DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
20 18
32 8
28 24
4
Intro
28
By Anita Oldham
6
Beautiful Baby Contest
8
Best. Holiday. Ever.
By Lori Gant Leitner
30
My Kid’s Pediatrician By Torrie Temple
14
Worst. Holiday. Ever.
18
Kids in the Kitchen
20
Skipping Christmas
32
Schools, Organizations find Creative Ways to Get Cash By Megan Schreiber Willman
By Meredith Ball
24
Family Wellness
Calendar of Events By Alissa Hicks
34
Directories By Alissa Hicks
40
DIY Turn an Old Book into a New Wreath By Miranda Popp
ON THE COVER
INTRO
WE ARE Living IT, TOO!
T
Lily, 10, and Elise Wobbe, 7, are celebrating an entire Christmas season by dancing with the Louisville Ballet in The Nutcracker. They are the daughters of Susan and Thomas Wobbe. Susan, who is one of our 67 parent writers, shared in the Best Holiday Ever (page 8) how her daughters came to be part of the show. The girls came to our studio with leotards on and tutus in hand. They ended up being great little actresses for our fantasy scene Silvia Cabib created after we took this photo.
oday’s Family magazine is a collaboration of many people, people who are right in the middle of parenting their own families. An issue starts as a theme written down at the beginning of a year and evolves into something very timely and personal when we ask for pitches from our parent writer group of 67. Assistant Editor Elaine Jack communicates with the group and sifts through the feedback and our writers create articles and stories that are local and true to life. This is our last issue of the year, and since we publish bi-monthly, it is also the first issue of the new year. So we decided to make some resolutions:
Volume 23 • Number 1 PUBLISHER
Cathy S. Zion
publisher@todayspublications.com EDITOR
Anita Oldham
editor@todayspublications.com ASSISTANT EDITORS
Elaine Rooker Jack
elaine@todayspublications.com
Tiffany White
tiffany@todayspublications.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Susan Allen
susan@todayspublications.com SALES DIRECTOR
Cheryl Suhr
cheryl@todayspublications.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Rose Helm
rose@todayspublications.com
Teri Hickerson
teri@todayspublications.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
April H. Allman
april@todayspublications.com PHOTOGRAPHER
Melissa Donald
melissa@todayspublications.com ASSISTANT EDITOR/DESIGNER
Jessica Smith
jessica@todayspublications.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Melissa Donald
COVER ILLUSTRATION
Silvia Cabib
TODAYSFAMILYNOW.COM EDITOR
Miranda Popp
miranda@todayspublications.com MEDIA ASSOCIATE
Alissa Hicks
Have fun with your family and ours in 2014!
PHOTO BY MELISSA DONALD ILLUSTRATION BY SILVIA CABIB
PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY: Zion Publications LLC 9750 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 307 Louisville, KY 40223 Phone (502) 327-8855 Fax (502) 327-8861
www.todaysfamilynow.com
ON TODAYSFAMILYNOW.COM
Don’t Miss Us! Go on TodaysFamilyNow.com to get ideas for your family every day. We post new information five times a week, offering ways to help you get the most out of your family time.
This month: • Elf on Shelf ideas • New Year’s Celebration for your whole family • Stories of sending a child off to college • Local events • Where kids eat free during the week • A chance to win something every Wednesday
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DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
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Subscriptions are available by sending $15 to the above address for 6 bi-monthly issues.
Today’s Family magazine is published bi-monthly by Zion Publications LLC and distributed free to the people of metropolitan Louisville and Southern Indiana. Circulation 25,000. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Family magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service. Copyright 2013 by Zion Publications LLC with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Zion Publications LLC.
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DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
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Share the cuteness and the craziness of those pretty babies with us. Enter your baby in the 7th annual...
The winner will be featured on a Today’s Family magazine cover and receive a $1,000 Savings Bond.
RULES: You must be the child’s guardian and own the copyright to the submitted photo. Child must be between the ages of 0 and 3 years old (not 4 before June 2014). Winner will be chosen by online voting in February and March.
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images at least 750K or larger in file size. For best results, crop images to the head and shoulders and size to 2” x 3”. Photos must be sent in jpeg format. PHOTOS CANNOT BE RETURNED
AND BECOME THE PROPERTY OF ZION PUBLICATIONS.
DEADLINE: January 10, 2014 Sponsored by
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BEST. HOLIDAY. EVER.
The Most Magical
The Most Grateful Two Christmases, two wars. In 1989, my husband Joe was in Panama during Operation Just Cause. I was home alone, expecting our first child. He was back in time for Laura’s birth in February of 1990. Six months later Joe was deployed for Desert Storm. With no cell phones, no e-mail or Skype back then, we anxiously awaited letters that took up to 10 days to arrive. For Laura’s first Christmas in 1990, Joe sent a package containing frankincense and myrrh, along with two beautiful gold pendants with our names in Arabic. Every year we take out these precious gifts as a reminder that after seven months away, Joe came home safely to us. We also remember all of those who did not return to their families. — Mary Ellen Bianco
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The month before my older daughter started ballet classes, we attended her first performance of the Louisville Ballet’s Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Mesmerized by the production, she recognized that the tiny chefs were children like her, and she asked when she might perform in the Nutcracker. I explained she was 3 years old and the chefs were at least 7, so it would be a few years. Years ticked by and finally, in 2011, Lily was old enough to try out for the Louisville Ballet’s production. She was cast as an angel in the production. Over the next several months she experienced
the magic: performing alongside professional dancers in Whitney Hall, donning an elaborate, beautiful costume, and witnessing the magic of her own reflection shining back
from the mirror in her dressing room backstage. Delighted were the family and friends who witnessed the realized dreams of a dancer! This year, our holiday season will prove even more magical as we celebrate two children dancing in the production. Lily is cast as a soldier and her younger sister Elise performs as an angel. What could be more magical than Marie’s enchanting visit to the Land of Sweets during the holiday season? Witnessing my daughters helping to bring the magic to life on stage is pretty close for this proud mom! — Susan Viers Wobbe Elise Wobbe gets fitted for an angel costume for Louisville Ballet’s Nutcracker.
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The Biggest Surprise Stacie chronicles her son Andrew’s growth through the years with photos of him in a stocking!
Best Stocking Stuffer My son, Andrew, was born on December 22, and we were released from the hospital to go home on Christmas morning. The nursery staff came in early to take Andrew down to the nursery for his final check-up before discharge. Imagine my surprise when
the nursery staff brought Andrew back to me swaddled in a large, red Christmas stocking! We decided to start a tradition of taking a picture of him each year in his stocking so we could watch him grow. We’ve missed a few years along the way, but we still have the stocking and still take the picture, when we remember! The first couple of years, he was literally standing in the stocking. He is now getting ready to turn 13 and I can’t help but wonder how much longer it will be before the stocking fits more like a sock! — Stacie L. Martin
Worst (Gift) Mistake Picture the week before Christmas. A house filled with the scent of fresh pine. Presents wrapped and stacked in a shopping bag, resting by the back door in the kitchen. She is awake. (Before he left for work, he prepared the coffee and laid her mug out.) She pours, sips, and scans the kitchen.
Her calm is interrupted when she notices the bag of presents is gone.
