The great sleep battle

By

-

September 26, 2012

I have a confession to make about a constant, and at times, overwhelming parenting problem.

A great struggle at our house is getting our kids to sleep at night. By this admission, I am venturing into a hotly debated parenting topic and opening myself up to ridicule. Despite the potential wrath of the reading public, I understand that this is a problem that transcends both nature and nurture.

I have to admit, I am likely the genetic source of our children’s sleep aversion. Before we had kids, I burned the candle at both ends. I was late to sleep and early to rise. In fact, that aspect of my routine had my future wife decline an offered introduction to me — when our mutual friend described me as a “person who never slept,” she immediately told her friend that she was not interested. My wife enjoys and appreciates her sleep. Our pairing, despite my sleep issues, is a much longer story.

The nurture side of our sleep battle comes from our own jam packed schedule. We just have too much going on.
The sleep battle usually begins at 8 pm. I take our son up to bed while my wife spends time with our daughter. The battle starts quietly. He feels the need to make sure his cars are arranged just so and settles down by being read a story. In the course of this routine, there are usually several attempts to get out of bed. When it is time for lights out, my wife may hear from our daughter “I don’t want to go to bed” or a stealthy plea for “one more story.” As she deals with these stall tactics, I am having my own difficulties with our son.

I get a request for water. Our daughter walks upstairs to bed, accompanied by my wife. I pass my bride in the hall and she gives me the look that tells me it’s another night of late to bed — at least for us. Shortly after 10 pm, with the bedtime battle almost over, we meet in our own bedroom. As we wind down and talk about our day we realize and even comment on what time our son will venture into our room to crawl in with us. Usually it’s around 5 am — about the time I have to get out of bed anyway. If his sister joins us, we are definitely out of room in our queen bed.

Just before I go to sleep I check on our kids to ensure they are breathing and resting comfortably — a holdover habit from when they were infants — and bask in the beauty of their peaceful sleep. I savor the moment, realizing it is only for a short time that they are truly kids, and that they remain truly mine, both in nature and nurture.

Matt Reger is the sleep-deprived father of two. To send Reger a comment or question, email [email protected]

App pupil

By

Matt Desmond

-

September 26, 2012

It’s a wild new wired world we all live in, and the people who are going to run and thrive in it aren’t always the ones you’d expect. It might not be a Nerd Genius or driven entrepreneur like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates who comes up with the next big digital thing. It might be your friend or your neighbor — or it might be a local 10-year-old. Maumee Valley Country Day School student Jonathan Buchanan recently became the youngest person in the world to have an officially approved app for sale at Apple’s store, with the release of his homebrewed math-puzzle game ChipTrading. We caught up with Jonathan for a chat.

How did you get into developing? Did anyone give you any help?

When I was about six, my dad wanted me to learn how to make websites. At first I didn’t want to, but then later I decided I did. About a year after that, I decided I wanted to make iOS apps [Apple’s iPhone and iPod operating system]. So I got a book to teach me how to do it, and I started developing! I think it’s fun.

Was this game, ChipTrading, your first project?

Actually, I make a lot, but that’s the only one I’ve ever sent to the App Store. I’ve got one that’s like a story with images, and you have to make decisions. I also made one that’s kind of like Hangman, and one where a ball bounces around on the screen and you have to catch it.

Why ChipTrading?

It’s a game I used to play in school. All of my friends liked it, but we were kind of upset that we could only play it in school. I told them “Hey, I can make an app for that!” They thought it was pretty cool.

What do you like to do when you’re not at a computer?

I play baseball. I like to play second base and pitcher. I’m a big Indians fan! And I also play the violin — I’ve done it for four years. And I’m on a LEGO robotics team.

Any other projects in the works?

I’m working on one with my dad called Daystream. It’s like a social networking site. My dad’s doing the website and I’m doing the iOS app.

Would you want to do this for a living?

Maybe I would. I’m thinking of maybe starting a computer company later.

