Library to Host Teen Job Fair Workshops

April 1, 2016

For the seventh year in a row, Toledo Lucas County Public Library is partnering with the Community partners for the Library’s Teen Job Fair Workshops include the City of Toledo Youth Commission, the Lucas County Department of Planning & Development, Ohio Means Jobs, and Work Ready Lucas County to provide teen job fair workshops to not only give teens and young adults ages 16-24 a leg up in securing a summer job, but also to teach skills needed throughout life. The young people that attend these workshops will be granted early entry into the job fair, to be held on April 23 from 10am-1pm at the SeaGate Convention Centre. These workshops help teams become more prepared and polished.

Registration for the workshops is not required, however, it is recommended.
Please call 419-259-5256 to register, find the session times, or for more information.
toledo-seagate.com

Bittersweet Farm Mentors

Sierra Hudnall

April 1, 2016

Bittersweet Farms is one of the many local volunteer opportunities for a teenager. Dedicated to helping adults and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder over the course of 32 years. Kate Gulbrand, the Community Outreach Specialist explains that Bittersweet’s mission isn’t just to provide activities, but also improve on the social skills of its members. Beginning at the end of last year, Bittersweet created the Social Living Club, made up of teen mentors (ages 13 to 18), and adolescents with autism.

This new initiative is looking for more teen mentors. Interested teenagers will be required to attend an orientation session that teaches them about Bittersweet’s philosophy, autism, and the responsibilities they will undertake. After orientation, teens will pair up with a Bittersweet member and provide academic support through tutoring, emotional support, career guidance, and most importantly social experiences. No experience is necessary to gain the rewards through giving back.

For more information, contact Kate Gulbrand at [email protected] or 419-206-7803.
12660 Archblod-Whitehouse Rd., Whitehouse.
419-875-6986 | bittersweetfarms.org

Taylor Dungjen Makes Single Parenthood Work

Abigail Dewire

April 1, 2016

When Taylor Dungjen was 26, she had a girl’s night with a couple of friends. Almost straight out of a movie, Dungjen planned to watch TV, eat junk food, and laugh about the results of her at-home pregnancy test– which she assumed would be negative, despite a sneaking suspicion. Months later, her son, Milan, was born.

“[When I got the results] I cried. A lot,” confessed Dungjen. “I had no idea if I was ready to be a mom yet. It wasn’t the right time [for me to be pregnant], he wasn’t the right guy. But [my mom] was so calm, or sounded so calm. She told me that whatever I decided, [they] would support me. She said if I was waiting for enough money or the right time, I’d be waiting forever.”

Dungjen told the other party responsible in her pregnancy that she planned to keep the child. “After that conversation, I realized was going at parenthood alone, which I had expected,” said Dungjen. “One of the things I like most about myself is my ability to get stuff done. It’s that blue-collar rust-belt attitude. I looked at pregnancy and parenthood the same way: I have a job to do, so I’m going to do it the best I can.”

Pride over prejudice

As a single parent, Dungjen is no stranger to people quick to make judgements— but overall she gets support.

“I was surprised [by people’s] judgments. I know I was called names and talked about— Toledo is small,” said Dungjen. “…. But more than 99 percent of the people I’ve encountered have been extremely supportive. People babysit for free, I had a lot of dinners dropped off at the house while I was on maternity leave, people offer emotional support. Some just drop off diapers randomly. I never realized how many people had my back before I became a single mom.”

Reporting for parenthood

Taylor, a past crime reporter in the past, now works as a general-assignment reporter for the Toledo Blade. Coming from a family of reporters (her father, grandfather, and her aunt), Dungjen is the third generation in the profession. Reporter by day, mommy by night, Dungjen sometimes manages to mix the two jobs by taking her son with her on assignment.

“Reporting and parenting have taught me patience and compassion, which I think are essential to doing a good job at both,” said Dungjen.

“Both have also taught me a great deal about myself.”

Despite juggling a full-time job and single-parenthood, Dungjen has found a way to make it work best for Milan and herself: “My parenting style is pretty laid back. I parent by loving my kid, playing with him, and not being afraid to act like a doofus to make him laugh.”

TAYLOR’S FAVORITE THINGS

Favorite Park: This is tough. I might love Pearson Park best.

Favorite Restaurant: Balance Grille.

Your Child’s Favorite Activity: Eating. Definitely eating.

Favorite Way to Relax as a Family: Taking a walk

Favorite Holiday: National Food Days (Donut Day, Pizza Day, more snack holidays Pending…)

Favorite View in Toledo: I really like looking out over the river from Walbridge Park; I also love the view of downtown from International Park. I also like the view of my house from the street, because it’s mine.

What did you name your son, and why: Milan Dungjen; he’s named after my grandfather who was an absolute badass. He was strong, brave, funny, kind, and smart. If my son can be the same kind of man Opa was, we will be in tremendous shape.

