bers can learn about hiring a student performance group, taking an art class, or using one of the many types of studio spaces such as the recording studio, digital lab, filmmaking, metalsmithing and glassmaking studios.
Funding for the expansion project is a community effort as well. The Next Big Thing reached $9 million in funding through donations from hundreds of TSA “ARTners” and Alumni. The new annex will be named after Stuart and Maxine Frankel as lead donors. Koenig explains that community and charter schools don’t get government funding for building and infrastructure, and TSA is in a 114-year-old building. Communi ty support for this expansion means that Toledo School for the Arts will continue to grow as a national model for blend ing the arts and academics.
333 14th St. 419-246-8732 ts4arts.org
Open House: Saturday, November 5
With a dual emphasis on academics and the arts, TSA offers a truly integra tive approach to learning. If your child is interested in visual arts, dance, music, creative writing or theater, this tuition-free charter school sponsored by Bowling Green State University is one to seriously consider, especially given all the improvements the school has been making with its $9 million expansion. Titled The Next Big Thing, the expansion has created new studio spaces, cafeteria, classrooms, and a community portal, allowing TSA to expand programming and increase community engagement.
Visit the school’s website to find out more about their curriculum, plus all the extras that make TSA a winning choice for the artistically inclined stu dent: TSA First Fridays art expos, the TSA Beat Podcast and gift shop items created by the students themselves, just to name a few amazing programs. To RSVP to their November 5 Open House, click on “enrollment” at ts4arts.org.
2323 W. Bancroft St. 419-531-1618 | sfstoledo.org
At St. Francis, they not only want to be the best school, but the best school for each individual student. From the teachings of St. Francis de Sales, they encourage students to ‘be who you are and be that well.’ This motto, im printed on the hearts of the students and faculty, has formed their educational philosophy. Students at St. Francis understand that myPREP is “my path, my journey, and my plan for education.” myPREP (Professional Readiness Education Program) is the school’s innovative, individualized approach to education, where students can explore areas of interest and go deeper into their passions. The goal of myPREP is to ignite the love of learning in students of all grades.
Open House: Call to make appointment
Research shows that over 80 percent of Toledo’s children enter kindergarten without the skills, behaviors or knowl edge needed for continued academic success. HOPE Toledo intends to change that narrative through its Universal Pre-K program. Through this initiative, Toledo children who are four-years-old and younger can access affordable, early childhood education through a preschool in their community.
Research has shown that children who attend a pre-k program experi ence positive outcomes that include increased high school graduation rates, increased financial success throughout their lifetime among other significant social benefits.
In 2018, only 18 percent of children (1 in 5) in Toledo were prepared to enter kindergarten based on district readiness assessments. During that same year, To ledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz met with elected officials across Ohio and established a steering committee with representatives from the City of Toledo, ProMedica, Greater Toledo Community Foundation, United Way of Greater
Toledo, Washington Local Schools and Toledo Public Schools.
Pre-K is short for pre-kindergarten, and it is where children four-yearsold and younger can learn to become more independent as they get ready for elementary school. Children take part in hands-on activ ities that help them learn about num bers, colors, shapes, songs and letters, all while learning how to play well with others. Students in the Pre-K program have smaller numbers of students in the classroom and smaller teacher-to-child ratios than is typical of kindergarten.
John Jones, president and CEO of HOPE Toledo, is focused on funding to keep the pre-k program sustainable for years to come. In the spring, Jones presented a proposal to Toledo City Council, asking to allocate $1.25 mil
lion of the city’s American Rescue Plan in the effort. About a month later, the funding request was approved. “We’re thrilled about it, and we’re thrilled to have it [the money] to continue to move the needle,” says Jones.
“The reason why I voted for this funding is because I understand there is a direct link to education and poverty,” says John Hobbs, Toledo City Council member for District One, add ing, “Poverty tends to follow a group or a community that is uneducated. The universal pre-k program is extremely important to educate children in our communities in order to avoid that.”
Jones estimates there are 3,500 –4,000 four-year-olds in Toledo and about 1,000 of those children will attend universal pre-k.
To successfully run the program, Jones and other officials calculated that it would cost $10,000-$12,000 per child to get the education they need.
“We’re talking somewhere in the $10 million range annually of what would be needed to continue the program,” Jones adds. Talks to secure more fund ing from other organizations are “in progress” according to Jones. To donate to support HOPE Toledo and universal pre-k, visit the donation section of the HOPE Toledo website.
Parents can enroll children in uni versal pre-k today by visiting the web site. While the program is not free, Jones emphasizes that enrolling your child in pre-k is very affordable and that the cost “it’s based on the household income”, adding that the program is designed to shoulder some of the financial burden, particularly for those at the lower levels of the income scales.
“We [HOPE Toledo] are working to help bring about a comprehensive, community-based approach to early childhood education and care. We know that a strong academic start is critical for our kids so they can have a successful future.”
