Don Murad has a Master's in Education from the University of Toledo and is a retired physics and astronomy teacher with 43 years of experience. He is an astronomy enthusiast and is a veteran solar eclipse observer.
Don Murad has a Master's in Education from the University of Toledo and is a retired physics and astronomy teacher with 43 years of experience. He is an astronomy enthusiast and is a veteran solar eclipse observer.
Heidi Westrick is the Assistant Director of the Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory at the University of Toledo.
Craig Batke from Ohio Connectivity Champions shared his technology expertise with the community by conducting in-person programs as well as meeting one-on-one with patrons. Ohio Connectivity Champions works to improve accessibility to the Internet. An experienced professional with over 12 years of teaching experience in public and private schools, Craig has vast knowledge of computer science, information technology, and financial literacy. Craig was previously employed with the U.S. Census Bureau, where he was responsible for training employees on field applications and data collection. He is exceptional at taking complex subjects and explaining them in simple ways. Mr. Batke's programs at Way Library included Ohio Means Jobs and Affordable Connectivity,
Program Naturalist Emma Taylor with the Wood County Parks District shared her expertise by conducting in-person programs including Outdoor Mindfulness and Nature Journaling, Adult Dragonfly Wander, and Create a Bird-Friendly Backyard at W.W. Knight Preserve as well as curating resources about nature. Emma loves connecting with folks over a shared love for nature. In addition to her work as a naturalist, she also teaches mindfulness and is currently working towards a Mindfulness Teacher Certification with the Engaged Mindfulness Institute. In her spare time, Emma enjoys crafting and DIY - especially projects that allow her to use all of her materials or up-cycle parts into something new.
Dr. Deborah Hendricks, Director and Mindfulness Coach for the Pre-Health Advising Center at the University of Toledo, shared her expertise by conducting four interactive workshops via Zoom as well as curating resources for mindfulness. Her workshops included: Welcome and Introduction to Mindfulness, Awareness of the Breath and Gratitude Exercises, Awareness of Emotions and Loving Kindness Exercises, and Deep Dive with Q&A. During each virtual session, there was an information session, opportunities to engage in guided exercises, breakout rooms to allow small groups to share, and a time for Q&A.
Dr. Deborah Hendricks made mindfulness the subject of her dissertation and research focus while working on her doctorate of education in Leadership Studies at Bowling Green State University. She is a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) and a Certified Appreciative Administrator. She enjoys speaking and presenting virtually, regionally, and nationally on mindfulness. In her free time, Dr. Hendricks loves biking, kayaking, and walking with her better half and two dogs in the Toledo Metroparks.
Guided Breathing Exercises
Dr. Hendricks has provided guided breathing exercises to follow along. Listen below!
Guided breathing exercise (5-minutes):
Local artist Robert Vanitvelt shared his art with the community by presenting three programs and also holding monthly office hours at the library. His programs included: A Family Art Workshop and two Painting Demonstrations. Mr. Vanitvelt also held office hours from January through March 2020. During these times patrons could drop in with questions or a piece of art that they'd been working on. Mr. Vanitvelt was born in Flint, Michigan. He is a self-taught artist and uses everyday unconventional items to create his art. His work has been shown in Michigan, Florida, California, and Ohio, including a solo show at the Diane Kidd Art Gallery at Tiffin University.