Ms. Rich: Building Bridges and Circling Wagons

TiAnna Anderson

April 1, 2016

A teacher, mentor, mother figure and cheerleader, Meighan Richardson wears many hats. This past January, the educator, affectionately known as “Ms. Rich,” was proudly nominated by her students, and won, the Toledo Public School Proud Teacher of the Month Award sponsored by Boyk Law Firm. Although she suffers from debilitating flare ups due to lyme disease, she continues to press forward for her student’s sake, with lots of help from her best friend (and Scott High School Senior Class Co-Advisor), Leslie Woityna, her boss and other colleagues, her daughters, and her father. This team circles the wagon for her, and allows her to be the best teacher she can be.

Relating to the students

Ms. Rich has the opportunity to connect with teens beyond an education, with the ability to provide them with necessary skills for a lifetime. Richardson believes that she is a “good” teacher but a much better listener, as she takes the time to understand and relate to each student. These traits are what the students love most about her, as they expressed in nominations for the district-wide award; it’s also the reason why she is such an effective teacher.

Richardson, a self-professed “edutainer,” a mash-up between entertainment and education, keeps the kids engaged.

Having spent 14 years at Woodward High School and the last two years at Scott High School, Richardson says, “The students at Woodward and Scott get a bad rep, but you will see that they are actually good kids, arguably some of the best students in the district.”

Generational teacher

The daughter of two TPS teachers, Richardson always knew that she would be a teacher, but admits that she wouldn’t mind stepping into a Community Youth Organizer role. She believes that, “When you step outside of your box and comfort zone the learning happens.” Much of her enjoyment comes from her experience with community service enrichment and the Summer Legacy camp that she’s organized throughout the years, opening a whole new world to her students.

Richardson is currently partnering with Collingwood Gardens, where students are being taught mound gardening— a Native American technique of planting seeds in small mounds to promote stronger growth. The students have participated in a seed swap and made soups with the vegetables they’ve grown. Through the Collingwood Gardens program the kids are learning a new skill set while they build a bridge to the community and make a positive impact.

In addition to being a beloved educator, Richardson also has two daughters of her own who have taken to various sides of her personality. Eldest daughter, Katy, who is 20, is very nurturing and is a natural caretaker— she would love to work in the alternative medicine field. Becca, who is 18, is an artist and wants a creative career in interior or fashion design.

Meighan doesn’t take her gift of teaching lightly, because she knows it takes a special person to be able to teach in the inner city and relate to a room full of teenagers.

The Collingwood Garden is a community garden managed by community volunteers.
For more information contact Jessi Terijian or Nic Botek,
or visit the Collingwood Garden Facebook page.

When your Toddler Needs Ear Tubes

Heidi Borst

April 1, 2016

A week before my son’s first birthday, he was diagnosed with his tenth ear infection. It was like clockwork. First, the shrill, distinct cry that meant he had an ear infection. We’d make the trip to the pediatrician’s office and receive a script for a 10-day course of amoxicillin (the pink stuff). The infection would clear, followed by 2-3 weeks without incident; then without fail, a recurrence.

Stubborn, this infection refused to improve. The following weekend (on vacation in Corona Del Mar, CA) we waited at an urgent care with our miserable and sleep-deprived toddler. Armed with a stronger antibiotic, we headed back to Sylvania. I immediately made an appointment at our pediatrician’s office. For three consecutive days, my son was subjected to two powerful shots of antibiotics, one in each leg.

Feeling defeated, we consulted with Promedica ENT Dr. Stephanie Cole for her opinion. Because of the frequency of the infections and the need for increasingly strong antibiotics, she recommended ear tubes. The decision was an easy one, and we immediately scheduled a date for the ear tube surgery. The outcome was incredible. A year and a half later, he has not had a single ear infection.

Dr. Cole shares some facts about ear tubes.

Criteria for Ear Tubes and a Solution for Hearing Loss

“A very common reason for placing tubes through the eardrums is recurrent or chronic ear infection. We typically say 4 infections in 6 months or 6 in 12 months meets criteria for tube placement. Other criteria…include persistent fluid for 3 or more months or even a shorter time if it is causing hearing loss,” Dr. Cole explains.

“Ear infections cause inflammation and accumulation of fluid in the middle ear space which is normally filled only with air. The presence of this fluid and inflammation makes the transmission of sound much less efficient, causing hearing loss. Once this condition is resolved, the hearing is likely to be restored,” Dr. Cole added.

An Ear Tube Surgery Overview

The procedure is done under general anesthesia. Dr. Cole details, “Tubes are very small (about 2-3mm total diameter with approximately 1.2mm opening in the center) and require a microscope for placement. A very small incision is made in the front part of the eardrum for placement of the tube, and any fluid is removed by suction. Ear drops are usually instilled through the tubes at the end of the procedure and used for several days afterward to help treat any infection of fluid left in the middle ear.”

The appointment was scheduled for first thing in the morning; we were in and out of the hospital by 9am. Our son was crying and confused when he woke from the anesthesia, but after sleeping it off for a couple hours at home, he was visibly more comfortable.