Learn more about the programs at hope-toledo.org.
www.toledoparent.com
“A strong educational start is critical for our kids so they can have a successful future.”
Any parent of a child with disabilities knows that it isn’t always easy to find the resources you need. The Toledo area has an abundance of programming, resources and businesses that help children of all abilities. We’ve listed some of the inclusive, welcoming organizations that truly shine bright in our community.
5605 Monroe St., Sylvania 419-885-5733
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo (ACT) has a multitude of programs to promote independent living to families, youth and young adults. Thir new Youth and Family service line helps connect families of young children (ages 0-12) with other families through community activities and parent groups. Community-based Inde pendent Living Skills Classes are focused on supporting teens and young adults on their journey to independence. Youth explore new recreation activities in the community and at ACT.
These activities are not only unique experiences for the young par ticipants, but they also provide a chance to develop crucial social skills. Past activities have included trips to Cedar Point, bowling, the movies, sporting events, game nights, and exploration of local festivals, just to name a few.
Visit abilitycenter.org to discover all the organization has to offer youth with any type of disability.
20 branches | 419-259-5200 toledolibrary.org
TLCPL has partnered with the Ability Center of Greater Toledo (ACT) with programs like the DREAM Project, a program that ensures a wide variety of children’s books about and written by people with disabilities. The Library also offers ASL classes for teens, disability etiquette train ing sessions, sensory and mindfulness activities, and Rhythm & Rhyme Storytime for children of all abilities.
Not only does the Library continue to add inclusive programming, but they have been steadily making their facilities more accessible. For instance, they have upgraded check-out stations, restrooms and print sta tions to be ADA compliant. And they have created useful tools for people with visual impairments and those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. There are further plans to expand accessibility throughout TLCPL’s branches in the near future.
To learn more about what inclusive programs your local branch offers, visit the library’s website today.
Youth & Family Services
A new service encouraging family growth through a network of support. Designed for for kids (ages birth – 12) and parents, we are the front door to a wealth of knowledge and connections.
“Why do you talk like that?” I heard the question come from behind me as I helped another child in the Sunday school class.
“It’s just the way I am.” I heard my sister-in-law wisely answer the curious boy.
My sister-in-law, Kara, was born with cerebral palsy. She was helping me in the classroom that day when one of the kids noticed her speech was differ ent. Kara has been taught to answer, “It’s just the way I am” after years of ques tions about how cerebral palsy affects her speech and other aspects of her life.
Our kids have grown up around their beloved Aunt Kara and accept her as she is, but there came a time when each of them has asked about Kara’s dis ability and why it makes her different.
Chances are, at some point, your child will meet someone at school or in the community that has a disability. It is normal for children to have questions about people who are different from them, which means parents should be prepared to answer their questions in an intelligent and appropriate way. Here are some tips to get the conversation started:
All of us have unique gifts, personal ities, and challenges. No two people are the same, which is a great thing, because diversity makes life interesting and fun. While we are all different, everyone has things in common too. All people, including people with disabilities, want to have friends, be shown respect, and have the desire to be accepted.
Encourage your child to embrace the differences of others and find common ground as well. If your child is interested in a popular television show, book, toy, or game, chances are a person with a disability is too. Encourage your child to find out what they love to do in order to find shared interests.
Some disabilities are obvious and some are not. Some people may need a walker or wheelchair to help them move around. Others may have a cognitive disability that is not as visible. Explain in simple terms that people struggle with different things and may need a little extra help from a physical tool (like a wheelchair) or help from others.
People can have impairments with sight, hearing, walking, speech, cogni tion, and many other things. It is impor
tant to note that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it does not mean they have a cognitive disability. Also, disabil ities are not contagious and children are not going to “catch” the disability. These things may sound obvious to adults, but children process things differently than we do, and many have these questions.
Emphasize that people with dis abilities have feelings too. Name-calling is hurtful, disrespectful, and is a form of bullying. People with disabilities need others to stand up for them when they cannot stand up for themselves. Encour age your child to tell an adult if kids are teasing another child. Your child can be an example to others by being kind and respectful. Parents can set an example by using positive language and behav ior towards others as well.
Kids are curious and love to ask questions. Many times they will speak exactly what is on their mind without thinking about whether the comments will be hurtful. This can be very embar rassing to parents. So what do you do if your child blurts out a rude and embar rassing comment?
Start by answering calmly and mat ter of factly. If, for example, your child says “Why is that boy in a wheelchair?” Simply answer, “He needs it to move around. Why don’t you say hello?” If the child is reluctant, say hello to him yourself along with something like “John likes trains. Do you like trains too?” If the person accompanying the child responds, follow their lead. It is al ways better to treat others as you would like to be treated than to hurry away in an embarrassing situation. Later, when you are at home, you can ask your child if they have any other questions about others with disabilities and reinforce the value of treating everyone equally.
