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What’s on Our Bookshelf this June

School may be out, but great stories are always in session. This month’s featured books take readers on unforgettable journeys across the country, to the racetrack, onto the stage, and through the sunny days of summer. Packed with fun, heart, and plenty of learning along the way, these reads are perfect companions for the season.

Sing the 50 United States (Classic Seuss)

By Dr. Seuss

Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, a newly discovered and never-before-published Dr. Seuss  manuscript makes learning geography a blast as the Cat in the Hat takes readers on a rhyming journey through all 50 states. Released in honor of America’s 250th birthday, this playful picture book is perfect for young explorers, road trips and classroom fun. Ages 3-8.

Start Your Engines

By Katy S. Duffield

Rev up for a rhyming adventure filled with mud, ramps and friendship. When Frankie the ATV races toward first place, he must decide whether winning is more important than helping a friend in need. With energetic illustrations and a gentle lesson about sportsmanship, this action-packed picture book is sure to delight vehicle-loving readers. Ages 3-8.

Don’t Splash Grandpa

By Julie Gonzalez

Everyone at the pool knows the rule: don’t splash Grandpa! But as a lively group of children tries to figure out why, they discover there may be more to Grandpa’s grumpy behavior than they first realized. Filled with humor, heart and a meaningful lesson about empathy, this rhyming picture book encourages young readers to look beyond first impressions. Ages 3-8.

Casting April

By Wendy Lu

Heartfelt, empowering, and full of Broadway dreams, this middle-grade novel follows a talented young performer with a tracheostomy tube as she fights for a chance in the spotlight while challenging assumptions about disability, friendship and what it means to truly belong. Ages 8-12.

The ABCs of Summer

By Jill Howarth

From alligators painting apple trees to bunnies bumping beach balls, Jill Howarth’s sunny alphabet adventure is packed with playful alliteration, seasonal surprises and cheerful illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, this bright board book makes learning letters feel like a summer day filled with fun. Ages 0-3.

This collection of books was curated by freelance writer Lori Orlinsky, an award-winning, bestselling children’s book author and industry expert who lives and breathes children’s books. She is the author of the Being Me series, including her 2025 book, Being Middle.

Summer Safety Tips for Kids

By Gina Eich, MD, Pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo Maumee Pediatric Associates

Regina Eich MD

After the end of the school year talent shows, class field trips, concerts and award ceremonies will be the long-awaited summer months. I, for one, am looking forward to a break from packing lunches and the dreaded school pickup/drop off lines.  

Summer will bring fun in the sun, insects, water play and time on bikes and scooters. 

A few small precautions and additions to your routine will make a big difference keeping your kids safe and healthy this summer.

Sun safety

The sun’s rays are the strongest right when most kids are out playing their hardest – between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Applying a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 before they go outside and every 2 hours will help prevent sunburn and its damaging effects. The hardest part is remembering to reapply. If your kids come in for a snack or a drink, that is a perfect time to catch them for more sunscreen! 

Infants less than 6 months of age are best shielded by the sun by staying in the shade of a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy. Protective clothing, hats and sunglasses can help shield sensitive eyes and skin. 

Heat safety

With the sun comes the heat! Children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses mostly due to long periods of active play. They often need reminders to keep drinking and stay hydrated. Having water bottles full and nearby can help remind them. Cool treats like popsicles are a good way for them to take a break, cool down in the shade and rest. Signs of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. Monitoring for those signs and treating them swiftly with rest, cool environment and water will help prevent symptoms from worsening. 

Water safety

With the heat comes an incredible desire to spend time near water! Water play is fun but drowning and near drownings can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Even children who feel they are confident in the water can have accidents. Assign an adult to be the “water watcher” to monitor the children swimming and to enforce the safe water rules. There is no substitute for close supervision and don’t forget those life jackets! 

Bugs, Bugs and more Bugs

Bugs are going to be attracted to fragrances, bright colors and stagnant water. Avoid all of those if you can. Insect repellents with 10%-30% DEET are effective but would recommend washing off at end of day of play. Picaridin is a good alternative insect repellant as well. Ticks are creepy critters so if you know you are going to be in a wooded area, wearing loose, light clothing to cover exposed skin can help limit those creatures from finding you. Checking for ticks (don’t forget the scalp) at the end of the day is a good idea as well. 

