2016 Birthday Guide

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May 1, 2016

From superheroes to princesses to pigs, these birthday boys and girls enjoyed magical celebrations featuring their favorite movie/television characters on their special day. For birthday party inspiration, read these examples of truly special celebrations.

Hudson Creque

Age: 3 | Theme: Superhero
(emphasis on Big Hero 6)

Hosted by: Jen & Brian Creque (Sylvania)

Local Flair: Baymax cake from Cake by Jennifer and greenery from Creque Greenhouse

Photographer: Jen Creque Photography

Activities: We had a bean bag toss, but mostly the kids played superheroes with their capes. I also took a photo of each child in front of the superhero city backdrop and emailed the edited photo to mom and dad after the party.

Décor: Baymax cups, handmade capes with kids’ initials on back, superhero mask (from Etsy), handmade superhero city backdrop, superhero pictures and decorations printed from online.

Outlook: With our first child and his first birthday party, I wanted everything to be perfect, but after three kids, I go with the flow and whatever happens, happens. The kids had fun; that’s what matters. Hudson was so excited because he woke up from an extra long nap that day and there was all this superhero stuff all over the house. He knew it was for him; he was so excited.

Traditions: For birthdays, our big thing is cake because I don’t bake. Each time it’s one of my kids’ birthdays, we sit down and pick out a cake together. That’s our big, fun thing to do.

Hours involved: Probably 3 the day of the party, 5-6 the week of, and 12 hours total. The capes took some work. I found a pattern online for the cape, cut them all out, used velcro and fabric glue for the front, cut out circles and letters out of fabric, and then used fabric glue to attach the initials.

Party favors: Goody bag with superhero themed tattoos, stickers, pencils.

Valentina Cantu

Age: 2 | Theme: Peppa Pig

Hosted by: Violeta & Rodrigo Cantu (Perrysburg)

Hours involved: I started over one month before the party with the crafts. I made a big Peppa Pig out of cardboard from diaper boxes. Then there was all the baking. I don’t remember how many hours… but definitely a lot!

Party favors: 4 inch stuffed animal; kids could choose Peppa Pig or George.

Local sweets and treats: Everything came from Joy Cupcakes New York (on Facebook): Peppa Pig cake, fruit bowls, pretzel sticks with chocolate and sprinkles, Peppa pig cookies, #2 cookies, little Peppa Pig boxes filled with popcorn.

Karsen Reitz

Age: 4 | Theme: Frozen

Hosted by: McKenna & Greg Reitz (Sylvania)

Activities: We had the party at SkyZone. The kids jumped for an hour, then we went to the party room for pizza. Anna and Elsa showed up for 30 minutes, sang a couple songs, sang happy birthday, and then they took a of picture and signed an autograph for each kid there.

Bloopers: We didn’t tell Karsen [Elsa and Anna] were coming. We thought it would be a good idea for her to be surprised, but she was so shocked she wouldn’t say or do anything, even smile. She literally ‘froze’ when she saw her Frozen heroes! Of course, since then, she hasn’t stopped talking about them. Then we ran out of time in the room (we only had it for 40 minutes), and some kid popped in to tell us that we only had 10 minutes left, and we hadn’t even done cake or presents yet. So we basically had five minutes for ‘Happy Birthday’ and cake.

Fashion: Karsen wore a pink Frozen t-shirt from Gap. I told the parents that it was a Frozen party, so every kid wore Frozen stuff.

Local flair: Frozen cake from Anderson’s Market with Elsa and Anna (from Laurel’s Princess Party).

Party favors: Frozen pencils, bracelets, tattoos, cups, and a tiara for each little girl (and one little boy).

Elise (Ellie) Reynolds

Age: 5

Theme: Peace, Love, and Pottery

Hosted by: Angie & Doug Reynolds (Sylvania Township)

Sweets & Treats: You can bring your own food to Peace, Love, and Pottery, so we did a pancake and fruit breakfast. When the kids arrived, they picked what they wanted to paint, ate breakfast–I had bagels and coffee for the moms–and after painting we had cupcakes and sang ‘Happy Birthday.’

Activites: The kids picked out what they wanted to paint from the children’s area–the owner has a party room set up with items that are more child-friendly–and there’s a wide variety of things geared to both girls and boys, as well as adults: an assortment of animals–turtle, possum, owl, cat, and dog, planes, pumpkins, cupcakes. sports cars— just walls and walls of clay things waiting to be painted.

