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What’s Briefly Happening in the Toledo Area: Spring 2024

By
Mary Genson
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Two people sitting with a dog.

Nicky’s Snack Shack opens at Woodland Elementary

Woodland Parents’ Club recently dedicated a snack shack at Woodland Elementary School to Nicole Hancock who passed away last summer. Hancock was Woodland Parent Club President since 2021-22. Through “Nicky’s Snack Shack,” snacks will be available for any student who needs one. The Club chose to name the snack shack after her because she was a health and nutrition coordinator at Toledo Public School. To help purchase snacks, donations may be made at bit.ly/wpcsnacks. To receive a link by text, text the phrase “snackshack” to 41444.

YMCA acquires financing

A photo of a YMCA center.The City of Toledo and the YMCA of Greater Toledo recently received financing. Through these New Markets Tax Credits, approximately $3.4 million will be generated to be used for  the new Wayman D. Palmer YMCA and Inez Nash Park project. This funding is a result of a collaboration between the YMCA and River Ridge Capital Advisors. It will allow for additional features such as an outdoor splash pad and Inez Nash Park enhancements. 

TARTA receives Certified Autism Center designation

A graphic for the certified autism center.TARTA’s Paratransit Division recently earned the Certified Autism Center designation. They are the first Ohio transit agency to become a Certified Autism Center, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. To earn this designation, TARTA completed a comprehensive training and certification process. Several other Toledo organizations have Certified Autism Center designations including the Huntington Center, Glass City Center, Imagination Station, Valentine Theatre and more. 

Students explore career pathways at JA Inspire event

A group of students at a STEM event.On May 8, the JA Inspire event will return for another year,  providing opportunities for 8th-12th grade students. The event aims to inspire students to discover career opportunities which can set them up for success. The event runs from 9am-2pm at the Glass City Center,  401 Jefferson Ave, Toledo. 

Throw a Birthday Bash with Dream Worthy Sleepovers

Dream Worthy Sleepovers makes party planning fun with themed tent sleepovers for all ages in Perrysburg, Sylvania and surrounding areas. They handle setup, style and tear down services for each sleepover. They can be found on Facebook as Dream Worthy Sleepovers and Instagram @dreamworthysleepovers. 

Ohio Virtual Academy implements full-day kindergarten

A group of kids by a mascot.The open enrollment period at Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) is open until Oct. 31. OHVA is a full-time online public school with Ohio-certified teachers. Full-day kindergarten will be offered starting with the 2024-2025 school year. While OHVA is based in Maumee, it is open to all Ohio students. More information on enrollment can be found at ohva.k12.com.

 

 

 

BeLove Parenting with Penny Tullis Meeker

By
Erin Holden
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A photo of a person smiling.
Penny Meeker has worked with kids of all abilities and ages for 30 years. Photo by Joni Johnson.

When Penny Tullis Meeker’s daughter, Zoey, was just 13 years old, she asked her mother a question that got Mom’s wheels turning about parenting.

 

BeLove Parenting was created by Penny Meeker. Photo by Michelle Cooper with Belle&Bee Photography.

“She asked me what I do that is so different as a parent than what other parents do.  That got me thinking about why my approach was different and why people would come to me for advice,” Meeker recalled. “That’s where BeLove Parenting came from. I started to develop and focus on how my parenting approaches were effective, which of the approaches were not effective, and accessed all of my years of experience with youth and children to do parent coaching.”

Meeker has more than 30 years of experience working with kids of all abilities and ages, as a parent, coach and educator. She has done extensive research and training to prepare for her hands-on role helping parents. As you learn more about her work, two key things distinguish her approach: 

  1. It is non-judgemental. There is no moral superiority being espoused about what parents should or shouldn’t do. It is all research-based with a foundation of empathy for the parent who is using the tools they have at the time.
  2. It is all about mindfulness. One useful gem from one of her Instagram posts is that “children would rather have ten minutes of 100 percent of you than 100 hours of ten percent of you.” Meeker promotes being fully present with your kids.

Life as a new mom

As a first-time parent at the age of 25, Meeker dutifully read parenting books to prepare herself for motherhood, but those don’t always cover all the bases. For example, many experts say that giving a child a choice between two things can make their decisions easier, but Meeker found that her daughter was still struggling with choosing outfits even when she tried that approach

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“When my daughter [her first child] hit the toddler years, she wanted to do everything herself. When it was time for her to get dressed, I took out two outfits, and she would reject them both. And we were on a tight timeline to get to daycare, and to work…I decided to take a step back. I thought, ‘Who is this really about? Do I really need to choose her outfit? Is this about her? Or is this about me?’”

