Columbus Parent - August 2012

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Walk with the animals.

Talk with a doctor.

Stroll your way to fitness with OhioHealth heart health experts.

Join us for the HOOFit walking program at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Thursday, August 16, at 9:30 am.

You’ll walk with OhioHealth heart health experts and get a great workout for your body,mind and imagination.

You’ll get a free bracelet pedometer, too! For more information, visit OhioHealth.com/HOOFit

Come HOOFit with us on Thursday, August 16, at 9:30 am.

A FAITH-BASED, NOT-FOR-PROFIT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM + 8 HOSPITALS + 20 HEALTH AND SURGERY CENTERS + WELLNESS PRIMARY AND SPECIALTY CARE + URGENT CARE + HOSPICE + HOME HEALTH + 21,000 ASSOCIATES, PHYSICIANS AND VOLUNTEERS

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS NOW!

You Have a Choice!

Serving Grades K-8 State Approved Curriculum

Challenging Curriculum and Daily Sports Instruction!

No Tuition!

All Students Wear Uniforms Strong Academics/State Approved Curriculum Small Class sizes – No more than 18 students per class All Day Kindergarten

Extended School Day from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Daily Fitness Regimen in Martial Arts, Soccer and Tennis Participation in all State Mandated Academic Testing Programs

Choose from 1 of 5 conveniently located campuses!

1258 Demorest Rd. • Columbus OH 43204 E-mail: jhursey@EdVantages.com Phone: 614-318-0606 K-8

1875 Morse Rd. • Columbus OH 43229 E-mail: agraver@EdVantages.com Phone: 614-318-0600 K-8

3474 Livingston Ave. • Columbus OH 43227 E-mail: ctremlay@EdVantages.com Phone: 614-324-4585 K-8

Information Meetings will be held at each school for interested parents.

Please check the websites for dates and times.

274 E. 1st Avenue, Suite 200 • Columbus, Ohio 43201 E-mail: jpammer@performanceacademies.com Phone: 614-318-0720

K-7

2220 South Hamilton Rd. • Columbus OH 43232 E-mail: jszallai@performanceacademies.com Phone: 614-314-6301

K-8

www.edvantages.com # www.performanceacademies.com columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

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getting started: TABLE OF CONTENTS ColumbusParent.com

34 S. Third St. Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-461-8878 (voice) 614-461-8746 (fax) 614-888-8888 (classifieds) www.ColumbusParent.com PUBLISHER

Katie Wolfe Lloyd kwolfe@columbusparent.com DIRECTOR OF DISPATCH MAGAZINES

Brian Lindamood blindamood@columbusparent.com EDITOR

Jane Hawes jane.hawes@columbusparent.com DISPATCH MAGAZINES ADVERTISING MANAGER

Amy Bishop abishop@columbusparent.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Georgette Massa gmassa@columbusparent.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Bryan McMahan bmcmahan@columbusparent.com DIGITAL ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

Vanessa Micic vmicic@columbusparent.com ERIC WAGNER PHOTO CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ON THE GO

NEED TO KNOW

8 10 11 12 13 14 16

AGE APPROPRIATE: SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION 22 TEEN DRIVING: Understanding the rules and regulations 23 W IS FOR WALKING: The “walk to school” movement gets moving in Lancaster 24 SAFE ROUTES, FIT KIDS: Biking to school programs get a boost

NEWS ON THE GO BEST BETS PRODUCT PIX GOOD NEWS, DAD NEWS: from Joel Oliphint TAKE IT FROM TRACY: 10TV’s Tracy Townsend NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: Reynoldsburg SHOP SPOTLIGHT: The Hickory House’s Chad and Dawn Hunter

HOT TOPIC: BACK TO SCHOOL 18 20

IN A HEARTBEAT: reducing the risk of Sudden Cardiac Death as school sports resume TERRIFIC TEACHERS: meet four teachers who make our kids’ lives better

26 28 30

ON THE COVER: Jenny and Kanyae are ready to start the school year! Thanks to Worthington City Schools for the loan of their bus PHOTO BY ALYSIA BURTON

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233

THINGS TO DO THIS M ONTH

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Tim Johnson tjohnson@columbusparent.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alyse Kordenbrock akordenbrock@columbusparent.com

THE GO-TO GUIDE: How to Use Hoover Reservoir FAMILY FINANCE: from Denise Trowbridge PEDIATRIC HEALTHSOURCE: from Nationwide Children’s Hospital

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lauren Kuntz lkuntz@columbusparent.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Heather Weekley hweekley@columbusparent.com CONTRIBUTORS

FAMILY FUN 31

CALEN DAR:

Will Shilling wshilling@columbusparent.com

32 34 36 38

HANDS ON: Clintonville’s Wholly Craft makes friendship bracelets PARTIES: Firefly Play Cafe in Beechwold PLAYGROUND PATROL: Hilliard’s Homestead Park DAY TRIPPIN’: Hocking Hills REVIEWS: Books, apps and a family-friendly website

Olivera Bratich, Alysia Burton, Melissa Kossler Dutton, Anietra Hamper, Colin Hawes, Kristen Maetzold, Joel Oliphint, John Ross, Tracy Townsend, Denise Trowbridge, Eric Wagner DISTRIBUTION If you would like to receive Columbus Parent at your business, or to report delivery concerns:

John Henry 614-410-1797 jhenry@dispatch.com

Columbus Parent is published and distributed by The Dispatch Printing Company every month, available at more than 1,200 locations throughout Central Ohio. One free copy per person. Circulation: 52,000 copies. Copyright ©2012 The Dispatch Printing Company

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614-920-9480 columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

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www.columbusoktoberfest.com

getting started: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Columbus Parents, September 28-30, 2012 Ohio Expo Center / Ohio State Fairgrounds

Fun for the whole family!

The Columbus Oktoberfest has been serving up smiles for more than 46 years. Something for everyone – even kids! Come join us for bountiful beers, tasty food, lively music, and arts and crafts vendors. It’s a great time that celebrates “the spirit of enjoying life” like none other.

Free Admission!

100,000 sq. ft. of covered space (Rain or shine, we’ll still be having fun!)

Delta Dental Kinderplatz (A free, fun, safe area for kids to play)

Giant Eagle Marktplatz (Dozens of arts and crafts vendors)

Ah yes, it’s “Back to School” time here in Parentland. Or should I say “Getting Them Back to School” time? For many families, getting children to and from school has become the family’s responsibility, not the school’s. It is what it is these days. We look at the issue in this month’s Age Appropriate stories.

For our kids’ grade school, we always lived right on the cusp of a bus-able distance (i.e., about two inches too close to be eligible for busing). So we experienced it all when it came to getting them to school: driving, walking, carpooling with other families, but the favorite way to go was the bike ride to and from school.

It started with Dad as the official escort on his bike but the goal was to ride solo.

Mom, being the nervous Nellie killjoy that she is, made them practice on the weekend first. She (I) may have also stalked them in the car a few times to make sure they were doing everything right and arriving safely (oh, like you haven’t done the same).

The convenience factor, of course, is high when your kids can get themselves to and from school on their own, but I think my favorite benefit is the independence this fosters. And I got proof of this benefit — the hard but necessary way — this past spring.

My son was riding his bike back from a sports

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

practice near his school. As he rode toward the local library, he didn’t slow down enough and some poor young woman exiting the library parking lot in her car didn’t stop, and they ran into each other. His bike got the worst of it, but he had his helmet on, bounced well and ended up with only a few bruises. He was transported to the local E.R., a nice police officer tracked me down at home, and I hustled over to retrieve him.

But the proof (and silver lining) here: I learned that 1) he really does wear his helmet, even for short trips;

and 2) he handled himself really, really well, even alone and in an emergency. If that doesn’t qualify as independence, I don’t know what does. And, though no parent ever wants to find these things out (you’d really rather just theoretically hope your kids have these skills), I did get proof and for that I am very grateful and proud. Teach them to wear those helmets, Columbus parents, but then have the courage to let them go!

CONNECT WITH US ColumbusParent.com | Facebook: Columbus Parent Magazine Twitter @ColumbusParent and @jane_hawes EMAIL: contact@columbusparent.com or jane.hawes@columbusparent.com

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

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on the go: NEWS ON THE GO

IMMUNIZATION UPDATE

200 REASONS why columbus is a great place to RAISE A FAMILY

Our countdown takes a turn for August:

141. Cup o’Joe/Stauf’s: Before there was any other coffee chain in town (giving parents their daily dose of caffeine courage), there was micro-brewed Stauf’s a.k.a.

Cup o’Joe.

142. Corn on the Cob: We like ours roasted on the grill in the husk with a few basil leaves slipped in there. And you?

143. The Shazzbots: Quality kids’ music by outstanding local musicians. Grown-ups need not suppress the urge to boogie along!

144. Dublin Irish Festival: Ireland without the airfare!

145. Ohio State Fair: You’ll go for the life-sized butter sculptures. You’ll stay for the deep-fried Twinkies.

146. Gateway Film Center: We salute their family-friendly programming, like the HOOT film series that benefits The Open Shelter and this summer’s book-to-film series (free admission with a library card).

147. After-School All-Stars: A great program that helps keep kids in school and in shape.

148. First Fridays: Many communities now host these events and they’re packed with plenty of activities and food for all ages.

149. Short North Gallery Hop: Probably the first First Friday event around here — it’s the perfect date night for the grown-ups!

(Hey, raising a family means taking care of the parents, too!)

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DISPATCH FILE PHOTO

150. Pelotonia: An awesome annual group ride for a great cause, fighting cancer.

151. Hoover Reservoir: Just check out this issue’s Go-To Guide if you haven’t figured out how to make the most of this oasis.

152. Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival: You gotta love a town that takes its tomatoes seriously (and you can read all about them in this month’s Neighborhood Spotlight).

153. Festival Latino: So much food, music and cultural wow in one place (Aug. 11 and 12 in Genoa Park on the Downtown riv9erfront)

154. Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest: Because you can never get enough cool music and hot food!

155. Antrim Lake: You can’t call yourself a Central Ohioan without riding a bike, jogging or casting a line here at least once in your life.

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

156. Central Ohio Olympians: We’re cheering loud and long for our London Games’ Olympians like weightlifter Holley Mangold, wrestler Tervel Dlagnev and divers Katie Bell and Abby Johnston.

157. Local Foods Week: Now in its fourth year, this week features lots of familyfriendly (and tasty) events that celebrate our locally grown farmers and food.

158. The Wexners: It’s easy to hate on folks with money. It’s hard to hate on them when they use it to better everyone’s lives.

159. Jorgensen Farms: Their annual “Girasole” (a.k.a. Sunflower) dinner in the fields of this Westerville farm is another great date night for the grown-ups! And the farm is great to visit with the kids for other events.

160. Back-to-School Time: Just remember — in most other parts of the country, the kids don’t go back until after Labor Day. ‘Nuff said.

They’re the six words that school-aged kids may dread hearing most: “You need to get a shot.”

And it’s right about this time of the year — backto-school time — when kids are most apt to hear them because the Ohio Department of Health both requires and recommends a variety of immunizations for children before they can enroll in school (there are exemptions and if you visit the ODH’s website (odh.ohio.gov) you’ll find what the law allows).

There are five basic vaccines required for school enrollment: those that immunize against diphtheria, tetanus and/or pertussis; the one for polio; another that immunizes against measles, mumps and rubella; one for hepatitis B; and another for varicella (a.k.a. chickenpox). Depending on a child’s age, one or multiple doses may need to be administered in each category before the end of their high-school years.

Parents should contact their children’s doctor or local health department to schedule an appointment for immunization, said Judy Harmon, Ohio spokesperson for immunizations for the National Association of School Nurses.

“If a child does not meet the guidelines…they could be temporarily excluded from school,” she said. “The group that’s going to get caught off guard is the seventh grade. Everyone knows kindergarteners need shots before going to school.”

The Ohio Department of Health added three new immunization requirements for the 2010-2011 school year. Children entering the seventh grade must receive a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) or tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster. Children starting kindergarten need a second dose of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine and must receive their final dose of polio vaccine after their fourth birthday but before the start of school.

There have been no subsequent changes in requirements, said Tessie Pollock, an ODH spokeswoman.

As for optional vaccines, such as those for seasonal flu, shortages (last experienced in 2009 with the run on H1N1 “swine flu” vaccines) are not anticipated for the upcoming winter.

Though some families do choose to opt out of having their children vaccinated — for reasons varying from medical to religious — Pollock said the ODH continues to strongly encourage parents to opt in.

“It’s not just about protecting that child,” Pollock said. “It’s about protecting your entire family, like if you have an infant in the home under six months of age.”

Babies that young, Pollock explained, often don’t have any defenses against some of these diseases so the parents’ and siblings’ immune systems play a critical role in protecting a baby’s health.

And if parents have any concerns or questions about vaccines, they can contact the ODH Immunization Program at 800-282-0546 or 614-466-4643.

—JANE HAWES AND MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

Around Town Where the happening kids just happened to be

Be smart for Back to School!

COLUMBUS COMMONS FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2012

Why pay full price when you can get gently used for much less!

And it looks brand new!

PHOTOS BY JEFF KONCZAL

ABC 1234

www.onceuponachildcolumbus.com

Virginia and Stephanie Long

Veronica Ross, Adelaide Mykel and Griffin Mykel

6 Columbus Area Locations

Laurel and Vanessa Carter, Mary Julia Lashley

Bailee, Gibson and Espen Price

FOR ALL

SIZES 0 - 26 & MATERNITY

Zokiyah Broomfield, Sincere Sawyer, Zariyah Cabell and Lorenzo Broomfield

Adrianna and Brandon Walchle

A Totally New Kind of Resale Store For Women www.clothes-mentor.com

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

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on the go: BEST BETS

2012

August There’s plenty to do this month in Central Ohio.

Check out some of our recommendations as the summer begins to wind down.

10TV HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO Find out how to keep the family moving all year round at this two-day expo. Sponsored by WBNS-10TV, you’ll find fitness demonstrations, free screenings, special guests and an abundance of healthy living information at the third annual event.

Columbus Parent is sponsoring a Back to School Pavilion and there’s also a designated Kids Sports Area from 97.1 The Fan radio. The expo is Aug. 18-19, with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Downtown, 614-460-3700, 10tv.com

FESTIVAL LATINO

Healthy Hydration All Summer Long. tryoxywater.com The Ultimate Healthy Hydration Beverage

The family-friendly Festival Latino is back at Genoa Park for a weekend of exciting events and activities. Enjoy entertainment and food as you learn about Latin America. Peruse and purchase artwork, and let the little ones have a ball in the Children’s Area with storytimes, special guests and more.

Visit the festival Aug. 11-12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free!

Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., Downtown, 614-469-0939, festivallatino.net PHOTO BY JOE MAIORANA

THE GREAT SCIOTO DUCK RACE It’s a fun, new event from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and best of all, it’s for a great cause! Head to Genoa Park on Sept. 2 for the first-ever Duck Race. Purchase rubber ducks (duck packages range from $5 for one duck to $100 for 25) and watch as they race through the water after being dropped from the Broad St. Bridge. The ducks set sail at 12 noon, and proceeds benefit various programs at the hospital.

Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., Downtown, 614-355-0819, greatsciotoduckrace.org

DUBLIN IRISH FESTIVAL

Get your flavor at 10

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

The Irish Fest has reached a milestone anniversary: For the past 25 years, Dublin has come alive each summer as thousands of people celebrate Irish heritage and culture. The 2012 event will feature more than 500 performers (including Irish dancers and musicians), kids’ activities in the Wee Folk Area and authentic food. The festival takes place Aug. 3-5. Visit the website to find times and discounted ticket prices.

Coffman Park, 5600 Post Rd., Dublin, 614-410-4545, dublinirishfestival.org

TEDDY BEAR SAFARI Does your child’s favorite teddy bear need a check-up? If so, bring them to the Zoo for this annual event. Kids can have their stuffed bears examined by experts from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, giving them the opportunity to learn about health and wellness.

There will also be other bearrelated activities throughout the day. Plus, kids ages 2-9 who bring their bears will receive free Zoo admission! The Teddy Bear Safari is on Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, 800-MONKEYS, columbuszoo.org

on the go: PRODUCT PIX

IT’S A BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY And it’s a real bird, just in case you were wondering (Sula nebouxii, if you want to get all Latin about it). This felted-wool version ($20), however, is made by local artist Lora Dobos from recycled cloth. She sells the blue-footed booby (and many other cool animals) online at Etsy and locally at EcoFlora.

Available at EcoFlora, 3030 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-266-1618, or online at etsy.com on the FeltedWoolies site

LIGHT UP YOUR LOCKER LIFE! STAND UP AND BE STORED Mead has a winner with their Five Star Stand ‘N Store Pencil Pouch ($6.19). This 4-1/2 inch by 8 inch pouch comes in six colors, can be attached to your binder, but also is perfect for keeping things neat and tidy in the locker or on the desktop (incidentally, online reviews from nurses and other health professionals give the pouch raves for holding medical supplies.)

