This fall, the city of Toledo’s Board of Community Relations honored an organization and three people with the 2009 Youth Empowerment Awards. Those honored have made an outstanding contribution towards the advancement of youth by dedicating time, talent and energy in a voluntary capacity. The honorees included Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe (founder of the Student African American Brotherhood), Gloria Johnson (community partner for the Toledo Board of Education), Josh Flores (mentor of at-risk youth at YWCA, FLOC, and Adalante), and YWCA T.O.P. (Teen Outreach
Program).
Empowering honorees
Reconnecting for the future
The Board of Lucas County Commissioners and the Greater Toledo Urban League have launched a $500,000 project (funded by a grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) to aid youth who have been hit hard by the economic down turn. Because many jobs once available to youth are being taken by individuals laid off from other industries, it has been difficult for teenagers and young adults to find jobs. Project Reconnect is designed to assist youth,16 – 24, who may have become disengaged from the educational system, are youth offenders, are currently in or aging out of the foster care system, have disabilities, are migrant youth, are homeless or runaway, or are children of incarcerated parents. These individuals will be offered comprehensive job readiness and occupational skills such as career counseling, skill assessment, job readiness, education, training, and job search assistance.
Individuals interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Shirley Lyons at 419-243-3343
Smart sisters
Sisters Amelia and Valeri Wolf, both St. Ursula Academy seniors, have been designated as Semifinalists in the 46th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program. They have the opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 800 Achievement Scholarship awards to be offered next spring. More than 160,000 high school juniors from across the nation requested consideration for the 2010 National Achievement Scholarship Program.
Brewing up fun!
Maumee Bay Brew Pub
27 Broadway, Toledo
419-241-1253
Mon-Thur: 3p.m.-10p.m.
Fri-Sat: 3p.m.-11p.m.
Somewhere along the line when raising a growing family, it seems that mom and dad’s date nights wane, while getting together with friends with kids in tow becomes the norm. Simply stopping in a restaurant is hardly a rockin’ night out on the town. However, unique Toledo restaurants like Maumee Bay Brew Pub make an evening feel a little more like “Destination: FUN” for everyone in your group, not merely grabbing dinner with friends. I’ve found my way to the Maumee Bay Brew Pub several times since its opening in the Oliver House in 1995. The atmosphere, unique and fun, is also home to the Toledo Brewing Hall of Fame & Museum. Surrounding are pictures, rare beer bottles, beer taps, and steins. Basically, every kind of memorabilia related to the brewing industry can be found there. Interior brick walls and open ceilings revealing ducts and pipes add to the casual atmosphere. The food is good, with a wide variety of entrees, and don’t forget the micro-brew beer, brewed right on site. Let’s just say this is not the place to order a Miller Lite. I’ll have more on that later for you beer connoisseurs.
A history lesson
My friends had never been to the 150-year-old Oliver House, the oldest working commercial building in Toledo, according to manager Ellie Barnett. “This building has been many, many different things,“ said Barnett. What began as a posh hotel back in 1859 also served as an infirmary during the Spanish-American War. And, the building is considered haunted. Never fear, Barnett assured us only friendly ghosts reside there. Numerous people have seen ghostly apparitions over the years. Most of the sightings have been at Rockwell’s, another restaurant within the Oliver House. We made our way up the staircase and the kids were instantly drawn to the old time popcorn machine filled with complimentary popcorn. As you enter the bar, you cannot miss the huge copper brewing kettles behind glass. They really do brew their beer in those very kettles. I led the group through the bar to the dining rooms, only to find that the former dining rooms have been converted into banquet rooms. Consequently, the dining area currently consists of the area adjacent to the bar.
Selections for both kids and parents
There are a couple of booths and lower tables, and about half of the seating is at tall bar tables and chairs. My kids didn’t mind, as it gave them a bird’s eye view of the place. It was a full house that night, and as a result, our service was not outstanding. However, we had a great time and it certainly won’t deter us from returning in the future. “We’re very kid friendly,” said Barnett, who added they are considering re-opening one of the banquet rooms for dining which will make an even more family-friendly atmosphere.
The Kidz Zone portion of the menu is for children 10 and under, and kids 3 and under eat free. They offer typical kids’ menu items such as mac-n-cheese, hot dogs, burgers and the like; fries are included or you can substitute for steamed veggies. All meals, served with a cookie, are $3.95. Drinks are extra.
As for the adults in our group, we enjoyed Classic Rueben sandwiches, a Lake Erie Perch Sandwich, and an Iceberg Wedge salad. All sandwiches are accompanied by their flavorful house-made corn relish and homemade seasoned chips. I asked Ellie Barnett what some of the customer favorites are on the menu. “I’ll put our pizzas up to anybody’s,” she said. Their brick oven pizzas with house-made pizza sauce are one of a kind and only $9.99. Barnett also said their Comfort Food Specials such as Country Fried Steak, Breaded Pork Tenderloin, and Classic Meat Loaf are also very popular. “Of course, we’re known for our cheddar beer soup,” she added. As one might suspect, it’s made with the beer brewed onsite. They have at least six freshly brewed beers on tap at all times that range from IPAs to stouts with everything in between. I can still taste the pumpkin beer, which was bursting with flavor and screamed fall! Blitzen, their winter brew, is outstanding, according to the manager, and they can hardly keep up with demand. Sounds like it might be time for another “Destination: FUN” trip to the Maumee Bay Brew Pub. Bottom Line: The Maumee Bay Brew Pub at The Oliver House is another of Toledo’s unique gems. Get the family out and experience a bit of local history. You’ll enjoy a good meal, reasonable prices, and great beer along the way!