My sister-in-law, now thirty-eight years old, has been asked many ques tions over the years, some rude and some just curious. She has learned to handle them well because she knows that, just like anyone else, she has chal lenges to overcome and successes to celebrate. Kara loves watching movies, dancing to music, and taking care of animals. She loves eating candy, pizza, and tacos. She is fun to be around and loves to get out and explore new places. People with disabilities are just people. Sometimes that simple fact is all kids need to know.
311 Conant St., Maumee 419-891-8888
georgettes.org
Also an offshoot of Sunshine Commu nities, Georgette’s Grounds and Gifts is passionate about employing people of all abilities in their kitchen, with customer service, and within the unique gift shop (it is connected to the coffee shop, but it also has its own entry in back). Georgette’s serves up coffee house favorites and delectable sweets, which you can enjoy as you take in the amazing selection of gift items created by both local and nationally recognized artists. Their offerings range from artisanal soaps and candles to jewelry and home decor — a little something for everyone. Learn more about the organization’s history in our Exceptional Families story on page 8 in this issue!
305 Conant St., Maumee 419-891-8877
sunshinestudio.org
An art studio that welcomes people of all abilities, incomes and artistic skill levels, Sunshine Studios is an integral part of the community. Their afford able public art classes led by Art Studio Manager, Larry Knight, are highly recommended by all who attend, and the wares created by Sunshine’s art ists in the studio are always a unique choice for the holidays and beyond. From mugs and plates to a variety of textiles, the home decor options are both eye-catching and practical. You can even commission a custom-made piece! Whether you take a class, rent the space, or purchase a gift, you’ll be supporting a wonderful mission of inclusivity with Sunshine Studios.
Check
7223 Maumee Western Rd., Maumee, OH 43537 www.sunshine.org info@sunshine.org 419-861-0251
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November/December
419-665-3322 | 800-755-GROW helpmegrow.org Michigan: 800-EARLYON | 1800earlyon.org
Early Intervention works with families with chil dren from birth to age three who have develop mental delays or disabilities so that they have the best possible start in life. Early Intervention professionals work with you and your child to identify strengths and needs, addressing concerns as early as possible with services right where you live, play and spend your day. Making a referral is the first step for parents and caregivers who have questions or concerns about their child under the age of three. One referral opens the door to many programs and resources that support families. Contact Help Me Grow to make a referral today!
ACT EARLY AND REFER TO OHIO EARLY INTERVENTION
Sleep-deprived parents of newborns will do just about anything for a little shut-eye. Parents may be tempted to bring their newborns into bed with them, but a new report from the Ameri can Academy of Pediatrics warns against the practice of co-sleeping.
In Ohio, a baby who has a confirmed diagnosis of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) is
Since 1992, the AAP has been educat ing parents on safe sleep practices with the “Back is Best” campaign in an effort to combat SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). A new report this summer updated the guidelines to reflect current safety protocols. It is now recommended that all infants under the age of one should sleep in their own crib or bas sinet, on their backs, without soft toys, pillows, blankets or bedding.
offer one-on-one help, coming to the home (or visiting via zoom) to assess the situation and to offer solutions.
Lola Sanchez Liste, founder of Rock in’ Blinks, knows firsthand the struggles of the sleep-deprived mom.
concerns as early as possible, with services right where you live, play, and spend your day.
who has a confirmed diagnosis of Neonatal Abstinence (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) is eligible for Early Intervention.
Early Intervention works with families with children birth to age 3 who have NAS/NOWS so they have the best possible start in life. Early Intervention professionals support your family to identify strengths and needs and address concerns as early as possible, with services right where you live, play, and spend your day.
In Ohio, a baby who has a confirmed diagnosis of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) is automatically eligible for Early Intervention.
“Being a mom is by far the hardest job ever,” Sanchez Liste says. “ After having my first daughter, I felt very lost about motherhood, and sleep depriva tion affected me greatly. I was going through postpartum anxiety, and it took me a long time to get someone to help me. I became passionate about sleep, healthy sleep habits and understanding babies’ natural sleep development. It was a journey to discover how impor tant sleep was and how little parents know about it when they first have their baby.”
confirmed diagnosis of Neonatal Abstinence Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) is Intervention.
If your baby has been diagnosed with NAS/NOWS, you or your healthcare provider can refer to Early Intervention right away. The process is simple.
In Ohio, a baby who has a confirmed diagnosis of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) is automatically eligible for Early Intervention.
TO MAKE A REFERRAL
Intervention works with families with children birth to age 3 who have they have the best possible start in life. Early Intervention support your family to identify strengths and needs and address early as possible, with services right where you live, play, and day.
