november 2011

January 16, 2013

How Children Learn Best
Thursday, November 10
Learn how to tap into any child’s full learning potential with a presentation by internationally renowned researcher and psychology professor Dr. Angeline Stoll Lillard. Dr. Lillard is the author of Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius, and will present scientific data to support the call for evidence-based learning in a way that is easily comprehendible for teachers as well as parents. Her research compares how traditional learning methods fall short and the practices developed by physician Maria Montessori continue to be proven more effective. 7pm. West Side Montessori Bancroft Campus, 7115 Bancroft St. 419-866-1931. www.wsmctoledo.org

1 TUESDAY Partners in Fun Tie Dye – Designed for preschoolers. Bring a grown up to join in the fun and help create beautiful art projects. Thanksgiving is around the bend, so tie dye some beautiful turkeys. For ages 3-4yrs old with an adult. Register online.10-11am. $5. 577 Foundation, 577 East Front St., Perrysburg. 419-872-0305. www.577foundation.org

2 WEDNESDAY Toddler Trails – This outdoor, multi-sensory nature play and exploration program runs the first Wednesday of each month. Designed for ages 18 months to 3 years, and their adult companions. Register toddlers only. 10am & 11:30am. Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700.

https://www.metroparkstoledo.com
We the People – Students will have a blast learning about the three branches of government, the First Amendment, presidential elections, democracy, the judicial process and more in this all-new musical review that brings American Civics lessons to life. Barreling through a variety of musical styles including rock, rhythm-and-blues and hip-hop, We the People instills American pride in audiences of all ages, and, perhaps, might even inspire them to get involved and make a difference. Wednesday, 10am & 12:15pm; Thursday, 10am. Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd. Sylvania. 1-800-878-3210.
www.lourdes.edu

5 SATURDAY Epworth UMC Harvest Bazaar – Get a jump on holiday shopping at this fall and holiday fine arts and crafts bazaar. 50 local and regional artisans will have their works featured. In addition, there will be a silent auction, card party and live entertainment. Lunch will be served at 11am. Presold tickets only. 9am-4pm. Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valley View Dr. 419-531-4236. www.epworth.com

Oak Grove School Open House – Calling children of all ages, the 1890s Oak Grove School is open for you to enjoy. See how much education changed in the last 100 years when you meet a school marm dressed in period clothing, slide into a desk to work on a slate board or crack open a McGuffey reader. Just remember to behave. Discipline must be strict when dealing with eight grades in one building. 10am. Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700.
www.metroparkstoledo.com

A Celebration of Dance featuring “The Nutcracker” – Bring the little ones for this open house with crafts, games and dancing and meet members from The Toledo Ballet. The dancers will highlight selections from the perennial holiday favorite “The Nutcracker.” Come share this wintry, magical story with others! 11am-12pm. Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Main Branch, 325 North Michigan St. 419-259-5207. www.toledolibrary.org

Sweaters, Sweets and Santa – Sweaters, blouses, skirts and dresses will be on sale for $1-5. The event benefits Project Dignity. Money raised will be used to buy new socks and underwear for children. Christmas-themed gifts, decorations and a bake sale will also be offered at minimal prices.10am-2pm. Pilgrim Church,1375 Sylvania Ave. 419-478-6012.
15th Annual Dia De Los Muertos The Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center will celebrate this spiritual and cultural holiday with the 15th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Fundraiser at the Erie Street Market. Proceeds from the event benefit after school programs and youth classes at The Center as well as the several community gardens it oversees. The evening will be full of great entertainment, art and traditional Mexican cuisine. 6-11pm. $35 advance/$40 door. Erie Street Market, 237 South Erie St. 419-241-1655.
www.sofiaquinteroculturalcenter.org

7 MONDAY Yellow Brick Road – In this new musical loosely based on “The Wizard of Oz,” Dora feels like she’s caught between two worlds: on one hand, she is expected to embrace the Latino family traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation, but she also wants to be a contemporary American teenager. Click your heels to Latino songs, learn some Spanish and discover the power of embracing multiple cultures and the true meaning of “home.” 10am & 12:15pm. Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd. Sylvania. 1-800-878-3210. www.lourdes.edu

8 TUESDAY Hooray for Homeschoolers: Bird Feeders – Not all birds migrate during the cold winter months. Explore the birds that brave the winter in northwest Ohio. Participants will make their own bird feeder out of natural materials. This feeder will help keep the birds in your backyard well-fed throughout the winter. 2pm. Side Cut, 1025 W. River Rd., Maumee. 419-407-9700. www.metroparkstoledo.com

