10/1 the boo to do

With a sprinkle on topSweet Retreat's art of the cupcake

Bellacino'sMaking pizzas for the whole family

p15CharleneWilkins40 years of service, still going strong

p 7 p16

FREEOctObER 2013FREEOctObER 2013FREEOctObER 2013

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2 • October 2013 • www.findlayfamily.com

Uncollectable Pledges$148,867

5%

United Way of Hancock County Programs & Services

$63,0762%

United Way Worldwide & Ohio United Way Dues

$37,2171%

General Administration $250,014

9%

Grants & Investors’ Choice for Programs & Services

$2,124,31479%

Fundraising Expenses$118,037

4%

It’s time toLIVE UNITED

For more information, go toLiveUnitedHancockCounty.org

Your Dollars at Work

Volume 2 • Issue 10 October 2013 www.findlayfamily.com

5 community snapshots

6 what’s briefly happening

7 new kids on the block

8 exceptional families

9 tween the lines

11 healthy kids

18 calendar — compiled by Marisa Rubin

19 marketplace

departments commentary13 diary of a dad Taking a moment Reflecting on the important things in life — by Matthew Reger

14 mother mayhem Morphing into mother Where are my good scissors? — by Mary Helen Darah

15 parent profile Charlene Wilkins Local secretary continues 40 years of service — by Sarah Mayle

16 food fight Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders Local joint is more family than fancy — by Rose Roccisano Barto

features

Brianna Lee Smith

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Online Giveaway

what’s your favorite/best Halloween memory or tradition? Tell us on Facebook for a chance to win these awesome prizes!facebook.com/findlayareafamily

Onlineexclusiveswww.findlayfamily.comKids eat FreeDining on a dime is easy when you know where kids eat free.

after School GuideCheck out the best local places to go and things to do after the bell rings with the After school and fieldtrip guide.

Baby & Maternity GuideFrom breastfeeding to potty train-ing: everything new parents need to know when your expecting and thereafter.

Maternity Guide

BaBy &

Field trip &

activities guide

3www.findlayfamily.com • October 2013 •


SEPTEMBER 23OCTOBER 22By Sue Lovett

The first thing you need to remember is that these children do not like to be alone. They can be startled by loud noises and they are happiest in quiet sur-roundings. They can invent imaginary playmates to avoid solitude. Decisions are difficult for them and they “weigh” their words. They are gentle souls and the way to their heart is candy and cookies.

As they plan for Halloween, the little girls want to be princesses and the boys would dress up as golf-ers (the gentlemen’s sport). You cannot rush them. Re-member to be patient as they agonize over proper choices. Always allow extra time for them to decide what to order in a restaurant. Parents cannot be in a hurry with Libra children.

KIDS HOROSCOPE

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What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

Publisher/Editor in ChiefCollette Jacobs ([email protected]) A Hobo (THAT sHows My AGe!)

Co-publisher/Chief Financial OfficerMark I. Jacobs ([email protected]) A box of jello

EditorialParent Publications Editor:Mary Helen Darah ([email protected]) KIller buMble beeCalendar Editor:Marisa Rubin ([email protected])wIcKed wITcH of THe wesTSocial Media Specialist:Brandon Doriot ([email protected])cApTAIn underpAnTsStaff Writer:Griffin Messer-Kruse ([email protected])luKe sKywAlKerContributing Writers:Matthew Reger, Sue Lovett, Laurie Wurth-Pressel, Russell Axon, Nadine Akra, Nan Bauer, Sarah Mayle, Rose Roccisano Barto

Art/ProductionArt Director:Leah Foley ([email protected])VAMpIreGraphic Design: Brittney Koehl ([email protected])HIppIeMegan Anderson ([email protected])belleJameson Staneluis ([email protected]) red fArMerKyle Iwancki: ([email protected])cApTAIn HooK

AdvertisingSales Manager:Aubrey Hornsby ([email protected])superbATspIder-MAnSales Coordinator:Emily Gibb ([email protected]) blAcK cATCustomer Service Representative:Lydia Schaefer ([email protected])A flower

AdministrationAccounting: Robin Armstrong ([email protected])GHosT cuT ouT of sHeeTsDistribution: Michelle Flanagan ([email protected])deAd fArMer!Publisher’s Assistant: Jan Thomas ([email protected])spooKy GHosT

Member



Lucas Aydt, 2 of Findlay

Jaxten DeWeese, 3, of Defiance

Victoria Malone, 6, and Jade Ayers, 3, of Findlay

Rylie Rose Hanneman, 9mos., of Findlay

Go online to see more

reader photos @ www.findlayfamily.com

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hometown to: [email protected].