“Infants under the age of four months have a much higher risk of death when co-sleeping,” said Vanessa Ladriyé, RMA, Health Educator for the Toledo-Lucas County Health Depart ment. “An infant can share a room with a parent, but not the same sleep environ ment.”
Sanchez Liste went on to become a certified sleep consultant, and now helps parents everywhere through her website, offering consultation services and products such as pima cotton sleepwear.
Early Intervention works with families with children birth to age 3 who have NAS/NOWS so they have the best possible start in life. Early Intervention professionals support your family to identify strengths and needs and address concerns as early as possible, with services right where you live, play, and spend your day.
Early Intervention works with families with children birth to age 3 who have NAS/NOWS so they have the best possible start in life. Early Intervention professionals support your family to identify strengths and needs and address concerns as early as possible, with services right where you live, play, and spend your day.
Contact 1-800-755-GROW or visit www.OhioEarlyIntervention.org.
If your baby has been diagnosed with NAS/NOWS, you or your healthcare provider can refer to Early Intervention right away. The process is simple.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT?
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TO MAKE A REFERRAL Contact 1-800-755-GROW or visit www.OhioEarlyIntervention.org.
If your baby has been diagnosed with NAS/NOWS, you or your healthcare provider can refer to Early Intervention right away. The process is simple.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT?
been diagnosed with NAS/NOWS, you or your healthcare refer to Early Intervention right away. The process is simple.
If your baby has been diagnosed with NAS/NOWS, you or your healthcare provider can refer to Early Intervention right away. The process is simple.
TO MAKE A REFERRAL
families with children birth to age 3 who have best possible start in life. Early Intervention family to identify strengths and needs and address with services right where you live, play, and
TO MAKE A REFERRAL
Contact 1-800-755-GROW or visit www.OhioEarlyIntervention.org
REFERRAL 1-800-755-GROW or visit www.OhioEarlyIntervention.org.
Contact 1-800-755-GROW or visit www.OhioEarlyIntervention.org
NEXT?
diagnosed with NAS/NOWS, you or your healthcare Intervention right away. The process is simple. visit www.OhioEarlyIntervention.org.
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“Your infant should always sleep alone on their back in an empty crib at every nap and every night,” Ladriyé said. “If the infant happens to fall asleep on an adult bed, the AAP recommends placing your infant in their own sleep environment, either a crib or bassinet, or a pack-and-play.”
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Parents who are yearning for a peaceful nighttime routine are increas ingly turning to professionals for help. Certified pediatric sleep consultants can
“Rockin’ Blinks was born from the idea that every sleeprelated product should include basic tips to help families understand sleep and imple ment routines that help their children get better sleep,” she said. The website offers a line of footed pajamas and baby sleep bags in luxurious pima cotton that are soft, durable, hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals and flame retardants.
During the pandemic, Sanchez Liste saw many families who were strug gling with sleep issues beyond the
Ladriyé offered some tips for safe sleep:
Keep it calm, and keep it dark: Create a calm environ ment, free from loud noises, bright lights, television and computer lights.
White noise: Using a white noise machine for sleep is a great soothing device that can be placed in your infant’s room while sleeping. Keep the noise under 50 decibels.
Dress accordingly: It is recom mended to dress your infant ac cording to the room temperature of your home. You can dress your infant in layers or sleep sacks, but check for overheating (sweating, a hot chest, or flushed skin.). Room temperature is recommended to be between 68-72 degrees.
Consider a pacifier: Pacifiers are recommended for infants to aid in sleep, but should be delayed if the infant is being breastfed until feeding is firmly established. If using a pacifier, it should not be attached using a string onto the baby’s clothing, or an attached stuffed animal, to avoid strangula tion and suffocation.
Stay close: The AAP recom mends room sharing up to the age of six months because it can decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent.
infant years which were brought on by stress. She believes that healthy sleep routines should be adjusted throughout a child’s life. She also notes that many cultures do practice “safe and practical” co-sleeping for children who are over one year old.
“Children change so much during the first years of life that it is hard to un derstand all the changes and then make appropriate adjustments to schedules and routines. We want to help parents so they don’t have to do it alone and struggle with where to find the informa tion they need. At Rockin’ Blinks, we are committed to helping parents raise happy, healthy kids by providing easy access to essential sleep information for every stage, from newborn through the teen years. We believe healthy sleep is attainable for every family, and we’re here to offer support and sleep services to help families establish healthy sleep habits.”
For more advice on safe sleep prac tices and tools that work for you and your baby, visit Healthychildren.org (The American Academy of Pediatrics) and Rockinblinks.com.
At 37-years-old, Nick Corbin has seemingly done it all. Holding 19 dif ferent jobs (but who’s counting) since he has been old enough to work, to being an active and engaged father, Nick is proud to share what he’s experienced and how it’s helped shape who he is today.