Limiting Risk Factors

Dr. Cole shares several precautions to lower risk: “The most important thing any parent can do is not allow their children to be exposed to cigarette or other tobacco smoke. Do not put babies to sleep with bottles… make sure kids are up to date on their immunizations and that they keep a steady sleeping and eating schedule,” Dr. Cole advises. Children who attend daycare or preschool are at an increased risk of ear infections simply because they are exposed to more viruses and
bacteria.

Less is more at Simple Natural Deli

Karen L. Zickes

April 1, 2016

Simple Natural Deli
8261 Mayberry Square, Sylvania
419-517-4484
11am-8pm, Monday-Saturday
Closed Sunday
SimpleNaturalDeli.com

A friend recently suggested we try a new deli in town. The suggestion was met with a bit of reservation. I envisioned hoagie buns and cold sandwiches prepared with little imagination. When I invited friends to join us, I forewarned, “it’s just a sandwich place.” As it turns out, Simple Natural Deli is so much more than “just a sandwich place.” I’m glad I heeded the advice to try it out.

Fresh and flavorful… it’s that simple!

Louis Lake and Bryan Bonfiglio have over 15 years combined experience in the restaurant industry and they have seen, what Bonfiglio says, is a “change” not a “trend” in the way people are eating. There is a niche in the restaurant industry for people wanting to eat cleaner with less preservatives and healthier produce.

Simple Natural Deli opened in November in Sylvania’s Mayberry Square, the result of Lake’s and Bonfiglio’s quest to offer people what they want— a healthier dining option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. They worked tirelessly locating their vendors, many of whom are local. After securing the very best ingredients, they use their creative background to add a twist to the tried and true. Bonfiglio said it best: “Simple, but not traditional.”

All produce is fresh and organic and their meats are all natural and free of preservatives and nitrates. “We’re very transparent in what we do,” boasts Bonfiglio, who says that every ingredient is available at their deli. They offer vegan and vegetarian options and all salads and sandwiches are available gluten free. Knowing the seriousness of cross contamination for those with severe allergies, they have one panini press that is strictly for making gluten free sandwiches. When ordering, make any allergies known, and one person will be dedicated to handling your entire order to be 100% sure there is no cross contamination.

Taste the difference

Sandwiches come with a side of their unique coleslaw or Rue Farms chips. Both options were a hit with my group. Not just any chips, these are made in Ohio using Ohio-grown Russet potatoes and kettle cooked with non-GMO oil and no preservatives or additives. Unlike most kid meals that come with fries, children can choose applesauce or the fabulously flavored Rue chips. For $5, the kids meals also includes an organic juice box or milk, and a grilled cheese, meat and cheese, or PB&J sandwich. That evening the kids kicked back in front of the welcoming fireplace and opted for the chips, juice, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Though my youngest was eating a kids’ meal, I knew the quality of his meal matched that of mine; nothing processed and no additives.

My fellow foodie friends and I loved the half sandwich and half salad option. To warm us up on that bitterly cold evening, we also enjoyed the chicken chili. My beef and blue sandwich was made with top round beef, balsamic red onions, Point Reyes blue cheese, Dijon aioli, and arugula on ciabatta. The flavors were an outstanding blend. My portobello salad made with fresh spinach, roasted portobellos, and whipped garlic goat cheese was delicious even before I added the organic dressing.

Other sandwiches include an Italian, pastrami, roasted vegetable, caprese, and Cuban, to name a few. The entrée salads include a chicken Caesar, buffalo chicken which my friend enjoyed because it was made with Sriracha, and also an Italian and chicken salad. My oldest son ventured out of the box trying the club sandwich that included sundried tomato aioli and whipped garlic goat cheese. He ate every morsel and didn’t leave even a bite for mom. The BLT had a twist as well— it included arugula and red pepper aioli. You won’t find Coke or Pepsi at Simple either. If you prefer something other than organic juice or iced tea, they offer Boylan Fountain drinks made with cane sugar and natural flavorings, of course.

My friends and I were happy that owner Louis Lake took the time to share with us so much about their restaurant, their vendors, ingredients, and their all-around practice of offering unique flavors and the very best quality. He spoke with much pride about what they are doing at Simple Natural Deli, and with good reason.

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: Go anytime

Noise level: Moderate

Bathroom amenities: Both men’s and women’s restrooms have changing stations

High chairs? Yes

Got milk? Yes as well as organic juice and Boylan sodas made with cane sugar

Kids’ menu? Yes, and drink included for $5

Food allergy concerns? Make allergies known when ordering so one person only will take care of your entire order to ensure no cross contamination, many gluten free items available, no peanut oil used.

Bottom Line: Simple Natural Deli believes that less is more. They use only organic produce and the very best all natural meats. It’s a great place to grab a quick lunch or dinner and to feel good about what you and your children are eating.

1...451452453...700 Page 452 of 700