There’s a new pup barking in town! Woofers Delight, an all natural pet food store and bakery, specializes in the right food choices for your furry family members. Opened in October by Sherry Schuman and her family, Schuman has spent many years bookkeeping for a large pet retailer. “I always saw the treats that they sold and people often times don’t pay attention to all the additives and preservatives,” said Schuman. Woofers Delight came into being when she began creating treats for dogs, such as her Reese’s peanut butter cups that contain no chocolate and are only made with healthy vet approved ingredients. The 100 percent natural treats are baked fresh daily at 7430 W. Central Ave. 419-873-7600. www.woofersdelight.com.
Let's go to the movies
Friday night at the movies has been a long-enjoyed pastime for all ages. Kidz Watch knows parents look forward to dinner and a movie, but their children love the experience as well. Every Friday night, the childcare centers offer dinner and a movie for kids. Each location features a different children’s movie with a flat rate from 6pm to midnight. For more information on pricing and upcoming movie nights see www.kidzwatch.net.
Busy bodies
Get ready to move it! Mercy Children’s Hospital has recently announced a sponsorship of the Imagination Station in their mutual effort to provide an opportunity for 2,000 third graders throughout the community. The Mercy Kids Move program will educate and prevent childhood obesity in elementary school children in our region.
The Move program supports field trips to the science center for third grade students enrolled at Catholic Diocese, Oregon City, Bedford Public, Rosa Parks Elementary, Sherman Elementary and Old West End Academy Schools during the 2010-11 academic year. In addition to the science center field trips, the Imagination Station delivers its Health Habits WOWs (Workshops on Wheels) directly to classrooms. Educators will also have an active role by participating in pre-field trip visits called Prep4Ed. The visits offer teachers an advance opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Imagination Station exhibits and to ask questions about the visit or concepts covered.
On Tuesday, December 14, the program was unveiled when students from Rosary Cathedral enjoyed a demonstration on calorie consumption in the Extreme Science Theater. The Imagination Station and Mercy Children’s Hospital hope to expand their efforts to assist parents, teachers and children with healthier habits throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Mercy Children’s Hospital currently offers wellness tips, healthy recipes and more. To register for information, visit www.mercyweb.org/kidsmove.
Closing the gap
Reading provides children with an immeasurable boost in imagination and intelligence. WGTE Town Hall presents Leading in Literacy Thursday, February 24, at 8pm. The live segment, hosted by Bill Harris, addresses a leading community issue –low literacy rates among preschool students. Children that begin kindergarten with higher literacy rates excel in school, while those with lower rates fall behind. The gap widens as their age and grade levels progress. Leading in Literacy features expert opinions, informative resources and an opportunity for parents and educators to call in with questions and concerns.The live segment has 30-40 seats available for the broadcast by reservation, call Cathy Kamenca at 319-380-4638 for reservations. Questions can be sent to [email protected] or viewers may call or text their questions to 800-380-4664. www.wgte.org.
Shining stars
Early learning experiences are critical for every child. A recent study shows that the connections made in a child’s brain from birth to age six are of the utmost importance. Our community has been blessed with many shining stars who touch the lives of children with their care. Every year, the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children’s Toledo Chapter invites co-workers and parents to submit a one page letter explaining why an exceptional teacher or caregiver they are nominating is a “Shining Star.” Honorees are selected from a variety of categories including special education, administration, kindergarten through third grade teachers and home care providers. The nomination deadline is Monday, March 14. All nominees and winners will be honored at a special Shining Star event on Tuesday, May 3. Official nomination forms are available on pg 13 or at
www.oaeyc.org.
Parent profile
The main function of Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) is to provide the necessary services for families with children who are determined to be at risk for abuse and neglect. One of the
advocates for families and children is Marjorie Holt, Ph.D., the Minority Affairs Inclusion Coordinator for LCCS. “I am a liaison between the agency and the community,” says Dr. Holt. Though she does many things at LCCS, her main responsibility is to find community resources to team with LCCS in furthering their mission of protecting children and families.
Children are our future
Dr. Holt believes the impact we have on these children’s lives now, will be reflected in the community later. “Save our children now so they can save us later,” says Dr. Holt. It’s proven that having a father involved in a child’s life is vital for children and the continued strengthening of families. To encourage more involvement and to unite/reunite fathers with their children, Dr. Holt, along with LCCS case workers and the Diversity Advisory Group, organized the second annual Fatherhood Summit held this past summer.
The summit was a way for fathers to hear testimonials from other men who have been reunited with their children. The Bring Back The Dads event offered several resources including counseling to help make reunification possible. “Lucas County leads the state in reunification of children with their fathers,” says Dr. Holt.
Strength in numbers
Marjorie Holt is on a mission, and has been for many years. Not only is it the LCCS mission to protect children and help families, but it is Holt’s individual goal as well. There is strength in numbers, and Dr. Holt sees to it that the word gets out about LCCS and how people and organizations in the community can get involved, work together, and pool resources.