Wings of Hope Good Grief of NW Ohio

May 1, 2017

If your family has lost someone, they don’t have to suffer alone. Good Grief of NW Ohio, which offers grief counseling support groups for adults and children, is hosting their Wings of Hope Cocktail Reception. Amanda Sauer, the first female Big 10 official will speak on being a female trailblazer and on the death of her husband, Peter, in 2012. The Wings of Hope Cocktail Event will be hosted 6-8pm. Thursday, May 11. $75/general. Inverness Club, 4601 Dorr St. R.S.V.P. by Friday, May 5. 419-360-4939 goodgriefnwo.org. Good Grief meets every other week at their Holland office, starting with a family dinner 6pm and followed by peer support sessions from 6:30-7:45pm.

Their offices are located at 7015 W. Spring Meadows Dr., Ste. 201, Holland.
419-360-4939 | goodgriefnwo.org.

Fighting premature births, The March for Babies

Emily Remaklus

May 1, 2017

Started by President Roosevelt in 1938, the March of Dimes was a call of action yo ladies to go from house to house to collect change used to help eradicate polio, a predominantly childhood disease that Roosevelt faced as an adult. Once polio was eliminated in this country, the organization focused its attention on children. Today, more than 79 years after Roosevelt’s call to action, March of Dimes continues to call on the community to help make a difference.

Every baby deserves a fighting chance

Premature births was a cause adopted as the March of Dimes’ new mission in 2002. With the focus, “to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality,” March of Dimes has helped create the steady decrease in premature birth rates. Although the percentage is decreasing (currently 9.6% nationwide and 11.4% in Lucas County), Sara Hegarty, executive director for March of Dimes, explains that the organization won’t stop until “every baby gets a fighting chance.”

Hegarty became heavily involved in March of Dimes after the loss of her son Gabriel Michael in 2013. “During that time, March of Dimes was a huge support for me…and having that support system was absolutely amazing,” she said.

With the help of March of Dimes, she launched Gabriel’s Gowns, an organization which repurposes old wedding dresses into burial gowns for babies that pass away shortly after birth, or are stillborn. With the help of many volunteers, Gabriel’s Gowns are available in Mercy Hospitals, Promedica Hospitals, three hospitals in Columbus, and still growing.

March for Babies

March of Dimes also works for change through the yearly March for Babies fundraiser walk. “Our March for Babies event is the largest event of the year and anybody can come out! There’s no registration fee, but fundraising is encouraged,” Hegarty said. March for Babies is May 21 at Owens Community College. The three-mile walk will have three themes.

The first mile is the theme of Hope; hope for a brighter future with a focus on cutting edge research.

The second mile looks to Remember with a beautiful mile stretch displaying signs for babies that have passed.

The third mile is Celebrate. This mile, named Ambassador Avenue, is for the babies that survived. Signs showing the survivors’ journey from NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) to present day will be on display for families who fundraised more than $500.

Along with the walk, March for Babies will offer a number of other activities, with breakfast served prior to the walk, and a Taste of Toledo lunch. A Remembrance Tree, for families to write the name of their baby who has passed, and a butterfly garden, will also serve as a place for families will provide solace.

New to the event this year is a Super Hero sprint for the kids. This quarter mile run will take place prior to the walk, and is only $20 per child or $30 for a family. Each child will get a superhero cape to wear while they run.

Throughout the year March of Dimes offers events to help with fundraising, education, and support. Hegarty explained that currently, “we’re really trying to do more outreach for families in the NICU…that’s something I’m focused on expanding.” And with that expansion for the organization, Hegarty is looking for more volunteers. If you’d like to help, call 419-534-3600.

March for Babies
May 21, 2017
Owens Community College
30335 Oregon Rd. | Perrysburg

Registration opens at 8:30am and the walk begins at 10:00am

Register at:
marchforbabies.org,
or call the Toledo office at 419-534-3600

Summer Camp Guide 2

Emily Remaklus

May 1, 2017

Summer is coming fast! It’s time to find the perfect summer camp for your child,
and we’re here to help. Check out some of the great local camps that are happening in the Toledo area. There’s something for everyone.