Two, three and four wheels

There are so many ways to move on wheels – skateboards, bicycles, scooters, skates – but no matter how many wheels are under your feet a helmet is always needed on your head.

Try to get into the habit of wearing your helmet no matter how short the ride is. There are too many ways to get injured on wheels that kids don’t often realize. Keeping them away from traffic – sounds simple – but they can escape a watchful eye quickly. Close supervision is always needed when a young child is on wheels.

Summer is an exciting time that always goes by too quickly. Taking a few simple safety measures will help keep your kids’ safe, healthy and injury free. 

Happy Summering!!

To schedule an appointment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo Maumee Pediatric Associates, call (419) 389-1444. Learn more at NationwideChildrens.org/Maumee-Pediatric-Associates. 

Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo Maumee Pediatric Associates
500 The Boulevard, Suite 504 Maumee, OH 43537

Toledo Parent’s Summer Camp Guide

For over 30 years, Toledo Parent’s Summer Camp Guide has been a trusted resource for local families. Discover exciting opportunities for enrichment, confidence-building, creativity, and lasting friendships—all in one convenient place.

Choose the perfect camp for your child today!

Visit Fulton County 

Spend a weekend exploring the family friendly attractions, dining and history in Fulton County. Families of all ages and interests can find something exciting in the area. 
 
A family that loves the outdoors can stay at the Cannaley Treehouse Village with five private treehouses and three tent/hammock platforms for guests to stay overnight. There are also several places to hike and biking, including Goll Woods Nature Preserve and Harrison Lake State Park. Each community within the county has its own parks for kids and families to enjoy.  For food, there are many options to please adventurous and picky eaters alike. Some of the sweat treats in the county include, CK Sweets & Bake Shop, The Doughbox at Sauder Village and Homestead Ice Cream. Families that love history will enjoy Sauder Village, the Museum of Fulton County, Metamora Area Historical Society Museum and other opportunities to learn local history. 
 
To plan your visit, find more information at visitfultoncounty.com.

Sylvania Recreation

7060 Sylvania Ave. Sylvania
419-882-1500
playsylvania.com

Sylvania Recreation’s Summer Days Camp runs from June 1 through August 14, Monday through Friday, offering a fun and engaging experience for children entering 1st through 8th grade. The camp operates from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., providing a full day of supervised activities. Pricing options include $35 per day or $300 for a 10-day package. Campers will enjoy a wide variety of activities such as sports, large and small group games, and creative arts and crafts. Special outings include picnics at Olander Park and weekly visits to Plummer Pool on Fridays, giving kids a chance to cool off and have fun in the water. This program is designed to keep children active, social, and entertained all summer long. For additional details and registration information, visit the Sylvania Recreation website.

The Herb Innovation Center (THInC)

The University of Toledo Main Campus 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo
419-530-6134
https://www.utoledo.edu/jhc/centers/herb-innovation-center/events/camps/
https://youtu.be/jMGG9zvubLA

Join us this summer at the University of Toledo for engaging, educational, and hands-on camps from The Herb Innovation Center. “Make a Book Camp” is designed for students entering grades 3-6 and will take place on July 13 to 17, 9am – 12pm. Campers build reading and writing skills while creating their own illustrated book. Through daily sessions focused on reading, storytelling, and illustration, campers leave camp with a bound book they created. “AI, Data, and Media Literacy Camp” is for students entering grades 6-9, and will take place July 20 to 24, 9am-12pm. Campers learn how AI works, how to use it responsibly, how to interpret data, and how to evaluate online information through fun, hands on activities, and will take home a personalized newsletter, available in both print and digital formats. This special keepsake will display their favorite activities, photos, and projects throughout the week to celebrate their learning, creativity, and accomplishments from camp.

  • Registration fee for each camp is $200. 

*Scholarships covering $175 of the camp cost are available for students who are attending schools under the Ohio Council of Community Schools (OCCS) to participate in “AI, Data, and Media Literacy Camp”. The family of the participant is responsible for the remaining $25 balance.

