Sylvania hockey player, Will Mackinnon, is back from the Youth Winter Olympic Games

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March 8, 2016

For someone so young, former-Sylvania resident and hockey player, Will MacKinnon, has already made his way into the sports world. At just age 11, he and his teammate won the Regional Silver Stick Pee Wee minor hockey championship while playing for the Toledo Cherokee team.

A younger MacKinnon with his Toledo Cherokee team.

Fast-forward four years, and Will was chosen to play for Team USA during the Youth Winter Olympic Games, hosted in Lillehammer, Norway this past February.

MacKinnon and his team walking into the Youth Winter Olympic Games.

He definitely couldn’t imagine winning the Youth Winter Olympic Games, and becoming a Gold Medalist at age 15.

MacKinnon's gold medal.

MacKinnon grew up playing hockey at Sylvania’s Tam-O-Shanter, the Ice House, and for competitive AA level travel teams. He met some of his best friends along the way, while also being fortunate to have his father as a coach.

A young MacKinnon on the ice.

Eventually, MacKinnon further improved his skills, and in 2012, he started playing on the AAA level with on teams in the Detroit area. In 2015, when he was a part of the HoneyBaked Bantam Major 14U team, they won the Tier 1 National Championship in a thrilling 2 to 1 double overtime victory over the Chicago Mission.

That first national championship was when MacKinnon realized how far he had come as an athlete. His potential became clear as opportunities to play at an elite level were not such dreams anymore. Last summer, MacKinnon trained hard and had the honor of being named one of six defensemen born in the year 2000 as a young Olympian.

MacKinnon faces off during the Olympic games.

This 15-year old currently resides in Plymouth, Michigan, where he attends the TPH hockey academy in Canton. MacKinnon plans to continue to develop himself in the USA junior hockey ranks over the next few seasons, while deciding where he wants to play hockey at a collegiate level. Even though he is in a new city, MacKinnon has not forgotten his roots or where he began playing hockey.

The young hockey star today.

“It was a small hockey community really,” says MacKinnon. “We took pride in representing Toledo at tournaments and trying to show how good we were.” His former teammates and friends still maintain contact and get together a few times a year. While he is gone, his childhood hockey teammates did not forget to congratulate him when he made the USA Youth Olympic team.

Talk about Toledo pride.

Hatching new ways to celebrate

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Digital Media

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March 4, 2016

Easter was always an exciting holiday when I was growing up. I would spend the night with my grandparents the night before Easter, and I could SWEAR I heard the Easter bunny scooting across the floor in the night. Upon waking I’d bolt out of bed to see what candy and other treats I’d been brought, then we’d head to church for Easter services and a massive egg hunt. My day would end in a sugar coma on the couch, watching “The Wizard of Oz” with my parents. Below are 8 ideas for Easter traditions you can try with your own kids. Pick and choose a few of them each year … and stick with the ones your family loves!

This year, Easter hatches on Sunday, March 27.

1. There are so many great treats your family can make together a night or two before Easter. Dying and decorating hardboiled eggs is a classic, but you could also make something out of the ordinary like Jell-o eggs or egg-shaped sugar cookies. Last year my husband and kids made Rice Krispy eggs dipped in melted chocolate chips, then they added sprinkles before the chocolate set.

2. Kids enjoy sharing with others … and being sneaky! When dark hits the night before Easter, sneak over to a favorite neighbor’s (or drive to a close-by friend’s) and scatter eggs in their front yard. You can mix and match hard-boiled and plastic eggs. Fill plastic eggs with candy, coins, tattoos, stickers, erasers, etc. Even though doing an anonymous fun thing is great, these days you should probably leave a note or card on their door so they know it was you and not some crazy person putting stuff in their yard!

3. Bunnies and chicks are the unofficial mascots of Easter, so find a place where your child can pet some! Depending on where you live, bunnies and chicks can be found at kid-friendly farms, pet stores and zoos. Some stores have promotional days where you can come in and pet and hold these little sweeties and take pictures. And if you’re looking for a family pet, bunnies are a great option for an Easter gift to the family.

4. Get your child’s picture taken with the Easter bunny. This is one I could kick myself for not doing yet, but it’s pretty simple. Just check the website of your local mall to find out if they’re hosting an Easter bunny event. Be ready to shell out a few bucks for a photo, or take plenty of your own.