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Savanna Eakin, 6, of Findlay

Miley Eakin, 4, of Findlay

Fairy princesses, gnomes, animals and more! Local kids dress up to celebrate

the Halloween spirit.


what’s happening...brieflybrieflybriefly

DETROIT RED WINGS ALUMNI EVENT

Grace Ann Leslie is a true fighter, on and off the ice. The six-year-old was diagnosed with Chromosome 18 abnormality at the age of three, which has affected her motor skills and ability to speak. Her family has since formed

a non-profit organization, Grace Speaks, in order to support local families with similar children

who need various forms of therapy. To raise funds and awareness, The Detroit Red Wings Alumni Event was arranged with the help of Gliding Stars of Findlay, a non-profit

organization that provides ice-skating programs to help people with developmental challenges expand their confidence and skills. The charity game will feature an amiable ice battle between the

Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association and local contenders. Also at the event will be an auction, raffle and sale of items including art by Grace, Vera Bradley creations and Red Wings memorabilia. In

order to join the local team or for more information, contact Nicole at [email protected].

Saturday, October 5. General admission $10 and VIP passes $50 (include reserved center ice seating and after party). The Cube. 3430 N. Main St. Findlay. Contact Nicole at 419-348-4083 or visit grace-speaks.org for more information. Tickets are on sale at

Jaqua’s Fine Guns and The Arts Partnership Box Office or online squareup.com/market/grace-speaks.

Falling leaves, pumpkins and snowmen?26th Annual Christmas in October craft show

The largest Christmas craft show arrives in Find-lay this month. The two-day event, Christmas in October, will have a vast assortment of arts and crafts for purchase in plenty of time before the upcoming holidays. Over 300 craftsmen and artists from eight states will fill 11 buildings, two big-top tents and dozens of outdoor exhibits. There will be a plentiful offering of distinctive, handcrafted works representing Americana, folk art, primitive, country and contemporary styles.

The family-friendly event also features demon-strations and entertainment. Buttons the clown will return again this year to amuse the kids and, what is Christmas in October without a visit from old St. Nick? Face painting and pony rides add to the fun holiday atmosphere.

Dozens of food vendors will be on hand to keep guest’s hunger at bay while they shop. The show, just like Christmas, will go on rain, shine - or snow.—MHD

Saturday, October, 5, 10am-5pm and Sunday, October 6, 11am-4pm at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St., $5. Free parking. Visit cloudshows.biz or call 419-436-1457 for additional information.

FINDLAY WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S EVENTThe opportunity to help those suffering from de-mentia and Alzheimer’s disease is steps away. The Alzheimer’s Association and Findlay Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee are gearing up for this event where participants will walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s care, research and support. Alzheimer’s disease is now the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and organizers hope to make a difference for the five million Americans living with the illness. The event will feature lunch provided by Birchaven Village, a basket raffle and a ceremony to recognize those diagnosed with Al-zheimer’s. Take your first step toward bettering the lives of Alzheimer’s patients.

Saturday, October 5, 9:30-10:30am. Registration is free. The walk will be held at The Koehler Center at The University of Findlay. 1000 N. Main St. Findlay. Call Toni Schindler at 419-537-1999 for more information or visit alz.org/walk to register.

Compiled by Nan Bauer


Findlay professor’s new video shares message of cultural inclusionIt’s harder to be afraid of some-thing you know.That’s the message of a new video about cultural inclusion funded by the Findlay-Han-cock County Community Foundation. University of Findlay professor Hiro Kawa-mura begins the video by telling of his childhood in Japan and meeting an American guest. He was afraid of the man be-cause he was tall, spoke another language and looked different. From that experience, Kawa-mura has embarked on several outreach programs in the area, including linking UF interna-tional students with students in area public schools. In the past, Kawamura has organized an after-school Japanese club for students in second through fifth grade. Through the programs, the children learn from each other and find they much in common. Kathy Kreuchauf, foundation president, said the video’s aim is to build awareness of how small the world really is. “To be suc-cessful, the community needs to be a welcoming community and this is a step in that direction,” she said.

The video, entitled “Different but the Same,” can be found at

youtube.com/watch?v=leQYXHSzkxE

Walkers fight Alzhiemer with Purple Power

Finding common ground

Professor Kawamura

Debbie Duniver’s little snow people

Former NFL players, Joey Kocur and Jon Finstrum, meeting with Grace Speaks girls


Whoever says you can’t mix business and pleasure has not heard of the Sweet Retreat in Findlay. The delicious haven, situated across from the Emory Adams soccer field is proving that it’s possible to be business partners, roommates and the makers of divine cupcakes all at the same time.

Denise Pritt and Erin Clegg met while volunteering at Echo Ranch Bible Camp in Alaska in 2004 and formed a friendship. After

eight years of travelling to the Last Frontier to spend their summers as a nurse and camp counselor, respectively, Erin decided to move to Findlay and

live with Denise and her roommates. As Denise continued to work as a registered nurse at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Erin began substitute teaching in Findlay City Schools. They both fell

into a routine and after several years, they decided that their schedule had become too humdrum. “We needed a hobby,” says Denise. Their interests led them to a cake-decorating class at Hobby Lobby. Denise already had a

passion for decorating cakes, Erin however, was in unfamiliar territory. “I would rather

decorate cupcakes because they are a lot smaller than a whole cake,” she says. They continued to

experiment and soon found that they were onto

something. “I took the cupcakes to the schools I was subbing at and put them in the teacher’s lounge,” Erin says. “And by the end of the day, they were always gone.” What started out as a hobby has turned into something much bigger. “We didn’t imagine this,” Denise says. “And it’s still growing.”

