Columbus Parent - December 2011 by The Columbus Dispatch/Dispatch Magazines

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MURPHY LAUNDRY BEDS

MURPHY BEDS

GARAGE FLOORS

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Exp. 12/31/2011

BALLETMET DANCER ANDREW BRADER

A HOLIDAY TREAT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!

DECEMBER 9—24, 2011|OHIO THEATRE

With live music from the Columbus Symphony! TICKETS AS LOW AS $20 | WWW.BALLETMET.ORG

WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM OR 800.982.2787 | CAPA BOX OFFICE 614.469.0939 Design: Peebles Creative Group Photography: Will Shively

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

YOU COULD WIN!

2011 Winter Coloring Contest December 1–31, 2011

…when you K.I.S.S. Your Kids with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s Department Stores! K.I.S.S. (Kohl’s Is Sold on Safety) is a seasonal safety program that features Coloring Contests and FREE fun Safety Activity Booklets. All children (up to age 17) may enter!

HOW TO ENTER: The Winter coloring contest runs December 1 – 31, 2011. 1. Color in the picture and neatly fill out the entry form. 2. Take your picture/entry form to any central Ohio Kohl’s Department Store Customer Service Counter by December 31st. 3. You will be given a participation ribbon and a free, fun Activity Booklet at the Customer Service Counter, while supplies last! 4. Entries will be judged in the month following the contest deadline. Prizes will be awarded to entries from each store. Nationwide Children’s Hospital will notify award-winners. PRIZES: First: $25 Kohl’s Gift Card and a Free Bike Helmet. Second: $10 Kohl’s Gift Card and a Free Bike Helmet. Third: a Free Bike Helmet. HOW TO GET A FREE ACTIVITY BOOKLET WITHOUT ENTERING: Activity Booklets will be available to anyone (regardless of entering) at Kohl’s Customer Service Counters throughout 2011, as well as at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Close to HomeSM Centers, while supplies last!

Name of Artist: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Age:__________

FOR MORE INFO: To play our safety video game on-line, find more information about safety, this contest, or to obtain an Activity Booklet in a foreign language translation, go to: www.NationwideChildrens.org/KISS or contact KISS@NationwideChildrens.org or call (614) 355-0679.

Parent or Guardian:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________________________________________ State__________________ Zip Code__________________ Phone Number: ( ____ ) ________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: All pictures become the property of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. We cannot be responsible for lost or illegible entry forms, so please write neatly!

5718

Date__________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________ _________________________________

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

getting started: TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON THE GO 8 10 14 15 16 17 18 20

NEWS ON THE GO PRODUCT PIX: Our Last-Minute Gift Guide suggestions COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE: Upper Arlington’s Kriss Galloway PEOPLE YOU SHOULD MEET: Nicholas Bosca, Kid Bagpiper HOUSEBROKEN: Dispatch columnist Joe Blundo TAKE IT FROM TRACY: 10TV’s Tracy Townsend NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: The Short North/Victorian Village SHOP SPOTLIGHT: Posh Pets Boutique

HOT TOPIC: 22

DIY ARTS CAMPS: Two experts tell you how to create at-home creative workshops for your kids during the holiday school break HOW TO WILDLIGHT THE WINTER: Behind the scenes at the Zoo’s Wildlights show

NEED TO KNOW 28

36 40

AGE APPROPRIATE: EYES AGES 2-8: Finding the perfect fit with young children’s eyeglasses AGES 2-12: Some childhood vision problems with improve with age AGES 5-12: Old enough to wear contacts? THE GO-TO GUIDE: Holiday Lights and Displays FAMILY FINANCE: from Denise Trowbridge

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

FAMILY FUN 42 44

46 48 50

AR: CALEND

154

HANDS ON: a DIY snow globe COOKING WITH KIDS: A gingerbread house and candy ice pond (with an assist from Columbus Blue Jacket Antoine Vermette) PARTIES: a cookie-exchange party in Bexley DAY TRIPPIN’: ride the Santa Train in the Hocking Hills MEDIA REVIEWS

TO DO THINGS NTH THIS MO ON THE COVER: Say hello to 4-year-old Symone, winner of our “Win the Cover” contest, sponsored by Cord Camera and photographed at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens! (Photo by Alysia Burton)

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

“THE ONE HOLIDAY GIFT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME!” Christmas gifts seldom last past the first of the year. This year, give your child the gift that will last forever, the gift of confidence, self esteem, and achievement that’s part of being a Karate Kid. Remember, all programs include a free karate uniform to wrap for under the he tree. tree. Your loved ones will learn to: • Have incredible RESPECT for others • Set (and Achieve) huge GOALS • Have a winning ATTITUDE

R $49 4 WEEClKasSsesF& O FREE Uniform Martial Arts

1-12

New Students Only - Expires 1-3

getting started: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Columbus Parents, We have a family Christmas cookie recipe that’s been handed down through at least five, probably six generations, starting with ancestors from the Alsatian region of France. Just reading the recipe will clog the left ventricle of your heart, that’s how much fat is in it (it’s got giant helpings of both sour cream and butter in the dough: we won’t even talk about what’s in the buttercream frosting). Making just one lousy batch of the stuff takes a good four hours, what with sifting the flour, mixing the super-thick dough, chilling it, buttering the baking sheets and sprinkling anise seeds on them. Then there’s rolling out the cold and now-combative dough, followed by cookie-cuttering it into the shapes of trees, stars, angels, violins, hearts and St. Nick with a sack. From there it’s onto baking, cooling, frosting and then decorating with sprinkles and other edible doo-dads. Just thinking about the baking ahead of me this month makes me ready for a long winter’s nap. And yet would I ever dare take it off my seasonal to-do list? I think we all know the answer to that question. I would sooner tell the family that Christmas has been cancelled due to lack of interest. It’s a tradition — and a darn tasty one at that — and you don’t mess with tasty traditions at holiday times. In this issue, we honored two more of these tasty traditions with stories about cookie-exchange parties (a competitive sport in some neighborhoods but, in our story, a delightful get-together for moms, daughters and the dolls in their lives) and making gingerbread houses. The latter tradition is one of the few that has a higher degree of difficulty than my family’s cookie baking. In fact, a couple of years ago, we went to all the trouble of creating and baking the architecturally correct walls and roofs for a gingerbread village, only to lose steam and pack it all in the freezer with promises to get it assembled by New Year’s Eve. We ended up thawing the pieces in June and just eating them plain. Sometimes you have to pace yourself with these traditions. Or get some extra help, as we did with the gingerbread houses in this issue. Between our expert baker Judy Tipton, her assistant Cynthia Adkins and our expert candy smasher Antoine Vermette (taking time out from his day job with the Columbus Blue Jackets), we whipped together some

PUBLISHER

kwolfe@columbusparent.com DIRECTOR OF NICHE PUBLICATIONS

Brian Lindamood blindamood@columbusparent.com EDITOR

Jane Hawes jhawes@columbusparent.com NICHE PUBLICATIONS ADVERTISING MANAGER

Amy Bishop abishop@columbusparent.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

LA Castle lcastle@columbusparent.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Megan Merrell mmerrell@columbus.parent.com DIGITAL ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

Vanessa Micic vmicic@columbusparent.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Will Shilling wshilling@columbusparent.com PRODUCTION EDITOR

Rebecca Zimmer rzimmer@columbusparent.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Michaela Schuett mschuett@columbusparent.com ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

mighty fine houses and trees and ice ponds. And be sure to check our website for the detailed recipe and slide show to make your own. Because, let’s face it — all these traditions, they’re just an excuse to spend more time with the people in our lives. So, Columbus parents, go do just that with your families this holiday season!

CONNECT WITH US

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

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

Katie Wolfe Lloyd

ColumbusParent.com | Facebook: Columbus Parent Magazine | Twitter @ColumbusParent and @jane_hawes EMAIL: contact@columbusparent.com

ColumbusParent.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Alysia Burton aburton@columbusparent.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Heather Weekley hweekley@columbusparent.com CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Albright, Debbie Angelos, Joe Blundo, Olivera Bratich, Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld, Debra Darnall, Melissa Kossler Dutton, Kristy Eckert, Colin Hawes, Kristen Maetzold, Shane Neff, Phil Pikelny, Elizabeth Seufer, Mary Slebodnik, Tracy Townsend, Denise Trowbridge 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: 54,000 copies. Copyright © 2011 The Dispatch Printing Company

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

Whetstone Dental Group Smitha M Reddy DDS General Dentist 3783 North High Street Columbus, OH 43214 www.whetstonedental.com

Give your Child a healthy smile!

FREE CHECK UP for kids up to 14 years old. Hurry offer ends December 31st

on the go: NEWS ON THE GO

LET’S TRADE!

Every day, it seems, publicists send us stuff that we don’t even ask for — books, toys, DVDs, you name it. Often we find worthy organizations to donate this stuff to, like the Ronald McDonald House or local schools. This holiday season, we’re going to try something a little different: We’re going to trade this stuff with you in exchange for canned goods and other nonperishable items that we in turn will donate to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Our friends at Wholly Craft in Clintonville will host us on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 7-9 p.m. Bring an item we can donate to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, and you get your pick of what we’ve got to give away! Wholly Craft is located at 3169 N. High St. (and they’ll be having their own holiday sale, too, so you can knock off lots of holiday shopping that night).

OUR WIN THE COVER FINALISTS

Here they are — the rest of our finalists in the Columbus Parent Win the Cover contest, sponsored by Cord Camera. Our overall winner, Symone, a 4-year-old from Westerville whose parents are Rufus and Ann, appears on our cover this issue. Thank you again to everyone who entered and shared their beautiful children with us! 6-YEAR-OLD CORDELIA Parents: Aaron and Christina Sister: Miranda Hometown: Grove City

$99 Tee Whiten th i n Special g

20-MONTH-OLD ANTHONY Parent: Tabby Neighborhood: Franklinton

Crowns: $600.00 Root Canals: Starting at: $450.00 Cleaning & Exam: $51.00 (Value: $105)

Call 614-268-2261 for more details or to schedule an appointment. 8

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

9-MONTH-OLD ADDISON Parents: Raushanah and Jason Sister: Ta’sha Hometown: Powell

5-YEAR-OLD SOPHIE Parents: Abbe and Aaron Sister: Maci Hometown: Westerville

Let’s do

SOMETHING about it. WHAT: generational homelessness

Proper Training from the Very Beginning

$20 OFF REGISTRATION

WHO CAN HELP YOU HELP OTHERS: Susan Davis, development director for the Homeless Families Foundation

*New students only. One coupon per child. Expires 11/30/11

WHEN: this holiday season HOW: Each December, the Homeless Families Foundation sets up a Christmas Store, where those they serve can “shop” for holiday gifts. Using “HFF Dollars,” families choose items and have their presents giftwrapped. Where do the items come from? They’re all donated, and range from gift cards to clothing, from toys to DVDs. “This really is a community effort to provide gifts for our families,” said Davis. “Then they can have a nice Christmas.”

