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Saving the Earth One Animal at a Time

By
Christina Cordova
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What better way to mold the minds of future generations than to lead by example? Why, through animals, nature and games of course! Come out to Toledo’s Humane Society for the ultimate lesson in recycling, taught by the dynamic staff at TAHS. This team of caring individuals is setting aside Earth Day to show children and families how they rescue animals, rehabilitate them and rehome them in the hopes of passing these life-saving skills on to the younger generations. To keep things interesting and lively, children will be invited to participate in a scavenger hunt and to play a few “backyard” games. It’s never too early to start teaching our children about respecting and caring for all creatures, no matter their shape, size or color. The TAHS has found a fun and lighthearted way to broach this topic.

Saturday, April 5 from 10am-noon. $20/children 7-12 years old. Toledo Humane Society, 1920 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee. Register online today to reserve your spot at www.toledoareahumanesociety.org.

Getting the Itch Out

By
Nan Bauer
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Anyone who’s dealt with head lice knows that the issue isn’t just a scalp that never stops itching. It’s also emotional trauma.

“I get 20-minute cryfest calls a lot,” says Sarah Casello-Rees, who has just opened her fourth branch of Rapunzel’s Lice Boutique, the first in Ohio. She understands; it was her own struggle with the affliction that led her to start her business. “My son Donovan brought head lice home with him,” she says. “I’ve since found out that, when kids get head lice, the mom also gets them 80% of the time. I have long curly hair, and it took me a year to get rid of them.”

Every single “nit”, the tiny eggs laid by the lice approximately half an inch from the scalp, must be removed. “It’s pretty close to impossible to treat yourself,” says Sarah. “I tried to go about my business, but it’s awful; you’re always afraid you’re going to pass them on to someone. I was so anxiety-ridden and desperate.” After trying every product she could find, she finally found a person she could hire to comb through her hair and remove the nits. “I wished there was a place that just specialized in removing head lice, and then I thought, maybe I can be that person who starts that business.”

Rapunzel was born, first as a mobile operation that traveled to people’s homes, and then in its first location in Ann Arbor. It was so successful, Sarah added two other treatment centers in Michigan. “People from Ohio were coming to us and begging us to open a location here,” says Sarah. “My husband is from the Toledo area, and we’re thrilled to be part of this community.”

Trained workers use a clinically-tested product that dehydrates the lice and their nits before combing them out. All family members are checked, and can either opt for a full treatment onsite or a kit to do the procedure themselves at home. “People can have a hard time seeing any light at the end of the tunnel,” says Sarah. “Getting head lice is normal, and we can help.”

Rapunzel’s Lice Boutique is located at
2525 N. Reynolds Road, Suite 6, Toledo. Call 419-214-0414
or visit rapunzelslice.com for more information.

Tips from The Trenches

By
Erin Schoen Marsh
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Banish the words “I’m bored” from your child’s vocabulary this summer!  Enroll them in a Summer Day Camp where they will make new friends and have lots of fun.

Candice Billau, mom to Phoenix, 16, and Ambrelle, 10, and Koralynn, 6, of Ottawa Lake, MI

What do your kids enjoy the most about summer camp?

Getting outdoors and being able to help others. Ambrelle won the Torch Award last summer, and that’s given to two campers from each group who demonstrate the core values of the YMCA: honesty, responsibility, and faith. 

What do you make sure to pack with you kids when they leave for camp?

Lots of stuff! Really, just the basics–like clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, swimsuits–because the camp provides everything else. 

How do you know that they are ready to leave you and attend overnight summer camp?

Phoenix has been going to overnight camp since the very first year of second grade. He absolutely loves camp, and every year we took Phoenix, Ambrelle would ask, “Is it my turn? Is it my turn?” Now Koralynn asks, “Is it my turn?” The best way to know if they are ready for overnight camp though: they can go and spend the night somewhere else. The earlier they spend the night somewhere, usually the easier it is for them when they’re a little bit older.

 

Lindsey Brown, mom to (and photographer of) Hannah,15, Emmah, 8, Stephen, 6, and Savannah, 3, of Whitehouse

What do your kids enjoy the most about summer camp?

I think just getting out of the house and doing something outside. Honestly, I work a lot from home, and I think they enjoy getting away from their siblings and meeting new kids. They feel independent when they are away from us and doing something they really like on their own.