Available online at mead.com and in major office supply stores

WAFFLE WHEELS This new snack by Gerber is healthy and tasty! The Gerber Graduates Waffle Wheels ($2.39) are made with whole grains and come in two flavors: Maple and Banana Cream. These on-the-go snacks are perfect for toddlers and contain nutrients like Vitamin E and Zinc.

Available at Target and Giant Eagle stores, or find a location on gerber.com

HOP & SQUEAK POGO JUMPER Boys and girls as young as 3 years old can burn off excess energy on this Kidoozie Pogo Jumper ($15.99). It’s made of foam and works both indoors and outdoors. Kids will love bouncing around (and getting some exercise, too!).

Available at Larson’s Toys and Games, 1617 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington, 614486-7701, larsonstoys.com

Staples just came out with the product you never knew your locker needed until now: an LED chandelier ($16.99). No, we are not making this up. It attaches to the inside “ceiling” of a metal locker with magnets strong enough to support a hanging hook that’s part of the chandelier. They come in purple, pink, blue, white and black models, and run on three AAA batteries.

Available in Staples retail stores and online at staples.com

OH MY, OH-IO! Emlolly Candy, that fine purveyor of quality candies and goodies in Worthington, has scored one of those coveted Official OSU Product Licenses and they’ve used it to create Ohio State emblem and Brutus Buckeye Chocolate-Covered Oreos ($1.25 each).

Available at Emlolly Candy, 667 High St., Worthington, 614-436-4060, emlollycandy.com; also sold at Weiland’s Market, 3600 Indianola Ave., Clintonville and at Huffman’s Market, 2140 Tremont Ctr., Upper Arlington

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

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on the go: GOOD NEWS, DAD NEWS

Playing PRETEND

Joel Oliphint is a freelance writer, often running his mouth about music in The Other Paper and other pubs. His two kids refer to Bob Evans as Bob Dylan’s and still don’t know the purple dinosaur’s name.

BY JOEL OLIPHINT

For a while now, afternoon naps have been only an occasional thing for Liam, and now that he’s 5, they happen only on long hauls down the interstate. But to give him some daily downtime (and to restore some Daddy sanity), we’ve instituted a mandatory, hour-long “quiet time” in the afternoon for Liam and his 3-year-old sister, Maggie.

While Maggie still tends to fall asleep, Liam uses this time to surround himself with superheroes, pirates, animals and other characters. Amassing the optimal

combination of action figures can take a few minutes, with several scrambles upstairs to the toy room to grab Emperor Zurg or the “squishy frog,” who’s been known to infiltrate the Bat Cave.

These dramas born out of Liam’s little brain can unfold for up to an hour. It astonishes me, because I never did that as a boy, and I’m terrible at it now, too. I have such an insatiable appetite for true stories that I don’t spend much time in the land of make-believe. Almost all the books I read are nonfiction. I love “This American Life” and profiles in “The New Yorker.” I watch documentaries. And if a feature film is “based on a true story,” you better believe I’m heading straight to Wikipedia afterward to see just how true it is. (Because everything on Wikipedia is true, right?)

I don’t entirely avoid works of fiction,

but I’ve noticed that in order to truly love a movie or book, it has to have a semblance of realism. If the characters in a post-apocalyptic zombie movie are relatable, I’m in.

But Broadway musicals, with their exaggerated expressions and built-in assumptions that people sometimes break into choreographed song and dance, can’t compete with the nagging voice in the back of my head saying, “This didn’t really happen.”

All that’s to say, I’m not the best playmate when Liam wants me to play the role of Marty the zebra. But his sister is perfect.

She eagerly jumps into whichever role Liam has cast her and embraces it without a smidgen of ego. Recently I found Maggie bounding around her room on all fours, tongue hanging down her chin, while Liam shouted various commands to his “puppy.”

A playground just off Rt. 23 in Delaware

is a summer favorite of Liam and Maggie, partly because there’s a climbing structure that resembles a large boulder. While other kids merely climb the rock, my kids recently enacted the tragic scene from “The Lion King” in which Scar lets his brother, King Mufasa, fall to his death from a cliff. Other kids wandered over to watch, then asked if they could play Lion King, too. (No pre-Ks were harmed in this reenactment.)

I’m glad Liam doesn’t have the same nagging voice that I do. His imagination is an attractive thing and a reminder that my kids don’t have to be (and probably shouldn’t be) carbon copies of their parents. Even now as I recount this true story, click-clacking key strokes in front of a glowing screen, I can hear Liam gleefully playing on the front porch with his sister and bellowing: “Who’s ready for the circus?”

Everything we do is designed for

learning.

This is the perfect time to visit your KinderCare® neighborhood center and discover what an environment designed for learning can mean for your child.

To find a center near you and to schedule a personal tour: 877-KinderCare

KinderCare.com

©2012 Knowledge Universe Education LLC. All rights reserved.

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

on the go: TAKE IT FROM TRACY

School

BACK TO

BY TRACY TOWNSEND

Home alone. Two words that for the longest time made me think of the 1990 comedy starring Macaulay Caulkin as an 8year-old boy accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas.

Now those words make me cringe as Ian, my 10-year-old son, often asks if he can stay at home by himself. My self-proclaimed tween cringes at the word “babysitter” now.

Unless it is a trip to retail establishments where one finds toys, sporting goods or video games, Ian has a serious aversion to shopping. On occasion, I have given in — if my time away will be short and I know my husband, Murvin, will arrive home shortly.

So that means Ian has been home alone for about a half-hour.

Yes, I know a lot can happen in a half-

hour. In fact, I’ve reported on things that happened to other parents who left their children home alone. So you know this is an issue my husband and I wrestled with quite a bit over the summer. I remember staying at home — I was a true latchkey kid — when I was 10. But then things were different then, weren’t they?

One of my favorite go-to experts on these issues is Dr. Daniel Coury, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Confirmation of how complicated this issue is came in his response: “Short answer — there is no ‘right age.’ It depends on several factors.”

Coury says children should know what to do in an emergency, like deal with a minor injury or a fire, clean up broken glass, etc.

(of course, if you’re like me and read that list, it is a sure ‘no’ to staying home alone).

It is also important, according to Dr. Coury and the parenting website kidshealth.org, that your child be comfortable staying home alone. They remind parents the child should be able to reach you promptly if necessary, which reassures them. Be clear about what’s allowed, what’s not allowed (are friends welcome during your absence, for example) and make sure your child knows what to do if someone knocks at the door.

“Developmentally, children usually are able to meet these criteria by age 11 or 12; some may be ready at age 10,” said Coury.

Communications Director Deborrha Armstrong of Franklin County Children Services confirmed there is no law regarding the age

Discover how much fun Your Back-To-School

when a child is old enough to stay at home alone. Armstrong told me there is no simple answer but parents do have the legal responsibility to supervise and control their child and to provide the basic necessities of life for their child. This includes food, shelter, clothing, medical care and legal help when required.

I will make no judgments but suggest parents take note of the resources available and have some serious conversations about what it means to be ready to be home alone.

We’ve talked at my house and agreed to prepare for this major step (with a babysitting course and first-aid training, for example) because as much as Ian will always be my “baby,” he is growing up and I want him to be ready for the challenge.

Tracy Townsend is a news reporter and anchor with 10TV News HD.

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5 Convenient Locations

Polaris Parkway

Dublin/Powell

(1/3 mile west of Polaris Mall, behind KFC)

1198 East Powell Road 846-5610

$2 OFF

7438 Sawmill Road

Pickerington

1726 Hill Road North

Gahanna/New Albany

(Corner of Sawmill & Hard Rd.)

(Rt. 256 next to Barnes& Nobles)

(1 mile east of I-270)

792-2899

522-0220

428-9999

“Beat the Back-to-School Rush” coupon.

Offer expires August 10th, 2012 No exceptions.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

4359 Morse Road

Hilliard

3233 Hilliard-Rome Rd. (Tinapple Plaza on Hilliard-Rome Rd.)

876-7700

Open Monday thru Saturday.

(Open Sunday 12-4 Polaris location only)

Appointments Recommended

www.cookiecutterscolumbus.com columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

13

on the go: NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Reynoldsburg STORY BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON • PHOTOS BY TIM JOHNSON

Reynoldsburg may be a bedroom community of Columbus, but the town is anything but sleepy. There’s plenty for families to do in the east side town that sprawls into Franklin, Fairfield and Licking counties. The city has parks to explore, tasty food to try and friendly people to meet, said Mary Hudson, executive director at the Reynoldsburg Community & Activities Bureau.

“We’re very family-friendly,” she said. “You see kids out all the time.”

Follow the trails through the wooded Pine Quarry Park to the meandering creek, where kids can look for minnows and crayfish or just cool off.

The park also boasts several geocaches — small hidden treasures that can be found using global positioning systems. (Visit geocaching.com for details about how to play

Huber Park

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

the game.)

Blacklick Woods Metro Park also is located in Reynoldsburg. Families can easily spend an afternoon walking the trails and eating at one of the park’s scenic picnic areas. For winter fun, visit the sledding hill. Park rangers lead numerous family-oriented programs at the nature center throughout the year.

Another outdoor spot worth a visit is Huber Park, home of the Tomato Festival. The annual event celebrates the city as the birthplace of the commercial tomato. The celebration includes tomato-oriented displays, contests and concessions. This year’s festival is Aug. 17 and 18.

The park also holds other special events, including outdoor movies and the Reynoldsburg Farmer’s Market on Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Families also can find great programming at the library.

The Reynoldsburg branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library system offers story times and a large play area with a puppet stage, comfy reading chairs and educational toys.

Bargain hunters and foodies will find plenty of temptations in and around Reynoldsburg. Parents can always find good deals at the Once Upon A Child and the JC’s 5 Star Outlet, formerly the J.C. Penney Outlet. The Main Street location of Once Upon A Child has plenty of quality secondhand clothing and toys.

The outlet is the place to stock up clothing and household basics. The store sells reasonably priced underwear, socks and t-shirts for children and normally has a good selection of maternity clothing. Shoppers typically can find good deals on bedding, small kitchen appliances and bath towels.

Up the street from the outlet is The Andersons, a great place to browse. The store carries everything from hip waders to fine wine. The produce department always puts out plenty of samples that kids love to gobble up.

The Hickory House also offers kids a chance to fill their bellies. The family-owned restaurant strives to offer affordable, healthy choices for families.

Vick’s Gourmet Pizza prides itself on homemade dough and its signature sauce.

For dessert, head to Sweet Designs Specialty Cakes where owner Tina Ebright creates edible works of art. After making cakes out of her home for years, Ebright opened the bakery earlier this year. Past creations have included cakes

Huber Park

The Hickory House made to look like handbags, cartoon characters, baby beds and cars.

The Reynoldsburg resident chose to locate the business in the city because she likes its vibe.

“There’s a sense of community,” she said. “It’s evident by the number of people who have stopped in just to say they’re glad I’m here.

D A G GO N ER R

ROSEHILL RD

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10

9

4

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BRICE RD.

5

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STON AV

PALMER RD

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Pine Quarry Park

1 1. THE ANDERSONS 5800 Alshire Rd. 614-864-8800 andersonsstore.com

6. JC’S 5 STAR OUTLET 2361 Park Crescent Dr. 614-868-0250 jcpenney.com

2. BLACKLICK WOODS METRO PARK 6975 E. Livingston Ave. 614-891-0700 metroparks.net/MapBlacklickWoods.aspx

7. ONCE UPON A CHILD 6026 E. Main St. 614-863-9777 onceuponachildcolumbus.com

3. COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY, REYNOLDSBURG BRANCH 1402 Brice Rd. 614-645-2275 columbuslibrary.org/locations/Reynoldsburg

8. PINE QUARRY PARK 8000 Kingsley Dr. 614-322-6806 ci.reynoldsburg.oh.us/city-departmentsparks.aspx

4. THE HICKORY HOUSE 7051 E. Main St. 614-861-5962 thehickoryhouse.com/reynoldsburg

Reynoldsburg mural along Main Street

5. HUBER PARK 1520 Davidson Dr. 614-322-6806 ci.reynoldsburg.oh.us/city-departmentsparks.aspx

9. SWEET DESIGNS SPECIALTY CAKES 7514 E. Main St. 614-406-5269 sweetdesignsspecialtycakes.com 10. VICK’S GOURMET PIZZA 7333 E. Main St. 614-866-7392 vicksgourmetpizza.com

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

15

on the go: SHOP SPOTLIGHT THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: COLUMBUS • WORTHINGTON REYNOLDSBURG

dance academy Providing a diverse array of classes in a fun, nurturing and professional environment, the BalletMet Dance Academy offers students of all ages a wide variety of dance and technique styles taught by our highly qualified and experienced faculty.

Chad and Dawn Hunter OWNERS OF THE HICKORY HOUSE

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 27 AT OUR THREE LOCATIONS!

BALLET • JAZZ • TAP • MODERN • YOGA • PILATES • MORE! TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 614.224.1672 OR VISIT WWW.BALLETMET.ORG

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL OFFER FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES! Get a Family 4-Pack of tickets to the opening weekend of BalletMet’s The Nutcracker in select seat locations for just $99!

Order tickets at TICKETMASTER.COM or 800.982.2787 Use code BTSCP when ordering.

Offer valid August 27–September 2 only, select performances and seat locations.

16

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

Chad Hunter didn’t have any restaurant experience when his father-in-law, Tony Torchia, offered him the chance to run one of the family’s steak and barbecue restaurants.

The job meant moving from his home state of Illinois and embarking on a new career with his wife, Dawn, and her family.

The couple accepted Torchia’s offer and Chad spent eight months learning the trade.

He worked in the kitchen and the dining room and said he had fun doing it. He took over operations at the Reynoldsburg location of the local chain in June 2011. Dawn helps out with marketing and other tasks. The couple said they’re proud to keep the family business going.

Chad, what’s it like taking over your wife’s family business?

It’s hard living up to the expectations. My father-in-law has been doing this for 30 years. A lot of the regulars have been with my father-in-law since day one.

Dawn, what are some of your memories of growing up in the restaurant?

I remember as a little girl taste-testing lots of barbecue sauce and ribs. I remember my mom bringing my sister and me in so she could clean the restaurant. We would be so excited to get a soft drink.

Dawn, do your boys (Noah, 4, and Quinn, 2) enjoy coming to the restaurant?

They love it. They always get a sucker up front. They love the servers. Our servers have been with us for years. They’re like family.

Dawn, why is the restaurant a good option for families?

We have a great children’s menu. Parents can come in, have a steak dinner, enjoy a good glass of wine. It’s not a place where you feel like you can’t bring your kids.

Chad, what have you changed since taking over?

We’ve remodeled the restaurant. We put in new lighting and landscaping. We changed the menu just a bit.

—MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

August 6–September 29

Earn Cash Prizes for Your School!

Shop and dine to earn points for your school. Bring receipts dated August 6-September 29 to Guest Reception from any Polaris Fashion Place retailer to add points to your school’s total.

Visit www.polarisfashionplace.com for details.

Scan code by August 31, 2012 to register your school for a chance to win a $500 cash prize!

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columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

17

hot topic: BACK TO SCHOOL

PHOTO BY JEFFRY KONCZAL

The Ryan family (from left): Jordan, 19, Jake, 17, Lynette, Mackenzie, 11, and Tom.

In a Heartbeat FACTS, NOT FEAR, WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH

Lynette Ryan remembers the moment her 5-year old son Teague took his last breath in her arms. It was February 16, 2004, when she and her four children playfully chased each other through the house. Lynette says she surprised Teague around a corner, and his heart literally stopped.

“He let out an ‘Ahhhh!’” Ryan said. “I didn’t have any indication that something was wrong. I scooped him up and started walking down the hallway with him and by the time I got to his room he wasn’t conscious at all.”

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) leaves families like the Ryans desperate for answers when tragedy hits them without warning and with little explanation. Teague died from myocarditis, a virus in his heart, which the family suspects resulted from a throat infection.

Tom Ryan, Teague’s father and the head coach of Ohio State University’s men’s wrestling team, said his son had no signs of a weak heart and had a routine physical exam in the days before his death. Teague’s undetect-

BY ANIETRA HAMPER

ed underlying heart condition is the hallmark characteristic of Sudden Cardiac Death.

“There were no warning signs at all, but he was a time bomb,” Tom Ryan said.

WHAT IS SCD?

The 12 kinds of heart conditions that can cause Sudden Cardiac Death are triggered by an increased heart rate and metabolic rate.

This is the reason that young athletes are

Now Registering for Fall Classes

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREPARTICIPATION CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENING:

Teague Ryan at age 5 among the highest percentage of victims.

The most common causes of Sudden Cardiac Death are: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a sick heart); coronary artery abnormalities present from birth; and myocarditis — an infection of the heart which is the condition that took Teague’s life.

Often there are subtle warning signs of heart abnormalities, like fainting during physical exertion. As more information becomes available about SCD, parents and coaches are better equipped to recognize a potential problem.

Dr. Naomi Kertesz, Director of Electrophysiology and Pacing at the Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, encourages parents to look deeper into their family history to spot important details that could be red flags.

“If someone in your family died under the age of 50, you should ask why they died,” Kertesz said.