5. Easter baskets for the kids are a given, but they don’t have to be over-the-top. You can buy a simple empty basket at a craft store and fill it with things like pastel Peeps, toys, small books, plastic eggs filled with candy, etc. If you’re pressed for time and don’t know how you’ll be able to assemble an Easter basket, no matter how small, just buy one ready-made! You’re still an amazing parent, and your kid won’t care or remember that it was store-bought. If you have time but are short on money, bake treats to put in the baskets, make a special card for your child or write out coupons for things like getting out of chores or an ice cream cone out with just Mom. Don’t forget about your older kids on Easter … everyone can appreciate an Easter basket!

6. An Easter egg hunt can be held just about anywhere. Some churches have them days before Easter, and you don’t have to belong to that church. My church doesn’t hold an Easter egg hunt, so we have one in my mom’s yard after church on Easter Sunday. Family all pitches in and hides plastic eggs filled with candy, sugarless gum, dollar bills and more. You could also hide eggs the night before in your own yard (or even around the house!) after your kids go to sleep so they can have an after-breakfast hunt at their own home!

7. Get together with family for a special meal. If you won’t be able to be with family this Easter, invite some friends and neighbors over for a potluck meal at your place. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant … a ready-made ham, paper plates and plastic cutlery just mean less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.

8. End the day relaxing with a bowl of Easter candy, some popcorn and a movie the whole family can enjoy. After a fun day celebrating Easter in all the ways you love, finish your family day with some “hanging out” time. Nobody is allowed to text or play handheld video games or email. This is a time to snuggle up around the TV and reflect on the gift of family and friends.

Family Friendly Flicks
¬ A Bug’s Life
¬ Charlotte’s Web
¬ Flushed Away
¬ Lilo and Stitch
¬ Monster’s Inc.
¬ Shrek

Kerrie McLoughlin is the homeschooling mom of 5 who enjoys Earth Day and blogs at TheKerrieShow.com.

Childcare & Preschool Guide 2016

By

Athena Cocoves

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March 2, 2016

Taking the first step
You don’t want to leave your little tike alone, but sometimes life (or the need to relax) requires some personal time. We’ve found some of the best, local options to let your child grow, learn and prepare for kindergarten and beyond.

Maumee Valley Country Day School

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

30 months-12th Grade
Preschool (starting at 30 months)— Three program options: Tuesday-Thursday 8am-11:15am; Monday-Friday 8am-11:15am; or Monday-Friday 8am-3pm
Prekindergarten— Monday-Friday 8am-3pm
Junior Kindergarten— Monday-Friday 8am-3pm
Kindergarten— Monday-Friday 8am-3pm

Young children will prosper in the richly educational and diverse environment of Maumee Valley. Preschoolers and kindergarteners will get a head start in their education with music, art, spanish, and physical education lessons throughout the week.

Fairgreen Parent Co-Op Preschool

3220 Laskey Rd.,
419-475-5367 | fairgreenchurch.net
facebook.com/pages/Fairgreen-Parent-Co-Op-Preschool/116904451702538

At Fairgreen Preschool, we believe that children are individuals with unique personalities and our curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of the whole child through creative play experiences. Patience, understanding and warmth from our teachers is crucial to promoting the physical, social, and intellectual development of a children.

Heatherdowns Early Learning Center

3544 Glendale Ave.
419-385-5880 | [email protected]
bieberelc.com/#!heatherdowns/c1pde
6:30am-6pm, Monday-Friday
6 weeks-kindergarten

A highly trained and qualified staff of teachers with Bachelor’s degrees, specifically in Early Childhood Education, provides a nurturing, thoughtful environment for children as young as 6 weeks old. Safety is paramount, with all teachers required to participate regularly in First Aid, CPR, Prevention Communicable Diseases and Child Abuse in-service classes.