Childcare Adventures Early Learning Center

3544 Glendale Ave. | 419-385-5880 | childcareadventures.com

June 5th – August 18th
Campers from 5-12 years old can go back to a simpler time as they unplug from the electronics to live and work on a mini farm in the city. The campers will be responsible for gardening which will serve as a source for their meals. Other activities will include hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, and field trips around Toledo. This camp is sure to leave kids with a new appreciation for Mother Nature.

Children’s Discovery Center’s Camp Discovery

6450 Weatherfield Court Suite 3. | Maumee | 419-867-8570
childrensdiscoverycenters.com

June 5th-August 18th
School-age children from kindergarten to ten years old can spend the summer filled with fun and adventure at Camp Discovery. This summer will feature a science fair theme that allows campers to experience hands-on concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Campers will have the opportunity to swim each week and participate in team sports. Weekly field trips include the Toledo Zoo, the Toledo Art Museum, Maumee Bay State Park, Seneca Caverns, Grand Rapids Canal Boat, and more. Snacks and lunches are provided daily, and care is offered from 6:30am-6pm.

Forte School of Music and the Arts

3208 W. Sylvania Ave. | 419-471-2100 | fortemusicandarts.com

Camps run throughout the summer
The summer is a great time for kids to try their hand at a new interest. Forte School of Music and the Arts offers students one-on-one classes year round for all instruments, voice, stage presence, and musical theatre.
As the largest music school in the Toledo area, they provide the most professional faculty in one location. Classes are open to children and adults

St. Rose Catholic School

217 E. Front St. | Perrysburg
419-874-5631 | saintroseonline.org

Camps offered weekly throughout June
St. Rose Catholic School has a camp for every child’s interest. Children in preschool through eighth grade can choose one of the many themed weekly camps that include princess camp, superhero camp, grossology, Star Wars, sports galore, baking and design, cosmetology jr., and geocaching. Find a complete list online.

SummerTime at Maumee Valley Country Day School

1715 S. Reynolds. | 419-381-1313 | maumeevalleysummertime.org

June 19-30 and July 10-28
SummerTime at Maumee Valley has something for everyone. The camp offers weekly half-day classes for 1st-12th grade students that focus on the arts, athletics, and academics. All classes are taught by school teachers or experts in the field, and SummerTime prides itself in the emphasis on learning while still having fun. Before and after camp care is also provided at no additional charge. Registration started in March and is open to everyone.

Sunshine Communities

7223 Maumee Western Rd. | Maumee
419-794-8647 | sunshine.org

June 19th-23rd and July 17th -21st
Sunshine Communities is excited to offering two camps this summer. Sunshine Studios will host week long art camps for Kindergarten to 6th graders with a focus on creativity in pottery. Campers will work on several projects including a unique garden art piece. Sunshine Acres will be also hosting one or two day camps throughout June that allows campers 6 and older, including adults with special needs, to spend a day at the barn learning to ride horses and take care of animals. Both Sunshine Communities’ camps are geared towards campers who are abled and those with special needs.

Toledo Area Humane Society

827 Illinois Ave. | Maumee
419-482-7110 | toledohumane.org

Multiple camps running from June 8th – August 10th
Spend the summer with adorable animals at the Toledo Area Humane Society. If you have an animal lover who is between 5-14 years old, this would certainly be a camp they’d enjoy. TAHS offers single day and multi-day camps throughout the summer. Campers will have a chance to tour the shelter, visit with the pets, play animal-themed games, and create a cool craft.

West Side Montessori Summer Camp

7115 W. Bancroft. | 419-866-1931 | montessoritoledo.org

Weekly sessions beginning June 14th – August 4th
WSM Summer Camp specializes in high quality programming with visits from community partners that bring fun and engaging hands-on activities for campers to enjoy. WSM Summer camp utilizes the Montessori practice which focuses on peace, grace, courtesy, and respect for the child. Children as young as 13 months up until those entering fourth grade are eligible to attend. Elementary age campers have the opportunity to participate in daily swim time, while the younger ones enjoy outdoor water play every day.

YMCA of Greater Toledo

1500 N. Superior St. | 419-729-8135 | ymcatoledo.org

Camps offered throughout the summer
The YMCA offers a variety of camps throughout the summer, including their always popular Storer Camps which allows groups to stay overnight. The YMCA also has hundreds of day camps across the Toledo area. Review the complete listing and find the perfect one for your child online.