A death from a fall or single-car accident could actually be due to a heart condition.

WHAT CAN FAMILIES DO?

If a family history suggests a condition that can be inherited, yearly EKG and echocardiograms may be performed. A child may not have symptoms even if they have a condition, which is why underlying heart abnormalities can be difficult to detect.

Some abnormalities develop over time and some cannot be detected at all.

The American Heart Association considers Sudden Cardiac Death in athletes an infrequent event, noting that it occurs in one out of every 200,000 youth of high-school age per year.

This creates a tough balance for parents

*Personal history: chest pain or discomfort, unexplained fainting, shortness of breath during exercise, heart murmur, elevated blood pressure. *Family history: premature death of a relative due to heart disease, disability from heart disease in a close relative, knowledge of cardiac conditions in family members. *Physical exam: to confirm or rule out specific cardiac conditions.

SOURCE: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

who want preventive screening for their child and cannot get it without a doctor’s prescription, and physicians who caution that widespread screening for the 7 million high-school athletes in the U.S. could unnecessarily sideline kids who are not sick.

“Sometimes people are referred to me because their screening test was read as abnormal,” explained Dr. Kertesz. “That is because the person who reads it is not familiar with pediatric ECGs. I look at the same test and it is a normal finding in a child. The child has been restricted and the parents worried for no reason.”

Local company mCORE (Mobile Cardiac Overview and Risk Evaluation) is piloting a program in several area schools. It is designed to give parents affordable access to preparticipation cardiovascular screening.

Right now the mobile program targets young athletes. If a school chooses to offer the mobile screening, parents can opt-in to have their child tested for $75. The results are examined by a cardiologist and confidentially available to parents.

“We are now able to take a mobile, private screening system to a location,” said mCORE spokesman Anthony Susi. “Five years ago this technology was not available.”

While cases of SCD are relatively uncommon, the statistics do not matter for families like the Ryans. The Ryans suggest that families keep a defibrillator in their home, which costs around $1,100. They say it could have saved Teague’s life.

The entire family has dedicated their lives to making parents aware of Sudden Cardiac Death. Even 11-year-old Mackenzie has raised more than $16,000 for the American Heart Association. The Ryans say awareness is the best and only prevention.

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(Minutes from Powell off Route 23, between Home Rd. & Orange Rd.)

autumn sampler september 17 - october 27

adult autumn sampler september 17 - november 9

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

19

hot topic: BACK TO SCHOOL

Terrific Teachers

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

As the 2012-13 school year begins, we thought we’d get to know a few of the terrific teachers out there who make our children’s lives richer….

ANNIE RUEFLE

SAINT MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL PHOTO BY ALYSIA BURTON

DEE JAMES

MANSION DAY SCHOOL PHOTO BY ALYSIA BURTON

Running a school has taught Dee James many things.

The head of school at Mansion Day School, which is located in Columbus’ Woodland Park neighborhood, has seen firsthand how rigorous academics combined with a nurturing environment creates the foundation for lifelong learning.

James also has learned something about how the racial makeup of her students impacts their education. As the private school, which serves students in preschool through fifth-grade, has become increasingly African-American, she has seen positive impacts. The

20

school population “has elevated the confidence and cultural competency,” of her students, she said.

Although James never set out to create a primarily African–American student body, this “unanticipated bonus,” is exciting, she said.

“We don’t teach them that they’re better than anybody,” James said. “We teach them they are no less than anybody.”

James also has come to understand the benefits of creating a school “where children feel celebrated and accepted on a daily basis. I’m gratified with what we have achieved. We have so many success stories of children going to

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

college and receiving scholarships.”

Parent Simone Drake likes the school’s atmosphere and academics. Mansion Day School promotes “critical thinking and helps children apply what they’re thinking,” said the Powell resident, who has two children at the school.

She also appreciates that the teachers have high expectations for Seth, who is going into third grade, and Isaac, who will be a first-grader in the fall.

“I like knowing my kids are going to be pushed because their teachers care and can see their potential,” she said.

The library at Saint Mary School in German Village is small but that doesn’t stop librarian Annie Ruefle from thinking big.

Each year, Ruefle organizes a school-wide reading project that involves every person in the building. Teachers incorporate the theme in their lesson plans. Ruefle organizes art projects and programs based on the theme. Students construct a piece of public art that adorns the school’s front lawn.

“I want kids here to bump up against reading all day long,” said Ruefle, who just finished her 26th year as a school librarian. “We fill up their world here with books.”

She devotes herself to creating an environment where reading and getting excited about books is the norm. She hosts book clubs and invites kids to join her “Reading Hall of Fame.”

“At some schools, a few kids read,” she said. “Here, everybody reads.”

Ruefle, who handles the library programs for children in preschool through eighth

grade, said she wants children to have a good foundation of reading because it helps students do better academically and makes them more interesting people.

Ruefle has made readers out of Alyssa Hardenbergh’s two sons, Samuel, 11, and Finn, 10.

“I wouldn’t say they started out with a great love of reading,” the Columbus resident said. “It’s really just been a process. Annie has so many different things that really encourage reading.”

Hardenbergh said she’s amazed by “the number of things on a daily basis coming out of our library that touches our kids.”

When she tells parents of children who attend other schools about Saint Mary’s library, they are “dumbfounded,” she added.

“I do a lot of projects,” said Ruefle, who published a book about library programming.

“When you read about something and then create something, it’s a double whammy of learning.”

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DAN AND BETH JAX BEXLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

Bexley Middle School teacher Dan Jax always laughs when students ask whether he is married to fellow science teacher Beth Jax. Beth Jax — his daughter — is less amused.

“I can’t even joke about that,” she said.

Father and daughter do, however, agree that teaching the same subject at the same school is a wonderful opportunity. Working together has been a bonding experience that also has helped them grow as teachers, they said.

“We have a lot of fun,” said Beth Jax, who graduated from Bexley High School in 1998.

“We have enriched the experience for the kids because we have fun.”

Their teaching styles are different but complement each other, they said.

“We have influenced each other,” Beth Jax said. “I have helped him stay young and

understand what it’s like to be in middle school. He has greatly influenced me in curriculum development.”

Dan Jax has been with the district for more than 30 years and said he appreciates his daughter’s enthusiasm for her work.

“She definitely energizes me and makes me think about things differently,” he said.

In addition to team-teaching one class, the Jaxes serve as advisors for the school’s environment club and work with students on special aquaponics projects. The aquaponics tank includes fish and plants and helps students understand how ecosystems function.

Both of the Jaxes have a gift for making students want to learn, said Harley Williams, the principal at Bexley Middle School.

“It’s not what you know,” he said. “It’s how excited you can get students to want to know what you know.”

• Occupational Therapy • Speech-Language Therapy • Music Therapy • Saturday Classes Focusing on children with Autism (ASD), we are now enrolling for fall programming.

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We are providers through the Autism Scholarship, Medicaid, Insurance, & Delaware County.

Our goal is to help children grow and prosper in all environments.

Call 614-844-5433 or visit us at www.thelearningspectrum.com.

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

21

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Teen Driving UNDERSTANDING THE RULES AND REGULATIONS

BY HEATHER WEEKLEY

Just a short drive from anywhere in Ohio, you will discover the Wilds.

A 10,000-acre African adventure playground. Guided safari tours bring you up close to rare and endangered species from around the world. Take in a bird’s eye view from a zip line or explore the Wilds by horseback.

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There is so much to see, you may want to stay overnight in one of our luxury yurts or cabins for a truly unique lodging experience.

“There is no other place on earth like the Wilds.”

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thewilds.org

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

The State of Ohio’s House Bill 343 concerning young drivers didn’t come into effect until more than a year after I turned 16, but boy, were my parents ahead of the game. The bill established limitations on teen drivers’ passenger loads, but staggered them by age.

Once I obtained my driver’s license, Mom and Dad already enforced the idea that I could have only one passenger in my car, whether it was to gymnastics classes just down the road or during my 23-minute high-school commute.

The 2007 bill deals with laws in place for probationary drivers (anyone between the ages of 16 and 18 who completed the full requirements to obtain a driver’s license). Michael Deschaine, Program Administrator for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, explained that it was ultimately created to keep our teens safer, beginning with the moment they hold a temporary license.

At each age level of the probation-

The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) has some helpful resources on their website that discuss House Bill 343 in depth. You’ll find PDFs and links to frequently asked questions, important facts about the Ohio driving laws and information for parents on teaching teens to drive.

Visit bmv.ohio.gov/graduated_dl_ teen_laws.stm to learn more.

15-A1RS8 YE

ary stage, different regulations exist. At 16, drivers may only have one non-relative in the car with them (unless a parent or guardian is there, too). Those who are 17 may have as many passengers as there are seatbelts in the car.

The limit on passengers affects teens carpooling to school, sports practices and social activities. Lance Clarke, a teacher at Bishop Watterson High School who also oversees student parking, said that there has been a spike in the number of vehicles with only one or two students who apply for a parking spot. Previously, they could accommodate all but 8 to 12 applications.

“Now, we have to turn away a lot more because of limited spaces and increased demand,” said Clarke.

Curfew laws also change depending on age.

“At age 16, you are restricted from driving from midnight to 6 a.m.,” said Deschaine. “At 17, you cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.”

Most importantly, Deschaine encourages parents to understand their role as teenagers get behind the wheel.

“Parents have a big part to play and they know their kids better than anyone,” said Deschaine. “They need to keep their eyes on them as they learn how to drive. When they sign [the forms] as their kids get their temps and license, they say, ‘I’m responsible for anything that happens while my teen drives.’”

While I may have rolled my eyes back then, I’m thanking Mom and Dad now for looking out for me by limiting my distractions (and for letting me use the car!). I hope that I’m a better driver because of it.

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

W is for Walking THE “WALK TO SCHOOL” MOVEMENT GETS MOVING IN LANCASTER

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON When Drea Echard started kindergarten last year, her mom made a point of walking to school to drop her off and pick her up.

YEARS Walking back and forth to South Elementary School in Lancaster gave them time to talk, enjoy the fresh air and get a bit of exercise, said Katie Echard.

Drea, now 6, loves walking, her mom said.

“We’d talk about her day, and what she did. What she’s excited about. What was happening the rest of the day,” Echard said. “I like spending that time together.”

It’s a pattern that the Lancaster City School District promotes. The district has worked with other local officials in recent years to encourage families to walk to school. In 2010, five elementary schools participated in Green Ribbon Month, an effort to raise awareness among motorists about the safety needs of kids walking and biking to school, said Lauren Marchetti, director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

The center works to help schools and communities make their neighborhoods more walkable. They try to help parents overcome their worries about safety issues.

“The fear of traffic is almost a self-fulfilling worry,” Marchetti said. “As more parents are driving, more parents become convinced that there’s too much traffic.”

She hopes efforts to get children to walk to school will be aided by communities’ growing concerns about childhood obesity. As parents realize the need for children to be more active, Marchetti hopes more will turn to walking to school.

“A lifetime of being physically active can begin in a walk to school,” she said.

Walking to school provides children the opportunity to exercise, experience their neighborhood and connect with friends, she said.

Some studies have suggested that there’s a link between physical activities and increased academic performance, she said.

Robin Cather, principal of South Elementary School notices a difference between walkers and bus riders.

Walkers seem to enjoy the social aspect of connecting with their friends on the way to school, she said.

Children who have been on the bus are often “already tired” when they get to school, Cather said, while children who walk to school “seem to arrive excited to be here.”

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PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

Katie Echard, of Lancaster, has made a habit of walking her daughter Drea, 6, to school along with Katie's youngest Darian, 6 months.

TIPS FOR KNOWING WHEN A CHILD IS READY TO WALK TO SCHOOL ON HIS OR HER OWN: • The child knows to walk in groups or with at least one other person.

• The student has demonstrated that he or she understands and can be mindful of stop signs.

• The child always looks both ways before crossing the street and knows to cross at crosswalks rather than darting out into the street.

SOURCE: ROBIN CATHER, PRINCIPAL OF SOUTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Full Member School with the American Montessori Society Currently enrolling for Fall 2012!

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www.dublinmontessori.com columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

23

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Safe Routes, Fit Kids BIKING TO SCHOOL PROGRAMS GETS A BOOST

IS YOUR CHILD READY TO BIKE TO SCHOOL?

+RS 6 A E Y

1

Wear bug spray with DEET (except infants).

Follow the directions on the bottle.

2

Check houses, garages, and landscaping for bee nests.

3

Drain all standing water from toys, kiddie pools, tires, birdbaths, and other containers to keep mosquitoes away.

4

Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, hats, and closed-toe shoes when walking in tall grass and the woods to protect you from ticks and other bugs.

These are some factors to consider: • A child needs to show he or she is aware of surroundings, is able to make good decisions, consistently stops and looks before crossing a street, and knows how to use turn signals.

• Parents should realize that depth perception is not well developed in children until the teen years. If it makes both parent and child feel more comfortable, a parent also should ride a bike to and from school with the child.

• The effort is worth it: Studies show that physical activity before school starts help a child become more alert and receptive to learning. Biking to school also provides the tools for becoming more independent in a positive way.

PROVIDED BY CONSIDER BIKING

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

SOURCE: JESS MATHEWS, CONSIDER BIKING

David, a volunteer parent at Valleyview Elementary School, leads his daughters to school on their bikes.

The hard part about getting kids to ride their bikes to school isn’t finding routes with the least amount of car traffic. It isn’t even about finding helmets that fit. It’s about convincing Mom and Dad to let them go.

“First I have to work with the parents,” said Brenda Severs, the physical education teacher at Valleyview Elementary School in Columbus’s Hilltop neighborhood.

“It’s about getting them to be comfortable.”

The objections range from anxiety about stranger danger and traffic to concerns about changing the family’s morning routine.

“We like to speak to the

24

BY JANE HAWES

parents first,” said Jess Mathews. Her group, Consider Biking, works with schools in the city to implement bike-to-school campaigns, which are funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to Schools program. The SRTS program has existed since 2004, said its program manager Julie Walcoff.

“It’s been so successful in Ohio,” said Walcoff. “So many communities who have not thought about this before have gotten involved.

Some, to be honest, adopt it so they can improve the safety of their sidewalks and streets for children getting to school. But some are

doing it because they’re thinking about the positive effect that these activities will have on learning.”

The funds provided through a competitive grant process can be used for infrastructure improvements like better sidewalks, bike racks, safer crosswalks and other connections used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Non-infrastructure funds are used by school districts and municipal governments to bring in groups like Consider Biking to educate and encourage safe biking and walking to school. This year, $16 million in SRTS funding was awarded throughout the state.

Valleyview hosted an 8week program this spring and will do fall and spring education sessions during the upcoming school year, said Severs. About 20 children were biking on a regular basis by the end of the school year and Severs said she even found fun ways to weave bike-safety lessons into gym class for the kids who don’t ride.

“While we’re working on something for cardiovascular fitness,” Severs said, “I’ll say ‘show me a hand signal for turning left or right.’

They love to learn new things. The hard part is the parents. It’s hard to let go of your babies.”

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

25

need to know: THE GO-TO GUIDE

Hoover Reservoir

BY JOHN ROSS

Summer is prime time for new adventures, and one of the most interesting places to explore is Hoover Reservoir, which offers enough outdoor entertainment for 10 seasons.

Hoover is beautiful, but its size can intimidate firsttime users. Many want to visit — they just don’t know where to start.

Below you’ll find eight entry points for discovering one of Central Ohio’s coolest waterways.

THE SEASONS OF HOOVER RESERVOIR

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

These icons tell the season when each activity can be experienced

Dispatch file photo

DISC GOLF

SAILING Hoover Sailing Club 4250 Smothers Rd., Westerville hooversailingclub.com For aspiring captains, Hoover Sailing Club offers classes through mid-August that accommodate a range of experience levels. Landlubbers can watch fleet races scheduled from 1-6 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 21. A great viewing spot lies in the northeast corner of Sunbury and Smothers roads.

INSIDER INFO: During many club races, novice boaters can hitch a ride with a sailor who needs an extra pair of hands on deck.

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

Brent Hambrick Memorial Disc Golf Course 2466 Central College Rd., Westerville columbusdiscgolf.com Located near the dam, this free 27-hole course is one of the region’s best.

Some fairways traverse wide fields, while others sit within notoriously tight forests.

Don’t miss a chance to air it out on a scenic shot from the top of the dam.

INSIDER INFO: The Brent Hambrick Memorial Open — an annual stop on the Professional Disc Golf Association tour — will be held Aug. 4-5.

PHOTO BY JOHN ROSS

PADDLING Twin Bridges Boat Ramp 4856 Red Bank Rd., Galena The Twin Bridges Boat Ramp provides access to a quiet, protected cove — a great place to launch if you don’t want to deal with high winds and heavy boat traffic. With enough water, paddlers can slink east beneath Red Bank Road to find even more secretive waters.

INSIDER INFO: Check ColumbusParent.com for a video about kayaking from the Twin Bridges Boat Ramp.

