Downtown Eatery Serves Up Quite A History

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August 31, 2019

Great food and a ghostly good time at The Café

The Short Course

Kid-friendly: Yes.
To avoid wait: Anytime.
Noise level: Moderate.
Bathroom amenities: Changingstation in BOTH men’s and women’s restroom.
High chairs? Yes.
Allergies? Be sure to alert server to precautions can be made during food preparation.

The kids and I made the most of summer, with hopes that it might somehow make the season last longer. (It didn’t work.) One sunny, summer afternoon we ventured downtown for an adventure at the historic Oliver House and the nearby Middlegrounds Metropark. If you haven’t been to either place, it’s time you check them out!

Historic Oliver House

The Oliver House, located on Broadway not far from the high-level bridge, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It opened in 1859 and was considered a modern hotel for its time in an area of downtown called the Middlegrounds. It has been home to many things including a medical center during the Spanish-American War. I’ll get back to that in a bit.

Currently, the Oliver House is home to The Café, Rockwell’s Steakhouse, Maumee Bay Brewing Company, Mutz Sports Bar and several other businesses. After our fabulous lunch at The Café, the kids and I enjoyed meandering through the Oliver House admiring the beautiful architecture and checking out the Toledo Brewing Hall of Fame & Museum. We then spent time at the Middlegrounds Metropark, on the river, just steps from the Oliver House. Enjoy a great breakfast or lunch at The Café and then have yourselves a little adventure, like we did!

Unique experience and delectable food

Petit Fours Patisserie and Café is often simply referred to as The Café; which most people call it for short. Though we did not indulge in any pastry or bakery items, I hear they are scrumptious. The décor is described as ‘contemporary minimalist’. With the painted brick walls, brushed metal tables, tile floor, open ceiling and local art on the walls, I agree with that description.

There is a unique triangular courtyard with many dining tables, but my kids had their fill of the extreme heat so we stayed indoors where the air was conditioned. Rodney, our enthusiastic and personable server, made our visit even more enjoyable. When he heard we had never dined at The Café he was beyond excited to tell us how everything, including the salad dressing, is made in house, and how everything on the menu is delicious. We did not try everything on the menu, but I can say that the items we DID sample were fresh, flavorful and made us want to return.

We began our meals with cheddar broccoli soup, gazpacho, and their famous tomato bisque. We loved them all, but oh that bisque . . . one of the best we’ve had yet.

The regular lunch menu is very large and includes nine salads, 12 hot and seven cold sandwiches, burgers, soups –you name it! The sandwiches are served with chips and a pickle, but you can always substitute fries or soup or salad. The kids enjoyed the Hot Italian, Rueben, and three cheese grilled cheese with caramelized onions. I, on the other hand, tried the Oliver House Wagon Wheel. Picture this: an English muffin with American cheese, either bacon, ham, or gyro meat, dipped in egg, and grilled. That is an item you don’t find on every menu, and it was very good.

They do have high chairs and kids’ menus as well, so the family is certainly welcome. Breakfast options for the younger set include meals with eggs, fruit, French toast, etc. and are only $4.99. Lunch options range from BLT’s to hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, etc. and are $5.99.

Paranormal activity

We heard that the Oliver House is considered to be “haunted.” Once we started asking questions, Rodney and another server couldn’t wait to share with us some of the things that they themselves had experienced. We heard many stories about a gentleman who may have been there during the Spanish-American war, and he always appears in full uniform. They call him “The Captain.” Ask around when you are there. Someone on the staff will be able to share a story or two with you. Or maybe you’ll have a sighting yourself!

The Bottom Line: Get out with the family and do something different. It’s a short jaunt downtown to The Café and you can extend the visit by walking through the historic Oliver House, and maybe spend some time along the river at Middlegrounds Metropark. The service is personable, and the food will be worth the trip. Take home some pastries while you’re there, too!

