Portrait of happy children forming huddle at the park
At the end of January, the DeWine Administration released a state budget proposal that featured several recommendations for funding, programs, and structure of state government programs. Among these recommendations, one pertinent proposed change was that of a new Department of Children and Youth.
This new department proposal is expected to be created in July 2023, and will help “reduce duplicative programs in state government while also increasing service delivery and administrative efficiency.”
To execute these plans, the new Department of Children and Youth will combine resources from six existing state agencies including: Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), The Department of Education (ODE), Department of Health (ODH), Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), Department of Medicaid (ODM), and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (ODMH).
Along with the proposal itself, the DeWine Administration has clarified the new department’s goals. The program’s three primary goals consist of (1) supporting Ohio families, (2) preventing child abuse and neglect, and (3) preparing and educating children to ensure readiness for school and beyond. The budget for the proposed department will be sourced mostly from federal funding.
Medicaid in particular will be an important funding element for the new department, considering its focus on children and its role in paying for healthcare services for more than 3 million Ohioans. Visit this page to learn more about which programs were shifted to the Children and youth Department in the new proposal.
While lice may be tiny, they are often the cause of big headaches for parents dealing with these pesky bugs. Hearing your child say, “my head itches” often causes parents to panic and start scratching their own scalps as they consider what steps to take next.
For nearly ten years, Rapunzel’s Lice Boutique in Toledo has been helping families who desperately want to get rid of annoying little lice. At this professional lice treatment facility, trained technicians use an FDA-cleared medical device to kill super lice and eggs in a single treatment.
Lice – More Common Than You’d Think!
According to the CDC, nearly 6 to 12 million lice infestations occur each year in the United States among children 3 to 11 years of age.
Head lice are not a sign of dirty hair or poor hygiene. They do not jump, swim, or fly and cannot infest an environment. The primary way that lice are spread is from head-to-head contact. Symptoms of lice include intense itching on the scalp and the sensation of something crawling or moving in the hair. If you’ve been near someone with lice or are experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to get checked and treated if necessary.
Local Treatment Facility
Rapunzel’s was founded in 2008 by Sarah Casello-Rees as a small mobile operation. As the business grew, the first storefront location was opened in Michigan in 2009. Phil Brechting and his business partner purchased the business from Sarah and now operate lice removal clinics in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida.
Treatment for Head Lice
If head lice is suspected, it is recommended that every member of the family get checked. It is also important to notify your child’s school or daycare, friends, and anyone who has been in close contact with your child.
“We recommend that all family members come in to get screened and treated if needed,” shared Phil Brechting, owner of Rapunzel’s Hair Boutique. “Our treatment process includes the AirAllé Treatment, a comb-out to remove the dead lice and eggs, and an oil application. This treatment process usually takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours and is 99.2 percent effective.”
At Rapunzel’s Lice Boutique, trained practitioners use the AirAllé device to blow heated air along the scalp and hair shafts where the lice and eggs tend to be located. The single-use applicator blows air at a cooler temperature and higher flow than a hair dryer. This treatment method kills the lice and their eggs through dehydration. No pesticides or other chemicals are used in the therapy. The treatment also includes a 30-60 minute comb-out to remove the dead lice and eggs and an oil application.
A variety of treatment products are also available for purchase online including a nit comb, lint roller, treatment packages, shampoos and more.
After Treatment Care
While head lice do not survive long if they fall off a person and cannot feed, there are still steps you should take to avoid re-infestation.
“Once you’ve been treated for lice, we recommend some simple home-care steps including vacuuming the carpets, using a lint roll on furniture, and drying the bedding on high heat for 30 minutes,” Brechting added.
Other helpful steps recommended by Rapunzel’s Hair Boutique include freezing brushes, combs and hair ties for four hours.
To Learn More
Rapunzel’s Hair Boutique is located at 2525 N. Reynolds Rd., Ste. 6. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10am–7pm and Sunday from 10am until 3pm. To get more information or schedule a time for a screening or treatment call 419-216-9447 or visit rapunzelslice.com.
It was a simple question, really. “Are there dance classes for people with developmental disabilities?”
Karen Medina has spent over 40 years in dance. She owned a large competitive dance studio and received phone calls asking the same question, over and over. That one simple question that kept popping up and her reaction of, “Why not?” eventually led Ms. Medina to leave competitive dance and open iDance—Adaptive Performing Arts and Fitness Center.