BIRDING

HIKING

Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk Front and West streets, Galena Birders use the 1,500-foot-long Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk to watch shorebirds in spring and fall, while fishermen cast lines when the water levels are high enough.

Even without binoculars or tackle, it’s one of the reservoir’s must-see attractions.

INSIDER INFO: The northern mudflats often go bone dry in summer, so head to the boardwalk in wetter weather.

Hoover Meadows 3715 Sunbury Rd., Galena Part of a nature preserve in the reservoir’s northeastern corner, Hoover Meadows boasts grassy paths, prairies, marshes and thin forest tracts. Columbus Audubon has recorded around 188 bird species there, and wildflowers pepper the wide grasslands.

INSIDER INFO: Can’t tell a goose from a goldfinch? Visit ohioyoungbirders.org to meet the kids behind the Ohio Young Birders Club.

Polaris www.TLGPolarisOh.com 614-430-3355

FREE

SCHEDULE A

614-430-3355

INTRO CLASS

Dispatch file photo

BIKING

WINDSURFING Wind Over Water Sailing School 5530 Red Bank Rd., Galena wowsailingschool.com Sailboards are an exciting way to cut across the waves, and instructor Doug Golding can teach you to master one at his Wind Over Water Sailing School, which is operated from his quaint lakeside house. Classes run through Sept. 9.

INSIDER INFO: Hoover’s winds are weird. Many believe that if you can sail there, you can sail anywhere.

Sunbury Road Bikeway Sunbury and Central College roads, Westerville tinyurl.com/BikeWesterville This 1.8-mile trail runs along the reservoir’s western shore between Central College and County Line roads and offers a flat, paved pedal with stunning views of the water.

It’s a great way to get everyone in the family on two wheels.

INSIDER INFO: Much of Westerville’s extensive trail network is accessible from the Sunbury Road Bikeway, so many longer rides can start from here.

BECAUSE A LITTLE

COURAGE, TEAM SPIRIT & SPORTSMANSHIP GO A LONG WAY

In addition to our non-competitive gymnastics classes for boys and girls, we offer a full range of experiential learning and physical development programs for children 4 months through 12 years.

J.A.Z. Dance & More

FISHING

7354 French Dr., Reynoldsburg, Ohio • www.jazdanceandmore.com

Oxbow Road, Westerville tinyurl.com/HooverFish East of North Shore Drive, Oxbow Road becomes a thin, tree-lined gravel route that juts across a peninsula. There, anglers find plenty of shade and several quiet coves that await your casts. Hoover’s known for crappie, catfish, bass and saugeye.

INSIDER INFO: Grab live bait, fishing licenses and convenience items at Red Bank Food & Beverage, 7001 Sunbury Rd. in Westerville.

Fall Classes Start September 4th Tap • Jazz • Ballet • Tumbling • Lyrical • Combination • Hip Hop • Competition • Cheerleading

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, August 26th • 2-5pm WEDNESDAY, August 29th • 6-8pm

st Augu e n Da c p! m Ca

NEW! Theatre Classes with Columbus Children’s Theatre

Now Offer in ZUMB g A!

• 4 classrooms • viewing windows • 3 years old and up • limited class size • mornings & evenings • professional spring step flooring

WHY NO WADING? Swimming in Hoover Reservoir is illegal, due to a city of Columbus ordinance that prohibits the practice in public streams, rivers or lakes. Terri Leist of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department said the law is in place for safety reasons. For more information about the reservoir, visit parks.columbus.gov/Facility.aspx?id=25412

New & Used Dance Shoes Available for your Convenience PHOTO BY JOHN ROSS

864-7676 SIGN UP NOW! columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

27

need to know: FAMILY FINANCE

FACTS ABOUT

Flex Spending

BY DENISE TROWBRIDGE

It’s just about time to navigate the incredibly exciting world of open-enrollment season. Yep, fall equals time to decide what you do and don’t want for everything from 401k distributions to health insurance. But something exciting is lurking in that benefits pack. If your company offers a healthcare flexible spending account (also known as an FSA), don’t overlook it.

Flexible spending accounts can be a wonderful fringe benefit. You set aside a set amount of money into a flex account, and then you can use that money to pay for medical and dental bills, eye exams and prescription glasses, co-pays, orthodontics and prescription drugs.

The money you set aside in the account is pre-tax, so you pay no Social Security or Medicare taxes on the fund, and no federal or state income taxes. Flex accounts “offer an attractive way to save on taxes by using

these pre-tax dollars for general medical expenses,” said Brad Huffman, a certified financial planner with Future Finances in Worthington. “The net tax savings for the average family could be hundreds or thousands of dollars.”

The amount of money you can set aside in one of these accounts varies by employer, but the maximum allowed by the IRS is about $5,000 per year. “Most people won’t put that much in, so it makes sense to look at your potential expenses to see how they would measure up,” Huffman said. “Look at

last year’s expenses and see how much would work best for you.”

Once the money is in the plan, watch how you use it.

Some plans give easy access to the cash, either through a checkbook or debit card.

You’ll need to save receipts and documentation for expenses paid with flex account money, Huffman said: “This will help you avoid possibly facing a taxable event from any expenses deemed ‘non-qualified.’ Much like filing your income taxes, it’s wise to have good back-up documentation.”

You’ll also need to keep track of how much money is in the account. Most plans have a “use it or lose it” guideline — meaning you have to spend the money or it’s gone. Some plans require you to use all the money by Dec. 30, while others will extend the deadline to March 31 of the following year. It’s wise to err on the side of caution: It’s better to put in a little bit less than what you think you will spend, rather than sock away too much and risk losing it.

Finally, ask your employer for specific guidelines outlining what the money can and can’t be used for. The list of qualifying expenses changed with the passage of the Health Care Reform Act. For instance, nonprescription drugs such as cold medicine are no longer eligible for reimbursement.

The penalty for errors can be stiff. If you use your FSA money to pay for non-qualifying expenses, you’ll have to pay income tax on an amount equal to that spent and pay an additional tax penalty of 20 percent on the misused funds.

Denise Trowbridge is a self-professed money geek who writes about personal finance, banking and insurance for The Columbus Dispatch, bankrate.com and middlepathfinance.com.

Take your family’s finances to the next level!

Learn about the home buying process and basic financial planning to improve your financial outcome.

Homeport’s Housing Advisory Center offers: Homebuyer Education Financial Fitness Classes are free! Receive your credit score for free!

Contact us now to schedule your class, (614) 221-8889 x 134

homeportohio.org 28

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

HomeportOH

@HomeportOH

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

29

“Out of this World” Family fun

need to know: PEDIATRIC HEALTHSOURCE

Coolest birthday parties in town!

Team parties • Corporate team-building Huge arcade Giant inflatables with jousting, boxing and more Multi-level laser tag right here in Columbus 7,000 square feet of laser tag fun

EXPERTS FROM NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ANSWER COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY

Late N every ight Lase r Frida y just from 9-1 night $15 p 2pm

day dnes on e W y s Wack 2 per per y a 1 d $ Just ch Wednesm

you c er perso an pl ay la n for all ser t ag

ea

6-9p g from play laser ta an c u o y for all

740-548-7788 www.LazerKraze.com

459 Orange Point Dr. Lewis Center, OH Just off US-23 10 minutes from Polaris Mall.

Q: My child was just diagnosed with food allergies. Our doctor prescribed us an EpiPen in case of an emergency.

The thought of having to use it, though, kind of scares me. How do I know when to use this and how do I administer it?

A: In an average room of 20 kids, one or more of them will have a food allergy. While some allergic reactions may be mild, other reactions like anaphylaxis may be more serious and even life-threatening.

Due to the unpredictable nature of allergic reactions, self-injectable epinephrine (Epi), such as EpiPens, often is prescribed. Epi injectors deliver medicine quickly and effectively. It is important that children with significant food allergies have an action plan in place in case of an emergency so that you and others know when and how to administer this medication.

To use Epi, take the injector out of its case and remove the cap, being careful to avoid pressing either end of the device. The needle end is orange and does not have a safety cap over it. Make sure your child is sitting or lying down and then find the big muscle in his or her thigh. Hold the leg steadily while you press the orange part of the injector firmly against the thigh. You should hear and feel a click when you do this. Hold the device firmly against the leg for 10 seconds. If you haven’t already called 911, do it now.

Sometimes symptoms develop gradually and it is tempting to keep on waiting. Many parents also worry that the dose of epinephrine will hurt their child if the child doesn’t need it. But remember: No child has ever had serious problems from a standard dose of self-injectable epinephrine.

The longer you wait to administer epinephrine to someone who is experiencing anaphylaxis, the harder it is to stop the reaction — and these cases can progress quickly from mild to severe.

TIP OF THE MONTH ROUTINE PHYSICALS

FALL 2012

WAKE UP YOUR DREAMS 30

SATURDAY MORNING ART CLASSES

Choose from a variety of age-specific art classes taught by our experienced professional faculty in the CCAD college studios at the downtown campus.

Go to www.ccad.edu/ce to see the full list of course offerings and to register, or call 614.222.3248 for more information.

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

SUPPORT FOR CONTINUING & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES PROVIDED BY:

Many schools require back-to-school physicals of its students, and some require additional sports physicals if students will be on a school team. It may seem unnecessary sometimes, but there are many benefits to visiting your child’s pediatrician for regular check-ups: Stay current. The pediatrician will be able to verify that your child’s immunizations are upto-date and administer new ones that aren’t.

Confirm good health. Your child’s doctor will be able to make sure there are no health problems that would interfere with school or participation in a sport.

Get tips. The pediatrician can offer many tips about overall health, as well as how to avoid injury if your child will be on a sports team.

Daniel J. Scherzer, M.D., is an attending physician in the Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

family fun: HANDS ON

Summer Friendship Bracelet

BY OLIVERA BRATICH • PHOTOS BY TIM JOHNSON

A handmade friendship bracelet is a great end-of-summer project for camp and neighborhood friends to work on together! And with a bit of adult assistance with the sewing, it can be worn year-round as a little reminder of the summertime.

WHAT YOU NEED • Fabric scraps • Scissors

• Rubber bands • Needle and thread

HOW YOU DO IT 1. Cut fabric scraps into strips that are approximately 2 inches wide and 14 inches long. You will need three strips for one bracelet.

2. Line up the three strips and hold them together on one end. Put a rubber band around that end to keep it together.

WHO THOUGHT THIS UP

3. Braid the strips using the same motions as a basic hair braid.

4. When you get to the end, use another rubber band to secure together.

5. Cut off any excess fabric on all the strips except for one.

6. This step is for adults or older children with sewing experience only: Untie the rubber bands and hold together the ends. Use the one excess fabric strip to wrap around both ends, connecting them into a circle. Using a hand needle and thread, sew the strip into place making sure the needle is going through all the fabric pieces.

7. Try on the bracelet for size and repeat for as many friendship bracelets as you want to make.

OLIVERA BRATICH owns Wholly Craft, 3169 N. High St. The Clintonville shop features handmade goods from more than 100 crafters and artists, including clothing, jewelry, accessories, paper goods, home décor and more! Hours of operation: 1-8 p.m., weekdays except Tuesdays when they’re closed, 12 noon-7 p.m. Saturdays, 12 noon-5 p.m.

Sundays. For more information, go to whollycraft.com or call 614-447-3445.

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

31

family fun: PARTIES

FIREFLY PLAY CAFE

BY JANE HAWES • PHOTOS BY ERIC WAGNER You’re heard about play cafes, right? They’re the latest development in parental sanity preservation: a secure, well-equipped indoor space where young children can play and parents can chill out with some quality caffeine and nibbles.

As it turns out, they’re also a great party-venue option, especially for that ages 1-5 set, although Firefly Play Cafe owner Jennifer Kramer says she sees extended-family parties for birthday kids up to age 8.

Also popular at the start of each school year are “get to know you” parties for preschoolers, said Kramer: “The parents like to put together a ‘meet and greet’ for themselves and the children.”

WHAT: Firefly Play Cafe WHERE: 4822 N. High St., Clintonville/Beechwold WHY: Kramer said this kind of party venue seems to appeal to the parent who “wants to do it all but doesn’t want to do it at her house.” Firefly Play Cafe’s party package basically gives you full run of the place, you provide your own food and decorations, but when it’s all over, you get to go home to a house that hasn’t been trashed by high-energy tots.

Kramer said that most parties follow a “graze and play” structure. Kids arrive, they play, they nibble at the food, which is set up buffet style on the cafe’s front counter, then they play some more. If this is a birthday party, the cake-cutting and singing occur about halfway through, then more playing ensues (“it gets the sugar jitters out,” Kramer noted).

She also said that most families don’t have gift opening at the party, especially if the children are in the 5 and younger age group.

COST: $225 for the basic package gets you 2 hours of private play time for up to 20 children ($5 extra for each additional child). You can add another hour for $100. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to book an event.

WHEN: Parties can be scheduled on Saturdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 4-6

32

p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Occasionally a weeknight can be scheduled (just talk to Kramer about what’s possible). You can arrive up to 30 minutes earlier for set-up. Demand is highest from September through May. WHAT THE VENUE PROVIDES: Private use of the entire 2,500-square-foot cafe and play space, tables and chairs, complimentary coffee for the grown-ups, a party assistant who helps with set-up and clean-up, and a discount on return admission cards ($3 instead of the usual $5 for kids in the 2+ age group: Kramer said they make convenient party favors for guests).

WHAT YOU PROVIDE: Food and beverages (you can get a 20 percent discount on pizza delivered from the Clintonville Donato’s), and Kramer can make recommendations for caterers and cupcake bakers who deliver; table coverings, place settings, table decorations or balloons. Confetti is not allowed and pullspring piñatas are preferred over the smash-‘em-up variety.

OTHER DETAILS: Free parking and an entrance are available at the rear of the building. Turn east onto Royal Forest from High Street to access the parking lot.

CONTACT: 614-230-2375, fireflyplay-

cafe.com

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

WaterFire lgnites On Saturday, August 4 and 18

6:3 0 to

10:30 p.m.

Riverfront Amphitheater In Genoa Park (On Washington Boulevard just east of COSI)

The incredible display of more than 30 blazing fires burning just above the surface of the Scioto River makes WaterFire a one-of-a-kind experience.

About Grassinine (Saturday, August 4)

Take equal parts rock, blues and bluegrass, throw in a healthy serving of fun, and you get the “mountain rock” that will have you dancing. This impromptu band formed after a neighborhood jam session, and includes such instruments as banjo, washboard, the spoons and a stringed “gut-bucket” in addition to more traditional instruments. Performing a wide array of original songs and covers of tunes by performers that include Journey, Ozzy Osbourne and Queen, Grassinine is thigh-slapping, toe-tapping fun!

About The Floorwalkers (Saturday, August 18)

Growing up together in the same Cleveland suburb, The Floorwalkers played little league baseball together as children. Then in high school, they began playing music together from 2000-04. Part of the band moved to Columbus and released a self-titled acoustic EP in 2005. As a three piece, the band travelled the Midwest in support of their EP. By 2007, the whole band had relocated to Columbus. While working on a debut full length album, they garnered a strong Midwest fan base.

Since then, the band has toured nationally and remains completely independent. In a time when the music industry is reeling, The Floorwalkers have built a truly grassroots following.

Presenting Sponsors

2012 WATERFIRE SCHEDULE Saturday, August 4 Grassinine Saturday, August 18 The Floorwalkers Friday, September 7 Ladies of Longford Friday, September 28 In conjunction with the Riverfront Arts Festival Saturday, September 29 Shadowbox presented by the Riverfront Arts Festival

Supported By:

THE JOSEPH A. JEFFREY ENDOWMENT FUND

For more details and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.waterfirecolumbus.com columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

33

BE A PART OF THE ARTS IN UPPER ARLINGTON

family fun: PLAYGROUND PATROL

LABOR DAY ARTS FESTIVAL September 3, 2012 | 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Northam Park, 2070 Northam Rd. 43221 Experience the one-day arts festival showcasing nearly 200 juried artists. We offer performances by local and regional musicians, an art activities area, theatrical performances and almost two dozen food carts and tents. FREE Admission.

Presented By Farmers Citizen Bank

Be a part of the arts and volunteer at the festival this year. http://ow.ly/ca6jO

CONCOURSE GALLERY

PHOTOS BY ALYSIA BURTON

Homestead Park

M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | 3600 Tremont Rd. 43221 FREE Admission come see what’s on view WWW.UAOH.NET

ter gis e R ow N ne!

A+ Children’s Academy Community School is the most innovative public elementary li school program in Central Ohio for children in grades 1 thru 5.

On

Now Enrolling Grades 1 thru 5 School Starts Aug. 22...

Small class sizes with a low teacher/ child ratio, beautiful facilities on a 5 acre campus, dedicated staff, and family style dining are just a few reasons that you will be amazed by this community school!

Our curriculum emphasizes the performing arts which will allow children to learn through music and movement to stimulate creativity and enhance the learning experience in all subjects including math and reading.

A+ Community School focuses on the total child... not just their test scores.

All of this tuition free!

Contact us for your tour today!

