9www.findlayfamily.com • June 2012 •

LET’S EAT

Family restaurant Tony’s10280 W. US Route 224419-424-3100www.tonysrestaurantfindlay.comRunner up: Cheddar's

Healthy fast food Subway 1161 Trenton Ave.419-423-5042www.subway.comRunner up: Chipotle

Fun place for dinnerStevi B’s 7535 Patriot Dr.419-427-9999 www.stevibs.comRunner up: Oler's

Pizza jointFlag City Pizza Guys 2401 N. Main St.419-422-5949 www.flagcitypizza.comRunner up: Jac and Do's

Burger jointWilson’s 600 S. Main St.419-422-5051 Facebook page: Wilson's Findlay OhioRunner up: Dark House

Ice creamDietsch Brothers 400 W. Main Cross St.419-422-4474www.dietschs.comRunner up: Archie's

Place where kids can eat freeFricker’s1410 W. Main Cross St419-423-9464 www.frickers.comRunner up: Royal Buffet

Kid-friendly grocery Great Scot301 W. Main Cross St.419-423-350www.communitymarkets.comRunner up: Kroger's

Natural food store Apple A Day Nutritional Center600 S. Blanchard St.419-423-3973www.communitymarkets.comRunner up: Health Yourself

TOPS IN FINDLAY

Local company to work for if you have kidsImperial Marathon 1215 W. Main Cross St.419-420-9274www.marathon.comRunner up: Cranes

Neighborhood to raise kids inForest Lake, Fox Run Runner up: Jacobs District

Kids photographer Inspiring Images 104 S. Main St.567-525-5575www.inspiringimagesbysusan.comRunner up: Amy Cook Photography

Program for preschoolersOakwoods 1400 Oakwoods Ln.419-425-7275www.hancockparks.comRunner up: Safety Town

Summer day campYMCA1400 Manor Hill Rd.419-422-9922www.findlayymca.orgRunner up: Hancock Park District

TeacherHolly Wise Northview Primary School133 Lexington Ave.419-425-8290northview.findlaycityschools.org Runner up: Mr. Barberree

Let the favorites begin! The ballots are in and counted!

Findlay residents have spoken! Thanks to all our readers for telling

us what they love most about the Findlay area. From local experts

to exciting locations, it’s no wonder we love to call Findlay home!

Ice creamDIETSch BrOThErS 400 W. Main Cross St.419-422-4474www.dietschs.comA scoop of ice cream at Dietsch Brothers comes full of history, not just chunks of candy. The business has been a part of Find-lay since 1937, and the array of candy and ice cream flavors per-fected since their opening are enough to melt any dieter's resolve. Their website's candy key, a detailed guide to the chocolates this legendary local business produces, features mouthwatering photos of coconut clusters and honeycomb chips (for those who want to plan out their future indulgence). Their best-selling flavor is vanilla, but their buckeye ice cream (one of their top 10 flavors) is not to be missed.

continued on pg 10

Our Passion is Food

Our Obsession is Service

419.424.3100 10280 U.S. Rt. 224 WestFindlay, Ohio 45840

Try our award winning Tony’s BBQ sauce!

Carryout & catering available.

Home of the Big Ben Burger.

“Thank you for voting for us!”

10 • June 2012 • www.findlayfamily.com

Kids photographer INSPIrINg ImAgES 104 S. Main St.567-525-5575www.inspiringimagesbysusan.comSusan Schetter and Kasey Coder, the creative forces behind Inspiring Images, bring the polished image creation of big-time photog-raphers to families in Findlay. They make the job look effortless, inspiring their variety of subjects (from demanding teenagers look-ing for the perfect senior portrait to unruly pets not interested in striking a pose) appear comfortable in front of the lens. The finished product (sometimes accented with a quote or special saying) make for a photo album worthy of prime placement on the coffee table or living room wall.

Dentist/ orthodontistMcComb Family Dental600 Tiffin Ave.419-423-2883Runner up: Dr. Kyle Amspaugh, Dr. Robinson

Eye care professionalDr. Orr15840 Medical Dr. 419-422-6190www.spectrumeyecareinc.comRunner up: Dr. Wires

Tutor/learning centerSylvan Learning Center1781 Tiffin Ave. 419-427-0975www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.comRunner up: Washington B4 & After

Family friendly car dealerLaRiche Toyota920 Plaza St. 800-545-6885www.laricheautomotive.comRunner up: Reineke Family Dealerships

BankHancock F.C.U.1701 E. Melrose Ave.419-424-0163www.hancockfcu.comRunner up: 1st Federal

