Sugar, Sugar event

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February 22, 2013

If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, maybe maple sugar can teach children about history. As part of their Preschool Pioneers program, Toledo Metroparks will host children ages 3 to 5 at Pearson Park for their Sugar, Sugar event on Friday, March 8 at 10 am. Youngsters will learn the history of maple sugar before making their own frozen maple sugar treat — think of it as a frontier slurpee. Maple was the most widely available source of sugar in Northwest Ohio during the 19th century, a humanitarian alternative to slave-harvested sugar cane. Youngsters will learn this lesson at the historic Johlin Cabin — an actual pioneer cabin from the post-Civil-War Black Swamp. (Pearson Park is one of the last remaining slices of the Great Black Swamp, adding to the authenticity.) For kids of all ages who want to experience sweet history for themselves, Homestead: Maple Sugaring, a similarly-themed event, will be held at Pearson Park on Saturday, March 2 at 11 am.

Make sure to enter Pearson Park at the north entrance, off Seaman road. Free. 419-407-9700, or visit metroparkstoledo.com.

Pisces Kids

By

Sue Lovett

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February 21, 2013

Pisces are the most sensitive sign of the zodiac. They love being held and cuddled. If you sing a lullaby to the Pisces baby, they are absolutely delighted and devoted to you. They do not like to wear booties or socks, preferring to wiggle their little toes. Loud noises startle the little Pisces and they may have to be held to calm them down. It is as if you are the most important person in the world, perhaps the only person capable of knowing their needs.

Their symbol is two fish and they enjoy their bath and as much time as they can get in the water. Pisces children are shy in groups and may need to be encouraged to participate; they “hang back” until specifically invited to join in. They are very musical and enjoy singing and dancing — even the little boys enjoy participating in these programs. They also swim competitively.

October 2010

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Digital Media

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February 20, 2013

Music and a whole lot more

By

Toledo Parent Staff

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February 20, 2013

It’s never too soon to introduce your child to the rich, vibrant world of classical music, and, in the Toledo Symphony, area parents have a priceless resource. This month marks the return of the Symphony’s Mercy Health Partners Family Series, featuring four fun, family-friendly concerts spread out through the 2010-11 season. Each concert will pair the Symphony with a different area educational institution, providing a theme and special pre-concert activities. The series kicks off with the annual Halloween Spooktacular on October 31, presented with the Toledo Musuem of Art. Kids can come in costume and take in some scary tunes. January 23 brings The Composer Is Dead, a murder-mystery themed experience presented with the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. On March 20, come see The Science of Sound, with Imagination Station, and learn about the physics that makes musical magic possible. And, when winter’s over, come Spring For Music, and hear nature-themed pieces presented by the Metroparks of the Toledo Area. All the Family Series concerts are on Sundays, 3 p.m. $25 adults, $10 children. Subscriptions are $100, but each adult subscription comes with a free child subscription. 419-246-8000. www.toledosymphony.com.

The Eclipse Model

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Digital Media

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February 20, 2013

Sherry Moyer has advice for parents facing autism diagnoses for their children: get ready to work.
“When your child gets a diagnosis, at whatever age that might be, you are going to become your own case manager on many levels. Everybody will have their two cents on what comes next and you have to ask what’s the best route for your child and your family,” Moyer said. “Some families need permission to deviate from cultural norms to do what’s best for their children. Children don’t have to play soccer, paint or have music lessons to grow up successfully. Children with autism need additional support and understanding. You may have to give up some culturally accepted notions to do what’s best for your child” Moyer added.
Moyer, author of The Eclipse Model, a curriculum book aimed at providing educational strategies for autistic people, directs the University of Toledo’s newly established Center for Excellence in Autism. As a wife and mother, Moyer faced these challenges when her son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at 11.
Moyer hopes the Center will change this reality, not only for Toledo parents, but also for families from all over the country.
“I think one of the most important role the center can play is to come together within the Toledo community to identify critical needs for children and adults so the transition to adulthood is not such a struggle, or such a traumatic event for everyone involved,” Moyer said.
As the Center celebrates the conclusion of its first conference on environmental factors and autism this fall, an event centered on presentations by leading researchers from Harvard and the University of Michigan, Moyer asks that people impacted by autism –teachers, parents of autistic children’s classmates, doctors – show tolerance. “Classmates will have to work at initiating the conversations and friendships, but children with autism can be great friends if they’re given half a chance. If you teach your kids to ask that child with autism ‘Is there anything I can do to help, do you want to sit with me at lunch?’ most of the time, they will be met with a very positive response” Moyer said.
Though the focus on autism is often on children, Moyer says it’s essential to understand autism as a condition that impacts people from every age range.
“Autism is a condition of the lifespan. Even though readers may focus
on younger children, everything we do for them today will support better outcomes and a bright future for them as adults. We need to know how to produce those outcomes for adults and what support adults with autism might need to have a job and live independently,” Moyer explained.
The University of Toledo Center for Excellence in Autism began operations in 2010. Moyer hopes the Center will become a national destination for autism research, medical care and resource dissemination.

