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Pig problems

By
Mary Helen Darah
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I have a history of taking in strays of the furry and non-furry variety.  It was therefore not surprising when an adorable elderly woman, Dorothy, approached me one day with a “pig problem.” You could slap her face on a package of the most generic apple pie and it would fly off the shelves. I became the proud owner of a neglected Peruvian Guinea pig because of that face.
The little thing arrived at our home encrusted with fecal matter and matted long fur that looked as if it had spent one too many days at Woodstock. We were uncertain of its sexual orientation and were informed that if we were to gently squeeze an interesting area of its anatomy, we would successfully make that determination. I skipped that process and declared our new pig a boy.
I immediately set to work detangling the little guy with a warm wash down. I was having extreme difficulty removing one pesky piece of fecal matter under its belly. I undauntedly rubbed and rubbed, the pig squealed and squeaked, and my daughter who was standing near me, gave me the “I can’t believe you are the one in charge here” face. My teen then enlightened me on the difference between a poop and a teat.  So much for the little guy being a guy! From that moment on, if I walked by its cage it would let out the most interesting noise. The jury is still out. Was she sending me a warning to leave her private parts alone, or is she looking for another “happy bath”?
If cats have nine lives, then “pigs” have at least a dozen. In her first year with us, she survived being placed in a Barbie car by my youngest child. She seemed to be enjoying the ride around the kitchen until she got stuck. Once you have attempted to pry a freaked out mammal with mini beaver teeth out of a plastic toy car, nothing in life seems unattainable or impossible.
I created an outdoor habitat for our gal.  Right before I was to leave for a dinner event, I discovered that our furry friend had made a run for it. I called the“911”of my life, my Dad, who usually has a sane solution for practically every dilemma.  Dad has this “thing” regarding anything being caged against its will. Instead of getting an offer to join my search team, he simply said, “In the words of the great Martin Luther King, “Oh Lord almighty, I am free at last!”.  I hung up and began my own search and rescue wearing high heels, cascading curls that took me $10 in babysitting time to achieve, and a lovely flowing black frock. Being 5’10 and firmly grasping my metal umbrella, I was now the perfect conductor in the pouring rain interceded with flashes of lightning. I feared that my curls would soon be jolted into a perm.  Inside my head our Guinea pig quickly digressed from being the “poor little cutie” to that “flippin’rodent.”  Forty-eight minutes later, looking more like a wet rat than the one I was pursuing, I gathered the girls for the best “circle of life speech” I could muster.
In the morning I discovered that the three young women of the house refused to give up hope. In my absence they had placed carrots around the perimeter of the patio.  I know a few “high maintenance” females whose hair defies gravitational pull and actually know what to do with a lip liner. I have often pondered what these ladies would look like if they ever dared to get into water. My curiosity ended as the visual of our water-saturated MIA pet emerged from the bushes and scampered toward the carrots. She was totally unscathed from her adventure and returned to chewing on my tulips, forced into playing Barbies and melting our hearts.

Mary Helen Darah has been in marketing and development for nonprofit organizations for the past six years, but her greatest role is being a mom to three amazing and diverse young women. Mary Helen has an innate ability to find humor in her trials, and hopes her writing will give others comic relief and insight through the challenges of parenthood. Mary Helen can be reached c/o [email protected].

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

By
Digital Media
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In the vein of “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” and “Kung Fu Panda” comes this cute movie set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons. Based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the animated comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his tribe’s longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup’s world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges he and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view. Some of the dragons are a little scary for youngsters, but the one Hiccup hooks up with is a beast of a gentler nature. It’s a good commentary to not take everything you see at face value, and look a little deeper for the real story. 

 

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

By
Digital Media
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From director Tim Burton comes a 3D fantasy adventure based on the classic Lewis Carroll tale. Johnny Depp stars as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. The all-star cast includes Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, and Crispin Glover. As with other Burton films, this one might scare kids younger than nine – a girl falling down a hole, drinking a mystery beverage, shrinking in size — but Burton’s films are also filled with color, wonder and gorgeous imagery. Unlike some 3D movies, this one absolutely benefits from the technology.  

 

Child care preschool guide

By
Digital Media
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Maria Early Learning Center
4651 Monroe St., Toledo
419-471-0170
www.mariaelc.org
Maria Early Learning Center, sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame, offers caring love and education for children from six weeks to six years. Daily the children experience prayer and Christian values.  
A play-based Center, Maria Early Learning offers children many opportunities to nurture their imagination, creativity and social skills.  An online curriculum, PreschoolFirst, guides teachers in planning those activities that will enhance each child’s developmental skills. 
Preschool teachers implement the Ohio Early Learning Content Standards and Spanish is taught in Preschool I & II classes.
Maria is open from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.; part-time care is available for preschoolers.

