Movie Night at the Glass Bowl returns on Friday, August 19. Fans and families are invited to for a variety of activities from games to bounce houses and even a chance to meet and get autographs from Toledo’s student athletes.
As for what movie will be shown, that’s up to you. The Rockets website is currently hosting a poll where fans can vote on which of four different Disney films will be played at the event. The nominees:
The Lion King: Not the 1994 original, but the 2019 remake featuring Donald Glover as the voice of Simba, Beyonce as the voice of Nala, and James Earl Jones (of course) still as Mufasa.
Coco: This Pixar film tells the tale of a young boy who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead. The film was a worldwide hit and won two Oscars, for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song.
WALL-E: The tale of a small trash robot who goes on the adventure throughout the universe, this Pixa production won Best Animated Film at the 2009 Oscars and has become a beloved classic in the years since its release.
Up: An elderly man takes his house on a balloon ride to fulfill his dreams, only to have a young scout tag along for the ride in this Pixar adventure that (say it with us) won Best Animated Film at the Oscars.
To vote for which movie will be shown at Movie Night at the Glass Bowl, visit urockets.com.
The DYPER brand offers sustainable diapers made from plastic-neutral materials. We have a variety of sizes to give away to one lucky new mom or dad! You’ll love trying out these eco-conscious products that do a fantastic job of keeping your baby dry and the planet well-protected against excess waste.
This month’s giveaway also showcases a Global Grub kit by Focaccia that teaches you how to make your own Italian bread and turn it into a work of art! Kids and adults alike will love using bread as a canvas for all kinds of creative displays. All kits come with step-by-step cooking instructions so home cooks can successfully handcraft these specialty meals.
Finally, every new mom needs to treat herself to some TLC, so we are throwing in a sample of Cleverfy Shower Steamers made with calming essential oils like lavender citrus. For the first several weeks postpartum, many moms won’t be able to take a relaxing bath due, but they can enjoy all the spa-like benefits of a shower with these!
Congratulations to the winner of our July/August giveaway,
The brand-new headquarters of Solace Health & Wellness, 137 N. Michigan St. in downtown Toledo’s Davis Building.
Did you ever wish for a place that could connect you to resources for all your healthcare needs? From primary medical and prenatal care to every associated medical and mental health service — everything you could possibly need in one place?
Your wish has been granted, thanks to Solace Health and Wellness in downtown Toledo. Solace provides sexual and reproductive health, along with a wellness and justice space for “every person with a uterus, at every stage of her life,” says proprietor Erin Marten.
At a time in the U.S. when women’s healthcare and wellness services are a hot topic and services could become more limited, Solace is expanding wellness options, as well as connecting clients to other services around the community.
Stopping ‘doorknob’ moments “We are the caretakers of our communities, and we have to help our communities navigate the healthcare system,” Marten said. A midwife in a rewarding career, Marten became increasingly frustrated with the structure of the healthcare system that allows her only 15 minutes with a client. “I would find myself more and more having ‘doorknob’ moments — when a client discloses something, and I don’t have the time to really help her out.”
By providing wraparound, collaborative services, Solace can offer healthcare that is equitable for all people and accessible for people who might not otherwise easily acquire it, such as low-income or LGBTQ communities.
Navigating programs from prenatal to mental health
Solace Health & Wellness Director Erin Marten (left) and Assistant Director BreAnn Nelson.
The U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion promotes that the well-being of mothers, infants and children determines the health of the next generation, along with predicting future public health challenges for families, communities and the health care system. Increased access to quality healthcare before, during and after pregnancy can reduce maternal and infant mortality, while increasing healthy birth outcomes and enabling children to reach their full potential.
“There has to be a better way to improve outcomes for maternal health in a supportive environment,” Marten said. Solace provides healthcare services, educational opportunities, comprehensive social and personal support, along with advocacy on behalf of the community.
Marten and her Assistant Director BreAnn Nelson, MSW, are offering a variety of programs from their base in the Davis Building downtown (137 N. Michigan St.). Currently they’re providing:
Monthly self-defense classes based on defending against sexual assault and safety for the transgender or biracial community
Sistah Circles, a space for Black women to “let our hair down, embrace ourselves and affirm one another”
Financial wellness classes
Also in the works are prenatal and parenting programs, such as childbirth classes that are gender affirming and low cost, Doula program development, and support groups for new parents. They’re currently developing support programs around fertility and pregnancy loss, a wide range of mental health programs and social health navigation services. And they are collaborating with other health care providers to access services.