Cloth Diapering Class – Join Tender Loving Cloth Diapers LLC. for a class designed to inform and instruct parents on this cost effective and eco-friendly ways to diaper your baby. 6:30pm. Free. Maria Early Learning Center, 4651 Monroe St. www.tlcdiapers.com

11 FRIDAY Little People Live Musical Show – No matter what December holiday you celebrate, you’ll have a great time with Eddie, Sonya Lee and Michael as they share the joys of friendship and discover the true meaning of holiday spirit. Saturday & Sunday, 1pm & 3pm. Free with Zoo admission. Toledo Zoo, 1 Hippo Way. 419-385-5721. www.toledozoo.org

Wiggle, Giggle, and Sing Out Loud
Come get your Wiggles & Giggles out with Miss Barb’s Music Studio, Inc. which offers Kindermusik. Kindermusik engages your toddler to be creative, to initiate their own ideas and to respond in their own ways. As they play instruments, sing, move and explore, they’ll uncover an engaging musical world while building self-control and communication skills! 10am. 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. 419-878-3055. www.toledolibrary.org

12 SATURDAY Gobble Til’ You Wobble! – Now your kids can get in on the fun and make great kid-friendly entrées for the family with Kids in the Kitchen. They’ll make friends and food with kids their own age, while learning the importance of cleanly food preparation. This month is Thanksgiving themed. For kids age 4-13! Limited space is available so register today. 12:30-2pm. $35-$40. Super Suppers, Progress Dr & Dixie Hwy N, Perrysburg. 419-872-6325. www.ssperrysburg.com

The Art of Autism – Learn about autism and how its affects on adults. Sherry Moyer of The University of Toledo Center for Excellence in Autism, author and artist Judy Endow, MSW and Vicki Obee-Hilty of Bittersweet Farms will speak. Reservations required. 9am-2pm. $20. Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, 325 N. Michigan St. 419-875-6986 ext.1241.
www.bittersweetfarms.org

14 MONDAY Positively Perfect Pancake Party! Flip some flapjacks and gobble some griddle cakes. Bring the whole family to a party where you’ll help cook pancakes and then have fun eating them! 7pm. Reynolds Corners, 4833 Dorr St.

419-259-5320. www.toledolibrary.org

15 TUESDAY Becoming a Jewelry Artisan – Under the expert instruction of Stephanie Bowie-Williams learn how to design your own unique jewelry creation. Designed for grades 6-12. Registration is required. 6:30-7:30pm. Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s Sanger Branch, 3030 W. Central Ave. 419-259-5370.

www.toledolibrary.org

Wee Workshop: Talking Turkeys This program is so much fun, your kids will gobble it up. Wee Workshop is a hands-on nature experience designed to cultivate your child’s love for the outdoors. Register child only. Parents accompany their 3 to 5 year old child at program. 10am. Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700.
www.metroparkstoledo.com

19 SATURDAY Kris Kringle Village – Bring the entire family to see the giant gingerbread house featuring a fireplace, holiday wreaths and decorations and of course – candy, lots and lots of candy! The house will be constructed and decorated by students from Penta Career Center. Santa will arrive after the THE BLADE’s 24th Annual Holiday Parade and you’ll find him waiting for children to share their holiday wishes. The Village will be on display at Imagination Station from November 19-January 2nd, 2012. check website for hours of operation and prices. 1 Discovery Way, Downtown Toledo.

www.imaginationstationtoledo.org

THE BLADE 24th Annual Holiday Parade – The holiday tradition presented by Taylor Automotive Group is committed to providing a fun, family-friendly holiday celebration to enhances the community spirit. The parade theme is “Holidays from Around the World.” Marching bands, giant helium balloons, the Distinguished Clown Corps and more will be featured in the parade.10am. Downtown Toledo. www.toledoblade.com

Calvary Women’s Ministry Annual Luncheon – The Women’s Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church will host its’ Annual Cancer Awareness Luncheon. There will be various agency representatives available to offer information on services available to Cancer patients and their families and friends.10am. Calvary Baptist Church, 702 Collingwood Blvd. 419-242-8379

25 FRIDAY North Pole Express – Bring your whole family, including visiting relatives and friends, for an exhilarating quarter-scale steam train ride aboard Engine 901 as it chugs its way around the track through a magical winter wonderland of sparkling holiday lights and festive decorations. Every weekend November 25-January 1. Fridays, 6-9pm; Saturdays, 5-9pm; Sundays, 5-8pm. $1 children/ $2 adults. Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc., 11600 CR 99 @ I-75 Exit #161, Findlay. 419-423-2995. www.nworrp.org

