What’s Briefly Happening: July & August in Toledo
Local organizations collaborate to expand production and outreach
Bittersweet Farms and Grace Community Center have recently partnered to expand the reach of their existing programs benefiting the community. The Bittersweet Gardens Vocational Program empowers adults with autism by providing opportunities through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program and year-round vegetable production initiatives. Grace Community Center plans to increase production at its urban garden, with the help of Bittersweet and other community partners and volunteers, to provide community-based training opportunities for Bittersweet participants.
Mom’s House and The Pregnancy Center begin partnership
Mom’s House and The Pregnancy Center are collaborating to nurture change through their capital campaign, “Rattle the Stars,” with plans to open a second Mom’s House location and a collaborative space to aid in extending both organizations’ services for Toledo area families in need. So far, two major campaign donations have been announced including an anchor gift of $1 million from Bob Moore, in honor of his late wife, Laurie, and a transformative gift of $5 million from Janet Olczak Lanterman in honor of her late husband, Kirk.
Toth Elementary gets new trained facility dog
Perrysburg Schools recently assigned Aspen, a trained facility dog, a “fur-ever” placement at Toth Elementary. Aspen’s adoption and placement was financially sponsored by Medical Mutual. Perrysburg Schools currently has four full time facility dogs. The Facility Dog Program is supported by the Perrysburg Schools Foundation along with individual and corporate donors.
Directions Cares for Classrooms Winter 2024 winners
Directions Credit Union recently announced the winners from the Directions Cares for Classrooms Grant Program Winter 2024. Eligible educators include K-12 teachers and staff who work for public, private or charter schools in the Directions field of membership. From 144 applications, 17 winners were chosen, including local winners, Carrie Swangstu of Jerusalem Elementary, Susan Fitzpatrick of Explorers Academy, Carla Rygalski of Fallen Timbers Middle School, Heather Rotunno of Shoreland Elementary, Kim Coffman of Penta Career and Vicki Mayfield of Ottawa River Elementary.
Primrose preschoolers donate to local children in need
During their Spring Fling event, parents and friends of Primrose School of Perrysburg preschoolers recently donated $4,310 to Heinzerling Community and Primrose Schools Children Foundation. The Spring Fling initiative at Primrose Schools was a nationwide effort where students throughout the nation fundraised to give back to the community through silent auctions, gift basket raffles, penny war competitions and carnival events.
Kids Astrology: Leo (July 23 to August 22)
Cancer (June 22 to July 22)
Your cancer child is deeply empathetic, intuitive and attuned to others’ feelings. They seek emotional connections. Your child is exploring how to express their emotions. Music can help them explore their feelings towards themselves and others in a safe and enjoyable way. For a party idea this year, make simple musical instruments crafted out of plastic milk bottles and dried beans — a shaker that your child can be proud of. As a gift, give them a certificate to purchase a musical instrument or to take lessons. This musical experience is a wonderful way for them to learn something new as they turn a year older.
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
Happy Birthday to Your Leo Child! Make your child’s birthday extra special with a memorable adventure. Leos love to travel and explore, so consider theming this year’s party as “The Great Backpack Adventure.” Buy your child a gift of a backpack and fill it with essentials like a flashlight, compass, water bottle, paper and pencils. Take a trip and let your Leo child navigate directions using the compass. Create a list of things they can find and observe along the way. At the end of the outing, give them a special birthday book so they can document their adventures and nurture their ability to write and express themselves. Celebrate your Leo child’s creativity, curiosity and love for exploration.
New Kids on the Block: July/August 2024
Skate of Mind LLC teaches Toledo skaters
Skate of Mind is a new Toledo business that offers private roller skating lessons to children, teens and adults interested in learning how to skate. Classes are held at Ohio Skate in Toledo.
Skate of Mind LLC. 5735 Opportunity Dr, Toledo. [email protected]. skate-of-mind-llc.square.site.
Pickleball coming to the Glass City Riverwalk
Toledo Pickle Company has begun construction of its new facility in Toledo’s Vistula District. Guests of all ages will have access to top-of-the-line pickleball amenities with ten indoor and two outdoor courts. This facility will be open year round as part of Metroparks Toledo’s Glass City Riverwalk development.
Toledo Pickle, LLC. 1030 Water Street, Toledo. toledopickle.com.
Sylvania Children’s Center adds location
Sylvania Children’s Center now has two Toledo locations, the existing location on Talmadge Rd. and a new location at 5045 West Sylvania Ave. The new facility has larger classrooms and a 11,000+ square foot naturescape playground.
Sylvania Children’s Center. 5045 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo. 419-721-6070. sylvania-children.com.
