Get Ready to Rock

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February 1, 2015

The guitar has proved to be one of the most popular instruments in musical history. Discover the science and beauty behind it at the Imagination Station during their exhibit, GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World. Visitors will explore all features of the instrument, from its conception to how it has evolved into what it is today, through hands-on activities, performance video, audio and stunning images. The science of creating music with strings, wood and steel will also be displayed. Play the world’s largest guitar, admire more than 60 rare and antique instruments and delve into the engineering of how it all happens at the exhibit.

Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, May 17. Regular admission. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. 419-244-2674. www.imaginationstationtoledo.org

We Heart Art Valentines Contest

By

Christine A. Holliday

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February 1, 2015

Take your family for a day at the Toledo Museum of Art to participate in the We Heart Art Valentine’s card-making contest that will result in adorable creations and winning fun prizes. The contest, co-sponsored by Toledo Area Parent, 92.5 KISS FM, and the Art Supply Depo, allows parents and children to make handmade Valentine’s cards for loved ones. The contest is being held in celebration of the Museum’s major exhibition Drawn, Cut & Layered: The Art of Werner Pfeiffer, open February 6 through May 3 in the its Canaday Gallery, which explores the possibilities of paper in 3D artist books, collages and prints. Pfeiffer, the renowned artist who was the inspiration for the contest, is an aficionado of paper, making his own greeting cards, ornaments and experimental objects himself. Participate in the contest, enjoy punch and cookies, and then take your children upstairs to view the exhibition.

Saturday, February 7 from 10am to 1pm. Toledo Museum of Art, Green Room,
2445 Monroe St., 419-255-8000. www.toledomuseum.org. Free

Imagination Library Coming to Toledo

By

Christine A. Holliday

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February 1, 2015

Imagination Library, a project of the Dolly Parton Foundation, is coming to Toledo. With the help of the local chapter of The United Way, the foundation will provide up to 6,000 local children with age-appropriate books each month. The goal is to prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to develop a love of reading. Parents of children in targeted zip codes, 43604, 43605, 43606, 43607, 43608, 43609, 43610, and 43620, are invited to register their children aged from birth to five years to receive the books, many of them classics parents will recognize and love all over again as they read them to their children. Books for each year follow a theme, from colors and shapes for the youngest “readers” to school preparation titles for the five year olds, and are meant to stay with the children as they build their own personal libraries. The books are mailed to the child’s home at no cost to the family, and organizers hope results in Toledo are like those nationwide; participating children scored an average of 15 percent higher on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment-Literacy.

Register at www.unitedwaytoledo.org/womensinitiative/imaginationlibrary/register.
More information available at www.imaginationlibrary.com

Social Gastropub

By

Karen L. Zickes

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February 1, 2015

Social Gastropub

25818 N. Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg

419-931-9936

Winter Kitchen Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 11am-10pm

Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm

Sunday: 11am-9pm

www.socialgastropub.com

I am all about expanding my children’s horizons and encouraging them to try new things, new activities, and new foods. I am a self-proclaimed foodie, and nothing makes me happier than an eclectic menu. I dined at Social Gastropub one time and fell in love with the restaurant immediately. I was experiencing an intense craving for Social, and decided it was time my children and close friends experienced it as well.

The more the merrier

Social is owned by former University of Toledo football players, and current Pittsburgh Steelers, Bruce Gradkowski and Lance Moore, as well as another business partner, Mike Graber. For a finer dining experience, they also own Gradkowski’s, as well as a new Social location in Illinois.

Social Gastropub is a most fitting name for this restaurant that opened in August 2013. With its open dining area, horseshoe bar, and very friendly waiting staff, one can’t help but feel welcome. Taking on the ‘90s idea from London, England, a gastropub is quite simply a place for great food and drinks. Pub refers to their incredible rotating craft beer selection, and gastronomy is the study of fine food and culture.

I’m not sure what I was thinking to show up after 6pm on a weekend leading into the holidays without a reservation. Unfortunately, there is no waiting area in the restaurant. I was thankful I didn’t have any little ones with me. However, they worked diligently to get us seats as soon as they could. On this particular evening, I noticed a wide range of customer ages, and as it turns out, that is one of the neatest things about their restaurant according to general manager, Jon Mickle.

Happy kids and happier foodies

Mickle said their guiding principle at Social is to take comfort food and put a twist on it. “We try to redo the menu every two months. It takes a lot of work but it is definitely worth it,” he said. Yes, there are dinner options for the kids, but you need to ask your server. For about $5, the meals include a beverage and some options come with fries or another side. Their mac-n-cheese is out of this world, and they offer burgers and grilled cheese
as well.

As for the foodie in me, as usual, I wanted one of everything. I’ve heard several friends rave about the roasted cauliflower with feta and goat cheese, lemon and olive oil. And oh my, it was delish. As surprising as this may sound, Mickle said it continues to be one of their best-selling appetizers. I enjoyed their calamari as well. However, maybe their smoked salmon dip or buffalo fried deviled eggs might suit you better.

