Creating a Sensory Friendly Holiday Experience for Kids

November 9, 2024

Young boy passing plate at dinner table — To avoid holiday stress, plan ahead and communicate this plan with your child.

As fall moves into winter, trees tinged with colorful hues give way to bare branches and the mild, temperate air is replaced by chilly winds and the days are dotted with holidays and festive traditions.

From Halloween, Thanksgiving and Diwali to Christmas and Kwanzaa, the holidays can be a whirlwind, including family gatherings, dinners, lights, gift-giving and more. Although the holidays are exciting, they can also be stressful for children with sensory sensitivities. Here are a few ideas to ensure that our kiddos with special needs enjoy a safe and happy holiday season in 2024.

Visit a sensory-friendly holiday event

Local sensory-friendly events cater to those with sensory sensitivities, limiting exposure to rich sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud music and strong scents that may trigger kids with sensory challenges. A local sensory-friendly event options:

November 3, 2024: Visit the Valentine Theater’s sensory-friendly performance of Pinkalicious
December 10, 2024: Attend the Snowy Social hosted by the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Shop during sensory-friendly hours

Many area shopping outlets offer sensory-friendly hours when you can complete your holiday shopping in a more relaxed environment. Among others, Target usually offers sensory-friendly holiday shopping experiences with fewer sensory stimuli to make gift-shopping a calmer experience.

RELATED: Toledo Area Activities for Students with Disabilities

Plan ahead to avoid surprises

Children with sensory challenges may appreciate knowing what to expect before busy holiday events. Communicate expectations, tell social stories of holiday traditions and plan out holiday event menus and venues ahead of time to prevent stress. Families can also practice going through holiday event routines and choose holiday outfits in advance.

Maintain your regular routine during the holidays

Things can get hectic and plans can change quickly during the holidays. This can be intolerable for children with sensory sensitivities who thrive on routines. Try to maintain some aspects of your child’s sensory routines. For instance, maintain certain activities that help them regulate the same, or provide opportunities for calming sensory input before a busy holiday gathering. Keeping certain routines in place can provide a child with a sense of security, while also preventing meltdowns.

Give your child a sensory-friendly gift

There are a multitude of sensory-friendly products for children with sensory sensitivities. Gifting your child a sensory-friendly toy or activity set is a great way to support their needs even after the holidays are over! Some ideas include sensory toys such as the Sensory Tube Gel Puzzle, Sensory Mini Mats and Sensory Tunnels. Fine Motor Toys and Games include Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog, Piggy Banks, Dressing Boards, Bubble Machines or Squigz.

Resources for Families of Kids with Sensory Needs

Below are some local resources to help your family plan a smooth, sensory-friendly holiday:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). nami.org. 703-524-7600.
Avenues for Autism. avenuesforautism.org. 419-210-5095.
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. abilitycenter.org. 419-885-5733.
Autism Society of Northwest Ohio. asno.org. 419-578-2766.

Navigating Life’s Next Chapter: GapQuest Gap Year Program in Toledo

J. Wukotich

November 8, 2024

In today’s fast-paced academic world, the concept of a gap year is gaining traction as more students seek alternatives to the traditional straight-to-college route.

A gap year is an intentional break from formal studies, allowing young adults to explore personal and professional growth opportunities.

For those in the Toledo area, GapQuest Gap Year Experience offers an innovative and structured program designed to help teens navigate this pivotal stage in life.

Why take a Gap Year?

The reasons for taking a gap year are as diverse as the students themselves. Many high school graduates face burnout, stress and anxiety from years of relentless academic pressure. Others must be more specific about their career paths or daunted by the rising costs of college and the looming threat of student loan debt.

A gap year offers a much-needed respite to discover one’s identity before committing to a specific path.

Statistics highlight the benefits of taking a gap year. The Wall Street Journal states that 90% of students who take an intentional gap year return to higher education with greater clarity, purpose and motivation. They also tend to graduate with higher GPAs and a stronger sense of direction than their peers who go straight to college.

Melanie Kempton, program director of GapQuest, explains, “A gap year can be a valuable tool to help reorient your journey to success. Graduates report more clarity, confidence, maturity, and motivation.”

RELATED: TutorSmart Helps Bridge the Educational Gap

What is GapQuest?

