Phoenix Earth Food Co-Op Celebrates 30 Years

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November 28, 2022

Phoenix Earth Food Co-Op recently celebrated a milestone. The local grocery store has been serving the Toledo community for thirty years with a full line of organic products to meet the increasing demand for healthy, non-GMO foods.

“The co-op was originally started by a handful of people over thirty years ago,” explained Sean Fitzgerald, general manager. “The original name was Earth Food Co-Op. That eventually closed down and was restarted with the name Phoenix Earth Food Co-Op, as in the rising of the Phoenix. It was started by another handful of people with the intention for healthier food.”

The co-op has no owners or CEOs. Instead, it is owned by members, with a board of directors overseeing operations.

“We have a very small staff that is truly like family,” Fitzgerald said. “You do not have to be a member to shop at the co-op, though. We are completely open to the public, and always have been.”

As a father of two daughters (ages 20 and 14), Fitzgerald understands the needs of families hoping to stretch their budget. With the rising cost of groceries, he sees the co-op as a viable alternative.

“I think a great option is to purchase bulk goods when possible,” he said. “We sell dozens of different dried beans, rice, flour, grains, and dried fruit. Also, the bulk herbs and spices are all so much cheaper than buying individual jars. It’s also great because you can purchase the quantity you need, whether it be a spoonful or pounds. We welcome you to bring in your own containers to fill bulk, or we provide bags. The less waste the better!”

Some of the bulk food offerings include bulk grains, flours, granola, nut butters, dried fruits, herbs and spices.

Whenever possible, the co-op also offers locally sourced products.

“We have a wonderful local and raw honey that is especially helpful with allergies and the immune system,” Fitzgerald said. “We have local organic produce when available, and a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian grocery options. We do carry some local and/or organic meats.”

In addition, the store carries a supplement and vitamin selection, along with health and beauty products.They will also take orders for specialty items that may not be carried in store.

“We carry grocery products that are organic, non-GMO, local, free of artificial flavors and colors, and try to be very conscious of the ingredients we stock.”

Fitzgerald began his work with the co-op as a produce manager, and has served as the general manager for fourteen years. He has enjoyed his role, and looks forward to the future.

“We have some big plans in the coming years. We purchased our building after thirty years and are working on some much-needed repairs. We have a GoFundMe set up to raise funds for a mural for the side of the building, as well as painting the whole building. We also started a garden this year on the empty corner lot that we purchased through the land bank. We are highly motivated. The best is yet to come!”

Phoenix Earth Food Co-Op, 1447 W. Sylvania Ave. 419-476-3211. phoenixearthfoodco-op.com

Holiday Memories Photo Contest

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Digital Media

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November 24, 2022

Tiny Hearts Remembered Guides Women through Miscarriage and Infant Loss

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Julie Pompa

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November 23, 2022

THR1 — Tiny Hearts Remembered’s Founder / President Danielle Nicole (far right) delivers Care Packages to the staff at St. Vincent Hospital’s Labor and Delivery Department. The package consists of a necklace, teddy bear, facial masks, a Bereaved Mother’s Day card, the book “Mommy of an Angel: Navigating Life After Pregnancy,” the “Imagine Me and You” book on pregnancy loss, and Tiny Hearts Remembered promotional items. Women were able to sign up for packages to be shipped to them during the event.

A Toledo-based organization has created a channel for women to support one another through an extraordinary time in their lives – the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or early childhood. It’s still an experience that is frequently not discussed, as are other deaths. Parents can feel lonely and unable to reach out for help, friends frequently don’t know what to say that will comfort them, and even doctors focus more on the mother’s physical health than psychological wellbeing.

“I didn’t have any support for this [2016 miscarriage],” explained Danielle Nicole, founder and president of Tiny Hearts Remembered. As time went on, she realized that most women who have lost a baby or infant have similar experiences, and that they all needed a place to share stories, learn that there are others like them and to celebrate – by name – the “angels” they have lost.

Channels for support

Tiny Hearts Remembered staff and volunteers get ready for the Walk of Remembrance Event in October at Toledo Botanical Garden. Included were (l-r) Outreach Coordinator Shantell Boss, Volunteer Dr. Tashlai Burney, Founder / President Danielle Nicole, and Volunteer Whitney Espinoza.

Established as a nonprofit in 2020, Tiny Hearts Remembered is determined to “decrease the negative impact of pregnancy and infant loss (PAIL) through support programs, education and advocacy, particularly in minority communities.”

