Heart skips a beat

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August 13, 2012

My Little Me opened its doors three months ago, but it has already become a popular experience for expectant parents — and it’s easy to see why. Owner Amy Lehnhert (who has 12 years of experience in the field) provides people with a unique opportunity to see what baby looks like before he or she is even born with 3D/4D images.

What makes My Little Me so unique? “It’s not like a doctor’s office. It’s a spa and boutique atmosphere,” Lehnhert says. “Everybody who comes in always loves [the vibe].” The office is family-friendly, open to any members of the brood who want to come along — Lehnhert once had 20 people attend a session. There is an area for the kids to play in within the ultrasound room, along with a small boutique that sells baby hats, maternity shirts and onesies. My Little Me also has packages for 2D visualization, and the option for parents to record their baby’s heartbeat to treasure forever. “It’s a fun keepsake thing,” Lehnhert says. Those who wish to have the 3D/4D ultrasounds must already be seeing a physician for their pregnancy. My Little Me, 312 West Dussel Dr., Maumee. 419-794-7393. www.mylittleme.net.

Art for fun’s sake

By

Toledo Parent Staff

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August 13, 2012

It’s difficult to make educational summer programs fun, but Toledo’s For the Love of Art has spent the past 16 years doing just that. “We disguise the learning in the fun,” Bob Schira, owner and instructor, says. Their summer art camp themes include traveling the world of art, with students learning about other cultures (passport included!), and plenty of other artistic adventures. (Previously, Schira and students have taken sidewalk chalk and painted a 20 by 30 foot Mona Lisa in the building’s parking lot.) All instructors at For the Love of Art are degreed, experienced art teachers who have worked or are working in schools. Camps for grades K through 6 are $48 per child weekly and run from July 9 to Aug. 17. (The first camp has a water art theme.) Additional classes for grades 6-12 and adults are also available. For the Love of Art, 4027 N. Holland Sylvania. 419-882-2060. www.forloveart.com.

A little bit country

By

Toledo Parent Staff

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August 13, 2012

The Imagination Station and The Andersons have brought farm life to Downtown Toledo! Their new, permanent exhibition Grow U teaches kids not only about how agriculture works but also about its importance in everyone’s lives. “Educating children about where their food comes from is a valuable lesson that will impact them for a lifetime,” Lori Hauser, executive director of the science center, says. The farming adventure features games played with a cast of animatronic characters, including Tina Tofu, Kevin the Pig, and Mother Nature. (Kids might be startled — Mother Nature will sometimes flash lightning or deliver booming thunder!) The animatronics were all developed locally at LifeFormations in Bowling Green, and the educational videos were filmed with an in-house crew. Open Tues. through Sat., 10am-5pm. Sun. 12-5pm. Admission is $9.50 for adults; kids 3-12 $7.50; seniors 65 and older $8.50. Imagination Station, 1 Discover Way (near the corner of Summit and Adams St.). 419-244-2674. www.imaginationstationtoledo.org.

Second-hand spree

By

Toledo Parent Staff

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August 13, 2012

On a budget? Kids Go Green Consignment Sales is the perfect opportunity to score a deal on new and gently-used kids and maternity clothes or furniture. Products are categorized and organized like a department store, making it easy for shoppers to find what they need. Plus, the sale is more than just people’s donations — it also includes vendors like Mary Kay Cosmetics, TuTu Marie’s, Sweet Cheeks Boutique and Snuggle Monsters Blanket Shop. Got a lot of stuff you’re unsure what to do with? Anyone can consign at the sale. The bargain hunting starts during a special presale on August 30 for volunteers, registered new moms (expecting or with infants 6 months and younger) and registered military families. Free admission and parking. Junior Fair Building at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green. August 31, 9am-5pm. September 1, 9am-1pm. www.kidsgogreensale.com.

Notice: Finger lickin' is legal

By

Karen L. Zickes

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August 10, 2012

Shorty’s True American Roadhouse
5111 Monroe St. Toledo
419-841-9505
Sun-Thur: 11a.m.-10p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11a.m.-11p.m.
www.mancys.com/shortys/shorty-s

After living for five years in Alabama, barbeque became another food group for me. Though I no longer eat it weekly, the craving for it gets the best of me every once in a while. Unfortunately, my children have yet to develop the same appreciation. With a bit of prodding, I talked them into a trip to Shorty’s, figuring they could at least find a burger on the menu to appease them.

Fine food and great service

Shorty’s barbeque is one of four Mancy family restaurants. The exceptional quality of food, service, and attention to detail that Gus Mancy believed in when he opened Mancy’s Steakhouse in 1921 continues to be the heart and soul of all Mancy family restaurants; Shorty’s is no exception.

According to manager Danielle Hutton, Nick Mancy, along with his brother and cousins, traveled the country extensively in search of the perfect barbeque to determine how they would do things at Shorty’s. “They focused on what would work best in our area”, said Ms. Hutton. Just a few of the places they visited are listed on the restaurant walls. They tried them all; from the famous names to the local favorites.

As always, everything I ordered that evening was done just right, and my kids enjoyed our friendly waitress Taylor. Even though my brood is 12 and under, they too appreciate friendly service and a wait staff that acknowledges them at the table. After all, they are as much customers as my husband and me. After Taylor went to fill our drink orders my kids exclaimed, “Wow, she’s really nice!” And you thought kids didn’t notice.

