El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico has been invited to perform at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, on January 2, 2025. Fifty El Corazon de Mexico dancers will represent the organization on this global stage.
This event will celebrate El Corazon de Mexico’s 28th Anniversary and the 12th Anniversary of the Believe Center, 1 Aurora L Gonzalez Dr, Toledo.
El Corazon de Mexico was founded in 1996 by director Elaina Hernandez, a veteran of Mexican folkloric dance, with the mission of educating people about Mexican history and culture. El Corazon de Mexico dancers perform at various festivals, celebrations, religious functions and more. Dancers in the organization range from 6 to 39 years old.
At the 11th Annual Thank You for Believing Benefit, there will be Folkloric Showcases, delectable food and a $500 Raffle. Tickets to the event cost $25.50.
Donations and proceeds of this event will contribute to El Corazon de Mexico’s mission of offering free and low-cost programs to Toledo youth.
Happy birthday to your Aries child. This year, your little ram will want to explore the surroundings. Your curious little ram is always trying new things and could become bored quickly. Take advantage of their curiosity with activities that help them to “create patterns in their lives.” This will help them to focus longer and to develop the skills to help them build a strong future when making choices and to finish what they start.
Consider a pirate party, or call it a treasure-finding party. There are so many fun possibilities that come along with this theme that can teach a little Aries to share and to cooperate. All kids will have fun at this party because it offers a fun and exciting theme where they can use their energy, exercise their minds, create something and dive into understanding their senses.
Mariah Maddox is a photographer and writer. When she became a mother, her creativity began to focus on motherhood. She usesphotography to understand her emotions as a new mom and portray the experiences of other mothers.
Photographer
Mariah’s goal is to create a visual archive of the experience of motherhood. While she also does traditional, posed photo shoots, she truly enjoys capturing moments of ordinary life. Her images tell a story. Her style has been described as whimsical, emotional, moving and evoking.
She feels that “oftentimes when we think about motherhood and photography, we think of beautifully posed photos, but you don’t see the raw, gritty images.”
Even more so, with social media, moms compare themselves to families who have a certain lifestyle and look a certain way. Mariah wants her work to be relatable and to help mothers feel less alone.
Her photography often features mothers and children of color. She explains, she “wants them to have a platform for their experiences to be told in a beautiful way.”
Gatherer
Mariah decided to invite some mothers and children to get together for a photo shoot because she was lonely as a new mom. The mothers expressed a need to get together regularly, so Mariah started “The Motherhood Gatherings”. Members meet at local parks or find an activity to do together. Anyone interested in going to a gathering can find information on the The Motherhood Gatherings Facebook page.
Writer/poet
Mariah has written a book that is a collection of poetry and prose, which is available on Amazon. “Beckoning of the Wind: An Ode to Motherhood” describes the intimate journey of becoming a mother.
She also writes two Substack newsletters. One, “Motherness”, focuses specifically on motherhood. She combines “Mother” and “Wilderness” in the title because, as a first- time mom, she said, “I felt like I was out in the wilderness. I felt like I was alone. I felt like I was finding my way.”
Q & A with Mariah Maddox
What do you want to tell new mothers based on your experience?
They’re not alone, to reach out and find community.
Who is your favorite writer?
Alexandra Elle because she writes about healing intergenerational pain and healing to provide a better future for your children.
What is your favorite thing to do with your son in Toledo?
Going to the park. He loves being outdoors, running around free. His favorite park is Wildwood Metropark because of the playground.
You have lived in Toledo since you were 12 years old. What do you love about living here?
I love the artistry and the creativity that is in Toledo, if you look for it.
What do you like to do besides photography and writing?
I don’t have a green thumb, but I am trying to get into gardening. I also play guitar.
What is something unique about yourself?
I am from a family of 11.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I would like to be traveling the world, studying and photographing mothers with their children in different communities and cultures.
Next April, thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the metro Toledo area to experience the first total solar eclipse visible from Ohio since 1806. Many local schools are canceling classes and the next total solar eclipse in Ohio won’t be until 2099, so make your plans now to catch this rare and spectacular celestial event.
Photo from Pixabay.
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth. In a total solar eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth are in a direct line and the Moon fully blocks the Sun’s light, causing the sky to become very dark as if it were night.
The total eclipse on April 8 will be visible to anyone training their eyes on the sky from within a narrow 124-mile-wide band crossing the northern part of Ohio. This band is part of a path of totality that will traverse 13 U.S. states. Larger Ohio cities in the path of totality include Toledo, Cleveland, Dayton and Akron.
