The National Museum of the Great Lakes is excited to present its latest temporary exhibit, “Frozen Fun: Recreation on the Icy Great Lakes.” Running now through February 2025, this exhibit celebrates the long-standing winter traditions and outdoor activities that make the Great Lakes region a unique winter wonderland. Included with regular museum admission, “Frozen Fun” offers visitors a chance to explore the historical and cultural significance of winter on the lakes.
Discover the thrill of winter on the Great Lakes
Winter has always been a time for adventure on the Great Lakes, with the frozen waters providing endless opportunities for recreation and exploration. The “Frozen Fun” exhibit showcases how residents and visitors have embraced the icy expanse over the centuries, engaging in activities ranging from ice fishing to ice boating. Through artifacts, photographs and personal stories, visitors can learn about the creative and practical ways people have interacted with the Great Lakes during the coldest months.
“Winter on the Great Lakes has always brought unique opportunities to engage with these
waters in new and exciting ways,” said Carrie Sowden, Director of Archaeology and Research for the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “This exhibit allows us to share the stories, tools and traditions that have made these activities such an enduring part of our region’s history.”
Featured artifacts and history
The exhibit highlights a fascinating collection of historical artifacts that demonstrate the ingenuity and craftsmanship of past generations. Key pieces include an ice saw, vintage fishing poles and wooden ice skates.
Together, these artifacts paint a picture of how people transformed the frozen lakes into spaces for both work and play.
“Frozen Fun” also delves into the rich history of winter activities that have become iconic to the Great Lakes region. Visitors will learn about ice fishing, ice boating and winter island access.
These activities not only highlight the creativity and resourcefulness of Great Lakes residents but also reflect the sense of community and adventure that defines the region.
Plan your visit
“Frozen Fun” is an engaging exhibit for visitors of all ages, from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts. Families can enjoy a hands-on look at historical artifacts, while also learning about the cultural significance of winter on the Great Lakes. Whether you’re visiting with children or exploring solo, this exhibit offers something for everyone.
The “Frozen Fun” exhibit is open through February 2025 and is included with the price of regular museum admission. Located at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio, this unique exhibit invites visitors to discover the history and excitement of winter on the Great Lakes.
For more details on hours, admission, and special events, visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes website at nmgl.org.
Toledo Public School’s Mindfulness in the Park Program, with mindfulness coach Jen McCullough.
Where do you begin finding the special education assistance you might need for your child? Every school seems to have myriad programs and the State of Ohio has other offerings, but what is best for your child? And what do all of these acronyms (IEP, ETR, BIP, CETE** ) even mean?
Hosts of TPS’ Understanding Your Student’s IEP (for Spanish-speaking families) include (left to right) Stephanie Serda, Student Recruitment Coordinator of Escuela SMART Academy; Claudia Rodriguez, TPS Latino Community Liaison; and Monica McCain, TPS Mentor.
For many families, the first step is to contact their closest circle of friends, family and medical providers. But for others, what they would truly need is to talk with someone who has navigated that system themselves. Someone who has had those battles and come out the other side with services and support.
Helping families within the system
Turns out, there is a service supporting families in Ohio. Since 1990, the Ohio Parent Mentor Project has helped families navigate local and state special education services, using a unique team of trained mentors who are also parents of special needs children.
Shanna Gerken, Wood County Schools Mentor.
“It’s most important for parents to know they’re not alone,” explained Shanna Gerken, a mentor serving Wood County students. “There are so many other parents in your shoes. We can help you navigate the system.”
A primary requirement for parent mentors is that they have had a disabled child in special education. “I took this job to help other parents,” explained Gerken. “There are many emotions involved, and no one can completely understand what it’s like. I’m an advocate for parents, to make their needs understood by the school.”
State supported
In 2023, nearly 16 percent of Ohio’s K-12 students (or over 250,000 students) were diagnosed with disabilities. About 100 Parent Mentor Projects operate in Ohio, serving more than one-third of the state’s school districts. The program is financed through an Ohio Department of Education and Workforce grant, and all services are provided to Ohio families free of charge.
Gabrielle Johnson, Ph.D., Parent Mentor Project Director and Research Administration Management Consultant at the OSU Center on Education and Training for Employment (CETE).
The State of Ohio supplies the funds, and The Ohio State University is responsible for oversight and development of the Mentor Projects around the state, offering professional development and coordination of agencies and other partners of the program, according to Gabrielle Johnson, Ph.D., Parent Mentor Project director and Research Administration Management Consultant at the Center on Education and Training for Employment (CETE). The Ohio Department of Education provides two liaison representatives between the project and the state.