Visit our website to see how you can save 25% on dance classes this year. Save up to $100!

www.northpointedance.com Susan Davis

740-548-4600

500 Orangepointe Drive, Lewis Center (Minutes from Powell off Route 23, between Home Rd. & Orange Rd.)

BREAK IT DOWN

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Homeless Families Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that works to reduce generational homelessness in Columbus. “The national average for a homeless person is 9 years old,” said Davis. “Last year, the average for a person the Homeless Families Foundation served was 7 years old. Kids are the innocent victims of the homeless cycle. They are affected most heavily.” HFF’s five case managers take referrals from the YWCA Family Center, partner families with community resources and, with the help of government funding and donations, guides families toward financial independence again. “We give them a hand up, not a hand out,” said Davis. “It takes a lot of courage to say ‘I need help. I can’t do it for my family anymore.’”

a gift for your little Beethoven (and big Beethovens, too) introductory piano classes for:

WHAT YOU CAN DO • DONATE ITEMS to the Christmas Store and teach your kids about giving back to the community. Donations are taken until Dec. 13, and popular items include socks, underwear and sweatshirts. Call HFF at 614-461-9247 for a full wish list and instructions on how to drop off items. • VOLUNTEER as a mentor at the Dowd Education Center, where after-school and summer programs focus on math and reading. “We make sure kids are academically successful in school,” said Davis. “They don’t always have someone helping them with their homework at home.” • DONATE MONEY. With an annual budget of almost $2 million, the HFF is able to serve several hundred people each year. • To learn more about the Homeless Families Foundation, their efforts and ways you can help, visit their website at homelessfamiliesfoundation.com or call 614-461-9247.

• preschool ages 3 to 6 • beginners ages 7 to 10 • young adults ages 11 to 17 • adults winter sampler january 30 – march 9 adult winter sampler p january 30 – march 23

—HEATHER WEEKLEY

GIVING CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE Our October issue’s cover credit should have included a shout-out to Lilylimes for providing our model Brooklyn’s adorable “organic footie” sleeper from Cutano in the Meadowmarsh print ($32 for the 0-3M size, $33 for 6-9M). Lilylimes, 7850 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, 614-448-1222, lilylimes.com

excellence lence in piano instruction is our only businesssm

209 north hamilton road • columbus, ohio 43213 • (614) 755-2424 60 old westt wilson bridge road • worthington, ohio 43085 • (614) 436-6076 ervatoryofpiano.com www.conservatoryofpiano.com

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

on the go: PRODUCT PIX

last-minute

gift guide Arlington Childrens Center Title XX accepted

Convenient to 315 and OSU

Latch-key w/ transportation to local schools

Oh, this isn’t for you, of course. But maybe you know someone who could use some help with their last-minute gift shopping this month. So to help them, we’ve expanded our regular Product Pix feature to include a few more helpful hints of the holiday season.

Wear Your Veggies Columbus-based Veg•gie T’s has created a line of adorable t-shirts for kids (and grownups) with proceeds from each purchase going to help local health organizations. Each organic-cotton shirt ($18) has a word like veg•gie or car•rot printed on it, plus it comes with a package of seeds to plant. They’re sold at the Whole Foods Market near Dublin and online at veggiets.com.

Full & Part Time available

Enrolling children 6 wks to 12 years

Over 43 years of caring for children!

6:45am-6pm M-F

1033 Old Henderson Rd. Columbus, 43220

451-5400

www.arlingtonchildrens.com info@arlingtonchildrens.com

JANE’S MONTESSORI ACADEMY

3670 W. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, 614-760-5556, wholefoodsmarket.com

Columbus Peanut Shoppe There’s nothing like the experience of visiting the Columbus Peanut Shoppe during the holiday season and trying the freshly roasted nuts and candies. Holiday-themed gift tins can be purchased for $3 and can be filled with any of the store’s offerings. 46 N. High St., Downtown, 614-221-8837, On Facebook: Peanut Shoppe Columbus

Come Visit Us At Our Open House Event On Sunday, January 15th 2-4 Wednesday, January 25th from 6:30-8:30 • High Quality Education from 6 weeks through 6 years • Degreed, Montessori-trained lead teachers and degreed assistants • Low Teacher Turnover • A.M., P.M., or All Day Sessions

The Rock-It 2.0 ($50) can turn any object into a speaker — seriously. Plug one end into an audio device with a standard headphone jack and stick the other end onto anything you want (cereal box, football, backpack, you name it) and push play. You won’t believe your ears! (To see to believe, check out “Rock-It 2.0” on YouTube and then buy one at Bed Bath and Beyond.)

• Before school, After school, and extended (9-4) care available • Care available during school breaks • An environment that fosters individual growth for your unique child

www.JanesAcademy.com 1375 Francisco Rd., (NW Columbus near Upper Arlington) 457-6404 contact@janesacademy.com

@columbusparent 10

Rockin’ It Out

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

Multiple locations, bedbathandbeyond.com

Princess-worthy Art Supplies Little ladies will be inspired to draw with the Melissa & Doug Princess Crayon Set ($4). The 12 triangular crayons come in a tiara-shaped case. The wrapper-free crayons let children skip the peeling and get right to doodling. Lair’s Hallmark carries the equally adorable Truck Crayon Set as well. 1645 W. Lane Avenue, 614-486-1573, lairshallmark.com

Cutie Hair Accessories Little girls will love completing their look with Cutie Heads. The adorable barrettes ($7.95- $10.95) and headbands ($16.50) are handmade by two Columbus-area moms. The barrettes, which come in lots of colors and styles, clip onto the headband for increased versatility. Helen Winnemore, 150 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, 614-444-5850, helenwinnemores.com

You Know Jack

Be True to Your School

Jungle Jack Hanna + Cute Stuffed Animal = Wishpets. These adorable plush animals ($15) even come dressed in a safari vest and are sold at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Zoo Marketplace.

She may not be able to yell “Go, team!” yet, but it’s never too early to show some school spirit with these handcrafted hair bows from Happy Turtle Wear. Made locally and sold at Lilylimes, these mini pom-poms ($10) are available in the colors of seven area schools.

4850 W. Powell Road, Powell, 614-645-3550, columbuszoo.org

Empower your child to take on the world.

Lilylimes, 7850 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, 614-448-1222, lilylimes.com

Only Kiddie Academy® prepares children for school and for life with our Life Essentials® our proprietary curriculum.

Ultimate Bottle The Vapur Anti-Bottle ($9) is reusable, roll-able, fold-able, freezable, attachable AND dishwasher safe. Great for lunch bags, sport bags and travel bags. Water has never been so cool! Find Vapur .5L Anti-Bottles in a rainbow of bright colors at The Morgan House Gift Shop. 5300 Glick Road, Dublin, 614-889-0037, morganhse.com

Kiddie Academy® prepares your child for school and for life with our Life Essentials® curriculum. • • • • • •

Kindergarten prep programs Character-development programs reinforce positive values Half-day enrichment programs Meet the highest standards in care, education and safety Education based technology in the classrooms Convenient hours, Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Enroll Your Super Hero Today! Enroll your child by 01.31.2012 and receive

ONE WEEK FREE!*

*New customers only. Not redeemable for cash. One offer per child. Maximum value $255. See academy director for details.

Kiddie Academy of Reynoldsburg 6411 East Main Street Reynoldsburg, OH 614.866.1422

kiddieacademy.com/Reynoldsburg

INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL • BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER CAMP columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

on the go: PRODUCT PIX You could win!

YOU COULD WIN!

Watch for our Safety Education Coloring Contests in March, June, September and December. Prizes include Kohl’s Gift Cards and Cool Bike/Sledding Helmets!

Ten Tiny Trumpette Toes Trumpette Baby Socks, available at Hey Diddle Diddle, instantly take your sweet pea from high chair to high fashion with their unique line of faux-shoe socks. Comfy and oh-so-cute, Trumpettes ($26) stay snugly in place while adding some flair to any infant ensemble. With tons of sweet and spunky styles for both girls and boys, these socks are sure to knock yours off. Hey Diddle Diddle, 38 N. State St., Westerville, 614-818-5437, heydiddlediddle.com

Luggage Tag Travel in style! The Vera Bradley luggage tag adds a splash of color to any travel bag or suitcase. Priced at $12, the tag comes in an array of signature patterns and has a slot for a business card or identification information. Find them at Vera Bradley retailer Simply Rr’s located in The Mall at Tuttle Crossing. 5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd., Dublin, 614-734-0505; simplyrrs.com

For coloring contest information, safety tips, or to download a free safety activity book, please visit: www.NationwideChildren.org/KISS K.I.S.S.Your Kids 12

♥ Keep Them Safe!

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

A Whole Lotta Chocolate Winans Fine Chocolates & Coffees is a part of a Piqua family operation that has made its own chocolate candies for five generations. We don’t think anyone would object to finding their chocolate rice krispies treats (four for $1.75), chocolate-covered mini-pretzels (4 ounces for $4.95) or chocolate raisins (10 ounces for $5.95) in a Christmas stocking! Winans Fine Chocolates & Coffees, 897 S. Third St., German Village, 614-445-6464, winanscolumbus.com

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

on the go: COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE

Kriss Galloway What is the most played song on your iPod right now?

AGE: 49 SPOUSE: Brian Galloway, married for 9 years KIDS: Sarah (17) and Zoe (15) NEIGHBORHOOD: Upper Arlington JOB: Marketing & Communications Director, Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus

I’m on this BBC kick right now, so I’ve been listening to BBC 1 Radio and really like Olly Murs’ new singles, “Dance With Me Tonight,” and “My Heart Skips a Beat.” He’s not too well known here in the U.S. yet, but I think his music will catch on quickly.

funny and smart, and I hope they have kids just like them.

If you HAD to be on a reality-TV show, which one would it be? “Top Gear,” UK version —their “stars in a reasonably priced car around the race track” segment is like me trying to get the kids to school in Upper Arlington, dropping off my husband at work downtown, and then cruising over to Bexley to get to work — all on time! Who is your favorite TV or movie parent? I love the wholesomeness of June Cleaver, the zaniness of Lucy Ricardo, the warmth of Louise Jefferson, the daffiness of Edith Bunker, the weirdness of Morticia Addams (as portrayed by Angelica Huston in “The Addams Family”) and the snarkiness of Peg Bundy. I have a little bit of all of them in me.

What is a favorite holiday memory? Since we have an

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

harnessed chi of “The Iron Fist,” or the elasticity of “Elastigirl” in “The Incredibles.” I could keep my family safe no matter the situation.

not only because it was the last in the series, but also that my girls have reached young adulthood and could really understand the theme of Snape’s unrequited love and never-ending loyalty.

Favorite movie that you went to see with the kids:

Favorite way to spend a Saturday afternoon: Creating

The entire Harry Potter series — I watched my girls grow up right alongside Harry and his pals. The final film was especially moving,

art — whether it’s painting in my studio or making mosaics with recycled furniture. Sometimes the girls join me, and other times

Which super-hero power would you like to have? The

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

they make fun of me and my glue gun.

Best advice you ever received as a parent: “Enjoy every moment, because they grow up too quickly!” It seems like yesterday that Sarah was starting preschool, and now she’s applying to colleges.