Gateway School

4650 Bancroft St. | 419-536-6503 | gatewaypre-k.com

Weekly camps offered from Monday-Thursday
May 30th-June 29th and July 31st-August 17th from 8:30am-11:30am
Younger children can join in the fun of summer camp at Gateway School. With two, three, or four day sessions per week, these little campers can spend the morning exploring the fun weekly themes. Some themes this summer include: Let’s Sparkle which focuses on preparing for the Fourth of July, making some noise with Crash Bang Boom Music, and enjoying ice cream and snow activities with Baby It’s Cold Outside.

Heather Downs Country Club

3910 Heatherdowns Blvd. | heatherdowns.com
419-385-0248.

Camps run throughout the summer
Heather Downs Country Club will be hosting their annual golf programs for all ages. If you missed the spring Junior Academy, there are still plenty more programs this summer. A Junior Golf Camp will run for four separate weeks throughout the summer with additional Saturday clinics. The Adult and Ladies Golf Academy is a seven week program that includes instruction and course play. For those interested in focusing on short game, The Short Game Golf School is a four lesson program that teaches proper mechanics for wedge play, pitching, chipping, sand play, and putting. All golf programs and camps are taught by Director of Golf, Dan Sutton and his staff.

Toledo Ballet

5327 Monroe St. | 419-471-0049
toledoballet.net

Various camps occur throughout the summer
Step into summer with the Toledo Ballet’s summer courses. Young dancers can spend time this summer working with internationally renowned dance instructors and choreographers. The intensive courses are intended for dancers who have been enrolled in classes previously and are at Levels 5-7. Pre-intensives are offered to students at Level 3 or 4 and are half-day classes. Students interested, but not at the listed level, may audition for placement in the courses. For younger dancers, a Fairy Tale Dance Camp is being offered which will help camper cultivate their imagination, make new friends, and discover the joys of performance.

Rocket Volleyball Camps

2801 W. Bancroft St. | 419-530-7255
rocketvolleyballcamps.com

Camps run from July 8th-13th
The University of Toledo is offering volleyball camps for players interested in learning more about volleyball techniques. For 7th-12th graders, one day position specialist camps are offered. Campers will focus on improving their position as setter and middle blocker, or outside hitter and defensive. A week-long All-Skills Camp is also offered. The youth all-skills camp is intended for grades 4th-8th and the high school all-skills camp is for 9th-12th graders. This is a great way for your volleyball player to improve their game.

National Inventors Hall of Fame

3701 Highland Park NW | N. Canton, OH
1-800-968-4332 | campinvention.org

Camps run June – August.
Camp Invention is perfect for young imaginations! This summer will offer all-new curriculum that lets campers from kindergarten to 6th grade explore real-world problem solving and creative thinking. Local educators will lead a week of hands-on activities including entrepreneurship, blasting rockets, wiring a circuit, and creating a Spy Gadget Alarm Box.

St. Francis de Sales High School

2323 W. Bancroft St. | 419-277-7702
sfstoledo.org

Camps run June 4- July 14
There’s something for everyone this summer at St. Francis de Sales. Various sports camps are offered in June and July for boys in grades 2-9. There’s also a variety of academic camps, including graphic design camp, art camp and musical theatre, just to name a few, for boys and girls in grades 5-8. You can find a complete listing of all the academic and athletic camps online

Collingwood Presbyterian

2108 Collingwood Blvd. | 419-243-3275
collingwoodpc.net

June 19-23, June 23
Kids can get creative at Collingwood Presbyterian Church. For students entering grades 1-6, they can spend a week experiencing workshops about a variety of different creative arts including choir, hand bells, chalk drawing, clay sculpting and more! Camp runs from 9am to 12:30pm. On the last day of camp there will be a celebration showcase where campers will display and perform their art.