A+ Children’s Academy Community School

We are Honored to Work with the following Local Arts Group

100 Obetz Road Columbus, Ohio 43207 Phone (614) 491-8502

Register online at www.APlusChildrensAcademy.org

34

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

Looking for a new place to play? There’s a park in Hilliard that is a favorite with local residents. While it’s not new, it is an example of the beauty that comes with age.

Celebrating 20 years of existence this year, Homestead Park has 44 acres with agespecific play spaces, beautiful pavilions, a covered bridge and a replica of a train station complete with a caboose. If it’s sports you’re after, try the basketball and volleyball courts, tether ball and even a horse shoe pit.

Intertwined through it all is a three-quarter mile path for walking, running and biking.

Desire a little recreation that doesn’t require breaking a sweat? Anglers of all ages can enjoy a stocked pond full of blue gill and bass. All you need to bring is bait, since the park will supply the fishing pole if you don’t have one (and the parks department

confirmed for us that you don’t need a fishing license from the state in order to fish there, even if you’re a grown-up!). There is also an amphitheater that hosts outdoor performances during the summer and other special events year round.

The kids can have their pick of four playgrounds. For the younger set, there is a train-themed toddler area complete with a giant sandbox and pre-school playground designed to look like a barn yard. Those who don’t mind getting wet can engage in an oldfashioned squirt gun fight at the Fort Washington water park. Kids 5 years old and up can climb, tunnel, slide, swing or simply sit in a play space designed specifically for the older ones. Parents can oversee the activity from numerous shaded benches.

—KRISTEN MAETZOLD

HOMESTEAD PARK 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard 43026 614-652-3922 wtwp.com/parks-andrecreation/facilities/the-homestead-park HOURS: 9 a.m. to sunset DETAILS: In addition to fishing poles, young nature enthusiasts can also check out backpacks stocked with bug boxes, butterfly nets, identification booklets and activity ideas.

If it’s a case of “nature calling,” the park offers well-lit, clean public restrooms.

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

35

family fun: DAY TRIPPING

Hocking Hills

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON For some reason my boys have decided they are no longer interested in hiking, so I billed our recent trip to Hocking Hills as scenic walking.

And it wasn’t far from the truth. Much of Hocking Hills State Park and its breathtaking scenery can be viewed by merely strolling along wide, smooth paths. It’s easy to forget you’re still in Ohio as you walk alongside dramatic cliffs and the giant rocks that have tumbled off of them. Two of the trails — Ash Cave Gorge and Conkle’s Hollow — are handicapped accessible.

The paved paths make the park a draw for tourists of all ages. On the day we visited, we saw moms pushing infants in strollers and grandparents strolling hand-in-hand with grandchildren. Of the park’s nine trails, only two are rated difficult. The deep gorges and towering trees make the trails invitingly cool even on the hottest days.

At Ash Cave, the boys scampered over rocks and looked for fish and bugs in the pools of water that formed under the waterfall.

The falls weren’t much more than a steady drip during our visit due to a lack of rain.

Although they had seen it before, the kids were still awed by Old Man’s Cave, the most popular hiking destination in the park.

36

They liked hearing the story of Richard Rowe, a recluse who lived in the cave in the early 1800s. We had fun imagining what it would be like living among the rocky recesses of the cave.

They enjoyed answering the trivia questions at a display in the visitor center, which also features bathrooms with flush toilets, a gift shop and snack bar.

The various trails and attractions in the park are so close together, it’s possible to do several hikes in one day.

If you start early or stay late, you also can squeeze in some of the area’s other unique attractions.

The boys wanted to try their luck gem mining at the Hocking Hills KOA campground. We paid $33 for a bucket filled with sand and gems and headed over to the tank-fed sluice.

They scooped mounds of the sand into special filters, dunked them in the flowing water and excitedly pulled out fool’s gold and colorful gems. They spent about 30 minutes sifting through sand and dirt and were delighted with their haul, which included two arrowheads.

We also made a quick stop at the Pencil Sharpener Museum on the grounds of the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center.

The free museum displays

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

more than 3,400 pencil sharpeners shaped like food, super heroes, vehicles, animals and much more.

Other possible stops would be the factory tour at Columbus Washboard Co., in Logan or Valley Zipline in Lancaster. The new zip line attraction features some of the longest runs in the Hocking Hills area and a mini-course for children 5 and older.

There’s no shortage of things to do in the scenic region, which is less than 90 minutes from Downtown Columbus.

THINGS TO DO IN THE HOCKING HILLS AREA: • Columbus Washboard Co. Guided Factory Tours 14 Gallagher Ave., Logan; 740-380-3828; columbuswashboard.com/i ndex.html COST: Tours are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $1 for students 12 to 18 and free for children 11 and younger. Check the website for tour schedule, which varies by season.

• Hocking Hills KOA 29150 Pattor Rd., Logan; 740385-4295; scenicviewcampground.net/ HockingHillsGemMine.html

COST: $33 for a bucket or $9.75 for a bag • Hocking Hills State Park 19852 State Route 664 South, Logan; 740-385-6842; dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks /hocking/tabid/743/Default. aspx • Pencil Sharpener Museum 13178 State Route 664 South, Logan; 1800hocking.com/whattodo/pencil_sharpener_museum COST: Free

• Valley Zipline 3465 Duffy Rd., Lancaster; 740-654-3392; valleyziplinetours.com COST: Child’s zip line is $15 and adult course is $89.99.

Group discounts and other specials are available. Call for details and reservations.

• For good eats, check out Millstone BBQ, 12790 Grey St., Logan, 740-385-5341, millstonebbq.com; or Brass Ring Country Club, 14405 Country Club Lane, Logan, 740-385-8966, brassringgolfclub.com.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2012

10:00A.M.-5:00P.M.

Benefiting

THE CENTER FOR FAMILY SAFETY AND HEALING

A DAY OF FUN $20 INDIVIDUAL ADULT TICKET (AGE 11 AND OLDER) FREE ADMISSION

FOR CHILDREN 10 AND UNDER

FOR THE ENTIRE

FAMILY

No tickets sold at gate

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FEATURING 30 OF NORTH AMERICA’S TOP PROFESSIONAL EQUESTRIAN RIDERS CLASSIC FOOD COURT CARNIVAL RIDES, ARTS & CRAFTS, PETTING ZOO, FACE PAINTING AND MUCH MORE!

Don’t miss the CONCERT AT THE CLASSIC PRESENTED BY

WWW.THENEWALBANYCLASSIC.COM columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

37

family fun: MEDIA REVIEWS COM ING SOON

Primrose School of Hilliard West 4370 Creekbend Dr. Hilliard, OH 43026 614.254.3415

BOOKS FOR KIDS —KELLI BATES, YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN, REYNOLDSBURG BRANCH OF THE COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY

primrosehilliardwest.com Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Pre-Kindergarten and After School

®2012 Primrose School Franchising Company.

“FIRE! ¡FUEGO! BRAVE BOMBEROS”

by Susan Middleton Elya In the quiet of the morning at the fire station, sirens ring out! Follow four brave firefighters through their day as they rush to put out a fire and to keep the community safe. The townspeople cheer them on for all they do. Written in rhyme, which makes it simple to read the interspersed Spanish words, this adventure will appeal to boys and girls alike. FOR AGES 3 TO 6.

“EXTRA YARN”

by Mac Barnett Annabelle is a generous little girl who finds a box containing yarn of every color. She soon transforms her black-and-white town through her knitting. No matter how much she knits, she finds that there is always extra yarn. When an evil archduke from over the sea hears about this magical yarn, he schemes to have it for himself.

Will he succeed? Read this quiet, thoughtful story to find out. FOR AGES 4 AND UP.

“TRACTION MAN AND THE BEACH ODYSSEY”

by Mini Grey Action figure Traction Man and his loyal pet, Scrubbing Brush, are taken on a beach holiday by the young boy who owns them. They face perils such as escaping from snapping prawns and being buried in the sand by the dog Truffles. Suddenly, a giant wave washes them off the beach in a mass of seaweed. As their boy tries to find them, they are captured by a little girl, who immediately places them in her Dollies’ Castle, dressed to match her Beach-Time Brenda dolls. Will they escape?

Will Traction Man be able to extract himself from his floral sarong? The only way to find out is to read this action-packed tale. FOR AGES 5 TO 9.

WEBSITE VOLCANO EXPLORER What does the inside of a volcano look like?

What are the different types of volcanoes? Why does one spew lava and smoke into the air, while another oozes lava down its side? This interactive site, kids.discovery.com/games/ build-play/volcano-explorer, answers these questions in this simple but fascinating introduction. Following a brief overview of plate tectonics and the places on the planet that contain the most active volcanoes, this site allows you to create your own volcanic eruption by controlling gas and viscosity conditions, then watching your volcano erupt.

—KELLI BATES

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

FAMILY APPS

now

@

PLAYING

Nightmares from the Crypt Presents

“READING RAINBOW” “TEMPLE GRANDIN: HOW THE GIRL WHO LOVED COWS EMBRACED AUTISM AND CHANGED THE WORLD”

by Sy Montgomery As a young child with autism, Temple Grandin describes herself as “one of those kids who did not fit in with the crowd.” This extraordinary biography explains how she discovered a powerful talent in her autism and applied it to an industry that needed her insight. With her ability to understand the emotions of animals, she has revolutionized the livestock food industry by designing facilities that help eliminate inhumane conditions. She was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2010.

Grandin is a public speaker on the topic of autism, offering insight into this often unseen world and providing an inspirational model of success for people with autism and those who love them. FOR AGES 9 TO 12.

“THE THINGS A BROTHER KNOWS”

by Dana Reinhardt Levi Katznelson is in high school when his brother, Boaz, returns from the war and is greeted by the town as an American hero. But while the town celebrates the return of the hometown soldier, Levi and his family struggle with the Boaz that has returned, the Boaz who locks himself in his room, refuses to ride in cars, and screams in the night. When Levi discovers that Boaz is about to make a secret extended journey on foot, he accompanies Boaz on the walk, though it is clear that Boaz does not want him along. With the support of his eccentric grandfather and his two best friends, Levi struggles to complete the journey to understand the new Boaz that has returned in place of the brother he once knew. FOR TEENS.

“CHILD OF THE MOUNTAINS”

by Marilyn Sue Shank Eleven-year old Lydia Hawkins is sent to live with her aunt and uncle when her Mama is unjustly jailed. With her beloved Gran and her little brother dead, she is determined to find a way to free her mother. She meets a perceptive teacher, who helps her draw on the strong family relationships that have formed her character, and to find the strength to overcome the shame and fear of failure. The Appalachian Mountains of the 1950’s come to lyrical life in this book, as Lydia discovers who she is in the midst of poverty and difficult circumstances.

FOR AGES 9 TO 12.

If you were a fan of the Reading Rainbow television series that aired from 1983 to 2006, you can introduce this popular concept to your own children. Best for youngsters ages 3 to 9, Reading Rainbow (free app and a subscription service available for $9.99 a month or $29.99 for six months) offers a library of 150 interactive books that can be customized to the interests of your child. These stories are accompanied by some 16 video field trips featuring interesting people and places. Parents will be able to monitor their child’s reading progress through a special dashboard.

one of the greatest sci-fi films of the 1950’s... ...

Academy Award winner - Special Effects

“MONSTER PHYSICS” It’s rare to see the words “physics” and “fun” in the same sentence. Yet, Dan Russell-Pinson has pulled off that feat, and has received awards and accolades for his Monster Physics universal app ($1.99). First your child builds a monster avatar, then uses imagination to build working contraptions from more than five dozen parts, including rockets, cannons, magnets, claws and wings. Kids will enjoy the animations (this app supports the retina displays on the iPad and iPhone 4S) and sounds created by their inventions. There are 50 missions that are included for your child to solve. As they do, they’ll be learning the terms and principles of physics along the way.

—PHIL PIKELNY

Premieres July 26 Also at Gateway Film Center:

Watch Breaking Bad on the big Screen!

Sundays at 10:00 PM Admission is Free visit us online at www.gatewayfilmcenter.com 1550 N. High Street | Showtimes: 614-545-2255

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

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august 2012

OUT&ABOUT We’ve customized our daily calendar of events to highlight events that are FREE!

WEDNESDAY 1 Drexel Summer Kid’s Series: Make Believe, Make Believe is an awardwinning film that follows six of the world’s best young magicians as they pursue the title of Teen World Champion at the World Magic Competition in Las Vegas. Not Rated. 11 a.m. $2.75 for children 12 and under, $3.50 for adults, students and seniors, and $2.00 for Drexel Theatre members.

Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley. 614-446-1614.

FREE! FountainSide Presented by Sunny 95 (94.7 fm): Island of Fun, Splish-Splash into summer! Join us for FountainSide presented by Sunny 95 (94.7FM) for a variety of free children’s activities. Don’t forget to stop by the Sunny 95/Meijer Treat Truck to cool down with a tasty ice cream treat all summer long! 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr., Downtown. 614-645-7995.

SciotoMile.com FREE! Fun Day Carnival, Join us in the park for our end of summer fun day! We’ll have carnival games with lots of prizes. Games include a book walk, penny pitch, bean bag toss and more. We’ll also have face painting, bubbles and a parachute for play.

Bring the whole family! 6:30 p.m.

Miller Park Branch Library, 1901 Arlington Ave, Upper Arlington. 614488-5710.

FREE! Soil Animal Snackers, Learn about the soil organisms that make meat their primary source of food.

Age 8 and younger (accompanied by an adult). 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hemp-

40

stead Rd., Westerville. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Take Me Out to the Ballgame, This special pajama storytime will be led by the library’s Teen Readers’ Theatre Troupe! 7-8 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar Wacky Wednesdays, Parents may enjoy a day away while their child enjoys a day filled with fun games, crafts, movies, lunch and field trips.

Open to the community, we have a limited number of spaces (20). This program is for children age 4 up through 5th grade. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $8 per child per week. First Presbyterian Church, 41 W College Ave, Westerville. 614-560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.com

THURSDAY 2 FREE! All About Comets, It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a...comet? OSU Astronomy professor Donald Terndup will teach us about comets and how they have been important for the Earth.

Then he’ll make a comet! Grades 3-6.

2 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington.

614-486-9621.

FREE! Family Support Group, For caregivers of children with special needs. ECRN+ Family Support Group is a monthly gathering held in an environment for families of special needs children to facilitate connections, share information and ideas. 68 p.m. ECRN Office , 6555 Busch Blvd., Columbus. 614-543-9000 x215. ymcacolumbus.org/ECRN

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

DISPATCH PHOTO/SHARI LEWIS

GREEK FESTIVAL Friday, Aug. 31 to Monday, Sept. 3—Celebrate Labor Day weekend by experiencing Greek culture and heritage at the annual festival. It takes place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the Short North, and includes live entertainment, good food and various activities. Plus, the fest is reaching a big milestone this year: it’s marking its 40th anniversary.

Hours vary by day. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for kids 12 and under. Learn more at greekcathedral.com.

FRIDAY 3 FREE! Brats & Crafts Festival, German festival featuring authentic food, music and entertainment. 4-10 p.m.

St. James Lutheran Church, 5660 Trabue Rd, Hilliard. 614-878-5158. stjamescolumbus.net FREE! Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest, Smoking hot and award winning ribs. The sounds for world class blues playing on several stages. Also a variety of non-rib food options, arts 0and crafts, children’s activities and a

beer garden for our Blues/Rib loving friends 21 and over. 10 North High Street, Canal Winchester. 614-2705053. bluesandribfest.com Clay Time for Kids at Clayspace, Clayspace artists will present a new project every week that kids will love!

We’ll make toad houses, piggy banks, masks and more! Come inside and play with clay! Call to reserve a spot.

Ages 7 and up. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $30.

Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-449-8144.

clayspace831.com FREE! Commons for Kids, Friday mornings are all about kids at Columbus Commons. Kids can read, play and take a free spin on the carousel.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library will also bring the book mobile and will be sponsoring free Wi-Fi in the Reading Room. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown. columbuscommons.org.

Drexel Summer Kid’s Series: Wee Willie Winkie, Join us in this tribute

to Shirley Temple, the most famous child actor in history. In the film, Shirley and her mother travel to Northern India to stay on her grandfather’s army post where private Winkie charms everyone she comes in contact with. Also showing will be selected clips of some of Shirley Temple’s best musical numbers. Rated G. 1 p.m. $2.75 for children 12 and under, $3.50 for adults, students and seniors, and $2.00 for Drexel Theatre members. Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley. 614-446-1614.

Dublin Irish Festival, An anniversary to remember is shaping up when 25 years of Dublin Irish Festival dance and music ignite on seven stages featuring returning favorites and fresh, young artists. Around every corner you’ll find Irish music, dancing, cultural exhibits, children’s activities and plenty of food and drink. 4 p.m. $8$10. Coffman Park, 5600 Post Rd., Dublin. 614-410-4545. dublinirishfestival.org Multicultural Families Potluck & Discussion Group, This is a group for parents and children with diverse cultural backgrounds. We will meet at least once a month for potlucks, cultural festivals and play dates. The goals of the group are support, friendship and fun. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

First Unitarian Universalist, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd, Clintonville. 614-8530039.

