The University of Toledo’s Master of Social Work Program is hosting a CEU event on the topic of Teen Intimate Partner Violence. It’s free and open to the public, including any parents and teens that would like to learn more. The event is Friday, April 21 from 9-11am at the University of Toledo’s Health and Human Services building. If you have a story to share, or if you want more information on the event, contact MSW student Sarah Kramer at 513-620-6912 or email her at [email protected].
Imagination Station announces renewal of Adopt-A-School program
Imagination Station is taking a stand against the tightening of school budgets and the resulting impact which limits field trips and produces spending cuts for math and science programs. The science learning center has announced a renewal of their Adopt-A-School program for 2017, asking school leaders and educators to submit an application for consideration in the program. If chosen, classes will be granted a free field trip to the Imagination Station via donations from area businesses. Submit applications online through the Imagination Station portal. Teachers can submit for multiple classes. For more information, call 419.244.2674 or visit imaginationstationtoledo.org/educator/adopt-a-school.
Local youth paint mural at the main library
The Arts Commission, Lucas County Job and Family Services and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TCLPL) recently created a mural to celebrate youth and art. 16 youths, chosen from around the city, were selected to paint a mural at the main library. The Commission hired the young people as apprentices for their Young Artists At Work program (YAAW). The theme of the mural, “Create,” was selected to represent the continuing role that libraries play in the 21st century. Comprised of four larger-than-life figures that represent the fields of art, literature, nature and music, the mural is located in the parking garage of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library at 325 N. Michigan St. For more information on the project, call 419-254-2787, ext. 1015.
Local teen earns black belt in Taekwon Do
A local teen can put a big checkmark next to a personal goal: earn a black belt in Taekwon Do. Ana Pacheco is a 15-year-old freshman at Northview High School. She’s been participating in Taekwon Do since she was 9. In early March, she received her black belt in the sport. A huge feat for anyone, but especially for Ana, who has Downs Syndrome. “The best thing about this sport has been the discipline, the interaction and the acceptance of a group without special needs,” said Ana’s father, Enrique. “It’s not always easy for someone with Down’s Syndrome to make friends, so being a part of a group, being treated as an equal and having the opportunity and support to keep moving up the ranks has been very positive for her.” Enrique adds that, according to Ana’s Sensei, she is one of the few girls with Downs Syndrome around the world to have achieved this level. Congratulations, Ana!
Changing the Lives of Toledo Teens: Young Artists At Work is accepting applications until March 24
Calling all creative teens: If you’re looking for a life-changing summer job, The Arts Commission is accepting applications for its annual Young Artists At Work (YAAW) program until March 24.
Every year since 1994, The Arts Commission hires at least 40 area teens for a paid apprenticeship program. Participants work with professional artists and collaborate on art projects and connect to the community. Past projects have included murals, performance art, designing websites and creating work for sale.
“Everything we give back to the community and and contributing through local art,” said Ava Whitson, a YAAW alumna.
Whitson participated in the program the past two summers. In 2015, she worked on designing a mural for a local boxing club. Last year, her group focused on sculpture and put together a performance.
“The goal was to tell a story of Toledo by starting with history and incorporating local art to show where we came from and where we are now,” she said. Her group made a video corresponding to the project and also performed at the 3rd Thursday Art Loop.
Whitson said she had always been interested in art, but she didn’t have a lot of experience before applying to YAAW. The application process, which involves an interview and putting together a portfolio of work, made her nervous.
“During my first interview, I was really scared because I didn’t have anything, I didn’t know what I was doing,” she said. “I was really intimidated.”
But Whitson learned the portfolio requirement is not for program directors to judge the applicant’s artistic skill, but to help determine their experience level and see what they have to learn.
“The instructors are all very experienced. They’re people who have been [working in the field] a long time,” Whitson said. “They’re always very well-rounded in what they do and very willing to pass [their knowledge] on to you.”
YAAW apprentices work Monday through Friday for six weeks, from June 26 until August 4. The job pays minimum wage, and apprentices are expected to not be absent more than three days. Aside from the creative skills learned, Whitson said there are other benefits.
“The program exposes you to new things,” she said. “I didn’t really know what I was doing or what I was really interested in. After YAAW, it encouraged me to put myself out there and experience more. Now I’m planning to go to college to study fine art, and they put me on that path.”
Teens ages 14-18 interested in applying can meet a YAAW coordinator and apply in person Monday, March 20 at the South Branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library or Tuesday, March 21 at the Kent Branch, from 3:30-5pm. each day. They can also apply online at theartscommission.org/youth.