The Café
27 Broadway St. Toledo 43604
The Historic Oliver House
419-243-1302
Mon-Sat: 8am-3:30pm
mbaybrew.com/thecafe

An Unlikely School Employee

By

Emily Remaklus

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August 31, 2019

Therapy dogs bring needed support to students

Teachers and staff members work hard to ensure that students have the help they need during the school year. Sometimes, however, it takes an unlikely school employee to help students. Therapy dogs are being used more in schools to address students’ emotional needs.

Unlike service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks in order to help someone with a disability, therapy dogs work to help with emotional needs of people in schools, hospitals and other settings. The dogs’ presence can create a calming effect on humans.

Devin and Sara’s story

One young boy who has benefited greatly from a therapy dog is Devin, a Blissfield 5th grader.

Devin has autism, ADHD, and anxiety. His therapy dog, Sara, helps him stay calm in upsetting situations, which in turn helps to keep him safe. Prior to receiving Sara, Devin had run into traffic trying to get away from loud noises or large crowds. It was after those scary incidents when his mother decided to research therapy dogs.

Unfortunately therapy dogs are very expensive and it can take a long time to arrange to have one trained and placed in a home. Devin’s family was put on a waiting list for two years. Last spring he reached the top of the list. To help offset the costs, Devin’s teacher Nicole Lundquist put together a fundraising effort at the school. Lundquist explained, “On the day of the event, money from all the students began to pour in. Many donations had notes attached from students that told why they felt it was so special to donate…When it was time to count the donations, it was clear that we had surpassed the goal.”

Whitmer High School’s future addition

Other area schools are also working to bring therapy dogs to their facilities. Whitmer High School recently finished raising funds to help pay for a therapy dog. Washington Local Schools currently has two therapy dogs in the elementary schools who come to visit classes, help to soothe students who need some time to decompress, and teach students how to care for a companion properly.

Katie Peters, a Whitmer High School teacher and therapy dog handler, said a therapy dog at the high school works with teens in ways that are similar to how the dogs work with younger children.

“High school students come to us facing struggles and hardships at home. It has been proven that interacting with a therapy dog for five minutes can lower blood pressure, diminish physical and emotional pain and release endorphins that have a calming effect that relaxes the student. Students who are ‘in the zone’ with a dog are much more likely to open up and ask for the help they need.”

Whitmer High School applied in February for a therapy dog and has been approved by the Assistance Canine Training Services of New Hampshire. With the help of Meyers Auto Wash, the school was able to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of the dog, supplies and training. Additionally West Toledo Animal Hospital volunteered to help with the canine’s care.

The school is currently waiting for the agency to find a dog that matches the school’s needs and will, hopefully, receive their therapy dog this fall. The community response has been very supportive. For students that have allergies or might be afraid of dogs, counselors will be informed and the dog will be kept away from those students.

Peters, who will be the dog’s handler, will be required to then go to New Hampshire for a week long training. Once Peters has the dog, her classroom will be its home base. While she is teaching, one of four other trained faculty members can walk the dog through the hallways and take it to other classrooms to meet with students. Additionally, the dog will attend many events in the community throughout the year.

Mother’s Center of Greater Toledo open house

By

Kimberly Feldkamp

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August 31, 2019

Calling all moms! If you’re looking for a way to find “your village”, meet more mom friends and feel more connected to others in the parenting trenches, mark your calendar for the annual Mother’s Center of Greater Toledo open house, Thursday, September 5, from 10-11am at the West Toledo YMCA, or for an evening meet-and-greet at Sip Coffee, that same day, from 7-8pm. Learn more about this nonprofit that brings mothers together for support, fun, friendship and more. Find out more about the group, including weekly meetings, social events, community outreach, babysitting co-op, and the executive mommas group for working mothers.

Whole Foods Now Open in Toledo

By

Kimberly Feldkamp

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August 31, 2019

Grocery shoppers, rejoice! The doors have finally opened at Toledo’s Whole Foods Market. The long-awaited store opened in early August. Whole Foods Market is known for its natural and organic products, high quality standards and commitment to sustainable agriculture. Whole Foods Market’s rigorous quality standards prohibit hydrogenated fats, high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. The Toledo store also offers locally sourced options, grab-and-go prepared foods and natural and organic grocery items.