Special moments: You know, the cutest thing is that you get to choose the colors for painting, and I was watching some of the moms trying to get their kids to paint the turtle green, but the kids wanted to paint the turtle purple. The kids were really embracing their creativity.

Bloopers: Really the only hiccup was that by the end, the kids were ready to leave. We kept it to right around two hours, which included opening presents, and that was just the right amount of time. They were done being contained!

Party Favors: I paid for the pottery, so that was the party favor. Each item has a cost associated with it, so I asked the moms to keep it under $15. If we were going to do it, we were doing it right. I know … I’m a spoiler, but she’s my one and only!

POP Grille is Full of Surprises

By

Karen L. Zickes

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May 1, 2016

POP Grille

3809 N. Holland-Sylvania, Toledo
419-517-5310
Mon: 4p.m.-10p.m.
Tue-Thur: 11a.m.-10p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11a.m.-12a.m.
Sun: Closed

I’m not certain exactly how many restaurants are located in Toledo and the surrounding areas, but I know it’s still a lot. When you cruise through town it’s easy to spot countless restaurants with the flashy signs, fancy buildings, and packed parking lots. However, if you pay closer attention you will see there are many restaurants around town that you may have otherwise driven past not giving them more than a hurried glance. POP Grille is one of those places, and I won’t pass it up next time.

Unexpected surprises

On occasion I had read something here and there about POP Grille. POP stands for Party On The Palate. That caught my attention. I was certain it was an Asian fusion restaurant, but then I saw it advertised as something slightly different. No, I wasn’t going crazy. Since its opening in January 2015, the cuisine that began mostly as Asian fusion morphed into more ‘American with a flare’ cuisine according to owner Tom Parent. You can still find many Asian items on the menu such as potstickers, wonton pork or chicken, and a lobster roll, but a new menu will debut this spring so there are sure to be many new offerings.

When my children and I spotted the nondescript and not overly attractive building on Holland-Sylvania, I thought, “This is the place I read had such great food?” Admittedly, I was surprised and judging already. My boys looked at me and with a quizzical look inquired, “This is the place?”

We ventured in to find our next surprise; live music! It was a Wednesday evening and I was surprised to hear live music, on a weeknight. The boys and I really enjoyed listening to Don Coats on the keyboard and guitar. The atmosphere is very casual, and the dark tile floor might very well be from when the building was home to the old El Matador. The back room was painted and much brighter than the front half of the restaurant. The booths up front line the windows, so the kids and I settled in and enjoyed a window seat.

Our waitress Diana approached our table with the next surprise. She was so friendly and so excited we were there for the first time. She couldn’t wait to tell us about the flavorful and unique food that would soon begin to “party on our palates.” My boys said, “Wow, this place is really friendly!” The surprise after that? You guessed it. The food was wonderful. I just never expected it when we pulled up and stepped inside this unassuming and modest restaurant.

Pop goes the palate!

A Toledo native, Mr. Parent knows what the people of Toledo want when they go to dinner. One of those things is most certainly great food for a good value. “Everything is made in house. We bring everything in fresh,” said Parent. Entrees ranged from $8-$25 and included steaks, pork chops, shrimp, chicken, and so much more. The children’s menu ranged from $5 for the grilled cheese with drink and sides, to $8 for the kid steak dinner. My youngest devoured the steak with sautéed Brussel sprouts.

We began with tender, breaded calamari followed by the must have chicken tortilla soup topped with avocado and cilantro. My three fish tacos were served with spicy aioli, wasabi coleslaw, and mango salsa were a refreshing treat. I certainly couldn’t eat all three. My daughter inhaled my leftovers when we arrived home and I never saw another bite.

When we return, I may need to order what my oldest son enjoyed that evening. For $13 he had the Bulgogi burger. It was thin sliced marinated steak served with cheddar cheese, pineapple, mixed greens, and onion all topped with their signature tropical glaze. Lots of parties on the palates were going on at our table! Our seemingly mundane Wednesday had gotten a bit more fun….and tasty!

Karen Zickes is a mom of three active children and
freelance writer who resides in Holland, OH.
She can be reached in c/o [email protected].

