September 11, 2007

Topsy Turvy Toys

The weekly meeting took the club on a road trip to the Amsterdam Center in New Bremen to visit one of the newest business establishments in town called Topsy Turvy Toys.  The shop specializes in games, puzzles, developmental toys, building and science kits, infant toys and other specialty toys.  Owners Cathi Hall and Lisa Davidson shared that their focus is on offering toys for all ages but that play is serious since it encourages developmental, social, physical and educational growth.  Although they have some electronic toys, most are not powered and are hands-on.  They also try to offer some 'retro' toys and some of the classics that appeal the the more seasoned members of the audience.  The shop also offers the opportunity for theme specific parties for up to 8 children of all ages which include providing invitations and cakes.  

Cathi and Lisa also highlighted the Specialty Toy Industry's 5 way test for toys. 1) Is it safe?, 2) Is there a choking hazard?, 3) Is the toy age appropriate, 4) Does the toy add to the variety in the toy box?, and finally 5) Is the toy fun to play with?  They are aware of and stay abreast of the recent problems with lead content in imported toys and that all toys include a statement of safety from manufacturers that guarantees the safety. 

Cathi and Lisa offered free samples to attending club members which included a choice of Super Ball, Whacky Whirler or Castle Building Cards.  They responded to a club motion to donate $200 to buy toys from the shop to help the relief effort in Ottowa Ohio from recent floods by donating an additional $100 in toys to the cause.  They closed with a quote from George Bernard Shaw which states that "We don't stop playing because we're old, we grow old because we stop playing."

For more information, visit the store at 464  S. Washington Street in the Amsterdam Center or call Cathi or Lisa at 419-629-0000.  Store hours are Mon-Fri 10am to 8pm and Sat 9am to 8pm.

A fun time was had by all the Rotarian 'kids'.

Hosting Rotarian: Larry Dicke