Nick is incredibly positive and humble, which is admirable, and per haps surprising, considering he comes from an unorthodox childhood. He was a high school dropout at just 15-yearsold and points to his “rough home life” as a reason for his leaving school. Nick says that while high school was never too challenging for him, it was tough for him to find motivation. Soon after he dropped out, he chased his early dream of becoming a rapper, adopting the name “Detro”, which is now tattooed on his arm. “When people ask about it, I tell them it was supposed to say Detroit but I couldn’t afford the i-t,” he quips.
While the tattoo remains with him today, his passion shifted towards writ ing, psychology and filmmaking. At
23-years-old, Corbin began his collegiate studies but never took film classes. “I’m really self-taught, and it’s something that I’ve been obsessed with since I was a kid,” he says. “My grandfather used to teach film classes at the Jefferson Center in downtown Toledo and he brought home a camera on the weekends that my brother and I loved to use.” Nick says shooting videos and capturing im ages with his brother helped them both escape from their undesirable living con ditions.
After working his way through col lege with several different jobs, Nick graduated with three degrees: an associ ate’s degree in psychology, a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a psy chology minor and a master’s degree in English. While filmmaking remains Nick’s primary focus, he also teaches English Composition, as an adjunct professor at the University of Toledo. “Teaching doesn’t really take up that much time at all… maybe 10-15 hours per week. Filmmaking takes up about 90 percent of my time.”
Nick began taking filmmaking seri ously in 2013 after he produced a short 30-minute horror film titled “Dark Things” that he wrote and directed. Most recently, he has produced a docu mentary on the Glass City River Wall “Mini Mural”. Over the years, Nick has produced 30+ films. In 2017, Nick wel comed his son into the world. So how does Nick find time between teaching and filmmaking to be a good dad?
Nick’s outlook on life
Between maintaining a social life, work life and personal life, it can be easy to fall into an endless, and some times mindless, routine.
“If you do different stuff all the time, life always feels awesome, and you’re not missing it.” Nick shares that the thing people regret most in their lives is working too much. “You’re working so hard now and it is a bet that you can buy your freedom later.” Nick looks to continue to grow his film career while enjoying watching his son grow.
To see Nick’s latest film projects, in cluding “Mini Mural,” subscribe to his YouTube channel, Nick Corbin Produc tions.
How long have you lived in Toledo?
About 28 of my 37 years.
What is your favorite thing about living in Toledo?
It's relatively close to quite a few great cities. Three and a half hours from Chicago, two and a half from Columbus, two from Cleveland, and just one hour from Detroit... and the cost of liv ing here is lower.
Ohio State or Michigan?
Complete honesty: I've never watched more than five or ten minutes of any sports contest in my entire life.
What will be on your tombstone?
Happened a lot later than we all thought it would, huh?
If you could change one thing in this world right now, what would it be?
For everyone to have access to clean water and quality, afford able food.
With technology playing an ever larger role in our day-to-day lives, even from a young age, the subject of screen time can be a source of contention be tween parents and their children. Parent ing educator Laura Linn Knight, author of Break Free from Reactive Parenting, shares her thoughts on navigating fam ily guidelines around screen use, the benefits and dangers of technology and how rules may change as summer vaca tion ends and a new school year begins.
When discussing screen time, Knight refers to the host of electronic devices that children and adults might use — tablets and phones, video games, TV and movies and more.
"We know that when children are using screens, it releases a significant amount of dopamine," Knight said. There are healthier activities that also re lease dopamine, such as exercising and socializing with friends, Knight added, but screen use initiates dopamine in ad dictive ways more akin to an effect from drugs and alcohol. "What I see in chil dren and with the families that I work with is that often there's initial pleasure from using screens, but then users de velop meltdowns and emotional vola tility when asked to curtail screen use," she said. "Really, they're having kind of a withdrawal."
Knight points out that pediatricians have established clear guidelines for younger children, including no tablet use except for family video chats for kids under two, and then limiting device use to only educational purposes for chil dren ages two to five. "And then after five years old, it really becomes up to the parents," she said. Particularly with adolescents, Knight said, it's important to set limits. "We're having a huge in crease of screen time among adolescents, and we're finding that there's also this correlation of children feeling more de pressed."
It is important to note, Knight ex plains, that the same devices can be used in a variety of different ways and it is not necessary or wise for parents to be entirely anti-screen; there are cre ative and collaborative uses for devices that can be beneficial. "I think screens
can bring communities together. There are activities where whole families can work together," she said. "For example, my husband loves 3D printing, some thing that he's really passionate about that involves a screen. He and our son create different things with a 3D printer. So when I'm thinking about screen time, that's not really where my attention and focus is going as I set up the limits and the boundaries within my home."
ting the child be responsible for allocat ing that time, making occasional excep tions as situations allow. For example, if screen time is limited to an hour but her son wants to watch a movie which lasts longer, that may be allowed.
