Fifth through eighth graders are invited to participate in the essay contest for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) are holding an essay contest to honor the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This topic is especially significant because November 11, 2021 will mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tomb represents soldiers who lost their lives, but were unable to be identified.
The prompt for the essay is as follows: Imagine that you had a brother who lost his life on the battlefields of France during World War I. You and your family attended the November 11, 1921, dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. Describe what this meant to you and your family. Why is it important to remember those who gave their lives to serve our nation?
The title of the essay should be “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” and should be 300 to 1,000 words in length depending on grade level.
The DAR chapter will select one entry from each grade to be sent to Districts. Chapter winners will be invited to a meeting on April 2, 2022, where they will be given the chance to read their essays to the chapter, and receive a bronze pin and certification. District winners will be sent to the State, and winners at the state will receive a silver pin and certificate. From there, those with State winning essays will be sent to nationals, where if they win, will receive a gold pin, certification and monetary rewards.
The essay’s deadline is October 15, 2021.
If you’re interested in participating in the contest but don’t know where to start, the Arlington National Cemetery recommends “Bodies of War: World War I and the Politics of Commemoration in America, 1919-1933” by L. M. Budreau, “Remembering War the American Way” by G. K. Piehler among others.
For more information, contact Lynn Rashleigh at 419-344-5837 or [email protected].
Individuals who have accumulated a significant past-due water bill balance have the chance to apply for assistance to resolve the amount, thanks to a new program launched by the City of Toledo.
As of October 1, the new water bill debt forgiveness program began allowing enrollees to have their outstanding past balances related to water, stormwater and sewer charges forgiven, provided they remain current on all new charges while enrolled in the program.
Eligible individuals must have 1. past due balances of at least $200 and 2. have a total household income of no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level (from $25,760 for a household of one, up to $89,320 for a household of eight) or 300 percent for seniors or disabled individuals ($38,640 for a household of one). Tenants are also able to apply, provided they have a signed agreement with their landlord on file.
The program only applies to bills incurred prior to the program’s October 1 launch. Individuals with bills incurred after October 1 may apply for enrollment in an installment payment plan, but not for forgiveness of the bill, under the program.
The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is back and it is better and BIGGER than ever! Fans are encouraged to walk among more than one hundred photorealistic dinosaurs ready to delight you and your families!
Events Jurassic Quest was out of commission last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now it is one of the first indoor family edutainment shows to re-launch since March of 2020 and has so much to offer!
The Jurassic Quest is a herd of animatronic dinosaurs – from the largest predators to the playful babies – displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar just as they did when they roamed the earth billions of years ago.
Unique Experiences Their most unique and beloved experiences are returning as well, including dinosaur-themed rides, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for little explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, among other activities.
Walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinosaurs that ruled the land and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon!
Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers. Loved by millions, only Jurassic Quest can bring family memories this BIG!
Logistics & Tickets Jurassic Quest is throughout the weekend of Friday, October 22, 2021. 3pm-8pm on Friday, 9am-8pm on Saturday, and finally, 9am-5pm on Sunday. If interested in this event, ticket prices start at $18 and can be purchased on-site, or online at jurassicquest.com.
Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted. Some venues may have wheelchairs for use, but please contact the venue to confirm.
General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on site for $5 each, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket. Green screen photography and animal art tattoos are available at a separate cost.
“The exhibition definitely tells the story of armor, both from a large point of view but also with individual stories that different suits have to tell,” explains Sophie Ong, Hirsch Curatorial Fellow at TMA.
The Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins Armory Collection at the Worcester Art Museum, on display in the Levis Gallery at the Toledo Museum of Art from November 6, 2021 through February 27, 2022.
Read the full Toledo City Paper article about the exhibit, written by Jeff McGinnis, here.
Wood County Plays has opened their first park, The Perrysburg Inclusive Playground, presented by Mercy Health Partners. Born out of necessity, Ryan and Kaley Wichman founded Wood County Plays after taking their two-and-a-half-year-old son, Grant, to a playdate where he was unable to play.
