Cyncere Wingate, 10, Toledo
Dylan Schuh, 8, Perrysburg
Emma Carle, 5, Toledo
Charlie Mitchell, 2 mo., Sylvania
Jackson McNutt, 5, Perrysburg
Charlie Sarver, 6, Toledo
Nicholas Fulton, 7, Toledo
Community Snapshots
In need of Nana
Sometimes, if you are lucky enough, you have someone in your posse whose strengths are your weaknesses. In my case, the woman who often “shows me the light”-and how to properly accessorize-is Nana. She’s been a steady presence in my life since day one. Her husband, has known my Dad since childhood and their friendship, along with the friendships between their families, continues to expand to this day. Nana is my spare tire. I know she is there if I ever need her to get me up and moving again on my often bumpy road.
Cool it
You wouldn’t think it by gazing upon this quietly elegant, statuesque woman, but she is the go-to girl in a crisis. When events happen that would throw lesser women into therapy, Nana rises to the occasion. For my wedding day, I splurged and purchased a lacy pair of stockings with full knowledge that as a kid my measurements never fit on a pediatrician’s growth chart and that the person responsible for writing the information on nylon packages that clearly state “For women 5’4” to 6’”is a big fat LIAR. I hoisted them up in preparation to go down the aisle when I discovered the crotch was six inches lower than it should be. Without blinking, Nana gently, but firmly helped me remove them and told me not to perspire about little things (AKA don’t sweat the small stuff). I could see her out of my peripheral vision stretching those suckers with the force of a Ninja warrior before calmly returning them to me. Miraculously, she was able to get me four more inches. In a world before SPANX, I was eternally grateful.
She is also the only woman I know who can keep a white linen blouse crisply clean while vacationing in the Canadian wilderness. This was her attire when my daughter fell off the deck hitting-I swear-the only jagged rock capable of damage. As blood was dripping on her once white blouse, she calmly reassured Lauren that even though she might end up with a scar, she would still one day go to her prom.
Nana also has a way of keeping my “reactive” father at bay. She is the only person I know that can get away with a “Jim just chill out”. She is also smart enough to know when distraction is the better option and has a brilliant way of enticing him into conversation while I deal with everything from a plate of lasagna one of the kids flipped behind their stove to a lizard on the loose.
“Behind every great man, there is a woman” or at times, a woman rolling her eyes. Nana also manages to keep up with our beloved Opa, her extrovert, turbo spouse. The man should run for mayor and while he is in the forefront, she is there with the camera to capture it all.
Nana is a trooper when she visits our rustic “home” in Canada. While we bust out the hiking boots, Molson, and paper plates, Nana has coordinated outfits, chardonnay, and cocktail napkins. She is a pro at pretty and in a world that at times seems full of “nasty”, I find great solace when I am in her realm of snowmen and bunnies.
Lessons learned
I have learned a great deal from this ‘other maternal figure’ in my life. Learning is one thing; putting into practice is another. I remind her of the old saying that if you throw enough “stuff” at a wall, eventually something is bound to stick. So, I am trying to learn how to say “NO”, ask the kids to pitch in more, and carve out some time for me in this full house.
Her advice: Buy a doorstop and use it.
She will be well needed in the year ahead. I am now convinced that the person who makes the fictitious panty hose charts is the same person who said lightning never strikes twice. Nana is blessed with a beautiful granddaughter who has had to struggle with physical limitations and countless health battles. Recently, another of her granddaughters was diagnosed with leukemia. The family will once again need their Nana and the strength, calm and peace that she so freely provides. I used to think that heroes came with bulging muscles and capes. Thanks to Nana, I know they put up twinkle lights, use the good china and love unconditionally.
Anya Wojtkowiak
“I never actually watched football on TV but always wanted to play,” says Sylvania McCord Junior High School student Anya Wojtkowiak. “I really liked playing football in the yard with neighbors and wanted to try it. I kept begging my mom to let me try out for the team and she wouldn’t let me until I promised her that I would wear something nice for picture day.” To her mother’s surprise, Anya dressed up for her school photo and the rest is history. Toledo Area Parent talked with Anya about the ups and downs of being the sole female on her Sylvania Recreation 6th and 7th grade football team.