Special needs services Blanchard Valley Center 1700 E. Sandusky St. 419-425-6387www.blanchardvalley.orgRunner up: Help Me Grow

continued from pg 9

11www.findlayfamily.com • June 2012 •

Veterinarian Blanchard Valley Vet1930 N. Main St. 419-422-3292www.bvvc.netRunner Up: Dr. Heidi Christopher

Family lawyerTim Hoover 103 S. Main St.419-435-7370www.hooverlawohio.comRunner up: Bruce Brimley

Place to worshipSt. Michael750 Bright Rd. 419-422-2646www.findlaystmichael.orgRunner up : Gateway Church

PreschoolMontessori Children’s Village 220 Cherry St. 419-722-8797Runner up: Findlay City School

DaycareYMCA1400 Manor Hill Rd.419-422-9922www.findlayymca.orgRunner up: Almost Home Infant and Childcare

Drop-in daycare Around the Clock 920 McManness Ave.419-423-5967 Runner up: Around The Clock Findlay Campus

Place to give birthBlanchard Valley Hospital1900 S. Main St.419-423-4500www.bvhealthsystem.org Runner up: Memorial Hospital in Fremont

Pediatric practice Blanchard Valley Pediatrics 1818 Chapel Dr.419-424-1922 www.bvpediatrics.comRunner up: Bethe Ickes, PA

Doctor/Physician’s assistantBeth Ickes, PA15840 Medical Dr. S419-425-3780www.bvhealthsystem.orgRunner up: Dr. Orr

Midwife Shirley Cole 1641 N. Lake Ct.419-425-1510www.findlaycwh.com Runner up: Debra Lynn Moore, ONP

Place for changing diapers Findlay Mall1800 Tiffin Ave.419-423-8732www.shopfindlayvillagemall.comRunner up: Friendly's

Place to nurse a babyFindlay Mall1800 Tiffin Ave.419-423-8732www.shopfindlayvillagemall.comRunner up: Home

Family restroomFindlay Mall1800 Tiffin Ave.419-423-8732www.shopfindlayvillagemall.comRunner up: Friendly’s

Kids haircutRustic Razor 227 W. Crawford St.419-423-7177 Facebook page: Rustic RazorRunner up: Expressions

LET'S PLAY

Dance classBecky’s School of Dance15440 E. US Route 224 419-423-7423www.beckysschoolofdance.netRunner up: Studio 1 Dance

Art classFindlay Art League 117 W. Crawford St.

Dance classBEckY'S SchOOL OF DANcE15440 E. US Route 224 419-423-7423www.beckysschoolofdance.netHome of the Findlay Academy of Ballet, Becky's School of Dance offers kids a chance to explore their professional (or personal) dreams of becoming a dancer. Classes are available for children as young as 3 and into adulthood, with the promise of learn-ing the skill to express themselves to music and the discipline to challenge their bodies to perform. Styles of dance like ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and flamenco are taught, and for those looking to get fit and graceful outside of ballet class there are sessions for yoga and zumba, as well. P

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continued on pg 12

419-422-7847 www.findlayartleague.comRunner up: Awakening Minds

Music classMusic Together 208 Broadway St.419-421-0543www.musictogetherfindlay.com Runner up: Kindermusik

Free activityHancock Parks 1424 E. Main Cross St. 419-425-7275www.hancockparks.comRunner up: Mazza Museum Funday Sunday

Family-friendly festivalHancock FamilyRunner up: Kids Fest at Riverbend

Live theater for the kids Fort Findlay Playhouse300 W. Sandusky St.419-423-7168www.fortfindlayplayhouse.orgRunner up: Arts Partnership

Park playground Riverside 231 McManness Ave.419-425-7275www.hancockparks.comRunner up: Fort Findlay

12 • June 2012 • www.findlayfamily.com

Indoor water parkGreat Wolf4600 Milan Rd., Sandusky 419-609-6000www.greatwolf.comRunner up: Kalahari Resorts

Vacation on a budgetMaumee Bay State Park1750 State Park Rd. #2, Oregonwww.maumeebaystateparklodge.com Runner up: Kings Island

Family-friendly health clubYMCA1400 Manor Hill Rd.419-422-9922www.findlayymca.orgRunner up: The Gym by Jamie

Indoor sportsYMCA1400 Manor Hill Rd.419-422-9922www.findlayymca.orgRunner up: Gold Medal Gymnastics

