We may be enjoying the dog days of summer, but we also know the start of a new school year is right around the corner. Mark your calendars now for the 2018 tax free weekend Friday, August 3, through Sunday, August 5. You won’t have to pay sales tax on clothing priced $75 or less or school supplies priced $20 or less. You can find more info, including frequently asked questions online at tax.ohio.gov. And don’t forget to swing by Toledo Parent’s Back to School Fair at Franklin Park Mall on Saturday, August 4. This annual event has everything you need to get ready to start the school year off right!
New Kids on the Block—July 2018
Welcome, Aashish
You’ll notice a new resident at the Toledo Zoo this summer. Aashish, a three and a half-year-old male Indian rhinoceros, recently arrived in Toledo from his birth place, The Wilds of Cumberland, Ohio. “We are thrilled to have a rhinoceros back at the zoo,” said Michael Frushour, the zoo’s curator of mammals. “The addition of Aashish is quite exciting, as he is much younger and more active than our previous rhinos. We are looking forward to him utilizing the moat and guests having a much more intimate experience with this massive creature.” Indian rhinos are on the list of threatened species with a wild population of less than 3,000. Welcome, Aashish!
Tricycle Treats
When you’re in downtown Toledo, keep your eye out this summer for the Pop Cycle Peddler, an old-fashioned ice cream tricycle selling novelty ice cream treats and frozen organic dog treats. Business owner Stephanie Souza’s goal is to bring some of the simplicity of the past back to Toledo. The Pop Cycle Peddler is available for birthday parties, weddings, family gatherings and other events. Five percent of her sales each month will be donated to different non profit organizations that support the Toledo community.
Look for the Pop Cycle Peddler during Downtown summer activities including MudHen games and summer concerts, as well as in Point Place and various Metroparks. pop-cyclepeddler.com
New Head of School
There will be a new head of school when classes resume at Emmanuel Christian School in the fall. Kevin Hofer, who was appointed in June to the role, has worked in school administration for more than two decades, serving as elementary principal, secondary principal, and head of school. Additionally, he has taught social sciences, math, and Bible classes, and has coached middle and high school sports teams.
2017 Family Favorites
After School Activities | Education and Childcare | Health and Wellness | Out and About | Shop Local | Social Media Faves | Party Time | Me Time | Family Friendly Eats | Get Active
We asked and you answered. From the best place for after school activities to the best family friendly restaurant to the best doctor in town, you shared with us your vote for Family Favorites. And since our readers know the Toledo area best, the following list can serve as your go-to for places to go, people to see and things to do all year long.
After School Activities
Acting and Theater Classes
#1: Children’s Theatre Workshop | ctwtoledo.org
Runner up: Toledo Repertoire Theatre
Dance Studio
#1: Company C Dance Club | companycdanceclub.com
Runner up: Toledo Ballet
Gymnastics Class
#1: Toledo Turners Gymnastics | toledoturners.com
Runner up: Sunrise Gymnastics
Horseback Riding Lessons
#1: Hunter’s Run, Temperance, MI | huntersrunmhja.com
Runner up: Fox Meadow Farm
Kids Art Class
#1: Toledo Museum of Art | toledomuseum.org
Runner up: Copper Moon Studio
Martial Arts
#1: Sylvania Family Karate | sylvaniafamilykarate.com
Runner up: All American Karate
Music Lessons
#1: Forte Music School | fortemusicandarts.com
Runner up: Toledo Symphony School of Music
Swim Lessons
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: The Josh Project
Education and Childcare
After School Program
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Girls on the Run, Northwest Ohio
Charter School
#1: Toledo School for the Arts | ts4arts.org
Runner up: Imagine Schools
Daycare
#1: Children’s Discovery Center | childrensdiscoverycenters.com
Runner up: Educare Academy
Middle School
#1: Toledo Christian Schools | toledochristian.com
Runner up: Christ the King
Preschool
#1: West Side Montessori | montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: Toledo Christian Schools
Private/Parochial School
#1: Maumee Valley Country Day School | mvcds.org
Runner up: Toledo Christian Schools
School Principal
#1: Joe Carroll, Christ the King School | ckschool.org
Runner up: Joy McWhinnie, Toledo Christian Schools
Special Needs Services
#1: Help Me Grow | helpmegrow.ohio.gov
Runner up: Sunshine Inc.
