Get Your Game On at Flip the Table, Toledo’s New Board Game Lounge

By

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September 27, 2024

In the heart of Toledo lies a hidden gem for board game enthusiasts and beginners alike – Flip the Table, a board game lounge that offers a unique (to Toledo) gaming experience.

Toledo has always had a decent amount of friendly local gaming stores (FLGS in internet-speak), where interested parties can shop for board games, role playing games and the like. A lot of these also allow you to play games as well. But these spaces can also be a little intimidating to beginners to the hobby.

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Enter Flip the Table, a board game lounge recently opened by Tiffany and Dominique Kramer. “We’ve always been board game people,” Tiffany Kramer said. “I wouldn’t say we’re serious hobbyists like a lot of people are, but we like the quicker games that we can play with friends and family that aren’t super into board games.”

The two visited a board game lounge in Seattle and Cleveland and they decided that Toledo could really use something similar. You can come here “and just play games,” which is one of the many things that sets it apart from those FLGSs.

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Flip the Table is located right next to the new Earnest Brew Works Westgate. It costs $5 per person to play for a day. It’s a wonderful open space with big windows and comfortable spaces. There are two separate cozy lounges if you would prefer to game on couches, but also plenty of large and small tables throughout to accommodate a group of any size.

Flip the Table offers a variety of food and beverage options to keep you fueled during your gaming sessions. From snacks and candy to sodas and beer, there’s something for everyone. They recently got their liquor license and now usually serve a mixed drink in addition to the cans they always have available. I’m hoping that they and Earnest can work out a deal for draft beer. If you are hungry, you are welcome to bring in an outside meal. Right in the heart of Westgate, there’s no shortage of great options.

Step inside and be transported to a world of creativity, strategy and fun. Flip the Table boasts an extensive collection of almost 600 board games, ranging from classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to modern favorites like Catan and Pandemic. They also have a nice collection of old, vintage games like Dark Tower, one of my favorites as a child (they also have the new one!). Whether you’re a seasoned board gamer or new to the hobby, you’re sure to find something to your liking.

My wife and I love to have friends over for a night of board gaming, but we also have a three-year old and way too many toys. Thus, having people over becomes a real chore in preparation. This is also what appealed to Tiffany Kramer. She said, “We have a whole zoo at home so having people over is a full operation.” With the lounge, you don’t have to bring anything and you don’t have to clean up (well, you should probably pick your board game up).

The lounge’s inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating and warm lighting, provides the perfect setting for hours of gaming. They host private events as well and recently hosted a nine year-old’s birthday party. “We had a lot of kids in here and they had a blast,” Tiffany Kramer said

There are plenty of fun things for most ages. We brought our three year-old and found plenty to play. There are also children’s legos and puzzles. Their website inventory lists over 30 games for Children. Their hours can be a little unfriendly for children, but Saturdays and Sundays they do get a lot of families.

The calendar is filled with fun and interesting events, including Trivia, Date Nights (with a more romantic atmosphere), Open Table (where solo gamers can come and join other groups), Bring Your Own Record Nights, College Nights, Dungeons and Dragons, and others.

I also have a long-running gaming group that is usually running a pretty serious space consuming game (currently it is Frosthaven). Flip the Table is a perfect solution for those nights when we feel like playing a new game but not the desire to clean up the current game. It is also great for trying out games before we buy them, which like everything else are just getting more and more expensive.

Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, a family-friendly activity, or a solo gaming retreat, Flip the Table has something for everyone. So gather your friends, grab a game, and don’t be a sore loser and flip the table!

Hours (do check their calendar as they do host private events some nights):

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Wednesdays: 6pm – 11pm

Thursdays: 6pm – 11pm

Fridays: 6pm – 1am

Saturdays: 5pm – 1am

Sundays: 12pm – 5pm

October Freebies in Toledo

By

Shannon Merryman

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September 27, 2024

Oct. 2

Create Your Own Milagritos – Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month

“Milagritos” or little/small miracles are good luck charms. Learn more about Milagritos and create one of your own! Registration is required.

Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo

Oct. 3

Free Art Activity

Free family art activities at the Jose Martinez Memorial Galeria at SQACC. Also on Thur, Oct. 10.

Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center, 1222 Broadway St., Toledo

Oct. 4

Learn & Play
STEM for little ones! Crafts, toys, and more for little ones to learn while playing, including reading a few fun stories. Weekly.

Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo

October First Friday
Red Bird businesses compete for the coolest, craziest, scariest, and most creative big pumpkin. The community gets to vote on the best.