“Our Mentors offer a very important service to parents,” explained Johnson. “They serve as coaches to parents, helping them navigate the system, because they use their personal experience to understand the mechanics of the system. After more than 30 years, this program is still very relevant.”
And the mentors are an important source of information to one another. “I’m still a newby, in my third school year as a mentor,” said Gerken. “I’ll often reach out to other mentors, especially Monica (McCain, Mentor for Toledo Public Schools), for tips and ideas.”
Being a family advocate
Mentors are employed by a particular school district, as in the case of Toledo Public Schools’ Monica McCain, or through a county’s Educational Services Center, as in the case of Shanna Gerken in Wood County. Activities vary among the schools, depending upon their programs for assessing students.
Monica McCain, Toledo Public Schools Mentor.
Many Wood County schools conduct preschool assessments, and the Parent Mentor is informed of their results. Teachers and principals will often contact the mentor, but Gerken says it’s most often the parents making direct contact with her. “They’re looking for resources and information, and often help filling out their IEP (Individual Education Program),” she said. “I hold many titles – whatever the parent needs.” Once she’s notified of newly assessed students, she’ll get them a “welcome” bag with information parents will need. She also produces a regular newsletter and has a social media network for parents.
In Toledo, McCain helps parents understand and navigate the special education system, usually beginning after the Evaluation Team Report (ETR) process. “Parents often don’t know what they don’t know about community resources,” she said. Mentors can help parents with any needs inside or outside the district, while at the state level, the program looks for ways to meet the changing needs of schools in every community.
At Toledo Public Schools, McCain hosts monthly family engagement activities related to special education, with recent programs focusing on behaviors inside school and at home, autism and mindfulness.
Wood County Schools’ Preschool-to-Kindergarten information bags prepared by Mentor Shanna Gerken for delivery to 130 families.
Often, parents don’t understand what the special designation means and are afraid of their child being “labeled” by the assessment. “It really boils down to communication. Making sure parents know the school is listening to them. Providing the resources they may not have considered. No level of support is off limits. I just slide in with grace to help families,” McCain said.
Johnson said it’s important that parents contact their mentors with questions. “Even if they’re not sure of what programs they might need, just ask. Take advantage of what we have available,” she said.
** Acronyms previously listed: Individualized Education Program (IEP), Evaluation Team Report (ETR), Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) and Center on Education and Training for Employment (CETE) at Ohio State University.
Mentors in northwest Ohio who are part of the Ohio Parent Mentor Program include:
Monica McCain – Toledo Public Schools – 419-671-0819, [email protected]
Wendy Smenner – Sylvania City, Springfield Local, Ottawa Hills, Maumee City and Washington Local School Districts – 419-214-3066, [email protected]
Niki Herold – Swanton Local, Edon-Northwest Local, Edgerton Local, North Central Local, Fayette Local, Napoleon Area, Evergreen Local, Wauseon Exempted Village, and Pike-Delta-York Local School Districts – 567-444-4814, [email protected]
Shanna Gerken – Rossford Exempted Village, Perrysburg, Northwood Local, Lake Local, Otsego Local, Eastwood Local, Elmwood Local, North Baltimore Local and Bowling Green City School Districts – 419-354-9010, ext 113, [email protected]
Favoritism can be harmful for both the favored child and the unfavored child.
Parental favoritism is a complex topic — it’s a common occurrence, yet many parents don’t realize they’re showing it. It can manifest in various ways, such as giving one child more attention or privileges. Discover what the long-term effects of favoritism on children are and how it can affect their mental and emotional wellness.
Is having a favorite child a bad thing?
Parental favoritism is surprisingly common. It happens when a parent favors a child and occurs in up to 65% of families. It’s a phenomenon that’s often unintentional but becomes a bigger problem, especially when kids grow up and start to notice differences in treatment.
One of the most contributing factors is birth order, or you may feel more connected to the child whose personality aligns with yours. Regardless, it’s challenging to pinpoint the cause, especially if it happens unintentionally.
There’s nothing wrong with having a favorite as long as you treat your children equally. It could only be a problem when your preference becomes more obvious — especially to your kids — or when you start paying less attention to other children.
What are the long-term effects of favoritism on children?
Favoritism is often viewed as a positive for the favored child. After all, they receive better treatment from their parents than their siblings do.
However, being favored can have negative emotional implications, especially if it persists into adulthood. If you’re curious about how favoritism affects the child’s mental health, you might be surprised to learn that its effects extend beyond the seemingly positive aspects.
One of the long-term impacts of favoritism is poor sibling relationships. Less-favored siblings may feel inadequate about themselves, which can cause resentment toward the favored one. Siblings may also direct their anger toward the favored kid, often blaming them for the inadequate treatment they’re getting from parents.