Knight stressed that having conver sations with kids about technology is vital, exploring the benefits, negative effects and the science associated with screen use together. "It's important for parents to become informed and educat ed on the subject so that they can decide ahead of time what they want the rules and boundaries to be within the home," Knight said. "Then they need to sit down and have a family meeting with their children to share the appropriate facts and age-appropriate findings with them. They can be talking also about family values."
Dr. Amy Allen, Chief of Student Sup ports for Toledo Public Schools, agrees that technology does have a place in chil dren's lives. "We can no longer suggest that children should not use technology on a daily basis," Dr. Allen said. "It has become a very effective way for us all to communicate and to learn. However, in order to have a well-rounded student, screen time should be considered only one part of a healthy environment."
Allen adds that parents should mod el appropriate screen behaviors when using their own devices, such as putting down their devices and being very inten tional during interactions with children and adults. Dr. Allen also agreed that monitoring both a child's screen time as well as what they are watching is crucial.
For activities like playing video games and watching movies, Knight recommends setting a time limit and let
Each family's values should shape how they think about technology, Knight said, and it can be useful to write these values down. "We value quality time together. We value family dinners. We value playing together," Knight said of her own family's guiding principles. "So if we have this as our guiding value and we're really clear about it as a fam ily, it makes sense that we only have an hour [of screen time]. Because we want to do other things together. Families that practice this tell me that there's more un derstanding and there's more participa tion from children," she added. "It's less authoritarian and more of a family deci sion that's been made."
With a new school year underway, parents may want to adjust screen time rules. Knight suggests starting that con versation early and practicing the new routine. "Going back to school is such a shock for children in so many ways," she said. "They're readjusting to new friends, new teachers, they're getting up earlier and they are at school for longer hours. It's a lot for them emotionally, socially, and physically." Ideally, then, parents should try to minimize stress around new rules at home by easing into new expectations early.
For more advice on screen-time management and other parenting tips, check out Laura Linn Knight’s book, Break Free From Reactive Parenting,on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, bookshop.org and other major book sellers. You can also follow her on Instagram @lauralinnknight.
www.toledoparent.com
November/December
Parenting educator Laura Linn Knight shares her family-centric approachLaura Linn Knight, author and educator
The casual outdoor dining ended up working out for us, as the indoor high-top options inside weren’t ideal for our little one. 18-month-old Townes was digging the cheese curds.
Brad Fields, the owner of the Netty’s on Fearing, wanted to bring the taste of Netty’s downtown, but he wanted to add something to spice it up a bit. After brainstorming with his friend, Ed Beczynski (owner of the Blarney), Fields recalled a burger joint in Iowa that the two of them had been to where they had “boozy shakes.” The name Coop’s is in honor of Fields’s son, Cooper, while also providing the eatery with a Mud Hens connection.
A boozy shake didn’t sound like my type of thing, although I do appreciate the occasional White Russian or Guin ness float. Coop’s options seem endless, but the bartenders provide helpful sug gestions. I ended up ordering a Reese’s shake with Peanut Butter Whiskey. Oh. My. God. Peanut Butter and chocolate is my go-to ice cream in virtually all circumstances, which made it an easy choice. The whiskey, which I thought would be overwhelming coupled with the ice cream, complemented the concoction perfectly. Fields’s favorite is a S’more with the same peanut but ter whiskey, but that Cinnamon Toast Crunch with Fireball is a nice fall drink. All of their shakes are dairy-free. They advertise as being family-friend ly so I was a bit surprised that there were no high chairs. The high-top/bar seating wasn’t ideal for our 18-monthold. Good thing we had (luckily) found parking nearby so we could quickly
grab the toddler’s wagon from the car and make ourselves comfortable out side, watching folks passing by. Coop’s carryout window opened and a tray was passed to us on the sidewalk, a per fect place to sit and people watch. One, perhaps, benefit of the pandemic, is that more places have outdoor seating.
If, like me, you are a fan of Netty’s, you know that the chili dogs are a great joy and comfort. I grew up just down the street from the Netty’s on Fear ing which was a great stop after a day of swimming at Highland Park. Our baseball coach would bring the team after a hard fought game. I have a long running bet with my brothers about Netty’s, that I could eat ten chili dogs. Maybe we will hold a chili dog eating contest at Coop’s and be able to finally settle our boasts. At $3, the chili dogs are reasonably priced and just slightly more expensive than the Netty’s chili dogs ($2.45) all across town.
The cheese curds ($7.50) were amaz ing: perfectly crispy on the outside — but not too deeply fried — and almostbut-not-quite gooey on the inside. And the Coop’s sauce that they are paired with is delightful. The chili cheese fries ($6) were delicious as well with nice crisp fries complementing the Netty’s chili. What I would really like to see is a poutine combining the fries, the chili
and the cheese curds. They just added a new chicken sandwich for the cooler months that is on my list to order for our next visit.