Now, the owners are busy making creations that taste as good as they look. The Sweet Retreat also has concession-style sandwiches, soups, and ice cream. From the Birthday Cake, to more imaginative flavors like Caramel Mocha or Almond Cranberry, Denise and Erin have proved their work to be an art. With different flavors available each week, customers come back to taste the next cupcake. Since opening in April 2012, Denise and Erin are well on their way to making The Sweet Retreat the “cupcake shop staple” in Findlay.

Hours: Tuesday- Friday, 2-8 pm; Saturday, 10am- 7pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. 1600 S. Blanchard St. Findlay. 419-423-CAKE (2253). Visit thesweetretreatfindlay.com to see their creations.

FUN FACTSYou have to try: The Cupcake Avalanche, where customers choose one of the cupcakes of the week and put it into blizzard form. Yum!

What Denise and Erin are looking forward to: The Halloween Parade where they will have a cupcake-themed float.

Upcoming Events: The Cookie Exchange, people can invite six to eight friends to bring their own recipe for cookies. The Sweet Retreat staff does the prep work and guests have access to the kitchen. They throw the batter to the bakers and don’t see it again until it’s completed. So people mix and match cookies at the end. It’s a fun activity to bond over during the holidays!

A Sweet Treat: Happy Hour, on Sundays from 5pm until close where cupcakes are $1 while they last (limit 6 per person).

The Sweetest Retreat in FindlayBy: Nadine Akra


Teens and young adults with autism can make new friends while having a blast at Friday Fun Night, a program offered by Bittersweet Farms.

“We give them the opportunity to just kick back and hang out,” says Jen-nifer Slechter, Bittersweet’s community outreach specialist. “Their caregivers, meanwhile, can enjoy an evening of respite.”

Friday Fun Night, geared toward ages 12 to adults, takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., one Friday a month in Bowling Green. The evening typically includes dinner, games (UNO being a favorite), seasonal craft projects, and a movie.

Participants learn about collaboration and choices. They help prepare the meal and clean up, and they vote on what movies to watch. “We want them to be invested, and that means giving them choices,” says Slechter.

Friday Fun Night is held the fourth Friday of every month in Bowling Green at the Maumee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 20189 N. Dixie Highway. The cost is $25. Caregivers must register in advance and submit necessary documentation. Hancock County residents can also attend Lima’s Friday Fun Night, offered for three age groups. Call Heidi LeGrand at 419-875-6986, ext. 1242 about Bowling Green’s program, and Jennifer Slechter at 419-999-9174 for dates, time and cost for Lima’s program.

Visit bittersweetfarms.org for additional information.

Bittersweet Farms offers Friday Fun NightKids with autism hang out with new friends By Laurie Wurth-Pressel


advice for parents with children 10-16

Kayla Keckler, organizes jeans drive to benefit homeless youth

By Nadine Akra

Kayla Keckler sat attentively listening to her camp counselor at Camp Bountiful, a summer retreat she participates in, as he explained that life is short and people need to make the best of every day. That message resonated with her and she took it one step further. Kayla de-cided that she needed to take advantage of every opportunity to make her own and others’ lives better.

Earlier this year, the 13-year-old organized a drive to collect jeans for homeless shelters in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico through Aéropostale and the organization DoSomething. Kayla coordinated Teens for Jeans, gathering 283 pairs with the help of her Donnell Middle School classmates.

Kayla has always been active. Along with being a straight-A student, she participates in track, cross country, band, choir and is an active member of her church. Her schedule is not a typical eighth grader’s, but that doesn’t stop her. Kayla is currently planning the next Teens for Jeans drive to take place in October.

Her passion to contribute to her community radiates as she talks about her future goals of going on a mission trip to Africa and discovering some-thing remarkable to leave her mark on history. One thing is certain about Kayla. Her spark and energy is contagious and she will continue to inspire those around her.

FUN FACTS:What do you do for fun? “ Wirite. I’m writing a book right now and already have 125 pages written. It’s fun for me!”What do Want to do When you “groW up”? “I want to be a biologist. I definitely want to go into biology and do field research.”What’s your favorite restaurant in findlay? “Cheddars.”What’s your favorite book? “A tie between The Hunger Games and Divergent.”What’s the best memory you have from the teens for Jeans drive? “When my friend Andrew and I were in the teacher’s lounge packing jeans in boxes and he had to stand on a chair because the pile had gotten so high!”

spooky fun, Findlay Area Family,s

10


continued from p.11


Taking a momentA father remembers what is important in the day

By Matthew Reger

The dog licks my hand to wake me up. It’s 5:00 a.m. My hand is wet and she is earlier than her usual 6:00 a.m. walk. I tell her to go lay back down and she does. But as soon as she does, she starts to lick herself loudly.

I am now awake and as consciousness rolls in the thoughts of what I have to do for the day fill my head like gumballs in a gumball machine: I have to prepare that brief. Am I ready for that hearing? What meetings do I have today? What do the kids have today? Does Heidi have a meet-ing tonight?