From that point on, Meeker allowed her toddler to pick out her own outfits. Mindfulness, being able to take a step back and consider what is really at stake (will all the other mommies think you don’t care about your child’s appearance?), is a huge part of what Meeker brings to the table with her parent coaching.

BeLove Parenting

Both individual families and organizations can benefit from BeLove Parenting. If you have concerns about parenting and you’d like to learn more about coaching, take advantage of a 20-minute free consultation. That meeting allows Meeker to gain a sense of what the parent may warrants in terms of number of sessions and price point. Meeker’s program is curated for the specific needs of each parent and child.

Meeker is also available for public speaking on topics like routines (check out her blog about morning routines beloveparenting.net), specific behavioral issues, building social and emotional skills, and more. Meeker is available as a consultant as well.

Find out more about BeLove Parenting at beloveparenting.net. You’ll find additional content and upcoming events (like the monthly Mindfulness for Kids program) and her forthcoming book on Instagram @beloveparenting and Facebook.com/beloveparenting. 

Editor’s Note: Meeker is a freelance contributor to Toledo Parent. 

Getting to Know Penny Meeker:

Favorite pastime with your kids when they were younger: We did very seasonal, traditional things, like going to apple orchards.

What age range was most challenging for your own kids: Elementary school ages, because they started to have their own lives, so that was a big transition.

Favorite way to spend a date night with your husband in Toledo: We like to go out to eat. El Típico is one of our favorites.

Favorite way to spend solo time: Reading. (Some of her favorite parenting books are, “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk,” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish,“The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel Siegel M.D and Tina Payne Bryson and “Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool” by Emily Oster.)

Best place to get work done in Toledo: The Sylvania and King branch libraries.

Best way to de-stress: Yoga and meditation.

 

Maintaining a Healthy Pelvic Floor: Tips and Insights from a Urogynecologist 

By
Toledo Parent Staff
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A person at a doctor appointment.

Brittany Mahomes, wife of three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes, is a mother of two who recently urged women to take care of their pelvic floor in an Instagram story.

In the story she states, “Just a daily  reminder: Once you have kids, please take care of your pelvic floor. Seriously.” Ending her  message with “From: a girl with a fractured back.” 

Brittany has quite a curious following, with 1.9 million asking her opinion on running a business, physical therapy, motherhood, her  preference for diapers, diaper bags, co-sleeping, teething and childhood allergy food safety. When she urged her following of mamas to seek preventative care, it started an awareness that has gained a lot of attention.  

While the details of Mahome’s fractured back aren’t known, there are thousands of responses to  the post, with professionals stating that fracturing your back due to a weak pelvic floor is  typically rare. But how do mothers and aging women care for and maintain their pelvic floor? Local Promedica physician Nadine Kassis, M.D. of Urogynecology shares some important information on pelvic floor health.  

Dr. Nadine Kassis explains, “The pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the deep pelvis that provide support to a woman’s internal organs, including the bowel,  bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. Pelvic floor disorders occur when the pelvic muscles and connective tissue are weakened by childbirth, aging, genetics,  repetitive straining, and chronic disease.”

According to Kassis, pelvic floor disorders, such as pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, leakage of urine or stool and pain with intercourse, affect millions of American women of all ages. One in five women will undergo surgery for prolapse or urine leakage in their lifetime

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“It’s a common misconception that these disorders are ‘a normal part of aging’ and that the only option is to suffer in silence. The good news is that these conditions  are often treatable. Urogynecologists are specialists in managing pelvic floor  disorders and are also specially trained in performing minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery. If you are affected by these problems, a referral to a urogynecologist can and should be considered,” Kassis said. 

Kassis shared that a urogynecologist can provide a variety of options to relieve or resolve symptoms of pelvic floor disorders. 

“Simple changes and interventions such as dietary modification and pelvic floor exercises can significantly impact daily quality of life. Other conservative treatment options  include pelvic floor physical therapy, vaginal devices, also known as pessaries, and  medications. In addition, if necessary, there are also safe and effective surgical  treatment options, such as minimally invasive procedures for prolapse and urinary  incontinence,” Kassis said.

Kassis urges anyone suffering from a pelvic floor disorder to get evaluated and learn about the possible treatment options.

