Month: September 2023

Fall Craft For Families – Turkey Windsocks

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Happy Fall, ya’ll! As the weather gets cooler, you might be wondering what kind of activities can keep your kids entertained indoors. Check out this fun and cost efficient craft for your family!

thanksgiving kids craft turkey windsocks

(Image from Happiness is Homemade)

What you’ll need:

  1. Recycled Aluminum Can
  2. Brown Paint
  3. Craft glue
  4. Orange Paint Pen
  5. Large Googly Eyes
  6. Ribbons-Fall Colors
  7. Feathers, Felt, and/or Construction Paper-Fall Colors
  8. Scissors
  9. Masking Tape (optional)

Directions:

  1. Start by painting the Aluminum Can with the brown paint. 
  2. After the brown paint is dry, use your orange painter’s pen to draw an upside-down triangle as the turkey’s “beak.”
  3. Then, attach the googly eyes using your craft glue.
  4. Using your choice of feathers or construction paper, create the turkey’s “tail” by gluing the feathers/construction paper to the top of the back of the can on the inside rim. The can will have sharp edges, you can apply the masking tape there to protect your fingers.
  5. Cut 10-15 pieces of ribbon at about 18” in length.
  6. Apply a thick layer of craft glue to the inside rim at the bottom of the can, and then place your ribbon streamers. Allow the glue to dry.
  7. Cut out a red waddle (in either felt or construction paper). Use your craft glue to attach it beside the beak.
  8. Attach ribbon to the inside rim of the top sides of the can using craft glue to create a handle.

Adapted from: Happiness is Homemade. For more fun, Fall crafts, check out their website:

https://www.happinessishomemade.net/thanksgiving-kids-craft-turkey-windsocks/ 

10 Fall Activities for Ohio Families

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The first official day of fall is coming up quickly on September 23rd. Fall comes with pumpkin spice lattes, corn mazes, flannels, and so much more! Here is a list of Ohio Fall attractions that are perfect for families.

 

Circleville Pumpkin Show: 

October 18-21, 2023

Circleville, Ohio

The Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the top 10 largest free festivals in the world. This four day event that shows off agriculture and farming, specifically pumpkin farming, attracts about 400,000 people each year.

The festival officially kicks off with the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In, with pumpkins typically weighing in at over 1,000lbs. The rest of the festival is jam-packed with fall-fun activities such as live music, pumpkin-themed treats, live music, parades, and so much more.

To learn more about the Circleville Pumpkin Show, visit their website: https://www.pumpkinshow.com/ 

 

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Trick-or-Treat Fest:

October 6-29, 2023

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (Cleveland, Ohio)

“Don’t miss the Zoo’s daytime Halloween celebration Trick-or-Treat Fest presented by Citizens. Trick-or-Treat Fest includes meet-and-greets with costumed characters, access to 20 trick-or-treat stations along Wayside Furniture Way, and the return of the Monster Mash Dance Party at the Zoo’s amphitheater presented by CrossCountry Mortgage. This add-on ticketed experience also includes unlimited train rides on the Pumpkin Express courtesy of Serpentini and the Circle of Wildlife Carousel courtesy of MetroHealth. The first 1,000 guests each day receive a complimentary trick or treat bag courtesy of Meijer. Along the way, guests will enjoy a custom made, larger than life animal display constructed from natural materials presented by CrossCountry Mortgage. General admission sold separately.”

For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/programs-events/2023/special-events/trick-or-treat-fest-presented-by-citizens 

 

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati:

September 14-17, 2023

Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio

“Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, presented by Samuel Adams, is returning to 5th Street for 2023! Oktoberfest Zinzinnati showcases the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio, as well as tasty samples of German-style music, food and beer. First held in 1976, the event has grown to be America’s largest Oktoberfest with more than 700,000 people attending each year.”

For more information, visit: https://oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/about/ 

 

The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow:

October 19-22, 2023

Heritage Park (Westerville, Ohio)

“The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow is our signature fall event! New in 2023: wind your way through special exhibits and an enchanting trail of glowing pumpkins dotted throughout Heritage Park. The largest gourds we could find will be on display and plenty of fun activities are included with the price of admission.”

For more information and tickets, visit: https://parks.westerville.org/programs/the-great-westerville-pumpkin-glow 

 

Maze Craze:

September 15-November 5, 2023

New Springfield, Ohio

“4 Mazes, 4 different interactive games…find all 18 checkpoints and become a Maize Master, play Farm Scene Investigation, play Farm Tracks, and an all-new game for the 2023 design.

Voted one of the Best Corn Maze Farms in the Nation in The USA Today in 2018, 2021, and 2022.”

For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.getlostatmazecraze.com/index.html 

 

MacQueen’s Orchard:

Open Year-round

Holland, Ohio

“MacQueen’s Orchards farm market is open year round, providing you with farm fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh pies and treats from the bakery, and a terrific selection of unique gifts, home decor, and keepsakes.