Where the hell are my presents? She races to the laundry room, then to the living room, but no presents. He usually takes out the garbage, she murmurs to herself. This is our routine. I place the trash by the back door and he takes it out in the morning. Frantic, she calls him. “Tell me you did not throw away the bag of presents by the door!” He responds, “The bag sitting by the back door with the trash?!” “Trash?! It was a bag of wrapped presents for your family! How could you mistake that for trash?” He roars back, his language more colorful than the Christmas tree, “It was dark. The bag was sitting where the trash is placed.” It doesn’t matter. The presents are gone. Furious, she hangs up on him, grabs her keys, storms out, and calls her mother. “It
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Every time we’d attempted to contact my brother and sister-inlaw, they replied, “We’ll be there shortly.” Committed to Christmas dinner together, as a family, we hushed our appetites, sneaking bites here and there. Where are they? I thought to myself. They were supposed to be here hours ago. Pushing 7:30, we were two hours past the scheduled dinner time, and they were still at the hospital visiting their newborn. Weighing in at less than 3 1/2 pounds, their little guy arrived 10 weeks early, breaking the record his older sister set when she arrived seven weeks premature. Our hearts were heavy with holiday cheer and heartbreak. The baby was holding his own, but he hadn't yet been released. Finally, the back door opened and in they walked. We ambushed them with hugs and calls of Merry Christmas, our hunger partly driving the elation. In fact, I was so consumed with anticipation of finally enjoying the feast awaiting me, it was several minutes before I noticed . . . the baby. They’d arrived with a carrier covered by a blanket, placed the carrier down, proceeded to greet us while removing their coats, and waited for us to notice. The baby was home! Our hearts were full. — Bobbie Shunnarah
was an accident,” her mother soothes. “How can I help?” In the end, her mom helped her do some last-minute shopping. He still takes out the garbage. However, now she places all the trash in the garage. — Bobbie Shunnarah 4 4 4 todaysfamilynow.com 4 4 4www.facebook.com /todaysfamily 4 4 4 @todaysfamilynow
Best Gift Sweetest Music I was in the hospital on my daughter’s first Christmas, and I didn’t want her to miss the excitement of Christmas Eve so she spent the evening with my husband at my parents’ house. It was just my new baby Andrew and me on Christmas Eve in the hospital. It was dark and snowing outside, and I was feeling a little lonely as I lay in bed away from home with my tiny new son sleeping on my chest. It was at that point that I heard what sounded like carolers outside my closed hospital door. I went to the door, cradling my new son in my arms and peeked out to see a church group of carolers making their rounds on the floor. It was a picture-perfect experience that I will always remember. — Stacie L. Martin
As my husband’s family grew larger, we made the decision to draw names at Christmas so each person would buy only one gift. A few years back, my husband drew Poppy, his grandfather and patriarch of then a family of 20 people. We could have taken our $50 limit and bought a sweater or some slippers, but we chose
to make a gift that meant something to him and the entire family.
We created a Shutterfly picture book based on "favorite memories of Poppy." We asked each member of the family to submit a picture of their favorite memory with Poppy and write a "letter" to him about the picture. It was an amazing gift that revealed so many special stories and created a tribute to a loving husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather. It was a gift to us too. As we created the book, we got to read each story and learn even more about Poppy and all of the amazing roles he has played in his life: devoted husband, father, family man, WWII veteran, lover of baseball, and lover of the beach. It was truly one of the
most meaningful gifts we have ever given and one that will remain in our family for years to come. — Tami L. Pyles
The Best Timing The week of Christmas had to be the one time of year that I didn’t want to have a baby. For one thing, that child would never really get a birthday since everyone would be focused on Christmas that month. Secondly, I already had two little boys, both preparing to celebrate Christmas. When we thought about having a third child, we agreed that we would not do so at Christmas. But after a series of miscarriages and genetic tests showing that having children was essentially a miracle for me, any child at any time became a welcomed blessing. In April of 2012, we found out that we were expecting, meaning I was due Christmas week. We spent the next several months praying fervently that we would be able to welcome this healthy baby into our arms the very week I had previously refused to have a baby. We prayed through appointments, through ultrasounds, and through finding out that we were welcoming yet another bundle of testosterone into our house. And then in August we started to prepare for Christmas. I’ve never been so ahead of the game in my life! It may have been the most relaxing
December I’ve ever had, except for the whole 9-months-pregnant thing. And on
December 22, we welcomed Kairo James into our arms. Kairo, taken from the Greek word Kairos, meaning God’s timing. It certainly wasn’t ours. Not so ironically, it wasn’t the first Christmas that an unexpected baby boy made his arrival. — Meredith Ball
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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. . . (Then being hurled from stomach flu.)
Jack Frost nipping at my nose. . . (As I trudge to the nearest farmhouse after Mom slides the car into a ditch.)
WORST. HOLIDAY. EVER.
Every family has one. What’s your story? Here are 2 nasty tales of holiday woes. PAGE 16
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WORST CHRISTMAS EVER • WORST CHRISTMAS EVER • W FROM BAD. . . By Carrie Vittitoe
PAGE 14
It could always be worse. (Yes. Yes, it could.)
D
URING THE HOLIDAY SEASON OF 2009, I WOULD HAVE PUNCHED SOMEONE IN THE THROAT HAD THEY DARED SAY THIS TO ME.
My third child, Miles, arrived in early October of that year. I could justifiably end the story here since by the time Thanksgiving came along I was not only adjusting to having three children age 5 and under, but also to postpartum mood swings, excruciatingly sore nipples from nursing, awesome sleep deprivation, and the prospect of holiday shopping hovering before me. Thanksgiving morning dawned with Norah (then 5), Graeme (then 2), and infant Miles all sporting horribly swollen and rosy eyelids, which our pediatrician later described as “rockin’ cases of pink eye.” Rather than visiting family at my mother-in-law’s annual Thanksgiving dinner, my husband and I stayed cooped up at home, wiping our kids’ goopy lids and fervently praying the triclosan in our antibacterial soap would keep us safe from the spread of this particular brand of nastiness. My parents delivered bountiful plates of cold leftovers later that night. My husband and I spent Black Friday filling and administering prescriptions for antibiotic optic drops. We had high hopes for Christmas since Thanksgiving had been such a wash, but Norah began looking puny on Christmas Eve. Although she tried mightily to enjoy the toy explosion that took place at my mother-in-law’s house on December 24, Norah’s glazed eyes and pale pallor were proof that she felt pretty lousy.
The normal Christmas morning sprint to the basement to see what Santa brought was more of a pathetic mosey. By early morning Graeme’s head was stopped up with a funk that wouldn’t go away until sometime in January, and Norah continued drexing around. Soon after eating some of our traditional Christmas breakfast of doughnuts, whatever demon-like virus that had invaded our house had its way with me, causing painful cramps and diarrhea. There are many awful aspects of motherhood, but nursing an infant while trying to keep one’s bowels from exploding on the couch before you can run to the toilet is perhaps the worst. By the next morning, even baby Miles was peaked: so congested he wouldn’t nurse because he couldn’t breathe when he latched on.
We spent December 26 at the pediatric urgent care center where we were told Norah had strep throat. A few days later when Miles’ symptoms worsened, we were at the pediatrician’s office being informed that he (and probably Graeme) had RSV. A few weeks later, when Graeme’s congestion disappeared and then quickly returned, he was put on an antibiotic for a sinus infection. For months after these events, whenever any of us got sick, neighbors suggested that we had “Sick House Syndrome.” I felt certain what we experienced was simply the cost of putting our first child in public kindergarten where she picked up every bug known to humankind. Although I did consider putting police tape around the perimeter of the yard and experimenting with voodoo to ward off bad germ vibes. Without a doubt, the holiday season of 2009 lives up to its title as the Langford Family’s Worst Holiday Season (Yet). Carrie Vittitoe lives in Louisville with her husband Dean Langford and their kids Norah (9), Graeme (6), and Miles (4). She is a regular contributor to Today’s Family magazine.
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WORST CHRISTMAS EVER • WORST CHRISTMAS EVER . . .TO WORSE! By Barb Hartman
This is my story. (And it’s not pretty.)
B
ALTIMORE, MD., 2000. I AM HEADED TO WISCONSIN WITH MY MOM TO SEE MY GRAM FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. I am 7
months pregnant with my first child. • Arrive Detroit. Every flight out has been cancelled due to weather. EXCEPT OURS! Small miracle. Or is it? • Arrive Chicago hours late but in one piece. Wait patiently for bags that never arrive. • Drive in white-out conditions to Whitewater, Wis. Early labor feels imminent as car fishtails repetitively. • We make it! Gram’s complex is eerily silent. The weeks-long quarantine — because of a particularly nasty gastrointestinal virus — has just been lifted. • Out to dinner, Gram’s first since breaking a hip. Meal done. Mom gets the car. Bundle Gram up and get her outside to find that the rental car, still running, has a feature that locks all the doors automatically when closed. Wait an hour for AAA to pop lock. My nose starts to run.
• Next morning airline calls. My bags are in Chicago, but the roads are too bad for them to send a driver out. I can come get them if I like. Head to Walmart. No maternity section, but size 2X fits. Starting to cough. • Christmas Eve. Madison-bound to stay with Aunt. Upon arrival, cell phone message from OB. I have gestational diabetes. • Uncle arrives from California. Airline lost his bags. • CHRISTMAS!!!! Happy, safe, warm, the picture of fashion in my Walmart duds. Lovely meal. Uncle excuses himself to go to the bathroom. Never comes back. • Muffled sounds of illness emanate from the bathroom. Reality dawns. Shortly after, my stomach starts rumbling. (This is where the editoriallymandated word limit is a blessing. No more details necessary.) • Next 24 hours a blur. Can’t get to the bathroom fast enough and can’t lie down. Cough has become a hissing wheeze that prohibits breathing when I am fully reclined.