What have you learned as a parent that you wish someone had told you before you

had that first kid: You can’t sterilize or rubberize the world; they’re going to catch colds and fall down. So don’t sweat the small stuff…relax! What’s something your mom or dad did that you thought was nuts when you were a kid and now you understand? My parents always told me, “I hope you have kids just like you!” Well, their wish came true, but I think my kids are incredibly

interfaith family, we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. I love how my girls insist on lighting the Hanukkah candles and singing the blessings – right before they tear open the paper on a present. (The tradition is to give them each a pair of socks on at least one of the festival’s eight nights. They never know when they’re going to get a cool CD, or a pair of socks. It’s my way of getting back at them for putting me through a combined 36 hours of labor!) We also like cooking traditional Hanukkah food, such as potato latkes, and our cats have great fun batting around the dreidels. The girls also work together to put up a Christmas tree, but at the age they are now, I think it’s more because they want a flashy signpost for where “Santa” is to leave their Christmas presents.

My life’s motto: Carpe Diem — Seize the Day.

on the go: PEOPLE YOU SHOULD MEET

Bagpiper

NICHOLAS BOSCA Musically inclined 12year-olds usually play the trumpet or clarinet. Nicholas Bosca, a sixth grader at Gahanna Middle School East, plays the bagpipes. “I like the sound of it,” Nicholas said. “It’s cooler than some of the other instruments — all of them.” Not that Nicholas doesn’t appreciate other instruments. He said he wants to play drums in the middle school jazz band. His father, Christopher, has started teaching him banjo, which Nicholas finds difficult. Nicholas’s brother, Mario, 15, plays bass guitar. “We’re a very musical family,” Nicholas’s mother, Courtney, said. Nicholas said his dad and brother inspired him to play music, but he wanted to bring a new instrument into the house. Bagpipes in pop culture haven’t impressed Nicholas. He hasn’t watched the movie “Braveheart,” and he doesn’t care for AC/DC’s famous bagpipe song, “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” Instead, the stories of heroic battlefield bagpipers, from the Napoleonic wars to World War II, inspired him to pick up the instrument. The loudness of the pipes attracted enemy fire in the trenches, but thank-

fully, Nicholas doesn’t have to worry as he cradles his pipes in his arm on the Bosca patio. Three pipes, called drones, stick out of the bag to produce sound. Nicholas pushes air — a lot of it — into the mouthpiece and the instrument blares out its distinctive half-melody, half-wail. Nicholas’s bagpipe instructor, Joe Thomas, said holding the bagpipes and mastering the breathing rhythm pose the biggest challenges to beginners. He compared playing the pipes to holding an octopus. Thomas said young musicians like Nicholas can learn it, though, if they practice enough. “It’s miraculous,” Thomas said. “All of a sudden you’re doing it and it’s nothing to you.” Giving up on the difficult instrument carries a price tag: basic Highland pipes (named for a region of Scotland) cost more than $1,000. Nicholas owned a small set of fireside pipes and borrowed Highland pipes from his teacher before his family invested in his “good set of pipes.” Courtney said she likes seeing the confidence her son has developed from playing over the last four years. “Nicholas spends his

BY MARY SLEBODNIK

JOE MAIORANA PHOTO

time carefully,” she said. “He has to really, really like something to spend his time doing it.” Nicholas plays at public events like Gahanna’s Westie Walk and Memorial Day services. He wears a white dress shirt, a cap, high socks with tassels, and of course, the kilt. Most people ask him to play funereal hymns, like “Amazing Grace” and “Scotland the Brave.” He

likes the memorial songs, but he favors “High Road to Gairloch” because it’s “fast and upbeat.” Nicholas said he doesn’t mind wearing the kilt in front of his classmates when he plays at school assemblies. He said his friends think it’s cool he plays the bagpipes. “It’s a lifetime commitment,” Nicholas said. “But it’s really fun and it’s worth it.”

BAGPIPE TRIVIA

• According to bagpipe historian Frank J. Timoney, bagpipes are descendants of ancient pipes and may date from around 1200 B.C. in what is now the Middle East region. • Religious ceremonies in ancient Greece and Rome required constant musical accompaniment and may have contributed most to the bagpipe’s development as an instrument. To avoid the unattractive look (not to mention the muscle strain) of cheek distension, air bags were attached to these pipes to create a continuous musical sound. • These early bags were probably formed from a sheep’s stomach. • The bagpipes have become an integral part of the musical traditions of British Commonwealth countries, but most especially those of Scotland. • A set of Highland bagpipes has a range of only nine notes.

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

on the go: HOUSEBROKEN

Ho,Ho,

Whatever A lot of the stress we feel around the holidays comes from the pressure to conform to prevailing practices. So don’t conform. Must you hate fruitcake? Must you long for a white Christmas? Must you turn in your hipster credentials for wearing a Christmas sweater? I say no. Forge boldly ahead with contrarian Christmas attitudes. You’ll feel better.

Let’s begin with fruitcake, which you are supposed to hate because everyone else does. But a good fruitcake — and by that I mean one marinated in bourbon and free of unnaturally colored objects — is a glorious thing. Seriously, cake and alcohol in the same package? What’s not to like? It’s a mixed drink you can eat. You should also excuse yourself from all obligation to sneer at Christmas

BY JOE BLUNDO

sweaters if you happen to like them. We live in a city where 50-year-old men parade around in the scarlet-and-gray jerseys of teenage football players. And you just know the grandpa wearing Boom Herron’s number secretly harbors fantasies about gashing Michigan with a 75-yard touchdown run. At least the woman in the Rudolph sweater is under no illusion that she can fly. You also are not obligat-

ed to dream of a white Christmas. All it takes is one badly timed storm to paralyze the nation’s air traffic. The dreamers always picture themselves in front of a cozy fire while softly falling snow turns the yard into a fairyland. Maybe they should picture themselves spending Christmas Day sleeping on the filthy carpet at Newark International Airport. It would be far smarter to dream of a blizzard on a weekday in January. Hesitant to openly love your artificial Christmas tree? Look, dragging trees into the living room is a little wacky regardless of where the trees came from. Just don’t let people make you feel like an environmental felon because yours was made in China. Not when you know that theirs

spent the better part of a decade being doused by petroleum-based fertilizers on a farm before it was transported by some fumebelching truck to Columbus, where it was picked it up in an oversized SUV, then discarded two weeks later. But resist mistletoe if you are so inclined. If it works for you, fine. Personally, I never saw hanging a sprig of dead vegetation from the ceiling in the hopes of being kissed as all that seductive. Wouldn’t it be as likely to repel people as attract them? Finally, you don’t have to watch football on Christmas. I don’t recommend it. Football watching, at its best, is a couch-potato exercise with maybe a couple of like-minded companions. At Christmas, you’re

going to have people coming and going, kids running around with their new toys, tipsy relatives spilling plates of turkey. It’s like hosting the Whos from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Trying to watch football in that atmosphere can be an exercise in frustration. You might be better off just kicking back with a drink. Or a piece of fruitcake.

Joe Blundo’s column So to Speak appears in the Life section of The Columbus Dispatch. Visit his blog at Dispatch.com

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| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

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on the go: TAKE IT FROM TRACY

The Holiday ITINERARY

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

BY TRACY TOWNSEND

Travel is a holiday tradition in our family. Whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas, we will spend time in our car on the interstate or in the airport. When we first married 14 years ago, my husband and I agreed upon an alternating holiday celebration plan for this time of year. Here’s how it works: if we have Thanksgiving with his family, we spend Christmas with mine. The next year, it works in reverse. Our plan met with little resistance from our siblings and fathers — only our mothers put up fierce resistance in the beginning. They realized what we had not considered, that at some point there would be grandchildren. When our son Ian was born, “Grandma” — Murv’s mother — and “Nana” — my mother — needled, nudged and not-so-subtly pushed to be with the baby on his first Christmas. Turns out it was Christmas in Indianapolis, with the in-laws and hourly

phone calls from Nana in Cincinnati. Hitting the road for the holidays does come with its challenges, from bumper-tobumper traffic and flight delays to baggage fees and inclement weather. For the most part, our travels have been smooth. Just last year we drove to Orlando, Florida, for Christmas. It was a beautiful drive south through the Carolinas to the Sunshine State. Our return, though, had a few tricky turns as we traveled through the snowy hills of

Tennessee and Kentucky on our way home to Ohio. Ian is always a trooper and ready for the road — or the air. These days he looks forward to time spent with cousins and other family members we don’t see nearly as often as we’d like. As he gets older, it is easier to pack his bags and go. Traveling at Christmas does require creativity when it comes to making sure Santa knows where to stop and that all family members are prepared for his arrival. We have managed to make the most of the additional quality family time that traveling allows. It’s meant making the most of hours in the car traveling scenic roadways or spent sitting in crowded airport gates.

Many teachable moments have come from instances of road rage and the theatrics of overzealous TSA screeners at other airports. This year we will break from our tradition of travel and celebrate Christmas at home here in Columbus. I have to admit that I’m looking forward to preparing for the festivities and the arrival of family. My “inner Martha Stewart” is giddy with ideas for decorating, baking and entertaining. These are the things I miss out on when we are not at home. Of course, all of these things remind me that I’ll miss out on what may be the true silver lining in our travel tradition — never having to do a top-to-bottom, white-glove, Mother-approved house cleaning.

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at KinderCare® columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

on the go: NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Short North and Victorian Village BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON • PHOTOS BY ALYSIA BURTON

When visiting the Short North or Victorian Village, kids will likely enjoy many of the same past times as adults. People watching, window shopping and dining in restaurants are all great experiences that families can share in the city’s vibrant arts district. Children are a familiar sight in the Short North — even at Gallery Hop, the neighborhood’s monthly event where galleries stay open late. “I think parents would be shocked to see how many kids are down here during events,” said Diesha Condon, senior director for the Short North Business Association (SNBA). “They should just be ready to work around the crowds.” But parents should realize that in the evenings, the neighborhood does become a destination for students and grown-ups looking forward to adult fun. Condon advised that parents should think about “where you choose to dine.