The thoughts grow exponentially and I realize that I will not go back to sleep. At 5:10 a.m. I push back the covers and set my feet on the creaky wood floors. I can feel the pain in my ankles from yester-day’s run. I get two steps and then there is a soft voice.

“Dad,” my son says from his bed-room. It’s quiet and I can hear in his voice that he is still half asleep. Before I can even turn to his room his voice grows louder. “Dad!” He is now more awake and sure he wants me.

I walk a couple more steps and am al-most to his door.

“DAD!” he now yells.“Calm down buddy. I am here. Lay

back down.” I say in a calm manner.I then lay down with him and hold

him. He calms down and quickly falls asleep. As his breathing becomes louder the thoughts of all I have to do continue to fill until the gumball machine explodes from all the pressure. How can I have so many things to do? Was it easier when I was younger, single and free of responsi-bilities? Did I have more to do then?

Feeling the tug of the day I look for my opportunity to get out of his bed and get started. I have so much to do. Its 5:30 a.m. I have wasted 30 minutes. How will I get that back?

As I make sure my son is asleep and move gently out of the bed, something from somewhere enters my head telling me to slow down. Stop what you are do-ing. Look at that boy.

I obey the voice in my head and see one of the most important parts of my life; his sister and mother are the others. I am

overwhelmed. Tears come to my eyes. A few years ago none of this existed. A few years from now everything will be differ-ent. He won’t want me to hold him then. Will I be in such a rush then to get to everything that must be done? Will there be more to do then?

7:00 a.m. I wake up and re-alize I fell asleep next to him. I look over and see him there, peacefully asleep.

I can’t hold off the day any more. I have to get up. But before I do I take a few minutes to just watch him and remember this particu-lar moment, free from any thoughts of today or its ob-ligations, and take in the joy of simply being a dad.

Pause and remember the important things


Morphing into motherMother Mayhem experiences trickle down DNA

By Mary Helen Darah“Where are my good scissors?!”

made it official: I have turned into my mother. There was a time when I was clueless as to why my perfectly sane, maternal figure would be interrogating everyone in the house with that same question. In my mom’s eyes, her special shears—which we used for all kinds of unmentionables—were meant strictly for sewing. Now, decades later, I am search-ing for my herb cutters that I soon discov-ered were utilized to cut a “sticky gunky thingy” out of Corgi fur.

Good to knowI still have not completely morphed

into my mom ... yet. Although I am hanging on by a thread in the technol-ogy department. At least I use my laptop for more than just playing spider solitaire. My trickle down DNA comes from a woman whose cell phone voice message begins with the pre- recorded, “You have reached the voice mailbox of Sue,” fol-lowed by my mom’s voice saying, “OK, Mary Helen, now what do I push?” She was one of the first to purchase a rectan-gular disposable Kodak camera to cap-ture our family’s important events. When she picked up the developed film, she quickly realized that she had been hold-ing the camera the wrong way. Need-

less to say, we did not use one of the 36 “eyeball” shots as one of our Christmas cards. Maybe I am mutating into my mama only in new forms of technology. I am, after all, “text challenged.” One time I sent a text to a co-worker telling him I would send him the “lust,” meaning list, and once misspelled “here” as “het.” My auto spell check changed the word entire-ly causing me to text my daughter “I am still heterosexual” to which she replied, “Good to know.”

Well, that’s not goodAnother sign that the “momisms” are

sinking in: I recently found myself count-ing the mile markers and reading every billboard (yes, out loud) on the way home from a recent trip. Even worse, I have in-corporated the standard “Well that’s not good,” after anything my children throw at me, from “I have a zit on prom night!” to “the guinea pig is stuck in the Barbie car.” I also have her lack of having no idea of how to wrap up a threat—“If you don’t get your act together … I’ll do something … or is it something to you? Either way … I mean it!”

Morph awayMy Mom and I do have our differ-

ences, especially in the kitchen. I could be whipping up a lemon, caper, white wine

chicken piccata, and my mother will come along with an “I think that could use a little BBQ sauce.” I do howev-er cherish the simi-larities that prove I am her daughter. “Turning into my mother” will mean that I will be the “fun” grandmother that lets kids find worms in muddy gardens, and like my mom, lose my bra skinny dipping and go “fishing” for it SUCCESSFULLY with a fishing pole and my lucky gold hook. I will share books, a love of nature, my Tarzan yell before jumping into a frigid lake, and a good joke with the grand-kids. I will tell the people in my life that if it weren’t OK to make mistakes they wouldn’t have erasers on pencils and that the “five second rule” can be extended to ten if anything homemade or containing chocolate hits the floor. I will cheer for sports that I don’t understand (lacrosse) get lines on my behind from sitting on aluminum bleachers during tennis season and yell “PULL! PULL! PULL!” at com-petitive swim meets with full knowledge

the child in the water won’t hear me, and scream “Good eye!” at a granddaughter way out in left field. I will stress the im-portance of watching a good sunset, be-ing a non-smoker, wearing sunscreen, forgiving and being of service to others. Most importantly, after I belt out a song that I THINK I know the words to, I will look at my friends and family and know with every ounce of my being that I have given them the feeling of being loved beyond measure. Maybe this “morphing into my mother” thing is not so bad after all—but I still want to know who took my good scissors.