26 SATURDAY TSO Pops with It’s a Wonderful Christmas – This holiday season, Michael W. Smith brings the wonder of Christmas to northwest Ohio with a joyous and soulful program perfect for the whole family.8pm. $62. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. 419-246-8000. www.toledosymphony.com

27 SUNDAY Home for the Holidays Parade and Tree Lighting – Join the Perrysburg community and get ready for the upcoming holidays with this delightful holiday parade and official tree lighting. The PAAC Community Choirs will perform during the ceremony. 4-5pm parade; 5-6pm tree lighting. Downtown Perrysburg. www.downtownperrysburg.org

Food fight

Karen L. Zickes

January 16, 2013

Nick and Nino’s
391 N. Telegraph Rd. Monroe, MI
734-244-5530
Mon-Wed: 11:30am-kitchen closes 10pm
Thur-Sat: 11:30am-kitchen closes 11:30pm
Sun: Noon-10pm

My children think pizza is “the other food group.” Over the years, we’ve gone out of our way to try a wide variety from the thin crust to the deep dish pizza pies and everything in between. Coal fired pizzas, however, were new to my children.
This time, we tried out Nick and Nino’s Coal Fired Pizza on Telegraph Road in Monroe, Michigan. For 10 years, Nino Perna has owned and operated the adjacent Italian restaurant, Dolce Vita. A couple years back he renovated the space next door and opened Nick and Nino’s.
The sign says Coal Fired Pizza and Sports Bar, but Perna will tell you, “We would much rather be a restaurant than a bar.” The covered outside patio has been enclosed for the winter, and there is a dining area in the back where you can watch everything which happens in their open kitchen, with the coal fired oven front and center.
The difference
is in the oven
What makes a coal fired pizza so special? Well, the oven temperature is about 1,000 degrees, and your pizza takes a mere three minutes to bake. They shred their own cheese, caramelize their own vegetables, cut and cook their own meats, and even crush the Italian plum tomatoes by hand daily for their sauce. It might sound a bit labor-intensive, but the results are well
worth it.
An abundance of choices
We were on a mission for pizza, but it was intriguing to see the menu with tempting sandwiches, subs, wraps, ribs, burgers, Stromboli, lasagna — the list goes on. “Our ribs are very popular. Because of the temperature of the oven, the BBQ sauce actually caramelizes on the ribs,” said Perna.
Prepare to ponder at least 16 specialty pizzas. We ordered a basic pepperoni and sausage for our less adventurous kids, and ordered two small specialty pies for us. Have you ever had a pizza with feta, pine nuts, spinach, sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella? Or maybe mozzarella, Romano, Italian sausage, spinach and artichoke hearts? No? You really should. Wow.
Saturday morning fun
Make your kids’ trip to Nick and Nino’s even more fun by letting them make their very own pizza! On Saturday mornings between 10:30am and 1pm kids can step into the kitchen and put their Italian pizza making skills to the test. With assistance they can even turn their pizza in the coal fired oven. “It’s kind of a nice touch for the kids,” said Nino. The only cost is for the pizza, but call ahead so they will be expecting you.
Bottom Line: Leave the greasy fast food behind and venture out with the family to try something new. The coal fired pizzas, as well as the rest of the mouthwatering menu, will keep everyone happy. The kids might even enjoy a special drink from the slushy machine, too!

parent profile

Laura Blair

January 15, 2013

Dr. Michelle Self believes in the right to equal education for children with disabilities. She believes inclusion — teaching children with and without disabilities in the same classroom — is the best choice whenever possible. Her passion cocerning educational is evident when she acts as an advocate, teaches at Bowling Green State University and speaks at conferences. Recently, she began a support group for parents of children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) so they can share what works for their child in the classroom and in other areas of life.
Families with a child who has a dual diagnosis have to learn how to deal with additional problems. Self sees an increasing need for information on living with both disabilities, but there was no group to address this need. So she, along with Kim Steel, a special education specialist, created one so parents can learn successful strategies for changing the classroom environment and where they can also receive support from a community.
It was the desire for her son, who is now 12 years old and needs special educational services, to learn the standard curriculum that lead Self to leave a 20-year career as a materials engineer and become an educational advocate. She started her new career by taking a leadership training course when her son was two years old. Last year, she earned a PhD in education curriculum and development with an emphasis on special education.
“I needed to do something to ensure that he got the education that I envisioned for him,” said Self. “Every parent wants their child to have the same opportunities as everyone else.”
Currently, Self advocates on behalf of as many students and their families as she can. It can be overwhelming for parents helping their child receive intervention, special education and other services protected by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), enacted under a different name in 1975. Under the IDEA, the student, their parents, teachers and representatives of the school district plan an individual course of learning set forth in an Individual Education Plan (IEP).
“I do it because I have to,” she says about her role as advocate. “Parents need me. Sometimes parents don’t know what modifications can be made for each child to keep them in the regular curriculum.”
An accommodation could be giving the student more time to take a test, or allowing him or her to use a computer in class. A modification is using less or different material, typically modified to focus on general concepts instead of details. The goal is to put the right services and supports into place so that the student can be brought up to the same level as their peers.
“We should be teaching that we’re all in this together, so let’s learn together,” Self said. “Since parents know their child’s abilities, parents know what’s best for
their child.”