I understand you and your mother made a deal regarding your picture day attire. How did looking like a lovely young lady for a photo lead to wearing cleats and a helmet?
“I went to my school’s orientation and they had flyers about the Rec football team so I took one. I spoke with one of the coaches who was there that night and he asked me to come for conditioning. I showed up and when the coaches started picking teams, I got picked.”
Is playing on an all-male team tougher than playing in your backyard?
“It’s a lot harder. I had to learn all the different positions even though I am a lineman. Also, no one is easy on me because I am a girl. I get bruised a lot.”
How do you deal with getting hit?
“I hit back!”
Do your teammates except you as an equal?
“At the beginning the boys were skeptical about me being on the team. I don’t know exactly when that changed but I think it was when I proved that I was helpful and a good player. I am not just standing on the sidelines and watching. I would say I get to play for almost the whole game. When we have a lot of injured players I get to play longer.”
Do you feel that being female has held you back in any way?
“No, not all. I wish more girls would play football. I get support from people in the stands too. I had a really good tackle and three of my classmates were cheering for me. It was so cool. I actually get a harder time from girls than boys about being on the team. On Fridays we wear our jerseys to school. So many girls ask why I would ever play football. I tell them I play because it’s fun.”
What does the future hold?
“I play for the Sylvania Rec and there is a weight limit. If you are over 115 lbs. you cannot run with the ball. I recovered the ball from a fumble and I had to take a knee. Next year if the McCord coach asks me, I could play for them and there are no weight restrictions.”
Is there anything you want to say to your teammates?
Yes, we are close even though we don’t socialize off the field. I would thank them for supporting me. I would rather be playing football than cheering on the sidelines. I’m just really glad I have a chance to play.
Fun Facts about the Bruised Beauty
Hobbies: Basketball, lacrosse and reading (she read over 50 books last summer)
When She Grows Up: An environmental scientist and shes hopes to be the first female to play in the NFL or, even better- play for Notre Dame
People She Admires: Amelia Earhart and the first girlto play college football, Ashley Baker Hopes to Attend: New York University
Special needs guide
Q: Many kids who have siblings with special needs feel as if they have had to grow up faster and have greater responsibilities in the family. Has this been your experience?
A: You definitely learn a lot of life lessons at an earlier age that you wouldn’t if you had a normal brother or sister. I remember one time when I was six years old and I didn’t understand what was going on. My brother Alex had a seizure. All the lights were on in the house at 12:30 at night. I had to go outside and be the one who waved to the rescue squad to show them where we were. I now know what to do when Alex has a seizure. My Dad and my older brother Taylor taught me how to deal with it.
Q: What is the most difficult thing about having a brother with special needs?
A: Well, a lot of people would think it is having to cut back on my social life but really it is how other people treat Alex. Even though he is my older brother, I feel like I have to defend him. In the sixth and seventh grade I didn’t say much about him if anyone said anything. Now I do. I am trying to be mature about this issue and I let people know what my family and I deal with. I have that big brother protective thing even though I am younger. I have to have his back and stick up for him since he can’t stick up for himself. When people talk about him they don’t see him through my eyes. If you had a brother like I have you would see things differently and be more thankful for what you have.
Q: Speaking of your social life, has it been affected by Alex?
A: Sometimes I can’t go out on weekends because I have to stay home and watch him [Alex] and I do not have as many social
activities as kids with ‘normal’ siblings, but this is my duty. I put my family before my friends. Sometimes I get mad and disappointed when I have to change my plans, but in the end it is the family that is most important.
Q: It appears Alex has an extremely difficult time speaking. How do the two of you communicate?
A: You kind of know what he is thinking. He can look at me and I can know what he wants. He definitely has a ‘more chips’ and an ‘I’m thirsty’ face. Sometimes other people don’t get him. We were at the airport once and every time Alex saw a plane he would say ‘DISNEY’. As his brother, I know he associates planes with heading to Disneyland. We also watch movies, color on the porch, and he loves to swing at Olander Park. He also likes it when we drive around and go to McDonald’s and he is a big fan of the Disney Store.