Muppet Day, Muppet masks, Muppet trivia, Muppet games and more Muppet madness, followed by the 2011 movie. Ages 5 and up. No registration required. 2-4:30 p.m. $1 per child donation is appreciated. Grand-

The

ta s e l o o c way to spend

mer sumda y!

Water Play Day SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2012, 11am–3:30pm Moving water is just plain fun.

Come explore the ways we use moving water to splash, soak, spray, and move ourselves from one place to another.

AUGUST 15–19

See a showcase of big farm equipment, sit in the cab of a big combine, ”milk” COSI’s fiberglass cow, and enjoy fun farm-themed activities.

EXHIBIT GROWN BY

SUPPORTED BY

MEDIA PARTNER

2OFF

$

COSI Summer Admission

Present coupon at COSI Box Office. Not valid toward purchase of Membership, movie-only tickets or Family Friday Night. May not be combined with any other discounts, coupons or special offers. Other restrictions may apply. Expires 9/3/12. Coupon Code 328

cosi.org 614.228.2674 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215 Stay connected:

columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

41

august 2012

National Youth Advocate Program www.nyap.org

Join Our Family Tree Become a

NYAP Foster Parent Contact us today at:

ljones@nyap.org

1 (877) NYAP-CAN 6 9 2 - 7 2 2 6

5-Weeks of Thursdays: Sept 20 - Oct 18, 2012 6:30pm-8:30pm Columbus Education Center Indiana Wesleyan University Hilliard, Ohio

42

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

view Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Puzzles, Pleasures and Pasttimes, Try games, riddles and activities that Victorian families did for fun and relaxation. 1-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-8910700.

FREE! Rhythm on the River presents Transit Arts Artists On The Move, 6:30-11 p.m. Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr., Downtown. 614645-7995. sciotomile.com Teen Time Fridays, Bring your ideas & your friends to Clayspace and be creative with clay. Clayspace artists are on hand to provide inspiration and instruction. We will have new ideas every week or help you with your original creations. A great way to start the weekend! Call to reserve a spot. 4-6 p.m. $35. Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-4498144. clayspace831.com FREE! Y Bridge Arts Festival, Over 60 artists selling photography, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, metals, wood and more. Music, hands-on demonstrations, animals from the Columbus Zoo, children’s activities, Lorena Sternwheeler rides, local cuisine, wine and brew pub drinks and more. Zanes Landing Park, 3rd and Market Street, Zanesville. 800-743-2303. ybridgeartsfestival.com

SATURDAY 4 African American Cultural Arts Festival, celebrating heritage, success and life in the King-Lincoln District. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad Street, East Side. aacafest.org FREE! Archery, Learn how to use a simple compound bow and shoot arrows at targets. Ages 8 and older.

10 a.m. Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 2755 Amity Rd., West Jefferson. 614-8910700.

FREE! Brats & Crafts Festival, German festival featuring authentic food, music and entertainment. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. St. James Lutheran Church, 5660 Trabue Rd, Hilliard. 614-878-5158. stjamescolumbus.net FREE! Bugs for Kids, Catch and release insects, spiders and other small creatures while learning more about them. 2:30 p.m. Pickerington

Ponds Metro Park, 7680 Wright Rd., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

Bull Run 5K, 10K and Kid’s Fun Run, Join us for this family-fun 5K and Kid’s Fun Run, which benefits Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 8:30 a.m.-12 noon. McPherson Commons, 218 West St., Downtown. 614-355-0818.

NationwideChildrens.org/BullRun FREE! Critter Scene Investigation, Solve a nature mystery and explore animal clues using technology and scientific tools. 1 p.m. Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 S. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614-891-0700.

Drexel Summer Kid’s Series: Wee Willie Winkie, Join us in this tribute to Shirley Temple, the most famous child actor in history. In the film, Shirley and her mother travel to Northern India to stay on her grandfather’s army post where private Winkie charms everyone she comes in contact with. Also showing will be selected clips of some of Shirley Temple’s best musical numbers. Rated G. 11 a.m. $2.75 for children 12 and under, $3.50 for adults, students and seniors, and $2.00 for Drexel Theatre members. Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley. 614-446-1614.

Dublin Irish Festival, An anniversary to remember is shaping up when 25 years of Dublin Irish Festival dance and music ignite on seven stages featuring returning favorites and fresh, young artists. Around every corner you’ll find Irish music, dancing, cultural exhibits, children’s activities and plenty of food and drink. 11 a.m. $8$10. Coffman Park, 5600 Post Rd., Dublin. 614-410-4545. dublinirishfestival.org FREE! Homebuyer Education Workshop, Learn the process for buying a home. Call to register. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Homeport by Columbus Housing Partnership, 562 E. Main St., Downtown. 614-221-8889, ext. 134.

FREE! Puzzles, Pleasures and Pasttimes, Try games, riddles and activities that Victorian families did for fun and relaxation. 1-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-8910700.

FREE! Ready to Ride: All About Bikes, Spin your wheels at a bikethemed storytime, then move outside for crafts to personalize your ride. Get the scoop on safety and watch maintenance demos from Westerville Bike Shop, Consider Biking and others.

9:30-11 a.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-8072626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

FREE! Stories & Signs, 10-10:30 a.m.

Westerville Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Y Bridge Arts Festival, Over 60 artists selling photography, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, metals, wood and more. Music, hands-on demonstrations, animals from the Columbus Zoo, children’s activities, Lorena Sternwheeler rides, local cuisine, wine and brew pub drinks and more. Zanes Landing Park, 3rd and Market Street, Zanesville. 800-743-2303. ybridgeartsfestival.com

mathplusacademy.com Navigation Sunday, We celebrate the beginning of Christopher Columbus’ first voyage. At 2 p.m. the Columbus Zoo will have an assortment of animals for our visitors to meet. Santa Maria Ship Museum, 25 Marconi Blvd., Downtown. 614-645-8760.

FREE! Puzzles, Pleasures and Pasttimes, Try games, riddles and activities that Victorian families did for fun and relaxation. 1-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-8910700.

SUNDAY 5

MONDAY 6

FREE! Back to School Campfire, Say goodbye to summer at a farewell campfire. Songs and marshmallows provided. Bring seating and other food to roast. 8 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Brats & Crafts Festival, German festival featuring authentic food, music and entertainment. 12 noon-6 p.m. St. James Lutheran Church, 5660 Trabue Rd, Hilliard. 614-878-5158. stjamescolumbus.net The Depot Rail Museum, The Depot Rail Museum will be open again for summer hours! Come visit the B&O Railroad Depot, then on to our Great Northern Railroad Dining Car. Hop on the Scioto Valley Railroad and visit the rest of our attractions and experience true railroad history. 1-4 p.m. $6 Adults, $5 Seniors (65 and over), $4 Kids (3 and up), Free (2 and under).

The Depot Conference Center, 921 Old Henderson Rd, Upper Arlington.

614-324-5930. the-depot.org Dublin Irish Festival, An anniversary to remember is shaping up when 25 years of Dublin Irish Festival dance and music ignite on seven stages featuring returning favorites and fresh, young artists. Around every corner you’ll find Irish music, dancing, cultural exhibits, children’s activities and plenty of food and drink. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $8-$10. Coffman Park, 5600 Post Rd., Dublin. 614-410-4545. dublinirishfestival.org FREE! Math Plus Academy Gahanna and Powell Open House, Discover How Your Child Can Thrive at Math Plus Academy! Get your questions answered about each of our classes and camps and meet some of our amazing staff. 1-2:30 p.m. Math Plus Academy-Gahanna Location: 5346 N. Hamilton Road, Gahanna. 614-7926284. Math Plus Academy Powell Location: 9681 Sawmill Road, Powell.

614-792-6284.

Dare to Dance Camp, Let’s get moving in this fun filled camp that will include basic dance styles along with dancing games and activities. Dance tells a story, and children will create and learn about choreography, staging, props and costuming. Join us on the final day for a Share Day Performance for parents and family. No experience required. Any dance attire or comfortable clothes, ballet or jazz shoes recommended; tennis shoes ok, tap shoes optional. Prepayment is required by Friday, August 3. 5-7 p.m. $75. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Nature Kids: Things That Go Bump in the Night, Take a walk in the dark and discover what animals work the night shift. Ages 6-12. 8:30 p.m. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg. 614-891-0700.

TUESDAY 7 Columbus Urban League’s National Night Out, Family-friendly block party featuring food, music and kids events. 5-8 p.m. Columbus Urban League, 788 Mount Vernon Ave, Olde Towne East. 614-258-8475. cul.org FREE! Homebuyer Education Workshop, Learn the process for buying a home. Call to register. 6:308:30 p.m. Homeport by Columbus Housing Partnership, 562 E. Main St., Downtown. 614-221-8889, ext. 134.

FREE! Parent-Child Book Discussion, Library instructors lead discussion of the selected title to teach critical thinking and appreciation for literature. This month we will read Aliens Ate My Homework by Bruce Coville.

Grades 3-5. 7 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621.

FREE! Soil Stew, Discover how to make your own soil by composting.

Age 8 and younger (accompanied by

DISPATCH PHOTO/NEAL C. LAURON

COLUMBUS CREW Saturday, Aug. 11; Wednesday, Aug. 15; and Saturday, Aug. 25—Bring the family to Crew Stadium and catch one of three home games this month. You’ll be wowed as the men clothed in black and yellow make their way down the field showcasing their impressive soccer skills. They’ll take on opponents from Los Angeles, New England and Toronto.

Tickets begin at $22. Visit thecrew.com to find a detailed schedule for the rest of the 2012 season. an adult). 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville. 614-891-0700.

Thurber House Young Writers’ Studio, School’s out and Young Writers’ Studio is in! Join Robert Loss who will help bring your writing to new dimensions. Hone your writing skills, share your pieces to be critiqued by the group, and beat the boring summer blues with creative self-expression. If you are going into 9th-12th grade and love to write, then you belong here! 6-8 p.m. $15. The Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Ave., Downtown. 614-464-1032 ext. 16. thurberhouse.org/young-writers-studio.html

WEDNESDAY 8 Drexel Summer Kid’s Series: Wee Willie Winkie, Join us in this tribute to Shirley Temple, the most famous child actor in history. In the film, Shirley and her mother travel to Northern India to stay on her grandfather’s army post where private Winkie charms everyone she comes in contact with. Also showing will be selected clips of some of Shirley Temple’s best musical numbers. Rated G. 11 a.m. $2.75 for children 12 and under, $3.50 for adults, students and seniors, and $2.00 for Drexel Theatre members. Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley. 614-446-1614.

FREE! First Day Jitters! Kinder-

garten Storytime, Books and songs will get kids excited about their first day of kindergarten! 7-8 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! FountainSide Presented by Sunny 95 (94.7 fm): Field Day Frenzy, Splish-Splash into summer!

Join us for FountainSide presented by Sunny 95 (94.7FM) for a variety of free children’s activities. Don’t forget to stop by the Sunny 95/Meijer Treat Truck to cool down with a tasty ice cream treat all summer long! 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr., Downtown. 614-6457995. SciotoMile.com FREE! Ice Cream Social Night, Make homemade ice cream at Heritage Park with the family and beat the summer heat! Kids of all ages are welcome to attend this free Just for Kids program. Preregistration is required.

Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 7-8 p.m.

Groveport Heritage Park, 551 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Just for Kids: Tram Ride to the Forest, Ride the tram to Thoreau Lake’s pine forest and explore its woodland shade. Ages 6-12. 1-3 p.m.

Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville. 614891-0700.

FREE! Preschoolers: Catfish and Friends, Join Catfish and his Beech

Tree puppet friends as they talk about life at Ashton Pond. 10 a.m. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Soil Stew, Discover how to make your own soil by composting.

Age 8 and younger (accompanied by an adult). 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville. 614-891-0700.

Wacky Wednesdays, Parents may enjoy a day away while their child enjoys a day filled with fun games, crafts, movies, lunch and field trips.

Open to the community, we have a limited number of spaces (20). This program is for children age 4 up through 5th grade. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $8 per child per week. First Presbyterian Church, 41 W College Ave, Westerville. 614-560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.com

THURSDAY 9 FREE! Imaginatic Dramatics, Talented young stars perform Kids’ Courage and the Civil War. This original play by Jill Eliot, owner of Imaginating Dramatics, features Johnny Shiloh and even an appearance by Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address. Ages 5 and up. 7 p.m.

Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614486-2951.

FREE! Llama Llama Storytime, Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama character will be the focus of this fun storytime. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Drive, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Preschoolers: Creepy Crawlies, Catch and learn about insects, spiders and other tiny creatures. 10 a.m. Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, 7680 Wright Rd., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

FRIDAY 10 11th Annual Hilliard 5K Run/Walk Nite Classic, A 5K for everyone in the family. T-shirt with registration by midnight on August 5th. Lots of raffles and prizes to be awarded following the race. Dogs and strollers are welcome. This event supports the Hilliard Davidson Girls and Boys Cross Country teams. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. at the 1st shelter house on the right as you enter the Hilliard Municipal Park. Race will begin promptly at 7 p.m. 7-8 p.m. $25. Hilliard Parks & Recreation, 3800 Veterans Memorial Dr, Hilliard. 614-309-0741. active.com/5k-race/hilliard-oh/11thannual-hilliard-5k-run-walk-nite-clas-

Excellence • Community • Diversity

Currently enrolling for the 2012 - 2013 school year! o Full and Part-time Preschool & Pre-K o Full Day Kindergarten & Elementary o French, P.E., Art and Music classes o Extended Day option o Private, Co-Ed, and Affordable

www.education-unlimited.org 5120 Godown Road Columbus, Oh 43220 (614) 451-1309

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Sunday Brunch A MATT’S TRADITION 10AM-2:30PM

FEATURING: Omelet Station | Eggs Benedict | Scrambled Eggs | Home Fries | Bacon

Sausage | French Toast | Flatbreads | Pasta | Fresh Fruit | Salads | Desserts | Pastries Weekly Chef Specials and More.

— $14.95 adults —$6.95 kids 5-10 years old *Kids 4 and under FREE with each paying adult. (Additional 4 and under $4.95 each)

DUBLIN 6725 Avery-Muirfield Drive Dublin, OH | 614.799.9100 GRANDVIEW 1400 Grandview Avenue | Columbus, OH | 614.754.1026

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august 2012

Why Choose Primrose®?

Just Ask a Mom.

“

She really is getting a well-rounded education, so I feel she’s growing in many aspects — not just reading and writing but as a little girl learning her manners.

Katelyn’s Mom, Primrose Parent

”

Dublin • Gahanna • Grove City Hillard • Lewis Center • Pickerington Polaris • Powell • Worthington

1.800.PRIMROSE www.primroseschools.com Scan the QR code with your smartphone to view testimonials from real Primrose parents.

Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2012 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Kindergarten and After School

44

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

sic-2012 FREE! Classic Movie Series, 9-11 p.m. Heritage Park and Everal Barn, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614901-6500. westerville.org/parks Clay Time for Kids at Clayspace, Clayspace artists will present a new project every week that kids will love!

We’ll make toad houses, piggy banks, masks, and more! Come inside and play with clay! Call to reserve a spot.

Ages 7 and up. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $30.

Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-449-8144. clayspace831.com Columbus Clippers vs. Indianapolis Indians, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Commons for Kids, Friday mornings are all about kids at Columbus Commons. Kids can read, play and take a free spin on the carousel.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library will also bring the book mobile and will be sponsoring free Wi-Fi in the Reading Room. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown. columbuscommons.org.

Drexel Summer Kid’s Series: The Pirates! Band of Misfits, From British National Treasure Aardman Animation comes this rollicking pirate adventure about a pirate captain (Hugh Grant) and his band of misfits who are out to beat pirates Black Bellamy and Peg Leg Hastings for the coveted Pirate of the Year Award. PG and in 2D. 1 p.m. $2.75 for children 12 and under, $3.50 for adults, students and seniors, and $2.00 for Drexel Theatre members. Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley. 614-446-1614.

FREE! Fun to the Midnight Hour, The climbing wall and dog park remain open till midnight and you can even enjoy a spot of late night fishing from the dock on the Scioto River. Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 400 W. Whittier Street, Brewery District. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Kid’s Work Day, Pump water, do laundry and help with other chores that kids did on an 1880s farm.

Part of the letsmove.gov fun and fitness initiative. 10:30 a.m.-12 noon.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester.

614-891-0700.

FREE! St. Pius X Parish Festival, Food, live music, rides, inflatables, dunk tank, Midway Games for the whole family. Silent Auction with James Cotton, former OSU Buckeye & Atlanta Falcon. Free admission, with additional costs for food, games, etc.

6-11 p.m. St. Pius X Parish, 1051 Waggoner Rd., Reynoldsburg. 614-8662859. spxreynoldsburg.com/festival Teen Time Fridays, Bring your ideas & your friends to Clayspace and be creative with clay. Clayspace artists are on hand to provide inspiration and instruction. We will have new ideas every week or help you with your original creations. A great way to start the weekend! Call to reserve a spot. 4-6 p.m. $35. Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-4498144. clayspace831.com

SATURDAY 11 FREE! Archery, Learn how to use a simple compound bow and shoot arrows. Ages 8 and older. 4 p.m. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy Rd, Dublin. 614-891-0700.

