Most holiday cheer in Uptown Maumee may be obvious, but some seasonal heroes in the historic area are well hidden. Rudolph and the other reindeer are hiding throughout the district (in the form of plush animals, toys, images, etc.) for the Holiday Reindeer Scavenger Hunt. Children ages 12 years or younger can search for nine hiding holiday reindeer, for their chance to win movie passes and other fun prizes. The hunt is on through December 23 at 5 p.m. Parents and guardians can pick up entry forms at the Maumee Indoor Theater (601 Conant St.) or visit www.maumeeuptown.com. Names of those completing the hunt will be drawn to determine the winners on December 26.
Caring for the community
In the spirit of the giving season, Toledo area’s Toddlers Schools have found a way to double up on their gifts to the community. Their current food drive gives local parents a little help in exchange for their assistance in helping others. If you bring any non-perishable food item to one of the locations listed on the date of the drive, the Toddlers School will offer up to 4 hours of free child care on that day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s an excellent opportunity to get some holiday shopping done or enjoy some “me” time while helping the needy in our community! Please come a few minutes early to fill out paperwork.
Contact Valerie with any questions at 419-693-7550 ext. 211.
Saturday, December 5
Toddlers School 3
943 North Dixie Hwy, Rossford
Saturday, December 12
Toddlers School 6
111 Indiana, Toledo
Saturday, December 19
Toddlers School 1
631 Euclid Ave., Toledo
ABC’s for older kids
Following her first book, Hold the Fort, Hicksville native and Defiance resident, Sally Snyder, has just completed her second Children’s book. If It’s to Be, It’s Up to Me! The ABC’s of Character Building, written and illustrated by Snyder, is finding its way into schools, classrooms, and homes.
While teaching third grade for 25 years in Michigan and Ohio, the highlight of Snyder’s day was sharing literature with her students. She retired in 2001 and was encouraged by her family to write and illustrate children’s books. Now she writes books that teachers can share with their students.
If It’s to Be, It’s Up to Me!, for children ages 8 and up, addresses challenging topics like bullying, name calling and being the class clown. The book also talks about the importance of having a good attitude, accepting responsibility, and respecting others.
For more information, visit www.sallysnyder.com.
Online mommies
Toledo Area Mommies recently unveiled their new website, www.toledoareamommies.com. The free site offers playgroup times and locations, special events, blogs, and online discussion forums with other moms in the Toledo area. As part of the Mommies Network (www.themommiesnetwork.com), the site is dedicated to helping moms find support and friendship in their local community. Head online for local encouragement and fun.
Empowering students to succeed
Sometimes the only thing a struggling student needs to know is that someone sincerely cares about their success in school and beyond. Partners In Education, a local and national non-profit organization, has been making a difference one child at a time. Their purpose is simple; “To promote student success through community involvement.”
Besides celebrating their 15-year anniversary this past fall, they also relocated their office to 1320 Madison Ave. in Downtown Toledo. Formerly located in the Nicholas Building, the organization was forced to move when the building’s owner failed to pay the electricity bills. Luckily, Partners in Education was able to find another suitable space quickly. “We wanted to stay in Downtown because it’s centrally located,” said executive director Eileen Kerner, who began as a PIE volunteer several years ago.
“We place tutors in the schools to help students gain academic success,” said Kerner. Partners In Education has approximately 3,000 local volunteers from over 100 school-community partnerships, and is always in need of more. Area businesses may commit a given number of employees to volunteer one hour a week tutoring in a local school, or even to hold collections for backpacks, school supplies, etc. for area children in need.
Partners In Education even takes care of background checks and training. “By the time the volunteer enters the door they’ve been cleared and are ready to sit down and start tutoring,” said Kerner.
Find out more about Partners In Education, the other programs they sponsor, and how you can get involved at www.partnerstoledo.org or contact them at 419-242-2122.
One more dojo
The Martial Arts Center is adding another location in the area. The new dojo, located at The Shops at Fallen Timbers, offers the same great expertise and training for which The Martial Arts Center is known. The dojo plans to open early December, with classes for children and adults, as well as Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong (a meditative martial art) for those interested in a more relaxed environment.
Sensei Hurtseller has been teaching Martial Arts since 1982, but his experience dates to when he was 14. Used initially as a tool for defense, Hurtseller now appreciates all of the benefits of Martial Arts, from enhanced concentration to increased physical stamina. He says for kids who are having trouble in school, it is often supported that they participate in martial arts as a way to correct or improve certain behaviors.
It’s important to understand, urges Hurtseller, that martial arts is not only about physical activity (although that is a large portion of each class). Time is also dedicated to providing a workout for the mind. “As the mind works, the body follows,” says Hurtseller. Meditation is the building block on which everything is built. Practicing meditation helps both breathing and posture and can be used everyday, even outside of the dojo.
For more information, visit www.ohiomartialarts.com.