Would you hire your dad?

Probably not. [Lots of laughter.] I don’t know. Maybe.

Search for “ChipTrading” at the App Store if you want to check out Jonathan’s craftsmanship. It sells for only 99¢, and is fun and educational for any kid learning multiplication.

Sensational

By

Matt Desmond

-

September 26, 2012

When Sensational Kids began four years ago, director and owner Heather Eberly envisioned a daycare and learning center for kids of all needs, both special and typical. What she’s created goes beyond that original vision — it’s not only a place for comprehensive care and early intervention, but unique programs like hippotherapy, led by physical therapist Stacey Creps, where children work with horses on their physical, occupational and speech goals. “What it has done for our students [is amazing]. Kids that haven’t talked before — it’s brought about a whole different therapy for them,” Eberly says. Children don’t have to be enrolled at Sensational Kids to sign up for hippotherapy, which is one of many therapeutic tools available to allow parents to avoid shuttling their children between providers to get needed treatments. There’s also an emphasis on finding a diagnosis for potential issues early on, by taking advantage of the therapists who are on site. “Early intervention is unbelievably important,” Eberly says. “The thing that’s nice about our program is that our teachers are trained in therapeutic development. If there are things that we notice right away, we can have the therapist come in and look at them.” Sensational Kids starts a kindergarten program this year, in addition to the preschool, before school, and after-school care that was previously available. And they even occasionally host “parent’s night out” for moms and dads who need an evening away. —AO

Sensational Kids Daycare and Learning Center, 6060 Merger Dr., Holland. 419-724-5434. www.sensationalkidsdaycare.com.

With a little help from our friends

By

Alia Orra

-

September 26, 2012

Take the time on a beautiful fall afternoon to show support for families with special needs, as the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo presents the 13th annual Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 7. Sign in at the University of Toledo’s Rocket Hall at noon and enjoy family fun including games, face-painting and a blow-up obstacle course. You’ll get a t-shirt and lunch from Amie’s Pizza, and when the walk begins at 2 pm, the chance to show your support for the Down Syndrome community. Proceeds will benefit the Down Syndrome Association’s educational and advocacy programs.

$15 adults, $8 children. Family fun starts at noon; walk starts at 2pm. Corner of Dorr Street and Secor Road.
Register online at www.dsagt.org or call 419-410-2819. —MD

Spooks, thrills, and chills!

By

Christine A. Holliday

-

September 26, 2012

Get Lost

Through month of October
Corn Maze
Butterfly House
11455 Obee Rd., Whitehouse
Whitehouse, OH
419-877-2733
www.wheelerfarms.com
You don’t have to be a football fan to love the corn maze, designed in honor of the UT Rockets and BGSU Falcons. 16.2 miles of maze cover 16 acres, more than enough territory to work up an appetite for cider and donuts. Admission for ages 10 and up, $8; kids 6-9 (accompanied by an adult) and seniors, $7. Kids under five get in free. Discounts for groups of 25 or more. Last tickets are sold one hour before closing. Thursday 5-10pm, Friday 5pm-midnight, Saturday noon-midnight, and Sunday noon-8pm.

Open daily through November 4
Home of the maize
Leaders farm
Corner of St. Rt. 24 and Co. Rd. 16, Napoleon
419-599-1570
www.leadersfarms.com
Keep busy all day long with the corn maze, Gem Mining, play areas for the children, the Coop Shoot, scenic hayrides, cow train rides, face painting, live entertainment, costume characters, pumpkins, exotic petting zoo, Barnyard Bouncer and so much more. After dark, there are screams of terror and delight at ScreamAcres Haunted Attractions. Get spooked in the Haunted Cornfield or brave your way through the halls of the PanDEMONium Project.

Ripe for the Picking

Through the month of October
Pick Your Own Pumpkin
Hoen’s Greenhouse
2540 County Rd. 702, Delta
419-822-4080
www.hoensgreenhouse.com
A hand-carved or painted pumpkin is a Halloween must. Find the perfect pumpkin for your family, then add some cornstalks, straw, gourds, and Indian corn to make your home Halloween-ready! 9am-7pm.