• Head back to Gram’s place. Mom comments on how lucky she feels not to be sick. Shortly after, the car veers to the shoulder and stops just in time for her to throw up in the side door compartment. • Next 24 hours spent fighting over one toilet with mom. • Try to find antibiotics for my worsening pneumonia without going to E.R. Afraid I will be trapped in this God-forsaken land. • Cousins show up. Want to go to dinner. Really? Get in car with Mom (I should know better by now) and cousin. Get lost, end up on icy unlit road, and you know where this one is going. • Mom and cousin, the size of Smurfette, insist they can get car out of ditch. My response is not repeatable here.
• Leave them and walk to a farmhouse where the owner insists if I go into labor I will be fine since she has birthed lots of calves. • Still can’t breathe. Just one more night; hang in there. • Leaving for Chicago within the hour. There is a knock on the door. My bags are back! • Arrive in Baltimore, met by husband. He asks why I’m so quiet. Barb Hartman lives in Crestwood with her husband Rob and their kids Maeve (12), Liam (10), and Sean (8). Barb dedicates this piece to Kathleen Green — Gram — who passed away last month at the age of 102. TODAY’S FAMILY
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Kids in the Kitchen
Make Caramel Corn for Gifts or Snacking
By Anita Oldham • Photos by Melissa Donald
POPCORN IS A FUN SNACK NO MATTER WHAT, AND ADDING CARAMEL TO IT IN YOUR OWN HOME TASTES SO MUCH FRESHER THAN THE STORE-BOUGHT KIND. This is a kid-friendly recipe that we have used many times in my family. It has a great chemical reaction when you add baking soda, and there is a lot of shaking that the kids can do. Pop some popcorn, and gather the rest of the ingredients.
5 S.K. Caramel Corn Add vanilla and baking soda to the sugar mixture and stir.
Pour the mixture over the popped corn in the paper bag.
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1 cup popcorn, popped. About 16 cups 1 c brown sugar 1/4 c light corn syrup 1/2 c butter 1/2 t salt 1 t vanilla 1/2 t baking soda 1 c peanuts (optional)
1 Place popped popcorn in a large, doubled brown paper bag. 2 Combine sugar, syrup, butter, and salt in microwave-safe bowl. 3 Microwave bowl on high 2 minutes. Stir. 4 Microwave bowl 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. 5 Add vanilla and baking soda and stir. 6 Pour over popcorn in bag. 7 Roll down top of bag and shake well. 8 Microwave bag 1 minute and shake. 9 Microwave another minute and shake well. 10 Microwave 30 seconds and add peanuts if desired, then shake. 11 Microwave another 30 seconds and shake well. 12 Pour onto foil or waxed paper to cool. 13 Store in tightly covered containers. Makes 4 quarts.
8
12
Microwave the bag of popcorn for one minute, then shake.
Pour the popcorn onto foil or waxed paper to cool.
From Gatherings, recipes from the Junior League of Milwaukee, Inc. 4 4 4 todaysfamilynow.com 4 4 4www.facebook.com /todaysfamily 4 4 4 @todaysfamilynow
and Flying to Ghana By Meredith Ball
T
HIS IS THE STORY OF A LOCAL FAMILY WHO DECIDED TO SKIP CHRISTMAS. That
might bring to mind a popular book, made into a movie a few years ago, Christmas with the Kranks. The Kranks were empty-nesters who planned to deal with the impending holiday by going on a cruise in lieu of spending their money on the usual Christmas expenditures (i.e. gifts, cards, parties). While the Nagy family also decided to forego the traditional expenses in order to go overseas, that’s where the similarities end. Unlike the Kranks, Paul and Cathy Nagy had two kids still at home: Jake (17) and Katie (14). Instead of a cruise, they went to an impoverished area of Ghana. Instead of collecting Christmas cards and gifts, they collected clothes and candy to distribute to an entire village. Imagine telling two teenagers that Christmas as they knew it was going to be flipped on its head, to the other side of the globe. Oddly enough, it was son Jake who suggested the change in plans. After reading the book Radical by David Platt in the spring of 2011, Jake felt a shift in his perspective and saw that life was about more than living for oneself. That shift is quite a mature view for a teenage boy busy with sports, academics, and friends in a materialistic society. That shift led to his decision to join a group from his school, Christian Academy of Louisville, traveling to Africa in July of PAGE 22
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2011. These young men and women worked with Seed Ministry (based in Elizabeth, Ind.) in Tamale, Ghana, for two weeks. While he was there, Jake interacted with a 4-year-old boy, Jonathan, who worked his way deep into Jake’s heart. To say that Jake was changed by his time in Ghana is a gross understatement. And he desired for the rest of his family to experience this awakening. In Jake’s words, “You can't truly understand what it's like through stories. You can't truly fall in love with the Lord by watching from the sidelines. You can't experience God breaking your heart for His children until you hold them and love them for yourself. You go on a mission trip to serve and love others in hopes of making an impact on them, but they can literally change your life if you open your heart to God's will for you.” The palpable change in one’s teenaged son is hard evidence to ignore. But it wasn’t a quick or easy decision. “To be honest, my initial reaction to Jake's very persistent request was, 'We are NOT going to Ghana for Christmas,' with my hand on my hip, and possibly a foot stomp thrown in,” says Cathy. “My mom is in the end stages of Alzheimer's and my dad is 84, so every holiday is treasured, and I was afraid to be away from them.” “I was hesitant at first because I have always really enjoyed our American version of Christmas with the trees, decorations, presents, shopping, and family meals,” adds Paul. In the end, it was the passion and enthusiasm shown by their children that tipped the scales. And Jake’s excitement about spending more time with Jonathan again became infectious, creating a tender spot for this young one in the hearts of everyone. On December 17, 2011, the Nagy family boarded a plane headed to Africa with a few friends and 27 suitcases (loaded mostly with clothes and treats for the villagers in Ghana, donated by the people of Adventure Christian Church). Their 10-day experience cannot begin to be captured in print. Their journey took them to rural areas without any of the modern conveniences we find “necessary.” And yet, Paul was amazed by “their smiles and joy, when it seemed to me that they had nothing.” “It was an amazing experience to realize what it's like to give of your time and love, instead of
Katie and the rest of the Nagy family visited rural areas of Ghana, where the villagers were without many modern conveniences.
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giving and receiving material gifts that we don't really need,” says Katie. Cathy adds, “Jake was right. You can't even imagine how you will feel or how it will change you, until you're there, in the red clay, covered in dirt, holding sick babies, eating food you never imagined you would eat, showering under a sprinkle of very cold water, watching your children change before your eyes. And loving every minute of it.” That Christmas was the first of many to be spent with Jonathan. Jonathan, who worked his way into their hearts before they even met him, was adopted by the Nagys in 2012. Okay, I lied. This isn’t really the story of a family skipping Christmas. It’s the story of a family attempting to bring Christmas to others and getting more in return than they could’ve ever imagined. It’s the story of a family who really GOT Christmas. I don’t think I can sum it up any better than the wise words of Dr. Seuss’ Grinch: “Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.” "Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
The Nagy Family. (From l to r) mother Cathy; children Jake (17) holding Jonathan, and Katie (14); and father Paul.
Meredith Ball lives in LaGrange with her husband Reggie and their sons Coen (8), Weston (5), and Kairo (1). She is a frequent contributor to Today’s Family magazine.
CATHY NAGY
“You can't even imagine how. . . it will change you, until you're there. . . covered in dirt . . .watching your children change before your eyes. And loving every minute of it.”