Q: Your older brother Taylor moved to Louisiana. Do you find it more challenging since his departure? What are your future plans?
A: I have had to step up to the plate since Taylor left. My parents have been dealing with our situation for a long time and they know how to handle it. I plan on going away to school, maybe BGSU. I want to have some space but still want to be close enough to help my family.
Q: What advice do you have for other kids dealing with siblings with special needs? What can people do to help kids in your situation?
A: I would tell them they are not alone. There are lots of people going through it. They will look back and realize this is truly a blessing. As far as helping out, people can just be there to listen and tell them it’s going to be OK.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: Yeah, my family does a really good job dealing with Alex. We have learned many aspects of life that other people will never get the opportunity to learn. We have all put a lot of time and effort into Alex and he is growing up to be a really great guy.
John plays football, baseball, and runs track for Southview High School and is involved in the Christian youth group at school. John hopes that people will look at his brother Alex (who turns 23 in April), and others like him, through different eyes after reading this.
Sibshops
Saturday, November 2nd
Many brothers and sisters have feelings that are difficult to express, even to a friend: sadness that a sister can’t learn things that others take for granted; anger when a brother’s behavior prevents the family from doing things other families do; or the special pride when a sibling with a disability learns a basic but important life skill after months or years of practice. At Sibshop, they’ll share these feelings with others who truly understand. 10am-1pm. Alternate Learning Center, 3939 Wrenwood, Toledo. 419-214-3066. siblingsupport.org. Free. Additional meetings are set for Nov. 2, Jan. 11, Feb. 1 and March 1.
Special Needs Helping Heroes
“Helping Heroes” is an understatement when it comes to introducing this group of people who dedicate their time to helping children with special needs. From teachers to program directors, there is no shortage here of true heroes! With capes on their backs, they tell us about their most rewarding jobs, how they got started and what keeps them going.
Sandy Langford
Director and Founder of the Self Reliance Center
After working closely with 3 children with autism for 13 years, Sandy Langford realized the need for childcare services for autistic children. According to Langford, kids are often asked to leave traditional daycare around 11 or 12 years old. She explains, “It’s common for some kids with autism to have certain behaviors that some day care programs aren’t just ‘okay’ accepting them— sometimes the kids just act out.” She clarifies, “some kids on the high end of the spectrum can certainly stay home, but others cannot be home for safety reasons.”
Langford wrote a grant to provide childcare services geared toward autistic children ages 12-22, which was something that had not yet been done. She created The Self Reliance Center to provide a “safe place where kids can be themselves and not worry about being stared at…or kicked out.” Langford also makes every effort to accommodate working parents; the Center is open until 6pm during the week, and all day during the summer and on school vacation days. While the work is challenging, Langford says that “just to be able to be around these kids on a daily basis” makes it worth it. She continues, “Sometimes I just have a busy, hectic day, and one kid in particular will come up to me and say ‘I love you’ and lay his head on my shoulder. That’s the icing on top of the cake.”
Self Reliance Center of the Toledo Regional Autism Network. 2040 W. Central Avenue, Toledo. Visit https://www.greatlakesautism.org/toledoregionalautismnetwork/SRC/
or call 419-291-7020 for more information.
Mary Schoen
Intervention Specialist at McKinley School
As an educator for 26 years, Mary Schoen was surprised recently by a question from a little girl at the school where she works: “When are you gonna become a real teacher?” Schoen laughed and explained to the girl that she is a real teacher; she’s an intervention specialist, which means she travels from classroom to classroom to work with students instead of having her own classroom (thus the reason the little girl thought she wasn’t a “real” teacher).
Of her 26 years in education, Schoen has spent the last 15 working directly with students with special needs. She travels to different general education classes, servicing language arts, math, and reading for students in grades 6-8 at McKinley School. She helps modify assignments/tests by making them more accessible to the student, “tailoring [the work] to the student’s own skill level and working from there.” She also works individually with the kids in the classroom, helping teachers in any way that she can, and takes the kids back to her office as-needed for small group sessions.