Downtown Sylvania, Main St., Sylvania

Oct. 5

Heritage Farm Fest
Sustainably grown and holistically raised food, wagon rides, games, live music, hands-on heritage activities, Power of Yesteryear demonstrations and more.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Rd., Bowling Green

Camp in a Box
Camp-in-a-Box is a STEAM-focused, hour-long program designed for students ages 6 and up. October will focus on Soil Science.

Wood County District Public Library, 251 N. Main St., Bowling Green

Nature at Night Fest
Celebrate all things nocturnal at this family-friendly event.
Pearson Metropark, 761 Lallendorf Rd., Oregon

Oct. 6

Cruisin’ The Point 1st Annual Summit St Cruise
Catch classic cars cruising on Summit St. with free trunk or treat for kids from 3-6pm.

The Toledo Yacht Club, 3900 N Summit St., Toledo

Oct. 7

StoryTunes with TAPA
During these 45-minute classes, Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) educator and Musically Me founder, Cheryl Freeman, and a special musical guest will bring stories to life.

Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon

A Mountain of Marbles – with Maroks GlassRoots
Games, crafts and a demonstration on glass blowing a marble with marble masters Maroks GlassRoots.

Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St., Toledo

Create Your Own Milagritos – Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month
“Milagritos” or little/small miracles are good luck charms. Learn more about Milagritos and create one of your own! Registration is required.

Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd., Toledo

Oct. 10

Homeschool Hour – Fall Q-Tip Hand Tree
Come explore our tech tools, create some art and play fun games with other homeschooling families.

King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Toledo

Edible White Chocolate Sugar Skulls & Tissue Paper Marigolds
Create White Chocolate Skulls and paper Marigolds in honor of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St., Toledo

Oct. 12

Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day
Celebrate Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day, which kicks off National Wildlife Refuge Week, by partnering with Toledo City Parks and One Voice for East Toledo for volunteer projects and fun.

Navarre Park, 1001 White St., Toledo

Sturgeon Fest
Join Toledo Zoo staff and partners at the annual sturgeon release. Sponsor a Lake sturgeon, release a fish (no cost), and enjoy family-friendly activities.

City of Toledo Boat Launch, 2700 Broadway St., Toledo

OcTABerfest
Bring your aluminum pull tabs to help recycle and offset the cost of the pantry used by RMHC families. Plenty of fun, family-friendly activities.

Ronald McDonald Charity House, 3883 Monroe St., Toledo

Northwood Fall Festival
Enjoy a parade, car show and kids activities.

Central Park, 6010 Wales Rd., Northwood

Movie and a Craft – Coco (105 min), PG
Enjoy a showing of the Disney film, Coco, and make a family tree.
Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo

Oct. 13

Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest
Offering a blend of historical re-enactments, artisan crafts, live music, and of course, delicious apple butter.

Front St., Grand Rapids

Oct. 18

Eerie Manor Tours
Roam through over 30 hauntingly decorated spaces. Family friendly. Runs through Saturday, Oct, 26.

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

Pumpkin Decorating and a Movie – Corpse Bride
Decorate pumpkins while enjoying a spooky movie.

Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr., Toledo

Oct. 19

Family Storytime – Forts
Children ages 2-5, and their grown-ups, are invited to share stories and music, and build forts together.

Reynolds Corners Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St., Toledo

Sylvania Fall Festival
Event-goers can enjoy local craft booths, live music, the annual parade and so much more! Also on Sunday, Oct. 20.

Downtown Sylvania, Main St, Sylvania

Oct. 24

Critter Crawl
Navigate through the building meeting some of the Nature’s Nursery critters on the way. Learn why these creepy critters really aren’t so creepy after all!

Blusky Restoration, 1300 Michigan Ave., Waterville

Oct. 25

Carl the Collector PBS KIDS Movie Night
Watch an episode of the brand new PBS KIDS show Carl the Collector on the big screen, participate in fun activities, enjoy delicious treats, and go home with free giveaways.

WGTE Public Media, 1270 S Detroit Ave., Toledo

Library Programs

Why Trees Matter: Papermaking
Learn about the importance of trees and their environmental impact with Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful. Then turn old paper into paper pulp and then into new paper.