Teacher
#1: Cory Hall, West Side Montessori | montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: Jen Maquire, Lake Elementary
Tutoring Center
#1: Sylvan Learning | sylvanlearning.com
Runner up: Kumon Math & Reading of Sylvania
Health and Wellness
Allergist
#1: Dr. Ghassan Safadi, Allergy Clinic Ohio | allergyclinicohio.com
Runner up: M. Razi Rafeeq, M.D.
Chiropractor
#1: Innate Health Chiropractic | getinnatehealth.com
Runner up: Rebel Chiropractic
ENT Doctor
#1: Dr. Christopher Perry, ENT, The Toledo Clinic | toledoclinicent.com
Runner up: Dr. Stephanie Cole, M.D., ProMedica ENT
Family Doctor
#1: Dr. Sue Federman, Toledo Clinic
4411 N Holland-Sylvania Rd, Sylvania
419-843-3627 | toledoclinic.com
Look no further than the Toledo Clinic to find your favorite family doctor in town. Dr. Susan Federman consistently delivers high-quality care, while making your family feel comfortable.
Runner up: Dr. Travis Rasor, DO, Fallen Timbers Family Physicians
Family Mental Health & Counseling Services
#1: Dr. George R. Williams, Harbor Behavioral Health | harbor.org
Runner up: Erin Wiley, MA, LPCC, The Willow Center
Midwife/Doula
#1: Erica Krause, CNM, ProMedica Midwifrey | promedica.org/provider
Runner up: Irma Cobian, CNM, Mercy Health
Natural & Homeopathic Health
#1: Serenity Health & Wellness Center, Maumee | serenityspamaumee.com
Runner up: Toledo Hemp Center
OB/GYN
#1: Dr. Danielle Barrow, ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics | Gynecology | promedica.org/provider
Runner up: Dr. Ann Rhee, ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics | Gynecology
Optometrist/Ophthalmologist
#1: Dr. Preston Linley, OD, ProMedica Physicians Eye Care | promedica.org/provider
Runner up: Dr. Robert Rhee, Pediatric Ophthalmology Consultants, LLC
Orthodontist
#1: Kay & Paulus Orthodontics | kayandpaulus.com
Runner up: HLS Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentist
#1: Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care | sylvaniapediatricdentalcare.com
Runner up: Dr. Erin Knierim
Pediatric Practice
#1: Franklin Park Pediatrics | franklinparkpediatrics.com
Runner up: ProMedica Physicians Toledo Peds
Out and About
Animal Encounter
#1: Toledo Zoo | toledozoo.org
Runner up: Indian Creek Zoo
Family Activity
#1: Toledo Zoo | toledozoo.org
Runner up: Imagination Station
Family Day Trip
#1: Cedar Point | cedarpoint.com
Runner up: Toledo Zoo
Indoor Play Space
#1: Imagination Station | imaginationstationtoledo.org
Runner up: Sky Zone Toledo
Kid Friendly Museum
#1: Imagination Station | imaginationstationtoledo.org
Runner up: Toledo Museum of Art
Nature Center
#1: 577 Foundation
577 E Front St, Perrysburg
419-872-0305 | 577foundation.org
Looking for something to add to the summer bucket list? Check out this family favorite. Founded by Virginia Secor Stranahan, the 577 Foundation is dedicated to preserving the greenspace property at 577 East Front Street in Perrysburg. The foundation also seeks to educate children and families about the land around them. This lush, 10-acre property includes a community garden, a geodesic biodome (think year-round greenhouse), honey bee hives, a river walk and more. You can also take a class, teach a class, plant a garden or just tour the grounds.
Runner up: Toledo Botanical Garden Board Inc.