How do you know that they are ready to leave you and attend summer camp?

To be 100% honest, I don’t really know; I just try!  My kids have never been big “criers” who freak out when we leave them; they really just enjoy doing their own thing.  So basically I send them to camp when I think I need a break!  Oh, and they need to be potty-trained for sure.  

What do you make sure to pack with your kids when they leave for camp?

I just follow the list of items that they are told to pack. I am a rule follower, so I make sure to get whatever is on the list: water, sunblock, bug spray, utensils for cooking their own food…stuff like that.

Stephanie Mahoney, mom to Ian, 14, Daniel, 10, and Aidan, 6, of Sylvania

What are your favorite memories from summer day camp?

The boys come home every day wanting to go back; they can’t wait for this year to do it again. They build friendships and they’re friends with the kids from camp, even when they just see them around town, they all say “hi” to each other. The camp has so much: BB guns, archery, swimming

What do your kids enjoy the most about summer camp?

For Ian, I think it’s spending time with his friends. They have different adventures every day, and it’s all kids, no adults around.  Daniel: besides the Trading Post and getting candy everyday? Archery and BB guns. Aidan would probably tell you he hated every day, but he came home happy. His favorite part is probably going swimming and hanging out with his buddies.

How do you know that they are ready to leave you and go off for camp?

I just knew they had to get out of the house! The summer before they were bored, stayed in the house a lot…and then there was the sibling rivalry.  We didn’t have anything to do; they watched a lot of TV.  That’s how I knew they were ready for camp the next summer.What are your favorite memories from summer day camp? The boys come home every day wanting to go back; they can’t wait for this year to do it again. They build friendships and they’re friends with the kids from camp, even when they just see them around town, they all say “hi” to each other. The camp has so much: BB guns, archery, swimming

What do your kids enjoy the most about summer camp?

For Ian, I think it’s spending time with his friends. They have different adventures every day, and it’s all kids, no adults around.  Daniel: besides the Trading Post and getting candy everyday? Archery and BB guns. Aidan would probably tell you he hated every day, but he came home happy. His favorite part is probably going swimming and hanging out with his buddies.

How do you know that they are ready to leave you and go off for camp?

I just knew they had to get out of the house! The summer before they were bored, stayed in the house a lot…and then there was the sibling rivalry.  We didn’t have anything to do; they watched a lot of TV.  That’s how I knew they were ready for camp the next summer.

Ellen Rodriguez, mom to Eddie, 9, and Amelia, 2, of Toledo

What does your son enjoy the most about summer camp?

I think it was learning everything they taught him at the camp, and also…interacting with other kids who have the same interests as him.

How did you decide upon your camp choice?

I was looking for something that he would like and that would fit his interests. The time and the length of the camp didn’t really matter because I work from home; I didn’t need a 9 to 5 camp.

Do you do anything to prepare for the anticipated homesickness?

No, Eddie is very independent. He was so excited about going that there was no homesickness. When he was much younger, he did a little bit, but once he warmed up to the space or started playing with friends, he got distracted and wasn’t homesick anymore.

A Most Unexpected Journey

By
Karen L. Zickes
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Karen Zickes is a longtime contributor to Toledo Area Parent and expert restaurant reviewer in the monthly piece, Food Fight. The mother of three beautiful children lost her husband to cancer months ago and continues to amaze us with her courage and passion to move forward. This is the first of her series of articles about life after loss and we hope readers will join in to hear her story.

You never imagine it will be your family. You most certainly don’t ever PLAN for it. But then it happens-your spouse of 15 years is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

My husband Jim was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in November 2012. He lost his valiant fight 10.5 months later. This is our journey.

The first four weeks after my husband’s diagnosis remain a complete blur. Barely able to catch our breath, we helplessly gazed into the innocent faces of our three young children wondering what the future held for our family.

“Every journey has a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware.”
— Martin Buber

Life as we knew it ceased and a new unexpected life took residence. Our new life became stuck on fast-forward with no option to hit the pause button. The only thing that mattered was getting tests and scans done as soon as possible, while feverishly researching and calling on doctors you hoped would have the answers to make the cancer go away. We traveled near and far before deciding on our course of treatment. We moved mountains at record speed but sometimes, it’s just never fast enough.