Oct. 1- Reynolds Corners Branch Library: 4833 Dorr St., Toledo

Oct. 5- Heatherdowns Branch Library: 3265 Glanzman Road, Toledo

Oct. 7- Holland Branch Library: 1032 South McCord Rd., Holland

Oct, 15- Sylvania Branch Library: 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania

Oct. 19- Main Library: 325 N Michigan St., Toledo

Cezanne’s Apples Still Life with Molly Miller

Using oil pastels to recreate Painted Apples, we will learn about Paul Cezanne, a famous French painter, and his style of Still Life paintings.

Oct. 1- Point Place Branch Library: 2727 117th St., Toledo

Oct. 8- South Branch Library: 1736 Broadway St., Toledo

Oct. 14- Oregon Branch Library: 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon

Oct. 15- Reynolds Corners Branch Library: 4833 Dorr St., Toledo

Oct. 18- Lagrange Branch Library: 3422 Lagrange St., Toledo

and West Toledo Branch Library: 1320 Sylvania Ave., Toledo

Oct. 21- Holland Branch Library: 1032 South McCord Rd., Holland

Oct. 22- Maumee Branch Library: 501 River Rd., Maumee

Oct. 23- Toledo Heights Branch Library: 423 Shasta Dr., Toledo

Build-a-Bin with ToledoGROWs

Use the scientific method to discover what worms eat, see, and do.

Oct. 1- Sylvania Branch Library: 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania

Oct. 2- West Toledo Branch Library: 1320 Sylvania Ave., Toledo

Lights and Costumes with Children’s Theatre Workshop

Explore lights and costumes and how they immerse you into any show!

Oct. 3- Sanger Branch Library: 3030 W. Central Ave., Toledo

Oct. 5- Main Library-325 N Michigan St., Toledo

Oct. 21- Washington Branch Library: 5560 Harvest Lane, Toledo

Talking to Children About Grief: Advice from Good Grief

By

Dennis Bova

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September 26, 2024

As adults get older, they have more experience coping with the loss of a loved one. Not so with children, who grieve in their own way, in their own time, and with their own thoughts and fears. How can parents and caregivers help kids navigate the grief process?

Simple: Listen to what the grieving child has to say. Such is the advice of Dorothy Mockensturm, managing director of Good Grief of Northwest Ohio, a nonprofit whose mission is to focus on children’s grief.

“The first thing I suggest is to listen,” she said. “Hold back from offering advice or making judgment. Listen without judging or interpreting. As caring adults, we’re often tempted to minimize the situation because we’re trying to protect them.”

What an adult can say, she said, is what she calls reflecting or mirroring. An example would be when a child says, “I miss my mom, especially in the morning,” the adult should respond by repeating that, which serves to validate the child’s feelings without trying to fix the situation. “Trying to fix it can be dismissive,” she said. “The most important thing for parents or any adult is to be open to listening.”

Children grieve differently

Another point adults should remember is that children grieve different than adults do, “especially the younger kids, age 4 to 9 or 10,” Mockensturm said. “They can’t maintain high levels of emotional intensity. They pop in and out of it. One moment they’re clearly drenched in grief, the next minute they want to go outside and play or get a snack. That can be confusing to adults around them.”

Adults may question whether the child actually is grieving. “We’re here to tell you that’s how kids grieve,” she said.

It’s important for parents and caregivers to be open to different ways of grieving. “Grief differs from child to child in the same family,” she added. “In a family where there are siblings, be open to the fact that each one may need a different way of processing. One child can be vocal and want to talk and share fears. The brother or sister may not be as talkative, which means they’re grieving differently.”

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She added, “The other thing I would suggest is to take your cue from the child. They’re the ones who know what they need in the moment. Older kids might say they don’t want to talk about it, and that’s OK. Your response should be, ‘If you ever do want to talk, I’m here,’ and keep checking in.”

Grief talk goes the other way, too. Adults should feel comfortable talking about their grief with children “Be honest with your emotions. We shy away from that because we think we’re protecting the children, but we’re not being fully present to them,” she said.

Good Grief stands ready

Speaking of her organization, Mockensturm added, “We’re always an option. Our program is peer-based group support. It’s not counseling or therapy. Our goal is to help kids identify healthy coping skills, supporting people they can talk to, activities that help them.” Good Grief is open to children aged 4 to 18.

“We want kids to identify their feelings and have some tools to get through that moment. The activities that we plan for our kids are designed to begin conversation of their grief. For example, let’s talk about how angry we get. We think grief is one-dimensional: sadness. It’s also anger, confusion and with kids, embarrassment.”