As a result, the favored child may feel guilty for their unfavored sibling’s resentment. Learn how to spot the signs of sibling rivalry to prevent increased tension among your children:
Jealousy
Competition and showing off
Viewing the other sibling as an enemy
Undermining other siblings to make them feel incapable and inadequate
Sense of entitlement
The favored child may develop a sense of entitlement and become used to getting their way, which can lead to problems. According to licensed professional counselor Yelena Gidenko, PhD, LPC, favorite children may feel exempt from the rules, affecting their ability to sustain mature romantic relationships. Additionally, it can affect how they act in school, work and friendships.
Insecurity
If you’re wondering how favoritism affects mental health, chances are you’ll never think insecurity wouldn’t be one of them. It may seem counterintuitive, but your favored child may experience a lack of confidence. Children are observant — they know when they’re getting praised for things they didn’t earn, such as being your favorite.
If you suspect your child is insecure and anxious, talk to them about it. Start by saying you support and love them, then just listen. When their insecurities start hindering their growth at school or in relationships, professional help may be needed. Mental health therapy through telemedicine is a convenient solution for children too shy to open up, providing equal accessibility to anyone, regardless of their abilities or location.
Over reliance on Validation
Praise feels good. However, if you constantly praise your favorite child, it can backfire in the long run. After all, praising a child’s intelligence or output fosters a fixed mindset, which is associated with anxiety and depression. It could create a fragile sense of true self-worth and over reliance on other people’s validation. When children don’t meet societal expectations to be high-achieving and successful, they may blame themselves, causing feelings of low self-worth.
Increased pressure and expectations
Showing favoritism may impose higher expectations on your favored child, believing they should consistently succeed in school, sports or other activities. The child may feel pressured to perform well in everything they do because they fear disappointing you.
What to do to avoid favoritism
Now that you know the long-term effects of favoritism on children, you can take action toward creating a healthier growth environment for them.
Avoid comparison
Parents often compare one child to another with good intentions, hoping it will motivate them. However, remarks like, “Your brother’s room is neat. Why can’t you clean yours?” suggest that you prefer the behavior of the other sibling. Simply observe your children as individuals, attend to their needs and admire them for who they are.
Never take sides in a fight
Taking sides is a glaring sign of favoritism. When a disagreement happens between two siblings, both children should have the same consequences. For instance, if they can’t share a video game console without fighting over it, they both lose their gaming time.
Celebrate differences
Appreciate your children’s personalities and teach them about their uniqueness. If you have little kids, demonstrate it by referencing superheroes with various strengths and weaknesses.
Overcome parental favoritism
Favoritism can be confusing and painful for both the unfavored kid and the favored child. Whether it be a lack of confidence or over reliance on validation, the impacts can be challenging. As a parent, you can still do something to stop it from happening.
Toledo becomes a winter wonderland when the temperatures drop and ice skating becomes a popular pastime. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, the city offers a variety of indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks to cater to all skill levels and preferences.
The Ribbon is a 1,000-foot loop trail, offering a more scenic and dynamic skating experience than a traditional rink. Advanced reservations are highly recommended to ensure your spot on the ice, especially during peak times.
1505 Front St., Toledo. 419-407-9717. Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to End of Last Session (Daily)
Ice skating on natural surfaces like Mallard Lake and Pearson Metropark is at your own risk and requires checking ice thickness before venturing out. Mallard Lake at Oak Openings Preserve
Mallard Lake at Oak Openings Preserve is also a popular ice skating destination (daytime only). 5100 W. Central Avenue, Toledo. 419-407-9700.
Offers public skating Thursday-Sunday, from 7 to 9 p.m. Check the full calendar or call to confirm availability. Rental skates are available as an add-on.
Admission: $5 Seniors: $2 (pay in person only) Children under 3: free Skate Rental: $2
General Admission: $5 BGSU Student/Faculty/Staff: $5 Pre-School (4 and under): $5 Cheap Skate Admission: $3
Tips for a better skating experience
Bundle up: Dress in warm layers, including a hat, gloves and a warm coat. Check conditions: Before heading out to an outdoor rink, especially those on natural ice, check the weather and ice conditions. Call ahead: For indoor rinks, it’s a good idea to call ahead and check their hours of operation, especially during holidays or special events. Have Fun: The most important tip is to relax and enjoy the experience!
With its diverse ice skating opportunities, Toledo offers a winter wonderland for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, a perfect rink awaits you. So, lace up your skates, bundle up, and prepare to make unforgettable memories on the ice.
What brings in the beginning of the holiday season better than choosing your Christmas tree? If you want the full Hallmark-movie-worthy experience, bring your family to one of these local farms to cut your own. Though each website has its own set of useful information about what is provided, most of them do have a few things in common: pets are discouraged, chainsaws are even more discouraged, and they all have hand saws available (though you are welcome to bring your own). And, of course, you should dress warm and wear gloves!