The Short Course

Kid-friendly: Yes
To avoid wait: Anytime
Noise level: Moderate
Bathroom amenities: Yes
High chairs? Yes
Got milk? Yes
Kids’ menu? Yes, even steak as an option!
Food allergy concerns? The menu has a code that lets patrons know what dishes are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, or contain nuts. It also indicates which entrees could be prepared vegan, vegetarian or gluten free. Always alert your server of allergies before ordering.

Bottom Line: POP Grille or “party on the palate” is a most suitable name for this restaurant that opened in early 2015. Though the outside isn’t much to look at, you will find wonderful service, entertainment, and delicious food on the inside that will keep you coming back. The kids’ menu offers a variety of choices including steak, and the adults will have a difficult time choosing their entrees.

Summer Camp 2016: Part 2

By

Digital Media

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May 1, 2016

Hunter’s Run

9241 Secor Rd. | Temperance, MI
734-856-2404
9:30am-2pm | Ages 4+.
$150/three day camp | $210/four day camp

Program length: (Camp 1) June 8-10, Wednesday-Friday. (Camp 2) June 13-16, Monday-Thursday. (Camp 3) June 28-30, Tuesday-Thursday. (Camp 4) July 5-8, Tuesday-Friday. (Camp 5) July 11-14, Monday-Thursday. (Camp 6) July 18-20, Monday-Wednesday. (Camp 7) August 1-3, Monday-Wednesday. (Camp 8) August 8-11, Monday-Thursday. (Camp 9) August 15-17, Monday-Wednesday.
Camp Focus: Children get a hands on experience learning proper care for their horses, how to tack up their horses, how to give a horse a bath, how to make horse treats, along with various crafts which the children will be able to take home with them.
Most anticipated summer activity: A mock horse show on the last day. 4 day campers have a pizza party on the last day.

Summer at West Side

Toledo Campus:
7115 W. Bancroft St. | 419-866-1931
Perrysburg Campus:
13587 Roachton Rd. | 419-874-9835
montessoritoledo.org

Day Camp. Ages 13 months through Grade 4. Prices vary.
Program length: WSM offers camp for nine consecutive weeks. Campers can attend one or all of the weeks! Camp begins Wednesday, June 9 and ends Wednesday, August 3.
Camp focus: Adventure awaits through exciting community partners and top-notch programming. Check out the program website for weekly partners and themes!
Most anticipated summer activity: Throughout the summer WSM will work with 16 different community partners. Campers can look forward to trains, reptiles, archery, swimming and more!
Most popular activities: Elementary campers love swimming every afternoon and our exciting field trips. The younger campers enjoy visiting with the reptiles from Frogtown Exotics!

St. Francis de Sales High School Summer Camp

2323 W. Bancroft St.
419-531-1618 | sfsknights.org

Day camp. Grades 4-9. $55-$75. All camps are throughout June and July. Sports camps are boys only, academic camps are boys and girls, except Robo Camp, which is boys only.
Program length: Baseball camp (4-7pm, June 5 & 9am-noon, June 6-8, grades 4-9). Basketball camp (9am-12:30pm, session 1 is June 13-15 and session 2 is June 20-23, grades 4-9). Football camp (9am-12:30pm, June 27-30, grades 4-9). Golf Camp (9-11:30am, June 13-16, grades 4-9). Lacrosse camp (9-11:30am, July 18-20, grades 4-9). Soccer camp (9am-noon, July 11-14, grades 2-9). Art camp (12:30-3:30pm, June 13-16, grades 6-8). Music camp (9am-noon, June 21-23, grades 6-8). Cyber camp (9am-noon, July 11-15, grades 5-8). Graphic design camp (9:30am-noon, June 13-16, grades 6-8). Robo camp (8:30am-noon, June 13-17, grades 5-8, space limited to 18 people).
Camp Focus: Encouraging students to develop and build stronger skills in whichever camp they sign up for.

