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MakerSpace Events
Heart Gallery and Studios Gallery will host several MakerSpace and Lunch events inspired by the Japanese art form “kintsugi” where gold is used to repair broken ceramic pieces, highlighting the break rather than hiding it.
Looking through a “kintsugi lens” we see a correlation between our role in the environment, our relationships with others, and our reaction to personal trauma or loss. People, like pottery, can be broken, but with healing, can emerge stronger and renewed.
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New Growth
By Kyle Vierling Hafner Florist
In early March, branches like forsythia, redbud, and magnolia can be cut and brought indoors to bloom. Cut them on a day when temperatures are above freezing and put them in a vase of water, give them a few weeks to open and enjoy. Please forage responsibly. Happy hunting!
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Ohio’s Issue 2 & the Impact on Employees and Workers
By Kimberly A. Conklin, Attorney RCOLaw
Last Nov 7, Ohio voters passed Issue 2 legalizing recreational marijuana effective December 7, 2023. Issue 2 allows for the sale and purchase of marijuana allowing adults who are 21 years old and older to use and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana.
How does Issue 2 impact workplace drug policies and employment practices?
Issue 2 and its resulting statute, O.R.C. 3780, does not require employers to make immediate or sweeping changes to their drugfree workplace policies or drug testing protocols.
Employees will be legally able to use recreational cannabis, however the law also provides that employers may legally discriminate against them based on that choice.
Q: Can I prohibit employees from bringing legal marijuana products to work?
A: Yes. Employers are not required to accommodate an employee’s legal use of cannabis. R.C. 3780.35(A)(1).
Q: Can I refuse to hire, discipline, or terminate an employee because they test positive for THC even if it was during non-working hours?
A: Yes. Employers may continue to make adverse employment decisions based on an employee’s legal use of cannabis. R.C. 3780.35(A)(2). Employees cannot sue an employer for making an adverse employment action based on that employee’s use of legal cannabis. R.C. 3780.35(A)(5).
Q: Can I continue to test for THC in my testing protocols?
A: Yes. Employers can still maintain a drug testing policy, drug free workplace policy, or zero tolerance drug policy. R.C. 3780.35(A)(3).
Q: My business is subject to Federal Department of Transportation Regulations. Do I still follow these rules?
A: Yes. Employers must still comply with Federal Department of Transportation regulations. R.C. 3780.35(A)(4).
Q: Will I continue to receive Bureau of Worker Compensation (BWC) grant rebates for maintaining a drug free workplace program?
A: Yes. Issue 2 does not affect BWC grant rebates or discounts based on an employer’s maintenance of a drug free workplace program. R.C. 3780.35(A)(6).
Q: If I terminate an employee for testing positive for THC will they be able to collect unemployment benefits?
A: Probably not. As long as you have a drug-free workplace, zero tolerance or other formal policy prohibiting the use of cannabis, the termination will be considered “just cause” for purposes of unemployment benefits. R.C. 3780.35(B).
Employer protections are a part of Issue 2, however, now is the time for you to take a good look at your existing policies and decide whether to make changes. With the legalization of marijuana there will be shifts in societal attitudes followed by the inevitable increased use of recreational cannabis across all employee demographics. Consider whether your current policies will restrict job candidates or adversely impact your workforce. Employers have options when it comes to testing protocols.
A one-size-fits-all answer for employers regarding Ohio’s Marijuana Legalization Initiative does not exist. Conduct a comprehensive review of your policies and discuss options that best suit your needs with legal counsel.
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Notre Dame Summer Academy
Notre Dame Academy invites girls in grades K-12 to learn while having fun at their annual Summer Academy. Hosted at the school’s 3535 W. Sylvania Avenue location, the beautiful campus is the perfect setting to explore a variety of unique opportunities.
Led by Notre Dame Academy’s faculty, staff, and students – girls will have the opportunity to pamper their pets, participate in voice and theatre classes, test their skills in fencing and archery, design their own jewelry, bake tasty treats, and much more!
According to Summer Academy Director, Ms. Christiana Jefferson McKey, “We work hard to provide a variety of summer academy opportunities because one size doesn’t fit all. Girls who participate in Notre Dame’s Summer Academy will feel supported and confident as they explore new interests while making new friends.”
To learn more and to register, please visit nda.org/explore/summer. Early bird registration – which runs March 1 to March 30 - includes $20 off Discovery and Academic camps. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to register early as many sessions fill quickly.
Notre Dame Academy, a Catholic preparatory school for young women, educates in the tradition, vision, and principles of the Sisters of Notre Dame. We empower students to be intellectually curious, passionately faith-filled and socially responsible servant leaders.
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Sunshine Communities is Celebrating Their 75th Year in 2024
Roy and Georgette Engler had five children with developmental disabilities at a time when, in the United States, people with developmental disabilities were institutionalized. As the Engler’s
cared for their children at home, they visited state institutions to see other available options. Those institutions were appalling to the Engler’s, who decided they could better serve children like their own, with better living conditions and a loving environment. In 1950, the Engler’s founded Sunshine Children’s Home, 7223 Maumee-Western Rd, Maumee, serving children with developmental disabilities in the greater Toledo area. Now known as Sunshine Communities, individuals of all ages are supported through residential, vocational, medical, and transportation services including those on ventilators.
Sunshine desires that significant activities in northwest Ohio be experienced by their supported individuals. Sunshine is also committed to integrating the local community into events hosted on the main campus. On April 8, 2024, Sunshine is the city of Maumee’s official watch site for the total solar eclipse.
The last time that Ohio experienced a total solar eclipse was in 1806 and the next one will be in 2099. On Sunshine’s campus, attendees will experience close to two minutes of totality starting at 3:13 pm. The moon will begin to cover the sun at 1:56 pm and will finish at 4:26 pm. To fully experience the eclipse, glasses will be provided to allow participants to safely observe this phenomenon. When the sun is completely eclipsed, the corona, the sun’s outer atmosphere, will emerge. The moon will be completely black with a bright glow surrounding it. A solar eclipse is the only time you can see the corona with the unaided eye.
Sunshine’s campus will have food trucks, music, and activities from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The public is invited to attend. Our name is also changing that day to “Un-Sunshine” as we experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Join us for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.
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St. Ursula Academy’s Junior Academy Creates a Unique Learning Space
St. Ursula Academy Toledo Junior Academy embraces a true middle school model that meets the needs of adolescents between elementary school age and the high school years. Focusing on the distinct academic, social, and emotional needs of girls in grades 6-8, the SUA JA is a place where girls can learn and grow in a nurturing environment.
With a specific focus on this important developmental stage, our dedicated JA director, JA counselor, and teaching team know what makes these students feel successful and happy—in and out of the classroom. They tailor academic and extracurricular experiences to their needs and interests.
JA classes challenge students, yet one-on-one academic support provides help if needed. Eighth graders can take at least one high school class to get ahead with requirements, experience the level of instruction awaiting them in future years, and open their schedules for more opportunities in high school.
Age-appropriate social events allow for opportunities to create firm friendships. The wide array of activities—from service projects to specific academic interests to just plain high-energy fun—means that every girl can find friends with common interests.
An all-girls experience during the formative middle-school years is essential to helping girls find their true selves, become leaders, and achieve their highest potential.
For more information about the SUA JA, please contact Rita Hayes,
Director of Admissions, at rhayes@toledosua.org.
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