Goodale Park

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

Some of our restaurants do turn into bars after 9.” If parents have concerns about whether their children would be welcome in a particular store or restaurant, they should call ahead, she said. Maggie O’Shaughnessy and her two children walk through the bustling neighborhoods on their way to and from school. They often will stop into Northstar Café for a cookie or poke their heads into a business with an inviting window display, O’Shaughnessy said. The kids love living in Victorian Village because of the activity generated by the stores, restaurants and nearby Ohio State University. The neighborhood’s “eye candy” holds great appeal to kids, added Charly Bauer, the SNBA’s board president and director of operations at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Bauer said he routinely visits the neighborhood with his 4year-old and 2-year-old kids in tow. “They are fascinated by the sights and sounds of the neighborhood,” Bauer said. “You don’t have to do too much to entertain them. Just walk around North Market and let them discover.” His children enjoy

14. ROYAL FACTORY

W. 5TH AVE.

16. WHAT THE ROCK?!

1. BABYBIRD 27 E. Russell St., Suite 103 614-725-3403 babybirdfashion.com

14. ROYAL FACTORY 1209 N. High St. 614-754-1061

2. BAKERY GINGHAM 647 N. High St. 614-371-0848 bakerygingham.com

15. UTRECHT ART SUPPLIES 612 N. High St. 614-224-7708 utrecht.com

3. THE BUCKEYE CONNECTION 841 N. High St. 888-315-4287 ext. 841 thebuckeyeconnection.com

ST. N. HIGH

16. WHAT THE ROCK?! 1194 N. High St. 614-294-9428 whattherock.com

4. THE CANDLE LAB 751 N. High St. 614-949-1458 thecandlelab.com

10. NORTHSTAR CAFÉ 5. GLOBAL GALLERY 682 N. High St. 614-621-1744 globalgalleryonline.org

Posh Pets Boutique

6. GOODALE PARK 120 W. Goodale St. 7. JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS 714 N. High St. 614-294-5364 jenisicecreams.com 8. LE CHOCOHOLIQUE 601 N. High St. 614-223-4009 lechocoholique.com 9. NORTH MARKET 59 Spruce St. 614-463-9664 northmarket.com Utrecht Art Supplies The Candle Lab is another great spot for kids to get create something — in this case, their own soy candles with customized scents. And when tummies start growling, there’s no better place to be than the Short North or Victorian Village. Piece of Cake and Bakery Gingham offer yummy baked goods. Le Chocoholique sells candy and pastries that appeal to the eye as well as the palate. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams dishes up great cool treats on High Street as well as in North Market, a great kid venue. O’Shaughnessy and her family love North Market

because the kids can chow down on pizza while the parents enjoy sushi, Indian cuisine or other exotic eats. Kids also will want to visit the Candy Shack, Pam’s Market Popcorn and Brezel, a hot pretzel bakery, while at North Market. “For a lot of families, the North Market is a Saturday morning ritual,” Bauer agreed. And from there, it’s just a short hike north to Goodale Park, Columbus’ oldest park. Kids will love the unique playground equipment and parents will enjoy the beautiful setting.

10. NORTHSTAR CAFÉ 951 N. High St. 614-298-9999 thenorthstarcafe.com 11. PARADISE GARAGE 921 N. High St. 614-299-0899 paradisegarage.com 12. PIECE OF CAKE 772 N. High St. 614-421-0399 shortnorthpieceofcake.com

3. THE BUCKEYE CONNECTION

12. PIECE OF CAKE 4. THE CANDLE LAB 13. POSH PETS BOUTIQUE BUTTLES AVE.

7. JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS PARK ST.

visiting Paradise Garage. The full-service bike store has lots of bicycles to ogle. Buckeye Fans will want to check out the scarlet and gray wares at The Buckeye Connection. For a more edgy look, pop into What The Rock?! The boutique has an awesome selection of rock-androll-themed clothing for babies, children and adults. And new to the kids’ clothing scene is Babybird, plus vintage-clothing boutique Royal Factory has built a small inventory of children’s clothing. You’re bound to find goodies for your four-legged family members at Posh Pets Boutique. Global Gallery has a small but interesting selection of toys that children are welcome to touch and play with, said manager Megan Fitze. If the handmade items from developing countries around the world inspire your little artist, head to Utrecht Art Supplies. The store has paints, paper and supplies to create a fabulous art kit.

11. PARADISE GARAGE

5. GLOBAL GALLERY 2. BAKERY GINGHAM GOODALE PARK

1. BABYBIRD

LL ST. E. RUSSE

16. UTRECHT ART SUPPLIES 6. GOODALE PARK

8. LE CHOCOHOLIQUE

13. POSH PETS BOUTIQUE 743 N. High St. 614-299-7387 poshpetsboutique.com SPRUCE ST.

9. NORTH MARKET

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

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on the go: SHOP SPOTLIGHT

Jo Johnson

Owner, Posh Pets Boutique

6 Columbus Area Locations Dublin • Columbus • Gahanna Grove City • Reynoldsburg • Westerville Hours: M-S 10am to 8 pm Sunday NOON to 5pm

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Jo Johnson found the location for Posh Pets Boutique while walking a dog. The former owner of a dog-walking and pet care business saw the empty storefront along North High Street and was inspired to open a boutique devoted to pet products. She liked the idea of locating in the Short North because the bustling arts district attracts visitors from throughout central Ohio as well as from around the world. “It has a good flow of traffic,” she said. —MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

Can people bring their pets with them when they shop here? Dogs are always welcome. We have dogs, cats, pot-belly pigs and monkeys that come here — a whole range of animals.

What is a great gift to get your pet if you really want to spoil it? Bling is still really huge. People like bling collars. Enrichment toys to keep them entertained when they’re home alone. This time of year, sweaters are really popular.

In Arlington

2011 Henderson Rd

614-923-0166

Located In Front of Krogers on Henderson Rd.

In Westerville

399 S. State St. Suite 11

614-899-3000

Located in the Cherry Park Plaza by Once Upon A Child

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

What can kids expect when they come here? We try to educate children about the reasons why

we carry the products we do, and the ways they can help take care of their pets. We really stress identification. We’re always hearing stories about pets who get lost when their collars are off. I think it’s really important to teach children from an early age the responsibilities of being a pet owner.

Has Hollywood’s infatuation with high-end pet accessories impacted your business? It certainly was beneficial when I first started. We (opened) after “Legally Blonde” came out where she carried the dog in her purse. It didn’t promote the best in dog ownership. People wanted the accessory more than

the pet. There’s not as much of that anymore. Now a lot of celebrities are attaching themselves to different rescue organizations.

You sell dog clothes. Are there a lot of dogs that enjoy wearing clothes? Yes. Some dogs just love wearing clothes. There are dogs that go and get something out of drawer and drop it on the floor and wait until (their owner) puts it on.

Do you know the pet names of most of your regular customers? I know most of my customers’ dogs’ names more than I know my customers’ names. That’s how my brain works.

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

hot topic: THE HOLIDAYS

DIY ARTS CAMPS

“Camp Midgard” for Young Artists

Even parents can come down with a bad case of the “I can’ts!” But with holiday breaks coming up (and holiday budgets to manage), now is not the time to think that you can’t create your own arts-rich camp experience for your kids. You don’t need a career in the visual arts or a degree in early childhood education like Debra Darnall or Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld, the two “camp directors” we invited to help us create DIY Arts Camps. You just need imagination and an “I can” attitude!

BY DEBRA DARNALL I always wanted to go to camp. Not having kids of my own, but embracing my role as Aunt Debby, I would invite my four nieces and nephew to come down from Cleveland for visits to my own personal camp, which I created by turning off the TV, staying up late and working on art projects during the day. We called it Camp Midgard, after the road I then lived on in Clintonville. Being a working decorative painter, I had supplies in my basement studio that I let the kids use to create their projects, which included tie-dying t-shirts and making tissuepaper collages. Years later, the kids, who were by then teenagers, came to visit again. After our hello hugs, the first thing we did was have a meeting to write a camp constitution, which described our camp’s mission, guidelines and rules. We even made a camp flag. Our first project was a walk around Schiller Park with camera in hand. I told them they each needed to find something that inspired them, take a photo of it and then they would create a piece of art. At the end of camp we had a closing ceremony where each kid stood up and told us about their particular piece of art. I sat there in awe of what they created. Here’s how you can create a Camp Midgard (and some awe) of your own!

SUGGESTIONS FOR MATERIALS • DROP CLOTHS: on a large table AND under it (to allow for and encourage messiness!) • RAW MATERIALS: Gather items from around the house and spread them on the table for the children to choose from. Items can include used wrapping paper, loose buttons, old fabric, cardboard, tissue paper, paper plates, newspaper, cancelled stamps, glitter, yarn and wire. Make color copies of anything you don’t want to damage like family photos. • ART SUPPLIES: paint, brushes, bowls of water, glue gun for older kids, primer, joint compound, different types of tape and glue • ”BLANK CANVASES”: Items like boxes, frames, clay pots, stretched canvas, etc., can be used to put finished artwork into or onto!

CAMP DIRECTOR GUIDELINES • Name your camp and make a banner

or flag for it • Set up your camp rules (like no TV,

cell phones, etc.) • Look for inspiration in family photos, by

taking a walk or asking children questions about they think and feel. • Hands off! Show children how to use the

materials provided but DO NOT DO IT for them. Let them experiment and be messy. There is no wrong way to make art. • Make sure you tailor the project ideas to the

ages of the kids. Younger ones really like to just play with the materials, so let them! With older kids, you can be more structured.

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

Downtown Illumination December 2 - January 15 nearly 200,000 lights shining bright The Lazarus Building Historic Holiday Window Displays

Columbus Commons

POSSIBLE PROJECTS

35 ft Holiday Tree • Animated Displays

• MYSTERY BOX: Take an old shoe box and decorate it with cut-out or written-in words, small objects, photos and mementos of family members or pets. • GARBAGE ART: Recycle items that might otherwise go out in the trash — paper products, can labels, envelopes, packaging, string, ribbon, even cut-up clothes — and use only these items to create your art. • BOOK OF ME: Either make a blank book from construction paper or purchase one. Have the children put pictures, words, flat objects, etc., in the book to describe themselves. Or have each person do a page in each other’s books. Then, at end of camp, everyone will “read” their books out loud.

The Scioto Mile Spectacular Fountain Light Show

• HOLIDAY EDITION: Make a book with pictures of Christmas trees from the past. Go on a winter walk in the snow and take photos of snowmen and make a piece of art from them. Take old holiday cards you received (and never threw out) and make a collage or cover a large frame with them and use to display your new cards. Decorate a small clay pot to put a poinsettia or small tree in.

Parking Available at Columbus Commons Garage 55 E. Rich Street

DowntownColumbus.com

Holiday Fair December 16-18

VISIT WITH SANTA • SECRET SANTA SHOP BARNYARD PETTING ZOO • MUSIC • MOVIES TRACKLESS TRAIN RIDE • CAROUSEL • GIANT SLIDE FOOD TRUCKS • MARSHMALLOW ROASTING

Free Trolley Rides through Downtown 5-9 pm columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

hot topic: THE HOLIDAYS

DIY Arts Camps

A Creative-Movement Snow Story BY MIMI BRODSKY CHENFELD | PHOTOS BY TESSA BERG

Ooooh! Too freezing cold and blustery today for outdoor play. A perfect day to bring winter inside to the little guys with a dancing, moving, talking Snow Story. All that is needed is a little space, loosened-up bodies and free spirits. No props or costumes are necessary. In all the stories I share with children, no parts are chosen. We are EVERYTHING and EVERYONE in the story. The story? The simpler, the better. Here’s an example of one that I shared with my students at the Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Program.

WHAT THE GROWN-UP DOES Once upon a time while everyone was asleep,

(kids love to lie on the floor pretending to be asleep)

snow was falling outside. Snowflakes twinkled in the moonlight all night.

(any peaceful music can accompany quiet snowflake movement with twinkly fingers moving around the room)

The sleeping children woke up,

(snowflakes turn back to sleepers)

opened their eyes and saw SNOW! They jumped up and down excitedly.

(any jumpy rhythm will do!)

They shouted, “Can we go out and play?”