All events listed below take place on April 8 unless otherwise noted. Bookmark this page and check back as it will be updated as event information becomes available.
Total Solar Eclipse 2024: What to know and how to prepare
The University of Toledo
The Assistant Director of the Ritter Planetarium & Brooks Observatory will offer tips and information about the solar eclipse.
March 27 at 3 p.m. | Carlson Library, The University of Toledo, 2801 Bancroft St., Toledo.
Step off at Stone Oak Country Club and run/walk through beautiful Springfield Township neighborhoods as part of Springfield Township’s eclipse celebration.
Eclipse-themed activities for kids, including a scavenger hunt, a reading station and craft activities, will be available at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.
Join the Springfied Township Eclipse celebration at dusk on April 7 at Homecoming Park to celebrate all those whom we love to the moon and back by purchasing luminarias for a $10 donation per item.
Join The University of Toledo’s Ritter Planetarium to view the solar eclipse on Main Campus. An official event will be held in the Glass Bowl and fun activities start at noon.
Along with providing educational programming throughout the region leading up to the eclipse, Imagination Station will host a viewing party on the day of the event.
Viewing events will be at the Beach Ridge Area of Oak Openings and Glass City Metropark. Metroparks Toledo also offers a variety of camping options on the day of the eclipse, from treehouses to tent platforms to traditional sites.
BGSU is holding a watch party on campus during the eclipse. The event will include family fun such as educational activities, demonstrations, music, telescope viewing, food and more. They will provide free solar exclipse glasses for guests. Check the BGSU solar eclipse event page for the latest information.
April 8 1-4:30 p.m. | Doyt Perry Stadium. 1610 Stadium Dr, Bowling Green
Experience the Great North American Eclipse in Neil Armstrong’s hometown, which is almost directly in the path of totality and will experience the longest period of darkness. The museum will have special activities and tours in the days leading up to the eclipse, and host viewing of the eclipse on its grounds for visitors. Visit the museum’s eclipse event page for the latest details or check out Wapokenta eclipse event page for more happenings in the area.
April 8 8:30am-6:30pm | 500 Apollo Drive, Wapakoneta
Join Great Lakes Science Center, and its partners NASA’s Glenn Research Center and The Cleveland Orchestra, from April 6-8 for the Total Eclipse Fest 2024, a three-day celestial celebration at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland. This outdoor, family-friendly event will feature hands-on science activities, a free community concert performance by The Cleveland Orchestra on Sunday, April 7, food vendors, entertainment and free eclipse viewing glasses (while supplies last). NASA TV will be broadcasting live from the event.
While Fort Wayne is just outside the path of totality, Science Central will offer programming on Eclipse Day designed to expand the public’s understanding and appreciation of the eclipse. Tickets are available online. Visit Science Central’s eclipse page for the latest details.
Springfield Township will be holding several activities revolving around the solar eclipse. They will be hosting rustic vehicle and tent camping at Homecoming Park. There will games/activities, events, food trucks and more before the main event on April 8. See all of the event online.
AMP Concerts LLC is hosting “Solar Express 2024” presented by Michigan Marijuana Seed Club at the Poe Road Music Sanctuary. Magic Beans is headlining the festival. Kids 12 and under are free. Eclipse glasses are included with purchase of a ticket.
April 4-8, (Monday April 8th is free to the public for Eclipse viewing)| 24401 Poe Road Grand Rapids.
There will be animal demos, character meet-and-greets, a bounce house, musical entertainment, and other fun activities throughout the day. During the partial and total eclipse, guests can also work with zoo staff to observe and research animal behavior.
Join Franklin Park Mall and explore the science behind the eclipse with interactive crafts and activities. Following the Kids Club, families are invited to a Solar Eclipse Watch Party on the roof of the parking garage. Registration for Kids Club is required.
This park is in or near the range of totality for the solar eclipse.
1750 State Park Road #2, Oregon
Wood County Parks
Staff will be present at three Wood County Parks to help remind you of the safest ways to view a solar eclipse. Some eclipse glasses will be available but quantities are limited.
Sunshine Communities becomes “UN”Sunshine to celebrate the total solar eclipse. There will be food trucks, music, free eclipse sunglasses, science activities, games and more.
Enjoy food from some of the area’s best local eateries, games, hands-on science activities and prime viewing for the solar eclipse at Imagination Station.
