J. Wukotich

I'm Joel.
I write about spooky things, parenting, disability rights, and food fights.
I write about music, film, and aging.
I write from Toledo, Ohio... mostly. 

Toledo Parent - Toledo's Parenting Resource •

Where to go Ice Skating in Toledo - Toledo Parent

Toledo becomes a winter wonderland when the temperatures drop and ice skating becomes a popular pastime. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, the city offers a variety of indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks to cater to all skill levels and preferences.
The Ribbon is a 1,000-foot loop trail, offering a more scenic and dynamic skating experience than a traditional rink. Advanced reservations are highly recommended to ensure your spot on the ice, especially during peak times.

1505 Fron...
Libre •

The Forest Church — Libre

I feel the way it must, standing in an icy Norwegian forest, limbs quivering despite having taken extra steps to avoid the chill. Moonlight notwithstanding, pitch-black shards of loneliness blind and appall, which I may have gotten used to by now, had it not been for the decades I’ve ignored any of the light passed my way. By strangers or friends. The thickness of the mud in my mind has hardened with age, perverse in a selfish eagerness to exist. This is how I feel on the inside, daily, while dr...
Toledo Parent •

Beyond the Screen: Finding Fun for Kids Outside the Digital Bubble - Toledo Parent

In today’s digital age, children spend more time on cell phones, social media and streaming services for entertainment and education. While these technologies have many benefits, excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s physical and mental health and family relationships. It’s essential to find ways to engage our kids in both entertaining and educational activities to maintain a healthy balance and promote family bonding.


One of the simplest ways to pull kids away from screens i...
Toledo Parent •

Prioritize Hydration for Summer Adventures  - Toledo Parent

Parents should make sure their kids drink plenty of water in the hot summer months to stay healthy and active. Dr. John McBride, a doctor with Franklin Park Pediatrics, shares important tips for keeping kids hydrated in hot weather.
McBride emphasizes encouraging children to stay hydrated by consistently drinking fluids, particularly water, throughout the day. He suggests that regularly consuming small amounts of fluids is more beneficial than drinking a large quantity all at once.
This method h...
Toledo Parent •

Fantastic Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Toledo-Area Dads - Toledo Parent

Father’s Day is just around the corner and finding the perfect gift for your Toledo-area dad doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether your dad is into music, local crafts, sports or fine dining, we’ve curated a list of fantastic local gift ideas to make this Father’s Day unforgettable. Here’s our ultimate guide to making your dad’s day special in Toledo.

For the proud Toledoan dad, Printed on a Lark offers high-quality, locally-themed t-shirts that celebrate the spirit of the Glass City. These s
Toledo Parent •

Unveiling the Silent Threat: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) - Toledo Parent

In 2019, the sports world was shaken by the tragic suicide of 18-year-old Wyatt Bramwell, who, posthumously, became the first high school football player diagnosed with late-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His case underscored the severity of brain trauma at a young age, shedding light on the alarming consequences of youth football.

Wyatt had been playing football since age 5, dedicating over a decade to the sport. A video shared by his parents with the New York Times revealed his
Toledo Parent •

Wood County’s Developmental Disabilities Triumph: A $2.45 Million Renewal Levy - Toledo Parent

In a resounding victory for Ohio’s Wood County, a $2.45 million renewal levy recently passed with a notable 65% to 35% margin. The success of this initiative marks a significant milestone for the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, renewing hope and support within the community.

Understanding the margin: a closer look at the levy’s success

The margin of victory, with 29,622 votes in favor and 15,949 against, represents a substantial win for the developmental disabilities community
Toledo Parent •

Beyond Healthcare Toledo: Nurturing Mental Wellness Beyond Boundaries - Toledo Parent

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Beyond Healthcare emerged as a beacon of hope, pioneering a transformative approach to mental health care for adolescents aged 11 to 17 and their families.

Founded in 2021 by Lisa Richardson, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, Beyond Healthcare transcends conventional healthcare norms to address the multifaceted challenges young minds face.

The Genesis of Beyond Healthcare

Richardson founded Beyond Healthcare in
Devoted to Vinyl •

15 Songs About Midnight That Are Amazing Jams

Looking for some awesome songs about midnight? Well lucky you, because I have just the perfect list for you. Below are my selections for the best midnight songs ever made. So let’s get this countdown list started!

The Best Songs About Midnight Ever Made

Let’s begin in the early days of heavy metal with Judas Priest.

Judas Priest released the album British Steel in 1980, radically changing the course of heavy metal music. Priest and bands like Iron Maiden and Motörhead ushered in the New Wave
Devoted to Vinyl •

The Top 13 Led Zeppelin Albums Ranked Worst to Best

If you’re reading this, you’re likely in one of the following camps. Either you’re a long-time Led Zeppelin fan, or you’re someone that wants to know how a long-time fan would rank the best Led Zeppelin albums.

During the thirty-plus years I’ve been a Zeppelin fan, I’ve developed a solid opinion on the matter of “best” and “worst.” Most fans will agree on the top four or five on any list but argue on the order. That suits us just fine here because we love talking about Led Zeppelin. So, without