Mother Mayhem

Mary Helen Darah

January 15, 2013

Thanksgiving: A holiday held on the fourth Thursday in November in the USA and the second Monday in October for those hanging out above us (AKA Canadians), to commemorate the harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. It is a time when NORMAL families gather to partake in traditional dishes, polite conversation and relaxed dining. Yeah, right.
For my family, normalcy is not only a moving target, at times it isn’t even in range. We have had our moments and like it or not the DNA has trickled down to the next generation. One of my favorite Thanksgivings was a result of a highly creative middle child and my belief that it is best to encourage your children to go with their strengths. Therefore, when Helena suggested we have a REAL Thanksgiving and break out the Pilgrim and Native American attire complete with tribal face paint, we were on board. We had a great feast but we did have to tell Helena, who is not only creative but highly sensitive, that just like the critters hanging on the walls of Cabela’s, “Mr. Turkey” had died of natural causes and it would be a shame to have him go to waste. I have to give my family credit. There we were at the dining room table, my Dad dressed as the chief, the rest of us as an assorted crew of Pilgrims and natives and my poor cousin Tom who was last in line to go through our dress-up chest, sporting a fake fur and loin cloth wrapped around his Levis.
Vivid recollections
I have vivid recollections of dropped turkeys and my all time favorite of SOMEONE thinking that “take pie out of container” means taking the frozen pie out of not only the box but the tin. After baking it, the end result was something that looked like it was steamrolled on the baking sheet. None of these however could ever top the “Cranberry Thanksgiving” of my youth.
Comparing my parent’s families is like comparing apples to oranges. Actually, avocados and kumquats would be more accurate. On that fateful Thanksgiving day, my Mom was informed by my Grandmother Scheib (highly educated, pillar of society, surgeon’s wife) that she had a more pressing engagement to attend to before gracing us with her presence, but that we were to wait for her to eat. Well, we waited and waited some more. It was then that my grandfather, A.K.A. Pops, took matters into his own hands. Pops, who had just enough Irish in him to make him handy and very popular at parties, whipped up his famous cranberry punch. The punch is a secret family recipe that consists of one cup ginger ale, a bottle of bourbon and one happy little cranberry floating on the surface. The unsuspecting older members of our gathering began to imbibe. It wasn’t long before my mother was found in the kitchen, apron off kilter, talking to the turkey. Her mother, my Gram, revealed to me that she always thought she would be a grand ballerina and proceeded to show me some moves in the family room. She wasn’t half bad for an 80 year old!
The dining table dance
My Grandmother finally arrived! We were already seated at the dining room table giving a cheer for the turkey as if we were at a Big 10 game when she joined us. My poor Dad and Aunt MG tried to maintain decorum and calm the crazies but to no avail. My cousin Don who had been told numerous times that the gravy bowl was not attached to the plate it was placed upon, tossed it in my direction with a “Here Mar!” It toppled causing gravy to ooze slowly down the table as if it were the “blob” in a horror flick. My Mom, still “cranberried,” jumped up, got a big spoon and returned to scoop up the mess. She couldn’t figure out why the gravy was splattering all over when she tried to pick it up. It was then my Grandmother said in her best Church Lady “you’ll be sitting with Satan” voice, “I believe it would be more advantageous to use a non-slotted spoon.” After dinner my Dad (the brains of our operation) informed us we were going to take a walk around the neighborhood to get some fresh air. “Fresh air” was and still is my family’s remedy for pretty much everything.
Since that time those of us living above the Mason-Dixon Line annually trek south to be with my brother and his family in Florida for Thanksgiving. We now have a side dish of sun and surf with the holiday, proving we are smarter than we look. My brother Jim and his wife Rheta put out quite a spread. We haven’t gotten into our Pilgrim gear lately and we stick with wine and moderation, but the blessing of being a part of this zany flock warms my heart, for which I am
always thankful.