THE SHORT COURSE
Kid-friendly Yes
To avoid wait Anytime
Noise level Moderate
Bathroom amenities Changing station
High chairs Yes
Got milk Yes
Kids’ menu Yes, for kids 10 and under; 3 and under eat free
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].
2009 Holiday Wish List -Green Gifts
This holiday season, give a gift that gives back to the earth! Toledo area toy stores offer eco-friendly toys that are good for kids and the environment. Here are a few your kids are sure to love.
Learning Express
5577 Monroe St.
Sylvania
419-885-3959
www.sylvania.learningexpress-toys.com
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Eco-Kids Drink Bottles: for ages 3+, $9.99
These 10-ounce water bottles are made from high grade stainless steel, with a cap made from recycled materials. With various designs, they’re perfect for school, sports, or camp.
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Recycling and Dump Trucks : for ages 3+, $24.99
These chunky trucks are perfect for little hands. Made of 100% recycled milk containers and no metal axles.
Sofi Stella
15155 S. Dixie Hwy
Monroe, MI
734-457-2392
www.sofistella.com
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Tea Set : for ages 3+, $26.50
This 17-piece tea set is made in the USA from 100% recycled milk carton plastic. BPA-free, no lead paint, no phthalates and FDA approved for food contact, the “green” process used in the making of this set saved enough energy to equal three thousand triple A batteries.
Toys “R” Us
For locations visit
www.toysrus.com
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Jewelry box : $9.99
Recycling is stylish when it comes to these candy wrapper jewelry boxes. Made by FAB Industries, the boxes are constructed from repurposed packaging collected through TerraCycle’s Candy Wrapper Brigade. The free collection program diverts millions of pieces of packaging from landfills while serving as a fundraiser for local schools and non-profits such as Unity of Toledo, Aurora Academy and Harvard Elementary. Backpacks, frames, and sketchpads are also available.
Sensational Beginnings
987 Stewart Rd.
Monroe, MI
800-444-2147
www.sensationalbeginnings.com
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Switchback Racetrack: for ages 18 months – 4 years, $69.95
This double wide racing ramp track is made of maple and rubber wood and is decorated with non-toxic paints. Four racecars are included for a racing good time as the cars speed back and forth on their way down the track.
2009 Holiday Wish List
We’ve all got them – children, siblings, parents, friends, who are a challenge to buy for. No fear – the Toledo area is home to plenty of unique shopping opportunities, and our Holiday Wish List makes it easy. We’ve compiled some of the most unique items and shopping spots to make your holiday shopping more enjoyable. So head out there fearlessly and have some fun this season!
Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674
www.imaginationstationtoledo.org
Gift memberships
A membership to Imagination Station makes a great family gift. Imagine the sparkle in their eyes when you give them unlimited access to Toledo’s new downtown science center and over 350 reciprocal science centers worldwide. Not only does it inspire in children the wonder of science and technology, it also provides a memorable and exciting destination for family fun! Visit over the holidays and see Circus! Science Under the Big Top here through December.
Monroe Furniture Plaza
1241 S. Monroe St., Monroe
888-241-8100
Furniture built to last
There’s furniture and then there’s Amish furniture. Built by hand using woodworking techniques handed down through the generations, Amish-made furniture is celebrated all over the world for its craftsmanship and durability. If a new bedroom set or new fireplace mantel is on your shopping list this holiday season, come examine our wide selection of hand-crafted Amish furniture pieces. This is American-made furniture that’s built to last!
American Mobile Fitness
5133 S. Main St, Sylvania
419-517-4374
www.americanmobilefitness.com
Personal trainers
Don’t let the holidays weigh you down! Get fit before it becomes a new year’s resolution with our personal training system. We come to your home or office for individual, buddy and group training. We also do virtual training — an innovative program that gives you a custom, live workout with a certified personal trainer in the comfort of your own home.
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
www.toledomuseum.org
Museum memberships
Your Toledo Museum of Art membership gives you access to lively programs, exciting exhibitions, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and valuable discounts — all while supporting TMA’s century-long legacy of making your world-class Museum accessible to everyone, free of charge. Make your Museum, your community, and your world a better place through art — join or renew today!
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Japan Karate Academy
419-473-777
www.japankarateacademy.com
Martial Arts classes
Looking for a unique holiday gift for your child? Give them the gift of self-confidence and fitness with Martial Arts classes — beginner through advanced in Karate, Boxing, Kick Boxing and Swordmanship. Master A.K. Geelani is a 7th Degree Black Belt and Hall of Fame Master of Swordmanship and Karate, and is certified to teach children with ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism and Attention Deficit Disorder. Gift certificates also available for apparel, supplies and classes. (We are also looking for Yoga and Tai Chi Instructors — contact Colleen Morden, Program Director).