“Just go for it,” Whitson said, encouraging anyone on the fence about applying. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it or not, but it completely changed my life and put me on the path to my future. Plus, you get to meet people from other schools and people you’re going to remain friends with. There’s nothing to lose.”
For more information, visit theartscommission.org/youth
First fast casual pizza business comes to Toledo
You may recall my pizza posse, I have referred to them from time to time. We’re just a group of friends who have an insatiable appetite for the Italian pie, and we enjoy experiencing the varied pizza places around town. There is something unique about each of them, and the newest kid on the block, Pizza Fire, is no exception. Already I’m lacking focus putting pen to paper as all I can think about is which pizza I will order on my return visit and how soon that return visit might be. Focus, Karen. Focus.
Neapolitan pizza meets the fast casual dining concept
Ever since opening its oven to the public in December, my pizza posse and I were chomping at the bit to check it out. Located on Secor Road in the heart of the new expansion, “we will be opening three to four more this year,” said General Manager Troy Manteuffel.
Neapolitan is an Italian style of pizza, with a very thin crust, somewhat charred around the edge. The special wood fired brick oven was made in Italy and assembled in the U.S. according to Mr. Manteuffel. The décor is “industrial” and “minimalistic” yet bright and colorful. Upon entering, walk straight to the counter with the bright red brick oven centered in the background and a plethora of food on display in front of you.
Though a couple other establishments in town make Neapolitan pizza, the Pizza Fire concept is countless choices on display in front of you and you literally “build” your own personal pizza, having it assembled before your eyes. There are six sauces, five kinds of cheese, 11 kinds of meat, and 17 vegetables to choose from.
They also offer specialty pizzas, a pizza of the month and six fresh salads. But here’s the kicker. Your pizza is literally done in 180 seconds! In the three minutes or longer that it may take you to pay your bill and get your drink, your pizza is done and ready to be devoured!
Happy campers
Surprisingly, happy campers is not a word I can always use with my children when it comes to pizza. Why? Because though we may all agree about how much we love pizza, lately we can never agree on the toppings. Pizza Fire has changed that for us. And I’m a happy camper because the price point for this high quality pizza didn’t break the bank to take my kids to dinner.
To go with the pizzas, we shared an order of Firestix, their version of breadsticks. If you are a fan of roasted garlic you will LOVE the Firestix. We shared three large all beef meatballs served in Neapolitan sauce and Ricotta cheese as well.
The kids’ meal is a 9” one topping pizza served with applesauce and a Capri Sun drink for $5.99. On Wednesday kids eat free and on Thursdays you get a free cookie while supplies last. Since I was a little overwhelmed by the choices on this first trip, I opted for one of their seven specialty pizzas; six of them are named after a city. Our friend from Cleveland ordered the Cleveland, fittingly, with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms and red onions. In the mood for something less traditional, I chose the Hollywood. They start with basil pesto sauce and cover it with chicken, roasted garlic and roasted red pepper and then I chose mozzarella, for only $7.49!
Predictably, I tried everyone’s pizza. The Buffalo, as you may have guessed, had buffalo chicken with a couple cheeses and a ranch bacon sauce; also just $7.49. Others in the group built their own concoctions to suit their cravings. An interesting side note: they grow their own basil and lettuce right there in the store in a hydroponic cooler. There are also no microwaves or freezers on site. Fresh is their middle name.
Bottom Line
Pizza Fire has found their niche. The fast casual concept mixed with personal Neapolitan Italian pizza seems to already be a fan favorite. The price point is spot on and kids even eat free on Wednesdays. With everyone creating their own pizzas, dinnertime just became much more harmonious.
The Short Course
Kid-friendly: Yes
To avoid wait: Anytime
Noise level: Moderate
Bathroom amenities: Changing station in both the men’s and women’s restroom
High chairs? Yes
Got milk? No. However, Capri Sun drinks come with kids’ meals and sparkling waters and apple juice are available.
Kids’ menu? Yes, and kids 12 and under eat free on Wednesdays with purchase of adult pizza. Dine in only.
Allergy info: Gluten free dough
and vegan free cheese is available. No peanut oil is used and roasted almonds are the only nuts used on one particular salad.
Karen Zickes is a mom of three active children and a freelance writer who resides in Holland, OH. She can be reached in c/o [email protected].
www.pizzafire.com
3444 Secor Rd. | Unit 205
Toledo | 419-214-1644
Sun-Thur: 11a.m.-9:30p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11a.m.-10p.m.