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December sunday
monday
tuesday
wednesday
Information Compiled by ALISSA HICKS
thursday
friday
saturday
1 2 3 4 5 7 All events on Dec. 7 Also on Dec. 5 15TH ANNUAL LIGHTING OF THE TRACE
CHRISTMAS AT THE GALT HOUSE HOTEL
Through Dec. 5
Featured on the Travel Channel, named in American Bus Association’s Top 100 events for 2013, and the Top 10 Festivals and Events for 2013-14 by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association. Dec.2•christmasatthegalthouse.com
Festive displays at the Distillery. Featuring the Kentucky State University Choir and a visit from Santa. December 5 • 6-9 pm Buffalo Trace Distillery • Free 502.696.5996 buffalotracedistillery.com
11 8 CHRISTMAS ERNIE THE TEA WITH THE SNOW FAIRY PRINCESS
FRAZIER INTERNATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
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December 8 and 22 2-4 pm The Galt House 502.584.7777 or christmasatthegalthouse. com/christmas-tea-snowfairy-princess/
ENGINEER'S EXPRESS LUNCH
Includes KaLightoscope Christmas ticket and a ride on the Peppermint Express Kiddie Train. December 8, 15, and 22 11 am-1 pm The Galt House 502.584.7777 or christmasatthegalthouse. com/ernies-express-lunch/
A CHARLIE BROWN LOUISVILLE CHORUS PRESENTS CHRISTMAS WITH CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND December 7 @ 7:30 pm DAVID BENOIT
A celebrated contemporary pianist, composer, and conductor. December 5, 8 pm Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater kentuckycenter.org
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St Mary’s Catholic Church, New Albany, Ind. • $20 louisvillechorus.org or 502.968.6300
HOLIDAY COOKIE STROLL
December 7 (1-3 pm) Jeffersonville, Ind. $5 per person jeffmainstreet.org
THE NUTCRACKER 14
December 7-22 The Kentucky Center $30 kentuckycenter.org
BREAKFAST CRUISE WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS
Buffet breakfast aboard the Spirit of Jefferson. December 14 • 10 am-Noon Adults: $32/Seniors: $31/ Children (3-12): $22 belleoflouisville.org
SALON 202
13 VISIT SANTA AT THE DISTILLERY
December 13, 14, 20, 21
6-8 pm 21 Buffalo Trace Distillery buffalotracedistillery.com or 502.696.5996
Also on Dec. 14 BRUNCH WITH SANTA AT THE OAKROOM
December 14 • 10 am $20/person for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and under 502.585.9292 or opentable.com
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SANTA’S SAFARI
December 7-8 and 14-15 10 am, noon and 2 pm Louisville Zoo $8.50 - $20.95 louisvillezoo.org
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NUTCRACKER ON ICE Dec. 21-22 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm Iceland Sports Complex skatelouisville.org/events/ nutcracker-on-ice/
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CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS, GOING ON ALL MONTH! A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Through Dec. 23 Actors Theatre actorstheatre.org or 502.584.1205
WINTER WONDERETTES
Through Dec. 31 Derby Dinner Playhouse $40 derbydinner.com
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LIGHTS UNDER LOUISVILLE
The Louisville MEGA Cavern is transformed into an underground holiday light spectacular. Through Jan. 1 Mon.-Fri. 6-10 pm, Sat.-Sun. 5-10 pm Louisville Mega Cavern Starting at $25 per vehicle louisvillemegacavern.com
KALIGHTOSCOPE CHRISTMAS
Through Jan. 1 The Galt House Hours and prices vary christmasatthegalthouse.com/ kalightoscope-christmas/
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January sunday
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
1 2 3 4 WEEKLY GIVEAWAY @
EXPLORE! ARCHERY DIVE-IN MOVIE
Bring the whole family to the park to try it out! January 3 • Noon-3 pm E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park (Activities Building Gymnasium) $5/participant (ages 7 and up) 502.429.7270 or parks.ky.gov/ parks/recreationparks/ tom-sawyer/default.aspx
TodaysFamilyNow.com
6 7 8 9 10 Also on Jan. 11
WEEKLY GIVEAWAY @
HALL OF FAME CHALLENGE
TodaysFamilyNow.com
Kentucky vs. Indiana Hall of Fame Challenge Cup January 11 (first game at 11 am) Freedom Hall $10 general admission kyfairexpo.org
January 4 • 6 pm Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center 502.897.9949
11 THE GREAT TRAIN EXPO
January 11 and 12 10 am- 4 pm Kentucky Convention Center Exhibit Hall 2C kyconvention.org
Also on Jan. 18
WINTER WANDERERS HIKE
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WEEKLY GIVEAWAY @ TodaysFamilyNow.com
THE FRESH BEAT BAND — LIVE
! YOU CAN WIN milyNow.com
January 15 • 6:30 pm The Louisville Palace $37.50 to $42.50 louisvillepalace.com/
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Join the park naturalist 18 on this hike through the Winter Woodlands HARLEM of the park. GLOBETROTTERS January 18 • Noon-2 pm E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park “FANS RULE” WORLD TOUR Archery Range $3 per person/children 3 and January 18 @ 2 pm and 7 pm under enter free KFC Yum! Center 502.429.7270 or parks.ky.gov/ Starting at $26 parks/recreationparks/ kfcyumcenter.com tom-sawyer/default.aspx
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Jan. 31-Feb. 1 6:30-9:30 pm John W. Black Community Center, 1551 N. Hwy 393, La Grange, Ky. $12 per couple, add $6 for multiple daughters 502.225.0655 oldhamcountyparksandrec.com/
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the best products and services for you and yours
Abigail Academy, LLC
Jane Owens Family Therapy, LLC
FAMILY FINDS Junior League of Louisville’s Cookbook
Ready to “re-work” your life?
Join the FASHION MANNERS CLUB! 1st - 4th grade young ladies Tuesdays 4 - 5:30 p.m. through Jan. and Feb.
8-week class will include: • Meal etiquette
• Shaking hands
• Respecting adults & peers
• Dress for special occasions
• Being confident, not cocky
• Fun!
Call Abigail Mueller, 502.500.7071, for details or to register. 426 Wallace Ave. • Louisville
Transitioning from working as a stayat-home mom to resuming a career or finding a new path is an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth, but can also be a time of uncertainty. What is holding you back? I can help you find out and transition toward the life you want.
Located in Crescent Hill janeowensfamilytherapy.com 502.436.9504 Accepting new clients for individual, family and couples counseling.
Little Treasures Kid’s Sale Looking for a smarter way to shop for your kids? Look no further than Little Treasures Kid’s Sale, the area’s leading seasonal consignment event held every March and August. We promise brand names and BIG savings on anything and everything for baby, big kid, teen and maternity. Get in on the fun:
littletsale.com
—ADVERTISEMENT—
Purchase the Junior League of Louisville’s cookbook and receive a complimentary gift when you enter purchase code “TODAYFDEC13”
juniorleaguelouisville.org
BY LORIE GANT LEITNER
TAKE A TRIP TO SAFETY CITY Safety City is a local educational program aimed at helping children learn and practice the skills necessary to avoid preventable injuries. As the leading cause of death among children under age 15, many of these injuries could be prevented if children were instructed to be aware of common dangers. Founded in 1993, Safety City educates classes of second and third grade students on
topics such as stranger danger, wearing seat belts, dialing 911 during an emergency, and fire safety. The full day of lessons is taught by an officer and civilian employee of the Louisville Metro Police Department. After completing the workbook curriculum, the students spend time riding in powered mini cars through the model city featuring a hospital, bank, library, and other community buildings. louisvilleky.gov/MetroPolice/ Community+Relations+Programs/Safety+City.htm
Children drive miniature cars around Safety City in Louisville.
Ice the Lice
If you are a parent of a preschool or elementary student, your child is at the greatest risk for getting head lice. Spread most often through head-to-head contact, they can also be picked up when kids share clothing. Fairy Tales Hair Care was launched in 1999 with Rosemary Repel, a line of natural hair care products proven to prevent head lice using organic herbs of rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, lavender, and geranium oils. Find it at local salons or online at fairytaleshaircare.com.
Fruit Cane Kids will have no complaints eating their fruit when it is shaped as a candy cane. Alternate slices of strawberries and bananas to create the stripe.
Plant Power Aloe is known for its healing powers for sunburned skin; however, it is also good for the air. Bring an aloe plant indoors to cleanse the air of pollutants found in chemical cleaning products.
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Easing Holiday Stress, for the kids! Adults are not the only ones to feel anxiety and stress during the holidays. Children also have their routines disrupted, which can lead to tears and outbursts. Besides teaching by example and staying calm yourself, practice setting aside Quiet Time for you and your child. Accomplish this by reading books, working on an art project, or snuggling during a short cartoon.