“Knowledge is power; the more you know, the more confident  you will be in directing your treatment,” Kassis said.

Tips for maintaining a healthy pelvic floor

Make sure to get enough fiber and drink plenty of water to avoid hard stools and straining due to constipation.  Connective tissue, like in the pelvic area, can be damaged with the use of nicotine. caffeine,  alcohol, nicotine as mentioned previously, highly processed foods, artificial colors and  sweeteners can irritate the bladder, increasing the chances of urinary infections or urinary  incontinence. 

Regular pelvic floor muscle exercises such as Kegels can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, support pelvic organs and control incontinence of urine and bowels. Taking care of yourself and having regular, routine checkups with your physician will keep you healthy and  active and able to keep up with your growing family comfortably. 

Toledo Threat Focuses on Basketball and Youth Mental Health

By
Toledo Parent Staff
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A group of basketball players.

If you thought the biggest threat in Toledo was the rising crime rate or the replacement of our precious 4-way stops with those pesky traffic circles, you’ve obviously never heard of Toledo Threat.

Founded in 2016 by owner Sandi Brown, Toledo Threat is a professional basketball organization and girls development program with a focus on youth mental health. They currently offer a variety of programs for grades K-12. But how did Threat – another of their monikers – come to be? Where did they start and what was their journey to become the biggest threat in Toledo?

Humble beginnings

Toledo Threat started out as nothing more than an idea. They were just a bunch of girls playing basketball who made the conscious choice to become more. And more, they became.

Toledo Threat logo

Naming themselves Toledo Threat to embody the strength and fierceness of women, they joined the WBDA in 2018 and went on to become league champions in 2019. This resulted in Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz naming them the official women’s basketball team of Toledo. With their eye on playing at the Huntington Center, Toledo Threat hoped to become Glass City legends alongside the likes of the Mud Hens and the Walleye.

Then the pandemic hit.

Turning adversity into opportunity

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Toledo Threat was at its peak. They were in the middle of their biggest season when the shutdowns went into effect. With their games canceled for the foreseeable future, most teams would have folded. But where others saw adversity, owner Sandi Brown saw opportunity.

During the pandemic, Sandi transitioned Toledo Threat from a winning basketball team into a youth basketball league of its own. At its inception, they didn’t know how much of a need there was for a program like this in Toledo, but they were happy to be able to fill it. Coming down out of lockdown, Toledo Threat blossomed into a mental health resource for young players throughout the region.

In addition to teaching the fundamentals of basketball, they set out to change the community for the better.

Giving back

Since then, Toledo Threat has grown into a one-stop shop for all things basketball. With programs catered to all grade levels, the organization can develop players through all stages of youth basketball and beyond. But Toledo Threat is bigger than just basketball.

With their continued focus on mental health, they help their players develop mental fortitude, learn how to stay motivated – even in the face of adversity – and help them build self-confidence.

Whether it’s Bowsher High School in the fall, Leverette Elementary throughout winter and spring or DeVeaux Elementary over the summer, Threat’s close relationship with the Toledo Public School system (TPS) ensures they have somewhere to train all year round. In return, TPS students can join Threat programs for free. This is just one example of how Toledo Threat gives back to the community.

The future of Toledo Threat

A group of basketball players in a huddle.

The future is bright for Toledo Threat as they gear up for their yearly free summer program. In addition to teaching the fundamentals, the program includes a unique Speak Out class where students can express their feelings and take part in self-esteem building activities. New to 2024, the summer program will include a special program dedicated to kindergarten through first grade called Threat Academy. This free program, led by Threat league veterans, will teach the basics to early players.

With the current direction of society, Toledo Threat is more relevant than ever. And under the leadership of Sandi Brown, who fittingly said that one of her rules is to “Never give up,” Toledo Threat looks like it is going to continue be a valuable community resource to Toledo and the surrounding areas for years to come.

More information on Toledo Threat leagues, events and the summer programs can be found at www.ToledoThreat.com.

African Safari Ticket Giveaway 2024

By
Digital Media
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Zane’s Lebanese Grill Features build-your-own Lebanese cuisine 

By
Laurie Bertke
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Chefs working in a kitchen.
Zane Ismail, center, takes an order from a customer. Photo by Laurie Bertke.

Zane’s Lebanese Grill is a fast casual spot in Sylvania that puts a Mediterranean twist on the build-your-own bowl concept, popularized by chains like Chipotle. 