Sylvania Franciscan Academy
5335 Silica Dr., Sylvania
419-885-3273
www.s-f-a.org
Sylvania Franciscan Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, offers a comprehensive Preschool Program, including the interactive Key Program.  Small group activities, thematic topics and hands-on experience allow students to strengthen writing skills, numerical and basic literary skills.
Key is designed to expand the math and language skills developed in the preschool curriculum.  Small groups of 7-10 students work closely with teachers according to their educational needs.  KEY focuses on a variety of areas including: enhancing knowledge of various types of literature and creative character development, letters and the sounds that they make, writing skills, sharing and participation in front of a group, small group team work and interaction, early math concepts, learn pre-reading skills and creativity through proper cutting skills.  Students learn proper computer lab behavior, the parts of a computer and correct equipment usage to enhance fine motor skills. Call 419-885-3273 to schedule a tour.

Fairgreen Preschool3220 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo
419-475-5367
At Fairgreen Preschool, we believe that children are individuals with unique personalities.  Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the whole child in an atmosphere filled with opportunities for creative play experiences.  The teachers at Fairgreen are warm and affectionate.  They are patient and understanding with enough flexibility to handle any situation with ease.  They have had experience in working with young children and possess knowledge of a child’s growth and development.  Fairgreen Parent Cooperative is a high quality early childhood program.  We provide a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, and intellectual development of young children.

Kidz Watch
6819 West Central, Sylvania
419-843-2997
3150 Bostwick, Perrysburg
419-874-9678
842 S. Wheeling, Oregon
419-697-2600
www.kidzwatch.net
Kidz Watch® Flexible Preschool Program, just Drop-In! Qualified university trained staff. Various themes provide opportunities to develop social, cognitive, language, math, fine and gross motor skills in a relaxed and caring environment. Lots of fun activities and caregiver interaction with your child.

Sensational Kids Daycare6060 Merger Dr., Holland
419-724-5434
www.sensationalkidsdaycare.com
Sensational Kids Daycare and Learning Center combines education with development.  Our mission is to provide a quality developmentally based program for all children.  A unique feature of Sensational Kids is the staff’s ability to help children experience learning and social interaction.  Our staff ratio is set above the required level of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services so that we can create a safe environment for our growing children.  We offer a preschool program where your child will benefit from a small classroom as well as an educational curriculum that is adjusted to their developmental skills.  For further information contact us at 419-724-5434 or www.sensationalkidsdaycare.com.

Montessori Day School
5559 West Bancroft Rd., Toledo
419-537-7011
www.montessoridaytoledo.com
Montessori Day School believes that children enter this world with an instinctive search for knowledge. We create an environment which supports a child’s need for movement, love of order, and a drive for independence. Our extensive curriculum provides a strong foundation for academic excellence. Our goal is the development of autonomous and responsible children who are life long learners and problem solvers.

Foundations Early Education Center
1555 S. Byrne Rd., Toledo
(Near Glendale)
419-380-8016
Foundations Early Education Center is committed to providing quality care, education and social experiences in a warm and nurturing environment.  The center recognizes children as individuals and builds a unique care and education plan to meet the developmental needs of each child.  Foundations’ curriculum addresses creativity and growth in all areas of a child’s development and provides an environment that is developmentally appropriate, hands on and play based.  FEEC provides care for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers and School Age Children.

YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo
419-474-3995
www.ymcatoledo.org
YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo is the largest provider of child care in the area, serving more than 2,000 children each day at 31 locations. Care is offered for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years through early education, school-age, 2nd shift and summer programs.  Care is also provided on non school days.  Early education provides a Creative Curriculum with enriching activities to encourage physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and language development.  School-age programs provide a Healthy Kids Curriculum with activities that help children grow physically, emotionally and intellectually.  The YMCA/JCC provides flexible care and rates to meet your family’s needs.