Fleitz Orchard
7133 Seaman Rd., Oregon
419-836-7613
www.fleitzpumpkinfarm.com
Families can enjoy a full farm experience surrounded by the largest selection of pumpkins and squash in this part of Ohio. Kids can climb a straw tower and tackle a kiddie maze, as well as a “Grand Prix” bike and scooter track, while their older siblings and parents work their way through the one or five acre mazes. Goats and chickens are waiting to be fed by your group, and kids can do small art projects in a craft barn. Fresh donuts and cider available, too, maybe after a hayride! Open weekdays, 10am-7 pm. Hayrides offered weekdays 4:30-7pm; weekends all day, $1/person. Maze is $1-$2/person.

Gust Brothers Pumpkin Farm
13639 Mulberry Rd., Ottawa Lake
517-486-2237
www.gustbrothers.com
See a working farm with all its wonders. Families can pick a peck of vegetables (like tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers) for $5 or shop for jams, jellies, and honey. All the barns are open and children can see cattle, sheep, goats, and bunnies up close. Purchase holiday decorations including Indian corn, straw bales, and gourds. Weekend hayrides are $2/person. Finish off the day with cider, donuts and popcorn treats. Open 9am-7pm daily.

Saturday, Oct. 27
Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree
Toledo Farmers Market
525 Market St.
419-255-6765
www.toledofarmersmarket.com
Select a pumpkin from the farmers themselves! Pick your prize squash, then carve it or decorate it as a jack-o-lantern! 9am-noon.

Weekends, Oct. 6-7,
13-14 & 20-21
Pumpkin Train
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc.
11600 County Rd. 99, Findlay
419-423-2995
www.nworrp.org
Double fall fun — a train ride and pick-your-own pumpkin treat. The train travels to the pumpkin patch where visitors find their favorite, then returns to the station with those special vegetables. Railroad gift shop on site, too. Trains depart every 15 minutes. $2/adults, $1/children 12 and under. 1-4pm

Freaky Festivities

Nightfall Festival
Toledo Botanical Garden
5403 Elmer Dr.
419-536-5566
www.toledogarden.org
Goblins will have plenty to do in the Garden, from looking for the Creature of Crosby Lake (yikes!) to tiptoeing through the new fairy garden. The youngest guests can walk a spooky pumpkin path and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides before or after trick or treating, and everyone can be part of the art activities and midway tent events. Come have your fortune told and welcome fall with the street performers and live musicians on hand. Food and drinks for all ages. Friday, Oct. 5. Adults $8, seniors and students $7, TBG members $6, children 12 and under admitted free. Reduced price tickets available at The Andersons. Enter at the Bancroft St. entrance. 4pm-midnight.

All Hallows Eve Celebration
Seven Eagles Historical Education Center
16486 Wapakoneta Road, 1 mile south of the Village of Grand Rapids, Ohio.
Friday and Saturday 6pm-10pm
History and Halloween-a perfect combination! Lantern tours (evenings) and live demonstrations (daytime) are offered in the Pioneer Long House and other historic venues on site. Visitors can enjoy bonfires, hayrides, tractor-drawn rides, as well as costumed storytellers. Trading Post arts and crafts make perfect souvenirs, and Saturday-morning family picknicking, canoeing, cane-pole fishing and tomahawk throwing make perfect memories. Admission: Child or senior $2.50, adult $5, family $10, children under age 4 are free. Group discounts available.Friday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 20, 6pm-10pm.