Everyone deserves to dance
During those years of competitive dance, Ms. Medina saw the negative effects it could have on families and kids. When she opened iDance, however, it brought the focus back to dance. “It’s not about a trophy. It’s about a high-five,” said Ms. Medina. “People were seeing I was happier.”
Ms. Medina doesn’t like to say developmental disabilities; but rather, “all abilities.” At iDance, it is all inclusive. “There’s a big difference between being ‘invited’ and being ‘included’,” she said when referencing trying to dance at other studios. At iDance, she tells them they are not dancers, but rather they are performers, and they are learning to be the best ones they can be with the abilities that they have.
As things progressed in the studio, she became aware that, though the students enjoyed the movement of dance, they didn’t always enjoy learning routines. That lead to iFit, and adding an adaptive fitness center.
Ms. Medina has moved her location six times to accommodate the growth of programs since opening iDance 15 years ago. Last year they added a second location and began using a room at the Bowling Green Community Center for dance classes as well.
Just step forward
Ms. Medina continued seeing other needs of her students. She learned that many of them would graduate high school and then maybe get a job or take part in a day program. The younger kids had many activities, but she said if you’re over 24 years old or so, there are not many options.
So iDance grew yet again. They added fitness classes such as drumming cardio. iSing was started to teach vocal skills they would need for performing as well as stage presence and oral motor skills. Students have even learned the National Anthem, among other songs, in sign language to perform around town including at a Mud Hens baseball game.
In time, iConnect day program was developed and provides many activities for adults with developmental disabilities. This program is far reaching and includes activities that focus on nutrition, art, team building, volunteering around town at places such as the art museum, Toledo GROWS, and so much more.
This program gives their clients tools to help them make better decisions at home, or maybe assist with skills that may help them become more employable. They even offer weekly computer classes at the local library.
Ms. Medina has continued to see the growth and enthusiasm of those taking part in the various classes and programs but also noticed the negative impact of unreliable transportation for the clients and students. Many times they would arrive late, or miss a class completely. The solution? IDance APAC began providing their own transportation for many students.
All of this has been quite a shift from what Ms. Medina had done for so many years of her life. She will tell you that she hasn’t asked for any of this; she simply stepped forward. And that has become her motto: “Just step forward.”
iJump to begin for the younger set
For many reasons, the center has had difficulties maintaining consistency with attendance for the children. The classes are designed for progressive learning, and it is very beneficial if they can attend at least weekly.
In the near future, they are going to offer six weeks of iJump on a trial basis and see how it goes. iJump is for children ages 6-11 and concentrates on adaptive movement, gymnastic therapies, timing and teamwork. If interested, contact the center soon.
For more information on iDance Adaptive Performing Arts and Fitness Center, you can check out their website at idanceapac.org or contact them directly at 419-309-1610.
Tucked in Bowling Green, Ohio, between Main Street and Bowling Green State University lies the hidden gem of music and dance known as Black Swamp Fine Arts School. Sophia Jarrell, Director of Black Swamp Fine Arts School, was gracious enough to answer some questions about how Black Swamp Fine Arts School came to be and what type of music, dance, and early childhood educational opportunities they offer.
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Early childhood students learning to mirror.
Pre-professional ballet student performing with the Bowling Green State University Philharmonia Orchestra.
Da Capo Teen & Adult Strings Ensemble.
Pre-professional program dance student.
Early childhood student improvising on the metallophone.
Toledo Area Parent: Could you tell us a bit about how the Black Swamp Fine Arts School came to be?
Sophia: Throughout my childhood and teen years, my family was heavily involved in many fine arts programs and activities—dance, music, choir, sewing, etc. During high school, I discovered my passion and aptitude for teaching as I was given the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to younger children.
While pursuing a degree in violin performance in college, I created a business plan for a fine arts school for a project in my entrepreneurship class. Through the school project I realized that I could actually execute this plan. Two months later, I had signed a lease for a commercial space, filed my LLC, and built out the space with areas for arts instruction. In January of 2016, I launched the company with classes for students whom I was already teaching out of various spaces. Since then, we have moved twice into larger spaces and grown our faculty team and BSFAS family!
TAP: What sets you apart from other programs?
Sophia: Black Swamp Fine Arts School is unique in that we are a central location for many areas of study in the fine arts. Because we value each of these areas in the fine arts we craft our programs to the best of our ability so that they are collaborative and integrated.
From a logistical standpoint, this looks like scheduling events and classes across our programs that do not conflict with each other. This results in students who have the opportunity to study various areas in the fine arts—one of our recent graduates will be pursuing both music and dance in college!