Whole Foods Market, 3420 Secor Road
567-803-7001

Field Trip & After School Guide 2019

By

Kimberly Feldkamp

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August 31, 2019

Special Advertising Section

Endless options to keep kids engaged outside the classroom

With the school year underway, as the routine sets in, you may be looking for after school programs to help your children discover new interests and talents. Or perhaps you simply need ideas for things to do once the bell rings. We’ve got you covered! Read about these organizations that will keep kids engaged and excited about learning outside the classroom. Plus, find ideas about places for field trips— perfect for the class during school hours or for the family on the weekends.

After School Activities

Boys & Girls Club

2250 N. Detroit Ave., Toledo, OH 43606
419-241-4258 | bgctoledo.org

With a belief that success is within the reach of every child, the Boys & Girls Club works hard to provide a safe place where children can learn and grow through new experiences, various programs and adult mentors. The club focuses on helping kids become productive, caring and responsible citizens. Programs include Power Hour, an after school homework help program, Cadet Corps, a weekly brainstorm and goal making session for kids 7-9 years old, Leadership Development clubs for kids of all ages, Computer Technology, Sports and Fitness, and Arts and Crafts.

Elite Karate Academy

10 S Holland Sylvania Road, Ste. 202, Toledo
419-930-8050 | facebook.com/EliteKarateAcademy

Offering karate, fitness kickboxing and self defense seminars, Elite Karate Academy has something for everyone.The Little Ninjas class for youngsters (ages 3-6) helps improve focus, discipline and coordination while the Juniors (ages 7-12) helps improve concentration while building confidence.
If your teen is looking to try something new this year, check out the Teens class, which can help improve self esteem in a positive atmosphere.

Other options include a fitness kickboxing class, a demonstration team that performs throughout the Toledo area and a competition team for those who really want to showcase their skills.

Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts

Home of the Toledo Ballet and Toledo Symphony
5327 Monroe St., Toledo
419-471-0049 | toledoballet.com

The Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), home of the Toledo Ballet and Toledo Symphony, is dedicated to providing exceptional live music, dance performances and education for the region. With deep community roots and a combined 155 years of serving 260,000 individuals annually through performances and educational programs in Toledo and surrounding areas, TAPA presents new and invigorating programs and integrate the performing arts through shared educational missions. This fall, check out what Toledo Ballet and the Toledo Symphony School of Music have to offer. The young, and young-at-heart, are welcome to learn new skills and join a family of people who enjoy the arts!

Sylvania Children’s Center

3421 Talmadge Road, Toledo
419-537-1122 | Sylvaniachildren.com

Serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old, Sylvania Children’s Center is a great option if you’re looking for a place where your child will be engaged, cared for and allowed to grow and develop at his own pace. Sylvania Children’s Center gives kids the opportunity to explore, create, play and learn while developing positive self-concepts as they discover the world around them. Early and extended care is available.

Ridge Run Vaulters

24789 Hull Prairie Road, Perrysburg
419-779-5922 | ridgerunperrysburg.com

Everyone can vault! 7-week small group classes are forming now at Ridge Run Vaulters in Perrysburg. Equestrian Vaulting is a sport for a wide range of ages that combines gymnastics and dance on the back of a moving horse. Controlled in a circle from the ground on a long line by a lounger, vaulting is done on soft footing and practiced first on a stationary barrel before moving on to the horse. The sport teaches harmony with the horse and promotes overall fitness, balance, coordination and teamwork. As one of the safest and most affordable equestrian sports, vaulting can be competitive or recreational, individual or team. No previous gymnastics, dance or horse experience necessary.

Find more information online at ridgerunperrysburg.com.