Halloween Harvest Fest Concert
Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Point Place Branch, Oregon Branch, & Sylvania Branch
2727 117th Street in Toledo 419 259-5390/ 3340 Dustin Road in Oregon, 419 259-5250/6749 Monroe Street in Sylvania, 419 882-2089
www.toledolibrary.org
Even the ghosts and goblins will be rockin’ at this concert. Come to be part of this concert with award-winning singer Kevin Devine. He’ll have you singing along, maybe even dancing as you prepare for Halloween. Tricks and treats, too! Saturday, Oct. 27, Point Place Branch 10am-11am. Oregon Branch 2pm-245pm. Sylvania Branch 6pm-730pm.

Halloween Folklore and Funfest
Wood County Historical Center
13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green
419-661-1697
www.woodcountyhistory.org
This 22nd annual festival has something for everyone: wagon rides, monster theatre (with Scooby Doo movies), and a scarecrow contest. More culinary types can press their own cider to enjoy with homemade donuts. Boo-ville activities for little ones include witch golf and the gruesome-sounding eyeball toss. The disco dungeon features a naturalist’s look at bats. History buffs can tour the museum, and everyone can fill up on treats and goodies at the Coffin Café. Free admission and free parking. Saturday, Oct. 20. 4-9pm.

Destination: Hell, Michigan
Hell is for Children

By Nan Bauer

It’s not particularly sinister, nor does it reek of fire and brimstone. In fact, if you blink, you’ll miss it. But with a town named Hell only an hour and a half roadtrip into Michigan, why resist temptation? And what better time of year to go than Halloween?

The HQ for it all: Screams, a gift shop with an astonishing variety of devil and witch kitsch, and with an event every weekend leading up to October 31st. Here, you can buy your own little piece of Hell one square inch at a reasonable rate, and a deal some would term “priceless.” You can mail a flame-singed card with the town postmark, arrange to have your name etched into the Walk of Shame, and buy a diploma from Damn U. This is Hell, after all. Why earn merit when you can pay for it?

If you’re hungry, pop over to Hell in a Handbasket for pizza, pastries, and ice cream treats that include the Grave Digger Sundae. And if you feel like something outdoors and, shudder to think, somewhat healthy, there’s a fine putt-putt course with even more verbal pun-ishment than you and your loved ones have already been subjected to. There are also canoe and kayak rentals, and several painted wood cut-outs for photo ops. It’s only slightly scary, but very corny, fun. For kids who are outgrowing the cute animal costumes but not quite ready for zombie masks, it’s perfect.

For info on all things Hell-ish, visit www.gotohellmi.com/events.

Family Fun

Tuesday, Oct. 9
Wood County
Historical Center
13660 County Home Rd.,
Bowling Green
419-661-1697
www.woodcountyhistory.org
Scarecrow contest workshop:
Make your own scarecrow to enter into the 10th annual contest (which has cash prizes!). Voting for the winning scarecrows you create will be held at the Halloween Folklore and Funfest on October 20. Register by Oct. 8. 6pm.

Saturday, Oct. 13
Fall Fur All
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way
(off the Anthony Wayne Trail)
419-385-5271
www.toledozoo.org
Decorate pumpkins to be put on display at the Little Boo event and feed the animals at the Jumping Pumpkins celebration. Come for the bounce house, pumpkin ring toss and special activities in Nature’s Neighborhood. Free with zoo admission. $11-$14 for non-members. 11am-3pm.

Thursday, Oct. 18
Wood County
Historical Center
13660 County Home Rd.,
Bowling Green
419-661-1697
www.woodcountyhistory.org
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Enjoy cider and snacks as you practice your pumpkin carving skills. All materials and pumpkins provided … just bring your creativity! Free. 6-8pm.

Friday, Oct. 19- Saturday, Oct. 20
Sauder Village
22611 State Rt. 2, Archbold
800-590-9755
www.saudervillage.com
See the village come alive at night. Decorate a pumpkin in the Sauder Barn, and visit Mrs. Stuckey in the farmhouse kitchen. Camp fire treats for all! Members and lodging guest tickets are $8.50 for adults, $5.50 for students. Nonmembers adults pay $10, students $6 and children 3 and under admitted free. Pre-registration is required. 6-8pm.