The Toledo Zoo’s P.L.A.N.T. (Playing and Learning About Nature Together)
2700 Broadway St., Toledo
419-385-4040
www.toledozoo.org
Preschool offers 3 and 4-year-olds a chance to discover the natural world in an exciting program of discovery! Unleash your child’s imagination, cultivate those important readiness skills for school, and develop both fine and gross motor skills through play and interaction. Along the way, your child will discover animals and nature, dramatic play, rhythm, music and movement, stories, science and math.
Plus, kids of all ages can gain new insights into nature and their favorite animals through the Zoo’s Conserve-atory Classes. Visit www.toledozoo.org/edzoocation for a complete schedule and more information!

Sylvania Community Services Preschool & Childcare
www.scsonline.org
Now registering for Preschool in two locations for children ages 3 – 5.  Before and after school care in 4 locations.  Summer camp programs.  Licensed by Ohio Jobs & Family Services & Ohio Department of Education.  Pay Only When You Stay!  419-885-2451. www.scsonline.org.

Country Lane Tree Farm3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa
419-461-1298
www.countrylanetreefarm.com
Visit the farm for educational and family entertainment! In the Spring: Easter Bunny Breakfast/Lunch & Hayrides and Farm Animal Tours for schools, home-schools, scouts & families. On the tour, milk a REAL, LIVE Cow, hold baby farm animals, feed goats on Goat Mountain and more!  Scout bonfires, hayrides and sleepovers are available Spring through Fall as well.  Birthday Party packages including Pony Rides, Water Balloon Wars & Corn Cannon Shoots.  Summer fun:  Teddy Bear Picnic Dayz & Pony Camps! Fall Fun: Picking your own pumpkin from thousands in our field!  Hayrides, Corn Mazes, Haunted Tree Maze, Farm Animal Tours, The Crazy Maze, Barrel Train Rides and Fresh Pressed Cider!  At Christmas, 1000s of  Christmas Trees to cut and visit Santa.   Go to www.countrylanetreefarm.com for info or call 419-461-1298.

St. Patrick of Heatherdowns
4201 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo
419-381-1540
www.toledostpats.org
St. Patrick of Heatherdowns offers half day pre-school for 3 and 4-year old children and full day pre-kindergarten to 4 and 5-year old children. Each program is designed to address the unique and varied learning styles of children and provide every family with the academic and social environment that is best for their child. The foundation of our program is that children must feel safe and be happy at school in order for their love of education to grow and flourish. Call Michelle Kravetsky at 419-381-1775 ext. 133 for additional information or visit our website at www.toledostpats.org

Children’s Discovery Center
Downtown – 338 North St. Clair
Street, 419-255-4890
Franklin Park – 3839 Talmadge Road, 419-474-8303
Perrysburg – 11090 Avenue Road, 419-874-8203
Perrysburg – 7033 Lighthouse Way, 419-872-4510
Southwyck – 2303 Cheyenne Boulevard, 419-865-8191
Waterville – 8011 Dutch Road, 419-878-8689
Holland – 1640 Timberwolf Drive, 419-861-1060
www.childrensdiscoverycenters.com
https://www.childrensdiscoverycenters.com

Children’s Discovery Center provides the opportunity for your child to discover the world in his or her unique way. With programs based on the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach to learning, your child’s unique interests and abilities are nurtured and developed. The single most important element of the Reggio Emilia approach is the image of the child as strong, powerful, and capable. This thought permeates every level of the learning process and every program offered at CDC.

Toledo Christian School
Eagle’s Nest Preschool
and Pre-Kindergarten
2303 Brookford Dr., Toledo
419-389-8700
www.toledochristian.com
·Children must be three years old for preschool and four years old for pre-kindergarten by September 30th.
·Class ratio is 1:12 for preschool and 1:14 for pre-kindergarten.
·Play-based curriculum with developmentally appropriate activities in our preschool
·Kindergarten readiness curriculum with developmentally appropriate activities in our pre-kindergarten
·Daily Bible lessons
·Licensed by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE)
·ODE Early Learning Content Standards followed and taught from a biblical worldview
·Weekly music, art, gym, and library classes
·Before (7:00 a.m.) and After Care (until 6:00 p.m.) provided at no extra charge
If you have questions please contact Susan Gioiella at 419-389-8700 x144 or https://[email protected]

Toddlers Schools
www.toddlersschools.com
Toddlers Schools has seven convenient locations in Toledo and the surrounding area. We have been licensed for over 50 years!   We provide transportation and offer your child a friendly, educational and clean environment.  All of our centers serve children 6 weeks up to 12 years old.  We have video monitoring and furnish free hot meals.  We participate in the Step Up To Quality program monitored by ODJFS. Our staff members are certified and trained.  We are members of Ohio Association of Child Care Providers.   We welcome new families to come and visit. Enroll today and receive $100 gift card or one free week of child care.