Healthy Moms

Digital Media

January 15, 2013

Bringing your new baby home from the hospital is an exciting milestone for parents. But it can also be nerve-wracking, especially for first-time moms and dads. Here are some helpful tips from local ProMedica Physicians pediatricians about caring for you and your little one after his or
her arrival.
Learning and Development
Katie Machanda, MD
When it comes to your baby’s development, remember there is a large range of what is “normal.” Try not to compare your child to other children. Ask your pediatrician about any questions or concerns you have.
Newborn babies love contrast. Try posting a drawing of a black circle on white paper at the changing table. You may find the simple drawing engages your baby as his or her vision develops.
There is also quite a bit of data suggesting that classical music can be beneficial for your baby. It can be soothing and help regulate breathing. This is called the “Mozart effect.” Although we are unsure why classical music is calming, it may be because it is similar to the sounds your baby heard in the womb.
There is also evidence that videos may have a negative effect on your baby’s development, particularly delaying speech. Putting a baby in front of a television is not recommended until they are two years old, and even then with limited exposure. We encourage parents to read to their baby instead, even when the baby is in utero. This helps them hear the wave and flow of language and can help with
language development.
Safety
Jacob Maciejewski, MD
Remember that children under four months are at a high risk for choking. They should only be fed breast milk or formula.
When it comes to sleeping, babies should be placed on their backs. A firm crib without blankets or stuffed animals will decrease the risk of suffocation. Also, as of June 2011, new federal guidelines prohibit making and selling cribs with drop-down side rails. The slats of cribs should also be no greater than 2 3/8 inches to reduce risk of injury or death.
At six months, your baby will begin to be more mobile, meaning you will have new concerns with his or her safety. Keep all medicines, household products and sharp objects out of reach, and remember that nothing is ever completely “childproof.” If an item is small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll, it could be a risk for choking.
Breastfeeding
Carmen Weeber-Morse, MD
Breastfeeding offers many benefits for moms and their babies. Breast milk is easy to digest and packed with immunity, reducing a baby’s risk for allergies, skin conditions and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. For moms, it offers emotional satisfaction, reduced risk for some cancers and aids reducing post-partum bleeding and losing weight gained during pregnancy.
When you’re breastfeeding, be sure to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and get as much rest as possible. You’ll also want to reduce your caffeine intake and continue taking your pre-natal vitamins, as well as a calcium supplement.
Health and Wellness
Christine Stahle, MD
Keep an easy-to-read digital thermometer in your home medicine cabinet. Also, saline nose drops and a nasal aspirator will come in handy for clearing your baby’s nose for relief during a cold.
To keep your baby healthy, it’s also important that you stay healthy. As an expectant mother, you’ve probably already been offered flu and pertussis (whopping cough) vaccinations by your obstetrician, but it’s a good idea to have dad get both as well. Once your baby arrives, you may want to have hand sanitizer ready during cold and flu season. And remind family and friends who are sick that they’ll have to wait until they are well to hold your baby.

Healthy Families

Digital Media

January 15, 2013

Single parents have important (and seemingly endless) responsibilities. Unless you have super powers, the stress of doing it all yourself can be overwhelming. But asking for assistance isn’t easy.
“It can be an act of tremendous courage, humility or coordination to seek out help,” says Suzanne Harrington, M.A., a family counselor in Kelowna, BC. Asking for help can make us feel weak or inadequate.
“Today’s families are quite isolated from extended family and community,” says Harrington. People we might ask for help are not always accessible. Grandparents may be far away, busy with their own lives or unwilling to take on childcare responsibilities. Feelings of mistrust may prevent you from seeking an ex-spouse’s assistance.
Listen up,
stressed-out superheroes
Studies show social support diminishes the negative health effects of stress, including coronary disease and immune suppression, and boosts your sense of personal balance and well-being. You’ll have more energy and a more positive outlook if you develop a team of trusted helpers around you.

“It benefits children so much to have other adults interacting with them,” says Tammy Gold, MSW, a parent coach and psychotherapist. This is especially true when a single mom gets help from her father, Gold says, because the child is nurtured by both female and male family members.
The helping community you create for your kids will likely inspire them to pitch in, too. Pitching in builds kids’ competence and provides a sense of
accomplishment
and belonging.

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