Place to Camp
#1: Maumee Bay State Park Oregon | parks.ohiodnr.gov/maumeebay
Runner up: Camp Miakonda, Erie Shores Council, Boy Scouts of America
Place to Read
#1: Main Library, Toledo Lucas County Public Library | toledolibrary.org
Runner up: Barnes & Noble
Place to Volunteer
#1: Toledo Area Humane Society | toledohumane.org
Runner up: Cherry Street Mission Ministries
Place to Worship
#1: Cedar Creek Church | cedarcreek.tv
Runner up: Christ the King Church
Sporting Events for Families
#1: Toledo Mud Hens | milb.com/toledo
Runner up: Toledo Walleye Hockey
Place to Give Birth
#1: ProMedica Toledo Hospital | promedica.org/toledohospital
Runner up: St. Luke’s Hospital
Speech/Language Therapy
#1: Toledo Hearing & Speech Center | greatlakesautism.org/toledo-hearing-and-speech-center
Runner up: Rehab Dynamics
Urgent Care
#1: ProMedica Urgent Care | promedica.org/pages/medical-services/urgent-care
Runner up: Mercy Health Urgent Care
Veterinarian
#1: SylvaniaVET | sylvaniavet.com
Runner up: East Suburban Animal Clinic
Shop Local
Baby Boutique Shop
#1: Kids Klothesline Perrysburg | facebook.com/kids.klothesline.online
Runner up: Bowinkles
Bike Shop
#1: Wersell’s Bike & Ski Shop | wersellsbikeandskishop.com
Runner up: Reggie’s Bike Shop
Family Friendly Locally Owned Grocery Store
#1: Walt Churchill’s Market & Pharmacy | waltchurchillsmarket.com
Runner up: Monnette’s Market
Family Photographer
#1: Nicole Slovak Photography | nicoleslovak.wixsite.com
Runner up: Finn Photography
Kid’s Consignment/Resale Shop
#1: Once Upon a Child | facebook.com/OnceUponAChildToledo
Runner up: Lil’ Rascals
Mom-owned Business
#1: Mini Motions Dance Center | minimotionsdance.com
Runner up: Nicole Slovak Photography
Place for Furnishing the Nursery
#1: Babies R Us | babiesrus.toysrus.com
Runner up: Buy Buy Baby
Place to Buy Children’s Books
#1: Barnes & Noble | barnesandnoble.com
Runner up: Books-A-Million
Place to Buy Children’s Clothing
#1: Once Upon A Child Perrysburg | onceuponachild.com/perrysburg
Runner up: Kids Klothesline
Social Media Faves
Local Instagram Account
#1: @dotoledo
Runner up: @photographynicole
Local Parent Blogger
#1: Mom on the Go in Holy Toledo | momonthegoinholytoledo.com
Runner up: Our Cozy Den
Local Parent Facebook Group
#1: Toledo Thrifty Moms | facebook.com/groups/toledothriftymoms
Runner up: Toledo Parent University
Party Time
Party Entertainment
#1: Laurel’s Princess Parties | laurelsprincessparties.com
Runner up: Hero’s the Party Experience
Place for an Indoor Birthday Bash
#1: Sky Zone Toledo | skyzone.com/toledo
Runner up: Sylvania Playland
Place for an Outdoor Birthday Bash
#1: The Toledo Zoo | toledozoo.org
Runner up: Wildwood Preserve Metropark
Place to Buy a Birthday Cake
#1: Wixey Bakery | wixeysbakery.com
Runner up: Eston’s Bakery
Place to Buy a Gift
#1: Learning Express Sylvania, Maumee | learningexpress.com
Runner up: FiddleStix Boutique & Gallery
Me Time
Date Night Restaurant
#1: Mancy’s Italian | mancys.com
Runner up: 5th Street Pub
Girls Night Out
#1: Hollywood Casino Toledo | hollywoodcasinotoledo.com
Runner up: The Heights
Workout for Mom
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: LBs Circuit Training
Spa Day for Mom
#1: Reve Salon and Spa
5633 Main St, Sylvania
419-885-1140 | revesalonandspa.com
When you get a rare moment for some “me time”, Reve Salon and Spa in downtown Sylvania is where you want to go for rest, relaxation and much deserved pampering. This upscale salon goes beyond haircuts and color: they offer a variety of massages to relax and invigorate busy moms, along with facials, and makeup and nail services.
Runner Up: Serenity Health & Wellness Center
Family Friendly Eats
Candy Shop
#1: Boyd’s Retro Candy Store | boydsretrocandy.com
Runner up: Maumee Valley Chocolate & Candy
Cupcakes/ Bakery
#1: Cake in a Cup | cakeinacup.com
Runner up: 7 Little Cupcakes
Family-Friendly Restaurant
#1: Barry Bagels | barrybagels.com
Runner up: Fricker’s
Frozen Yogurt Shop
#1: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop | handelsicecream.com
Runner up: Lola’s
Healthy Family Restaurant
#1: Balance Pan-Asian Grille | balancegrille.com
Runner up: Barry Bagels
Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop
#1: BIGGBY Coffee | biggby.com
Runner up: Black Kite Coffee & Pies
Local Pizza Place
#1: Marco’s Pizza | marcos.com
Runner up: Inky’s Italian Food
Place Where Kids Eat Free
#1: Fricker’s | frickers.com
Runner up: Buffalo Wild Wings
Ice Cream Shop
#1: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt
Sylvania: 5908 W Sylvania Ave, 419-882-1112
Toledo: 5655 Secor Rd, 419-474-8861
handelsicecream.com
When you and yours need a sweet treat to cap off a hot summer day, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt is your go-to. Since 1945, Handel’s has been making ice cream and yogurt fresh daily, using the best available ingredients to create their distinct smooth and creamy texture. With more than 100 flavors to choose from, there’s sure to be something for everyone in your family, whether they prefer sundaes, parfaits or just a classic cone.