First Congressional Church

2315 Collingwood Blvd. | 419-243-6248
firstchurchtoledo.com

Camp runs June 11- June 14
First Congressional Church’s Vacation Bible School is open to all students 3 years (must be potty-trained) through 12th grade. With a camp motto of “Search the visible discovering the invisible”, the scripture focus for this camp is Colossians 1:15-16. The camp runs from 5:30-8:30pm and dinner will be served Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Camp Courageous & The Arc

12701 Waterville-Swanton Rd | Whitehouse
419-875-6828 | campcourageous.com

Weekly camps from June 4th-October 1st
Camp Courageous & The Arc offer a variety of camps throughout the year for children and adults with developmental disabilities. These camps range from Residential Camps, Weekend Camps, and Day Camps. The Residential Camps are intended for individual 15 years and older and run from Sunday afternoon through Friday morning. Campers will enjoy delicious meals and daily activities and programs. All counselors are trained through the Department of Developmental Disabilities standards, and onsite and on-call nursing services are provided by Registered Nurses.

National Train Day

415 Emerald Ave. | 419-241-9155
tmacog.org

May 6, 9:30 am -4 pm
If your kids love trains, you won’t want to miss this! National Train Day celebrates the importance of passenger and freight trains. At this one day event you’ll find model trains of all sizes, train rides for the kids, a children’s safety workshop, food, prizes and much more!

Let’s Be Friends Preschool

801 Scott St. | Maumee
419-893-3476 | letsbefriendspreschool.com

June 12th-June 23rd
Let’s Be Friends Preschool offers a two week summer program for children from 3-5 years old. The camp runs from 9:00am-11:30am, and will feature two themes: nature and pretend. Each day campers will enjoy a craft that explores one of the themes, play games, and sing songs.

Mini Motions Dance Center

2437 Tremainsville Rd. | 419-473-0999
minimotionsdance.com

July 10-27. Times vary depending on age.
Get moving this summer at Mini Motions, a dance and gymnastics center opened by Sue Hays in 1991. The 2017 Summer Program begins on July 10 and offers focused class sessions held twice a week through July 27. Kids aged 2-12 can pick age-appropriate classes focused on different styles of dance and gymnastics, including ballet, hip hop, tap and tumbling. Please register by July 6.

The Maritime Academy of Toledo

803 Water St. | 419-244 -9999
maritimeacademy.us

June 12-23. Grades 5-12.
Did you know that Toledo has one of only 18 Maritime-Themed public schools in the United States? Even if they aren’t a student, your child can benefit from the school’s focus on character development, independence, accountability, discipline and education during a summer program. From 8am-noon, during the weeks of June 12 and June 19, children in grades 5-12 can get their feet wet and learn the ropes of nautical and maritime values.

Out-Of-The-Box Birthday Guide

Bridget Adams

May 1, 2017

Every kid gets their own special day once a year, and today there are more ways to celebrate than ever before. If you find the options on Pinterest overwhelming but want a little more than the trusty cake and ice-cream get-together, fear not. There are lots of cool options these days for an out-of-the-box birthday party to create great memories for years to come.

For Animal Lovers

The Toledo Zoo offers all-inclusive party packages with zoo admission and parking for all guests, pizza, beverages, cake, and a party room behind the carousel. You get your own private live animal demonstration, time to pet the goats, and a handful of tickets for the train or carousel. Starting at $375 for 20 guests.

Tumbling Toddlers

The YMCA of Greater Toledo Gymnastics Center in Perrysburg offers parties for the bounciest kids — little ones love tumbling on the trampoline, leaping into the foam pit, and flying high on gymnastics equipment. Instructors will put together a program or free play, tailored to the age level and interest of guests. Basic packages allow an hour of gymnastics and an hour for cake afterward. Parties start at $125 for ten tumblers.

For The Birthday Bookworm

Gathering Volumes Bookstore, in Perrysburg, has done book-themed parties for kids from 3-12. Whether the birthday kid loves Dr. Seuss or Harry Potter, a staff member helps plan your party, which includes an hour in the store and an hour next door at Nedley’s for cake and ice cream. The standard package comes with a party host who leads storytime or book discussion, activities, balloons, and goodie bags. They even offer slumber parties for older kids, with pizza, movies, games, and morning donuts. Simple parties start at $50.

For the Mini Film Buff

Renting a historic theatre to screen a favorite film is a cool way to celebrate. The Maumee Indoor Theatre and the Eastwood Theater both have party packages, including a private showing of your own film. Tables and chairs are provided by the theaters, and of course popcorn and drinks are great additions. These spaces are ideal for bigger guest lists. $225 at the Maumee Indoor, $150-200, depending on number of guests, at the Eastwood.