Maumee Valley Country Day School
1715 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo
419-381-1313
www.mvcds.org
Maumee Valley Country Day School is the region’s premier college prep program attracting students from P3 through 12th grade. Maumee Valley serves 496 students with broad academic interests and diverse backgrounds. Our program is noted for its small class sizes (10:1 student-to-teacher ratio), challenging curriculum, and supportive community that prepares students to engage with the world.

Einstein Montessori
5039 Dorr St., Toledo
419-531-6303
The new Montessori childcare center features an open classroom concept that wraps around a huge indoor playground. Most people are familiar with Montessori schools, but are unsure of what makes them different from traditional preschools. Montessori is a teaching philosophy that encourages the inner spirit of a child to shine. The hands-on materials and child-focused curriculum is appropriate for children of all learning abilities. Plus, Einstein Montessori is competitively priced; not more expensive than other preschools in the Toledo area. Call us to arrange a private tour!

West Side Montessori Center
2105 N. McCord Rd., Toledo
419-866-1931
www.wsmctoledo.org
Different method. Better outcomes. From the smallest toddlers to eighth grade adolescents, students at West Side Montessori are helped to reach their potential. Based on the methodology developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, West Side provides a rich academic curriculum with life skills that focus on the development of the whole child.
West Side is accredited by the American Montessori Society, NCA and CITA, and meets all of the State of Ohio curriculum requirements for K-8.

Sylvania First United Methodist Nursery School
7000 Erie Street, Sylvania
419-824-8219
www.sylvaniafirst.org
Sylvania First United Methodist Nursery School is an innovative and exciting place to learn.  Classes are for ages 3 through 5 and meet from 9am to 1pm Monday – Friday.  We use multiple classrooms to maximize learning.  Our program helps to prepare your child for the new all day kindergarten requirement of the state.

Trilby Day Care
6030 Secor Rd., Toledo
419-472-0580
Open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., Trilby Day Care is for infants four weeks old and up through school age children twelve years old. Our philosophy is to respect the individual child and their learning level, offer a rich multi-sensory educational setting and a stable nurturing environment providing the child with a sense of security. We promote the development of positive social interaction, appreciation of cultural variation and always work with families toward mutual goals for each child.

 

A shining example

By
Digital Media
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Go on an amazing adventure through the Appalachian Trail (with bears, bugs, blisters, and hilarious food cravings) by just cracking open Jeff Alt’s newest edition of A Walk for Sunshine. The story of his journey, dedicated to his brother with cerebral palsy, is inspiration for the annual Walk With Sunshine event, hosted by Sunshine Inc. of Northwest Ohio. Now in its third edition, Alt’s book has received three awards, and has been featured on ESPN and the Hallmark Channel. A portion of the profits from book sales benefit Sunshine. For more information, visit www.jeffalt.com.

Play ball!

By
Digital Media
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Greater Toledo Challenger Little League hosts state tournament
The Greater Toledo Challenger Little League is warming up for an exciting and busy season! A part of Little League International, the Greater Toledo organization is specially chartered to have only Challenger games, so its focus is on children with disabilities.
Several teams begin practice in April, with games starting in May. The league is open to all children ages 5-18 with mental and physical disabilities – no child is turned away. Parents and volunteers are also available to help, if needed, on the field.
The main event of the season is the State Tournament; this year, hosted by the Greater Toledo chapter from August 6-8 at Rolf Park in Maumee. Drawing in over 50 teams and over 2500 players, parents, siblings and coaches from throughout Ohio, the Tournament is truly the highlight of the year, and our local chapter needs all the help it can get for this major event!
Janie Goodwin, President of the GTCLL, says the organization is looking for community businesses and organizations for financial support to help make this event a huge success. The projected cost of the event is $32,000. This includes costs for the goody bags for the Little League players, tournament shirts and trophies for all participants, as well as lunch for the families. The league is also accepting donations of food or items for goody bags.
Registration for the GTCLL season is on Tuesday, March 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Maumee High School cafeteria (1147 Saco Dr., Maumee). Please bring a copy of the participant’s birth certificate. All children registered in the GTCLL are able to participate in the State Tournament; no tryouts are held.
For more information, or to see a Wish List of items needed for the State Tournament, visit  www.gtcll.com. For general information about the Challenger Little League, visit  www.littleleague.org. Volunteer, donation or registration information is available by contacting Janie Goodwin at 419-754-1507.

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