MacQueen’s Orchards grows 16 varieties of apples and 7 varieties of peaches, plus we sell a large variety of all your favorite, seasonal locally grown vegetables year round.

Also, be sure you plan several visits to Martha’s Gift Shop and Boutique and the Christmas Shop for unique gifts not found in most other stores.”

For more information, visit: https://www.macqueenorchards.com/ 

 

Trail of Scarecrows:

Throughout October

Fairfield County

“October is the time to explore The Trail of Scarecrows in Fairfield County! Search and admire hundreds of scarecrows scattered throughout 14 communities in Fairfield County.

Businesses, groups, organizations, and residents create scarecrows on display all over the area. You won’t want to miss a single one of these cute and clever displays that celebrate the Autumn Experience throughout the month of October.

Every October, Fairfield County is the place to be for all kinds of fall fun.  How can you join in the fun and find the scarecrows? It’s easy! Check out the digital map (2023 map will be available on Oct 1st) and click on the community name that you want to explore in the left column. This will show you a list of the scarecrows in that community and if you click on the “map it” icon, you can see them on a map for your convenience.”

For more information, visit: https://visitfairfieldcounty.org/listing/trail-of-scarecrows/ 

 

Kuchta Farms Pumpkin Patch & More:

Braceville, Ohio

“Escape to the countryside of our family farm nestled in Braceville, Ohio. Located just 55 miles from downtown Cleveland, it’s the perfect place to escape with your family for a day of outdoor fun. 

Kuchta Farms has been providing farm fresh produce to our community since 1954. Now, we invite you and your family to join us on the farm for a day enjoying the outdoors and the exciting activities we have around the farm! 

Our farm is home to a 10+ Acre corn maze, wagon rides, our fall pumpkin patch, and our adventure zone which includes tons of fun games and activities for kids and kids at heart!”

For more information, visit: https://kuchtafarms.com/ 

 

Jack O’ Lantern Junction:

September 23-October 31, 2021

West Chester, Ohio

“Halloween fun for the whole family! Kids can Trick-or-Treat thru our indoor, kid friendly maze and see friendly ghosts, skeletons and more. Plus, see our new Halloween mini scenes and a Halloween themed train display!”

For more information, visit: https://entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar/ 

 

Bob Evans Farm Festival:

October 13-October 15, 2023

Bob Evans Farm (Rio Grande, Ohio)

“Bob Evans Down on the Farm® isn’t just a catchy commercial jingle. Bob Evans was a real farmer, and his farm is a real place in Rio Grande, Ohio. And starting in 1971, Bob Evans has celebrated America’s farmers down on the farm with our annual Farm Festival. This year, we celebrate our 52nd Farm Festival with a wide range of entertainment, one-of-a-kind handmade arts and crafts, farm contests, delicious local food, and much more!”

For more information, visit: https://www.bobevans.com/farm-festival 

 

If you check out all 10 of these attractions, and you’re interested in a much more comprehensive list, check out 100 Things to Do in Ohio This Fall: https://ohio.org/travel-inspiration/articles/100-things-to-do-in-ohio-this-fall 

5 Mental Health Resources for Military Families – Suicide Prevention Month

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Content Warning: Mention of mental health and suicide

 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and more specifically National Suicide Prevention Week is September 10, 2023-September 16, 2023. This month is dedicated to raising suicide awareness and bringing together those who have been impacted by suicide.

According to the US Department of Defense, the suicide rate among active duty military troops in 2021 was 24.3 per 100,000. The DOD reports that there has been an increasing trend in suicide among active duty troops since 2011, with the exception of a decrease between 2020 and 2021. Even more, the DOD reports that in 2020, 202 military dependents died by suicide.

The DOD recognizes that suicide is a tragedy that changes families forever, which is why the DOD is taking diligent efforts to commit to suicide prevention in the military. In 2022, the DOD hired 2,000 prevention personnel, stationed across the world. 

Beyond DOD efforts, the resources for military troops and their families are abundant and accessible. In times of mental health crises, get help right away. The following are mental health/suicide prevention resources and support for individuals in times of need.

 

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

“TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.”

https://www.taps.org/mission 

 

DOD’s Military OneSource

“Military OneSource from the Department of Defense is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it’s your “first line of support” — giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive.”

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ 

 

Red Cross’ Military and Veterans Caregiver Network

“The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging.”

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html 

 

Veteran Suicide Prevention

“If you’re a Veteran in a mental health crisis and you’re thinking about hurting yourself—or you know a Veteran who’s considering this—get help right away. You’re not alone.”