GymnasticsGold Medal Gymnastics1850 Manor Hill Rd.419-425-4653www.goldmedalgymnastics.us Runner up: Findlay Elite Gymnastics & Cheer

Bowling alleyAli's132 E. Crawford St.419-424-5750Runner up: AMF Sportsman Lanes

Kids clothing storekIYA PAPAYA BOuTIquE213 E. Crawford St. 419-957-1743Facebook page: Kiya Papaya BoutiqueThis new boutique has given Findlay kids (and their stylish moms) a fashion edge. Their children's clothing is customized and designed by owner Kriss Bishop, and while the frilly tutu-like skirts and sequins-adorned outfits are glam, they're still affordable ---nothing costs more than $30 at Kiya Papaya. The racks are full of op-tions, but parents can put in custom orders as well for more demanding fashionistas. And, should your child's one-of-a-kind style need to be showcased to a crowd, there is a party room for birthday gather-ings (a fashion show may be in order).

Story hourFindlay-Hancock County Public Library 206 Broadway St.419-422-1712www.findlay.lib.oh.usRunner up: Mazza Museum

Rainy-day activity Pirate's Cove 230 E. Front St.419-423-9999www.piratescovefindlay.comRunner up: The Cube

Sunny-day activityHancock County Parks 1424 E. Main Cross St.419-425-7275 www.hancockparks.comRunner up: The Toledo Zoo

Swim lessons YMCA 1400 Manor Hill Rd.419-422-9922www.findlayymca.orgRunner up: Lakev-iew Pool & Tennis Club

Place to swim Riverside 231 McManness Ave.419-425-7275www.hancockparks.comRunner up: YMCA

Place to buy a cakePhAT cAkES45 S. Washington St., Tiffin567-220-6118www.phatcakes.comWowing party guests with a cake can take some imagination --- luckily Natalie Wertz, the baker behind Phat Cakes, has plenty of it. Her cake creations range from haunted houses to poker tables, with everything from chocolatey football-shaped cookies to blossoming cup-cakes in between. Phat Cakes caters to parties as casual as a gathering of football fans and as fancy as weddings. The creations give any dessert table a polished and delicious finish.

continued from pg 11

13www.findlayfamily.com • June 2012 •

BIrThDAY BAShES

EntertainerBrent Beggs Athens Rye Runner up: Philip & Henry

Place for a partyAMF Sportsman Lane616 Trenton Ave.419-422-9757Visit www.amf.com/sportsmanlanes for locationsRunner up: Rolling Thunder Skat-ing and Family Fun Center

Place to buy a cakePhat Cakes45 S. Washington St., Tiffin567-220-6118www.phatcakes.comRunner up: Great Scot

Inflatable house rentalUltra Sound1824 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo1-888-966-8225www.ultraparty.comFacebook page: Ultra Party EventRunner up: Solid Rock Sports

ShOP TILL YOu DrOP

Kids clothing storeKiya Papaya Boutique213 E. Crawford St.

In a new Disney movie, a young chimp is orphaned and faces certain peril if not adopted by one of the females of the clan. Unfortunately, the other chimp moms have their hands --- not to mention feet --- full deal-ing with youngsters of their own preventing them from mothering little Oscar. Scientists filming the chimps are totally taken aback when they witness something absolutely astonishing. The alpha male, and grand pa-triarch of the group, Freddy, steps up to the plate and cares for the little guy in his time of need.

I have witnessed the “stepping up to the plate” part as well as the reactions of those who see a dad doing something out of the stereotypical gender role. I feel as if I have lived the real life version of Dr. Seuss’s “on a train, in a plane, in a boat, with a goat” as I have single-handedly taken my three little monkeys across the U.S., Canada and overseas. Don’t get me wrong, I was of-fered kindness as I juggled strollers, diaper bags, the coveted “busy bag” of activities, and enough snacks to feed a small village through the jungle known as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Yet I could see a veneer of empathy, the look that said, “Well toots, welcome to mother-hood.” In comparison, when baby Helena flew home with her father, he was assisted with his carry-on, and provided with a pil-

low, a blanket and a beverage while the flight attendants took turns holding our little miss.

Tender momentsI have witnessed numerous responses

from those in our jungles who are surprised when the alpha “Freddies” of the world “man up”. I come from a long line of alpha males. My former football, cross-country, military, Big Ten FREAK of a dad’s first response to a young man coming into our house was to slap him on the back with a resounding “Do you play ball?” My grand-pa was a surgeon, a Marine medic in the jungles of Okinawa, who raised beef cattle as a hobby. My mom’s dad, who we called “Pops,” was an avid fisherman who loved the outdoors. I guess you could stereo-typically call them “real men” but just like Oscar, I was scooped up by their love and experienced moments of tenderness that would baffle anyone peering into our pack.