Heartstring Melodies

5515 Fern Dr., Toledo
567-429-1909

Discover a summer full of music, creativity, and connection with Heartstring Melodies’ engaging summer camps in Findlay and Toledo. Designed for children, teens, and families of all abilities, these inclusive programs create a welcoming space where everyone can explore the joy of music. Each camp blends singing, movement, instrument playing, storytelling, and group play to inspire self-expression and build confidence. Led by experienced music therapists, sessions are thoughtfully designed to support social skills, creativity, and emotional growth while keeping the focus on fun.

With options for a variety of age groups—from young children to teens—there’s something for everyone, including family-friendly experiences that bring loved ones together. Rates, full camp descriptions, and schedules are available on the website, and registration is required. Join us in Findlay or Toledo this summer and watch your child thrive through the power of music.

 

Play Pals Daycare

1520 Reynolds Rd. Maumee
419-720-5128
playpals.life

Play Pals offers the perfect balance of fun and growth to keep your child engaged all summer long! Our Summer Program is designed for children ages 6 to 14 who are ready to explore new interests, build confidence, and develop real-world skills — all in a safe, supportive environment. Children will choose one of 3 exciting areas:

Future Leaders in Childcare – Learn the basics of caring for young children, responsibility, and leadership.

Recreation & Sports – Team building, physical fitness, and skill development through fun and active play.

STEAM Exploration – Hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through creative projects and challenges.

Whether your child is discovering a passion for sports, exploring how things work, or learning to lead and care for others, Play Pals is the place to grow, connect, and thrive. Enroll today at www.playpals.life and give your child a summer filled with purpose, friendships, and unforgettable memories.

  • Summer Program Hours: 8am-4pm

  • Extended Care Available:

    • Early AM (6-8am) – $25/week

    • Late PM (4-6pm) – $25/week

4-H OSU Extension Lucas County

5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo
419-213-4254 Office / 419-574-0976 Direct
lucas.osu.edu/4Hcamp

Lucas County 4-H Summer Camp at Camp Palmer is the perfect place for youth to grow, explore, and have fun—and you don’t have to be in 4-H to attend! Camp is open to all youth who are ready for adventure, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. Campers enjoy a week filled with outdoor activities and classic camp traditions while building confidence, independence, and teamwork skills. From swimming, hiking, and nature exploration to campfires, games, and group challenges, each day is designed to help youth learn by doing in a safe and supportive environment. Campers are encouraged to invite a friend, and we work hard to accommodate bunkmate requests whenever possible. Guided by caring counselors and adult leaders, 4-H Summer Camp is where friendships grow and memories are made. Sign up today and give your child a summer they’ll talk about all year! Registration and information: https://lucas.osu.edu/4Hcamp

Imagination Station

1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674
imaginationstationtoledo.org

This summer, Imagination Station is a place to become a designer, a hero, a filmmaker, a survivor.  Summer Camp is back and this year it’s bigger, bolder and packed with more fun than ever with four new camps. Whether your camper dreams of walking the runway, surviving in the wild or saving the world in a cape, there’s a week just for them.

For our explorers ages 6-8, Super Splatter Science reigns supreme as camp’s most popular week, an explosive, ooey-gooey celebration of all things messy.  The best part…, the mess stays with us. Mini Maker invites kids to design their own robots, circuits and simple machines, and at The Greatest Camp on Earth they will discover that a circus is really a travelling science lab in disguise, and in Hero Training 101, their curiosity turns into a superpower- literally.

Older campers, ages 9-13, get to go even deeper.  IS Fashion Week challenges campers to sketch original designs and sew them into runway-ready looks then show them off in a fashion show. Survivor puts all their outdoor smarts to work learning to purify water, build a shelter and craft a compass to prove that in the wild, being clever always wins.  Destination 2100 asks the boldest question of all- what will the world look like in 100 years, and how will YOU design it.  In Lights, Camera, Science! budding directors create short films powered by real scientific principles, with a premiere screening in the KeyBank Discovery Theater.

Our last week hosts Sensory Friendly: Best of the Summer for ages 7-10.  This camp brings together all the greatest hits of the season for fewer campers per class, more counselors and the same amount of fun.  This inclusive experience is where every explorer can shine.