GapQuest: Gap Year Experience is a holistic, residential program designed for recent high school graduates or those taking a break during college. Located in Toledo, Ohio, GapQuest aims to equip young adults with the skills and experiences needed for success in both work and life.

The program spans 11 months, from September 2024 to July 2025, and focuses on four main components: Live, Work, Learn and Play.

Participants live in furnished apartments near the University of Toledo, sharing their space with roommates to foster a sense of community and independence. The program includes a structured employment experience, where participants work 32 hours per week in a paid, entry-level job that matches their interests and aptitudes. This hands-on work experience helps build professional connections, resilience and a strong work ethic.

In addition to work, GapQuest dedicates one afternoon per week to guided professional development activities, covering topics such as financial literacy, career planning and personal growth.

Kempton, who will live on-site as the Resident Advisor, emphasizes the importance of balancing structured activities with unstructured time for exploration and play, helping students achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Helping teens transition to adulthood

Kempton’s vision for GapQuest stems from her extensive experience in education and her desire to create a transformative learning environment. “After teaching high school for 15 years and homeschooling my own sons from birth through high school graduation, I wanted to create a hands-on, immersive experience for students to learn real-life financial, practical, and professional development skills,” she said.

Kempton believes that experiential learning is crucial for young adults. “Students have had 13+ years of formal classroom learning, and many are still coming out of high school unequipped to make good decisions about their futures. Young adults need the freedom to actually take care of themselves, learn the value of work and money, and understand options before making costly educational decisions that may not make sense.”

At GapQuest, Kempton plans to offer a blend of autonomy and guidance to ease the transition from dependent teenager to independent adult. “I plan to live in the same apartment complex as the students, so I’ll be available as a guide and mentor during their gap year experience. We have a variety of topics, challenges and experiences planned throughout the year to foster independence and growth.”

RELATED: Helping Teens Find their Niche

GapQuest: Gap Year Experience provides a unique and valuable opportunity for young adults to step back from the traditional academic path and engage in a year of intentional growth and exploration.

The program helps students build a strong foundation for their future endeavors by focusing on living, working, learning and playing. As more students and parents recognize the benefits of a gap year, programs like GapQuest are poised to become an essential part of the journey to adulthood.

What’s Briefly Happening: November & December in Toledo

Mary Genson

November 7, 2024

Group taking selfie — Nuestra Gente offers bilingual english-spanish social services in Lucas County.

Ohio School Report Cards are in

According to the Ohio Department of Education’s 2024 Ohio School Report Cards, about 90 percent of the school districts across the State received three stars or higher on their overall rating on a scale of 1-5 stars. These report cards are required by law and intended to provide transparency in a school’s performance to parents, caregivers, community members, educators and policymakers.

2.5 stars

Toledo Public Schools

3 stars

Elmwood Local
Lake Local
Springfield Local

3.5 stars

North Baltimore Local
Rossford Exempted Village
Washington Local Schools

4 stars

Maumee City
Oregon City
Northwood Local Schools
Otsego Local
Eastwood Local

4.5 stars

Sylvania Schools
Anthony Wayne Local
Bowling Green City School District

5 stars

Ottawa Hills Local
Perrysburg Exempted Village

Nuestra Gente provides assistance and support

For almost 20 years Nuestra Gente has been providing bilingual english-spanish social services in Lucas County. Nuestra Gente helps low-income, refugees and immigrants by providing services through its food pantry, clothing, housing navigation, furniture, bedding, kitchen items, child care and school registrations, behavioral health navigation, medical screenings, translations, interpretations, transportation, legal assistance and find a job to start being independent.

Nuestra Gente Community Projects founder and president Linda Parra said that lately, the calls and texts asking for assistance have increased due to the number of families arriving in Toledo and Lucas County. With families arriving from Nicaragua, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti, Peru, Salvador, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, a new program at the non-profit, Nuestras Familias (Our Families), responds to the needs of these families by delivering aid that welcomes them to our communities.

RELATED: What’s Briefly Happening: September & October in Toledo

Eagle’s Nest program moves to bigger space

Blue school sign — Toledo Christian’s Eagle’s Nest is at 4023 Beverly Dr., Toledo.