West Side Montessori

Toledo Campus: 7115 W. Bancroft | 419-866-1931
Perrysburg Campus: 13587 Roachton Rd. | 419-874-9385
montessoritoledo.org

13 months-8th grade
Half Day: 8:30-11:30am. Full Day: 8:30am-3:30pm. Extended: 11:30-3:30am.
Little House (13-40 months)— Full or Half Day, with the following day combinations: Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday-Friday, Monday-Friday.
Extended Day (11:30-3:30am) also available.
Children’s House (3 years old-Kindergarten)— Full or Half Day, Monday-Friday.
Afternoon Enrichment (11:30-3:30am) also available.
Child Care for all ages is also available from 7-8:15am and 3:30-6pm at both campuses.

Children age 3 and older will begin to explore Spanish and French languages. A music literacy program is also available for students to enjoy singing and dancing. After school programs such as yoga, ABC art, karate and Irish dancing are offered.

Children's Discovery Center

Downtown – 338 North St. Clair St., 419-255-4890
Franklin Park – 3839 Talmadge Rd., 419-474-8303
Perrysburg – 11090 Avenue Rd., 419-874-8203
Perrysburg – 7033 Lighthouse Way, 419-872-4510
Waterville – 8011 Dutch Rd., 419-878-8689
Holland – 1640 Timberwolf Dr., 419-861-1060
childrensdiscoverycenters.com
6:30am-6:15pm, Monday-Friday
3-5 years

Children’s Discovery Center (CDC) provides the opportunity for your child to discover the world of learning in his or her own unique way. With an environment, programs and philosophy inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia educational model, your child’s personal interests and abilities are nurtured and developed. We view your child as an amazing, capable individual eager to learn and explore. With excellence as our mantra, this thought permeates every level of the learning process and every program offered at CDC. Come embark on a journey of nurtured learning with us.

St. Joseph Preschool Sylvania

5411 S. Main St., Sylvania
419-882-6670 | stjosephschoolsylvania.org

Morning Preschool Hours: 8:30-11:15am.
Extended Day Enrichment: 11:15am-3:30pm.
After-School Care program: 3:30-5:30pm
Before School Care program: 7:30-8:30am.
3 years-8th grade

Young minds blossom with hands-on, developmental education that fosters a love for God and for each other. Ages 3-5 enjoy daily activities, like “family-style” field trips and celebrations. Parents are given the freedom to choose the program perfect for their family’s needs, with enrollment options for morning preschool for 2-5 days per week. St. Joseph’s Catholic identity is the core of their mission, helping to develop the spiritual, academic, physical, and emotional growth of each student enrolled.

Little Sprouts Academy

4014 Elmhurst Rd.
419-754-1057 | littlesproutsacademy.com
7am-6pm, Monday-Friday
Newborn-Preschool

Little Sprouts Academy was founded upon the belief that learning should be an enticing, memorable experience of early childhood. This is why LSA offers truly hands-on teaching, with a curriculum full of extras such as Spanish, American Sign Language, and Yoga, as well as live, secure webcams for parents to watch their students. Our focus is education and preparing students to be cognitively, socially, and emotionally ready for kindergarten.

Maria Early Learning Center

4651 Monroe St.
419-471-0170 | mariaelc.org
6:30am-6pm, Monday-Friday
6 weeks-5 years

Maria Early Learning Center, sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame, offers caring, love and education. Children experience prayer and Christian values daily. Maria offers children many opportunities to nurture their imagination, creativity and social skills. The State of Ohio has awarded the Five Star rating to Maria for meeting quality standards over and above Ohio’s health and licensing standards.

Trinity Lutheran School

4560 Glendale Ave.
419-385-2301 | trinityvikings.org

3 year olds: 8:15-11:15am and 12:15-3:15pm on Tuesday and Thursday
4 year olds: 8:15-11:15am and 12:15-3:15pm on Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Extended Day Care: 6:30am-6:30pm Monday-Friday
3 years-8th grade

Trinity Lutheran School has been serving the Toledo area for over 140 years. Located on Glendale Avenue just east of UTMC, Trinity serves students from three years of age through the eighth grade. A recent winner of the Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education is just one of the many accolades Trinity has accomplished over the years. Educating the whole child in the arts, sports, academics and Spiritual formation is key to Trinity’s success. Come see all that Trinity is about and see if Trinity is right school to partner with you in your child’s education.