TOY RECALLS
Winter Emergency Kit
Concerned about a gift your child received for the holidays? Keep up with product recalls, including toys, with the Consumer Product Safety Commission site. Search recalls and new alerts by product type. Source: cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/
Weather can change quickly during the winter season. To keep your family safe during the unexpected, prepare these items in an emergency kit for your car: • Windshield scraper with small broom • Flashlight and extra batteries • Battery-powered radio • Water and snack foods including raisins and energy bars • Matches and small candles • Extra gloves, hats, and socks • First-aid kit with pocket knife • Blankets • Tow chain or rope • Road salt or cat litter • Booster cables • Emergency flares • Cell phone and adapter • Necessary medications
Snoopy Sno-Cone Machines were recalled by LaRose Industries due to risk of mouth injury. (Recall number 14010, 14-010, #14-010, #14010) TODAY’S FAMILY
DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
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MY
PROMOTION
KID’S. . . Pediatrician
How to Choose Your Child’s Doctor
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ETWEEN FEVERS, COUGHS, AND CHECKUPS, YOU WILL BE SPENDING LOTS OF TIME WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN. This is why it is
important to not only locate a practice that suits your needs, but to find a doctor who makes you feel comfortable. Whether you are looking for your first pediatrician or thinking about switching, Dr. Carrie Crigger, a pediatrician at Jeffersonville Pediatrics, provides five questions you should ask during your search.
1. IF ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL, WILL YOU SEE MY CHILD THERE? Unfortunately, a lot of pediatric offices are getting away from rounding in hospitals. It helps families to have that familiar face while in the hospital, says Dr. Crigger, which is why if a child needs to be admitted, we will come by every day and see them. If seeing your regular pediatrician is important to you, make sure the practice you are considering still offers this service.
Fact or Fiction? We carried with us from childhood and passed down those helpful health tips that had us moving back from the television and bundling up against the cold, but how many of these traditional tales should we continue to follow? Dr. Mike Patrick, an emergency room physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, sheds some new light on old wives’ tales.
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By Torie Temple
2. DO YOU OFFER SAME-DAY SICK APPOINTMENTS?
4. IS THERE A LACTATION CONSULTANT IN YOUR PRACTICE?
In pediatrics, this is the big variable, says Dr. Crigger. You never know when a child is going to wake up sick. In some practices, same-day appointments are not available and children get turned away. Our schedules, Dr. Crigger says, are made so that we have plenty of openings for sick kids in order for parents to be able to call the day of and be seen. Before making your first appointment, ensure that the practice can fit your child in the same day if needed.
This question is especially important for expectant moms or moms who are experiencing breastfeeding complications. Not all practices offer this service, and you want to make sure this resource is available to you. Along with a consultant, says Dr. Crigger, we have a lactation suite at our practice so moms can feed after their appointment and not feel rushed. This, she says, is just a well-rounded approach to patient care.
3. WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON VACCINATIONS?
5. WHAT DO I DO IF IT’S AFTER OFFICE HOURS AND MY CHILD IS SICK?
Many offices will not see children who are not vaccinated – this is why it is important to learn these policies up front. Dr. Crigger suggests asking the pediatrician on every single visit what vaccines their child is getting and if there are any side effects. Also, if you are against any certain vaccine, make sure to talk with the pediatrician about your concern.
Parents should ask if the practice has an answering service or a doctor who is on-call for health concerns that may happen after office hours. Dr. Crigger suggests finding out about extended hours. Parents should also find out if the practice is affiliated with an immediate care center or hospital for emergencies.
MYTH #1: Going out into the winter air with wet hair will cause you to catch a cold. FACT: Colds are caused by viruses which you catch from other people, explains Dr. Patrick. Cold weather does not affect the immune system or make it more likely that you will catch a virus. MYTH #2: Wake a child with a concussion every 2 hours.
FACT: Dr. Patrick says it is more important for the child to get uninterrupted rest so that his/her brain can heal properly. MYTH #3: Sitting too close to the television/electronics will ruin your child’s eyesight. FACT: Staring at a screen may cause a child’s eyes to be dry, but it is not typically a significant issue.
MYTH #4: Feed a cold, starve a fever. FACT: Drink plenty of fluids when you are sick with any illness. You want to stay hydrated and your body needs calories as soon as you feel like eating. Dr. Patrick suggests never starve any illness intentionally. MYTH #5: Teething causes a fever. FACT: When your child is fussy because his/her teeth are coming in, the forehead may feel warm. However, it is a viral infection that causes a fever.
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Schools, organizations find
Creative Ways to
Get Ca h By Megan Schreiber Willman
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UNDRAISING APPEALS TO ME AS MUCH AS GETTING MY TEETH CLEANED OR GOING FOR MY ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM. Everyone feels that way, right? But just try to be a functioning, sustainable organization today without it. Impossible. Competition for our hardearned dollars is fierce, and every organization works hard to find creative ways to get our attention and support. There are new and clever programs to pique our interest, and there have to be. It’s not just your school or church group that needs funding; every club, sport, or activity in which your child participates needs help to survive. With this assignment, I had the chance to talk to folks who are actively raising funds and learn how they’re going about it. Barb Hartman’s Girl Scout troop plans to do a Touch-a-Truck event. Local businesses will donate vehicles such as a limo, fire truck, or race car. Admission
is charged, and students get to climb on, in, and around the vehicles. “Spirit Nights” at local restaurants offer a profit percentage that goes back to the school, and rebate programs from companies like Target and Kroger give back to the school when shoppers use their store cards. Each of these is an “easy” way to show support: people are spending money in restaurants and the grocery anyway. In response to grumbling from parents about continual fundraisers, Floyds Knobs Elementary School went to a request for straight donations. The Fall Fund Drive this year has been another success. With 40 percent of school families contributing anywhere from $1-$300, the PTO brought in $14,000 for its programs. They even received some corporate matching donations. Avoiding door-to-door sales keeps little ones safe and saves parents from the feeling that they are bothering
friends and neighbors with more “stuff” they don’t need. But is removing children from the process the right answer? Parent Sharla Carter believes her daughter is missing out: “Writing a check fulfills the monetary need, but closes one more door to interpersonal communication, something our kids are learning less and less about.” Involving the children in these fundraisers does seem to be a trend that’s gaining speed. Certainly, it teaches needed skills and provides them experience in dealing with others, but it also gives them some responsibility and ownership that is meaningful in many ways. The Girl Scouts have kept up the practice of selling directly to the community. Karen Smallwood, product sales manager of Girl Scouts Kentuckiana, confirms that they sold close to 2 million boxes of cookies last year. Proceeds are split between the troop and the council itself, both using
Ever heard of a Touch-a-Truck event? Local businesses donate vehicles such as limos, fire trucks, or race cars, and for a fee, children get to climb on, in, and around the vehicles.
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Monkeying Around Highland Presbyterian Church raised money by offering people the chance to decorate their friends’ yards with monkey heads.
Cookie Love Girl Scouts continue to sell cookies in a traditional way.
the funds to pay for their respective activities and programs. In addition to raising funds, the girls learn five basic skills that carry over into their every-day lives: goal-setting, decision-making, money-management, people skills, and business ethics. “The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the premier entrepreneurial program for girls ages 5-18 in the nation,” says Smallwood. The 8th grade staff at Hazelwood Middle School in Indiana holds faculty vs. staff basketball and volleyball games. Students pay $1 to attend, and there are fun activities for students to do between games. They earn $500-600 a year and use those funds to pay for things like school supplies and funding for field trips. When her neighborhood had its yard sale, Mary Ann Archer put the boys’ baseball team to work. They made team signs, and sold food and beverages. For three hours of work, the team made more than $600 — for uniform and tournament expenses — and the boys did the work themselves. Highland Presbyterian Church in
TODAY’S FAMILY
Louisville “monkeyed around” to raise money. One family made a set of monkey heads on sticks. The youth group printed flyers and sold opportunities to “monkey” their neighbors and friends. It cost $25 to decorate a friends’ yard with the monkeys, leaving them there about 3 days before moving on to another yard. If families didn’t want the monkeys for that long, they could pay a $15 early removal fee. Folks could even buy “monkey insurance” for $100 and be guaranteed that no monkeys would adorn their yard. Doodle Harris, associate pastor at the church, says the youth loved this activity and they raised a little over $1,000 for youth conferences and summer mission trips. The Education Foundation for the New Albany Floyd County Schools involves the community in their Pig Project. In partnership with Earth & Fire Pottery, which donates materials and kiln space, students, teachers, and community members decorate piggy banks. Pigs are displayed in local businesses where donors fill them.