Main entrees include a variety of sandwiches, specialty dinners and even salads. My daughter ventured to order the avocado egg salad on sourdough and enjoyed a side of their mac-n-cheese with cavatappi pasta. I devoured the bacon wrapped meatloaf sandwich topped with onion straws, stone ground mustard cream, and hickory sauce served on sourdough toast for $9.70 and a side of the mac-n-cheese. This was not a dieting evening by any means. I was so impressed with how they worked with my friend who preferred a vegan meal. They were very accommodating to help her put together her own entrée and she said it was wonderful.

My youngest was unable to be with us that evening, but I made sure he sampled all the leftovers the next day so that I could continue to expand his palate as well. He gave most everything a thumbs up. Since he hasn’t been there yet, it’s a fine excuse for us to return sooner rather than later.

Bottom Line:

Social Gastropub is a foodie’s paradise, but also a fun and comfortable place to enjoy a meal together with friends and family. Children of all ages are welcome and their menu choices are sure to please. Since the menu changes every few weeks, you never get bored with the “same ol’ same ol’.” It’s a popular destination so when possible, be sure to call ahead for reservations.

THE SHORT COURSE

Kid-friendly: Yes

To avoid wait: Reservations recommended, especially on weekends

Noise level: Loud

Bathroom amenities: Changing station

High chairs: Yes

Got milk: Yes, as well as lemonade and a variety of juice

Kids’ menu: Yes. Ask your server for selection

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].

New historical friends

By

Marisa Rubin

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February 1, 2015

Rosa Parks, one of the most popular ladies of her time, made history by refusing to move to the back of the bus in 1955. But, she wasn’t alone in her stand during the Civil Rights Movement. During the national tour of “Rosa Parks and Forgotten Friends”, Rosa introduces youngsters to other prominent figures during the days of racial segregation. Say hello to Frederick Douglass, Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen and Sojourner Truth, important and celebrated characters of the colorful African-American history in America.

Intended for grades 3+. 11am Saturday, February 7. $12/adults, $5 /ages 15 and under. Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. 517-264-7469. croswell.org

Au Pair Care

By

Nikki Khuong

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January 21, 2015

The stress of managing child care responsibilities with work demands takes a toll on many parents’ personal and professional lives. The American Psychological Association reports that over 43% of employees say that their family responsibilities interfere with their work performance. There are many professions such as doctors, lawyers, and various administrative positions that require working unconventional hours. A challenging work schedule requires flexibility when it comes to child care.

Some jobs require the employee to stay longer some nights without advanced notice. This can be a problem for parents scrambling at the last minute to make arrangements for their children's' care. Daycare options charge additional fees for after-hours care and will eventually close for the day. Also, waking up one morning with a sick child will leave parents frazzled, as they attempt to find alternative child care solutions for the day. Does the parent sacrifice a work day to care for the sick child?

These are important factors when determining what child care options are best for your family. As a paramedic and doctor, James and Meagan realized early in their marriage that their busy professions would not exactly be conducive to providing their children with the full-time care and attention they deserve. James talks about how they decided on the best child care solution. “We talked a lot about what childcare to use. We also looked at the cost part a lot. Regardless of what you do with your child – it’s going to be expensive; there is no way to get around that. We came down to the bigger factor for us and that was lifestyle. There are a whole lot of advantages to having an Au Pair— the flexibility in scheduling, a whole lot of consistency, and oversight in the house.”

Au Pair child care provides safe, reliable live-in child care and supervision of your children while offering a valuable cultural experience for your family. Au Pairs work up to 45 hours per week and 10 hours per day, which offers the flexibility busy professionals need. Au Pairs participate in your family life and activities creating a consistent, safe and loving environment.

Daycare typically starts at around $8/hour per child. Families with multiple children can get a discount, but the price per hour goes up. A nanny typically starts between $10 and $15 per hour with extra charges for more children. Au Pair child care averages $7.65/hr per family regardless of the number of children.

James continued, “The primary reason why we chose an Au Pair was the distance I had to travel to work, which would regularly keep me overnight on trip. My wife didn’t need to be home with the kids and miss out on her work as a doctor anymore, and Au Pair care is more flexible than a daycare.”

“In the selection process, I think we hit a home run with our first Au Pair, from Australia. She was 26 years old. My wife and her are great friends, they still communicate by email and Skype frequently. Our second Au Pair was a bit younger—not anything wrong with that, it just required a different approach. She was 18 and had inherent challenges, and we had more of a fine-tuning process with her. In the end, she rose to the challenge and met our expectations. Our kids loved both Au Pairs and still talk frequently about them.”

Parents who successfully balance parenting and work understand that making their children a priority sometimes means working hard to meet their children’s needs. In the case of James and Meagan, successfully balancing parenting and work included a new family member (Au Pair) to help manage the child care responsibilities.

Nikki Khuong is an author, mother, early childhood education expert, and Local Area Representative for Go Au Pair in the Toledo area. Go Au Pair has been providing quality childcare for over 27 years and is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsored agency to provide families affordable child care solutions through various Au Pair Programs.