SummerTime at Maumee Valley Country Day School

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

Day Camp
Cost: For incoming first grade through high school: $120 per weekly half day camp/class, $228 per weekly full-day camp/class (materials fee may be additional). Preschool camp: $195 per full-day week, $110 per weekly mornings, $95 per weekly afternoons
Staff/camper ratio: 1:16 or less
Ages: 2 through high school
Program length: June 13-July 1, closed July 4-8, back open July 11-22. Hours are 9am-3:30pm. Half day is 9am-noon, or 12:30-3:30pm. Before and After Camp Care is available at no extra charge from 7:30-9am and 3:30-5:30pm.
Camp Focus: We offer weekly half-day classes (that can be combined for a full-day) in Academics, Athletics and The Arts (performing and visual) for incoming grades 1-12. Our preschool (ages 2-5) camp runs weekly themes for half-day or full-day.
Most anticipated summer activity: We have some favorite classes returning and some new classes to offer students from all over the area.
Most popular activities: Due to the variety of classes and camps, students can pick the ones that best suit their interests. Make your own summer!

Children’s Theatre Camps

2417 Collingwood Blvd.
419-244-5061 | ctwtoledo.org

Day and night camp options. $75-$225. 6-18 years.
Staff/camper ratio: Between 1:5 and 1:20
Program length: Most camps are one week, one is three weeks, one is all summer long! They range between three hours and eight hours per day.
Camp focus: All camps have a theatre focus, but they vary between acting, choreography, improvisation, musical theatre, technical theatre, and stage makeup.
Most anticipated summer activity: We love our summer musicals, “FAME, Jr” and “A Year with Frog and Toad” because there’s a fully mounted public performance at the end. Our campers love to show their stuff!
Most popular activities: The 6-9 year old camps.
Campfire story: All of our programs take place in CTW’s building, in the Collingwood Arts Center, so there’s lots of fun, spooky ghost stories associated with the building.

Toledo Volleyball Camp

2901 Key St. | Maumee
419-794-4656| Toledovolleyballclub.com

Single day clinics and three-day camps. Ages 4-grade 12. $40-$195.
Program length: Camp options— College Experience Camp (9th-12th graders with High School Varsity or National Level Travel Experience. 1:30-5:30pm, June 11-13. $195.). General Skills Camp (7th-10th graders, 9:30am-noon, June 11-13. $95). Clinics include 14 different, single-day sessions for ages 4-18, with specific skill or positional work.
Camp focus: The multi-day camps provide a well-rounded and intensive experience, led by top collegiate coaches from University of Florida, Georgia Tech, and University of Southern Indiana. The clinics include a variety of specific workshops throughout July, including VolleyTots Summer Camp (ages 4-8) and clinics for grades 3-6: skills and drills, tryout tune ups, serving, footwork, hitting, blocking, arm swings, hand positioning and more. All clinics are $40 each, or $30 for two or more. For a full list, see online.

University of Toledo Volleyball Camp

John F. Savage Arena.
2025 Douglas Rd | rocketvolleyballcamps.com

Day camp. Grades K-12. $100 for position specific camps, $175 for all-skills camps.
Program Length: Youth All-Skills Camp (July 11-15, grades K-8). High School All-Skills Camp (July 11-15, grades 9-12). Outside/Right Side/Libero Camp (July 10, grades 6-12). Setter/Middle Blocker Camp (July 9, grades 6-12).
Camp Focus: Athletes will hone their volleyball skills in sessions with UT players and staff, in the recently renovated Savage Arena.
Activities: The day starts with a group warm up and stretch, followed by skill set training relevant to the position specific camp. The day ends with scrimmages and game play.

Toledo Ballet Dancing Dolls Camp

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

Day Camp. June 27-July 1 & July 11-July 15. Ages 4-8.
Program length: Morning: (1-2:30pm, ages 4-5). Afternoon: (2:30-4:30pm, ages 6-8).
Camp focus: Aspiring ballerinas will learn about the storybook ballet Coppelia, about a doll who comes to life. They’ll learn some ballet basics, and do doll related arts and crafts. Campers are encouraged to bring their favorite doll or stuffed animal. They will put on a small performance on the last day.

Toledo Zoo Summer Safari Camp

2 Hippo Way
419-385-5721 | toledozoo.org/camps

Day Camp. Ages 4-15. $135-$340, member discounts apply.
Staff/camper ratio: 1:10, for most camps; 1:7, for ages 4-5 and experience based camps.
Program length: M-F. 9am-3pm, for most camps. 9am-noon, or Noon-3pm, for ages 4-5.
Camp focus: Animals, environment and fun.
Most anticipated activity: Meeting animals up close.
Most popular activities: Watermelon Wednesdays, Zoo Tours and animal games.

