Teen Volunteers Pay it Forward

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September 26, 2014

In 2008, Epworth United Methodist Church in Toledo began a furniture ministry dedicated to distributing donated furnishings and household goods to families in need. Two local teens began serving in this ministry at its beginning and continue their service years later.

Both Alexa Wasylkowski and Tyler Norris are high school juniors; Alexa at Addison High School in Addison, MI, and Tyler at St. John’s Jesuit High School. Alexa typically volunteers at the monthly furniture distribution on Saturdays, where she acts as a personal shopper. Tyler goes with other volunteers to pick up donated furniture to bring to the church’s warehouse.

Alexa, who is active in Girl Scouts and Epworth’s youth group, started volunteering at the furniture ministry with her family. Since clients are families moving out of transitional housing to their own space, Alexa knows that she’s working to make these new spaces home.

“They’re walking into blank apartments,” Alexa said. “I can help change that.” She walks clients through the warehouse and often climbs up on the racks to help find that special piece.

Tyler is also active in Epworth’s youth group and Boy Scouts. At the furniture ministry, he helps keep the warehouse organized and picks up donated furniture. He helps both the client and donor families by taking what isn’t needed by one family and making it available to another.

“I like helping people,” Tyler said. “And I can say I’ve been with the furniture ministry since it started.”

For more information, visit epworth.com
or call 419-531-4236.

Fall Science Day at the Zoo

By

Digital Media

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September 26, 2014

You’re invited to the Toledo Zoo’s Science Day series where you’ll experience fun, hands-on science activities that engage children in a variety of science topics. What’s to be discovered? As summer comes to a close and leaves change color, the animals and plants surrounding us begin their preparation for winter. They have a few different ways of getting through the cold winter months. Join them on Fall Science Day to discover the answers to these questions and see science demonstrations and animal encounters throughout the day.

Sunday, October 5th. 11am-4pm. Regular admission. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-5721 toledozoo.org

Schakolad Chocolate Factory

By

Laura Blair

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September 23, 2014

Schakolad Chocolate Factory, which opened a second location in Sylvania, sells not only chocolate, but the chocolate-making experience as well.

Just like the Levis Commons location, Schakolad’s chocolatiers create and decorate all items in store. Their cases are full of truffles, chocolate-dipped pretzels and fruits, nut clusters, tortoise bars and chocolate bark. They also have a self-serve frozen yogurt bar with unlimited toppings. For health-conscience customers, they offer sugar-free chocolates, along with Kosher and vegan items.

Schakolad carries molded chocolate novelty items in any shape imaginable. With over 1,000 molds between the two locations, business or individuals can order custom chocolates for any occasion. From chocolate cars and soccer balls to corporate logos and truffle-filled centerpieces, Schakolad can make almost anything from chocolate.

Owner Gordon Ebright has even made chocolates with engagement rings hidden inside.

“There isn’t an event that we can’t make a chocolate for,” said Gordon.

It takes a year to train Schakolad’s chocolatiers, but you don’t have to be hired to make chocolates there. Schakolad holds parties in store where participants can mold and decorate chocolates. Corporate events, parties, showers and bachelorette and bachelor parties can be booked after regular business hours.

7632 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. 419-841-0600. schakolad.com/Chocolate/Sylvania/Sylviania

Custom Jeans for Every Body Shape

By

Laura Blair

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September 23, 2014

Jeans are a staple of today’s wardrobe, but it can be hard to find the perfect pair. Shape My Jeans can banish gaping waistbands from your closet forever. With their custom design service that has attracted event the producers of Shark Tank, they specialize in hand-make jeans, skirts, shirts and dresses.

The process starts with a consultation that covers what kind of jeans the client wants and a little about his or her lifestyle. They don’t use patterns; they take measurements and work through as many fittings as it takes to get the jeans just right. Once the jeans are made, a mock pair is kept in the store for future orders.

“We want to know you so we can get the right fit for you,” said Alicia Lawson, who started the company with her daughter, Arlinda Williams.

They use denim made in America in 22 colors. They have dozens of thread colors and several different zipper colors, so clients can get colorful jeans to match a pair of shoes or slimming black jeans to wear to the office. They even make maternity jeans, and then re-tailor them so the client can wear them after the baby arrives.

Shape My Jeans custom jeans are $169 a pair, plus a $25 set up fee.

Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St. (Macy's Wing), Toledo. 419-270-6829.

SMART Spanish Immersion School

By

Laura Blair

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September 23, 2014

School should be about choices. Toledo SMART Elementary School, a tuition-free, Spanish-Latino public charter school, is one choice for parents in the Toledo Public School district for bilingual education.

Toledo SMART started classes this fall for kindergarten through second grade. They have 35 students, and almost all of them speak Spanish as a first language. Their curriculum meets state and Common Core standards. Unlike other schools, all of their students have an individual learning plan. This allows teachers to personalize instruction to meet the school’s goal of one and a half to two years of academic growth in one school year. They plan to add one more grade each year.