Imagination Summer Camp runs from June 8 through August 14.  For more information go to imaginationstationtoledo.org/visit/events.

Forté Music School

Toledo Location: 3208 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo (419) 471-2100
Perrysburg Location:210 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg (419) 540-0070
fortemusicandarts.com/summer-camps.html

This summer, Forté Music School invites children ages 3–12 to experience the joy of music and dance through engaging summer camps in both Toledo and Perrysburg. These camps offer an exciting way for kids to learn, create, and grow through hands-on musical and movement activities. Whether beginners exploring their first instrument or young musicians developing new abilities, Forté’s camps are designed to be fun, welcoming, and rewarding.

Camp options include Beginner Piano, Beginner Violin, Intermediate Violin, Viola & Cello, Intro to Percussion, Pre-Ballet, Music & Dance Adventure, Beginner Ukulele, and Voice & Acting. Each week features rhythm games, ensemble play, creative activities, and performance opportunities that encourage confidence and teamwork.

Students can join at Forté’s Toledo location or the new Perrysburg location. Camps run weekly throughout the summer, offering a wonderful opportunity for children to learn, create, and make lasting memories. Check out our exciting summer camps here: https://www.fortemusicandarts.com/summer-camps.html.

Toledo Ballet

4747 Heatherdowns Blvd.,
Toledo
419-471-0049
artstoledo.com

Toledo Ballet’s 2026 Summer Program offers a wide range of dance opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Young dancers, ages four to eight, can explore movement and creativity through fun themed dance camps. Intermediate and advanced students can grow their technique in dynamic summer intensives. This year, we are excited to welcome guest instructor Johan Mancebo from June 15-19, bringing his expertise in ballet, contemporary, choreography, variations, and pointe. We also look forward to hosting Aliane Baquerot-Wilson from June 22-26, offering training in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, strength, and stretch. All camps, classes, and intensives are open to both Toledo Ballet dancers and non-Toledo Ballet dancers. Whether you want to build technique, explore new styles, or immerse yourself in creative expression, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity — learn more and register at liveartstoledo.com/tb-summer.

Children’s Theatre Workshop

419-244-5061
ctwtoledo.org

Spark your child’s imagination this summer at Children’s Theatre Workshop! Our Summer 2026 theatre programs invite young performers ages 4–18 to explore creativity, confidence, and collaboration in a fun, supportive environment. From theatre camps and acting camps to fully staged plays and musicals, students of all experience levels can shine onstage and behind the scenes. Budding triple threats will love our musical theatre camps, while younger campers enjoy playful introductions to storytelling, movement, and performance.

Led by experienced teaching artists, each program focuses on building skills, self-expression, and teamwork—while having a whole lot of fun. Camps run throughout the summer with options to fit busy family schedules. Tuition ranges from $110–$220, with payment plans available, making high-quality arts education accessible for families across the region.

Give your child a summer full of creativity, confidence, and applause at Children’s Theatre Workshop—where every kid gets a chance to take center stage!

Toledo Symphony School of Music

4747 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo
419-246-8000
artstoledo.com

Get ready for an epic week of music, learning and creativity at the Toledo Symphony School of Music! Join us from July 6-11 for Summer Strings and Summer Flutes, fun-filled day camps for music lovers going into grades 7-12! HS Graduates accepted, and younger students may be accepted upon request. Whether you’re a flute, violin, viola, cello, or bass player, this is your chance to dive deep into music, meet new friends and develop your skills. Each day is packed with dynamic seminars, ensemble work and inspiring classes. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to grow as a musician and be part of a vibrant community of young artists! Learn more and register at liveartstoledo.com/tssm-summer.

Toledo Zoo Summer Safari Camps

2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-5721
toledozoo.org

Looking for a summer experience your kids will never forget? Toledo Zoo Summer Safari Camps are back for 2026 with hands-on adventures for animal lovers ages 4–15!

From single-day and half-day options to full-week explorations, campers dive into live animal encounters, creative crafts, interactive learning and even behind-the-scenes Zoo experiences. With exciting themes like Zoo Animal Rescue, Radical Reptiles, Wild Art, Junior Zookeeper and conservation field camps, there’s something to spark every child’s curiosity.