Later, the pigs are auctioned off at the Education Celebration. Last year, $2,500 was raised from the collected donations and the auctioned pigs. What does Executive Director Tyler Bliss like best about the project? “I love that this project is so inclusive of the community. We’ve got parents, kids, and local artists creating works of art; we have great business partners who foster the piggy banks; we have Earth and Fire which has sponsored the program, and then, of course, the thousands of community members who enjoy the piggy banks out in local businesses and donate to help our kids. It’s really a community-driven project, and I think that is awesome!” It’s clear that variety and choice are plentiful when it comes to fundraising options. In fact, the only limit seems to be the extent of our imagination. If only our pockets were as endless! Megan Schreiber Willman lives — and makes donations to worthy causes — in Floyds Knobs, Ind., with her husband Rob and their sons Lucas (14) and Trace (12).
DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
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DIRECTORY Party supply stores, children’s entertainers, party places, and rentals
CELEBRATIONS Kentucky Science Center
The Parklands of Floyds Fork
Focus: Special Events Rentals Ages: All Capacity: Various Description: The Kentucky Science Center provides a unique event venue for any occasion! Rent the Riverview Room on the 4th floor, with its large windows overlooking the Ohio River. For a truly special event, rent the entire Science Center for exclusive access to the exhibits and our 4-story, large format theatre for your guests. Contact: Alexis Becker at 502.560.7141
Focus: Parties Ages: 4-10 Capacity: PNC Achievement Center (accommodates 30 guests, other venues available for larger parties) Description: Introducing birthday parties offering your child and friends an exciting new way to celebrate! Parties include use of a classroom, party host, convenient location next to our playground and sprayground, and a guided hike or creek exploration. Discounted pricing for Parklands Members. Contact: Kim Allgeier, 502.584.0350
727 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 502.561.6100 • KYScienceCenter.org
1310 S. Beckley Station Rd. Louisville, KY 40245 502.584.0350 • TheParklands.org/outdoorclassroom/party
Babysitting, nannying, and daycare services
CHILDCARE Sullivan University
Directory Advertising
3101 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205 502.413.8607 • sullivan.edu Specialty: Nanny services Cost: To be determined Employee qualifications: Certified Professional Nanny credentials from the American Council of Nanny Schools/trained in CPR, First Aid & Water Safety Description: Sullivan University’s nationally acknowledged Professional Nanny Program is an institution with more than 20 years experience training and placing qualified childcare professionals. Available for in-home day or live-in services. Contact: Lisa Zaring, lzaring@sullivan.edu
Call or email Alissa Hicks, Media Associate, for information on the larger, color Enhanced listings. 327-8855 ext. 22 alissa@todayspublications.com Deadline for Spring issue: Jan. 3, 2014
Local schools from pre-K to high school and beyond
EDUCATION Assumption High School
The Gardner School
Grades: 9-12 Type: Private Catholic Cost: $10,250 tuition Scholarships: Yes Description: A college preparatory school for young women, founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy. Our mission and values are the foundation of our identity and guide our decisions and actions as an institution. We are the community of Assumption where faith guides, compassion inspires, integrity matters, and excellence empowers. Contact: Elaine Salvo, Elaine.Salvo@ahsrockets.org
Grades: 6 weeks – pre-K Type: Private Cost: Varies by age Scholarships: No Description: Preschool specializing in early childhood education. This year, we achieved the honor of national accreditation through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs! We offer year-round education programs both full and part-time. Contact: Jennifer McNickle, jennifer.mcnickle@thegardnershool.com
2170 Tyler Lane, Louisville, KY 40205 502.458.9551 • ahsrockets.org
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9401 Mill Brook Drive, Louisville, KY 40223 502.412.3088 • thegardnerschool.com
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EDUCATION Kentucky Country Day
Meredith-Dunn School
Grades: JK-12 Type: Independent Cost: Tuition varies by grade Scholarships: Yes Description: A coeducational school located on a spacious 85-acre campus in eastern Jefferson County. KCD combines a rigorous academic program with a wide variety of athletic and extracurricular programs. Our outstanding faculty create an intimate learning environment that is both challenging and supportive. Contact: Jeff Holbrook, jeffholbrook@kcd.org
Grades: 1 – 8 Type: Independent, for Students with Learning Differences Cost: Tuition $12,300 w/ $500 book fee Scholarships: Financial Aid Available Description: Meredith-Dunn School offers prescriptive, individualized education for students with learning differences/disabilities in grades 1 through 8. We provide highly individualized instruction in a nurturing environment designed to empower students to become accomplished learners and resilient individuals. Contact: cbunnell@meredith-dunn-school.org
Presentation Academy
Primrose School of East Louisville
Grades: 9-12 Type: Catholic Cost: $10,370 tuition Scholarships: Yes Description: Louisville’s oldest continuously operating school, a college preparatory academy for young women. Founded in 1831 by Mother Catherine Spalding and the Sisters Charity of Nazareth, it encompasses an education rooted in faith, embraces an urban setting and diverse population, promotes leadership and provides individualized attention. Contact: Jacqueline Back, jback@presentationacademy.org
Grades: 6 weeks to private pre-K, before and after school programming and summer camp Type: Private Cost: Varies by age Scholarships: No Description: Primrose Schools is the nation’s leader in providing a premier educational child care experience. Primrose partners with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life, and offers an environment that helps children have fun while nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts® Contact: Anne Almond, aalmond@primroseeastlouisville.com
4100 Springdale Rd., Louisville, KY 40241 502.423.0440 • kcd.org
861 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40203 502.583.5935 • presentationacademy.org
3023 Melbourne Ave., Louisville, KY 40220 502.456.5819 • meredithdunnschool.org
1105 Dorsey Lane, Louisville KY 40223 502.974.4111 • primroseeastlouisville.com
Camden Station Elementary 6401 Kentucky 146, Crestwood, KY 40014 502.241.1271
Chance School 4200 Lime Kiln Ln., Louisville, KY 40222 502.425.6904
Christian Academy School System Several Kentucky and Indiana locations 502.244.3225
Crestwood Elementary 6500 Kentucky 146, Crestwood, KY 40014 502.241.8401
Dunn Elementary 2010 Rudy Ln., Louisville, KY 40207 502.485.8240
Fern Creek Elementary 8815 Ferndale Rd., Louisville, KY 40291 502.485.8250
Field Elementary 120 Sacred Heart Ln., Louisville, KY 40206 502.485.8252
Greathouse Shryock Elementary 2700 Browns Ln., Louisville, KY 40220 502.485.8259
Harmony Elementary 1901 S Hwy 11793, Goshen, KY 40026 502.228.2228
Harvey Browne Preschool 311 Browns Ln., Louisville, KY 40207 502.895.2577
Hite Elementary 12408 Old Shelbyville Rd., Louisville KY 40243 502.485.8267
Jeffersontown Elementary 3610 Cedarwood Way, Louisville, KY 40299 502.485.8274
John Paul II Academy 3525 Goldsmith Lane Louisville, KY 40220 502.452.1712
Little Robins Childcare Ministry 6710 Wolf Pen Branch Rd., Harrods Creek, KY 40027 502.228.1176
LaGrange Elementary 500 W Jefferson St., LaGrange, KY 40031 502.222.9454
Louisville Classical Academy 2005 Douglass Blvd., Louisville, KY 40205 502.228.7787
Lowe Elementary 210 Oxfordshire Ln., Louisville, KY 40222 502.485.8293
Mercy Academy 5801 Fegenbush Ln., Louisville, KY 40228 502.671.2010
Middletown Elementary 218 N. Madison Ave., Louisville, KY 40243 502.485.8300
Norton Elementary 8101 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville, KY 40241 502.485.8308
Notre Dame Academy 1927 Lewiston Dr., Louisville, KY 40216 502.447.3155
Our Lady of Providence Jr.-Sr. High School 707 Providence Way, Clarksville, IN 47129 812.945.3350
Pitt Academy 6010 Preston Hwy., Louisville, KY 40219 502.966.6979