Schoen says teaching students with special needs means “you have to be fast on your feet because…you may need to quickly switch gears in order to deal with the skill that the student is trying to learn.” Schoen’s ultimate goal for her students is “for them to feel more confident in themselves and advocate for themselves to reach their highest potential.” All of the daily struggles and challenges are worth it “when you’re teaching and the light bulb goes off… you see that the kids ‘get’ it.”
Sarah Osborn
Intervention Specialist at Hiawatha Elementary School
After teaching young children (kindergarten to second grade), Sarah Osborn has many humorous anecdotes, but her most recent favorite is the motivation of one young student who repeatedly exclaims, “I want to make Sponge Bob happy!”
Osborn explains that she became an intervention specialist, in part, because of her upbringing: “I was brought up with a sister who has special needs–she’s on the autism spectrum–and that taught me to see things through her eyes, to appreciate her perspective, and to appreciate the wisdom of somebody who thinks differently.” Osborn points out that not all of the children with whom she works have special needs; she works with many young children who might need additional help in math and/or reading. For reading interventions, Osborn works closely with their literacy coach, Joyce Calmes, and they make reading fun and engaging through the use of “game-based learning to promote pre-literacy skills” (particularly at the kindergarten level). According to Osborn, “We do things like mystery boxes and rhyme aways. The students really enjoy it, and we enjoy it, and if we’re having fun, then the students are, too.” Osborn continues that the most rewarding part of her job is “to see the children, especially kindergartners and first graders, have those ‘ah-ha’ moments when they can sound out a word, or get excited about a book, or become engaged with reading. The spark of reading is amazing.”
Shannon Twiggs
Director of Camp Cricket and Inclusion Specialist
for Washington Public Schools
Shannon Twiggs has known that she wanted to work with children with special needs since she was in the 5th grade. She worked with a young man with special needs, who was about her age at that time, and from that moment on, her career path was determined.
Like many teachers, Twiggs works during her school break during the summer; she runs Camp Cricket, a summer camp for students with and without special needs. She trains and provides staff for other summer programs, including Maumee Valley, the YMCA, and the MetroParks, so that she and her staff can “facilitate inclusion programs, provide support…and support children in the community.”
Twiggs says that the toughest part of managing Camp Cricket is “making sure that I have the correct amount of staff and support for all of the agencies, and making sure that the agencies are being provided the support [that] they need.” However, Twiggs loves “working with the families and seeing how happy they are.” It satisfies her to know that the kids are “engaging with their peers, and the kids come home and talk about how much fun they had and how they made new friends.” For children with special needs, making new friends can be difficult, and Twiggs recounts a touching memory of how one parent was so excited that her child made his first friend. The mom exchanged phone numbers with the other parent to schedule a playdate for their kids.
Special Needs Directory
Adopt America Network
1500 N. Superior St. • 419-726-5100
adoptamericanetwork.com
Adopt America is committed to finding permanent, loving homes for special needs children. Through a national network of agencies and volunteers, they’ve helped over 4,000 children find new families.
Autism Academy of Learning
219 Page St. • 419-865-7487
theautismacademy.org
The Autism Academy is a year-round public school for students with spectrum autism disorder. Focusing on developing a higher quality of life and promoting independence through subjects like academics, behavior, and daily living and vocational skills.
Capable Kids, LLC
2728 N. Holland-Sylvania • 419-346-8269
[email protected]
Capable Kids helps children with autism and other developmental disabilities cultivate communication skills and learning needs through applied behavior analysis, group interactions and one-on-one sessions.
Colleen olson, MD Pediatrician
Mercy Pediatrics – Maumee
1657 Holland Rd., Suite A • 419-794-2180
Mercy Family Physicians – Perrysburg
1103 Village Square, Suite 202
419-872-3243
For more than 12 years, Colleen’s relaxed and caring approach has encouraged parents to ask questions and discuss concerns about their child’s health.