Owned and operated by Zane Ismail and his children, the restaurant’s concise menu provides for endless combinations. “What makes us special is, it’s homemade, 100-percent-authentic, made-from-scratch Lebanese food that you can pick from to customize yiur meal,” explains Ali Ismail. “You can adapt to your health needs or your dietary restrictions.” 

Zane’s is a true family operation and the odds are good that at least one of the employees serving you is either its namesake or one of his adult children. Zane has worked in the industry since he opened the first Lebanese restaurant in Toledo in 1974, Sharif’s, and Ali describes his father as the expert and “recipe master.” 

The current concept evolved in 2008 when the family took over operation of an existing business ( then called Pita Sub) located at Convent and Main in Sylvania. A few years later, Ali came up with the idea of scaling down the menu and adopting the “build your own” formula. 

Around 2017, the family accepted an invitation to move their business to a space in the Sylvan Square shopping center at Brint and N. McCord Rds, near the Lourdes University campus. They continued to finetune their concept and changed the name about four years ago. 

Fast and friendly

Zane himself was working the grill when we visited on a Saturday night, and while we waited in line, he enthusiastically greeted guests and handed out generous samples of tender chicken — a shawarma-tawook hybrid — as well as chicken lemon soup and chai tea. While some people are surprised by this, Ali says they love to give samples because the practice is beneficial from a moral, spiritual and marketing perspective. 

The most popular selection on the menu is the bowl: start with a base of rice, lettuce or hummus and top with a protein or two. Options include beef, chicken, gyro, falafel or grilled veggies. Bowls can be made gluten free or dairy free. Ali notes that Zane’s does not use dairy in their garlic sauce. 

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The family is passionate about healthy food and healthy eating, and there not a freezer, fryer or microwave oven in the kitchen. “Everything’s made from scratch,” Ali said. “Do we go through a lot of extra steps to do that? Yes, we do. But it’s worth it and people can tell with the food.”

There is not a separate kid’s menu, but parents can customize to select items their child will eat. The BBQ chicken is popular among younger guests, as are the non-fried pita chips and “quesapita,” a cheese quesadilla with Zane’s garlic sauce. “It’s like if a cheese quesadilla and a garlic cheesy bread had a Lebanese baby,” Ali said. “It’s full of cheese but it’s light.”

A new addition to the Sylvania location is Zane’s Mediterranean Cafe, which features a tantalizing menu of cold and hot concoctions brewed with single-origin, organic Yemeni teas and coffee. Zane notes the chai is made with fresh cardamom and other spices that are prominently displayed on the counter, rather than a syrup. There are also plenty of cold refreshers including apple cider mint, pomegranate and lemonade. 

Made fresh to order

The food from Zane’s met with rave reviews from my entire family. My husband went with an original bowl ($11) with a base of yellow rice and seasoned beef and lamb kafta, while I ordered two premium platters ($18) that I shared with my three children. An employee told me the platters are meant to feed two people.

The proteins — we selected a combination of chicken, beef shawarma and gyro — came hot off the grill, nestled on a bed of yellow rice and topped with grilled zucchini and onion. We chose fattoush for our included salad, and the platter comes accompanied by hummus, garlic sauce and pita bread. The amount of food fed the four of us comfortably, though next time I will order extra pita bread to enjoy with the generous portion of hummus. 

For dessert we sampled a four piece mix of baklava ($7) and the cheesecake ($7). The baklava comes fresh daily from a bakery in Dearborn, Mich., while the cheesecake is made from scratch in house. 

Entrees at Zane’s come packaged for carryout and dine-in seating is limited, especially for larger groups, so my family opted to take our dinner home to eat. 

Bottom line

Zane’s formula for fast casual Lebanese has proved so successful that they added a second location in Lambertville in 2022. The restaurant is extremely clean, the staff is warm and welcoming and the food is top notch, making it a great spot to pick up a quick and healthy family meal.

Hours:

Grill: Monday-Saturday, 11am-9pm

Cafe: Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm

The Short Course:

Online ordering? Yes

Carryout? Yes

Delivery? Yes

Outdoor Dining? No

Kids Menu? No

Changing Table? No

Booster Seat/High Chair? Yes

Reviews:

4.8 of 5 on Facebook with 239 reviews

4.8 of 5 on Google with 598 reviews

4.6 of 5 on Grubhub with 287 reviews

Zane’s makes it fresh, fast and delicious 

4900 N McCord Rd., Sylvania. 419-882-1796. 

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