In 2019, the sports world was shaken by the tragic suicide of 18-year-old Wyatt Bramwell, who, posthumously, became the first high school football player diagnosed with late-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His case underscored the severity of brain trauma at a young age, shedding light on the alarming consequences of youth football.
Wyatt’s heartbreaking journey
Wyatt had been playing football since age 5, dedicating over a decade to the sport. A video shared by his parents with the New York Times revealed his struggles, both with numerous concussions and with depression. Moments before taking his own life, Wyatt expressed in the recording, “The voices and demons in my head just started to take over everything I wanted to do.” His poignant farewell highlighted the mental toll of his football-related injuries.
CTE: A silent threat in youth sports
CTE, a degenerative brain condition, is not exclusive to professional football players. Military veterans and individuals with a history of repetitive head trauma are also susceptible, according to the Concussion Legacy Foundation. The disease is linked to repeated traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and non-concussive impacts, like exposure to blasts.
The discovery of stage 2 CTE in an 18-year-old like Wyatt is a stark indication that youth sports, particularly football, may contribute to its development. Director of the Boston University CTE Center, Dr. Ann McKee, diagnosed Wyatt a year after his death. She emphasized his significant brain damage, despite his involvement only at the high school level.McKee expressed hope that Wyatt’s case would inspire intensified efforts in CTE prevention. She urged the adoption of CTE Prevention Protocols in sports, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard young athletes.
NFL’s response and safety measures
Jeff Straka, an elementary physical education teacher for Fremont City Schools, highlighted the broader issue of CTE in football. Acknowledging the sport’s inherent dangers, the NFL has invested in advanced helmets and training equipment. Straka mentioned a recent incident where a player from the Denver Broncos faced suspension for a dangerous tackle, prompting the NFL to emphasize player safety in professional leagues and across all levels, including college, high school and pee wees.
Youth sports and CTE awareness
The NFL has implemented on-field neurologists to monitor collisions and head injuries, but this has not been adopted at the young adult level, where CTE effects might not manifest immediately. Straka advises parents to be vigilant about concussion symptoms, stressing the importance of recognizing signs and seeking prompt medical attention.
While football is often associated with CTE, Straka points out that all contact sports present similar risks. Youth soccer has seen a rise in concussions, leading to specific rules for younger players. Straka, having undergone concussion training, emphasizes the seriousness of even minor head injuries on the playground.
CTE prevention at the grassroots level
Straka acknowledges that it is difficult to pinpoint the beginning of CTE, but emphasizes the cumulative impact of repeated head injuries. Some parents opt to withdraw their children from high-contact sports, due to concerns about long-term effects.
Straka encourages correct form and falling techniques in sports, while urging parents to stay vigilant in watching for signs and symptoms, emphasizing consulting a doctor promptly if any concerns arise.
Meanwhile, the NFL Players’ Union advocated for post-retirement healthcare, driven by the observed CTE symptoms leading to behavioral changes and, in extreme cases, suicide. Wyatt Bramwell’s tragic story serves as a powerful reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address and prevent CTE in youth sports.
Symptoms of a concussion may include:
Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head.
Nausea or vomiting.
Balance problems or dizziness.
Double or blurry vision.
Sensitivity to light or noise.
Feeling fatigued, sluggish, groggy or dazed.
Trouble paying attention.
Memory problems.
Confusion.
Being slow to understand and respond to others.
Sleeping problems.
Mood changes and irritability.
Changes in behavior.
Changes in personality.
If there’s any suspicion of a concussion, it’s best not to return to play until symptoms improve. In other words, “If in doubt, sit it out.” Children can have a concussion without losing consciousness. Also, a blow to the body that jars the head can result in a concussion. Make sure your child’s coach knows if your child has had a concussion.
Primrose Schools have private preschools around the nation where they provide early education and child care for families. The Primrose School of Perrysburg is located at 7123 Lighthouse Way.
Brightside Academy is a Head Start and Early Head Start provider in Toledo and promote an exciting and nurturing learning environment for local children. They are located at 2300 Lagrange St., Toledo.
Og’s Bountiful Book Drive at Primrose Schools is a national effort. The name pays homage toPrimrose Friend “Og the Bookworm,” (pronounced Aug). “Og the Bookworm” is known for representing caring and literacy by sharing his love for books.
Through this book drive, Primrose students are encouraged to donate new or gently used books to benefit underserved children and families in communities across America. This initaitive fosters giving without expectation.
Photographer
Gatherer