Thursday, Oct. 24-Oct. 27; Monday, Oct. 29-Oct. 30
Boo Cruise
Sandpiper Boat
At the foot of Jefferson Ave. in Promenade Park
419-537-1212
www.sandpiperboat.com
Nothing gory or really scary, just waterfront fun for families. Take a 30-minute party ride on the Maumee River and give your costumed kids a chance to get a look at downtown Toledo. The boat is decorated for the event, and your ships mates tell Halloween jokes and stories. Parents, please dress your little goblins for the weather! $5/person. The boat leaves dock weeknights every 45 minutes between 5pm & 7:15pm; Saturdays at 12:45, 1:30, and 2:15pm. Call for reservations.

Sunday, Oct. 28.
Halloween Excursion Train
Blissfield, MI
www.murdermysterytrain.com
1-888-467-2451
Dress up and experience a kids party by train, with a costume contest, hot dogs, donuts and cider, and a ride on the Old Road Train. Leaving from Blissfield. 5-7pm. $20 child/$25 adult. Reservations required.

Ghoulish Good Times

Tuesday, Oct. 16
Andrew Martin Halloween Spooktacular
Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Sanger Branch
3030 West Central Ave.
419-259-5370
www.toledolibrary.org
Magician Andrew Martin brings ghostly games, creepy fun and lots of magic to several library branches. These are the best tricks to go with the treats — helping to develop a love of books, just in time for Halloween reading. Costumes welcome and treats provided. Registration required. 7-8pm.

Andrew Martin is scheduled at these locations, with reservations required at each:

• Monday, Oct. 22. Waterville Branch // Meeting Room, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. 419 878-3055. 7pm-8pm.
• Tuesday, Oct. 23. Maumee Branch // Auditorium, 501 River Rd., Maumee. 419-259-5360. 6:30-8pm.
• Tuesday, Oct. 23. Heatherdowns Blvd. Branch, 3265 Glanzman Rd. 419-259-5360. 6:30-8pm.
• Monday, Oct. 29. Washington Branch // Meeting Room, 5560 Harvest Ln. 419-259-5330. 7pm-8pm.
• Tuesday, Oct. 30. Reynolds Corner Branch, 4833 Dorr St. 419-259-5320. 6:30-7:30pm.

Open through October
Haunted Engine House
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc.
11600 CR 99 @ 1-75 Exit #161, Findlay
419-721-1175
www.nworrp.org
Older Halloweeners (12 and up) will enjoy this walk through a dark train engine house at this railroad museum. Is it haunted? You’ll have to come to see — but be prepared for lots of surprises! Admission $7. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm-midnight, and Sundays 7-11pm.

Wednesday, Oct. 24.
Halloween Folklore Tea
Wolcott House
1035 River Rd., Maumee
419-893-9602
www.wolcotthouse.org
Kids who like to read about bats, black cats and witches will want to meet Amy Danforth, who will be autographing copies of her children’s book It Happened One Halloween. Bring your youngsters in costume to set the mood! $10 fee; reservations necessary. 2pm.

Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Candlelit Tour Wolcott House
This spooky experience is not for the squeamish or under-12 set. Paranormal groups have documented unexplained events at the Wolcott House; here’s your chance to see (and maybe experience) them for yourself. Bring a flashlight and take a tour that focuses on the sounds of footsteps and doors closing in what is supposed to be an empty house. Will you feel as if somebody is watching you? Tickets are $5 each and will be sold in front of the house before the tours, which run every half hour from 8-10pm.

Fridays Oct. 19 & 26, Saturdays Oct. 20 & 27.
Garrison Ghost Walk
Fort Meigs
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg
419-874-4121
www.fortmeigs.org
There aren’t soldiers at Ft. Meigs any more … or are there? Join the Ghost Walk, led by guides in 1812 period clothing, to see if you meet any former residents. Stop at campsites to hear stories about the fort and those who called it home. Costumed kids are welcome; they will certainly enjoy seeing the fort by lantern lights, then talking about their visit over hot cider and donuts, available for purchase. Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes strongly suggested. Reservations required. One-hour tours begin at 7pm; last tour begins around 9pm. $8/adults, $4/children 12 and under.