Camps run as drop-off programs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted, with optional before and after care available. Every camper receives two camp t-shirts, a water bottle and daily snacks.

Member pricing is available on every camp and space is limited with these popular camps filling fast. Register early and give your child a summer packed with wildlife, learning and unforgettable fun!

SafeSplash / SwimLabs

Various locations
safesplash.com
swimlabs.com

Looking for a fast-track way to boost your child’s swimming confidence? SafeSplash SwimJams are here! This spring and summer, we’re offering an exciting opportunity to condense an entire month of swim lessons into just four short days of intensive instruction.

SwimJams are perfect for busy families who want to see rapid progress without the long-term commitment. Whether you’re preparing for summer vacation, catching up after a break, or simply want to accelerate your child’s skills, our intensive format delivers results.

Your child will enjoy daily instruction in our warm, comfortable pools using SafeSplash’s proven curriculum—the same trusted program that’s helped thousands of Toledo-area swimmers build confidence and master essential water safety skills. Our certified instructors provide focused, personalized attention in a fun, encouraging environment.

Don’t let another season pass without giving your child the gift of swimming
confidence. SwimJams fill up quickly, so reserve your spot today! Visit SafeSplash Swim School in Perrysburg or Holland to learn more and register.

Perrysburg: (419) 301-2998 General Manager – Nichole: [email protected]
Holland: (419) 868-2998 General Manager – Kristen: [email protected]

Toledo School for the Arts Summer Arts Camp

7713, 333 14th St # 4, Toledo
419-246-8732
ts4arts.org

Was your child born to create and perform? Then enrich your child’s life through the arts this summer, and where better to be creative than at the award-winning Toledo School for the Arts. In TSA’s Summer Arts Camp, students aged 10 – 14 will enjoy two weeks of 4 art experiences that will have them discovering their inner artist. Class choices include visual arts, puppet creation, ukulele, creative writing, dance, theatre improv, sewing basics and singing. TSA’s Summer Arts Camp is Monday June 1 through Friday June 12 from 9am to 3:30pm. For a full list and descriptions of classes, go to ts4arts.org. Families are invited to attend a TSA style concert and exhibit the last day of camp. Early registration is $370 by April 24th, a 20% savings! The average staff/camper ratio is 1:12.

YMCA of Greater Toledo

419-729-8135
Various locations
ymcatoledo.org

Summer at the YMCA of Greater Toledo is full of friendship, fun, and adventure for all ages — the place Where Summer Comes Alive! Our summer programs help kids stay active, build confidence, and make lasting memories in a safe, supportive environment led by caring YMCA staff.

We offer Summer Specialty & Sports Camps for children ages 3–12, designed to match every interest—from creative exploration to high-energy sports and skill-building. For families needing dependable care throughout the summer, our Summer Adventure Program (child care) for ages 5–12 provides a full day of fun, learning, and structured activities.

Whether your child is trying something new or returning to a favorite camp, the YMCA is ready to make this summer their best one yet! ymcatoledo.org.

Children’s Discovery Center

6450 Weatherfield Ct.
419-867-8570
childrensdiscoverycenters.com

Children’s Discovery Center is an early care and education provider offering summer programs of adventure, learning and fun. Camp Discovery is taking a trip through our “National Parks” this summer, exploring the beauty, nature, science and more of our America’s parks. Each week, children ages 6-10 will travel to destinations around Toledo, including the Toledo Museum of Art, strawberry picking, the Bowling Green waterpark, Toledo Zoo and more. And kids will visit the Center’s recreation campus to use the commercial swimming pool and participate in team sports.

Summer camp runs from June 1 to August 14, with care provided from 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. and catered snacks and lunch provided daily. Registration is currently open while availability lasts. Contact them directly for more information.