Not short on flavor

Shorty’s barbeque earned its moniker from Nick Mancy’s nickname, ‘Shorty’, but their food is far from being short on flavor. Our waitress helped us narrow our appetizer choice by recommending the Memphis Egg Rolls that have received the bragging rights of “Most Addicting Menu Item” runner up by Toledo City Paper readers. The rolls contain pulled pork, coleslaw and barbeque sauce. Wrapped and deep fried like an egg roll, they are served with “boss hog” sauce. Yes, addicting indeed.

My boys were given an entertaining placemat and crayons to keep them occupied and out of trouble. It also serves as the kids’ menu for your little cowboys and cowgirls, 10 and under. Meals were only $4.99 and they included fries or green beans and a fountain drink. Entrees included pulled pork sandwiches and ribs for those kids who DO enjoy barbeque but need smaller portions. My children, however, were into the burgers and Mac-N-Cheese.

Taylor informed us that their Mac-N-Cheese was very good. We are self-proclaimed Mac-N-Cheese connoisseurs (“common sewers” as we joke), so most of us tried some on the side. My youngest took one bite and out flew “Holy Smokes!” Simultaneously my oldest blurted out, “Oh my God!” I’m not sure, but I think they approved. They also loved the ice cream for dessert, and I loved that it was only $.99.

My husband’s St. Louis style ribs were melt-in-your-mouth and had fantastic flavor. They were finger lickin’ good for sure. I loved the loaded baked potato with pork. Of course, as with any Mancy family restaurant, you can always order a fabulous steak. However, in addition to ribs, beef, pork and chicken, you can also order lake perch, salmon. Even veggie kabobs and salads are on the menu. So bring your non-barbeque-loving pals with you and they’ll still find something great to eat.

“Cool décor”

Quoting my boys, they thought the interior of Shorty’s was “cool." I mean, what could possibly be cooler than upside down galvanized pails functioning as illuminators above the tables? It is decorated as a rustic roadhouse, yet is very comfortable. The fireplace is a cozy focal point and sits in the center of the dining room. It was a bit too warm for a fire the evening we were in, but I’m sure they have it burning in the cooler months.

Bottom Line: No need to travel the country in search of great barbeque. The Mancy family has already done that for you and incorporated the best of what they found with their own spin on all things barbeque. The atmosphere is fun and family friendly and the service is wonderful.

Karen Zickes is a mom of three active children and freelance writer who resides in Holland, OH. She can be reached in c/o [email protected].

The next stage

By

Matt Desmond

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August 10, 2012

Michael Craig might have been born for the spotlight — but now he wants to help give area kids their own shot at the stage. Not even thirty, Craig is already a show-business veteran by any standard, with extensive experience on the biggest stages of all, but he's returned to his hometown of Perrysburg to help the next generation along. As the co-founder of Next Stage Studios, he's giving kids (and adults) the chance to learn singing, dancing, acting — all the skills they'll need to make the big time.

"I was always really drawn by the talent that our public school system had," Craig says, recalling growing up in
Perrysburg. "No one in my family was really theater-oriented; it was the school system (that inspired me)." Now, at a time when school budgets for performing arts are tight, Next Stage Studios is ready to step in.

Craig's experience and connections make the Next Stage experience work. After graduating from Perrysburg High in 2003 (thoroughly bitten by the theater bug), he left for the Big Apple and attended NYU, where he earned a bachelor's degree in music. But his real education came during his summers, when he joined the actors' union and began performing for real. He landed roles in high-profile productions, including the original High School Musical. After graduating, he starred in the off-Broadway hit Altar Boyz, which turned into a long-running gig. It was the fulfillment of a dream, but it slowly led Craig to the
realization that stardom isn't everything. "It was fun," he remembers. "But you're performing eight times a week for two years. It takes a lot out of you. For 90 minutes every night, my character never left the stage…it got to be a lot for a hometown kind of guy. That's when I made the decision to come back to Ohio." He had help — Craig gives Clark Ausloos, Next Stage's other founder, enormous credit. "He has this talent for teaching," Craig says. "He really gets along with everybody." And since arriving in Perrysburg two years ago, the pair have gone from giving private lessons to a handful of clients to running a school with 170 students. Next Stage opened in spring 2011 behind Levis Commons — the space "looks like a warehouse," Craig says, "but inside it looks more like a New York studio, with high, exposed ceilings."

Next Stage offers eight-week sessions for kids ages six to high-school. Many classes focus on musical theater ("you learn to be a triple threat," Clark says, "singing, dancing and acting"). But there are classes in traditional acting too, as well as improvisation. Each session culminates in a showcase performance, where students can strut their stuff in front of their peers, friends and family. Being the face of a big-budget production was a thrill — but Clark is also thrilled to be where he is now. "I don't regret any of it," he says. "It's been really fun. It's just so nice to see everyone so excited to come to class, and to see kids from different school systems coming together and building friendships." And like many things in life, Clark believes it's more about the journey than the destination. "We want to teach," he says, "rather than tell you what the end product is supposed to look like."

25881 Fort Meigs Rd., Perrysburg.
419-873-5838. www.nextstagestudios.com