Forte Music School

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

Ages 6 to adults. $20 for 30 minute lessons once a week, with advance student options of $40 for a 60 minute lesson. $80-$160 per month.
Focus: While not a summer camp, Forté offers a slightly different tune that your child can carry on throughout the year. Children of all ages can stimulate their brains, enhance their creativity and take lessons for all musics. Forté is the largest, most professional music school in Toledo, with around 20 music teachers with either college training or professional performance experience.
Program length: The school schedule is very flexible and lessons will be tailored to your needs. Most teachers are available Monday through Friday, and a few even teach on the weekend. Contact the school for up to date times.
Most anticipated activity: Have you ever seen a child discover they can play, or sing, a beautiful song? Experience the joy, confidence and the fruits of your child’s hard work during the two free student showcases every year— plus plenty of performance opportunities for students.

Toledo Area Humane Society

827 Illinois Ave. | Maumee.
419-891-0705 | toledohumane.org

Day camp. Ages 5-14. $25 single day, $75-$150 multiple days.
Program length: Both single and multi-day camps are available in a few age ranges.
Single day options: For ages 5-8: Mini Furball Fall (June 9 or August 3) and Pet Safety 101 (June 8). For ages 7-12: Dog Grooming 101 (June 9), Dog Lovers (June 8 or August 4) and Frisky Feline Fun (June 7 or August 2). For ages 9-13: Canine Coaching (June 22 or July 28), CSI for Animals (June 21), Pet Photography (July 26) and TAHS Shelter Detectives (June 23 or July 27).
Multi-day camps: Junior Animal (ages 10-15, $150, June 28-30 or July 19-21). Paws and Claws (ages 7-11, $150, July 12-14). Waggin’ Tails (ages 5-8, $75, June 14-16). Critter Creations (ages 8-12, $75, June 14-16). Careers with Animals (ages 10-14, $75, June 21-23 or July 26-28).
Camp focus: Learning about animal behavior, care and fun with visits, animal themed games and crafts.
Most anticipated activity: During each camp, children will take a tour of the shelter and visit with a few of our furry friends.

The Toledo Repertoire Theatre

16 10th St.
419-243-9277 | Toledorep.org

Day Camps. Ages 7-16. $125.
Program length: 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday. There are three one week long summer intensive drama camps: “Theatre Through The Ages” (June 27-July 1), “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Theatre” (July 18-22) , and “Build Your Own Broadway” (July 25-29).
Camp focus: Acting, dancing, singing, play writing, technical design, theory, foundational components of live theater, and more.
Most anticipated activity: “Theatre Through The Ages” and “Build Your Own Broadway” will perform a showcase of their talents at 3:15pm on the last day of camp.

Phlox: An Online Summer Camp from Thinking Habitats

419-419-5115 | ThinkingHabitats.com/Phlox

Anytime camp. Grades 9-12. $320. Discount with Toledo appreciation code: Toledo16
Staff/camper ratio: Phlox is an interactive online learning program. Each learner is paired with an expert mentor who will give them personalized tips and feedback daily.
Program length: 2 weeks x 1 hour per weekday = 10 hours of learning time. The program is self–paced, so log on when it’s convenient for you and your learner. Offered in June, July, and August.
Camp focus: Phlox is all about college and career readiness. Put together a toolbox of good thinking skills and reading strategies. Unbox your thinking to be successful in life. Make thinking fun again.
Most anticipated summer activity: Learn critical thinking while reading and learning about your own community. Check out your local news reports online. What is going on in your community? What’s hopping? Is the news reporting accurate? Learn the difference between facts, opinions, and good explanations.
Campfire story: The camp pet is an octopus. Do you know why? You’ll figure it out.

M.A.D Camp (Music, Art & Drama)

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

Day camp. Grades 1-6. $25 per child, or $50 per family up to 4 kids.
Staff/camper ratio: 1:10.
Program length: 9am-noon, Monday-Friday, with a special Friday showcase event at 7pm.
Camp focus: All types of art, including music, drama, and visual arts.
Most anticipated summer activity: The last day we have our Bravo! Celebration, where children perform and/or display their various works of art.
Camp rumor dispelled: MAD Camp is open to everyone, not just members of the church.