Down Syndrome
Association of
Greater Toledo
PO Box 298, Sylvania • 419-536-4321
[email protected] • dsagt.org
A support group that promotes inclusion, advocacy, awareness, education and parental support to anyone that has a loved one with Down Syndrome.
Green Options for Autism of Lucas County
1660 Amesbury Rd. • 419-250-0401
facebook.com/greenoptionsforautismoflucascounty
GOAL provides a day/vocational program for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to develop job skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and self-determined job opportunities. Open house Thursday, December 5, from 5-8pm.
Harbor Behavioral
6629 W. Central Ave. • 419-475-4449
harbor.org
Harbor Behavioral offers services such as family medicine, adult day care services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and vocational programs for individuals with barriers to employment.
Hope Learning Academy
4234 Monroe St. • 419-297-6313
info@hopelearning academy.org
hopelearningacademy.org
Hope Learning Academy is a K-8 school dedicated to serving students who need to learn in a non-traditional classroom setting. This student-centered community is driven by rigorous social-skills, art infusion and sensory integration.
Lucas County Board
of MRDD
1154 Larc Lane • 419-380-4000
lucasdd.org
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities embraces the philosophy of self-determination, an approach for planning individualized services and support. Supporting eligible individuals and their families in developing a vision for their future based on individual strengths, interests and choices.
NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness)
Mary Finch, Office Manager
NAMI of Greater Toledo
2753 W Central Ave. 419-243-1119
www.namitoledo.org
NAMI of Greater Toledo offers FREE support groups, education classes and advocacy for individuals and their family members who are living with mental illness.
Mercy Autism Services
3521 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee
419-794-7259
[email protected].
Mercy Autism Services emphasizes evidence-based autism intervention. The only program in the Northwest Ohio region that utilizes applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, speech therapy, as well as the P.L.A.Y. Project as core program concepts.
Prescribed Pediatric Center
1932 Birchwood Ave. • 419-530-6726
prescribedpediatrics.org
Prescribed Pediatrics promotes optimal physical, mental and social health for infants and children with special needs by providing family-centered, physician-
prescribed, medical day treatment and medically enhanced child care.
RMS Fitness
5151 Monroe St. • 419-851-0074
teamrms.com
RMS Fitness provides recreational support and opportunities to persons with developmental disabilities, including exercise classes, yoga, health assessments, Wii games, cooking classes and more.
Sensational Kids Daycare & Learning Center
6060 Merger Dr., Holland
419-724-5434
[email protected]
sensationalkidsdaycare.com
Sensational Kids offers a quality educational learning center that looks at each child as an individual. Offering therapy programs from our physical, occupational and speech therapists, who also help to develop programs so that the children are working on current goals.
Sunshine Inc.
7223 Maumee Western Rd., Maumee
419-865-0251
sunshineincnwo.com
Sunshine is a non-profit organization that provides services to people with developmental disabilities in Toledo and across Northwest Ohio.
Superschade’s Foundation
1024 Gloucester Dr. • 419-392-8727
Superschade’s Foundation works with other local organizations and businesses to benefit children and families with special needs, as well as educate the community about developmental disabilities.
Toledo Public Schools
420 E. Manhattan Blvd. • 419-671-8200
tps.org
Toledo Public Schools strive to provide equal opportunities and assistance for students with developmental disabilities, offering multiple programs to pinpoint potential challenges and provide special education.
Toledo Vision Therapy
2600 N. Reynolds Rd., Suite 103B
419-578-4322
toledovisiontherapy.com
In addition to providing a wide variety of optometry-related service, Toledo Vision Therapy also offers services for special needs patients, including examinations and vision therapy.
Wood County Board of MRDD
11160 E. Gypsy Lane Rd., Bowling Green
419-352-5115
wood.oh.networkofcare.org/mh
The Wood County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities offers comprehensive programs and events with the goal of improving the quality of life for children and adults with special needs.
Wood Lane
1921 E. Gypsy Lane Rd., Bowling Green
419-352-5115
woodlane.us
Created by families for families, Wood Lane is a one-stop resource center for information, programs and contacts for persons with developmental disabilities. Their mission is to support persons and families living with developmental disabilities in living full, unhindered lives.