Toledo Museum of Art

2445 Monroe St, Toledo
419-255-8000
toledomuseum.org

Summer at the Toledo Museum of Art is all about curiosity, imagination and fun. TMA’s weeklong summer camps invite young artists to explore new ideas, experiment with materials, and express themselves with confidence. Guided by skilled teaching artists, campers discover creative approaches that help them see the world—and their own potential—through fresh eyes. In the studio, each day brings hands-on projects designed to spark creative expression and celebrate individual perspectives. Campers try new techniques, build problem‐solving skills, and enjoy the excitement of making something uniquely their own. With small groups, supportive instructors, and a welcoming environment for all, TMA summer camps are a vibrant place for kids to make friends, grow creatively, and feel at home in a community that values their imagination. Give your child a summer filled with discovery and joyful exploration at the Toledo Museum of Art.

Notre Dame Academy

3535 W Sylvania Ave Toledo,
419-475-9359
NDA.org/summer

When School’s Out, Summer Fun is In at Camp NDA!

Summer is coming, and that means another year of fun and friendship at Notre Dame Academy’s Camp NDA and Summer Academy for girls entering grades 1-8, and NDA students in all grades.

Camp NDA Discovery Camps include crowd pleasers such as Pampered Pets, Broadway Bootcamp, and Cookie Crazy, plus many NEW camps this year: Pickleball, Mystery Mayhem and Rocket Camp!

NDA students can get a jump on their academic classes in ACT Prep, Health, U.S. Government and Computer Apps.

And NDA Athletic Camps are always a fan favorite! Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country, Rowing and Dance provide girls with fun opportunities for instruction and skill development. Camps begin on Monday, June 8, and run weekly through the month of July. Check out the complete listing of camps and the full summer schedule at NDA.org/summer.

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

Various locations
888-350-5090

You belong at Girl Scout camp! Are you a nature lover? Enthusiastic about art? Prefer sports? All of the above? Find one-of-a-kind summer camps that meet all your different interests at Girl Scout camp.

No matter which camp you choose or whether you stay a day, a week, or longer, you will have a ton of fun making new friends, trying new things, practicing new-found skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Come experience the magic of camp! Try day camp (four locations) with an optional overnight, or spend the week at an overnight camp (two locations). Plus, girls in grades 8-11 can choose from six travel camps for extra adventures!

Not a member? Not a problem. Girl Scout camp is open to all girls. Choose your adventure today at camp.gswo.org! Call or email with questions: 888.350.5090 or [email protected].

Path Finders Camp

Path Finders Camp through Hospice of Northwest Ohio is a free, multi-day summer camp designed for children and teens ages 6–15 who are coping with the loss of a loved one. Held July 28–31 at Camp Miakonda in Toledo, the program offers a safe and supportive environment where campers can connect with peers who share similar experiences. Guided by a licensed counselor and trained volunteers, participants engage in meaningful activities that help them express emotions, build coping skills, and honor those they have lost. In addition to emotional support, campers enjoy outdoor games and opportunities to form new friendships. The camp encourages full attendance across all four days to ensure each child benefits from the complete experience.

Ronald McDonald House Helps Produce A Miracle

Brian and Kristen Phipps with Lana Phipps.
Brian and Kristen Phipps with Lana Phipps. Lana was born 15 weeks prematurely.

Kristen Phipps and her husband Brian planned to celebrate Mother’s Day at home in Lima with their two children. They couldn’t have foreseen that their world would turn upside down that same day.

Brian and Kristen Phipps with Lana Phipps.
Brian and Kristen Phipps with Lana Phipps. Lana was born 15 weeks prematurely.

Kristen’s water broke just 22 weeks into her third pregnancy. She rushed to the local emergency room. She reflected that the doctor told them, “We can just let you hold her until, you know, she passes.” Neo-natal units in Columbus and Cincinnati were full. Toledo’s Ebeid Children’s Hospital had availability and dispatched a LifeFlight helicopter team to fly Kristen to Toledo and try to save her unborn child.

Kristen remained hospitalized for three more weeks before Lana was born. It was just the first step on an exceedingly long journey. The drive between Lima and the hospital was an hour and a half each way. Not a practical daily commute for Brian and Lana’s older siblings. The Phipps family needed to be close to the hospital where Lana would remain for nearly five months due to complications.