Summer Programs at Toledo Botanical Garden

5403 Elmer Dr.
419-536-5566 | Toledogarden.org

Day camp. Ages 6-12. $18/members and $23/non-members, unless otherwise noted.
Program length: Most classes are single sessions, 9am-noon. Camp Dig It is a new, multi-day camp (July 26-28).
Camp focus: Students will learn about gardens through diverse program offerings. Art classes: Fairy Gardens (June 24), Art of Nature Journaling (June 29, ages 10+, $20-$25) and two Blooming Artists workshops, Garden Masterpieces (July 12) and Farm Creations (July 13). Pioneer programs, $34-$42 if attending both: Pioneer Life (July 19) and Wagons Ho! (July 20). Students will learn about athletic animals during Animal Olympics (August 2, $18-$23). Kids get their hands dirty during Camp Dig It, a three-day gardening and farming camp (July 26-27, $50-$65).

Metroparks Offers Summer Camps for Kids

Kids won’t have time to be bored this summer if parents enroll them in one (or more!) of the camps offered by the Metroparks of Toledo. The youngest (3-5 year-olds) can enjoy a Wee Workshop with a parent, doing crafts and having outdoor adventures, or be dropped of to spend a few hours hiking, climbing and chasing insects with camp counselors. Five- to seven-year-olds can become Outdoor Explorers or Park Pals, with emphasis on hiking, playing in nature. Junior Scientists aged 8-12 will work on experiments with soil and habitats, get to know animals with Fins and Feathers, work on individual and team skills at Survival Camp, explore nature Through a Lens, or spend a day as a soldier might have. Archery, Paddling, Animal Tracking, and Time Traveling camps are available for older kids, as are a STEM camp for future field biologists, art in nature camp, and camps for fishing and kayaking.

Members pay less for the camps,
but anyone can become a member by calling Metroparks at 419-407-9700.
Check the website at www.metroparkstoledo.com for information
about all camps and other activities in the Metroparks this summer.

The Stress “Less” Guide to Dental Emergencies

By

Heidi Borst

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May 1, 2016

You're relaxing in a chaise by the pool on a gorgeous summer day while your kids belly flop off the board, when suddenly you hear a sickening crack. Your 10-year- old’s last attempt left him hitting the diving board, and now he’s got a bloody mouth and a missing tooth!

Being prepared for such emergencies can go a long way in keeping everyone calm. Brookview Dental’s Dr. Brad Barricklow, DDS, offers his advice on handling common dental emergencies.

Knocked-out Tooth

What should a parent do in the knocked-out tooth scenario? If it’s a baby tooth, first find the tooth to make sure it wasn’t inhaled or lodged in the throat. Other than that, “a knocked-out baby tooth requires no treatment outside of reassuring the child,” Dr Barricklow advises. “An adult tooth should be rinsed off quickly in water or milk and immediately re-implanted into the socket. Then, immediately see a dentist to get it splinted for four to six weeks.” If you can’t get the tooth back in place, put it in a small container with some milk and take it to your dentist right away.

Soft-tissue injury to the inside of the mouth, causing bleeding from biting or other injury, is also fairly common. Dr. Barricklow informs these superficial wounds usually resolve in a couple of days. Sometimes a stitch may be required, but usually cleaning the wound and applying ice to the area will suffice.

The Elusive Toothache

If your child is complaining of a toothache, a good rule of thumb is to have it checked by a dentist. Toothaches are most often caused by cavities. The bacteria from cavities “eat the tooth away, causing nerve pain. While Ibuprofen and Tylenol can help with pain, a visit to the dentist is the only way to fix the diseased tooth,” Dr. Barricklow cautions. If a tooth is merely chipped or cracked, an appointment to the dentist within a day or two to have it checked is recommended, unless it is sharp or it hurts, in which case a dentist should be seen sooner.

Painful Sores in the Mouth

Some 20% of kids suffer from canker sores (small ulcer-like sores on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or gums). Caused by injury to the mouth or stress, canker sores are not contagious but can be extremely painful, making eating, drinking, and brushing difficult. The sores can last up to 10 days. Dr. Barricklow suggests treating the sores for pain by using Ambesol. To speed healing, he recommends “treatment by the dentist with an agent that mildly burns the area to allow healing, or applying homemade preparations like hot sauce on a Q-tip.”