Junior Chef: Easy-Bake Oven Off
Easy-Bake Ovens are a perfect way for children to learn their way around a kitchen. Think your team has what it takes to win this nostalgic cooking competition? Teams of adults and kids show off their skills with Easy-Bake ovens while baking original delicious recipes. Pam from Pam’s Corner will hold a fantastic and informative cooking demo at 2:30. If you aren’t in the mood to compete, cheer on your favorite baking team! Proceeds benefit Children’s Theatre Workshop, a local organization that provides acting classes and live theatrical experiences for youth ages 5-18.
Tickets available at the door. 2-4pm. Adults, $7; kids, $5 (ages 7-18); ages 6 and under, free. Children’s Theatre Workshop, 2417 Collingwood Blvd. 419-244-5061. childrenstheaterworkshop.org
Third time's a charm
The saying “third time’s a charm” certainly applies to Mama LaScola’s Italian Kitchen. It is the latest venture of Gus Nicolaidis and his partner Moussa Salloukh. The duo also own LaScola Italian Grill in Toledo and LaScola Tuscan Grill in Findlay. Having spent time studying-and especially eating-and more eating-in Italy, I looked forward to the opportunity to see if Mama LaScola’s offerings could hold their own against those of my host mom, Mama Corsetti.
I had heard that LaScola had a “homey” feel. For me, the objective of going out is to get as far away from home as possible. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere. LaScola’s offers a relaxed dining experience, yet the black and white checkered tablecloths, Tiffany lights and vintage photos are a positive addition. There is a nice bar area that is off to the side that provided adequate space between parents with little ones and older guests wanting an adult beverage.
I found the service to be one of the most positive aspects of the evening. Of course, I get excited as a mom when anyone asks what they can get for me (instead of the other way around). LaScola’s also has an extensive wine selection that I hope to explore at another time.
We ate during the dinner hour but LaScola’s also offers lunch Monday through Friday. The choices are plentiful including nine appetizers, eight salads, pastas, classic Italian dishes, and panini sandwiches.
I could not get the girls out of their comfort zone to try the garlic mussels but scored a small victory in ordering the calamari. Thankfully my children haven’t figured out that word in Italian. We proceeded to the house salads. My youngest child Maria, whose first words were “Mama” and “balsamic” tried the white balsamic house dressing. The server shared that it may be purchased by the bottle. Of course, my offspring, like their mother, have never met a baked good that they didn’t like. The Mama’s bread did not disappoint.
Our main meal included Mama’s Spaghetti Bake ($13.99). My gluten-free, carb free middle child ordered the salmon and informed me it was as good as what I prepare at home. It came with a side of vegetable ribbons that were pleasing to the eye and the palate.
There are so many options. I was in a quandary. I paid rent while living with an Italian family by helping as a “cooker” and truly enjoy the art of food preparation. I love ordering something I don’t make at home. I thought it would be interesting however, to order something I make on a regular basis for comparison purposes. I decided on the Chicken Piccata ($14.99) and found it to be very flavorful sautéed with brandy and topped with a garlic cream sauce with wild mushrooms and capers. We also ordered a Margherita grilled pizza ($10.99). No matter how hard I try, I cannot convince my children that the pie is named for a queen, not a beverage.
We topped off a nice meal with the caramel pecan tiramisu ($5). It was wonderful and extremely sweet. We also tried the bread pudding with a warm sauce ($5) that would warm anyone’s cockles. Portions were plentiful and easily shared.
Mama LaScola’s Italian Kitchen is a welcome addition. Our family looks forward to old favorites and experimenting with new dishes the next time we visit.
Mama LaScola’s Italian Kitchen
6060 Renaissance Place
419-517-5570
Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-9:30pm
Fri: 11:30-10pm
Sat: 4-10pm
Sun: 4-8pm
lascolaitaliangrill.com
Toledo Area Parent would like to extend its deepest sympathies to Karen Zickes, writer of Food Fight upon the death of her spouse Jim. Mother Mayhem will be reviewing family dining until Ms. Zickes returns to the table.