Mother Mayhem hangs on to her “good” scissors

For Charlene Wilkins, 40 plus years as secretary of St. Michael School has made for a contented mission of service. She’s the type who doesn’t mind if you call her at home, loves seeing good news in the paper about the kids at school, and is of-ten one of the last to leave at the end of the day.

“I just enjoy it,” the 71-year-old said. “They say bloom where you’re planted, so I guess that’s what I’ve been doing all this time. I just enjoy the kids, I enjoy the parents, the teachers—I enjoy it all.”

Wilkins graduated from St. Mi-chael’s herself. Her three children at-tended the school and the last of her grandchildren graduated just last year. She began her role as secretary in 1973.

From modest beginningsAt that time, the church and first and

second grade were housed on Bright Road in a modest building where she worked with principal and mentor, Sr. Barbara Davis. Grades four through eight were downtown, across from the church. In ad-dition to her secretarial duties, Charlene washed the teachers’ lunch dishes, served as school nurse and was a gym teacher for several years. She stepped in wherever she could help.

“Back then we were just out in the cornfield,” Wilkins said. “There was no mail and one telephone.”

Through the years, the school grew until a new school and church were added in 2005. St. Michael’s now offers kinder-garten through eighth grade, preschool and kindergarten readiness programs, and definitely has more than one phone.

Each day Wilkins can be seen deftly

maneuvering between filling out endless forms, training volunteers, welcoming office visitors, helping students, making copies, and answering a phone so active, it seems like it might be alive.

But Wilkins boils the many tasks that make up her job down to “taking care of the present moment, whatever it is.”

Calling volunteersShe is also great at saving money for

the school. Anne Brehm, principal of St. Mike’s for 14 years, has known Wilkins since her children attended the school. Brehm was a student, tutor and teacher there before becoming principal.

She said that if it weren’t for Charlene, tuition would be a lot higher. She has a knack for encouraging volunteers, getting people to save receipts and tags for school reimbursement programs and recycling, Brehm said.

Wilkins said that years back, she had to sign a letter of intent and estimate how long she would work. She was jok-ing when she wrote she was going for 40 years.

“It just kind of came and went and I’m still here,” Wilkins said, laughing.

Through it all, Wilkins says it’s the people that bring her back each day. She enjoys the faith community. She tries to help kids who seem like they’re in need. And she always wants people to feel wel-come.

“Service is a great word to describe Charlene,” Brehm said. “She likes to serve the children, the teachers and do things for the parish. It’s her mission in life. She’s put her whole life into this place—and she loves it.”


Charlene Wilkins40 years later, local secretary continues

her mission of serviceBy Sarah Mayle

Halloween is not my favorite time of year.

I think my aversion to the holiday be-gan when I was four years old. My older sister, who at that point had a rather large mean streak, told my mother she would dress us up together for trick or treating. Great, right? She decided to dress me as a circus fat lady, complete with a mole on my face and pillows underneath my oversized clothes.

It was cute, until we got to the first house. I can still picture it—the older couple opened the door, took one look at me, and laughed. And laughed. I re-member bursting into tears, running to the sidewalk and vowing to never trick or treat again. Looking back, I’m sure the couple wasn’t trying to be mean, unlike my sister, and I did recover from my trauma in time to trick or treat the following year. But that episode was a harbinger for Halloweens to come.

Scary memoriesOne year my older daughter dressed

up as the cutest little five-year-old Cin-derella you ever saw. She skipped down the sidewalks of our neighborhood and smiled about all the candy in her plastic pumpkin. That was, until we got home and she decided to help my husband hand out candy. A couple of teens with “Scream” masks came to the door, and I think she scared them as she screamed in fright. I heard it from the garage. For sev-eral years we couldn’t even walk down the Halloween aisle at the store.

My younger daughter loved every-thing Halloween, despite the indignity of playing Boots to her sister’s Dora for her first Halloween. When she was in first grade she spent the week of Halloween in the hospital, however, which unfortu-nately meant she missed trick-or-treating. Since then, she has made up for lost time and at-tacked the holi-day trick-or-treat custom

with gusto. Still, this time of year we are always seem to recall those bad memories.

Real terrorsAs an adult, part of my unease with

Halloween is the glee some folks take in scaring the pants off people. I’m all for a good, healthy scare with a little bit of class. Stephen King, psychological thrill-ers and suspense novels have all had a place in my entertainment life. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized there is a lot of scary stuff out there that is real. Three women escaped this year in Cleveland after being kidnapped and held against their will for years in a real haunted house. It’s not unusual to hear about the grisly details of a crime spree. And there are people in the world who hate us because we live in Ameri-ca and will stop at nothing to harm us.

More imagination, less goreI don’t need to be reminded of the

real terror in our lives. I’d much rather see princesses and superheroes walking down the sidewalk than older kids with bloody costumes and zombie makeup. Sure, it’s make believe. But to little kids—and to more than a few grown-ups, too—it looks and feels too real.