Columbus Clippers vs. Indianapolis Indians, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m. $22-$46. Columbus Crew Stadium, One Black & Gold Blvd., North Side. 614-447-2739. thecrew.com Crew Soccer Foundation Black & Gold 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Walk, Mark your calendars for the Crew Soccer Foundation Black & Gold 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Walk presented by OhioHealth. Enjoy our unique USATF certified course around Crew Stadium, the Ohio Historical Society and the Ohio Expo Center grounds, then end the race by running through the Player Tunnel inside Crew Stadium.

All proceeds benefit Crew Soccer Foundation programming for at-risk youth. 8-11 a.m. 5K: $45. Fun Walk: $30 Adults; $25 Youth under 12.

Columbus Crew Stadium, One Black & Gold Blvd., North Side. 614-447-4174. thecrew.com/5K Drexel Summer Kid’s Series: The Pirates! Band of Misfits, From British National Treasure Aardman Animation comes this rollicking pirate adventure about a pirate captain (Hugh Grant) and his band of misfits who are out to beat pirates Black Bellamy and Peg Leg Hastings for the coveted Pirate of the Year Award. PG and in 2D. 11 a.m. $2.75 for children 12 and under, $3.50 for adults, stu-

dents and seniors, and $2.00 for Drexel Theatre members. Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley. 614-4461614.

Family Fun Day, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with $6-$11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad Street, East Side. 614645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Festival Latino, Celebrate family and community with a day of children?s activities, music, food and dance from the heart of Latin America. Presented by CAPA. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-469-1045.

FestivalLatino.net FREE! Flannelboard-Making Workshop, Learn how to assemble and use flannelboards for storytelling, rhyming and counting with your child. Supplies will be provided, as will examples of flannel stories and rhymes. Registration is required; please call. 10-11 a.m. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Drive, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar Hills Market Farmers Market & Foodie Spelling Bee As the official kickoff to the 4th annual Local Foods Week, The Hills Market hosts their farmers market and fun events for adults and kids, including a Foodie Spelling Bee, Kids’ Cookoff Challenge, Grilled Cheese Throwdown and Live Auction to benefit Local Matters. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Hills Market, 7860 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus. 614846-3220. thehillsmarket.com FREE! Homebuyer Education Workshop, Learn the process for buying a home. Call to register. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Homeport by Columbus Housing Partnership, 562 E. Main St., Downtown. 614-221-8889, ext. 134.

FREE! Just for Kids: Tram Ride to the Forest, Ride the tram to Thoreau Lake’s pine forest and explore its woodland shade. Ages 6-12. 9:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Kids’ Stay Well Walk, Free health and dental screenings; free activities for children; Blue Jackets Street Hockey lessons; Pony Rides; and, giveaways! The public is welcome. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Livingston Park, East Livingston at 19th, Olde Towne East. 614-857-1811. AAWalk.org FREE! Kid’s Work Day, Pump water, do laundry and help with other chores that kids did on an 1880s farm.

Part of the letsmove.gov fun and fitness initiative. 10:30 a.m.-12 noon.

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august 2012 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester.

614-891-0700.

FREE! KidsFest & Back to School Expo, Kids up to age 12 can enjoy the last festival of summer at a party just for them. Enjoy a bounce house, games, prizes and fun - while adults visit a variety of booths to prepare children for school. 1-4 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Meteor Shower Watch, Watch the Perseid meteor shower on a special late-night opening of Buzzard’s Roost and enjoy crafts and displays at the shelter. If it’s cloudy there’ll be a campfire and additional activities. Meet at Buzzard’s Roost Picnic area. 9-11 p.m. Slate Run Metro Park, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Natural Play Area Celebration, Roam freely through the forests, fields and creek in the natural play area. Enjoy a display of mammals and cold-blooded creatures. 1-4 p.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. 614-8910700.

Run for Spaghetti 5K “A Race for The Health Of It”, Event includes competitive 5K, 1 mile walk, kids’ race and fun for the entire family. All money raised from this event will go directly toward the care of uninsured patients. Free spaghetti dinner from the Florentine for participants. 8-11 a.m. $25 with T-Shirt, $20 without.

Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 3500 Mill Run Drive, Hilliard. 614-2727639. premierraces.com/viewevent.asp?eve ntID=489 FREE! St. Pius X Parish Festival, Food, live music, rides, inflatables, dunk tank, Midway Games for the whole family. Silent Auction with James Cotton, former OSU Buckeye & Atlanta Falcon. Free admission, with additional costs for food, games, etc.

5-11 p.m. St. Pius X Parish, 1051 Waggoner Rd., Reynoldsburg. 614-8662859. spxreynoldsburg.com/festival Teddy Bear Safari, Any child bringing a teddy bear to the Zoo this day will receive a special discount as well as an opportunity to take their bear to a Nationwide’s Children’s Hospital clinic for check-ups and band-aids.

Special bear programs and characters

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

will round out this day’s activities. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Adults $14.99, Seniors $10.99, Children 2-9 $9.99, Children under 2 free. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell. 614645-3550. columbuszoo.org FREE! Teen Altered Books Crafts, Teens can transform old books into something more beautiful and creative through added alteration. Bring photos or memorabilia to put in your new creation. We’ll provide discarded books, craft supplies and tools. Registration is required and begins July 13.

Grades 6-12. 2 p.m. Lane Road Library, 1945 Lane Road, Upper Arlington.

614-459-0273.

FREE! Touch & Stuff a Truck, Touch, climb in, get close to and size up fire and medic trucks, police cruisers, semis, tractors and more! Cameras are highly recommended. Help us stuff our truck with cans of food for Central Ohio Food Banks. 10 a.m.-12 noon.

Homestead Park, 4675 Cosgray Rd., Hilliard. 614-652-3922. wtwp.com/parks-and-recreation/programs-and-services/special-events/ Yoga Play!, Ages 6-12. Featuring kidfriendly yoga poses, sequences and movement, creative yoga games and imaginative crafts. Taught by certified yoga instructor Courtney Denning.

2:30-4 p.m. Free with $6-$11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad Street, Olde Towne East. 614-6458733. fpconservatory.org

SUNDAY 12 Columbus Clippers vs. Indianapolis Indians, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Critters and Crafts, Stop by the naturalist’s critter display and make some crafts about the animals.

2-4 p.m. Slate Run Metro Park, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester.

614-891-0700.

The Depot Rail Museum, The Depot Rail Museum will be open again for summer hours! Come visit the B&O Railroad Depot, then on to our Great Northern Railroad Dining Car. Hop on the Scioto Valley Railroad and visit the rest of our attractions and experience true railroad history. 1-4 p.m. $6 Adults, $5 Seniors (65 and over), $4 Kids (3 and up), Free (2 and under).

The Depot Conference Center, 921 Old Henderson Rd, Upper Arlington.

614-324-5930. the-depot.org FREE! Festival Latino, Celebrate family and community with a day of children’s activities, music, food and

dance from the heart of Latin America. Presented by CAPA. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Genoa Park , 303 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-469-1045.

FestivalLatino.net Local Foods Family Day at COSI Join Chipotle and Local Matters at COSI for another family-friendly Local Foods Week event. Learn about and sample Ohio-grown foods. 12 noon-4 p.m. COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-228-2674. Cosi.org Ohio Cookout at the Hoover-Y Learning Garden Join Local Matters and the YMCA of Central Ohio at the Hoover-Y for another Local Foods Week event. Taste ingredients from the Y’s garden, enjoy summer games and live music. $25. 5-7 p.m. Hoover YMCA, 1570 Rohr Rd., Lockbourne.

614-491-0980. ymcacolumbus.org/hoover U Cre-8 Comics Workshop, 1-2 p.m. $20, $15 for members. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad Street, East Side. 614645-8733. fpconservatory.org

MONDAY 13 FREE! Grandparents & Grandkids: Creeking, Walk half a mile to Big Darby Creek and search for fish and crawdads. 1 p.m. Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 2755 Amity Rd., West Jefferson.

614-891-0700.

FREE! Lolli-Pops! Kids Concert Endless Recess, Lolli-Pops! is a free concert series where kids get to interact, sing and dance along with the performers. 10:30-11:30 a.m.Village Green Amphitheater, 47 Hall St., Powell. 614-396-3322. cityofpowell.us/residents-event-details.php FREE! Mother-Daughter Book Club, Girls going into grades 4-6 and their mothers (or grandmothers) are invited to join us and talk books!

Selected title: “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda” by Tom Angleberger.

7-8 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar Tombstones Markings & Meanings, We will look at Tombstone Markings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century from around the United States, Europe and South America. We will discuss their meaning and how older markings are making their return to our cemeteries today. This class is appropriate for ages 6 to 99. 7-8:30 p.m. $5 Residents, $6 Non-Residents, Children 12 and under free. Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org

TUESDAY 14 Columbus Clippers vs. Durham Bulls, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! First Day Jitters! Storytime, Books and songs will get kids excited about their first day of preschool or kindergarten! 7-8 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Homebuyer Education Workshop, Learn the process for buying a home. Call to register. 6:308:30 p.m. Homeport by Columbus Housing Partnership, 562 E. Main St., Downtown. 614-221-8889, ext. 134.

FREE! Nature for Kids: Play in the Woods, Explore the natural play area and dig in the dirt, play with leaves and trees, search the creek for critters and run around in the woods. 1 p.m.

Slate Run Metro Park, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614891-0700.

FREE! Preschoolers: Plants and Animals of the Prairie, See the wildflowers and grasses of the prairie and discover the wildlife that lives there.

9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Reading to Rover, Meet some therapy dogs from Central Ohio Good Shepherds, and improve your reading skills too! Beginning readers can read to these very patient listeners, and learn about the therapy dog program.

No registration is required. Grades K5. 7 p.m. Miller Park Branch Library, 1901 Arlington Ave, Upper Arlington.

614-488-5710.

FREE! Riddle Me These, Please!, Pick up a list of riddles at the farmhouse that will have you thinking your way around the farm. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

WEDNESDAY 15 FREE! Bookworms Book Club, Ages 4-6 are invited to a book club just for pre-readers. Simply read the selected picture book in advance and come to each meeting ready to talk, sing and have fun! 4:30-5:30 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Child Check, The Early Childhood Resource Network offer Child check developmental screenings for children ages 1 month through 5 years in the areas of gross-motor,

fine-motor, speech and language and personal/social skills. Vision screenings are offered to children over 3 and hearing screenings for all ages.

Appointments are necessary. Call to schedule. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dublin Presbyterian Church, 5775 Dublinshire Dr, Dublin. 543-9000 ext. 216.

Columbus Clippers vs. Durham Bulls, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com Columbus Crew vs. LA Galaxy, 7 p.m. $22-$46. Columbus Crew Stadium, One Black & Gold Blvd., North Side. 614-447-2739. thecrew.com Drexel Summer Kid’s Series: The Pirates! Band of Misfits, From British National Treasure Aardman Animation comes this rollicking pirate adventure about a pirate captain (Hugh Grant) and his band of misfits who are out to beat pirates Black Bellamy and Peg Leg Hastings for the coveted Pirate of the Year Award. PG and in 2D. 11 a.m. $2.75 for children 12 and under, $3.50 for adults, students and seniors, and $2.00 for Drexel Theatre members. Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley. 614-4461614.

FREE! First Day Jitters! Preschool Storytime, Books and songs will get kids excited about their first day of

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august 2012 preschool! 7-8 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! FountainSide Presented by Sunny 95 (94.7 fm): FountainSide Farewell, Splish-Splash into summer!

Join us for FountainSide presented by Sunny 95 (94.7FM) for a variety of free children’s activities. Don’t forget to stop by the Sunny 95/Meijer Treat Truck to cool down with a tasty ice cream treat all summer long! 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr., Downtown. 614-6457995. SciotoMile.com FREE! Just for Kids: Back to School Craft, Kids will make a craft that will help them start school off right this year! The class is open to kids ages 3 and up. Advance registration is required. 7-8 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Riddle Me These, Please!, Pick up a list of riddles at the farmhouse that will have you thinking

your way around the farm. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

THURSDAY 16 Columbus Clippers vs. Durham Bulls, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Critters and Crafts, Learn about animals and make crafts about them. 11 a.m. Three Creek Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport. 614-8910700.

FREE! Family Ride Night, Join the park ranger for a slow-paced bike ride on the Greenway trails. 6:30 p.m.

Three Creek Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd, 614-891-0700.

FREE! Homeschoolers: Monarch Butterflies, Learn about the migration and life cycle of the monarch butterfly. 11 a.m. Highbanks Metro Parks, 9466 Columbus Pike, Powell.

614-891-0700.

FREE! Preschoolers: Butterflies, Use nets to catch and release butterflies and make a craft. 2 p.m. Slate Run Metro Park, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Riddle Me These, Please!,

Pick up a list of riddles at the farmhouse that will have you thinking your way around the farm. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

FRIDAY 17 37th Annual All Ohio Balloon Fest, Come out to Marysville’s Union County Airport to enjoy our annual hot air balloon festival. Over 30+ hot air balloons participate. Weather permitting we’ll have and balloon liftoff and on Friday and Saturday at dusk we have a balloon glow. See restored WW2 planes; take a helicopter ride all while enjoying local food and entertainment. A kidz city is also available with bounce houses and a train ride. 2-10 p.m. $5, kids under 12 free. Union County Airport-Mrt, 760 Clymer Rd., Marysville. 937-243-1091. allohioballoonfest.com Clay Time for Kids at Clayspace, Clayspace artists will present a new project every week that kids will love!

We’ll make toad houses, piggy banks, masks, and more! Come inside and play with clay! Call to reserve a spot.

Ages 7 and up. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $30.

Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-449-8144.

clayspace831.com Columbus Clippers vs. Durham Bulls, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Commons for Kids, Friday mornings are all about kids at Columbus Commons. Kids can read, play and take a free spin on the carousel.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library will also bring the book mobile and will be sponsoring free Wi-Fi in the Reading Room. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown. columbuscommons.org.

FREE! Friday Night Fishing, Enjoy fishing from around the pond. Limited poles and bait available. Age 15 and younger. 6 p.m. Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Rd., Carroll. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Movies on the Mile Presents Charlotte’s Web, Movies on the Mile, presented by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, is a free outdoor summer film series along the Scioto Mile. The featured movie starts at dusk. 7-11 p.m. Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr., Downtown. 614645-7995.

FREE! Riddle Me These, Please!, Pick up a list of riddles at the farmhouse that will have you thinking

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

your way around the farm. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

Teen Time Fridays, Bring your ideas & your friends to Clayspace and be creative with clay. Clayspace artists are on hand to provide inspiration and instruction. We will have new ideas every week or help you with your original creations. A great way to start the weekend! Call to reserve a spot. 4-6 p.m. $35. Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-4498144. clayspace831.com

SATURDAY 18 FREE! 6th Annual African Village Arts Festival, Loads of attraction and activities, including food vendors, artisans and crafters, drum circles, traditional African ceremonies and a variety of exciting workshops. The African Village Arts Festival is family friendly and will offer workshops for children, arts and crafts and a bounce tent. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Old Central Community House, 1251 Bryden Rd., Olde Towne East. 614-252-7525.

37th Annual All Ohio Balloon Fest, Come out to Marysville’s Union County Airport to enjoy our annual hot air balloon festival. Over 30+ hot air balloons participate. Weather permitting we’ll have and balloon liftoff and on Friday and Saturday at dusk we have a balloon glow. See restored WW2 planes; take a helicopter ride all while enjoying local food and entertainment. A kidz city is also available with bounce houses and a train ride. 2-10 p.m. $5, kids under 12 free. Union County Airport-Mrt, 760 Clymer Rd., Marysville. 937-243-1091. allohioballoonfest.com

FREE! 2012 Annual Classic Boat Regatta, The Buckeye Lake Yacht Club invites you and your family to join us at the 2012 Classic Boat Regatta. All types of boats will be on display. Local marinas and vendors will be on site also. Food and beverage will be available at the Yacht Club. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Buckeye Lake Yacht Club, 5019 North Bank, Buckeye Lake. 740929-9941. buckeyelakeyc.com Baby Bargain Boutique, Buy or sell good usable maternity clothes, children’s clothes, toys and furniture for children ages 6 and under. Admission is a non-perishable food item which will be donated to a local food bank. 9 a.m.-12 noon. Westerville Parks & Recreation, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville. 614-901-6500. westerville.org/parks FREE! Creature Feature - Turtle Talk, Kids of all ages - come to the Lodge and learn about the Eastern Box Turtle! Don’t miss out on the chance to touch a live turtle. Learn interesting facts and complete a craft.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Deer Haven Preserve, 4183 Liberty Rd., Delaware. 740-5248600, ext. 3. preservationparks.com FREE! Family Bike Ride, Enjoy a 2 mile ride through fields and forest as we look for wildlife. 5 p.m. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy Rd, Dublin. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Family Theme Day: Creek Critters, Explore the river and search for fish, frogs, crayfish and other bugs.