Runner up: Mr. G’s Barn
Get Active
Faith-based Summer Camp/Vacation Bible School
#1: Cedar Creek Church—Fusion Camp | cedarcreek.tv
Runner up: Saint John XXIII
Family Friendly Gym/Fitness Club
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Wildwood Athletic Club
Park or Playground
#1: Wildwood Preserve Metropark | metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/wildwood
Runner up: Fort Imagination at Woodlands Park
Place to go Ice Skating
#1: Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter | sylvaniatamoshanter.com
Runner up: Ottawa Park
Place to Play Mini-Golf
#1: Par 2 Golf Courses | par2golf.com
Runner up: Sylvania Playland
Soccer Program
#1: Pacesetter Soccer Club | pacesettersoccer.com
Runner up: Soccer Shots
Sports Camp
#1: YMCA Sports Camps | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: St. Ursula Academy Summer Athletic Camps
Summer Day Camp
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Imagination Station
Waterpark
#1: Kalahari Resorts Sandusky | kalahariresorts.com/ohio
Runner up: Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky
Youth Sports League
#1: Pacesetter Soccer | pacesettersoccer.com
Runner up: Toledo Volleyball Club
Thanks for voting, Toledo!
Summertime—DadStyle
This past winter was a rough one, so I’m having a blast getting outside in warm weather to enjoy local activities. One of the best things about being a dad is that I get to expose my kids to cool stuff outside.
Camping
If you read the men’s magazines, like I do, they tell you that to go camping you need expensive gear—a GPS wristwatch, a tent, hiking boots, a YETI for every situation and assorted other equipment. Now don’t get me wrong, I love overpriced gear just as much as the next guy but I know families that don’t go camping because they think it’s too expensive, so here is the real truth. With limited equipment and expense, you can have the equipment you really need and be fine.
Head to Grand Rapids (Ohio) or Ann Arbor’s Gallup Park and rent a canoe from a local livery, and paddle on the river. Another favorite of mine is Mohican State Park in Central Ohio. Pack a picnic lunch and eat in the canoe, or get out on shore and stretch. Plan to set up camp in one of the State Parks nearby.
Fishing
I’ll admit I’m very much an amateur with fishing, but I know the basics. If you want something easy, head to any of several area Metroparks. Oak Openings is my favorite. I also enjoy Olander Park in Sylvania with my kids because they have an annual fishing derby and, overall, a great setup.
Up North
Ok, although I’m known as Mr. Toledo, I love heading “Up North”, to Northern Michigan, especially the west side of the state. Take the family on the drive along the M22 highway around the Leelanau Peninsula and you won’t regret it. Rent a pontoon boat and spend the day on Crystal Lake, where you can literally see almost to the bottom.
UT trail
This trail is a hidden, but well known, community gem. We frequently ride the trail with the kids, starting at the McCord Rd. entrance and biking to UT. We eat our packed lunch somewhere on campus, then ride around while I bore my wife and kids with exaggerated stories of my UT college days. It’s great exercise and the kids really enjoy it.
I know you have your own family adventures and traditions, but these are some of my ideas on how to enjoy being outside (mostly) locally.
A Toledo native, Brad Augustyniak is married with three kids and the owner of GearUp419, a small business consulting firm. Active in our community professionally, he participates in his children’s’ activities as a Cub Scout den leader and soccer coach.
Sparklers and Snare Drums: Telling America’s Story to Our Children This Summer
I don’t have a summer birthday. I have a spring birthday, but growing up I always envied those with summer birthdays. Their birthday parties could be at a pool or at a baseball game, the days were longer and the food was better. Summer birthdays are the best. One of my daughters has a July birthday and it’s so sweet to see her enjoy those moments. Running around, playing with dirty feet, and eating popsicles with all of her friends. She loves having a birthday in July.
A few months ago we were talking about her upcoming birthday, which wasn’t that “upcoming” because it was so far away, but when you’re 5 looking at 6 it is never too soon to plan, and her big sister took the opportunity to interrupt and ask about the 4th of July. “What is the 4th of July about anyway, Dad?” Of course, I told my oldest to let her little sister finish her list, but I also (happily) took advantage of this opportunity to change the subject.