Prospect Latin School 8907 U.S. Highway 42, Prospect, KY 40059 502.292.0123
Prospect Preschool Academy 13001 U.S. 42, Prospect, KY 40059 502.228.4007
Sacred Heart Model School 3107 Lexington Rd., Louisville, KY 40206 502.896.3931
Sproutlings Pediatric Day Care & Preschool 3701 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40207 502.753.8222
St. Aloysius School 122 Mt. Mercy Dr., Pewee Valley, KY 40056 502.241.8516
St. Athanasius School 5915 Outer Loop, Louisville, KY 40219 502.969.2345
St. Margaret Mary School 7813 Shelbyville, Rd., Louisville, KY 40222 502.426.2635
TODAY’S FAMILY EDUCATION Directory continued on page 36
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EDUCATION St. Paul School 6901 Dixie Hwy., Louisville, KY 40258 502.935.5511
St. Stephen Martyr School 2931 Pindell Ave., Louisville, KY 40217 502.635.7141
Stopher Elementary 14417 Aiken Rd., Louisville, KY 40245 502.485.8281
Walden School 4283 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40207 502.893.0433
Waldorf School of Louisville 8005 New La Grange Rd., Louisville, KY 40222 502.327.0122
Whitefield Academy 7711 Fegenbush Lane, Louisville, KY 40228 502.239.3359
Wilder Elementary 1913 Herr Ln., Louisville, KY 40222 502.485.8350
EXTRACURRICULAR: Academics
Tutoring, study help, educational workshops, and activities
Above Grade Level
The Academy of Louisville
Ages: K - 12 Focus: In-home Tutoring Teachers: All certified in the Above Grade Level program Cost: varies Description: We tutor Louisville, Kentucky students, and the surrounding communities offering in-home, competent tutoring. We cover courses including Mathematics, English, and more. Our expertlydeveloped, tailored, proven curriculum is so successful that we guarantee your child’s grade will progress by a minimum of one full grade level or ten percentage points. Contact: Kathy Green, kgreen@abovegradelevel.com
Ages: All Focus: Tutoring/ Homework Help Teachers: Varied staff from all backgrounds Cost: $125/week (5 days) or $70/hour for one-on-one Description: Homework Hall is an innovative service that integrates executive functioning, study steps, close communication with parents and school as well as quality checks and quick concept review. ONE ON ONE is also available for skill building, test taking, and / or TEST PREP in any subject. Contact: Jenny Osborne, theacademy@entreky.net
502.384.8504 • abovegradelevel-louisville.com
125 Wiltshire Ave., Louisville, KY 40207 502.897.0444 • theacademyoflouisville.com
LearningRX Brain Training
MINDS-IN-MOTION, INC.
Ages: Grade 1+/adult programs Focus: Brain Training Teachers: Certified brain trainers/medical professionals Cost: $3,000 for 3-9 month program Description: Brain training effectively addresses the causes behind learning and reading struggles. We offer certified brain trainers to help with one-on-one training in cognitive skills assessments to produce more accurate recall, quicker processing, and easier learning across a wide range of learning challenges. Contact: Michelle Wright, michellew@learningrx.net
Ages: 3 to high school Focus: Sensory/ Motor/ Brain Integration Training Teachers: Call for details Cost: $30- $40/ hour Description: Minds-in-Motion builds stronger bodies and smarter minds! Our one-of-a-kind program is designed to stimulate the balance, visual and auditory processes of the brain, which maximizes learning potential. Our program, based on NASA technology, ignites higher-level brain function, which increases academic, athletic and social success! Contact: Carol James, cjames@mimLearning.com
10317 Champion Farms Drive, Louisville, KY 40241 4121 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207 502.423.3713 or 502.259.9903 • learningrx.com
3600 Chamberlain Ave., Suite 138 Jefferson Trade Center, Louisville, KY 40241 502.384.3866 • mimLearning.com
Square One Specialists in Child and Adolescent Development 6440 Dutchmans Parkway, Louisville, KY 40205 502.896.2606 • squareonemd.com
Ages: 1-24 Focus: Children and adolescent evaluation and therapy Teachers: Doctors/specialists are experts in child & adolescent development Cost: Varies by service Description: Our expertise encompasses developmental/mental health concerns including ADHD, learning, emotional, mood/anxiety disorders, autism, speechlanguage and social skill disorders. Our doctors provide collaborative therapeutic interventions that work with your child’s doctors and school personnel. Contact: meds@squareonemd.com
DID YOU KNOW? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students who participate in extracurricular activities have a 15 percent higher classroom attendance rate than students who are not involved.
Alliance Française de Louisville 173 Sears Ave., LL079, Louisville, KY 40207 502.897.9800
Camp Invention campinvention.org 800.968.4332
Kentucky Science Center 727 West Main St. Louisville, KY 40202 502.561.6100
Louisville Zoo 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213 502.495.2181
Mad Science Kentucky 5512 Decker Rd. Louisville, KY 40258 502.749.4217
Tutor Doctor tutorlouisville.com 502.693.3668
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EXTRACURRICULAR: Academics Young Rembrandts 6407 Bardstown Rd. #170 Louisville, KY 40291 502.412.4141
Music, theater, art, dance, and more
EXTRACURRICULAR: Arts Dreamz Dance Company
Louisville Ballet School
Ages: 2 and up Special Requirements: Appropriate dance shoes/attire Instructors: Well trained/professional staff in multiple styles of dance Cost: $45-$250/month Description: We offer a variety of dance styles including jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, technique, pointe, and acrobatics. We have recreational and competitive teams plus workshops for homeschoolers to earn P.E. credit. We do birthday parties and choreography available for teams, wedding parties, etc. Contact: Tonya Boehnlein, tonya@dreamzdancecompany.com
Ages: Toddler to Adult Special Requirements: Some classes require placement. Please visit our website for details. Instructors: Varies Cost: Varies Description: We offer a variety of classes designed for students of all ages and disciplines. Our community supports an appreciation for tradition and a sense of shared experience that prepares students for bright futures. With an outstanding faculty, we nurture each student in developing their skills and a lifelong appreciation for dance. Contact: Main Offices, school@louisvilleballet.org
8603 Citadel Way, Suite 108, Louisville, KY 40220 502.493.2558 • dreamzdancecompany.com
315 E. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 502.583.3150 X 1 • louisvilleballet.org/danceschool
Absolute Dance Studio absolutedanceky.com 502.896.4544
Actors Theatre of Louisville Main St. between Third & Fourth, Louisville, KY 40202 502.584.1205
Children’s Music Academy 6203 Elizabeth Ct. Prospect, KY 40059 502.648.6003
DanceWorks 4343 Security Parkway, New Albany, IN 47150 812.981.8115
Heartland Music Together heartlandmusictogether.com 502.491.3131
Jennifer’s Academy of Dance 8704 Bayberry Pl., Louisville, KY 40242 502.425.7710
Louisville Rhythmics louisvillerhythmics.com 502.419.9037
Meg Krakowiak Gallery and Studio 1860 Mellwood Ave, #A118, Louisville, KY 40206 502.895.3650
McClanahan School of Irish Dance 8001 Vine Crest Ave., Louisville, KY 40222 502.494.1426
Mummers & Minstrels, Inc. facebook.com 502.241.1615
Oldham County Schools Arts Center 7105 Floydsburg Rd., Crestwood, KY 40014 502.241.6018
The Speed Art Museum 822 East Market St., Louisville, KY 40206 502.634.2700
Walden Theatre - Acting & Playwriting Classes 1123 Payne Street, Louisville, KY 40204 502.589.0084
Leadership and mentoring organizations
EXTRACURRICULAR: Personal Development
Abigail Academy LLC
St. Matthews, Louisville, KY 40207 502.500.7071 • abigailacademy.com Ages: Females 6 years and up Focus: Private Confidence Coaching Special Requirements: 3 months minimum Cost: $100/hour Description: Improving self-esteem of women and girls since 2006! Abigail partners with female clients to help them become the best versions of themselves. Clients will learn effective tools to help strengthen relationships, build better body image, communication and more. Lessons keep you focused on your most important values with confidence and motivation. Contact: Abigail Mueller, Certified Women & Family Coach abigailacademy@gmail.com Alix Adams Model School and Talent Agency 9813 Merioneth Dr. Louisville, KY 40299 502.266.6990
Next issue deadline: 1/3/14
Larger color Enhanced listings are paid for by the facility. If you are interested in advertising in our directory, call 502.327.8855.