(a lovely chorus of voices)

Their grown-ups said, “First, get dressed…then, wash your faces…brush your teeth…comb your hair. Then, eat breakfast. Then pull on your winter clothes: sweaters, jackets, snow pants, hats, scarves, boots and mittens…NOW you are ready to go play in the snow!”

(this last series of movement ideas delights children who easily mime dressing, washing, eating, etc.)

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

WHAT THE CHILDREN DO

WHAT THE GROWN-UP DOES

WHAT THE CHILDREN DO

It’s hard to walk in the snow. Heavy boots and lifted feet are part of “snow walking.”

(clump clump around the room)

Snow can be slippery. Careful! Whoops! All fall down! The kids fell in the snow, stood up and fell again!

(young children love to fall down!)

“Let’s make snow angels!” the children said.

(back on the floor with snow angel movements)

“Let’s make snowballs!” the children said.

(bending down, packing invisible snow, throwing imaginary snowballs is so much fun)

After their snowball game, the children said, “Let’s ice skate!”

(any delightful, easy-to-move-to music accompanies ice-skating movements)

“Look! Animal tracks!” the children noticed. Rabbits and squirrels make hopping, scurrying tracks. Horses make galloping tracks.

(nothing is more fun than dancing animal movement)

The children had played all day in the snow that soon it was almost night time. They clumped home with their heavy boots, covered with snow, and they took off their winter clothes. “How about a nice warm bath and a cup of hot chocolate before you go to bed?” their grown-ups suggested. And that’s just what they did! And when they went to bed, what do you think they dreamed about? You’re right! SNOW!

After a fun, indoor snow story full of action and movement, children love a real warm bath, real hot chocolate and then markers, crayons and paper to write and create their own snow pictures and stories. Keep it simple. Keep it fun. Make lots of room for the children’s ideas and suggestions. Your role: the narrator, director, participant and audience. ENJOY!

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

hot topic: THE HOLIDAYS

HOW TO

T H G I L D L I W NTER THE WI

Behind the scenes at the Zoo’s Wildlights show STORY BY JANE HAWES • PHOTOS BY ALYSIA BURTON

Wildlights Rule No. 1: Don’t hang lights on trees that are about to lose their leaves.

Check out our Go-To Guide to get all the when, where and how info about attending the Wildlights and 16 other holiday light shows and displays in Ohio.

“Once the leaves fall off,” and Donivan Harkness made a swooping motion with his hands, “the lights sag.” Harkness is a grounds maintenance foreman at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. He’s been installing the lights for Wildlights, the Zoo’s annual holiday event, since 1993 (the first Wildlights was staged in 1989). This year there were nearly 2 million of these multi-colored, flame-shaped minibulbs adorning the trees, poles and waterside displays when the Wildlights show opened on Nov. 18. By the time they turn the lights off at 9 p.m. on Jan. 1, nearly 300,000 visitors will have trundled up and tromped through the 90-acre Zoo grounds to see the lights.

But most of this crowd probably won’t realize just how much work went into creating the show. The installation work begins in September, said facilities director Patrick “Pat” McCafferty, and every year he and his staff add, subtract, rearrange and tweak the event’s design, often based on what happened the year before. Or, more likely, what’s fallen down since last year.

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

“The first thing we do is assess the trees that we use as elements,” McCafferty said. It’s a well-known fact of landscape architecture that trees grow, lose limbs in windstorms and wage war with voracious insects. By mid-October this year, McCafferty had completed the census of what could be used around the lake near the Zoo’s entrance: The site is the high-profile anchor for the entire exhibit with an hourly light-and-music show. “We’ve got 42 trees this year,” McCafferty said, looking at the aerial map mounted on his clipboard. “We’ll be losing the ash trees after this year because of the emerald ash borer.” The aerial map, which has superimposed number labels on each tree, was created by Carson Williams, a show and lighting design-

er based near Cincinnati. “He sits at his computer and imagines with his music selections,” McCafferty said. “And then he sends us his road map.” The “road map,” when the melding of aesthetic ideas and practical input is complete, will be a thumbnail-sized memory card that goes inside an electronic “director” that sits inside a utility shed near the lake. That tiny card runs the show. But before they get to the point of computerized automation, the human touch is essential. Harkness was donning a safety harness before riding a crane to the top of a (mostly) leafless pin oak near “The Shores,” which is Zoo-speak for the grass plain near its aquarium.

LET’S PLAY SPORTS Sport Instruction Classes

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DOING THE MATH

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• One strand has 50 mini-bulbs on it. • About 95 percent of the Wildlight bulbs are the mini’s (the rest are larger C-7 and C-9 bulbs), so that means they use about 1,900,000 bulbs or 38,000 strands.

• Facilities director Pat McCafferty estimates that every 10,000 minibulbs (or 200 strands) draw about 20 amperes of electricity, or as much as flows through one breaker in your house.

THE LEARNING SPECTRUM IS NOW ENROLLING FOR KINDERGARTEN & PRESCHOOL CLASSES • Occupational Therapy

“Learned that one the hard way,” Harkness said about the leaf-drop rule. “It’s on-the-job training.” Draping the strands of lights from top to bottom in a “crown burst” pattern — with all the plugs on top of the tree and with the lights turned on — were other hard-earned lessons, Harkness said. “We call it ‘decorating hot,’” Harkness explained. And you have to install the strands, he added, while they’re turned on so you can actually see whether the design works or not. “Dark

spots” must be avoided. Pretty much every one of these rules came about because something went seriously wrong before. But the staff is extremely grateful for the switch, starting three years ago, from powerguzzling incandescent bulbs to LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. “The incandescents might all burn out by the end of the show,” Harkness said. “These (LEDs), we’ve had some of them for two or three years.” Not only do the LED bulbs last longer, but they

emit a crisper, brighter light, said Harkness and McCafferty, and they consume 90 percent less electricity to operate. From September until Nov. 17, the crew was stringing, installing and then waiting until all the visitors left each night to take the cranes up and see how things looked. “We have to look at it from every angle, Harkness said, adding, “For those last two weeks, I’ll see it every night from the air and, yeah,”— he smiled — “it’s cool.”

• Speech-Language Therapy • Music Therapy

NOW ENROLLING for Winter Saturday classes which include Food Exploration, Social Skills, Sibling Support Groups, Music and Movement/Art. We are providers through the Autism scholarship & Delaware County. Also, Peers needed for Preschool Program($25 pay per week). Call 614-844-5433 or visit us at www.thelearningspectrum.com.

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: EYES

Framed!

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

Finding the perfect fit with young children’s eyeglasses Four-year-old Claire Warren and her mother, Erica, were looking for different things when they went shopping for the youngster’s first pair of glasses. “I knew I wanted something that was durable that wouldn’t break easily,” said the Plain City mother. Her preschooler was focused on style. “She kept going to dark frames,” recalled Warren. Luckily, they found a pair of frames that suited both their needs. Warren allowed Claire to choose dark frames with pink flowers on the sides because she wanted her to be excited about wearing them. “She likes them,” Warren said. “She doesn’t fuss about wearing them.” Durability and appearance are two important things to consider when buying glasses, said Paul Zinser, an optician with Nation-

wide Children’s Hospital. He also recommends paying attention to what materials are used to craft the frames and how they fit the child. He suggests parents consider titanium frames because they are light-weight and durable. Titanium frames also are hypoallergenic, which is helpful because many kids have skin sensitivities, Zinser said. Plastic frames are another kidfriendly option because they also are durable. He recommends using polycarbonate lenses for children because they won’t shatter and are made with a good scratch-resistant coating. “Scratch coating is a must for kids,” he said. When selecting frames, it’s important to look at the fit. The two key areas for fitting glasses are the nose and the ear. The bridge of the glasses

FIT TIPS

should fit snugly on the nose to keep them in place. Metal frames, unlike plastic, have nose pads, which allow opticians to tailor the fit of the glasses for each child. Plastic frames can be bent slightly but tend to have less adjustability at the nose so it’s important to select a frame with a good fit. Zinser recommends that children choose frames with temples — or side pieces — that curve behind the ear. “You want to hold them really snug,” he said. “You want it gripping so it’s not going to come off. That’s definitely a must for the younger kids.” Zinser also encourages parents to allow their children to play a role in selecting the frames. “We try to let kids choose as far as style,” he said. “Parents are usually on board with that. It’s important that children wear their glasses and if they don’t like them they may not wear them.”

2YE-A8RS

BRIDGE: Remember children have flatter noses than adults so pay attention to how the glasses fit on the nose. Claire Warren helped pick out her frames. TEMPLE: Choose frames with a temple that wraps behind the ear to prevent glasses from sliding down.

LENS: Think twice about adding an anti-glare coating to children’s lens because it scratches easily.

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

FRAME: Avoid frames that contain nickel because it causes an allergic reaction in some children.

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

MARBURN Old Enough to Wear Contacts? ACADEMY need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: EYES

How to figure it out

BY HEATHER WEEKLEY

LET’S FACE IT: Contact lenses are a big responsibility for adults, let alone for children. The lenses require constant care, cleaning and upkeep. Even so, many children have been sporting the lenses in lieu of glasses.

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How do you know if your kids are old enough to wear contact lenses? Dublin optometrist Dr. Kenneth Boltz recommends making a three-way decision. The child, the parent and the YEARS optometrist all need to be in agreement when it comes to contacts, he said. “If parents and children are interested, age is less important than motivaALYSIA BURTON PHOTO Optometrist Kenneth Boltz checks 12-year-old tion,” said Boltz. Drake Bater’s vision during a well visit after he got contacts in April 2011 Although the typical age tends to be late elementary or middle school, Boltz said he has seen children as young as 5 can lead to problems. “The risk of complications is real,” or 6 ditching their frames. said Boltz. “Contacts are a medical A typically unknown benefit does Unfamiliar with the options? device. First I ask the parents if their come from making the switch early. Here are some choices Normally, eyesight worsens as a person kids are responsible.” If your child is interested in switchgets older. Wearing contacts slows this when considering contact process down, and eyes don’t change as ing to lenses, it is important to talk to lenses for your child: them about the rules that must be foldrastically. • Soft lenses are the most comlowed. Using common sense and cauAnother bonus is self-confidence. tion is imperative. Boltz explained that studies have been mon, and are made out of a Fortunately, there are multiple conducted and results have shown that thinner, more flexible material. kids who wear glasses may be a bit more options to choose from that make the • Rigid gas-permeable lenses can contact experience a smooth one, like shy and reserved in social settings. provide clearer vision, but tend daily disposable lenses. They can be Sports are another reason why kids thrown away after one wear, bringing want contact lenses. Kristi Simone, a to be less comfortable. less stress to the care routine. Dublin mother of four, cited this as a • Disposable lenses are worn for Crediting her children as being reason why her children were eager for the amount of time recomlenses. Her three oldest children — Mia, responsible, Simone says they had a mended by your optometrist, fairly easy transition to contacts, which 14, Maggie, 11, and Ian, 9 — all previallows them more freedom. ously donned glasses before getting then thrown away. Examples of “I have to remind Maggie every contacts. disposable lenses are one-day night to take her contacts out,” said “All of my kids swim,” said Simone, wear, seven-day wear or Simone. “She would much rather prefer “so they wanted to start wearing conmonthly wear. to wear her contacts because it’s so tacts to see better in the water.” much easier.” Whether they’re wearing contacts • Extended-wear lenses are simiAnd even though he doesn’t need for sports or normal everyday activities, lar to disposables, except they glasses yet, her youngest son is eager to Boltz stressed the importance of keepcan be worn overnight for the ing lenses in good shape. Touching con- follow in the footsteps of his siblings. prescribed amount of time. “Luke is 7 and dying to have glasses tacts with dirty hands or falling asleep so he can wear contacts,” said Simone. while wearing contacts are factors that

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Marburn Academy…simply better www.marburnacademy.org columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: EYES

I Can See Clearly Now? Some childhood vision problems will improve with age BY BRIAN ALBRIGHT

Sharon Holst knew something was wrong with her son Jonathan’s vision by the time he was 2 years old. “When he started watching TV, he would walk up within a few inches of the screen and just stand there,” Holst said. “It just didn’t make sense for him to want to be that close.”