While the school will greatly impact the lives of the students and their families, Toledo SMART can change the wider community. Maria Gonzales, school administrator, hopes that other schools will follow Toledo SMART’s lead and embrace bilingual education. Not only will it provide bilingual professionals that are needed across the country, but it will provide support to the area’s underserved, native Spanish-speaking population.

“We need to welcome them to our communities, because they give so much of their culture and knowledge to us,” Gonzales said.

New Spin on an Old Favorite

By

Karen L. Zickes

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September 23, 2014

Charlie’s Restaurant

(newest location) 1631 Tollgate Maumee, OH

419-794-7870

(3 other locations around T-Town)

www.charliesoftoledo.com

Monday-Saturday: 7am-9pm (Central Ave. opens 6am)

Sunday: 7am-8pm

Have you ever had one of those “Ah-ha!” moments….. but it comes a few years late? You know the ones. When you kick yourself and say “I missed this for HOW long?” Those were my exact thoughts when I finally stepped into Charlie’s Restaurant and Taverna. I’m here to tell you about it so you don’t wait as long as I did to stop in with the family.

Local since 1972

I grew up in T-town, moved away for a bit, and returned almost 12 years ago; all the while driving past Charlie’s on Central and on Airport Highway hundreds of times. When I noticed another Charlie’s open this past May, my curiosity was piqued. What had I been waiting for?

One recent Friday night my boys and I meandered into the newest location in Maumee on Dussel near Perrysburg-Holland. There is also a fourth location in Perrysburg. Kyriakos Kyriakou, better known as “Charlie,” is a Greek immigrant who opened up Southwyck Coney Island restaurant in the early ‘70s after working several years in the Detroit area in his uncle’s restaurant. Charlie’s son George said his dad continued adding to the menu over the years to include Greek and Mediterranean food. And then he added, and added some more. The menu also offers many breakfast items that are available all day.

“I’ve grown up in the business,” said George Kyriakou. He went away to college and has been back ever since helping run the family business. They’re excited about the newest Charlie’s. According to Mr. Kyriakou, they wanted this location to have a bit more of an upscale, contemporary diner feel. The newest location is also the only one to offer a full bar and patio as well.

Flavorful and affordable!

We walked in to find other families enjoying dinner, and the kids happily coloring with markers which are provided for the young guests. As I looked around, many customers ran into friends they knew. And as our luck would have it, we too ran into a friend before leaving. She and her husband have been to all the Charlie’s locations and are regular customers. Now I know why.

The entrée selections are quite numerous, very tasty, and so affordable. I repeatedly looked at my boys during dinner and said, “WHY have we never stopped in before now?” You can imagine how they put the blame on me. I ordered the Greek Trio because I always want to try it all. For only $10.69 I enjoyed a small Greek salad, Mousaka, Spinakopita (Spinach pie) and Pastitsio (Greek lasagna). The kids’ meals are very generous for $3.49-$4.69 with a drink included, and choice of fries, rice, or applesauce. Hot dogs, corn dogs, shrimp, chicken strips, Charlie Mac, etc. are just some of the options. My son’s cheeseburger was actually their regular size burger according to our pleasant waitress, Morgan.

I convinced my oldest son to try the Gyro with fries ($7.29) because I just had to sample that too. He reluctantly shared a couple bites with me. Yum. AND….with every adult purchase of $6.99 or more on Sunday and Monday evenings, you receive a free kids’ meal.

To give you an idea of their menu selections, they offer 10 pita wraps, full breakfast selections, 12 salads, 14 sandwich classics, six types of burgers, and of course their Greek and Mediterranean specialties. However, if you would rather have American staples such as hot roast beef, it’s only $7.19. Or maybe fish and chips for just $9.19.

The gourmet “dogs” and Charlie Mac that made them famous are on my list for next time. I very much so wanted to try the food that started it all in 1972, but the Greek entrees captured my attention that evening. You really must try the baklava for dessert as well. My Greek Trio was so filling I took half of it home and enjoyed an awesome lunch the next day.

After hearing about our eating adventure, my daughter (who had missed our visit to the restaurant) was anxious to visit Charlie’s. I guess we will be stopping back in sooner than later. Most likely we’ll be there on a Sunday or Monday evening so a kid’s meal will be free! Maybe we’ll see you there!

Bottom Line: Family friendly and affordable, Charlie’s Restaurant now offers four locations for your convenience. It boasts a never ending menu that includes Charlie’s famous Coney Island dogs and Charlie Mac, American classics, and Greek and Mediterranean favorites.

The short course:

Kid-friendly: Yes

To avoid wait: Anytime

Noise level: Moderate

Bathroom amenities: No changing station

High chairs? Yes

Got milk? Yes, plus hot chocolate, lemonade, and assorted juices

Kids’ menu? Yes, and kids eat free Sunday/Monday with adult purchase of $6.99 and up

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].