So this year, perhaps my youngest daughter’s last year of trick or treating, I will follow her around the neighbor-hood. I’ll smile at the cute costumes and avert my eyes from the troubling ones. I’ll hope to see creative kids who rely less on gore and more on imagination to have a fun, sugar-filled evening.

I might even see a circus fat lady or two.

More tricks than treatsOne mother strives to find the fun—

not the fear —in Halloween By Rose Roccisano Barto

Charlene Wilkins smiles during a busy school day

Nearly every day for 15 years, we passed by Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders. Neatly tucked away in a shopping plaza, it was easy for us to miss. That was a shame, however, because we now have a new favorite place for a bite.

Bellacino’s is not a fancy restaurant. You walk up to the counter and order your meal. You choose your own bag of chips from the rack next to the counter, and get your own drinks. But my fam-ily doesn’t need or want ‘fancy’. We want a good restaurant with good food at a good price. We found all three at Bellacino’s.

When we walked in, we were greeted by a giant gumball machine in the small foyer - likely the pleasant end to a meal for many a kid. The restaurant will also host birthday parties, as well as community and school fundraisers where a portion of the proceeds go to a good cause. You gotta love that.

Lots of choicesThe menu is quite varied. There are 27

choices of grinders (a sub or hoagie to some of us). There are also five different calzones, 12 specialty pizzas, 10 salads, seven kinds of appetizer nibbles, seven pasta dishes and a kids’ menu. That doesn’t include the topping choices for pizzas. As we stood there, mouths agape, we wished we could indeed have a sit-down menu, this could take a while.

Luckily, we were able to make some delicious decisions. My older daughter had the grilled chicken salad ($7.49), featuring grilled chicken strips, veg-gies, cheese and homemade garlic croutons. My younger daughter had a half Triple Decker ($6.79), a roast beef, ham and turkey sub. My husband chose a half Bellacino’s Club grinder ($6.79). My meal was the “Grab Two” special, you can choose two items from a grinder, pizza, salad, garlic cheese bread or soup for $6.99. I chose the veg-gie salad with the veggie grinder that included green peppers, mushrooms, black olives and cheese.

“Wow, I’m glad I got the half-sand-wich,” said my younger daughter, eyeing the large portion in front of her. Funny, she didn’t seem to have trouble finish-ing her sandwich. In fact, all of us were delighted with our food. My salad was

one of the better salads I’ve had, you’d think salads are basic and would be dif-ficult to mess up, but you’d be wrong. Mine had crisp lettuce and was a meal in itself.

The dessert menu is smaller, but no less tempting. We shared a giant fudge brownie ($1.69) which elicited an “oh baby” from several in the group. We commented that we would have to come back and check out other menu choices.

A week after our family meal, my

husband and I were looking for a place for a quick lunch. We went back to Bellacino’s, this time for a calzone and pizza. The calzone was fluffy and had a buttery crust, while the pizza had the thick type of crust we like. It almost felt like we were cheating on our kids, how-ever, just the two of us sneaking out to a restaurant that they enjoyed. The guilt passed quickly, however. Bellacino’s is just too good to wait to enjoy.

Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders2320 Tiffin Avenue (between Kohl’s and Wal Mart)419-423-4299Hours: Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Delivery and carryout available

Make me a pizza!Local joint is more family

than fancyby Rose Roccisano Barto

THE SHORT COURSEKid-friendly YesTo avoid wait Consider calling for delivery Noise level FineBathroom amenities Changing tables in the women’s restroomHigh Chairs YesGot Milk No but lemonade is availableKid’s menu? YesAnything healthy for the kids? Applesauce can be subbed for kids’ meal sides Food allergy concerns? As always, ask. You can view nutritional information at www.bellacinos.com


October 2013

Cont. on pg 18

1 TUESDAY

Pioneer Tyke Hike - Children, ages three to six, with an adult companion can visit the McKinnis Homestead where they’ll help grind corn, make cider and meet a pioneer. 10am-2pm. 50 cents per child (must be exact change). Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Gate House, 6100 U.S. Route 224. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.com

4 FRIDAY

Family Movie Night - Come to the Forest-Jackson Public Library to watch a family movie, have popcorn and soda. 7pm. $1 per person. Forest-Jackson Public Library, 102 West Lima St., Forest. 419-273-2400. forestlibrary.org

5 SATURDAY

Christmas in October - The 26th Annual Cloud Productions “Christmas in October” craft show will feature over 300 artists. Santa Claus will stop by Buttons the Clown will be back along with pony rides, and face painting of course! Also on October 6. Saturday, 10am-5pm & Sunday, 11am-4pm. $5. Children 12 & under and parking free. Hancock County Fairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St. 419-436-1457. cloudshows.biz See pg.6 for more.