Good Grief partners with local schools – at the end of last academic year, the organization was in 18 schools, she said – where it works with school counselors who are co-facilitators. Good Grief also has support sessions at its Reynolds Road office. In schools, the support groups comprise six to eight children; groups in the agency’s office are usually 10 or fewer, she said.

“Our services are completely free,” she said. “Because it’s not treatment, we don’t get insurance reimbursement; 100 percent of our income is charitable donations.”

Mockensturm noted that much of what Good Grief suggests in navigating grief is applicable to adults, too. She concluded, “Grieving people of any age can be hard on themselves – worrying if we’re crying too much, or not enough. If we’re thinking of them too much, or not enough. There’s a vague perception that there is a right or wrong way to grief. There is no right or wrong way. Each experience is unique.

“Parents and caregivers can help their kids and themselves by letting them know and acknowledge themselves that all feelings are ok, as long as they don’t translate to behavior that hurts themselves or anybody else.”

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)

By

Kimmie

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September 25, 2024

Happy birthday to your Libra, a sign ruled by Venus, which is all about beauty and charm. Focus on demonstrating magic — hire a magician to do magic tricks, or buy a magic set and encourage your little one to put on their own show. Let this year be full of exciting memories and magic for your Libra child!

Fall Fun Photo Contest

By

Mary Genson

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September 23, 2024

How to Build a Sensory Room at Home

By

Penny Tullis Meeker

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September 22, 2024

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When I entered our doctor’s office waiting room with my children, they immediately became calm. They spoke in quieter voices and were content to wait with something quiet to do. I thought, “what magic is this?” The waiting room had soft lighting, an indoor waterfall and earth tones. The sensory designs in the room seemed to help my children relax.

Whether or not a child has been diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder, children can become overstimulated and easily experience sensory overload. Sensory rooms provide a space where calming sensory input is provided, so the nervous system can recover and regulate.

Making sensory of it

Benefits of spaces designed for kids sensory needs include:

Calms by reducing overstimulation
De-escalates when kids are melting down, showing aggression or other challenging behavior
Accommodates many types of disabilities
Reduces stress and resets mood
Supports children to focus

Sensory rooms can be found now in some schools, community centers and hospitals. Many parents are incorporating elements of sensory rooms in their homes, sometimes even setting aside a room for that purpose. Rooms can be set up to be soothing with mood lighting, comfortable seating and quiet activities; an active environment for them to safely climb on things, explore and use some energy; or a mix of both.

Every child’s needs are different

Jennie Geiman, teen services coordinator at The Ability Center, recommends parents pick items based on the needs of your child. “Some questions I would think through as a parent, business or school would be: What is the purpose of the space — calm down, move about, private place to relax? What will help them stay regulated? What types of sounds, lights, seating do they gravitate towards in that situation? What are the textures that they like or don’t like?”

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For home use, a sensory room can be designed around the specific needs of the child or children who are using it. Active rooms are designed for kids who are sensory seekers. They include opportunities to climb, swing, jump and move their bodies in a variety of ways. Calming rooms often include soft music, fiber optic lighting. Weighted objects help send calming signals to the brain and gentle rhythmic swinging can aid in calming when overstimulated. Hybrid rooms contain a mix of active and calming options for kids who need a wide range of sensory input.

Calm space ideas can be a tent, closet or corner with soft lighting. Equip the space with a soft chair or cushions, a weighted object, headphones and other small sensory objects or fidgets. You can include soft blankets, stuffed animals and other textures.

If space is scarce, create a sensory board stored under the couch or a box with sensory objects in it. Sensory walls or boards have different textures, colors and shapes for kids to explore. You can DIY it with a cork board and found items from around the house.

Designing the space

Some factors to consider when putting together the space:

Decide on your budget and space
Neutral calming colors are best for walls and floor. You can add bold, neutral or earth tone accents according to how your child responds.
Use window coverings to reduce or increase natural light. Add dimmers and avoid fluorescent lights.
Consider flooring thoughtfully. Mats might be great for kids who are active and sensory seeking, but not provide enough stability for kids with mobility issues.
Don’t forget the sense of smell. Check for irritating smells on new products, use lavender or other soothing scents, and unscented cleaners.

Sensory rooms work best when they are part of a child’s regular routine and not just when a child needs to reset. Give them a space where they can be in a soothing sensory environment every day.

The Ability Center is a local resource which offers a “Lending Closet” where parents can check out sensory equipment for up to three months. More information on the Sensory Equipment Lending Closet can be found at abilitycenter.org/lending-closet.