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The nurses recommended they “be sure to check into the Ronald McDonald house.”   Toledo’s Ronald McDonald House has 28 guest rooms, a play area, and cafeteria serving between 500-1,000 families annually. Not all guests stay overnight but many do. In 2024, no one stayed there longer than the Phipps family. The 38,000-square-foot facility is steps away from the hospital. The close proximity helps parents deal with the stresses of a critically ill child. “They come through the doors on arguably the worst day of their life,” explained Executive Director Chad Bringman. “Where are we going to stay? Where are we going to eat? What’s this going to cost? All of the things that the young family is dealing with. And to watch that melt away when they come in and realize that we’re going to be close, we’re going to be able to talk to the doctor and the nurse anytime we need to…we’re not paying anything to stay here because this incredible community takes care of that for us.”

Lana Phipps is almost 2 years old. Photo courtesy of the Phipps Family.

Lana was born 15 weeks prematurely. She was intubated immediately, experienced bowel perforation, and later her lungs collapsed. Kristen will be forever grateful. “I don’t know that we would have survived it without the Ronald McDonald House. They still love our kids; they get excited to see us and they’ve been cheering us on the whole time. It was a huge difference…and also a sense of community with other parents that were going through different things with their kids.”

The original house opened in 1982. The replacement building opened in 2015. Bringham explained, “We want people to walk in the door and feel like they’re at home.” That’s precisely what happened when the Phipps family stayed there for 150 days. Almost two years later, Lana is doing well. She still relies on a feeding tube but is making huge strides. Kristen describes their experience as a miracle. “Everyone was fantastic!”

Website: rmchtoledo.org. The Ronald McDonald House is funded entirely by donations.  

Perrysburg Teen Brings Order to Chaos in Local Homes

Mother-daughter duo Erin and Ellie Grieger.

Neat by Nature could also have been called Organizing Organically, or Positioning by Personality. But no, the professional organizing business of Ellie Grieger reflects her character. Not only is she, well, neat by nature, she’s focused, thoughtful, personable, well-spoken, entrepreneurial—and 16 years old.

Ellie is wrapping up her junior year of high school as a homeschooled student by her mother, Erin Grieger. Erin is more than a mother and a teacher to Ellie—she’s also a business partner. Together, the Perrysburg mother-daughter are embarking on the second year of Neat by Nature, which came about in an orderly, logical way.

“Mom and I started it because I was naturally organized as a kid,” Ellie said. “Mom said if you want to work for yourself someday, this would be something you’d be good at.”

Neat By Nature offers organizing services.

Erin, a self-starter as an entrepreneur who is a sales representative for a Perrysburg company, said she did the required paperwork to license the company because Ellie’s a minor.

“We have a partnership,” Erin said. “I assist her in the business aspect and mentor her. She takes the lead in organizing.”

“We reflect the personality and the needs of the client,” Ellie said. She’s had about 20 clients so far, with projects including basements, garages, kid’s bedrooms, walk-in pantries, full kitchens, attics, linen closets and bathrooms.

Neat by Nature offers free estimates and charges between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on the difficulty of the job.


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“We organize to the personality of the customers,” Erin said. “We don’t do what WE would do. Ellie asks questions, identifying what that person’s organizing style is.”

As Ellie builds clientele, she’s setting aside funds to start a website, print business cards, and eventually hire a social media manager. For now, she markets Neat by Nature through Instagram, Facebook, business networking groups and word of mouth.

She’s very much learning the business of business as she goes along, her mother said. “She’s getting more comfortable talking with people in a group,” Erin said. “She’s really grown in public situations. She really enjoys the job itself, but then she’s learning that we have to market, have to deal with money, customers, taxes and banking. She’s learning about all those aspects. That’s been good.”

“The actual organizing part is natural for me,” Ellie said. “But it’s a lot more than doing the work and getting paid.” Ellie said she’s learning about operating expenses and reinvesting profits to build up the business.

Ellie’s performance is noted and appreciated. “I’m obviously super proud of her,” Erin said.

There’s a higher purpose to Neat by Nature than just putting things in order. “Our mission is to help people create peaceful, functional spaces that make everyday life easier,” Ellie said through Facebook. “Through organizing systems that look good and work well, we aim to reduce stress, save time, and bring a sense of calm to every home.”