10 a.m. Highbanks Metro Parks, 9466 Columbus Pike, Powell. 614-8910700.

FREE! Financial Fitness Workshop, Learn the basics of saving money and financial planning. Call to register. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Homeport by Columbus

All Saints Preschool

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And what matters most is pediatric expertise.

That’s why our Close To HomeSM Centers are staffed by medical professionals who have received additional training to care exclusively for children. Here at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, everybody is a pediatric specialist.

We know when a simple fever could be more serious. We know how to set a broken bone so it grows properly. We know the correct dosage of medications for children of all ages.

Every piece of equipment is also specialized.

Why? Try fitting an adult-sized blood pressure cuff on the arm of a two-year-old. Or giving an injection to a five-year-old with an adultsized needle.

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august 2012 Housing Partnership, 562 E. Main St., Downtown. 614-221-8889, ext. 134.

FREE! Home Maintenance Workshop, Learn basic repair techniques for electrical, plumbing and green living. Call to register. 9 a.m.-12 noon.

Homeport by Columbus Housing Partnership, 562 E. Main St., Downtown. 614-221-8889, ext. 134.

FREE! Kids Klub: So You Think You Can Farm? As part of Local Foods Week, kids can meet young Ohio farmers and meet some furry farm friends through the Bring the Farm to You organization at Whole Foods Market Dublin. 12 noon-2 p.m. Whole Foods, 3670 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus. 614-760-5556. wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/columbus.

FREE! Riddle Me These, Please!, Pick up a list of riddles at the farmhouse that will have you thinking your way around the farm. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

Rockstar Karaoke Fun, Strut your stuff and sing like a rock star at our Rockstar Karaoke Fun event at KidSpace. Every child will record their own CD to take home! Songs are screened for both language and content and are family and kid approved!

Enjoy music, singing, and dancing!

The event is open for kids ages 6 & up. Preregistration and prepayment is required by Aug. 8. 4-8 p.m. $5.

Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd.,

50

Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Stories for Babies, Babies and their caregivers are invited for a special Saturday morning storytime.

Older siblings are invited to bring a doll or stuffed animal to be their “baby.” 11 a.m.-12 noon. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar Urban Garden Bike Tour and Picnic with Yay Bikes! As part of Local Foods Week, meet at the Godman Guild in Goodale Park and pick one of three bike tours (2-, 8- or 23-miles long) to join, touring urban gardens.

Each tour starts with lunch and a performance of “Stone Soup.” 12 noon start time. Goodale Park, Downtown.

614-263-5662. eatlocalohio.org/localfoodsweek FREE! Yoga Storytime, Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers will hear stories and tell them through basic yoga poses and stretches. No previous yoga experience is needed.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington.

614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

SUNDAY 19 FREE! The 2nd Annual The Beacon 3vs3 Basketball Tournament and Free School Supply Give away, Elementary through High school students who attend the event will receive a bag of free school supplies.

Come early since the supplies will be handed out until we run out. 12 noon-6 p.m. Donations accepted to raise funds for Central Community House. Whitehall Community Park, 402 N. Hamilton Rd., Whitehall. 614-

| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

589-0122. lavauri.com/3on3basketball.html 2012 Columbus Summer AvantGarde Art & Craft Show, The 2012 Columbus Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will feature local handmade talent in the areas of fine arts and crafts! Over 125 artists and crafters will be selling their original handmade items! The show will also feature a la carte lunch items from Berwick Manor Banquet Catering. A portion of proceeds will benefit Columbus Ohio’s Local Matters, a local non-profit. 1:30-6:30 p.m. $3 admission, children under 12 free. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High Street, Short North.

440-227-8794. avantgardeshows.com Family Fun Day, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with $6-$11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad Street, East Side. 614645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Family GPS Critter Hunt, Use GPS units to locate “critters” hidden near the wetland. Limited number of GPS units available. 2 p.m. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy Rd, Dublin. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Monarch Butterfly Tagging, Come to the Lodge for an introduction to the process of tagging and releasing Monarch butterflies, so observers can track their migration between North America and Mexico.

You’ll learn about the monarchs and the tagging program, and how to grow a milkweed patch and build a collection tank. This program is for families, along with schools and other organizations. Deer Haven Preserve, 4183 Liberty Rd., Delaware. 740-5248600, ext. 3. preservationparks.com FREE! Riddle Me These, Please!,

Pick up a list of riddles at the farmhouse that will have you thinking your way around the farm. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

MONDAY 20 2nd Annual Mom’s Day, This event will give you a chance to come and preview Costco and the many wonderful products we have to offer with significant savings. We will have crafts and snacks for the kids. We will also have kid related vendor and free refreshments. No membership is required to attend but membership is needed to shop. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Costco, 1500 Gemini Pl, Polaris. 614-9871900.

FREE! An Evening In the Garden, Come to the Youth Services Snack Garden to hear stories, sing a song or two and make something to take home (along with something from the garden). Each night-themed story time will be held outside if weather permits. Registration required. 6:307:15 p.m. Westerville Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org

TUESDAY 21 FREE! Homebuyer Education Workshop, Learn the process for buying a home. Call to register. 6:308:30 p.m. Homeport by Columbus Housing Partnership, 562 E. Main St., Downtown. 614-221-8889, ext. 134.

FREE! Preschoolers: Tram Safari, Take a tram ride through the park looking for wild animals. 10 a.m.

Three Creek Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport. 614-891-0700.

WEDNESDAY 22 Columbus Clippers vs. Toledo Mud Hens, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com

THURSDAY 23 Columbus Clippers vs. Toledo Mud Hens, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com

FRIDAY 24 Columbus Clippers vs. Toledo Mud Hens, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Commons for Kids, Friday mornings are all about kids at Columbus Commons. Kids can read, play and take a free spin on the carousel.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library will also bring the book mobile and will be sponsoring free Wi-Fi in the Reading Room. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown. columbuscommons.org.

Clay Time for Kids at Clayspace, Clayspace artists will present a new project every week that kids will love!

We’ll make toad houses, piggy banks, masks, and more! Come inside and play with clay! Call to reserve a spot.

Ages 7 and up. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $30.

Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-449-8144. clayspace831.com FREE! Egyptian Festival, The Egyptian Festival is one of Columbus’ premier ethnic festivals. We enjoy sharing our heritage, culture and tradi-

tions. We offer some of the finest homemade authentic Egyptian food and pastries as well as offer many activities including church tours, henna drawings, photos, souvenirs, games, children’s activities and much more. 6-10 p.m. St Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, 200 Old Village Rd., Columbus. 614-580-0123. stmarycoc.org FREE! Every Child Ready to Read: Fun with Math & Science, Did you know that math and science can help develop a child’s early literacy skills?

Games and fun activities will help 2-5 year olds get ready to read! 10:3011:30 a.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-8072626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar Teen Time Fridays, Bring your ideas & your friends to Clayspace and be creative with clay. Clayspace artists are on hand to provide inspiration and instruction. We will have new ideas every week or help you with your original creations. A great way to start the weekend! Call to reserve a spot. 4-6 p.m. $35. Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-4498144. clayspace831.com

SATURDAY 25 Columbus Crew vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m. $22-$46.

Columbus Crew Stadium, One Black & Gold Blvd., North Side. 614-447-2739. thecrew.com FREE! Egyptian Festival, The Egyptian Festival is one of Columbus’ premier ethnic festivals. We enjoy sharing our heritage, culture and traditions. We offer some of the finest homemade authentic Egyptian food and pastries as well as offer many

Deer Haven Preserve, 4183 Liberty Rd., Delaware. 740-524-8600, ext. 5. preservationparks.com

ian Festival is one of Columbus’ premier ethnic festivals. We enjoy sharing our heritage, culture and traditions. We offer some of the finest homemade authentic Egyptian food and pastries as well as offer many activities including church tours, henna drawings, photos, souvenirs, games, children’s activities and much more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. St Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, 200 Old Village Rd., Columbus. 614-580-0123. stmarycoc.org

MONDAY 27 FREE! Music & Movement, Ages 2-5 years. 1-1:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

TUESDAY 28 FREE! Homebuyer Education Workshop, Learn the process for buying a home. Call to register. 6:308:30 p.m. Homeport by Columbus Housing Partnership, 562 E. Main St., Downtown. 614-221-8889, ext. 134.

FREE! Preschool Story Time, Ages 3-5. 10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Tales for Toddlers, Ages 1836 months. 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 1111:30 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview.

614-486-2951.

FREE! Family Creekin’, Catch and release aquatic wildlife in Big Darby Creek. 1 p.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Green-Wise Fair, Discover new ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle that don’t take a lot of time or money. Bring your favorite reused item to display at the fair for a chance to win a prize! Visit our Green-Wise Fair Facebook event page for updates! Vendors and exhibitors will be in attendance with ideas and products for sale that will help you live a greener lifestyle. There will be a children’s craft, nature activities, energy-saving tips, workshops, concessions and a free raffle. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 29 Family Fun: Creative Movement, 37 p.m. Free with $6-$11 admission.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad Street, East Side. 614-645-8733.

WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS, CLUTTER IS UNAVOIDABLE.

WE CAN HELP.

*

ALL CLOSETS *

(* complete unit orders of $999 or more) Not valid with any other discount or offer. Expires 8/18/2012

FREE! Baby Games, Ages 0-18 months. 10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

Columbus Clippers vs. Louisville Bats, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Homeschoolers at the Farm: Plant Basics, Use the kitchen garden to learn some basics about botany and biology. 1 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Preschoolers at the Farm: Nursery Rhymes, Learn about farm life and animals through traditional rhymes. 10 a.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-891-0700.

Clay Time for Kids at Clayspace, Clayspace artists will present a new project every week that kids will love!

We’ll make toad houses, piggy banks, masks, and more! Come inside and play with clay! Call to reserve a spot.

Ages 7 and up. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $30.

Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-449-8144. clayspace831.com Columbus Clippers vs. Louisville Bats, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Family Blue Moon Stroll, Enjoy a 1 mile walk through the woods on this once-in-a-blue-moon experience. 8 p.m. Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 S. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614-891-0700.

Family Friday Night, COSI offers extended hours and price reduced admission to families so you can visit, learn, and play late! 5-9 p.m. $9.95.

COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-228-2674. cosi.org Greek Festival, This popular end-ofthe-summer event features traditional dancing, music and authentic Greek fare including freshly baked baklava.

Take a tour of the cathedral to learn

Check your vision and eye health

back to school!

40% OFF EVERYTHING ELSE

THURSDAY 30

FRIDAY 31

before heading

We have the custom solution so your home can remain (relatively) neat and organized. and stay that way.

30% OFF

fpconservatory.org FREE! Family Story Time, Ages 2-5 years. 6:30-7 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Preschoolers: Crawdads in the Creek, Take a half mile walk to Big Darby Creek and search for crawdads. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 2755 Amity Rd., West Jefferson. 614-891-0700.

From complete eye exams and treatment of eye diseases, to contact lens fittings and selecting the perfect pair of frames, you can trust SouthWest Eyecare with your eye care needs.

Bring this ad in at the time of your eye exam for a chance to win our monthly drawing *NEW PATIENTS ONLY*

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

SouthWest Eyecare, Inc. 4140 Hoover Road Grove City, OH 43123

614-801-2020 www.southwest-eyecare.com

^

^

#6 6*'

#674&#;X 7)756 EL #6 EE #T/T 10#6' +(' '/10564#6+10 6#)'

.YHUK 7YPaL! :JOTPK[ÂťZ :H\ZHNL /H\Z \UK 9LZ[H\YHU[ .PM[ *HYK HUK H -HTPS` 4LTILYZOPW [V [OL *VS\TI\Z AVV HUK (X\HYP\T Registration is at the event only beginning at 10 a.m.

Heat Races begin at 11 a.m.

This four on the floor infant extravaganza is open to the first 24 entrants age 18 months and younger.

(Crawling only, no walkers please.)

14 %1/2.'6' '8'06 &'6#+.5X .1) 10 61 EN T f':21 columbusparent.com | August 2012 |

53

how it was painstakingly decorated by hand. 11 a.m. Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children under 12 free. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High Street, Short North.

614-224-9020. greekcathedral.com FREE! Preschoolers: Plants and Animals of the Prairie, See the wildflowers and grasses of the prairie and discover the wildlife that lives there.

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. 614-891-0700.

FREE! Spectrum Storytime, This monthly storytime is designed for children on the Autism spectrum, and/or children with sensory integration issues. We have stories, songs, and activities to encourage literacy

and positive associations with reading and the library. Registration is required and is limited to 10 children and their caregivers. There is no age restriction, however this program is designed for children with a developmental stage of 3-5 years old. 4 p.m.

Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614486-9621.

FREE! St. Michael Festival, 36th Annual Festival includes fun for the entire family. Live entertainment each night, food, rides, midway games including Kiddieland area, silent auction, and charity garage sale. Adult games of chance, instant bingo, cash raffle, and casino. Entertainment and parking surrounding the Church is

free. Support the food pantry by bringing canned goods and receive free game tokens (1 token per can, up to 20 tokens per family). 7-11 p.m. St. Michael Catholic Church, 5750 N. High St., Worthington. 614-885-7814. saintmichael-cd.org Teen Time Fridays, Bring your ideas & your friends to Clayspace and be creative with clay. Clayspace artists are on hand to provide inspiration and instruction. We will have new ideas every week or help you with your original creations. A great way to start the weekend! Call to reserve a spot. 4-6 p.m. $35. Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-4498144. clayspace831.com

CLASSES, CAMPS & ONGOING EVENTS FREE! Appalachian Strings: The Instruments, Their Makers, The Music, Curated by Thomas Queen, the exhibition will present an extensive collection of dulcimers, banjos, fiddles, guitars and mandolins, gathered from private and public collections across the United States. Through Sept. 9. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster. 740-681-1423.

Blooms & Butterflies, Experience the emergence of exotic butterflies and watch their release into the Franklin Park Conservatory’s Pacific Island Water Garden. Dozens of species from around the world take flight and feed on tropical blooms.

The Butterfly Emergence Center and hands-on activities interpreting the butterfly’s life cycle are featured. Daily through Sept. 9.

Extended hours on Wednesdays until 8 p.m. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $6-$11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org Farmers Markets will be held on Wednesdays in Dublin, Upper Arlington, Westerville and at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The Arena District, Powell and New Albany will hold them on Thursdays. Find fruit, veggies, treats, local food and other goods.

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

FREE! Hearing Screenings, Free Hearing Screenings provided as a courtesy of Huntington Bank. Must be at least 5 years of age. Call to schedule an appointment. 1-4 p.m.

Columbus Speech & Hearing Center, 510 E. North Broadway St., Clintonville. 614-261-5417. columbusspeech.org FREE! Laugh & Learn Kindergarten Prep Academy: Open House, Laugh & Learn Kindergarten Prep Academy is a private, part-time, academic-based, pre-K school for 3-5 years olds. Our Mission: to prepare pre-K children for kindergarten through creative, educational experiences that encourage them to become confident, life-long learners. Wednesdays in August, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Laugh & Learn Kindergarten Prep Academy, 7861 Refugee Road, Pickerington.

614-800-8347. laughlearnkindergartenprepacademy.com Puppy Preschool, Group classes are great for the average puppy.

They allow normal socialization with other dogs and people. They are not, however, designed to be effective with the overly shy or aggressive puppy. Acme Canine’s Puppy Preschool is limited to 8 dogs and their owners. Multiple owners are encouraged to attend (after all, everyone in the home needs to be able to handle the

puppy!) Humans age 8 and up are welcome; please leave small children at home, unless you have alternate adult supervision for them. 1-2 p.m. $25. Acme Canine, 1385 Franklin St., Lewis Center. 740548-1717. acmecanine.com Ten Pin Alley’s Summer Bowling Pass, If you’re searching for a great alternative summertime activity, look no further than Ten Pin Alley.

For only $50 you can purchase their Summer Bowling Pass that’s good for up to one hour of bowling on one lane, and up to six pairs of shoe rentals. Best part? You can use the pass every day through August 31st. $50. Ten Pin Alley, 5499 Constitution Blvd, Hilliard. 614-8762475. tenpinalleyandspikes.com/2012/04 /2012-unlimited-summer-bowlingpass/ Water: H20 = Life, An immersive look at our world’s most precious resource. Interactive elements of the exhibit tell us how water is used, how important it is and how to conserve it. Daily through Sept.

3. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 12 noon-6 p.m. Additional admission fee required. General admission: Adults $14.75, Children 2-12 $9.75, Seniors $13.75. COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-447-8894.

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A sale so simple a child could ri X write the ad. 10% off!!! all kids bedroom stuff for back to skchool!

Coupon valid 8/1 thru 8/31/12.

AN EXTRA

10% OFF! the sale prices on any 2 or more pieces of youth furniture.

Valid thru 8/31/12. Limit one per customer. Not valid on prior sales.

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| August 2012 | columbusparent.com

POLARIS: 8701 LYRA DR. | 614.896.2700 TUTTLE CROSSING: 5770 BRITTON PKWY. | 614.339.8700

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