Grant was born with a rare genetic disorder that causes physical mobility challenges. He uses a walker and was unable to access the playground and utilize the equipment due to mulch and stairs. “We went home that night and began researching inclusive playgrounds and learning as much as we could,” says Kaley.
Grant laughs with friends Donny, Zach and Audrey Zylka as his dad, Ryan Wichman, pushes them on their merry-go-round. Photo by Kaley Wichman
Building from the ground up The Wichmans are not running Wood County Plays alone.
“Ryan called the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities and was able to speak with the superintendent, Mr. Baer,” Kaley shares. “Ryan explained we wanted to build an inclusive playground. The superintendent immediately jumped in.”
Baer assisted the Wichmans with contacting other families who he knew could benefit from the playground. They developed a steering committee consisting of parents, therapists, doctors, school psychologists and grandparents. The steering committee assesses needs through community surveys and public meetings.
Asher Hoge runs freely and safely through the playground. Photo by Kaley Wichman
Building an inclusive playground can be cost-prohibitive, but the community has rallied behind the organization. Wood County Plays was able to fund the $825,000 inclusive playground with assistance from Mercy Health Partners, fundraising, private donations and a state grant. Volunteers gave of their time to complete tasks such as landscaping and assembling the playground equipment. Masons from Local 886 donated time to pour the concrete and assist in other areas of the playground.
Meeting the goal of empathy and inclusion Inclusive playgrounds create play space for children and adults of all abilities to play together. Features that you will find at Perrysburg Inclusive include rubber pavement instead of mulch. The rubber pavement is red in “danger areas” to help those with visual impairments take caution around the swings and zip lines. Racing zip lines include a special seat allowing those with low muscle tone or needing back support to participate. There are ramps that lead to slides instead of stairs. Slides are designed in a way to eliminate static that interferes with cochlear implants. A fence surrounds the playground to help protect those who lack safety awareness.
“This is not just about accessibility but also inclusivity and empathy. Creating these spaces allows adults and children with or without disabilities to do things together that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do,” Arica Hoge says of Wood County Plays’s mission.
Asher Hoge runs freely and safely through the playground. Photo by Arica Hoge
Arica, mother of Asher (6) and Liam (8), was one of the first families contacted by Ryan in 2019. He called her the same day Asher fled a park that was not fenced in. Asher has Autism and a history of running into danger.
“He was four at the time,” says Arica. “He ran through the tree line and straight into Eckel Junction Rd. I was running after him, screaming for him to stop. Thankfully a teenager hopped off his bike and scooped him up,” she recalls. Having a park with a fence helps keep kids like Asher safe and allows them to play at the same place as siblings.
Kaley anticipates the momentum to keep growing. Wood County Plays has been approved to build another inclusive playground at Carter Park in Bowling Green. “We really cannot say enough about how the community came together and built this playground. Perrysburg was exceptional and I know Bowling Green is just as excited.”
Wood County Plays first playground, Perrysburg Inclusive, is located at Rotary Community 26350 Ft. Meigs Rd., Perrsyburg Park. To learn more about Wood County Plays, visit their website or find their Facebook page.
Looking for a fun Halloween event for the kiddos that isn’t scary? The 2021 Trick or Treat Halloween Train will be rolling though Findlay in late October. With two nights of special Halloween Express train rides, you can take a ride around the tracks and enjoy some Halloween displays as the train makes trick or treat stops. There’s no need to worry about any scary sights for the young ones as there’s fun and treats for all. The train ride is open to both kids and adults.
The Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation was established in 1998 as an all-volunteer non-profit charitable corporation for the preservation, promotion, and education of railroad history in Northwest Ohio. They are unique among railroad groups in that they incorporate a diversity of interests from model size trains, to quarter scale, to full scale, which will be featured during the event.
The trick or treat event will take place on October 23 from 6:30-9pm and on October 30 from 1-4pm and 6:30-9pm. Admission charges will be $3 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. You can find the train at 12505 County Road 99.
If you have any questions or need directions to the event, call 419-423-2995 or email [email protected].