Coop’s is a great stop before or after a ballgame. The prices may be a bit higher than ice cream joints around the city, but the selection is impressive and they also have beer on tap. My wife and I shared a Peanut Butter Crunchy Hippy from Earnest, which has a new taproom right across St. Clair St. The day we were there a family was stopping by on a bike ride and one of the Dad’s grabbed a quick beer from Earnest and brought it back. Ah, the wonders of the DORA cup. The boozy shakes also come in a DORA cup. Not quite the drive-thru daiquiri huts of Louisiana, but we’re getting there.
Although chili dogs and ice cream really harken to memories of summer, Fields explained that Coop’s is going to “try to stay open” throughout the fall and winter. It really depends on whether the customers continue to show up. “Come down and support us,” Fields says, and maybe, like me, you’ll find a new spot to frequent on your trips downtown. Years ago I was disappointed that the Mud Hens left South Toledo and moved Downtown. Today I’m glad that Netty’s has finally joined them.
30 S. St. Clair St. 419-720-4345
Facebook: Search Coop’s Downtown
Instagram: @coops_downtown
Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday: 11am-10pm Saturday: Noon-10pm
Kids Menu? No, but the regular menu is full of kids’ favs.
Carryout? Yes Online Ordering? Yes, through DoorDash.
Delivery? Yes, through DoorDash.
Dine In? Yes
Changing Table? No Got Milk? No
Healthy Options?
Not much, but they do have dairy-free ice cream.
A small place with a limited menu, but Coop’s combina tion of Netty’s chili dogs and some new menu items (chili cheese fries and cheese curds: yes please!) along with a vast array of adult shakes make it an intriguing stop before or after a game or as a destination for a trip downtown.
Netty’s enthusiasts rejoice over Coop’s Downtown casual diningGoogle 3.9 out of 5 with 10 reviews Coop’s has boozy shakes in addition to all kinds of non-alcoholic sweet treats. We enjoyed Coop’s classic chili dogs, cheese curds with sauce and chili cheese fries topped with jalapenos, a new take on the Netty’s faire of my youth.
TUESDAY 11.1 [history]
Native American Lifeways and Games
Travel back in time to the Great Black Swamp, where the Anishinabe people made their homes well before European colonizers moved in. Experience the Anishinabe way of life, get hands on with tools and take part in some fun and games! Appropriate for third grade and up. Registration available online. W.W. Knight Nature Center, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. wcparks.org
WEDNESDAY 11.2
[Dia de los Muertos]
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Food, drinks, altars, train town, shopping and more. Proceeds from the event go towards future programs and events. 6pm. Also runs Thursday, Nov. 3 and Friday Nov. 4 at 6pm. Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center, 1222 Broadway St. Free
Giving Thanks and Gratitude
Explore indigenous traditions for showing gratitude with Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful. Read Sila and the Land, brain storm what you are thankful for, and investi gate ways to express your gratitude. Register online. Olander Park, Gorman Education Center, 6930 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. olanderpark.com
Perrysburg Countdown to Christmas Fest
Craft vendors, kids zone, scavenger hunt and a window decoration contest. 10am-5pm. Downtown Perrysburg, Louisiana Ave & 3rd St., Perrysburg.
[open house]
Toledo School for the Arts Prospective Student Open House
Parents and students interested in applying for the 2023-24 school year are encour aged to visit and learn about all things TSA. 10am-noon. Toledo School for the Arts, 7713, 333 14th St # 4. ts4arts.org
SUNDAY 11.6 [theater]
Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School
Part of The Gretchen A. Zyndorf Family Series. Now that Junie B. Jones has been going to school for over one-and-a-half years, who better to write the book on EVERYTHING you need to know? From bus rules and Band-Aids to carpools to cookies, Junie B. and friends deliver the definitive word on surviving and thriving in style. $18. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com
TUESDAY 11.8 [reading]
Read For the Record
Read for the Record is Jumpstart's worldrecord-breaking campaign that brings children and adults together to read the same book on the same day in homes and communities all over the world. 4-5pm. Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. toledolibrary.org
Baby Shark Live:
The Christmas Show Splash along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong as they journey into the sea for the Holidays to sing and dance through some of your favorite songs in Baby Shark Live: The Christmas Show! $29-$69. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heather downs Blvd. stranahantheater.com
Enjoy a meal, see a movie or do some shop ping while your children are having fun with Snapology. Kids will eat pizza and then get to work creating a Lego City. After a short break for a snack, they'll then create a vehicle to operate in their city and compete for the best skyscraper. $35. 5:30-8:30pm. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toledo South - P errysburg, 12710 Roachton Dr., Perrysburg. snapology.com
The Blade Holiday Parade
Kick off the holidays with the 2022 Blade Holiday Parade in downtown Toledo! Present ed by YARK Auto and the Distinguished Clown Corps, bring the whole family down for a festive and fun holiday tradition. Downtown Toledo.
