Folk artist Eric Dowdle has become a family favorite for his richly observed works that capture a sense of nostalgia and joy. Beyond their popularity as works of art, Dowdle’s drawings are wildly successful as the basis for a series of acclaimed jigsaw puzzles. Enjoy family time with this month’s Toledo Area Parent giveaway: Two Dowdle puzzles from DowdleFolkArt.com! The first, a 100-piece puzzle depicting a classic American Train Station, would be ideal for the younger members of the household to put together in an evening. The second, a 500-piece work featuring game day at Ohio State University’s football stadium, makes for an excellent weekend project!
Mercy Health Children’s goes (with) Nationwide
Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a pediatric center based out of Columbus, announced that it will acquire Mercy Health Children’s Hospital effective January 1, 2022. The acquisition comes after a year of the two facilities working as affiliates. Nationwide has announced plans to recruit additional physicians and invest in future programs, though there are no immediate plans to expand the existing Cherry Street facility.
Get some air at Urban Air Adventure Park
Kids can find indoor excitement at the newly-opened Urban Air Adventure Park, located at 5243 Airport Hwy., in the former location of the Burlington Coat Factory. Featuring attractions like go-karts, a ropes course, climbing walls, the Sky Rider and more, Urban Air promises hours of fun. Attendees can enjoy the park’s activities for a two-hour window, with prices ranging from $14.99 to $34.99 depending on the attractions. For more information or to buy tickets, visit urbanairtrampolinepark.com
Super suds from Buff City
Plant-based body wash creators Buff City Soap opened a new Toledo location at 3444 Secor Rd., near Whole Foods. What began in a firefighter’s garage in 2013 has expanded to dozens of locations around the country, with an eye on opening more than 1,000 within the next five years. The Toledo store joins one on Orchard Centre Dr. in Holland, which opened in 2019. facebook.com/BuffCitySoapToledo
Bowinkles Bash delivers themed sleepovers for families
Give your child the sleepover of their dreams with the new Bowinkles Bash program. Billed as “Toledo’s first luxury sleepover rental company,” parents can choose from a number of party themes for their kids— Unicorn, Superheroes, Harry Potter and more. Bowinkles provides all the decor, with either pickup or delivery options available. Prices vary depending on the size of the party, and every kid will get a goodie bag to keep. $150-300. 5627 Main St., Sylvania. 567-455-5939. bowinklesboutique.com
Campbell donates to NWO Girls on the Run
The local arm of a charity aimed at keeping young women active has received a $10,000 grant to bolster their efforts. Girls on the Run of Northwest Ohio announced the donation from the Campbell Soup Foundation in January. The money is part of a larger grant from Campbell aimed at offering strategic support during the fight against COVID-19, aimed at helping girls around the country and in “Campbell Communities,” including Napoleon, Ohio. Girls on the Run is a program that works to encourage preteen girls to maintain healthy lifestyles and grow self confidence through running.