Northwood Community Center now open
The Northwood Community Center is now open. For Northwood residents, annual family memberships are $288. Among the Center’s many amenities is an indoor track, multipurpose room, outdoor splash pad, gymnasium and weight training/fitness area. A family membership for non-residents is $450. Prices for individual adults, youth and seniors for annual, quarterly and monthly memberships are available. Visit the website for pricing. The splash pad is free and open to the public.
Northwood Community Center. 419-690-1633. 3700 Main Street, Northwood. northwoodoh.gov.
Childcare campus finishes final phase of development
Quality Time 3 Child Development Center is now open. This is the third Quality Time Learning Center building in Toledo, in addition to the original location at 2315 Dorr St. and Quality Time Too at 2301 Dorr St.
2343 Dorr St., Toledo. 419-531-2990. Quality Time Learning Center on Facebook.
Prioritize Hydration for Summer Adventures
Parents should make sure their kids drink plenty of water in the hot summer months to stay healthy and active. Dr. John McBride, a doctor with Franklin Park Pediatrics, shares important tips for keeping kids hydrated in hot weather.
Drink fluids throughout the Day
McBride emphasizes encouraging children to stay hydrated by consistently drinking fluids, particularly water, throughout the day. He suggests that regularly consuming small amounts of fluids is more beneficial than drinking a large quantity all at once.
This method helps keep your body hydrated and prevents discomfort and bloating by drinking water in smaller amounts throughout the day.
Choose water over sugary drinks
When choosing the proper fluids, McBride suggests that water or flavored water is the best choice 95% of the time. “Electrolyte fluids, like Powerade or Gatorade, are only necessary during intense or prolonged workouts, such as sports practices,” he explains.
While sports drinks can help speed rehydration due to their sugar content, they can contribute to weight gain if consumed regularly without accompanying exercise. “For everyday hydration, stick to water or low-calorie flavored options like Propel or G2 Gatorade,” McBride advises.
Take frequent breaks during sports
Staying adequately hydrated is extremely important when engaging in physical activities. McBride recommends that children take regular breaks to drink water and to lower their body temperature while participating in sports. These breaks support optimal hydration and allow the body to recuperate from the effects of heat and physical strain.
Tips for picky drinkers
McBride has practical suggestions for children who are picky about non-sugary drinks. “I recommend flavored water, as it can be more appealing to kids than plain water,” he notes. He also reminds that low-calorie sports drinks like G2 Gatorade can be a good alternative.
Another fun and effective way to keep kids hydrated is by offering popsicles made from real fruit juice or incorporating hydrating fruits into their diet. Fruits like watermelon, strawberries and peaches have high water content, which makes them tasty while boosting hydration.
Practical hydration tips for parents
- Set a schedule: Encourage your child to drink water regularly throughout the day. Setting specific times for hydration can help establish a routine.
- Make it fun: Use colorful cups or straws to make drinking water more exciting for kids. You can also involve them in creating their own fruit-infused water.
- Set a good example: Children frequently imitate the actions of their parents. Make sure to drink water regularly and show enthusiasm for staying hydrated.
- Keep water accessible: Always have water available, whether you’re at home, at the park or on a road trip. Portable water bottles are an excellent investment.
Following these essential tips, parents can help their children stay healthy and well-hydrated during the summer. It’s crucial to ensure that kids remain properly hydrated to support their overall well-being, to safeguard against heat-related illnesses and to allow them to fully engage in summer activities.
Letter from the Editor: Welcoming a New Baby
For the best reason, this summer presents new and exciting changes for my family. On June 12, me and my husband, Noah, were blessed with our first born, a daughter, Amelia. Nothing could have prepared me for the moments filled with love and excitement which I felt when she arrived. Despite so much to learn, we are looking forward to taking on our first summer as a family of three.
The days leading up to Amelia’s arrival were long and filled with preparing our “nest.” One of the tasks I wanted to finish before she was born was to select items to pack in a bag for my trip to the hospital. In this issue, our Maternity and Baby Guide, a professional midwife along with local moms share advice on the most useful items to place in that overnight bag. We include and article by an expert about how to identify postpartum anxiety and depression. We also provide a Back to School Guide for parents with school aged kids with tips and tricks for preparing for the school year.
Check out the Winners of our 2023 Family Favorites! where we celebrate and report your selections of local businesses and service providers that Toledo Parent readers have identified as their “Favorites”. These results comprise a list of quality resources recommended and curated by the loyal fans and readers of Toledo Parent!.
Remember, you can always access online exclusive content and stories from past publications by visiting toledoparent.com.
Enjoy this beautiful summer!
Mary Genson
Assignment Editor
Toledo Area Parent