Saturday, Oct. 27
Ghost of Providence Lantern Walk
Providence Metropark
13827 U.S. 24/West at SR 578 opposite Grand Rapids on the Maumee River
419-307-9701
www.metroparkstoledo.com
There may be ghosts at Providence Park — you’re invited to meet them and figure out the mysteries of their deaths. Come for this Autumn Adventure Tour; join your lantern-bearing guide as you meet characters from the past. 7:15pm-8pm. $5 regular admission/$4 members.

Saturdays Oct. 21 & 27; Sundays Oct. 21 & 28
Spooky Science
Imagination Station
One Discovery Way (corner of Summit and Adams Streets)
419-244-2674
www.imaginationstationtoledo.org
Science can be creepy and fun, and here’s the proof. Learn how to make cool Halloween illusions like ooey gooey slime, boo bubbles and other magic potions that will amaze your trick or treaters. For a real party punch, learn how to make edible blood from regular household items. $7.50-$9.50/admission; children 2 and under free. Lucas County residents receive a 50 percent discount. Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm.

Special FX Makeup:
Ghoulishly good looking
by Matt Desmond

Get gruesome and get glamorous! If your kids have showbiz dreams or just want the best Halloween costume on the block, they'll love "Special FX Makeup For Kids," a new class at Owens Community College for ages 10 and up. In the four week class, kids will learn the tricks of the trade of Hollywood and stage makeup pros, and pick up the magic that can make them look older, younger, horribly injured or appear as if they are from outer space. Instructor Bianca Marcia Naves will even teach you the secrets of glamour makeup, for aspiring movie stars.

$99. 8pm. Wednesdays, October 3 – October 24.
Owens Community College Center for Performing Arts. 30335 Oregon Rd. 567-661-7000. www.owens.edu.

Dress Code

Halloween Express
3448 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-474-2000
www.halloweenexpress.com
Toledo’s branch of the Halloween Express empire, the largest in the chain, can turn your kids into ghouls and goblins or your home into a haunted mansion. It’s no wonder that the Travel Channel series Making Monsters is turning up for a visit on Sunday, September 30. They’re in for a world of fright, as the main attraction is a zombie photo op that’ll have you begging for escape from the walking dead’s hungry grasp, and back into the tamer world of fairies and pirates! Open Monday through Saturday, 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm.

Kostumes, Ltd.
7313 International Dr., Holland
419-865-5533
www.kostumesinc.com
Sophisticated Halloweeners will appreciate this selection of one-day rentals. They offer the “tried and true” choices — flappers, Bonnie & Clyde, pirates, and superheroes — but have the unusual, too. Pick medieval characters, princesses, even nun costumes, with plenty of masks and other accessories. Consider placing your rental order two weeks before Halloween to get the best selection. Open Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Star Costumes
2708 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-473-2584
www.starcostumes.com
Get everything Halloween here, from hanging decorations to wigs to makeup. Store also features costumes from toddler size to adult, and has a fine collection of 3D wounds, blood and other gory accessories. Customers can shop online 24/7 and pick up the costumes at the store. Costume prices range from $15-$100, and include children’s favorites to zombies, science fiction characters and steampunk. Open Monday through Friday, 10am-9pm; Saturday, noon-6pm.

Costume Holiday House
5300 Monroe St.
419-843-5693
www.costumeholidayhouse.com
Local theatre companies have discovered the 50,000 costumes at Costume Holiday House, and trick or treaters can take advantage of the large inventory, too. Their collection includes all accessories — from swords to hats to shoes — and service includes taking customers’ measurements to find the perfect fit. Kids’ classics, costumes from decades of American history, even Elvis and zombies are available, and rentals are for weekend use, just in case you’ve got more than one party to attend. Monday through Friday, 10am-9pm; Saturday noon-6pm.