Teaching stories
As we talked about the 4th of July I found myself thinking about origin stories and their power to inform all that comes after. Instead of talking about hot dogs and sparklers we talked about how this experiment called America began in the first place. Don’t get me wrong, I love different aspects of the 4th of July. I mean, it’s just a fact: the 4th of July cannot start until you hear those first snare hits in Ray Charles’ “America the Beautiful.” This year we’ll watch “The Sandlot” again and consume more hot dogs than any one person should. But in the same way a cupcake isn’t enough to understand the birthday of a child and all that comes with it, fireworks and “patriotic music” just isn’t enough to encapsulate all that the 4th of July means.
This year let me propose two ideas to help us begin sharing American Stories with our children during the festivities of the 4th of July.
Tell the whole story
It is so easy to only tell the palatable portion of the story of our founding. But we owe it to our children to explain as much of the story as we can. The truth is, we know more about America’s founding than a few boats and stories of pilgrims. We also know about the way we took this land from people who were living here before us. We know the brutal ways in which we claimed this land for our own and dispensed with those who were here first. We need to have more confidence in our children’s ability to comprehend difficult topics that aren’t easy to discuss. The brilliant and wise Bryan Stevenson says, “We don’t really like to talk about our history, and because of that we haven’t really understood what it means to do the things we have done historically.”
Write the next chapter together
The more we can talk about the whole of our American story with our children the more we can begin to write a new beautiful chapter together. When we face up to the negative elements of the founding of our nation, we are naturally drawn to what makes this country wonderful. “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are worthy, necessary things to talk about with our children. Reading the morning news reminds us that “liberty and justice for all” is an urgent lesson to teach our children today. But we have to tell the whole story.
Our children, these little citizens, are heirs to this American story. So, the next time you hand off that fiery sparkler or apply an American flag (fake) tattoo to their cheek remember to tell them the whole story. Because, when we own the whole story of America’s yesterday, we can enlist these little citizens to help write a better story for tomorrow.
Time to Talk: When “Wait and See” Isn’t The Best Approach
Communication plays a crucial role in the early years of a child’s life. Without the ability to hear and speak clearly, children lose vital access to many educational experiences as they grow. Early speech and hearing intervention can make a dramatic difference in the developmental progress of children from birth through early childhood.
What’s normal?
Hearing problems can delay speech and language development, so it’s important to recognize normal milestones in your baby’s development. Most infants from birth to three months of age react to loud sounds and have special cries for different needs. From four to six months, babies follow sounds with their eyes and begin to babble. From seven months to one year, babies understand words for common items such as “cup” or “shoe” and imitate speech sounds. So what’s a parent to do if their child isn’t meeting these markers?
“No baby talks coming out of the womb,” says Julie Yeater, an audiologist at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. “For the first six to eight months, we rely on other factors to test hearing issues.” Julie evaluates newborns as young as four to twelve hours old and recommends retesting at twenty-four to thirty months of age. Babies who stayed in the NICU for more than five days or had mothers with prenatal infections or other health issues are more at risk for hearing loss, so follow up care is especially crucial.
Does birth order or gender matter?
“There’s some truth to the ‘youngest child syndrome,’” states Leigh Carr, a Toledo area pediatric speech and language pathologist. “Older kids help the youngest to speak, but they are good language models as well. Boys tend to speak a little bit later.” If a pediatrician does not seem concerned, Leigh recommends advocating for your child. “Parents know their children best, so we recommend they tell their doctor they want a referral for a speech evaluation.”
Encourage speech at home
There are many things parents can do to enrich the home environment and model appropriate speech. Especially with little ones, it’s important to keep things simple. Use word approximations such as “ba” for bottle or “apo” for apple. “Spend at least fifteen minutes a day playing a child-directed activity,” Leigh suggests. “For example, when giving your child a bath, talk about whatever they reach for or want to play with.” Above all, from the time of birth, read to your child every day. Visit readaloud.org for more information about enriching your child’s budding vocabulary.
The first few years of life are vital for the speech and language development of your child. Make the most of this time to avoid more complex issues in the future.
Everyday activities are teachable moments to encourage speech:
– Play with bubbles. As children blow and pop them, articulate the “p” and “b” sounds.
– Play with cars. Children can make action sounds like “beep beep” and “vroom”.
– Play with stuffed animals. These are portable conversation starters and teach naming skills, as well as action words and sound identification.
– Cook together. This inspires color recognition and following simple steps.
See “Time To Talk: Lucas County Learning Collaborative” for more information.