When life turned upside down I adopted six simple, yet powerful practices that built a strong foundation that set the tone for lay ahead. They have continued to help my family on our most unexpected journey.  After all, the family travels the bumpy roads together.

Accept help. It is extremely hard to do but so very necessary.  And if you are the friend of someone in need, tell them specifically how you can best help them; rather than saying “let me know if you need anything.” Use your imagination and you will certainly identify something specific you can do for a friend in need.

Bend without breaking. Having a plan is good, and a daily schedule even better. However, understanding that you may be on Plan G before noon on most days is the best way to roll. This is easier said than done and may take a bit of practice and patience.

Two steps forward, one step back. You will have many forward moving days. The subsequent days may be rattled with unexpected setbacks. This will be your new norm. Don’t let the backpedaling deter you.

Stay positive. I am first to say maintaining positivity isn’t always attainable. However, it’s proven that patients who fight with a positive attitude respond better to treatment than those who choose to give up before even beginning their fight. Keeping an upbeat atmosphere around the house, especially with children, is vital. Being positive is less draining of your energy and helps maintain routines. Let those around you know that negativity is checked at the door.

Sometimes having children make encouraging signs or inspirational quotes to hang around the house can keep the positive energy flowing. I love music, and the first thing I did was start a new playlist titled “Power of Positive”. Sometimes, you just need to jam to encouraging tunes to help you through the day.

Chronicle your journey. Even if you don’t view yourself as much of a writer, keeping family and friends in the loop is beneficial to everyone, and can even be very therapeutic. There are blog sites out there such as The Caring Bridge, or as I preferred; emailing friends and family every two weeks. My updates included a “medical update” and a “family update”. I attached family photos of what we had been up to over the past couple of weeks.

People are anxious to walk the journey with you, so why not invite them along? And when you keep people in the loop, you will greatly reduce the constant emails, calls, and texts asking for updates.

Be honest with your kids. Follow your gut as to what you think your children are able to understand, but BE HONEST with them, on whatever level they can comprehend. Children will be more scared if their imaginations run wild because of the unknown, and they need to know they are an important part of the family too.

You can be positive and reassuring without making false promises. You never want a child blindsided, nor do you want them to lose trust in you. Continue the dialogue even after the “family meetings”.

Your journey may be likened to being in a vortex. Be ready for the twists, the turns, and the unknowns. Whether you are the patient or caregiver, always remember the importance of taking even just 10 minutes a day for you. Remember to find the joy in each and every day.

Karen Zickes is a mom of three active children and freelance writer who resides in Holland, OH. 

Art for One, Art for All

By
Christina Cordova
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For the past two years, the Sylvania Community Arts Commission has chosen a business or organization to contribute to the city’s efforts to make Sylvania a more beautiful place to live. They do so by having them create three banners that will don the city’s walls for four months. This year, the commission teamed up with Republic Services, sponsor of the project, to artistically inspire youth. And that’s just what they did for the 4th and 5th graders of Sylvan Elementary. Though there were over 100 submissions – and though all designs were amazing – the designs of three lucky artists—Allison Addington, Emily Knapp and Emma Jurski—were chosen. Now, as patrons stroll the streets of Sylvania this spring, they can admire the art as well as the view. If you ask me, knowing you’ve contributed to the beauty of your hometown is a much better reward than blue ribbons and gold metals. 

Oh, the Places You’ll Go…

By
Christina Cordova
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In a day and age when libraries are fading and bookstores are becoming a thing of the past, Grand Rapids residents couldn’t have been more thrilled when entrepreneur, Dorinda Shelley, turned three of the six abandoned buildings she bought or rented into bookstores: The Happy Historian, Library House Books and Art and Library House Children’s Books. While most can agree that the more book stores the better, it’s the children’s bookstore that has residents talking. Encased inside a little yellow house, Library House Children’s Books is a place where children are encouraged to roam about, touch and feel the books, sit down and get cozy with a stuffed animal and just escape into a fairy tale or wonderland. There are hundreds of paperbacks and hardcovers to choose from—most priced for less than $5, all collected from auctions, library sales and private sales, and all waiting to be explored by a little one’s imagination.

Hours are Monday-Saturday
10am-5pm, Sunday Noon-4pm. Library House Children’s Books, 24124 Front Street, Grand Rapids,
and on Facebook at Library House Children’s Books. 419 830-8050.

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