Halloween can be worrisome for some children, as one in 13 children in the U.S. suffers from a food allergy, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The Teal Pumpkin Project allows children with allergies to feel more at ease while trick or treating. Started in 2014, the project promotes safety, inclusion and respect for those with allergies. The goal is to provide non-food treats for kids with allergies to various foods, including peanuts, eggs, dairy, wheat and more.

To participate, set out a pumpkin, real or fake, that has been painted teal. When trick-or-treaters arrive, give out items such as stickers, toys, glow sticks, bubbles, or crayons. These items can be found at party supply stores, dollar stores or online. Last year almost 20,000 families nationwide pledged to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.

For more information and ideas go to:
foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project

Master the improv stage this month with the Toledo Repertoire Theater’s fall workshop “Comedy Improv for Kids”. Students will get a crash course in instant performance and learn the same games and techniques you see in “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The workshop is Saturday, October 15, for students ages 7-11 and Saturday, October 22, for ages 12-17. Cost is $15. 

For more details or to sign up, visit toledorep.org

Ain’t no mountain too high for eight-year-old Cece Camp.  This September the third grader traveled to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to climb a difficult route known as the North Ridge. Her goal was to set a record by becoming the youngest climber to reach the top. While high winds and cold temperatures kept her from reachng the peak, Cece still learned a valuable lesson.

“Even though nature wasn’t on her side this time, Cece followed her dream. She pushed as hard as she could, giving it everything she had when the world was literally pushing back,”  said Jeff Camp, Cece’s dad. “She can officially call herself an alpinist at 8. That’s pretty cool.”

gofundme.com/cecediamondrecord

A group of students from Notre Dame Academy experienced the trip of a lifetime when they took the stage at the prestigious Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Students performed That #Selfie Show, with Notre Dame Academy as the only Ohio school to perform in the first festival session. The Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world, features performances of music, theatre, dance and comedy acts during a three-week run each August.

Notre Dame Academy was selected from U.S. and Canadian schools who were nominated by the American High School Theatre Festival Board, which identified the top high schools based on their most recent bodies of work, awards, community involvement, philosophies and recommendations.

Mark your calendar for this year’s audition dates for the American Guild of Organists scholarship auditions, 2pm Sunday, October 23 at the First Presbyterian Church in Maumee. Each fall the Toledo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) awards several scholarships, including a $500 award for the top qualifying high school student. Winners have the opportunity to perform in a recital the following spring. Auditions are open to students in grades seven through 12.

For more information and audition applications, visit toledoago.org.
The deadline for applications is October 16.