Fall Family Hay Ride - Come enjoy a 30 minute family hayride and paint a pumpkin afterwards. Registration required. Riverbend Recreation Area, Shelter 1, 16618 Township Road 208. 1-3pm. $3 per person. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.comGood Samaritan Society Fall Fling Car and Truck Show - Bring the whole family for this fantastic show featuring ven-dors, entertainment, children’s activities and more. Registration for cars and trucks at noon. 2-7pm. Free. Pre-register your car or truck for $15. Good Samaritan Society – Arlington, 100 Powell Dr., Arlington. 419-365-5115 ext. 28553. good-sam.com/index.php/locations/arlington

The Detroit Red Wings Alumni Event - The Detroit Red Wings will play against a team made up of local hockey stars to raise money for Grace Speaks. 3-7pm. $10 for general tickets; $50 for VIP tickets. The Cube, 3430 N. Main St. 419-348-4083. grace-speaks.orgSee pg.6 for more.

6 SUNDAY

Girl Power Yoga - This 4 week session brings teen girls together to explore how yoga can help them bet-ter understand and appreciate their changing bodies. Registration required. Through October 27. 3-3:45pm. $35 for one/$50 per sister couple. Body, Mind & Soul, 1100 Croy Drive. 419-306-6136. findlayharmonyyoga.com

Funday Sunday - Each event features activities, games and story time around a different theme. Funday Sunday events are held on the first Sunday of every month October through April each year. 1:30-3:30pm. Free. Mazza Museum, 300 College St. 419-434-4560. mazzacollection.org

Fall Color Hike - See the park in its full fall color spectrum. Learn why certain trees and bushes turn the colors they do. 3pm. Free. Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Gate House, 6100 U.S. Route 224. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.com

9 WEDNESDAY

After school program at Mccomb Public Library - Lee & Cynthia Vogelsong of Cavalier Corral will present a program about how they train service dogs. They will have 2 of their wonderful dogs here to show what is involved in getting dogs ready to pro-vide help to the disabled. 3-4:15pm. McComb Public Library, 113 S Todd St., McComb. 419-293-2425. mccombpl.org

11 FRIDAY

Planetarium Night: Fall

Flipping outFriday, October 18The whole family will enjoy watching the Jabali African Acrobats! Based out of Kenya, the Jabali style combines fast-paced movement and music with elegant dances for Watch as the acrobats dance, create human pyramids and more for theatrical performances that cover the entire stage. There will also audience participation, so at-tendees can get in on the excitement of this fun event. Part of the University of Findlay’s Diversity Month. Tickets available at the University of Findlay’s box office. $5. 8-11pm. Winebrenner Seminary, 950 N. Main St. 419-434-5335. [email protected]—RA


MONDAY-FRIDAY Mom & Tot Skate, Bring the little ones to the Cube for open ice skating Monday-Friday. 10am-11am. $2 child/$3 adult skates included. The CUBE, 3430 N. Main St. 419-424-7176. findlayohio.com TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYSReading with Tango & Drysdale, Have fun reading with some furry friends. They love listening to stories! 6pm. Free. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, 206 Broadway. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org

TUESDAYS Kids Street Beet, A simple and effec-tive aerobic workout that incorporates footwork and body movement from the meringue, mambo, salsa and rumba to a mix of age appropriate music. Ages 9-12. Registration required. Event ends Tuesday, October 22. 4:05-5:05pm. Members, free; nonmembers, $20. Downtown Findlay YMCA, 300 E. Lincoln St. 419-422-4424. findlayymca.org

WEDNESDAYS Toddler Art Zone, Includes a story, art project and music. For ages one to four. 11:30am-12:15pm. $5-$10. YMCA, Downtown Branch, 300 E. Lincoln St. 419-422-8249. findlayymca.org

THURSDAYS Jr. Teens in Action, This is for children grades six to eight. Curriculum is based on the Five Trails of Camp Fire USA. The Trail to Knowing Me. The Trail to Family and Community. The Trail to Creativity. The Trail to the Environment. The Trail to the Future. 5:30–6:30pm. Camp Fire USA, 305 W. Hardin St. 419-422-5415. campfireusa-nwohio.com FRIDAYS Baby Story Time, Infants birth - 36 months will enjoy simple stories, rhymes, music, puppets, movement for the young-est learners. 9:30am. Free. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, 206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org

Constellations - Join park staff to walk you through identifying the fall constella-tions. Program recommended for ages 5 and older. Participants must sit on floor. Ask about handicap accessibility. Registration required. 7-8pm. Free. Oakwoods Nature Preserve, “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.com

YMCA Family Pool Night - Enjoy swimming, snacks, games, and crafts with the entire family. 6-8pm. Free for members. Findlay Downtown YMCA, 300 E. Lincoln St. 419-422-4424. findlayymca.org 12 SATURDAY

Lego Saturday - For all ages, families are invited to stop by and to create their own Lego creations with friends. The Library will provide Duplo Blocks for chil-dren ages 2 to 4 and Legos for ages 4 and up. Parents of young children are asked to accompany your child. The design theme for October will be Your Favorite Book. 1-3pm. Free. Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, 77 Jefferson Street, Tiffin. 419-447-3751. tiffinsen.lib.oh.us Fall Science Day - The Science Day series invites you to experience our fun, hands-on science activities that engage kids in a wide range of scientific realms. Check online for a schedule of events as the event gets closer. 11am-4pm. $11-$14 Children 2 and under are Free, parking is $7-$15. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-4040. toledozoo.org 13 SUNDAY

“Frankenweenie” screening, a “Common Read” event - The whole family can come to the library to watch the movie Frankenweenie. 2-3pm. Free. Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, 77 Jefferson Street, Tiffin. 419-447-3751. tiffinsen.lib.oh.us Living Stones Fellowship - Come visit and enjoy a day of food, fellowship, games and activities & an inflatable for all! Homemade ice cream and door prizes! 10:30am. Living Stones Fellowship, 7751 US 224 W.