Lip Smackin’ Good

By

Karen L. Zickes

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February 20, 2013

Having spent several years in Alabama, I learned a thing or two about great barbeque, and it became something my husband and I ate frequently. To be honest, we compare all BBQ we try to what we had down south; with most places falling short of our expectations. Craving barbeque yet again, we decided to try Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que. I won’t lie; I hadn’t given it a try sooner because I knew it was a chain. I had equated “chain” with “mediocre BBQ”.
When my family ventures out to eat, we most enjoy the restaurants that offer a complete dining experience. I’m referring to the ones that feed all your senses, not just taste. In other words, we want great food AND a great atmosphere.

Unique Atmosphere
We opened the doors to Famous Dave’s to the sounds of Southern Blues and an interior that was a feast for the eyes with a down home feel. Hmmmm, we’ve awakened two senses so far, and smell was right behind. Red and white checked tablecloths, amusing signs posted on the walls, a stone fireplace, and antiques and photos hanging everywhere. I wasn’t sure how we’d like the food, but we were sold on the atmosphere already.

Interesting History
Dave Anderson, the founder of Famous Dave’s, has an incredible biography that includes a humble beginning, great success, adversity, and never abandoning the American Dream. He even served two Presidents in advisory positions. Never losing his passion for BBQ, he spent 25 years traveling the country savoring a variety of BBQ, spices and sauces in hopes to one day open a restaurant of his own.
Tom Bizzarri, manager, mentioned that people drive from all over to eat at this Famous Dave’s. It sounds like

they’ll have to keep making the trek, too.

Award Winning BBQ
My children were having a hay day at the table. So much to look around and see, signs to read, and even the employees all had different sayings on their t-shirts. Service was quick, friendly, and my kids wasted no time getting settled in with their activity menus. For kids 10 and under there is quite a selection of “Lil’ Wilbur Meals”, including a rib dinner! Drinks as well as Oreos for dessert are included and meals range from $3.99 to $4.59. If your children aren’t into BBQ, you can still find the staple cheeseburgers, mini corn dogs and mac-n-cheese. They offer an array of mouth watering sides to choose from such as garlic red skin mashed potatoes, coleslaw, drunkin’ apples, baked beans, and more. Take note: kids’ meals are only $.99 with each purchase of an adult meal on Mondays.
Can’t decide what to try first? My husband and I dove into the All-Ameri

can BBQ Feast (for two) and I was in hog heaven. We sampled four kinds of meat, three flavorful sides, corn on the cob, and melt in your mouth corn muffins. Bizzarri said he still gets a kick out of hearing people comment in amazement over the portions, and the great food. Did I mention the feasts are served on a garbage can lid? What more could you ask for? The meat was slow cooked and seasoned to perfection. I was certain I was back in Alabama. And the five sauces that helped make Dave famous? We couldn’t find one we didn’t like.
Bottom Line: Awaken your senses, take a break from the ordinary, and enjoy some perfected lip smackin’ barbeque. There’s more than enough to look at and enjoy, the music will keep your toes tappin’, and the food will please even the biggest BBQ critic. They didn’t win over 400 awards for nothing.