Going back to the cornerstone philosophy, Ellie said the aim is to bring order that a client would find natural. So Neat by Nature is a name that fits naturally.

Neat by Nature can be reached through:  instagram.com/neat.by.nature.co,  facebook.com/neatbynatureco, [email protected], or 419-340-6067.

From Waste to Works of Art: Scrap4Art!

Beth Sheets is one of the original board members of Scrap4Art.

Tucked within the scenic Artist Village at the Toledo Botanical Gardens, local creatives can find a shop where trash transforms into artistic treasure. While most arts and crafts stores only carry new, often mass-produced items, Scrap4 Art offers something far more unique: a second life for materials that were once destined for the landfill.

Founded in 2005, Scrap4Art was born from a vision of environmental stewardship and creative accessibility. According to founder and board president Evy Jarrett, the mission remains as clear today as it was when the doors first opened in 2006: to repurpose items headed for the waste stream while providing low-cost supplies for artists, educators, and crafters in the Toledo area.

A dedicated team

What makes Scrap4Art truly special is the dedication behind the scenes. Jarrett, along with fellow original board members Beth Sheets, Sally Moore and Jennifer Jarrett, have remained committed to the organization for two decades. This longevity has allowed Scrap4Art to grow and evolve through two moves before finding its place in the community at the Artist Village.

“The current location within a community of artists and arts organizations has generated both an increase in foot traffic and donations of suitable materials,” Jarrett notes. For visitors, this means the shop is constantly buzzing with new arrivals and fresh inspiration.

Treasure trove

Scap4Art offers a second life for materials that were once destined for the landfill. Linda Shetzer, one of their part-time employees at Scrap4Art, sitting on the porch.

Scrap4Art operates as a materials exchange program. It’s a simple, eco-conscious cycle: the organization accepts donations of clean, useful materials from individuals, businesses, and institutions like schools and hospitals, then makes them available to the public at a fraction of typical retail prices.

If you walk into a “big box” craft store, you know exactly what you’ll find on every aisle. But at Scrap4Art, the inventory is ever-changing. On any given day, you might find:

  • Classic craft staples: various papers, paint, crayons, glue, thread and scissors
  • Bulk inspiration: Wine corks, pipe cleaners, beads, yarn, straws and buttons 
  • Industrial items: Heavy-duty cardboard tubes, packaging materials, durable fabric salvaged from scrapped billboards, and die-cut shapes from local manufacturing
  • Occasional lucky finds: Lengths of nautical rope and specialized art equipment

“The large quantity of everyday items can in itself spark creativity,” Jarrett sair. “A barrel of bottle caps or a shoebox of dominoes will offer more—and different—opportunities than a handful of the same items.”


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More than a store

While the retail floor is the heart of the operation, Scrap4Art is more than a store. It is an environmental education program and arts center. By merging creativity with environmental awareness, the organization encourages visitors to look at “waste” as a reusable resource.

For those looking for something creative to do, the center hosts monthly workshops and in-store drop-in activities during special events at the Botanical Gardens. You can often find Scrap4Art booths at local community festivals, providing kids’ craft activities that prove sustainability can be fun for the next generation of artists.

Get involved

Whether you are a professional artist seeking unique materials for your next gallery piece, a teacher on a budget, or a parent looking for an afternoon project, Scrap4Art is an indispensable local resource.

To support Scrap4Art’s mission, there are three primary ways to contribute:

  1. Shop: Every purchase supports their community outreach and environmental programs.
  2. Volunteer: The organization wants to expand its hours and needs help with everything from sorting and pricing to staffing community events.
  3. Donate: If you have art supplies or unique materials gathering dust, consider giving them a new life. However, please call ahead first to verify space and demand, as their shelves are often bursting with community generosity.

In a world where everything seems disposable, Scrap4Art stands as a shining reminder that, with a little imagination, one person’s trash really can become another’s treasure. Scrap4Art is a place where a billboard can become a bag, a bottle cap can become a mosaic, and the community can come together to create something beautiful.

Plan Your Visit:

  • Location: Toledo Botanical Gardens Artist Village
  • Website: www.scrap4arttoledo.org
  • Store hours: Check website for current hours and upcoming workshops.