Springtime Family Events in Toledo

Changes for Mercy Health Children’s Hospital
Nationwide Children’s Hospital has officially assumed ownership of the Mercy Health Children’s Hospital in Toledo. Nationwide and Mercy Health became affiliated in January, 2020. Since then, they have worked together to advance pediatric physician recruitment, continue medical education and to coordinate improved healthcare for families in Northwest Ohio. Nationwide Children’s Hospital continues the Mercy Health mission of providing compassionate and quality care close to home. Patients will be able to keep their current health providers during the transition, and the Children’s Hospital will operate on the St. Vincent Medical Center campus. The primary goal will be a smooth transition for patients, families, and staff, while maintaining a high-quality level of care for those in the Toledo area. -EI

Toledo’s First Kid Mayor Shows Leadership skills after tragedy
Kid Mayor Evenlyn Bush honored her classmate Damia Ezell with a moment of silence after Ezell was killed in a drive-by shooting on February 12. Bush, a fourth-grader at Glenwood Elementary School, is part of the year-long Kid Council Program created by Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s administration to introduce kids to their local government. 13 finalists were chosen from over 100 applicants, and Evelyn was selected to be the first Kid Mayor for the city. The other 12 finalists serve on the Kid Council. The kid mayor and kid council members meet quarterly for educational sessions and excursions. To learn more, visit toledo.oh.gov. -EI

Toledo Opera On Wheels brings programming for kids

One of the most popular comic operas of all time, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville has charmed audiences the world over with its story of star-crossed lovers and the witty hairstylist who helps bring them together. A new adaptation of the classic tale, entitled The Stylist of Seville, hit the road in April as part of the Toledo Opera on Wheels program. Adapted by Jennifer Cresswell and directed by James M. Norman, the production is designed for audiences from kindergarten through 8th grade. A part of the Opera’s yearly programs since the late 1980s, Opera on Wheels performs in dozens of schools throughout Ohio and Michigan every year. The Stylist of Seville will be on tour through May 27. Visit toledoopera.org for more details. -JM

Local author hopes to Tangle young readers

Area native and Springfield teacher Merrill Wyatt recently released her latest book aimed at preteens, titled Tangled Up in Luck. Set in her hometown of Wauseon, the book follows a pair of middle-school students who look into a long-dormant mystery about missing jewels that involves a creepy mansion. Both funny and engaging, Tangled Up in Luck relates adventure that takes more than a bit of inspiration from area landmarks. A technology teacher at Springfield, Wyatt lives in Toledo. The second book in the Tangled Up series, Tangled Up in Nonsense, is currently scheduled for release this November. $17.99. 256p. Available at Gathering Volumes and various online retailers. -JM