Bernheim Forest- Nature Based Programs bernheim.org 502.955.8512
EXTRACURRICULAR: TODAY’S FAMILY Personal Development Directory continued on page 38
Best Buddies Kentucky 1151 S. 4th St. Louisville, KY 40203 502.736.0838 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013-2014 DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
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EXTRACURRICULAR: Personal Development Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana 1519 Gardiner Ln. Suite B, Louisville, KY 40218 502.587.0494
Boys and Girls Club of Kentuckiana 1201 Story Ave. Suite 250, Louisville, KY 40206 502.585.5437
COSMO Model & Talent Agency 211 Lyndon Ln. Louisville, KY 40222 502.425.8000
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana 2115 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40206 502.636.0900
School and independent team and individual sports
EXTRACURRICULAR: Sports YMCA of Greater Louisville
Local family weekend events
502.587.9622 • ymcalouisville.org Southern Indiana: ymcasi.org Ages: 3-17 Practice: Varied by sport and location Coaches: Trained volunteers who focus on nurturing, personal attention for all players. Season: All seasons Cost: Varies for members or non-members/age of child Description: Children learn the basics, improve skills and make friends! Basketball, baseball, soccer, swim lessons, indoor field hockey, lacrosse and flag football are offered at selected branches. We make sure that every child gets to participate and that sports are safe, fair and fun. Contact: ymcalouisville.org
Great giveaways
Kid-friendly crafts
Find it all at TodaysFamilyNow.com
Bannon Woods Farm 1000 Dezern Court, Fairdale, KY 40118 502.363.2372
Everyday Athletes 1808 Production Dr., Louisville, KY 40299 502.468.6258
The First Tee of Louisville @ Shawnee Golf Course 460 Northwestern Parkway, Louisville, KY 40212 502.772.9494
HOOPS 12101 Sycamore Station Place, Louisville, KY 40299 502.290.6444
Highland Youth Recreation (HYR) Fall Soccer HYRSports.com 502.384.7632
Hwang’s Martial Arts 2813 N. Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, KY 40223 502.412.7755
Louisville Equestrian Center 6720 Mt. Washington Rd. Taylorsville, KY 40071 502.477.0830
Louisville Fencing Center 1401 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40203 502.540.5004
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory 800 W. Main St. Louisville, KY 40242 502.588.7228
Mockingbird Valley Sports Complex (MVSC) 3000 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40205 502.896.2412
Punchestown Stable 1210 Bel Mar Lane, Lexington, KY 40515 859.971.1485
Sawyer Youth Soccer Recreational Soccer for all ages sawyeryouthsoccer.com
Strike and Spare Bowling 911 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209 502.558.3450
Products and retail businesses serving families
RETAIL Little Treasures Kid’s Sale
502.541.4446 • littletreasuressale.com
Directory Advertising
Type/Product: Kid’s consignment Description: The area’s most anticipated kid’s consignment event held every March and August. Parents can earn money on the things their kids have outgrown and save up to 90% on new and delicately used brand name items. For more information about the sales, visit our website. Contact: Kelly Brown, kelly@littletreasuressale.com
Call or email Alissa Hicks, Media Associate, for information on the larger, color Enhanced listings. 327-8855 ext. 22 alissa@todayspublications.com Deadline for Spring issue: Jan. 3, 2014
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RETAIL Animal Crackers 3634 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville, KY 40207 502.896.2339
Buttons Bows & Britches 11 Cannons Lane, Louisville, KY 40206 502.384.8844
Little Miss Dress Up 1547 Old Preston Hwy., Louisville, KY 40229 502.955.5497
Mama’s Hip 1559 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40205 502.384.8805
Health and well-being services including maternity/baby care, women’s health, pediatrics, and family wellness
KidStuff Sale KidStuffsale.com
WELLNESS
Clark Memorial Hospital Family Birth Place
Derby City Pediatric Dentistry
Hours: 24/7 Insurance Accepted: ALL Description: The Family Birth Place offers a personalized birth experience with spacious labor and delivery suites, in-room waiting areas, garden tubs and certified midwives. We provide quality care to mom and baby through programs like Kangaroo Care and Quiet Time. A variety of childbirth classes and new sibling classes are available. Contact: Jan Austin, 812.283.2516
Hours: Mon-Friday 8:oo-4:30 pm Insurance Accepted: Most insurances, including Medicaid are taken Description: We make each visit a fun, easy and stress-free experience for you and your child. From the first visit, we begin to develop a relationship with the new patient, educate you and your child on the health of your child’s teeth, including how to prevent cavities and provide lifelong healthy dental habits. Contact: Dr. Korie D. Acord, info@DerbyCityPediatricDentistry.com
Floyd Memorial Hospital Birthing Center
Jeffersonville Pediatrics
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Insurance Accepted: ALL Description: We offer a birthing experience tailored just for you. Moms can choose to deliver with a certified nurse midwife or an OB/GYN. We offer natural childbirth options, including garden tubs, birthing balls, birthing plans and doulas, as well as pain management options. Classes are available for new moms, dads and siblings, infant CPR and infant massage. Contact: Guided tours: 812.948.7420, childbirth classes:1.800.4.SOURCE
Hours: M-F 8:30 – 4:30 Insurance Accepted: ALL Description: Our physicians care for children of all ages with services including physicals, sick visits, well-child exams, ADHD evaluations, immunizations and other tests. We offer flexible scheduling and same day sick appointments to ensure that busy parents get their children back to health quickly. Contact: Teresa May, teresa.may@clarkmemorial.org
1220 Missouri Ave., Jeffersonville, IN 47130 812.283.6631 • clarkmemorial.org
1850 State St., New Albany, IN 47150 1.800.4.SOURCE • floydmemorial.com/baby
2120 High Wickham Place Ste. 103, Louisville, KY 40245 502.254.6097 • derbycitypediatricdentistry.com
207 Sparks Ave., Jeffersonville, IN 812.288.9141 • clarkmemorial.org
Women First of Louisville, PLLC
Baptist East Medical Pavilion 3900 Kresge Way, Suite 30, Louisville, KY 40207 • 502.891.8700 • wfoflou.com Hours: M-F 8-4 Insurance Accepted: Most Description: We offer comprehensive care for women with innovative technologies including digital mammography, osteoporosis screening, OB/GYN ultrasounds, genetic and preconception counseling, in office surgery, hormone therapy management and more. Contact: 502.891.8700
DID YOU KNOW? In response to a push for more “natural” birth events, many hospitals now offer more modern options for lowrisk births, often known as family-centered care. These may include private rooms with baths (birthing suites) where women can labor, deliver, and recover in one place without having to be moved. – kidshealth.org
LAST LAUGH
“Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.” — comedian Phyllis Diller TODAY’S FAMILY
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013-2014 3939 DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
d•i•y BY MIRANDA G. POPP PHOTOS BY JASON POPP
Turn an Old Book into a New Wreath Miranda Popp takes a great thrift store find — like a hymnal from the 1800’s — and makes a statement piece for her home that can stand up against anything Pottery Barn or Anthropologie can offer. There’s something so wonderful about using an item that has been forgotten or tossed out by others and turning it into a beautiful piece of home décor. My $1 vintage hymnal along with a $6 wreath form makes this DIY a steal! You could make this wreath with any book, but I prefer an old book with pages that have yellowed over time. It gives it just the right amount of character, and you will not believe the raves you’ll receive from everyone who spies this stunning piece hanging on your wall or door.
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Rip the pages from your book and fold as shown or any way you like. There is no wrong way to fold them.
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Add glue where needed to the back to secure any pages that hang down, as well as any spots throughout the wreath to perfect the overall look.
Hang your wreath indoors and enjoy! 40
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Continue the layers toward the interior of the wreath until your wreath is filled and no Styrofoam shows.
DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
SUPPLIES:
• Old Book • 12 “ Styrofoam Wreath Form • Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks (Be sure to use a low heat setting and have a bowl of ice water handy in case of a glue burn.)
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Hot glue the folds together at the non-torn end of the page and glue each page to the wreath form, working your way around in layers. The first two rows will be on the back of your wreath. Once complete, flip the wreath over and begin the next layer by placing the pages on top of the back layer.
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