Toddler Tech Child Care Center

4030 Royer Rd., (Next to Franklin Park Mall)
419-473-3536
6:30am-6pm; 6 weeks-12 years

1540 Holloway Rd., Holland.
419-865-8342
6:30am-6pm; 6 weeks-10 years

Toddler Tech is family owned and operated since October of 1985. Owned by Barbara Axe, RN and daughters Anna and Julia, Toddler Tech serves both the West Toledo/Sylvania and Holland area. Both programs are licensed to care for children from newborn to age 12 and are currently Star 4 rated through Step Up To Quality Ohio. Children enjoy daily nutritious meals and snacks. Toddler Tech also offers specialized programs for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool (including Kindergarten Readiness) and School Age (Before & After and Summer Day Camp).

Kidz Watch

3150 Bostwick, Perrysburg | 419-874-9678
5:30am-10pm, Monday-Thursday*
5:30am-midnight, Friday*
7:30am-midnight, Saturday*
*The listed early options are appointment only. Regular opening time is 8am weekdays*
6 weeks-12 years

6819 W. Central Ave., Sylvania | 419-843-2997
5:30am-11pm, Monday-Thursday*
5:30am-midnight, Friday*
7am-midnight, Saturday
7am-7pm, Sunday

Long hours give busy parents the flexibility they need to work and give their child high quality education. Daily activities, like story time, arts and crafts, play, nap and snacks, keep the child engaged and excited. Creative Curriculum is used in the centers so children can learn about the world through hands-on activities. Breakfasts and snacks are provided by the center.

Over The Rainbow Early Learning Center

6765 Brint Rd., Sylvania
419-882-0734 | [email protected]

1809 N. McCord, Toledo
419-867-0057 | [email protected]

bieberelc.com/#!overtherainbow/c1lhy

6:30am-6pm, Monday-Friday
6 weeks-kindergarten

For children as young as 6 weeks old, Over The Rainbow offers a safe, nurturing environment for young minds to grow in. A large outdoor play area and classrooms are designed to facilitate individualized needs. Over The Rainbow’s program uses Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies, which is a theory and research based curriculum. This curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Preschool is aligned with Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards.

Gateway School

4659 W. Bancroft
419-536-6503 | gatewaypre-k.com
Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm
2 and a half years – 6 years

Gateway School believes early childhood should set the precedent for a successful adulthood— full of fun, warmth, security, exploration and discovery. Children enjoy a variety of experiences with an emphasis on active participation. Students work with teachers to let a young child’s confidence blossom in a safe, encouraging environment.

March 2016

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Digital Media

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March 1, 2016

Preschool Art on Display

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Digital Media

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March 1, 2016

The PRIZM Creative Community presents the “Preschool Picassos” art exhibit at the Way Public Library (101 E. Indiana Avenue in Perrysburg) through March 4. Artists from four local preschools (St. Rose School, Inspirations Learning Center, and the Avenue Street and Early Learning Centers of the Children’s Discover Center) produced more than 150 works in several media. The exhibition is the first of three planned by Prizm Educational Series to show the joy of expression of local children. Prizm founder Annette Jensen notes that it is refreshing to see the innocence of the children’s art, noting that art gives children learning opportunities for developing motor skills, language development, creativity, inventiveness, and cultural awareness. For more details, contact Mrs. Jensen at

419 931-8732 | [email protected]

myprizm.com | facebook.com/prizmcreative

Camping out at the Metroparks

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Digital Media

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March 1, 2016

If sleeping under the stars, whatever the weather, is your idea of fun, consider pitching your tent in one of the Toledo Metroparks. Tent campers can enjoy individual or group sites (with firewood, fire rings, restrooms, and treated well water) at Oak Openings Metropark at the White Oak Campground or the Wiregrass Lake Campground year-round, and at the Campground at Farnsworth Metropark from May-November. An individual site at those locations costs $20/night while $30 gets a group site. Cottage campers will enjoy time at the Caretakers Cottage at Oak Openings. Guests must bring their own linens, but there is room for up to 8 campers, who will appreciate the kitchen amenities (stove, refrigerator, microwave), wood-burning fireplace, and backyard fire pit.

Cabin rental is $100/night for Metropark members, $125 for non-members.

Call 419 407-9710 for more information and to make reservations.