Recommended for everyone age 4 and older. 90 Minutes plus an intermission By Allison Gregory. Adapted from the books by Barbara Parks

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

When Jonathan turned 3, an eye examination revealed he was extremely farsighted (or hyperopic), a condition that could have eventually led to his eyes crossing. He was issued a pair of fairly thick eyeglasses, which corrected the problem. But now, at age 13, his eyes have steadily improved, and his prescription is not nearly as strong as it once was. That’s because as Jonathan has grown, his eyeballs have grown along with him, improving his vision. Nearly all children are farsighted, although most do not require glasses. The reason: younger children’s eyes are able to compensate for hyperopia (a process called accommodation) to a much greater degree than an older child or an adult. Even though they are technically farsighted, they may experience no vision problems at all. And as they age, and their eyeballs lengthen, they gradually outgrow the condition. “When I look at a child, I expect to find farsightedness, but they generally don’t need glasses for it,” said Dr. Don Bremer, an ophthalmologist with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “They can see perfectly clearly both far away and up close.” In some cases, though, the hyperopia is so severe that the child’s eyes can’t naturally compensate. In these instances, children may complain of blurry vision or even develop crossed eyes or other problems. Some of these conditions have a genetic link, but not always. Holst, a stay-athome mom in Ostrander, and her husband Greg (who works for JP Morgan Asset Management) are both nearsighted, but all of their children (including Nathan,

11, Phillip, 8, and Bryan, 6) are farsighted to one degree or another. Glasses will correct the bulk of these issues by ensuring that both eyes are focused to the same degree. Bremer cautions that parents often believe the glasses are “training” the child’s eyes, but that’s not the case. “People think the glasses or eye patches are strengthening the muscles around the eye, but really we’re just forcing the brain to become a good ‘developer’ of the pictures the eye is sending,” Bremer said. As these children age, their prescriptions will gradually improve. Once children get past the age of 12 or so, they become gradually more nearsighted. A farsighted child may even be able to ditch his glasses completely, and then become nearsighted later in life. In Jonathan’s case, his prescription has decreased to the point that he can finally wear contacts for sports (he swims year round). “Getting the contacts was a big deal, because then I didn’t have to have those lenses in front of my face, and I don’t have to worry about breaking my glasses or losing them,” Jonathan said. The key is to try and catch these issues early through the screenings provided by pediatricians and school nurses. If you suspect a problem, visit a pediatric ophthalmologist for more thorough testing. “Getting the correction as early as we did was extremely important,” Holst said. “Any parent that has any kind of inkling that something is wrong should get right in and have it checked out.”

2 2Y-E1 ARS EYE TALK HYPEROPIA (FARSIGHTEDNESS): Visual images are focused behind the retina instead of directly on it. This can cause blurred vision at almost any distance (not just close up), headaches or eye strain, but mildly farsighted children generally have clear vision. Hyperopia can be corrected with glasses. AMBLYOPIA (LAZY EYE): Visual information is poorly transmitted (or not transmitted at all) through the optic nerve to the brain. In some cases, the eyes are noticeably misaligned, but often the lessused eye may look perfectly normal. Treatment typically involves using an eye patch or eye drops to encourage the brain to use the weaker eye. STRABISMUS: A condition in which the eyes deviate (or turn) when looking at an object, sometimes resulting in crossed eyes or a “wandering” eye. If not corrected, the child’s brain could begin ignoring input from one eye, leading to deteriorated vision. Strabismus can usually be corrected with glasses.

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Invention Convention • Lego • Game Truck • kidslinked.com • Dynamex • Title Boxing Club BuckIcon • Edvantages • Performance Academies • College Hunks Hauling Junk

For all the event details, please visit www.ﬁrstnightcolumbus.com columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

MUST SEE EVENTS

Welcome to FIRST NIGHT COLUMBUS EVENT SCHEDULE ACTIVITIES BEGIN AT 5 P.M.

LIMITED BRANDS FAMILY & CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

First Night Columbus 2012, in its 17th presentation, will ring in the New Year and kick off Columbus’ 200th birthday celebration with the midnight ﬁreworks extravaganza. Individuals and families near and far are invited downtown on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the New Year and the Bicentennial of Columbus! Create your own experience from among the many activities and entertainers at the various event venues … First Night Columbus has something for everyone!

VETERANS MEMORIAL • Limited Brands Family and Children’s Festival • Columbia Gas Creation Stations • Artist’s & Author’s League • Fitness Fun Zone and Food Focus presented by Title Boxing Fitness Club, Children’s Hunger Alliance and Youth Advisory Council • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! sponsored by Rumpke • The LEGO® Store Experience • Facebook Photo Booth sponsored by kidslinked.com • My Columbus Mural sponsored by Performance Academies • KidsFest sponsored by EdVantages • Bubble Stomp sponsored by College Hunks Hauling Junk • Spin Art sponsored by Columbus Parent • Healthy Kids sponsored by Ronald McDonald Mobile Clinic

COSI • Nickelodeon Dora & Diego - Let’s Explore! exhibit open at COSI thru Jan 8. Presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation. • Invention Convention Display • P.T. Reptiles • Chemistry is Fun • Battelle STEM Showcase sponsored by The Metro School and OCESC • COSI Programming and Activities • First Night’s Got Talent presented by Nationwide (7:30 p.m.) • Club COSI for Teens • Game Truck mobile gaming

ENTERTAINMENT Programming and entertainment subject to change. VETERANS MEMORIAL

COSI

5 -11 p.m. • Face Painters (North Hall) • Matt the Balloon Guy (North Hall) • Juggler Luke Kareklas (North Hall plus North Hall Stage performance) • Magician Matt Jergens (North Hall plus North Hall Stage performance) • AfroRhythms (North Hall, Main Stage ) • DJ Sonya (North Hall, Main Stage) • Short Stop (North Hall, Main Stage) • Comedy Magic of Rory Rennick (North Hall plus North Hall Stage performance) • Tackle Tobacco Campaign by James Cotton (North Hall, Main Stage) • Chinese Folk Dance (North Hall, Main Stage) • Habeeba’s Belly Dancers 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. (Dining Hall, 2nd Floor) • Join the Drum Circle with Wahru:8 p.m. (Dining Hall, 2nd Floor) • Anna & the Consequences, Veterans Memorial 2nd Floor Lobby, 8 – 10 p.m.

• Transit Arts: 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. • Comedy Magic of Rory Rennick 7 p.m.

ONE COLUMBUS • Ladies of Longford, 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

HUNTINGTON BANK • Enrique Infante, 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

SOUTHERN THEATRE • ProMusica performance at 8:30 p.m. in a special ticketed performance, First Night admission button included in ticket purchase.

One Columbus

V City Hall

Trinity Episcopal Church

Veterans Memorial

Ohio Statehouse

Family & Children’s Festival

Huntington Bank

Pancake Party Live Entertainment

COSI

FIRST NIGHT’S FIREWORKS FINALE

Restrooms First Aid

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

Volunteer Check In First Night Fireworks Extravaganza

5 – 11 p.m. Located at Veterans Memorial throughout venue In Partnership with: Thurber House The First Night Author’s League is comprised of aspiring authors and poets 12 and under, who were willing to show Columbus their creative writing talents. Each student submitted a story, poem or essay all about “What I Love about Columbus”. Thurber House will reward two lucky students with a Writing Wizard scholarship in honor of former Steering Committee member, Toni Wolfe. The First Night Artist’s League is comprised of aspiring artists who are showcasing their talents with an art piece that embodies the theme “People, Places and Things COLUMBUS.” Winning artists will receive a trophy and art supplies. All participants in the Artist’s and Author’s league receive a complimentary admission button and a participation ribbon. presented by Title Boxing Club, Children’s Hunger Alliance and Youth Advisory Council 5 -11 p.m. Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall Get active by participating in the many activity stations courtesy of the Children’s Hunger Alliance. You can hula hoop, jump rope, bowl and much more! Plus, make a healthy snack and get tips on healthy choices so you can learn more about eating right.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! sponsored by Rumpke 5 -11 p.m. Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! is a great place for children to see how we can go green in some creative ways with recycled materials, featuring wearable art and art made of “found items.”

THE LEGO® STORE EXPERIENCE

Fitness Fun Zone

• Columbus Women’s Chorus 7 p.m. • Blood Washed Productions (various acts) 8 – 10 p.m.

Creation Stations

Performance at 8:30 p.m. at Southern Theatre, special ticketed performance includes a First Night admission button

5 – 11 p.m. Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall The Creation Stations provide kids of all ages the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind wearable masterpieces. From hats and crowns to necklaces, noisemakers, and face painting, we have enough foil, beads, paint and markers to spark your creativity all night long.

FITNESS FUN ZONE AND FOOD CORNER

International Food Court

PROMUSICA

Presented by Columbus Blue Jackets and Marathon Live entertainment outside COSI beginning at 11:00 p.m., reworks at midnight

TRINITY CHURCH

Admission Button Sales

Got Talent Competition

COLUMBIA GAS CREATION STATIONS

ARTIST’S AND AUTHOR’S LEAGUE

Event Day Map Fun Bus Shuttle Service Highlighted in Yellow

5 – 11 p.m. Located throughout Veterans Memorial The Limited Brands Family & Children’s Festival provides an opportunity for a creative and fun family experience. Veterans Memorial is sizzling with interactive and educational activities for all ages plus LIVE entertainment.

5 -10 p.m. Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall Those ubiquitous LEGO® bricks make building FUN a reality! Join in the fun and get creative - let your inner architect out. See some of the exciting new collections, join in interactive play, and enjoy an opportunity for giveaways. And did you know the word LEGO® means PLAY WELL?!

MY COLUMBUS MURAL

CLUB COSI TEEN EXPERIENCE

sponsored by Performance Academies 5 -11 p.m. Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall From our city’s skyline, a vibrant and beautiful piece of artwork will emerge, illustrating our unique contributions to our community. Join us in celebrating how you are part of our city by adding your handprint to the night sky!

in conjunction with COSI’s Teen Advisory Council Teens can enjoy karaoke and video games from past to present and will create “Express Yourself” interactive recordings related to Past, Present and Future. These recordings will be edited and shown at 10:30 p.m. They will also enjoy music and dancing before and after the Got Talent competition.