Also common are cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus. Found on the lips and around the exterior of the mouth, they are contagious and extremely painful. “Antiviral medications can be prescribed. Abreva can be bought over the counter,” Dr. Barricklow offers. A medication called Viroxyn, available at a dentist’s office, can be applied to the affected area at the onset of symptoms to greatly decrease duration and severity.

Care for Your Smile

Dr. Barricklow gives some precautions to help kids prevent injury to their mouth and teeth: “Wearing a protective mouth-guard is essential to prevent mouth injuries, especially during sporting activities … Helmet use is important. Concussions have lifelong consequences and (helmets) can help with facial injuries. Full face shields should be required for sports like football, lacrosse, softball, baseball and hockey.”

Free chick Chick-fil-A’s for educators in May

By

Athena Cocoves

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April 29, 2016

Are you a teacher, or do you work at a school? Show your school identification during the first week of May for a free breakfast item.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, on May 3, Toledo’s three stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurants will serve a different breakfast item. This offer is available between 6:30-10:30am, May 2-6.

Monday, May 2 – Hash browns
Tuesday, May 3 – Greek yogurt parfait
Wednesday, May 4 – Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit
Thursday, May 5 – Three-count Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Mini
Friday, May 6 – Small Chick-fil-A Coffee (hot or iced)

“We are so grateful for and inspired by the teachers, educators and staff who provide such a crucial service to the children and young people in our communities,” said Jonathan Winn, franchise owner of the chain’s Sylvania & Talmadge restaurant. “It’s our pleasure to recognize and honor them by offering a free Chick-fil-A breakfast item each day during the week of Teacher Appreciation Day.”

Who’s hungry?

The offer is available at the following locations:

Chick-fil-A at Sylvania & Talmadge, 4260 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, 43623
Chick-fil-A at Airport Highway, 6720 Airport Highway, Holland, 43528
Chick-fil-A at Perrysburg Plaza, 10315 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg 43551

TPS trio wins tournament

By

Digital Media

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April 26, 2016

Three girls made history on Saturday, April 9. Ylisia Crawford, Whitney Taylor Hughes and Nia Thomas are the first team of Toledo Public School kids to win the Ohio All Girls Chess Tournament, with two of the girls also placing 1st and 2nd in their category.

The trio of young, Jones Leadership Academy teens are also the first ever Afro-American girls’ chess team to bring home this competition’s title.

Endgame

Before the tournament, one of the coaches, Warren Woodberry just “asked them to play their best game because they were playing girls with a better and higher rating than them,” he says. “After Ylisia had three wins and no losses and Taylor had three wins and no losses, the possibility set in that at least we might get 2nd place.”

With Ylisia and Taylor both securing victories throughout the tournament, the teammates had to play each other, which earned their 1st- and 2nd-place titles.

The Lady Mustangs are currently non-rated— meaning that the girls have played in fewer than 10 rated U.S. Chess Federation games— but Woodberry said the girls “dominated this division and with more competition they will move up in ranking.”

First-move advantage

Their team, the Lady Mustangs, is fairly new to chess and the players had no prior knowledge of the game before training with their three coaches. With vigorous training, two hours after school everyday, the team’s intense focus and combined effort led them to victory.

During the tournament, Crawford, 14, with three years experience, was undefeated and picked up the 1st-place win. Co-captain, Hughes, 15, has been with the team for one year, and earned 2nd-place. Finally, Thomas, 13, is the team’s newest member, joined only seven months ago.

According to Woodberry, the team’s practice sessions are silly and intense. Woodberry says there’s often a lots of laughter and telling the girls to get off of Facebook. The girls also benefit from team mentoring, homework assistance and friendship during these sessions. This holistic approach is part of their goal to teach lifestyle choices, “since chess is like life,” said says.

As a group, the chess team trio has been to the Detroit Afro-American Museum, shows at the Valentine and Stranahan theaters, and classes at the Toledo Museum of art. The club gives food donations to Family House and reads to Headstart children in the school.

“Our girls have appeared on Doni Miller's Bridges, show where she promoted the term Girl Power, which is now their mantra,” Woodberry said. “We participate as family, and not just as a chess team.”