For Your MasterChef Junior

Young foodies can party at Foodology, on Laskey, where the birthday boy or girl can choose whether everyone will bake and decorate cupcakes or make personal pizzas from scratch. Coose whether guests will design their own aprons or chef hats as favors. Parties run for two hours and include beverages for kids and adults. $200 for eight cooks.

A Celebrity Appearance

Is your birthday princess a fan of Frozen? Or batty for Batman? Laurel’s Princess Parties, based in Sylvania, will send your favorite characters out to perform and schmooze with partygoers. Options include storytelling, crafts, games, balloon art, face painting, and all packages include photo ops and autographs. Trademarks on certain characters mean you’ll get the “Mermaid Princess” instead of Ariel or “Spider Hero” instead of Spiderman, but the kids will never know the difference. In-person appearances start at $150 for ten children.

Choosing a Camp for Your Child

Christina Cordova

May 1, 2017

Day camps come in all shapes and sizes, appealing to a range of interests and ages. Here’s how to find one that is a match for your youngster by creating an unforgettable experience where they’ll meet new friends, gain self-confidence and learn new skills — while giving you peace of mind.

Begin with basics.

First determine your schedule needs. Some camps are only a few hours a day while others are structured to work well with a working parent’s schedule. Figure out if you’ll need to arrange before or after care.

Match the camp with your child’s interests.

From computer coding to robotics and sports, day camps offer kids the opportunity to try new things. If your child isn’t interested in a camp that specializes in one activity, choose a more traditional camp that offers a wide range of activities throughout the session. “Make sure there’s a healthy balance between structure and choice,” says Jim Spearin, senior vice president of Youth Development for the YMCA.

Consider the culture.

Ask for referrals from trusted family and friends.”Choose a camp that welcomes parents as partners in their experience,” Spearin says. “Parents should always feel welcome to come visit during camp. There should be planned activities for both parent and camper to enjoy together such as special events or campouts.”

Seek qualified, organized staff.

Camp employees should be licensed, certified and trained in sexual/child abuse prevention, first aid and CPR. Find out how camp leaders are supervised and how they plan for emergencies, including natural disasters, intruders and other threats. Also consider the child-to-staff ratio.

Try it before you buy.

Attend a camp expo or camp fair to find out what options exist in the area. Some organizations feature their own camp fairs and mini-camps during the spring for families to try.

Calm butterflies.

Help youngsters adjust by including them in the process of choosing a camp and find out if one of your child’s friends
would like to attend, too. Discuss the schedule of activities and what a typical day will look like.

Out-of-the-box Birthday Gifts

Bridget Adams

May 1, 2017

With a non-traditional birthday party, you may want to give a non-traditional gift. Todays parents and kids are inundated with toys and videos. Here are a few fresh ideas:

Experiences:

at the top of the wish list are memberships to The Toledo Zoo, Imagination Station, and the Toledo Museum of Art. With a membership, you can stop by for an hour on a weekday or bring the whole family on a weekend — you get a whole year’s worth of fun and memories for a reasonable price.

Education:

there are cool classes for every age and interest. The YMCA offers swimming, sports, dance, and more, and the art museum’s classes have been popular for years.

College savings:

set up or contribute to an Ohio CollegeAdvantage 529 plan. For as little as $25, you can start a kid’s college fund, or contribute to one already set up. If parents already have an account, get the gift code from them and go to www.ugift529.com to contribute.

Books, books, books. Books can take a kid anywhere, and they fit easily in every home. Give a book you loved as a child, or give one on a topic that interests the birthday kid. Inscribe it, to allow your greeting and message can be enjoyed for years to come.

Handmade gifts:

make them yourself if you can, or buy handmade. You can find anything on Etsy, but locally handmade is even better. Handmade Toledo stocks cool onesies, books, bibs, teethers, plush toys, blankets, and just about everything little ones could need.

Activity:

getting kids active and outdoors is a challenge in the digital age. Bikes, scooters, skates, or even a ball and a mitt, are great for spring and summer birthdays. Don’t forget helmets and pads for safety.

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