The Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio is helping families explore the great outdoors with their annual Family Camp. This year’s weekend event takes place July 30-August 1 at Camp Libbey in Defiance, Ohio. Free and open to all families that are affected by epilepsy, the camp includes fun games, crafts, seminars and sharing of stories with other camp goers. The seminars help educate campers on different subjects to help them cope with an epileptic family member while exploring new medications and procedures that are available. Register by the July 23 deadline by calling Wendy Turner at 419-867-5950.
New to the school
When St. Ursula Academy begins its 156th school year next fall, they’ll do so with a new president and a new principal at the helm. Here’s a look at the two newest members of the SUA family:
SISTER MARY KAY HOMAN, OP
Incoming President
Served several terms as school principal in Michigan and West Virginia and seven years as director of planned giving for the Adrian Dominican Office of Development.
The most valuable lesson a teacher ever taught me: To be my own person and not to follow the crowd.
One thing I wish I knew in high school: The interconnectedness of and appreciation for all of God’s creation.
A famous woman I would love to have coffee with: St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th century Dominican and Doctor of the Church who spoke Truth to civil leaders, Bishops and the Pope.
High school students today need: To learn how to be critical thinkers and life-long learners.
Why I’m glad to be part of St. Ursula Academy: My 22 years of experience in both co-ed and all-female high schools has taught me that most young women excel in an all-female environment, developing leadership skills and their sense of self-worth. I am proud to be part of this school with its 155-year history of teaching Catholic Christian values within a top-rated academic program.
KIMBERLY A. SOLOIncoming Principal
With 12 years of experience, Mrs. Sofo has held a range of positions including principal, assistant principal and six years as a teacher at three different Toledo Public Schools. She is married to Joe Sofo and has one step daughter, Kyla (15), and two sons, Joey (13) and Jase (8).
Last book I read: The Help by Kathryn Stockett – If you ever take the time to understand another perspective, your own perspective may differ.
One thing I wish I knew in high school: Your actions matter, even when you think no one is looking!
A famous woman (alive or dead) I would love to have coffee with: I personally don’t enjoy coffee, but I would love to have tea with Eleanor Roosevelt. She is the definition of a great woman – masterfully walking the line of balance as a great wife, a great mother, and a great leader!
High school students today need: Guidance – they have endless information at their fingertips, but guidance is not so easily attainable, but absolutely necessary.
Why I’m glad to be a part of St. Ursula Academy: Of course, it’s the girls! They are holding onto empowerment and they don’t even know it yet!
St. Ursula Academy, 4025 Indian Rd., Toledo. 419-329-2210/
www.toledosua.org.
All abuzz in the new hive
So what’s the buzz about, you ask? Bumble Floral & Gifts relocated one block north to 5737 Main St. in downtown Sylvania; more than doubling its size. Opened in May 2008 by Josh and Stephanie Harmon, Bumble is a complete fresh flower and fine gift shop.
The Baby Boutique/Kids’ Corner offers fine and unique baby and toddler gifts, perfect for any occasion. “In the new store, we actually are doubling the Kids’ Corner,” said owner Stephanie Harmon. Everything from the Empress Arts clothing line that is simple and classic, to Bella Tunno fresh and fun accessories, unique hand made picture frames, to funky and stylish Mommy Pods, Bumble promises you’ll leave with something distinctive and not duplicated.
The new hive includes a special place for your little ones to play while you shop. A darling full size playhouse, complete with a picket fence to keep the toddlers corralled, allows caregivers to shop worry free of busy little fingers. According to Harmon, table top games and fun things to stimulate the children are included in the play area to keep them entertained.
“We do some local buying, too. That is very important to me,” said Harmon as she explained the custom hand-painted stools they offer. Twisted Threads in town does their personal monogramming on unique blankets and burp towels. “Their monogramming is like nothing you’ve ever seen,” Harmon said. Stop in and see what the buzz is all about, or visit them online at www.bumblefloralandgifts.com 419-517-5552
Kids take a big step
According to the American Cancer Society, over 11 million people in America have at some point been diagnosed with cancer. Such a revelation is hard for any adult to understand, let alone a child. In an effort to help young ones cope with the news, ProMedica is hosting The Next Step, a three-hour session held at the Hickman Cancer Center at Flower Hospital in Sylvania. Children ages six or older with a family member or friend with cancer can participate in fun and helpful activities such as journaling, sharing, and decorating finger-painted handprints of themselves alongside their loved one with cancer.
“The goal of our programs is to provide a caring and nurturing environment where kids feel safe and comfortable communicating how cancer is impacting their family,” said Patti Kaiser, RN, PCI oncology outreach coordinator. “Kids are able to be around other kids in the same situation, whereas in school they might not feel comfortable talking about it.” The Next Step will be held on September 18 from 9 a.m. to noon and then again on November 9 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ProMedica also puts on a three-day camp of similar activities, including swimming, called CHAMPS (Choosing Hope and Moving Past Sadness) held annually in June. For more information, call 877-291-1441.
Making the mom connection
Stay in touch with other area moms through the University of Toledo’s Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women’s email listserv support group. Get monthly topics — including childcare, work/life balance, kid-friendly activities, healthy snacks, and school issues — sent to you by adding your name to the list! The Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women works to serve the women of the University and the larger Toledo community by advocating for women’s equity in education, work, and health. Email the Eberly Center [email protected] to connect!
Dig up adventure
The Imagination Station invites you to go back in time with their new exhibit, The BIG DIG: Footprints to Fossils. Make your own archeological discoveries by digging up bones, reconstructing skeletons and testing your dinosaur knowledge. Get your hands dirty digging through local Devonian era shale and finding fossils that you can take home! Experience the BIG event before it closes September 6. Head to www.imaginationstationtoledo.org. One Discovery Way, Toledo. 419-244-2674.