Primary among the group’s support activities is the Angel Mamas Facebook Group (with more than 470 women) and its monthly virtual support group.

“Most of our activities are virtual, so we’re able to meet with and support people from all over the world,” Danielle Nicole said. These groups are the safe space they need with others who have had similar experiences. “We also give them tips for getting through this time,” and for especially difficult times – the holidays, birthdays and other personal milestones.

Tiny Hearts Remembered also provides an outlet – on its website and other social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) – for women to share their loss and healing stories through photos, letters and even video. They hold a variety of bonding events throughout the year (most virtually), including a movie party, a paint and sip event and a pajama party.

These events help women feel comfortable, at last, to tell their own stories. “Some members of our group had their loss 15 to 30 years ago,” Danielle Nicole said. She remembers one woman who never talked about losing twins 20 years ago. “But with the encouragement of these women, she has been able to name the twins she lost,” she said.

Helping others to heal

Some of the contents frequently included in the Care Package created by Tiny Hearts Remembered for the pregnancy and infant loss (PAIL) communit

A significant, and tangible, support for women experiencing PAIL is the group’s Tiny Heart Care Package, given through the Mercy St. Vincent Birthing Center and also available online, which features items for women to remember their “angel baby” and also to focus on self-care. Packages can include items such as a facial mask, scented candle, a “Mommy of an Angel” necklace, teddy bears and journals. Tiny Hearts Remembered is raising funds to provide these care packages to other hospitals and in other giving programs.

They’re also creating a “scholarship” program to help women financially after their loss. They have established an advocacy program to help inform the community about PAIL through educational programs and community events (such as a recent Toledo Botanical Garden walk with the organization C.A.R.E. (Caring and Restoring Each Other)).

And Danielle Nicole regularly reaches out personally to the Tiny Hearts Remembered community to make sure they’re supported. “I’ll check in with women to see how they are, and to share ideas for them to commemorate the angels in their lives,” she said. “It’s important for them to know we are a 24/7 safe place. We support you, no matter what.”

Tiny Hearts Remembered, 6020 W. Bancroft St. 419-407-6953. tinyheartsrememberedinc.org

Kids Astrology: Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

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Kimmie

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November 22, 2022

pexels-damir-13099808 — Photo by Damir.: https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-brown-and-black-analog-clock-13099808/

This month your child will explore their inner and outer world. When it comes to belonging, your child defines how they fit into the larger picture. A perfect birthday for a little Sagittarius would involve learning 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 starting from the time they were very small 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 inner expression. Remember, the key is connecting your child to their hidden talents, so break out creative toys or even a karaoke machine so they can express themselves through song!

YWCA Programs Promote Racial Justice and Inclusivity

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Olivia Fraser

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November 21, 2022

The YWCA of Northwest Ohio is a social services organization dedicated to empowering women and eliminating racism. There are many events to get involved with this fall at the YWCA that are both inclusive and disability friendly.

The YWCA’s Fall Racial Justice Programs will focus on promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity, and their Little Hands Sensory Group is an opportunity for young children to partake in sensory-friendly activities.

Dialogue to Change

Dialogue to Change is a program that facilitates conversations between different social identity groups. Participants have the opportunity to inform and impact different groups in terms of “cultural etiquette.” This session will give people a chance to come together and share concerns and respectfully discuss issues. The goal is for attendees to develop ways to address societal issues like racism and take action.

Racial Justice Training

Racial Justice Training Programs are available for any organization, both in-person and virtually, and focus on three core issues. The Implicit Bias session is a two-hour training that focuses on the basic understanding of bias. Attendees will learn how to recognize bias, learn how bias can lead to racism and discrimination, and develop strategies to prevent bias.

Racial Justice 101 is a two-hour training course to create a basic understanding of racism. The session will explain the four forms of racism, learn how radicalized groups are affected by systemic racism, and develop ways to practice anti-racism and allyship.

The How to Talk to Children About Race session is a one-hour course that will give adults tools to help children understand racism and inequality. Attendees will explore ways to talk and teach about racial equity that are age appropriate as well as the consequences that come from not talking to children about race.

For more information or to register an organization contact the Racial Justice Director at: [email protected]

Little Hands Sensory Group

The YWCA Child Care Resource and Referral is hosting a Little Hands Sensory Group during the month of November. Families with children ages 2-5 who are experiencing developmental delays will have the chance to participate in fun activities that take into consideration sensory needs.