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j0Ktj2D-BF8pfMYODJmJ01y_ZiEWuUBNLZQc0ukFaPA/edit 

 

Military and Suicide Prevention-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

“AFSP is committed to protecting those who protect us and believes that Veteran and military suicide prevention must continue to be a national priority.”

https://afsp.org/military-and-veteran-suicide-prevention/ 

 

References:

“Active Duty Suicide Rate Drops; Austin Says More Work Needed.” U.S. Department of Defense, www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3195429/active-duty-suicide-rate-drops-austin-says-more-work-needed/#:~:text=Fewer%20service%20members%20died%20by,said%20at%20a%20media%20briefing. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023. 

“Veteran and Military Suicide Prevention Resources.” Action Alliance, theactionalliance.org/veteran-and-military-suicide-prevention-resources. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023.

10 Scholarships For Military Kids

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College applications, scholarship submissions, and senioritis. All three are things that come along with changing leaves and the cool, fall weather. This timeless tradition is no different for military families. With that in mind, there are millions of dollars in scholarships allocated for military kids each year. This post details 10 scholarships exclusively for military kids that will help you prepare for the upcoming application season.

How can military kids take advantage of these funds? Apply! 

 

American Legion Legacy Scholarship

“The American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship provides college funding to children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty, or those who have a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater.”

  • Application Timeline: January 1-April 1 2024

 

AMVETS Children/Grandchildren Scholarships

“This application is specific to graduating high school seniors (child or grandchild) of an Honorably Served Veterans, Active Duty and Guard/Reserves.”

  • Application Timeline: January 15 – April 30 2024

 

Fischer House Scholarships for Military Children

“The Scholarships for Military Children program is open to unmarried military dependent children under the age 23 who possess a valid Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card. In addition, a student’s parent(s)/sponsor(s) must be one of the following: active duty, reserve/guard, deceased, or retired from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force.”

  • Application Timeline: Opens mid-December 2023

 

Army Scholarship Foundation

“Applicants must: Be sons or daughters of regular active duty, active duty Reserve, or active duty National Guard U.S. Army members in good standing, OR Be spouses of serving enlisted regular active duty, active duty Reserve, or active duty National Guard U.S. Army members in good standing, OR Be sons or daughters of former U.S. Army members who received an honorable discharge or medical discharge, or who were killed while serving in the U.S. Army. Be high school seniors, high school graduates, or registered as undergraduate students at an accredited college or post high school vocational/technical institution.”

  • Application timeline: January 15-April 15 2024

 

Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships:

“Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. Our scholarships are one of the ways we thank our brave men and women for their steadfast service to our nation, while also ensuring their family members can afford to reach their higher education dreams.”

 

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

“The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation was established to honor the service and sacrifice of Marines and their families. That’s why we are grateful for your tax-deductible donations. As our Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation helps cover the cost of attending post-high school, undergraduate, and career and technical education programs. Every gift has a significant life-changing impact. With your support, we can make sure that no Marine family is left behind.”

 

The Folds of Honor Higher Education Scholarship

“We ensure that families who’ve sacrificed so much for our country and communities receive the education and opportunities they deserve. Whether it’s K-12th grade or higher education, we believe the cost of pursuing their academic dreams should not be an additional burden.”

 

Navy League of The United States Scholarships

“College should never be out of reach for a family member of the sea services. The Navy League Foundation guarantees this support by awarding scholarships to high school seniors who will attend college in the fall. Navy League Foundation scholarships are available to children and grandchildren of veterans or active duty sea service men and women, as well as members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.”

 

Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship

“It is important to acknowledge the sacrifices of our service members who preserve our freedom, but that is not enough. The sacrifices of the children of those who served should also be honored. Providing funds to assist these children so they can pursue higher education is a concrete way of showing how much we, as a nation, care.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship to support the children of our warriors. These scholarships are awarded to 15 students annually who excel in academics and volunteer in their communities.”

 

Wings Over America Scholarships

“Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation annually sponsors 50 scholarships to further the post secondary education of Navy dependents from the aviation community. Most scholarships are $5,000 and some are renewable.

Scholarships may be used for trade school certification, community college or four-year university/college undergraduate study and cover tuition only at an accredited institution.

If an applicant’s tuition is fully covered by other scholarships from their institution, ROTC, or Post 9/11 Bill/Yellow Ribbon benefits, they are ineligible to receive a scholarship. Students attending service academies are also ineligible.”

  • Application timeline: Opens October 1, 2023

 

Those are just 10 of the abundant selection of scholarships for military kids and dependents. Here are a few resources for students as the college application season progresses:

Busting the Myths About Scholarships – Military.com

https://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/learn-how-to-find-scholarships.html 

Scholarships for Military Dependents and Families

https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/military-dependents-scholarships/ 

 

References:

Mullinix, Heather. “Scholarships for Military Dependents and Families: BestColleges.” BestColleges.Com, 17 Jan. 2023, www.bestcolleges.com/resources/military-dependents-scholarships/.