Family Briefs

Enjoy Date Night at the Lucas County Holiday Light Show

        Holiday light shows are more popular than ever this season. While many families have been lining up to drive through the Lucas County Holiday Light Show, BOLD MEDIA, producer of the show, notes that lots of couples looking for a festive and romantic evening out have been coming to take in the sparkling lights, dozens of unique displays and holiday music,
        “With COVID concerns and inflation…people are worried,” said Matthew Glaser, CEO and co-producer of the shows. “The Lucas County Holiday Light Show is a safe drive-thru experience that puts everyone in the holiday spirit.
        “I think that is why we have seen so many couples on dates,” he said. 
        Located at the Lucas County Fairgrounds, a drive through the Lucas County Holiday Light Show lasts 20-25 minutes and runs on select dates through Dec. 30. Tickets prices range from $23 to $35 per carload. A full calendar and tickets are available online at HolidayLightShow.com.
 
Healing Barn fundraiser
        The Healing Barn, Millbury’s non-profit horse rescue facility, is holding a pop-up fundraising event Saturday, Dec. 18 from 1-4 p.m. at Wyldewood Tack Shop, 8128 Secor Rd. in Lambertville, Michigan.
        “The Healing Barn lost all of their fundraising opportunities in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, so we’re trying something a little different and taking the show on the road, and popping up here and there,” said Kelly Meister-Yetter,
event coordinator for The Healing Barn, “We’re pleased to be partnering with Wyldewood for this event, as they’re the premier English tack shop in the area.
        “We’ll have live music by popular Toledo-area band DC Taylor, and there will be door prizes, as well,” she said. “We hope the community will come out and support The Healing Barn at this fundraiser.”
 
Life Line Screenings
        Residents living in the Oak Harbor area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.
        St John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 122 W. Ottawa St., Oak Harbor, will host the screening event on Jan. 25, 2022.
        Screenings can check for:
        • The level of plaque buildup in arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health.
        • HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.
        • Diabetes risk.
        • Bone density, as a risk for possible osteoporosis.
        • Kidney and thyroid function, and more.
        Special package pricing starts at $149, however, consultants will help create a package based on your age and risk factors.
        Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.
       
Community Grief Support
        Hospice of Northwest Ohio is offering in-person bereavement groups and private counseling sessions to anyone in the community who is grieving.
        A virtual option remains for anyone not comfortable attending in-person sessions. Masks are required inside the hospice facilities.
        Current group offerings include:
        • Coping with Loss – A twice-monthly interactive support group for adults. Participants will learn about grief and have the opportunity to express and receive support, develop an understanding of loss, learn realistic expectations and discover healthy coping skills.
        The group meets the first and third Tuesday of the month from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Perrysburg Center and the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Toledo Center.
        • Mending Grief with Mindfulness – A twice-monthly support group for adults. Participants will meet in a supported environment to learn techniques – including meditation – to manage the intense emotions that come with grief.
        The group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Toledo Center.
        • Spousal or Partner Loss – A twice monthly support group for those who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner. Participants will learn ways to adapt to this life-changing event, set realistic expectations for oneself, learn to take care of one’s self, gain support in understanding of grief and live with/manage the loneliness after loss.
        The group meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Toledo Center, and the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Perrysburg Center.
        To assure the best possible group experience, anyone interested in attending must first speak to a member of the Hospice Bereavement Team to learn about the options and determine which group would be the most beneficial.
        All bereavement services are provided free of charge. All meetings are conducted by licensed counselors.
        Call the Hospice of Northwest Ohio Bereavement Department at 419-661-4001. To learn more about grief and loss, visit hospicenwo.org.
 
AARP supports Esther’s Law
        AARP Ohio, the state’s largest consumer advocacy organization representing more than 1.5 million members in Ohio, released the following statement from AARP Ohio State Director Holly Holtzen urging Governor DeWine’s swift signature to enact S.B. 58, Esther’s Law:
        “AARP Ohio has a long history of fighting for protections for vulnerable Ohioans. This is a huge step in the right direction for Ohioans. We are remarkably pleased that we are able to give the gift of safety and peace of mind to family caregivers and long-term care residents statewide this season. S.B.58 will provide nursing home residents and their family members with the ability to install a video monitoring device in their room. We urge Governor DeWine to immediately sign this bill.
        We’d also like to acknowledge Steve Piskor, Esther Mitzki Piskor’s son, for his work and passion on this issue. We believe this bill is a significant progress in ensuring the health and safety of long-term care residents, and preventing elder abuse and neglect.”