Friday, November 4
Acompáñanos the NW Ohio Jewish Book Festival on a journey with Tía Fortuna and Estrella. A poignant multicultural ode to family and what it means to create a home as one girl helps her Tía move away from her beloved Miami apartment. A lyrical book about tradition, culture, and together ness, Tía Fortuna’s New Home explores Tía and Estrella’s Sephardic Jewish and Cuban heritage. Free author presentation and snacks; $15 author pre sentation, snacks, and book. Friday, November 4. 10:30am. Sekach Building, 6505 Sylvania Ave, Sylvania. jewishtoledo.org/nwojewishbookfestival22
The Ballet Theatre of Toledo presents a one act ballet set in a shop filled with toys that magi cally come to life. RSVP by calling or emailing. info@ballettheatreoftoledo.org. 419- 861-0895. 7pm, also Saturday, November 19 at 2pm. Ballet Theater of Toledo, 1124 Corporate Dr., Holland. ballettheatreoftoledo.org
Peace, Love & Joy 5k
A Girls on the Run 5K is unlike any other running event you will experience. From the time you arrive until the time you leave, the at mosphere is one big celebration! The girls from the Girls on the Run program, their coaches, their families and the community are all there to celebrate each girl's journey that brought her to the starting line and to celebrate the moment she crosses the finish line. $30-$35. 7am. The Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee. girlsontherunnwohio.org.
SATURDAY 11.26 [lgbtqia]
LGBTQ Teens Hangout Saturday
Hang with other LGBTQ+ teens and allies, eat pizza, play games, dance, sing and have fun. Register on Eventbrite. 5-7pm. Solace Health & Wellness, 137 N. Michigan Ave.
TUESDAY 11.29 [film]
Classic Movie Night
Each month the Maumee Uptown Business Association presents a free classic movie. Movies are selected by popular vote, so stay tuned to their social media to cast your vote. 6-10pm. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St. maumeeuptown.com
MORE EVENTS ONLINE AT TOLEDOPARENT.COM
Red Bird First Friday in December includes holiday shopping and exhibits with seasonal vendors throughout downtown. This event is paired with the annual tree lighting and an appearance by Santa Claus. 5pm. Downtown Sylvania, Main St. redbirdsylvania.org
The Toledo Repertoire Theatre returns this holiday season with Charles Dickens' Christ mas classic. Runs through Sunday, Decem ber 18. 8pm. Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 W. 10th St. toledorep.org
Monthly, 45-minute drop-in class for young people ages three and four. The teacher will incorporate song, movement, and puppetry to guide the youngest performers into improved theatrical understandings and practices. Donation only. 4-4:45pm. Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. cwtoledo.org
Winter Wonderland Families are invited to celebrate the holiday season at Washington branch library. Have fun creating seasonal crafts, decorating cookies and meeting the most famous elf of all, Santa Claus. 7-8pm. Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane. toledolibrary.org
Order Up! Players Company (7-9 year olds) Performance Order Up! By Kameron Klitgaard. In this quick succession of quirky customers, the Order Up! restaurant takes on everything from weird food allergies to fanatical health inspec tors, from the fear of eating to someone want ing to hide in the restroom and on and on and on. Tickets are $6 for students and seniors and $8 for general admission. 9:45-11am, also Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5pm, and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2pm. Ohio Theater, 3112 Lagrange St. cwtoledo.org
Discover why no dream is too big at Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic! Seek adventure in the great wide somewhere with Belle as she explores the Beast’s enchanted castle, experience Moana’s courage to embark on a voy age with demigod Maui to save her island, and sing-along with Miguel from Coco as he follows the music in his heart. Thursday, December 15. Runs through Sunday, December 18. $20-$75. 7pm. Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave. huntingtontcentertoledo.com
SATURDAY 12.10 [history]
Demonstration Day: Christmas in the Cabin This is a free family event. Come see the cabin deco rated for the holidays! The Cabin will be open for visitors to go inside, and children will have the chance to make or naments. Demonstration Day is free to attend. The museum will be open from 1-4pm on Saturday, December 10 with regular admission. $7 for adults, with discounts for seniors, veterans and children. 10am-5pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org
THURSDAY 12.22 [christmas]
Holiday Party
Celebrate the start of winter break and enjoy crafts, cookies and winter movies. 4pm.
Mott Branch Library, 1010 Dorr St. toledolibrary.org Free
Noon Year’s Eve Bring the entire family to the Toledo Zoo on New Year’s Eve to ring in the New Year a little early… at noon! Noon. Toledo Zoo, 1 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org
- Fri 4pm-8pm