VOLUNTEERS

TACKLE TOBACCO CAMPAIGN

EVENT DAY BUTTON SALES

KIDSFEST sponsored by EdVantages

5 -11 p.m. Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall Enjoy face painters, balloon twisters, magicians and more in this one-stop fun fest!

BUBBLE STOMP presented by College Hunks Hauling Junk 5 -11 p.m. Located at Veterans Memorial in the North Hall Hit the oor to jump and stomp on our GIANT bubble wrap with high energy tunes to get the party started!

CLOSE THE GAP HEALTH & WELLNESS ZONE presented by Ronald McDonald Mobile Clinic 5 -11 p.m. Located in Veterans Memorial in the North Hall The Ronald McDonald Mobile Clinic is an informative interactive display that provides information and examples of healthy lifestyle behaviors for youngsters and their parents as they move from early childhood through adolescence.

COSI EXPERIENCE 5 -11 p.m. Located at COSI Ready? ¡Vámonos! Embark on an active adventure in the enchanting world of Dora the Explorer, her animal-rescuing cousin Diego, and their friends. Explore Isa’s Flowery Garden, help Tico gather nuts, join the Pirate Piggies’ crew to uncover pirate treasure, and help baby animals in the Rainforest Maze. Nickelodeon Dora and Diego - Let’s Explore! is at COSI until January 8, 2012! Presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation. Visit www.cosi.org for more details! COSI will have its usual fun and interactive activities plus their Holiday Lights Show (where the intrepid Gadgeteer takes you on a whirlwind tour of holiday lighting - from the simple candle to the electric lamp, with stops along the way for ery explosions, super-cold liquid nitrogen fun, and even a reindeer-powered generator that triggers over 10,000 twinkling holiday lights,) and other winter and holiday themed programs. Don’t forget to check out the Battelle Metro School’s Innovation Zone, including the Invention Convention displays and the STEM Schools Showcase. Also, check out performances at COSI from Transit Arts, a dynamic blend of outstanding professionals and talented youth artists to honor diverse roots. On your way in stop by the Game Truck Party located on the east side of COSI outside of the main entrance. This one stop video game mobile party will keep you entertained for hours.

Veterans Memorial North Hall Stage at 6 p.m. & Club COSI for Teens at 7 p.m. The Tackle Tobacco Campaign, presented by former OSU and NFL football player James Cotton’s BUCK-ICON Foundation, provides awareness to students, athletes, parents and coaches of the importance of maintaining a tobacco-free lifestyle by illustrating the short and longterm effects of tobacco use. The presentation emphasizes the character traits of Commitment, Discipline and SelfWorth.

BLUE JACKETS NEW YEAR’S EVE GAME 7 p.m. Nationwide Arena Don’t miss your opportunity to start your New Year’s Eve celebration and cheer on the Blue Jackets with the Dispatch Family Value Pack! Get a game ticket, hot dog, Pepsi, popcorn, UDF ice cream cone coupon, and OhioHealth Ice Haus Skate Pass. Starting at $25 per person, a savings of 50%! Lower Bowl packages available starting at $59 per person. Visit www.ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets. Purchase the Dispatch Family Value Pack for December 31 and receive FREE ADMISSION to Stinger’s Family Skate in the OhioHealth Ice Haus from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and First Night admission buttons.

GOT TALENT COMPETITION presented by Nationwide 7:30 - 9:30 pm Located at COSI in Gallery 2 Come out to see some of Columbus’ most talented teens with contestants from area high schools as they compete in our Got Talent competition hosted by Billy Zenn. Come out and cheer for your favorite contestant as they compete for a $500 cash award.

FIRST NIGHT’S FIREWORKS FINALE presented by Columbus Blue Jackets and Marathon 11 p.m. -12:30 a.m. First Night revelers join together as a community to celebrate and ring in the bicentennial of Columbus with First Night’s Fireworks Finale presented by Columbus Blue Jackets and Marathon. Our live stage show includes our Teen Idol winner. You’ll see why it’s “the place to be on New Year’s Eve!”

Opportunities still available! Get all the details by calling Amanda Leeman at 614-299-8628 or go to rstnightcolumbus. com. Volunteers receive a free button, event T-shirt, and prizes from local businesses.

On December 31, in addition to Giant Eagle locations and COSI, admission buttons will also go on sale for $10 at Veterans Memorial beginning at 5 p.m.

PARKING The following lots and garages are suggested: Standard Parking Huntington Center Garage Gay and Front Garage Capital Plaza Garage Riffe Parking Garage Gay and Third Lot River South Parking COSI Lot Veterans Memorial Lot

COTA Another option is to ride COTA to First Night. Go to cota.com for bus schedules.

RESTROOMS Public restrooms are available in Veterans Memorial and COSI.

FIRST AID AND EMERGENCIES An EMS unit will be on site to take care of your rst aid and emergency needs, which will be headquartered at Veterans Memorial.

MAKE A WEEKEND OUT OF IT! Top off your First Night fun with a night in luxury. Book a stay at First Night’s downtown hotel partner: Westin Columbus Hotel, 614-228-3800

SHUTTLE SERVICE presented by Funbus Looking for a quick way to get from place to place? Hop on our shuttle, which runs from 5-11 p.m., starting at Veterans Memorial and going down Broad St to 3rd St. stopping at all of our exciting venues.

PASSPORT TO FUN AT FIRST NIGHT Columbus turns 200 in 2012, when a year-long line-up of festivals, art, music and educational initiatives will bring the community together to celebrate all the things we love about Columbus For the details, go to 200Columbus.com.

Travel from place to place at Veterans Memorial and COSI and get your passport stamped to be eligible to enter a chance to win the Passport to Fun in Columbus Prize Package.

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

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need to know: THE GO-TO GUIDE

Holiday Lights & DISPLAYS

Does your holiday mood need a jumpstart? There’s nothing like a visit to a holiday lights show or seasonal display to bounce away the bah humbugs!

HERE

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DISPLAYS IN CENTRAL OHIO OLDE HILLIARD CHRISTMAS

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS ADDRESS: Ohio Village, 1982 Velma Ave., Columbus PHONE: 800-686-1541 WEB: ohiohistory.org/ohiovillage PRICE: $12 ages 13+ ($10 if an Ohio Historical Society member), $9 ages 6-12 ($7 if an OHS member), free for ages 0-5; free parking DATES/TIMES: 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17; 12 noon-5 p.m. on Dec. 18 DISTANCE: 4 miles north from downtown Columbus DESCRIPTION: Experience a Victorian-era Christmas with characters from Charles Dickens’ novels, crafts, cooking demonstrations, caroling and more. TIP: Enjoy a “Dickens of a Dinner” on the grounds of the Ohio Village from 6-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17 for $60 per person ($50 if an OHS member), but hurry to make reservations.

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

FANTASY OF LIGHTS ADDRESS: Alum Creek State Park, 2911 S. Old State Road, Delaware PHONE: 740-369-2900 WEB: alumcreek.com PRICE: Starts at $10 per car, depending on night of the week and size of the vehicle DATES: Nov.18-Jan. 1 TIMES: 5:30-9:30 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 5:30-10:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday DISTANCE: 20 miles north from downtown Columbus DESCRIPTION: Considered one of Ohio’s premiere drive-thru light shows, the 12th Annual Fantasy of Lights stretches for nearly two miles and includes more than a million lights and more than 130 lighted holiday displays. There’s also a Santa House (which is NOT a drive-thru feature!). Enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate. TIP: While the kids are getting their picture taken with Santa, you can knock a couple of things off their list at the gift shop. Some of the proceeds benefit Recreation Unlimited.

ADDRESS: Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard PHONE: 614-664-3290 WEB: destinationhilliard.com PRICE: free DATES/TIMES: The Christmas season opens on Dec. 1 with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. The village will be adorned with lights and decorations through Dec. 31. DISTANCE: 14 miles west from downtown Columbus DESCRIPTION: The Historical Village in Olde Hilliard’s Weaver Park will be adorned in holiday decorations and lights all month. Each weekend, events like kids’ activities, trolley rides, visits from Santa, music and plays will take place. Consult their website for specific times and activities. TIP: Santa visits the Red Caboose on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 2:30-6 p.m. Bring your own camera for photos. Horse-drawn wagon rides also are offered — $2 for adults, $1 for kids.

OHIO STATEHOUSE TREE ADDRESS: The Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Downtown PHONE: 888-OHIO-123 WEB: ohiostatehouse.org PRICE: free DATE: Nov. 30 for the tree lighting; the tree remains up and lit each day inside the Statehouse Atrium through Jan. 2. TIME: The Statehouse is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, closed on Christmas Day. The JONATHAN QUILTER/DISPATCH PHOTO Statehouse Museum is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays and 12 noon-4:30 p.m. weekends. DESCRIPTION: The Statehouse Tree is lit Nov. 30 (it’s a nearly century-old tradition) and the holiday spirit continues throughout the month of December with Victorian-era decorations throughout the building. Free tours (no reservations needed) take place at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. each weekday and at 12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends. The tours begin in the Map Room (accessible from the Third Street entrance). At 12 noon each weekday from Dec. 5-22, there will be a different musical concert in the Statehouse Crypt. TIP: Visit the Museum Shop between Dec. 5-10 and you can draw a candy cane that will tell you if you receive 10, 20, 30 or 40 percent off any purchase.

HOLIDAYS AT THE CONSERVATORY ADDRESS: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus PHONE: 614-645-8733 WEB: fpconservatory.org PRICE: regular admission rates ($11 adults to age 59, $9 ages 60+ and college students with ID, $6 ages 3-17, free for ages 0-2) DATE: Nov. 19-Jan. 4, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas TIME: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, and open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays DISTANCE: 3 miles east from downtown Columbus DESCRIPTION: Experience the color and spirit of the season while staying warm within the beautiful botanical gardens of the Franklin Park Conservatory. See the 10foot poinsettia tree or follow the garden model railway. Check their website for information about special programs throughout the season. TIP: Candlelight Night is held each Wednesday. Tiptoe along paths lit by hundreds of votive candles and enjoy a special menu and snacks at The Conservatory Garden Cafe or make reservations (as early as possible) for an intimate candlelight dinner at the Palm House.

ERIC ALBRECHT/DISPATCH PHOTO

STATE AUTO CHRISTMAS DISPLAY

PHONE: 614-464-5000 WEB: stateauto.com PRICE: free DATES/TIMES: The lights will be turned on and the display officially opens on Dec. 7. The display can be toured any time through Jan. 1. The lights are turned on every day from 6-8 a.m. and 5:30-11 p.m. and until 12:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The display also will be lit until 4:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve. DESCRIPTION: This outdoor Nativity display — filled with nearly 80 life-sized plaster and polymer-coated figures, 7,000 LED lights, 1,200 feet of garland, five 12-foot lighted wreaths and six towering Nutcrackers — has been a downtown tradition for 80 years. Local choral groups will perform, for free, on weekend evenings. TIP: You can park in the State Auto parking lot at the southeast corner of Broad and Washington streets. Be sure to follow the instructions for a cell-phone tour of the Nativity display. Nativity guides (State Farm employees) also are on hand to answer questions during peak hours.