Real men watch sing-alongs

Just like Freddy’s meticulous groom-ing of Oscar, I can envision Pop’s painstak-ing attempts at trying to put a bow in my daughter’s hair, buckle her “shiny shoes” before a big outing and dropping every-thing to watch the “Sharon, Lois and Bram Sing-Along Show." I can recall my Dad

donning a native headdress for our YMCA “Indian Princess” meeting. It would seem logical that, as the older alpha progressed in years, he would get to sit back and chomp on some nuts and berries. No, he once again rose to the occasion and faced a whole new generation of princesses, bead-string-ing and feathers with his granddaughters.

There is a special place in my heart re-served for my Uncle Tom. He has loved me when I was the least lov-able. Even through my cancer journey he some-how managed to make a plump (thanks to ste-roids) bald woman with drainage tubes feel beau-tiful. He took me out for our annual birth-day outing during my beauty-challenged time, where we traditionally gab, grub and where the “manly man” helps me forage through boutiques, looking for the perfect outfit. Not accustomed to the additional ap-paratuses and my new size, I found myself stuck in a frock. He swung into action and untangled me from my medically-necessi-tated constraints, and got me out of the wil-

derness of embarrassment and despair and back to the safety of his love and respect.

Papa Nick was an alpha in our jungle that many approached with apprehension,

but I knew that even though he liked to “thump his chest” and protect his territory, there was a heart of a “Fred-dy” under that tough exteri-or. I was alone dealing with a frightened, sick child in the ER when, to my surprise, I looked over to see him stand-ing next to me. Papa Nick was battling the invisible foe of Alzheimer’s and he made his presence known much to the chagrin of the healthcare workers. Tucked under his arm was a little fuzzy bear for his girl. Papa has left us but that little bear still sits at

the foot of Maria’s bed. Maybe we have all been conditioned to

thinking that being a real man requires su-perhuman strength and brute force. I don’t believe so. I constantly see dads “man up.” Their little ones who cling to them for guid-ance are blessed because it truly is a jungle out there.

Man Up!Alpha males come to the rescue, in the real (and figurative) jungle By Mary Helen Darah

Place for single parents to meetFindlay Village Mall, YMCA1800 Tiffin Ave.419-423-8732www.shopfindlayvillagemall.comRunner up: Parks

Parent blogMacaroni Kidswww.findlay.macaronikid.comRunner up: www.parent-2-parent.com

Date night restaurantThe Gathering114 E. Main Cross St.419-422-5930findlaygathering.comRunner up: Rosslli's

Place for mom to be pamperedTangle's Salon401 W. Main Cross St. 419-427-8500www.tanglesbeautysalon.comRunner up: Journey's Salon

Romantic getawayBelamere Suites12200 Williams Rd., Perrysburg419-874-2233 www.belameresuites.comRunner up: Hocking Hills

419-957-1743Facebook page: Kiya Papaya BoutiqueRunner up:Kids Clothesline

Place to buy kids’ shoesPayless1800 Tiffin Ave. 419-425-1015www.payless.comRunner up: Kohl’s, Wal-mart

Resale clothing for adultsCloset of Styles7523 Patriot Dr.419-422-7471www.closetofstyles.comRunner up: Nearly New Shop

Resale clothing for kidsOnce Upon a Child7521 Patriot Dr. 419-422-0400www.onceuponachild.comRunner up: Twice But Nice

Place to buy maternity clothesJC Penney1800 Tiffin Ave. 419-422-9022www.jcpenny.comRunner up: Old Navy

Place to splurge for the nurseryBabies R Us1360 S. Holland Sylvania Rd., Holland 419-861-7015www.babysrus.comRunner up: Once Upon A Child

Specialty toys/gifts (tie)TRENDS! On Main501 S. Main St.419-420-1582www.ilovetrends.com

DorAnne's Gifts & Gourmet327 S. Main St. 419-425-5510shopdorannes.comRunner up: Mother Hubbard’s Learning Cupboard

FOr ADuLTS ONLY

Support group for momsMothers & Morewww.findlaymothersandmore.orgRunner up: Mother Hubbard's Learning Cupboard

Mom-friendly playdate spotFindlay Village Mall Play Area1800 Tiffin Ave.419-423-8732shopfindlayvillagemall.comRunner up: Mothers and More