New Heights Gymnastics & More

6539 Weatherfield Ct., Maumee
419-795-2132 | Newheightstoledo.com

New Heights Gymnastics & More is a great after school option for kids with energy to burn! With two locations (Maumee and Wauseon), state-of-the-art facilities and multiple options, your child can hone their skills, build confidence and have fun at the same time. New Heights offers gymnastics classes for young beginners as well as highly competitive teams, cheerleading and tumbling programs, American Kenpo Karate and a Ninja Zone, for kids ages 3-12 that combines martial arts, gymnastics, obstacle course training and freestyle movement.

Field Trip Destinations

EMU Planetarium

303 Strong Hall, Ypsilanti, MI. 48917
734-487-4144 | emich.edu/planetarium/

Load up the bus and take a field trip north for a day of exploration and learning about stars, dark matter, the planets and the constellations at Eastern Michigan University’s Planetarium! Built in 2011, this 37-seat facility has a domed ceiling that features shows on a variety of space-related topics. The planetarium is in use Monday through Thursday, September through April, for University Astronomy courses, but visits for outside groups can be scheduled for Fridays and some weekends during the school year. Budget friendly, the Planetarium field trips only cost around $2 per person.

Johnston Fruit Farms

2790 US-20 ALT, Swanton
419-826-1453 | johnstonfruitfarms.com

The fall is a perfect time to get out and enjoy a tour at Johnston Fruit Farms. The local, family-owned farm offers behind-the-scene tours to groups of 12 or more, hayrides, and a chance to pick pumpkins and apples. You’ll also find delicious peaches, donuts, you-cut sunflowers and a free petting zoo. With a class of students, or just your family, this is one farm you’ll want to visit.

Olander Park

6930 Sylvania Ave, Sylvania
419-882-8313 | olanderpark.com

Sylvania’s Olander Park is a great place for kids to play, learn and explore nature around them. Offering a 28 acre lake, which is a great spot for fishing and boating. Additionally, a 1.1 mile paved path surrounds the lake which is a nice spot for walkers, joggers, rollerbladers and bicyclists. Kids will love the four playgrounds at the park, and older kids and adults can enjoy the two sand volleyball courts. The park also has spaces to rent for weddings, meetings and reunions.

Toledo Botanical Garden

5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo, OH. 43615
419-407-9710
metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/toledo-botanical-garden

The Toledo Botanical Garden is a beautiful 60 acre area with numerous garden displays, offering many opportunities for visitors to learn about a variety of annuals and perennials. The gardens also host the Artisan Village which includes original sculptures located throughout the grounds. Kids can explore nature through pioneer living activities and hands-on plant exploration.

Toledo Zoo

2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040 | Toledozoo.org

We are lucky to live in a city that has an awesome zoo. With over 700 different species of animals, the Toledo Zoo is a great place for both kids and adults to learn about the world of animals. Be sure to explore the aquarium touch tank that allows kids to get an up close look at the ocean’s wonders. For an additional fee, visitors can sign up for Behind the Scenes Tours to see the Zoo from the perspective of a zookeeper, an awesome opportunity for a kid with the desire to someday work with animals.

Sauder Village

22611 State Route 2, Archbold
419-446-2541 | saudervillage.org

Put the cell phones down and take a step back to simpler times. At the historic Sauder Village, visitors explore what it would have been like to live over 200 years ago. Costumed guides may convince you that you are in a different era. Visitors can explore historic homes and shops, such as the one-room school house, Dr. McGuffin’s office, a printer, a cider mill, and much more. Craftsmen, located throughout the village, provide working demonstrations with glass, metal, fiber, wood, and clay. Be sure to stop by and visit the farmyard animals.

September Giveaway—Playmobile 1.2.3. Zoo

By

Digital Media

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August 31, 2019

The beloved PLAYMOBIL toys are now available for the toddler and preschool crowd! PLAYMOBIL’s new PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3 sets – made with little hands in mind – are geared toward children ages 1.5 and up.

PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3 encourages imaginative play and creativity and promotes child development. This month, we’re giving one lucky reader a PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3 Zoo, which includes a monkey enclosure with a swing and a cave shelter, and a penguin enclosure with slide.