For an unforgettable holiday tradition, visit Rick and Carl’s, where you will be provided with a saw and sled for cutting down your own tree. They offer many varieties of pines and firs for you to choose from, with the added service of shaking and baling your tree for you. If you’d prefer precut, Rick and Carl’s gives customers that option too. While your family is visiting, you should also check out their craft shop that includes Christmas decorations, sugar cookies and gift items.
You’ll find pines, spruces, firs and more at Salsberry Christmas Trees, a delightful stop that also offers wreaths, garlands, and other decor made from their wintry foliage. Known as “Fulton County’s North Pole,” Salisbury has a gift shop with Saint Nick himself (they call him “Wilford”), along with cookies, Buckeye candies, antiques and innumerable other items that change from year to year.
Make cozy-season memories at Matthes, a tree farm that has seven different varieties of Christmas trees to choose from. This farm truly goes all in on the Christmas fun with visits from Santa, fire-pits to sit by while you enjoy hot beverages, lunches, local entertainment and shopping for other holiday decor (wreaths, etc.). You will have all the Christmas feels!
This family-owned business just eight miles from Toledo has thousands of trees for visitors to choose from. It opened in 1990 with just 50 trees, but now it is a thriving business during the holiday season. You will likely have someone from the Ryan family helping you choose just the right tree for your family’s space.
Check out this farm located in Michigan, but still not a long drive from Toledo. They have been around since 1955 and have a large selection of trees to choose from. All trees are $40 or under.
The holiday season is finally here, and winter break is just around the corner. If you’re not sure how to keep the kids entertained while off from school, look no further because we’ve rounded up some fun winter break activities the whole family will love!
Enjoy the beauty of winter at one of Toledo’s Metroparks. The Metroparks offer a variety of fun winter activities for the whole family.
Interested in trying cross country skiing? Oak Openings and Secor both offer cross country skiing trails that are maintained throughout the winter months. Additionally, the park system says that skiing is permitted on all Metroparks’ unpaved trails and open playfield areas.
Winter is also the perfect time for ice skating, and one of the newest additions to The Toledo Metroparks is the Glass City Metropark’s The Ribbon. The Ribbon is a unique 1,000 foot ice trail that saw more than 50,000 visitors last year when it first opened. It is recommended to make advanced reservations for your visit to The Ribbon. And while reserving a space in advance, you might want to consider reserving one of the beautiful and comfortable cabanas for your visit.
If you’re ok with a little spur of the moment fun, the Toledo Metroparks offers snowshoeing adventures when the conditions are right. Just keep an eye out for these short notice excursions to try out snowshoeing.
And of course no winter fun can be complete without a great day on the hill sledding. Side Cut, Pearson, and Glass City all offer lit sledding hills that stay open even after dark. And for one of the area’s tallest hills check out Blue Creek which is open 7am until dark. No matter where you live in the Toledo area, there’s a Metropark nearby where you can enjoy all the winter fun.
Take the family to see the light displays at the Toledo Zoo. Photo from @thetoledozoo on Instagram.
The Toledo Zoo has one of the best light displays in the country with their Lights Before Christmas. The Lights Before Christmas, while the name indicates does happen prior to Christmas, it also continues until the end of December, making it a perfect visit during winter break. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and stroll among the over one million beautiful lights and illuminated animal images. Enjoy a ride down the ice slide, visit the Reindeer Encounter, watch the ice carvings happening every Thursday, and check out the model train railroad club display. There’s so much to do at the Toledo Zoo in the winter, but don’t forget to stop by and say “hi” to the animals too.
The Huntington Center always has something going on for all ages. This winter break the whole family can enjoy a visit from The Harlem Globetrotters who will be performing in their world tour on December 30 in Toledo. Additionally, the Toledo Walleye will be playing a number of home games during winter break with various themes such as superhero night, prince/princess night and Peanuts night.
If you’re willing to drive just a little further south, Bowling Green State University’s Slater Family Ice Arena offers open skates for the public. As their public skate is a popular activity, registering online in advance is highly recommended.
Toledo Public Libraries offer a variety of activities throughout the year for kids (and adults!) of all ages. From movies, to games, to crafts, to STEM activities and more, there’s always something going on at the libraries in the Toledo-area including during winter break.
The Imagination Station has something for everyone on a winter day. Photo from @imaginationstationtoledo on Instagram.
Just because school is out for winter break doesn’t mean the education has to stop. The Imagination Station is a great winter break trip where kids can discover the world of STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. In addition to the awesome interactive exhibits, around the holidays the Imagination Station is planning a movie showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and gingerbread house engineering workshops.
