Jacob Fisher beams toward a touchdown

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November 1, 2015

The Friday Night Lights were shining brightly during the Timberstone vs. Arbor Hills middle school game in October, but they were nothing compared to the smile on Jacob Fisher’s face. The Timberstone eighth grader’s energy could be felt across the football field.

Jacob has been a part of the football team since sixth grade, never missing a practice or a game, showing up with passion every time. He suits up every Friday with shoulder pads, helmet and uniform, but his cleats never touch the field while the clock is running.

He has Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic condition that results in inherited intellectual disabilities, and has hindered his ability to play football. He makes up for it by being the energetic force behind his teammates and basking in his role as equipment manager.

This particular October night, Jacob’s biggest football dream came to life as he ran 20 yards to score a touchdown. The Sylvania community made it happen with the help of coaches Rob Mackinnon and Nick Josza and the Arbor Hills team, who all agreed to make the final play the most memorable one.

One look at Jacob, and you know he’s going to go far with his contagious smile.

Watch footage of Jacob’s epic touchdown at
www.kpho.com/story/30321568/timberstone-junior-highs-biggest-fan-scores-dream-touchdown

Accesible Playgrounds

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Digital Media

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November 1, 2015

Although there are few accessible playgrounds directly in the Toledo area, the new Port Clinton Playground will be a wonderful addition to the Northwest Ohio area. Also, within a couple hours drive, some of the best accessible playgrounds in the country can be found in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

Carriage Place Park

4900 Sawmill Road
Columbus, OH. 43235

Flagship Collaborative Play Place Playground
Currently in construction

Lakeview Park in Port Clinton
1100, Port Clinton, OH 43452

Liberty Township Boundless Playground

2507 Home Rd.
Powell, OH. 43065

Millstone Creek Park*

745 N. Spring Rd.
Westerville, OH. 43082

Preston’s H.O.P.E.

The Mandel JCC
26001 South Woodland Rd.
Beachwood, OH. 44122

Thomas P. Quinn Park

880 Tradewinds Dr.
Mason, OH. 45040

W.S. McIntosh Memorial Park

W. Riverview Ave
Dayton, OH. 45402

Douglas Road Elementary School

6875 Douglas Road
Lambertville, MI 48144

Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground*

Kreager Park
N. River Road
Fort Wayne, IN. 46815

Tony Stewart Playground*

Mead Village Park
Locust Dr.
Columbus, IN. 47202

*Indicate a ranking as one of the top 30 most impressive accessible playgrounds in the world according to www.special-education-degree.net

Annual Miniature War Gaming Day at Fort Meigs

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Digital Media

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November 1, 2015

Families are invited to battle the War of 1812, World War I and II all in one afternoon at the World At War event, an annual Miniature War Gaming Day at Fort Meigs. The event was created in collaboration with the Historic Miniatures Gaming Society, Great Lakes Chapter, and consists of families playing with miniature, board game type, models. This year’s schedule is still being planned. The gaming pieces, which can be decorated before the event begins, consist of elaborate, intricate trains and cityscapes as well as smaller figures. The event requires strategy, coordination and tactics from the players while providing fun for the afternoon.

Saturday, November 7
Fort Meigs, 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg
419-874-4121 | fortmeigs.org/worldatwar
$5/adults and $3/students

Sylvania Recreation adopts Project Play's initiative

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Digital Media

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November 1, 2015

The Sylvania Recreation District is making an effort to create a more active community with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Initiative. This new approach to youth sports follows steps to make activities more beneficial. According to Sylvania Recreation Operations Manager Mike McMahon, youth sports have turned competitive with terms like “elite” and travel teams, but Project Play’s goal is to take communities back in time to when youth sports were simpler and more inclusive. Sylvania Recreation’s message is that youth sports do not have to be time consuming or expensive, because when they are, they exclude a number of kids. Findings prove that kids care more about getting to play and working well with the team than winning. The program also introduces free play.

“We’d love to see kids on the playgrounds and creating their own backyard games a little more than what we see now… it’s been found that if you’re active as a child, the chances that you’re going to be active as an adult are much greater,” McMahon said.

Sylvania Recreation District, 7060 Sylvania Ave.
419-882-1500
For more information, visit aspenprojectplay.org

New Two's Athletic Club keeps families active

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Laura Blair

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November 1, 2015

Twos Athletic Club, the former Laurel Hill Swim and Tennis Club, has been extensively renovated to serve the needs of families who want to stay active together. Owners Cleves and Kathy Delp were each members of Laurel Hill as children. Kathy started her tennis career, which led to her playing for Miami University, at the club, which her mother joined so her daughters would have a better place to hang out than the local mall.

Cleves and Kathy have five children, three of whom played tennis at Hillsdale College, and they wanted to offer other families a high-quality tennis and fitness program that puts family first. The new renovation added a fitness and personal training center. The remodeled players lounge is named in honor of founding owner Norm Heydinger, who is in his 90s and still plays tennis. The tennis program is run by professionals including the director of tennis, Mark Saber, this area’s only United States Professional Tennis Association Elite professional. The staff also includes Kim Pacella, head tennis coach at Notre Dame Academy, and Bob Cook, USPTA professional at Findlay Country Club.

2222 Cass Rd.
419-241-2222 | twosathleticclub.com

Sylvania STEM Center uses lego robotics to reach their long-term goal

By

Laura Blair

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November 1, 2015

Sylvania STEM Center recently expanded to meet the needs of their robotics teams and to reach their long-term goal of offering STEM opportunities for all Sylvania-area students. Early elementary students use Legos to create a simple machine with a motor and a presentation board to explain their idea in an expo-type setting. Older elementary and middle school students use a special Lego robotics kit to program a robot, and they invent a machine to solve a specific problem. At this age, teams compete for awards and prize money. At the high school level, students move beyond Lego and use mechanical parts. While SSC is in a partnership with Sylvania Schools, the teams are parent-driven. The center began in SSC director Crystal Burnworth’s basement as a way for her son to work with robotics. Besides hosting teams, SSC wants to provide real-world experience from professionals. By connecting students with real-world professionals and experiences, SSC hopes to build the next generation of tech professionals.

Sylvania STEM Center is recruiting first, second and third grade students for team
3315 Centennial Road, Unit M
419-283-6420 | www.facebook.com/pages/Sylvania-STEM-Center