Toledo Christian’s Eagle’s Nest program has moved to a larger space at Zion United Methodist Church at 4023 Beverly Dr., Toledo. The preschool program encourages imaginative play and learning at a young age. They use the Junior Kindergarten Memoria Press curriculum in both the preschool and pre-kindergarten programs.

Toledo Christian’s Eagle’s Nest. 4023 Beverly Dr., Toledo. 419-389-8700.

Toledo receives grant to address violence

A $1,000,000 grant was recently awarded to The City of Toledo from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). This grant was provided through the FY24 Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence program and will improve school safety and student and family support at Waite, Woodward and Scott High Schools. With this grant, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) will work to address the root cause of local violence. Some activities that will be implemented towards this effort include a community action table, school-community partnerships, partner sub-awards, youth mental health first aid training and family-oriented case management.

TPS Superintendent wins prestigious award

The Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools Romules Durant was recently named 2024 Urban Educator of the Year at the Council of the Great City Schools’ 68th annual fall conference. Durant is a graduate of Waite High School and has been TPS superintendent since 2013. He was one of five finalists who competed for this award. In addition to the title, Durant received a $10,000 college scholarship that will benefit a TPS student. He received his award at the 35th annual Green-Garner Award Banquet

Taylor Holloway Teaches the Art of Candle Making at Callisto Terra

Mary Rose Kulczak

November 7, 2024

Candle making class — Taylor Holloway teaches the art of candle making at her studio.

Taylor Holloway knows how to light up a room. And making candles has enabled her to do that since opening her shop, Callisto Terra Candles and Candle Making Studio, in March of 2021. With workshops where individuals and parties can create signature scents and one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, “[Callisto Terra] offers a fun and serene environment where you can get creative,” Holloway explains, adding, “There’s a few DIY classes we offer, including candle making, painting, jewelry making and yoga too.”

Holloway turns candle making into a fun event for bridal parties, birthday parties, date nights or self-care workshops. She offers Scent and Sip, a time for visitors to gather with friends to make a candle and enjoy a glass of wine and snacks.

Mom of four is also an entrepreneur

“Honestly, people who enjoy treating themselves to really nice things,” she said. “I get a lot of folks who love high quality products and experiences, too. Some of my customers have become my favorite people!”

Holloway will soon be hosting her seasonal Coffee and Candles workshops. “We open it up this time of year and host it at our store and at Copper Moon Studio, too. It’s so popular and kid-friendly,” Holloway said.

And speaking of kids, how does this busy mom of four handle the pressures of being an entrepreneur?

RELATED: 5 Helpful Toledo Facebook Groups for Moms

This busy mom of four handles the demand of being an entrepreneur by utilizing “every resource and whenever possible, literally whenever, to include those kids,” she said. “Empower them to learn and grow and offer insight. Children are a gift and they’re so observant. I don’t suggest the free labor bit that people love saying, but allowing them to work, to give them a sense of responsibility for what you are building for the household you share.”

In addition to the shop, Holloway’s products can also be found at Copper Moon Studio, Libbey Glass Factory Outlet, Handmade Hotspot, Bratt Salon, and Makers on Main. Visit Callistoterra.com for more information on classes and products.

Get to know Taylor Holloway

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Taylor, candle maker and book reader! Momma to four beautiful babies and lover of all things and good music!

Tell us about your family!

I have a mini army including my only boy, Andrew Isaiah, 12, my charismatic hurricane, Hannah Jeniene, 10, my sweet and spicy Moriah Nicole, 8, and the fierce Nora Lynn, 5.

Any pets?

No pets. The kids are enough!

What do you like to do on a day off?

Read books, listen to music, walk aimlessly at one of our Metroparks, hang out with my family and friends, and honestly, make more candles! I really enjoy making them. It’s so relaxing.

Any hobbies?

Reading is a huge hobby of mine. I delight in stacking up books on the bookshelves I have at home.

Book person or movie person?

I am both. I just recently started reading physical books again. I’ve always been an audible girl, but will never deny a good movie!

Dream vacation?

Ireland

Favorite local restaurant?

Right now, I’d say Kato Ramen downtown.

Favorite season?

Autumn because of all the colors and crunchy sounds and amazing scents.

Do you have a mom superpower?