Treats, not Tricks

Trick or Treat
The Shops at Fallen Timbers
3100 Main St., Maumee
419-878-6255
www.theshopsatfallentimbers.com
No tricks — just treats! Visit the shops to collect Halloween goodies. Come in costumes! 6-8pm. Thursday, Oct. 25.

Trick or Treat
Westfield Franklin Park Mall
5001 Monroe St.
419-473-3317
www.westfield.com/franklinpark
Stores in the mall will welcome costumed trick or treaters (no masks please). Come for the candy, treats, crafts, and activities. 5:30-7pm. Monday, Oct. 29.

Saturday, October 13
Trunk or Treat
Rehab Dynamics
3160 Central Park West
419-356-8975
www.facebook.com/NWOSensoryShowtime
October is National Sensory Processing Awareness month and Halloween . . . put them together and you have the 3rd annual Parent Connections Trunk-or-Treat event. Over 500 ghouls, goblins and ghosts filled the Rehab Dynamics parking lot with shrieks and laughter last year and even more are expected this year! Touch something slimy on Slime Time Street or hear the shrills of Scream Seeker Circle. Each trunk-or-treating area corresponds to one of the 7 senses. 3-5pm.

Trick or Treat
Bass Pro
10000 Bass Pro Blvd., Rossford
419-891-3900
www.basspro.com
Nothing fishy about this event! Employees will provide treats for youngsters 12 and under who come to trick or treat in the store. Trick-or-treaters can join the parade and costume contest, and compete for prizes for the scariest, funnies, and best costumes. Everyone wins a prize and lots of fun! Free, no reservations necessary. Trick or treating begins at 6pm, parade and contest to follow. Wednesday, Oct. 31.

15th Annual Halloween Hike
Olander Park
6930 Sylvania Ave.
419-882-8313
olanderpark.com
Costumed kids can gather Halloween treats from 20 different stations, watching reenactments and hearing stories along the way. This is a friendly event (no scary ghouls here!). Kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adults. Saturday, Oct. 27. 6pm. $1 children ages 3-12/2 and under and adults free.

Little Boo at the Zoo
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way (off the Anthony Wayne Trail)
419-385-5271
www.toledozoo.org
Preschoolers (in costumes) will love this chance to visit candy stations and meet new friends in the Fisher-Price play area. Lots of magic and toys from 10am-3pm. $11-$14/non-members (includes admission), $6/members. Thursday, Oct. 18-19.

Pumpkin Path
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way (off the Anthony Wayne Trail)
419-385-5271
www.toledozoo.org
More than 20 candy stations are waiting for kids in costumes and their families and friends. Magic shows, Fisher-Price play area and games will add to the fun. $11-$14/non-members (includes admission), $6/members. 10am-4pm. Saturday, Oct. 20-21.

Sugar and spice

By

Matt Desmond

-

September 26, 2012

“We’re big believers in the ‘yum’ factor,” says Linda Phillips. “I tell people to check their guilt at the door.” Phillips is happy, and she’s got reason to be — she’s realized a longtime dream by opening Sugar Plum Sweets, a brand new from-scratch bakery in Sylvania’s Starlite Plaza. After baking in her home for 20 years as a volunteer for Sylvania schools, Phillips launched her new venture with the help of her daughters, Megan and Brandi. They’re crafting all the sweet delicacies that Phillips created in her home kitchen, from cakes to cookies to pies, and they’ve got plenty to offer families. If you’re planning a birthday party, Phillips is happy to sit down with you and your child to help create the cake they want. “It makes them feel important,” Phillips says, “like they’re in charge of their own party.” And for the frantic party-overwhelmed mom, Phillips is happy to deliver your cake. Even better, she hopes soon to offer baking classes for the under-13 crowd. Open

Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. 5700 Monroe St., Sylvania. 419-824-0100. www.facebook.com/sugarplumsylvania. —MD