“We encourage everyone to connect with us,” said Marten. “We can help people navigate these tough times.”
Solace is raising funds for program development and collaboration. Donations can be made on the Solace Health and Wellness Facebook page or by texting solacehealth to 44321. You can also connect with them about their services by calling 419-214-9046.
A day trip to Marblehead Lighthouse after birding at Magee Marsh.
Summertime always gives me a strong case of wanderlust, and our little family already has big plans! From a trip to Maine to meet up with my parents, followed by a few days in Montreal, to a family reunion with my husband’s side of the family in Deep Creek, Maryland, we are ready to do some exploring. In between these big excursions, we also love showing our 15-month-old Townes all the joys that Toledo and the surrounding areas have to offer through little day trips. When the weather is like this, we are on the go basically every weekend.
In the same vein, Toledo Area Parent’s July/August issue features our Family Favorites Winners, your choices for local things to do around town, your favorite businesses, and community leaders that you wanted to give a shout out to. We expect that it will inspire all of you to explore some of these popular spots in our region.
The rest of the issue is focused on support for new parents, from reflections on pregnancy loss with “Not Pregnant Poetry” to a roundup of midwives and doulas, it is a wonderful resource for wherever you are in your journey as a new parent.
Whether you are vacationing (like me) or staycationing with your family, I hope you enjoy your summer as much as I am.
With love, Erin Holden Assignment Editor – Toledo Area Parent
Hannah’s Soft Serve opened in May at 708 N Reynolds Rd. “very focused on the design, colors, and aesthetic of the shop,” per Instagram @hannahssoftserve. Offering tasty soft serve ice cream in a variety of flavors, with indoor seating and a drive thru. “Our little shop is very eye-catching with all the fun pops of color!” Open daily from 11am-9pm. —CH
Partners in Education Celebrates New Space
On June 1, the nonprofit Partners in Education (PIE) celebrated the grand opening of their new location at 709 Madison Ave. The nonprofit previously shared space at Toledo Public Schools headquarters at 1500 N. Superior St. —CH
Cookie Charcuterie Boards From shortbread to meringues, Cookie Cuterie, a bakery specializing in cookie charcuterie boards, is coming to Toledo. The business was solely operating from a licensed kitchen to fulfill orders, but they have since expanded with a retail bakery at 6801 W. Central Ave., Ste. B, this month. With a selection of cookies to satisfy even the most insatiable sweet tooth, you must try their champagne macarons, almond crisps and more! Follow them on Instagram @cookie.cuterie and visit cookiecuterie.com to view their full menu. —TS
Air Force retiree and St. John’s Jesuit alumnus takes over as president St. John’s Jesuit welcomes a new president of the all-boys establishment, Mark F. Swentkofske. His experience as a colonel in the United States Air Force will be beneficial as he leads the Men for Others program, according to Don Feller, the Chair of the Leadership Assessment Committee, who noted that “Good military leaders are very skilled at knowing people, and quickly evaluating and adapting to constantly changing environments.” —KS
Toledo School for the Arts begins multi-million dollar expansion
TSA hosted a groundbreaking on May 6 for “The Next Big Thing,” a project that will increase the school’s resources, programs, technology and capacity. The $9.3 million expansion will double capacity by building a public annex with a gallery, makerspace, glass studio, and gift shop, with a five-story staircase and remodeled exterior. Inside, renovations will be made to classrooms, studios, labs and more. Staff members and 675 area sponsors support the improvements to benefit the students’ learning experience and to advance Toledo’s revival. —GZ
Super Chix Toledo
The popular chain recently opened on Central Ave., offering premium frozen custard, fresh hand-cut fries, and what they like to call “The Last True Chicken Sandwich.” The menu features hearty chicken sandwiches and salads along with catering packages. Early local reviews indicate that Super Chix could quickly become a favorite among Toledoans! —EI
Finally, every new mom needs to treat herself to some TLC, so we are throwing in a sample of 
Partners in Education Celebrates New Space
Cookie Charcuterie Boards
Air Force retiree and St. John’s Jesuit alumnus takes over as president
Super Chix Toledo