In addition, we offer classes for babies, children, teens, & adults. We believe that while beginning training and exploring the arts is great as a child, there are also many benefits for participating in the arts as a teen and an adult! It’s encouraging to see teenagers who want to learn to make music or dance for the first time be provided a learning environment for that with other students their own age. I am always personally inspired by our adult dancers and Da Capo String Ensemble members who are devoted to their training—they always seem to be having a lot of fun in their classes!
As a faculty team, we really enjoy integrating the fine arts in our classes. In our Early Childhood Program, students participate in music and movement/dance instruction in each of their classes. For our older students, we provide opportunities for musicians and dancers to perform live together. This creates a sense of community and more well-rounded performers.
We believe that training in the arts improves cognitive function, develops good character, and provides creative outlets. And while we are enthused by the artistic abilities and growth in our students, their success as artists is not our highest priority. As a faculty team, it is our mission to strive to develop not only fantastic artists but beautiful souls through an encouraging and positive atmosphere!
TAP: Are there any upcoming events that you would like the public to know about?
Sophia: We should be announcing our summer camp and class options soon. Details for all of our programs and events are always updated on our website, Blackswampfineartsschool.com.
TAP: How is your program funded? Is there any type of financial assistance for families that are interested but cost is a barrier for?
Sophia: As we are not a nonprofit, our school primarily operates through the collection of tuition and the ticket revenue from public performances. However, many families have been granted tuition assistance through local and statewide scholarship programs that are available. We are happy that we often find ourselves writing letters of recommendation and preparing our students for scholarship opportunities. We do operate a small boutique whose proceeds are contributed to our own scholarship fund for current students whose families may be experiencing hardships unexpectedly.
TAP: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Sophia: Throughout the spring semester, we offer free trial classes for students. We love to meet families and see if we are a good fit for what they are seeking for the student. Trial classes can be enrolled in on our website.
For more information about Black Swamp Fine Arts School, visit their website, or call 567-213-9998 to speak with staff.
Few topics in our current society are as controversial as abortion. The word rouses differing and passionate views about a woman’s available medical options. For those confronted with the decision on whether to seek this medical procedure, the answers are never easy.
The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe V. Wade last summer was a setback for many women. Despite the pro-life narrative that restricting abortion access will save numerous lives, the reality is that the Court’s action eliminated, or made more difficult, the ability to obtain a safe abortion. There have most always been ways to prevent and/or eliminate pregnancies, usually at the cost of endangering the woman’s life.
In September 2022, the Ohio Supreme Court overturned legislation passed by the Ohio legislature. Referred to as the Heartbeat Bill, it would prevent any abortion after six weeks. For more information on that decision, read this article, published by Toledo City Paper in December 2022, which includes a compendium of current abortion rights in Ohio and Michigan.
Read on to learn more about the current state of access to abortion, what to expect along with personal accounts of two local women who spoke about their experiences.
I’m Pregnant – Where Do I Start?
The lobby of Planned Parenthood on Jefferson Ave in Toledo. Photo courtesy of the website.
Planned Parenthood is a beneficial resource for reproductive health issues, including abortion. The organization is informational and non-judgmental, and even provides resources for teens, parents, and educators on their website. The website provides information outlining different procedures available — where to find an abortion clinic, updated state laws and a reference checklist.
There are a myriad of reasons why abortion could be an option for a person who is pregnant, and each situation is deeply personal. Planned Parenthood seeks to inform individuals of all options available to them so that the individual can make an educated decision. Appointments can be made through the website or by phone. Planned Parenthood does not provide abortion services; however, a referral can be made to a clinic.
The Women’s Health Center on Sylvania Ave. in West Toledo.
For those in Northwest Ohio, the closest clinic is the Toledo Women’s Center. Appointments with the Toledo Women’s Center can be made through their website or by phone. Their website currently explains that they are “overwhelmed with requests for appointments,” adding that they “will try to accommodate appointment requests as expeditiously as possible.”
For minors, a parent or guardian must provide a state-issued ID and birth certificate. If this is not possible, a Judicial Bypass, garnered through Court intervention, may be possible. Call the Center for more information at 419-478-6801.
Currently, the cost of an abortion is around $800, though payment options and grants may be available for those who are in financial need.
Two abortion procedures are available— via medication at home or in-clinic— and the best option for each individual will be discussed at the first appointment. A follow-up appointment is made for both procedures.