The event will take place at the Toledo Main Library on November 23 at 10 a.m.

For more information, contact Parent Outreach Specialist, Charlene Brady, at 419-255-5519 or email [email protected].

To find more disability-friendly resources in the Toledo area, read our Disability Friendly Guide.

State Funding for School Safety: What To Expect for Toledo Area Schools

By

Julie Pompa

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November 21, 2022

Dr. Jim Fritz, Superintendent of Anthony Wayne Schools.

The last few years have not been the most secure of environments for K-12 schools. Rethinking everything from school security to overcoming the long-term effects of COVID-19 on education has required individual districts to be creative in applying resources to their programming.

Here in Ohio, K-12 schools are receiving state assistance for security upgrades to their facilities. According to Jay Carey of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, School Safety Center, the Ohio School Safety Grant Program began with $5 million in grants in 2021.

The second round of grants, under consideration now, are expected to provide nearly $47 million to 1,183 schools in 81 counties. This includes an estimated $4.1 million in grants requested by more than 50 schools in Northwest Ohio. They are located in:

Erie County – Edison, EHOVE JVSD, Margaretta, Perkins Local, Sandusky and Townsend North Schools
Fulton County – Archbold, Evergreen, Fayette, Pike Delta York, Swanton and Wauseon Schools
Hancock County – Cory Rawson, Findlay, Van Buren and Vanlue Schools
Henry County – Napoleon Schools
Lucas County – Achieve Career Prep, Anthony Wayne, Horizon Academy, Hollingwood, Life Skills Center, Madison Avenue School of the Arts, Ohio Virtual Academy, Springfield, Sylvania, Toledo School for the Arts and Washington Local Schools
Ottawa County – Benton Carroll Salem, Danbury and Port Clinton Schools
Paulding County – Antwerp and Wayne Trace Schools
Putnam County – Columbus Grove, Jennings, Miller City – New Cleveland, Ottawa Glandorf and Pandora-Gilboa Schools
Sandusky County – Clyde-Green Springs, Fremont and Lakota Schools
Seneca County – Hopewell-Loudon and Seneca East Schools
Van Wert County – Lincoln View and Van Wert Schools
Williams County – Edgerton, Millcreek – West Unity and North Central Schools
Wood County – Bowling Green, Lake, North Baltimore and Rossford Schools

The program funding will cover expenses associated with physical security enhancements such as security cameras, public address systems, automatic door locks, visitor badging systems and exterior lighting.

JC Benton, of the Ohio Facility Construction Commission, said, “We’re in the final stages of approval and hope to have awards announced very soon. We want to make sure all schools are able to participate.” A third round of grants is expected to be announced later this fall.

Their own approach

Anthony Wayne Schools is one of the districts with an application for Ohio School Safety Grant funding, but they have developed several initiatives independent of the program. “There are many positive things going on here,” said Anthony Wayne Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Fitz. The district has used a combination of local and federal funding, along with grants, to create an overall approach to student and staff safety and growth.

Internally, “we used our Portrait of a General collective vision as a way to identify our student behaviors and expectations, and eliminate negative behavior,” said Dr. Fitz. The Portrait program helps the district articulate their aspirations for all the students, by developing skills for learning, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, adaptability and flexibility, along with empathy.

A part of this program is the Student Advisory Council, an opportunity for Dr. Fitz to hear from students regarding their educational experience at Anthony Wayne. Discussion topics are wide ranging, from classroom instruction to extracurricular activities, culture to school meals.

“Two years of COVID-19 has affected us, and will have an effect for years to come,” Dr. Fitz said. “We have to help kids and staff adjust to a new normal by determining the basic needs they have to have. It’s not a quick fix.”

Tactile improvements

Anthony Wayne’s Superintendent Dr. Jim Fritz (front) with his Student Advisory Council, including (l-r): Kadence Stachowiak, Amelie Blakely, Blake Luther, Tony Celestino, Austin Wilson, Addyson Mann and Ryleigh Shiverdecker.

The district has used a 2016 bond project to upgrade facilities around the district, and a combination of federal funds and district operational funds for additional security programs and systems, including additional:

Threat assessment teams training
Resource officers and security officers expanded on campus
Hallway monitors
Counseling services assigned throughout the campus
Social workers

“We’re helping kids come to school ready to learn, and helping families as well,” said Dr. Fitz. “And we’re implementing the systems that help our students, along with our personnel and staff, to feel safe.”