My kids say that I “just know things.” I’d say when it comes to the four of them I do. I always seem to know what’s going on with them. They hate it, but it works to my benefit!

Favorite inspirational quote?

On my email signature, I have this: “I like things to happen; and if they don’t happen, I like to make them happen.” -Winston Churchill

Arts Opportunities in Toledo for Those With Disabilities

Dennis Bova

November 6, 2024

Dancers in line and wearing costumes — Through the Toledo Ballet Adaptive Dance programs, specialized adaptive dance instruction is offered to differently abled individuals.

Toledo is filled with opportunities to participate in the arts, including for those with disabilities. There are outlets available for painting, dancing, singing and performing in public.

Unruly Arts, a nonprofit studio in the Artists’ Village at Toledo Botanical Garden for individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. “We’re kind of a family here,” said Lori Schoen, Unruly Arts art director. “It’s all about making art, having fun, getting people to express themselves, and to feel good about themselves.”

Schoen said the abilities of the artists – numbering about 24, assisted by a staff of two and about 15 volunteers – “range from just putting paint on paper to some of the most stunning artwork.” Some of the artists work in fused glass with the Village’s glassblower.

The result of those collaborations — the art produced by the men and women of Unruly Arts — is for sale at the Village’s gift shop. “This gives our [participants] visibility. People come in looking for a certain artist’s work. Our guys are excited to talk about their work and show what they’ve done.”

RELATED: Toledo Area Activities for Students with Disabilities

Schoen added, “Some people might be uncomfortable talking to those with a speech impediment, for example,, but it breaks down barriers, and the shoppers see how capable our {participants} are, while our participants see their work is validated.”

Working with Toledo Ballet

In one instance, the work of Unruly Artists’ “guys” was validated in the Toledo Ballet’s production of The Lion King. Ann Heckler of the ballet had Schoen’s artists adorn some of the costumes worn by the dancers. “Lori made them and pulled her guys in to help. They were amazing costumes, very professionally made.”

Heckler has another connection to the community of those with disabilities. She’s also the Adaptive Dance director for the ballet, part of Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts. In that role, she provides those with disabilities with the opportunity to dance – one of her students progressed to the point where she became part of another ballet production, the Nutcracker.

Performing arts group wearing costumes — The Toledo Ballet Adaptive Dance programs performed The Lion King in costumes designed by Unruly Arts.

Toledo Ballet Adaptive Dance offers differently abled individuals specialized adaptive dance instruction. Neurodivergent learning styles, such as Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, can experience the sheer joy of dance and music. Heckler offers two programs at the Toledo Ballet studios at 5327 Monroe St. One is adaptive dance choreography skills for teens and adults who have Down Syndrome or are on the autism spectrum. The other is inclusion dance for children ages 8 and up.

Hecker said she began the offerings to those with disabilities “because I thought it was the right thing to do. Why should dance be for typical-body-and-minded dancers? It should be for everybody. Everybody can have fun doing dance. I love working with these students.” Hecker said with emphasis, “Our motto is: Dance is for everyBODY.”

iDance Adaptive Performing Arts

Another organization offers other types of dance, along with singing and instrumental performance. “We’re a place of discovery,” said Karen Medina, director of iDance Adaptive Performing Arts Center. She said iDance helps adults with special needs “find their confidence through the discovery of their interest. We cater to all abilities.”

Medina explains that iDance offers voice classes, keyboard, percussion, hip-hop and fitness classes, among others. With pride, Medina said iDance recently added renowned Toledo jazz singer Ramona Collins as a vocal teacher.

Medina is excited about the move to iDance’s new offices and class space at 215 North Summit St. in downtown Toledo. “We were in our previous space for 10 years, but we wanted to be more visible,” she said. Now, iDance is on the ground floor “surrounded by glass, so people can see us. And right outside is a performance area.”

iDance has scholarship money available through the Greater Toledo Community Foundation for music classes called Adaptive Sounds. “We would love to have more people,” Medina said, “we have that scholarship money available.” And of the new space, she said, “let’s fill it with energy.”

Further details are available by visiting unrulyarts.org, artstoledo.com/adaptive-dance, and idanceapac.org

Toledo’s Free Family Fun in November 2024

Mary Genson

November 5, 2024

Nov. 1

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day

Come out to the Wood County Museum for free Museum admission every first Friday!

Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green

Opening Night Pregame Party

Celebrate a new Walleyes season at this free party in Hensville.

Hensville Park, N St Clair St., Toledo

Nov. 2

Sustainable Living Fair

Explore a variety of local businesses and organizations to learn more about environmental causes and sustainability. There will be a story time for families and a recycled craft station.

Way Public Library, 101 E Indiana Ave., Perrysburg

Drop-In Drama Class for Ages 3-4

Young performers will incorporate song, movement, and puppetry to learn about theater.

Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo

Kid’s Game Day

Play games at Checkmate! They will be teaching and running lots of games for younger audiences. Ages 8+

Checkmate Games and Hobbies, 6725 W. Central Ave., Toledo

Love & Friendship Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Stop in anytime and do our special scavenger hunt celebrating love and friendship!

Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo

Nov. 4

Spin & Splat Art Studio presents Mini Spins

Mesmerizing spin art machines with rainbow color choices! Each participant creates their own 4×6 mini spin art masterpiece. Registration is required.

Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St., Toledo

Pressed Flower and Fall Leaf Suncatcher

Use pressed flowers and fall leaves to create a beautiful fall suncatcher.

King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Toledo

Nov. 5

School-Age STEM

An introduction to STEM specifically for children in grades K-4.

Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St., Toledo

Nov. 6

Toddler Trails (Ages 0-3)

This outdoor, multi-sensory nature play and exploration introduces your toddlers up to three years of age to the natural world and promotes its preservation. Registration is required.

Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo

Nov. 9

Positively Portable Preschool

Join The Ability Center for a delightful mix of stories, catchy songs, and playful dance moves—all aimed at boosting social skills and preparing for school.

The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Toledo

Nov. 11

Yoga for Kids

Kids ages 6-10 are welcome to a fun yoga class where they will practice mindfulness, yoga poses, and breathing exercises.

Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane, Toledo

Nov. 12

Pretend Slumber Party

Put on your pajamas and spend a cozy evening at the library with snacks and games.

Birmingham Branch Library, 203 Paine Ave., Toledo

Nov. 14

Homeschool Hour – Woven Basket Craft

Explore tech tools, create some art, and play fun games with other homeschooling families.

King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Toledo

Fall into Winter with Nature’s Nursery

What do animals do to prepare for winter? Find out with Nature’s Nursery and their ambassador animals! Ages 5 and up.

Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville

Nov. 16

The Blade Holiday Parade

Bring the family down and enjoy the Distinguished Clown Corps, Giant Balloons, local marching bands, horses, floats and more.

Downtown Toledo, Summit St.

LEGO Challenge

Practice your engineering skills and put your creativity to work at this fun building program.

Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo

November Movie Night at Callisto Terra

Camp out on the floor in the shop & watching a movie on the big screen.

Callisto Terra, 5223 Hill Ave., Toledo

Nov. 18

Water Clean Up STEM Activity

Experiment to create a water filter using a variety of materials.

Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane, Toledo

Nov. 19

Homeschool Meet-Up

Explore, create, and learn along with other homeschooling families!

Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo

Nov. 23

Tinkering Takeover

Enjoy interactive science and engineering with a spark of creativity during Imagination Station’s Tinkering Takeover.

Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd., Toledo

Cocoa and Canvas

Kids and parents alike will love this cozy event where everyone can unleash their inner artist while sipping on warm, delicious cocoa. Registration is required.

The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Toledo

Nov. 25

Treasure Chest Storytime with WGTE Public Media

A special storytime utilizing beloved PBS KIDS programming and characters.

Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo

Nov. 27

Nintendo Switch Party – Just Dance

Show off your dance moves while playing the popular Nintendo Switch game Just Dance!

Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo

Library Programs

Forensic Mystery

Solve a mystery by learning about fingerprints and ink analysis. Use what you learn to analyze the clues left at the crime scene.

Nov. 11

Toledo Heights Branch Library: 423 Shasta Dr., Toledo

Nov. 20

Kent Branch Library: 3101 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo

Nov. 21

Heatherdowns Branch Library: 3265 Glanzman Rd., Toledo

Nov. 25

Main Library: 325 N Michigan St., Toledo

1...757677...701 Page 76 of 701