15 TUESDAY

Tales for Twos and Threes - Stories, songs, and finger plays will entertain children two and three years old by their parents or caregivers. The thirty minute ses-sions are especially beneficial for language enrichment. Through October 29. 6:30-7:30pm. Free. Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, 77 Jefferson Street, Tiffin. 419-447-3751. tiffinsen.lib.oh.us

18 FRIDAY

Family Movie Night - Bring the fam-ily to watch G or PG movies. Bring your blanket and pillow. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. 6-8pm. Members Free/Nonmembers $1. Findlay Downtown YMCA, 300 E Lincoln St. 419-422-1712. findlayymca.org

19 SATURDAY

Pumpkin Path - Pumpkin Path offers more trick-or-treat stations than Little Boo, but there are no age restrictions. Please bring a bag or treat bucket to collect your child’s treats. Also on October 20. 10am-4-pm. $8-$11 for nonmembers, $6 for mem-bers. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-4040. toledozoo.org

15th Annual Enchanted Forest Walk


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Create an account by clicking My Account and filling out the necessary information. Don't worry, it's effortless! Then select My Events to start adding or editing entries.

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Take a stroll through our character-filled trail. Warm up afterward by the out-side fireplace and enjoy refreshments. Registration required. Participants are required to be ages 5 and up. 7-8:30pm. $2 per person. Oakwoods Nature Preserve, “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.com 22nd Annual Non Scary halloween Event - A family friendly event where kids of all ages can come and get treats not tricks! Activity booths include Halloween games, pumpkins and other fun activities. Information about Camp Fire programs and camps will be available. Concessions available. 2-4pm. Cost is $3 for kids; Adults, free. Hancock County Fairgrounds, Merchant Building. CampFireNWOhio.com 25 FRIDAY

Deshler halloween Parade - The whole family will enjoy the Halloween Parade in Downtown Deshler. Costumes are optional. Trick or Treat will follow from 5-6:30pm. 4pm. Free. Downtown Deshler, Deshler. 419-278-8129. deshlerohiochamber.com Fall Fest at the y - Fun for all ages with snacks, crafts & games. Don’t forget to wear a costume! The costume contest will be for all age groups. 6:30-8pm. Free. Findlay Downtown YMCA, 300 E. Lincoln St. 419-422-1712. findlayymca.org

26 SATURDAY

Jumping Pumpkins - On Saturday & Sunday, some of the zoo animals will dis-cover that the Great Pumpkin has paid a visit to their habitats! Some animals will eat the pumpkins, while some animals might just knock them around. Either way, it’s a lot of fun to watch and a great experience for the animals! Check the website for events times. Also on October 27. 10am-3pm. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. $11-$14, children 2 and under are free, parking is $7. 419-385-4040. toledozoo.org Ghosts of ohio: The Strange World of James Willis - James Willis, co-author of Weird Ohio and Weird Indiana, will be giving a presentation on his new book and his 2012 investiga-tion of the McKinnis House. Books will be available for purchase after the talk. Light refreshments will be served. Registration required by October 24. Recommended for ages 12 and up. 7-8pm. $5 per person. Riverbend Recreation Area, Brugeman Lodge, 16618 Township Road 208. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.com

27 SUNDAY

hands on Nature: Fall Fun Day in the Park - Come out and enjoy fall games, crafts, video and a hike. 1-4pm. Free. Oakwoods Nature Preserve, “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.com 28 MONDAY

Puppet Workshop - This program is for children ages 3-8 years old. A fun event for child and parent or guardian. Watch a short puppet show and then make a stick, sock or bag puppet for your own. Registration required. 6:30-7:30pm. Free. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Lindamood Room, 206 Broadway Street. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org Wee ones: Spiders - Recommended for children three years old and under with an adult companion. Other aged siblings

welcome. Program includes a story, activi-ties and a craft. 10-11am & 1-2pm. Free. Oakwoods Nature Preserve, “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. 419-425-7275. hancockparks.com 29 TUESDAY

City of Findlay halloween Parade - Bring the whole family to downtown Findlay to enjoy the Halloween parade, complete with bands, floats, candy and more. It is sure to be fun for the whole family. 7-9pm. Free. Downtown Findlay.

30 WEDNESNDAY

harry Potter Party - This program is for children ages 9-13 years old. Come dressed up as your favorite Harry Potter character. Be ready to enjoy some wizardly fun, games, snacks and more. 6-7pm. Free. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Lindamood Room, 206 Broadway Street. 419-422-1712. findlaylibrary.org 31 THURSDAY

City of Findlay Trick or Treat - Children will enjoy trick or treating in the City of Findlay. 6:30-8pm. Free. Downtown Findlay.

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