|
Ring in 2011 at the Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve
Everyone loves to ring in the New Year, but for little ones, midnight is just too late, so the Toledo Zoo is presenting Noon Year’s Eve Friday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Area families can watch the ball rise at the stroke of noon, sing a chorus of “Auld Lang Syne,” and toast the New Year with family-friendly fun
In addition to the New Year’s festivities, there will also be animal feeding and enrichment demonstrations and other “cool” activities. Visitors can also sign a few New Year’s ReZOOlutions – simple steps for making 2011 a little bit greener, and explore Nature’s Neighborhood, the fully interactive, year-round children’s zoo.
Admission to Noon Year’s Eve is free with regular zoo admission. For more information, visit www.toledozoo.org/noonyears.
This is also the season for The Lights Before Christmas, continuing through Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Hours are Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. (the zoo closes at 9 p.m.) and Friday through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. (the zoo closes at 10 p.m.).
Admission prices are $11 for adults, $8 for children (2-11) and seniors (60+) and free for children under age 2. Toledo Zoo members receive one free visit to The Lights Before Christmas.
Santa’s coming
Santa Claus is welcoming visitors at the Woodville Mall Dec. 18, 19, 20 and 22 from noon to 4 p.m. Photos will be available. There will also be free crafts for children to make.
For more information, call the mall at 419-779-0865.
Curl up with a good book
Baby, it’s cold outside and what better way to stay warm that curling up with a good book.
Mary Beth Gratop, manager of the Oregon Branch Library suggests, “Call Me Mrs. Miracle” by Debbie Macomber
A grandmotherly lady named Emily Merckle, better known as Mrs. Miracle, is now working in the toy department at a local department store. Her boss is Jake, who is the son of the owner of the store.
Right now, because of the economy, the store needs a miracle to stay afloat. Jake, against the wishes of the toy department manager, has ordered 500 units of a very expensive toy robot, costing $250 a piece. Jake’s father is very unhappy, and is sure that the store will lose a lot of money because of this.
Gabe lives with his Aunt Holly, as his father is serving abroad in the Army. Holly is short on money, but wants to give Gabe one of the toy robots for Christmas.
Mrs. Merckle (Miracle) decides to intervene, and then things become interesting.
“This book really brings home the feeling that Christmas is still about miracles being possible,” Gratop said. “A very fun, fast read and an uplifting book.”
Look for this book and other fun stories at the Oregon Branch Library or your local library, or visit www.toledolibrary.org for more information.
Skating at Pearson
Ice skating is now open at Pearson, and the park will be open until 8 p.m. every day to allow visitors to take advantage of the lighted sledding hill and skating lake.
Normally, the park closes at dark.
Quilting supplies needed
Blue Skies Quilting has put out a call for supplies needed to sustain its winter quilt drive.
At Blue Skies, quilters gather to create quilts to support the organization’s mission to help supply quilts to the needy and those dealing with emotional and physical challenges.
“In our culture, both women and men need a hobby that stimulates creativity and relaxation and they need somewhere to go where they can feel valued,” said Theresa Howard, founding director of Blue Skies Quilting and Gifts, located at 422 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.
“If you can drive a car, you can run a sewing machine,” she added.
Blue Skies donated its first comfort quilt to the family of Col. Tom Belkofer, who list his life in Afghanistan. The second quilt was made for a young girl who lost family members in the June tornadoes. Blue Skis’ board of directors selects quilt recipients. If you know of someone suffering an unusual hardship, e-mail
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
To make a donation, call 419-872-4500.
Visit a Nursing Home Week Dec. 24-31
Because nursing home residents’ needs for visitors and social interaction doesn’t end with the holidays, the Ohio Department of Aging and the Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman designate the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve each year as Visit a Nursing Home Week.
“Residents of Ohio’s nearly 1,000 nursing homes are individuals with thoughts, feelings and needs for socialization, just like you and me,” said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. “Many of them are isolated from the ones they love and, while they appreciate the fellowship many people share by visiting during the holidays, they also would probably love regular visits year-round.”
Contact local nursing homes and ask for social services, activities or administration staff to inquire about residents who would welcome a visit. Or, ask if they would welcome a visit or presentation by your church, school, youth or civic group. Learn about visiting hours, gift or food restrictions and their policies on children and pets. Find facilities in your area by visiting the Long-term Care Consumer Guide at www.ltcohio.org.
“By visiting a nursing home and its residents, you can bring them joy and help them stay connected to the community and the world around them,” added Beverley Laubert, the State Long-term Care Ombudsman. “But perhaps more importantly, you have the opportunity to support excellent care by becoming an advocate.”
Besides just visiting a nursing home occasionally, another way to become an advocate is to volunteer with your local ombudsman program. Volunteer ombudsman associates make regular visits to assigned nursing homes, record observations about the facility and engage residents in conversation. They ask about problems or concerns residents may have regarding care and services provided at the facility. Associates make residents feel comfortable and let them know they have an advocate on their side. Call 1-800-282-1206 to learn more.
 |
Family 
Subscribe to this comment's feed