What to Expect
In Ohio, patients are required to meet in-clinic for their first appointment, to provide information and for educational purposes, including providing the following:
Medical history
Sexual history
Blood work
An ultrasound to determine gestational age
Meeting with a patient advocate to go over options and answer questions
Meeting with the doctor to sign a 24-hour consent, and to discuss procedures and risks involved in both abortion and continued pregnancy
Abortion is not a suitable option for everyone. One woman whose story is referenced here was sexually assaulted which resulted in her becoming pregnant. She determined that it was the right choice – for herself – to not terminate the pregnancy, reasoning that it was not her child’s fault how it came into existence, and she delivered the child. Her strength and candid explanation of a very difficult life situation is instructive.
There is a statistical correlation between domestic violence and abortion, and while that analysis is beyond the scope of this article, in both of the following personal accounts, these local woman were involved in violent, unsafe situations, which played heavily into the decisions that they made.
Woman #1
“The decision [to obtain an abortion] was largely due to the toxic relationship I was in, paired with an unhealthy relationship with my mom. As soon as I found out I was pregnant, my first thought was abortion. I was 19 and not in any way prepared [to be a mother].
I had to pay a deposit and then, because it was within 8 weeks of the beginning of pregnancy, I was able to go back the next week for the procedure. The staff was compassionate. The male doctor was fairly nice…he explained everything as it happened, but after it was done [I was left] to go on with my life.
The whole experience that day felt dark, secretive and strange. Almost unreal, or like a very vivid dream. After [I got home] I felt high for the rest of the night, and then for a few days I was quite sore. I didn’t receive aftercare education other than what to expect for bleeding.
It wasn’t until several years later when I found myself not wanting my (technically third pregnancy) that I started to have emotional and mental anguish over doing it again, or if I should have done the first one at all. I experienced even more emotional turmoil when I decided I was ready to get pregnant and [my child] was conceived. I felt selfish and undeserving for a while.
Women seeking abortions, for any reason, should make sure they are comfortable with the location, the staff – including reception and medical staff – and especially the doctor. She should be sure she has any questions answered prior to consenting to the procedure. She should consider the type of abortion she’d prefer, if she’s provided with a choice, and…she should know what to expect as far as recovery, physically.
Most importantly, women seeking abortion…should also access psychological help as well, both before and after. I believe understanding the emotional stress that comes with aborting a pregnancy is something no woman is prepared for and the emotional effects are not fully known until after the fact.”
Woman #2
“I was in an abusive relationship and I didn’t want to bring a child into that situation. I wasn’t ready to be a mother.
I do not regret having an abortion. The man I was with almost killed me due to his violent behavior. I had a protection order put in place and ended up moving to a different state for my safety. I can’t imagine dealing with all that and involving an innocent child, not to mention I wasn’t ready to be a mom. I’m still not ready to be a mom, and this happened three years ago.
Even though I have no regrets, I still struggle with it mentally. I am trying to find a therapist, but not just because of the abortion. I have childhood trauma on top of the trauma created by my ex-boyfriend.
Women should have the right to decide what to do with their bodies. Abortion is never an easy choice to make. Instead of shaming women for having an abortion, we should be providing them support, because it is never easy, mentally or emotionally.
Many people have anti-abortion opinions until they need one. No one ever expects to be in that position. I know I didn’t, but I am grateful I was able to get one, despite the emotional baggage that comes with it.
There needs to be more focus on the mental and emotional effects women face post-abortion, instead of trying to prevent those abortions. It is no one else’s business what any woman chooses to do with her body…we know what is best for us.”
Post procedure suggestions
Seeking therapy after an abortion is highly recommended, as these two brave women have suggested, but that therapy may not be readily accessible. All-Options is a support hotline dedicated to “support people without judgment in all their experiences with pregnancy, parenting, abortion and adoption.” Abortions Welcome, another resource, is a “a pro-choice spiritual companion for use before, during and after abortion.” Both organizations offer a plethora of information regarding abortion related topics, with an emphasis on support, in a nonjudgmental environment.
Finding yourself in a situation where abortion may be an option is never easy. Despite the political environment we are in currently, there are options, and women have rights. Educating yourself thoroughly is the best way to determine what is best for your body and your life circumstances.
Lice – More Common Than You’d Think!
Rapunzel’s was founded in 2008 by Sarah Casello-Rees as a small mobile operation. As the business grew, the first storefront location was opened in Michigan in 2009. Phil Brechting and his business partner purchased the business from Sarah and now operate lice removal clinics in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida.
Just step forward 
iJump to begin for the younger set