ADDRESS: 518 E. Broad St., Downtown (northeast corner of Washington and Broad streets)

CHRIS RUSSELL/DISPATCH PHOTO

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

need to know: THE GO-TO GUIDE

WINTER WONDERLAND AT CREEKSIDE PARK ADDRESS: Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna PHONE: 614-418-9114 WEB: visitgahanna.com PRICE: free DATES: Nov. 12-Jan. 2 TIME: Monday-Sunday, any time DISTANCE: 10 miles east from downtown Columbus DESCRIPTION: The 5-acre Creekside Park along Gahanna’s Big Walnut Creek is the setting for this dazzling holiday light display. Enjoy a walk along the beautiful creek and then warm up in one of the many restaurants along the waterway and plaza. TIP: Don’t miss out on an opportunity to have breakfast with your favorite holiday characters! They’re visiting the Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8 a.m.-12 noon. Tickets are $6 for those 4+, and free for kids 0-3.

KATIE MILLER/DISPATCH PHOTO

VILLAGE LIGHTS ADDRESS: Historic German Village PHONE: 614-221-8888 WEB: germanvillage.com PRICE: free DATE: 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4 for the Village Lights event; enjoy the seasonal decorations throughout the month DISTANCE: 1 mile south from downtown Columbus DESCRIPTION: From twinkling white lights in the trees to more than 11,000 luminaries lining the walkways, Village Lights in Historic German Village is always a magical evening. Shops and restaurants will stay open to welcome you in. Also enjoy live music and carolers if you simply want to stroll the streets. TIP: German Village restaurants will offer special treats and discounts on Village Lights night, and throughout the month.

NEW THIS YEAR! JONATHAN QUILTER/DISPATCH PHOTO

WILDLIGHTS ADDRESS: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell PHONE: 614-645-3550 WEB: columbuszoo.org PRICE: regular admission rates ($14 ages 10-59, $9 ages 2-9, $10 ages 60+, free for ages 0-2); parking is $5 per car; members receive free admission and parking. DATES: Nov. 18-Jan. 1, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Christmas Eve TIMES: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays DISTANCE: 17 miles northwest from downtown Columbus DESCRIPTION: Every year at Wildlights, you will find millions of lights on everything but the animals! This long-standing family tradition is in its 23rd year. Enjoy special displays from the polar bears to the koala bears and every exhibit in between. Listen to music, visit with Santa and his reindeer, and even decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus! TIP: Check out our Hot Topic story in this issue about the people who make the Wildlights magic happen!

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

THE GRAND ILLUMINATION OF DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS ADDRESS: Bicentennial Park (233 Civic Center Drive), City Hall (90 W. Broad St.) and Columbus Commons (160 S. High St.) PRICE: free DATES: through Jan. 15 DESCRIPTION: Downtown Columbus will be decked out with thousands of lights, including a light show in the Scioto Mile Fountain of Bicentennial Park and a 15-foot fountain of light at the High Street entrance to the Columbus Commons. City Hall’s 20-foot balsam fir, located on the southeast corner of City Hall, also will be decorated.

For more information about Holiday Lights and Displays outside the Central Ohio area, visit ColumbusParent.com. There you’ll find complete listings for these destinations: the Byesville Scenic Railway “Spirit of Christmas” Excursion, Christmas at Historic Roscoe Village, A Christmas Story House and Museum, Dickens Victorian Village, Hocking Hills Scenic Railway Holiday Trains, Holiday Trail of Lights at Lake Hope State Park, Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad North Pole Express, and The Legendary Lights at Clifton Mill.

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Saturday, December 31, 2011 from 12:30–4pm

Free with COSI admission. Free timed tickets will be issued on a first-come, first serve basis. Limited quantity available. Please consider arriving early to secure a ticket to meet Diego. ©2011 Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved. Nickelodeon, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go! and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

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HOLIDAY BRUNCH WITH SANTA Why cook when you can enjoy family, friends and good times —Matt The Miller

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Games December 10 & 11 G P Play games of all kinds, meet S Santa Claus, enjoy holiday eats, a even leave with a new game and f from under Santa’s tree! TTrains i December 17–23 (Closes at 3pm December 23) P on your railroad engineer’s Put g cap p and ccheck out model el ttrains of all sizes es a and shapes!

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columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

need to know: FAMILY FINANCE

What’s the Big Deal? BY DENISE TROWBRIDGE

Your holiday gift budget is probably a little smaller again this year. According to the National Retail Federation, families are expected to spend $704.18 on holiday gifts, slightly less than last year and significantly less than 2007’s $755.13, before the Great Recession punched us in the pocketbooks. Yet the desire to give, for most of us, remains strong. And happily you can still give thoughtful, luxurious gifts on a shrinking budget: Just use “daily deals” websites such as Groupon. Sounds tacky? You haven’t met Stacey Vermillion, who blogs about deals at savvyshopper614.com. Her real talent is not only finding a good deal, but packaging it in a

Rockin’with Santa

way that makes it a great gift. Last Christmas, Vermillion bought deals for restaurant meals and cooking gifts for foodie friends and “paired them with spices and olive oil in pretty gift baskets.” She also sent loved ones to the spa: “I printed (the deal) on nice, colored paper and put it in a fancy gift box, then I put it in a gift basket with hand lotion and an inexpensive mani-pedi kit,” she said. “The presentation was great and no one knew I didn’t spend a lot.” Don’t think your only option is printing out the certificate and giving that as the gift. Vermillion once snapped up two deals for spa services, plus a discounted restaurant meal, and treated the recipient to a girls’ day out. They all get to bond

on a dime, and no one knows how much she spent. Who wouldn’t love to be the beneficiary of Stacey’s savvy shopping? And with the proliferation of daily deal and discount sites, there truly is something for everyone. Groupon recently offered halfprice products at The Body Shop, and experiences such as bowling and flight lessons. LivingSocial had half-price deals on everything from roller skating to flatware, while Eversave had deals on car detailing, massages and gourmet coffee. PlumDistrict, a deal site just for moms, had discount designer shoes, high-end cosmetics and kid’s clothes. Don’t forget to look at sites such as Homerun and Tippr, which had discounts on

The Jolly Fella Hosts a Kids’ Holiday FunFest

organic cosmetics, photos gifts, video game rentals and bartending classes. Daily Deals Columbus offered half-price gift certificates for locally-owned restaurants and greenhouses, while Columbus-based Faveroo had deals on ballroom dance lessons, OSU Buckeye gear and spa services. Don’t limit your shopping to daily deals only. Other sites offer great deals as well. For instance, Dine Originals Columbus sells gift certificates for dozens of fine, local restaurants at a 30 percent discount, so you’d pay $17.50 for a $25 certificate to a restaurant such as the Clarmont or Granville Inn. Even Val-pak, the company that sends giant stacks of coupons by

Join Us for

Denise Trowbridge is a self-professed money geek, who has written about personal finance, banking and insurance for The Columbus Dispatch and bankrate.com. She blogs about very personal money issues at middlepathfinance.com. Denise tries not to talk about money at cocktail parties, but sometimes she just can’t help herself. mail, has daily deals on its web site for bowling, massages, comedy clubs and desserts from fancy bakeries. Saving is just a question of waiting for the right offer to come along.

Santa Brunch

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 • 5 - 9 PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 | 10 AM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 | 10 AM

Pinnacle presents a kid-centered party sure to put joy in the hearts of children of all ages as you shake, rattle and bounce down Santa Claus Lane! Hosted by the jolly fella himself, it’s an evening of great fun for the whole family.

Magical Holiday Event for the Young at Heart.

$19.95* per person includes party food buffet of pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, cookies and much more!

Cash Bar Available * plus tax & gratuity

• DJ • Bouncy House • Photo Booth • Carnival Games • Sundae Bar • Photo Opportunities with Santa

Pinnacle Events

A holiday delight for the child in each of us! Enjoy a delectable breakfast buffet, a visit from St. Nick, and a trip to Santa’s workshop where little hands will assemble delightful crafts and enjoy other holiday surprises. One of Pinnacle’s most popular community events and a holiday “must” for families!

Children 3 & under: FREE Children 4-12: $12.95 (plus tax & gratuity) Adults: $22.95 (plus tax & gratuity)

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY! 614-539-0722 OR EMAIL INFO@PINNACLEGC.COM 1500 Pinnacle Club Drive l Grove City l 614.539.0722 l discoverpinnacle.com 40

at Pinnacle

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

family fun: HANDS ON

DIY Snow Globe

BY OLIVERA BRATICH PHOTOS BY ALYSIA BURTON

On a blustery afternoon this month, gather the family together to create your own winter wonderland! This do-it-yourself snow globe is a great use for old miniature toys sitting at the bottom of the toy box and makes a perfect holiday gift or family keepsake!

HOW YOU DO IT 1. Wash out jar thoroughly with warm water and soap. Let dry. 2. On the inside of the jar lid, build up white modeling clay to create a snowy “ground” for your winter scene. If your toys are much smaller than your jar, make a snow hill with the clay, so they will be more visible. If the clay requires baking to harden, bake in standard oven according to package instructions. 3. Arrange the toys and figurines on your snowy ground into a winter scene. 4. Adults can use the epoxy glue to glue all the pieces into place. Follow instructions to allow enough time to let the glue set and become waterproof. 5. Fill the jar with water, leaving a half-inch of space at the top. Add approximately a tablespoon of glitter — more or less, depending on the size of your jar. Add a few drops of glycerin (this makes the glitter fall slowly and swirl!) 6. Seal the lid to the jar tightly. Feel free to add a little glue to the jar lid to strengthen the seal, if you need it. 7. Shake and enjoy!

WHO THOUGHT THIS UP 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.

WHAT YOU NEED • 1 small jar with lid (baby food jars or relish jars are a good size) • epoxy glue (to be used by adults) • white modeling clay • small plastic toys or figurines (if you don’t have any at home, craft stores have dollhouse miniatures and holiday figurines that work well for this project) • white glitter • liquid glycerin

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

WHO THOUGHT THIS UP

family fun: COOKING WITH KIDS

Gingerbread House and Candy Ice Pond BY JANE HAWES PHOTOS BY ALYSIA BURTON

Holiday traditions create memories for our children and revive memories for us grown-ups. And nowhere was that more apparent than when Columbus Parent set to work on a gingerbread house landscape last month. We wanted to work with children to make this iconic holiday treat, so we enlisted the help of a few grown-ups. Baking instructor Judy Tipton and her friend Cynthia Adkins provided the guidance in building and decorating the gingerbread houses, ice-cream cone trees and royal-icing snowdrifts. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Lori Kingston arranged for us to use the beautiful AEP Education Pavilion on their campus for the lesson. And then we asked Columbus Blue Jackets center Antoine Vermette to come along for the fun. Part of the landscape included a “frozen pond” made from crushed, melted and then hardened Life Saver candies. We figured who better to help the kids — 10-year-old Abby Jung and 13-year-olds Alex and Leena Todd and Colin Hawes — than someone who grew up playing

hockey on the frozen ponds of Quebec? Now make no mistake — building a gingerbread house landscape from scratch is a complicated process and Tipton advised that parents tailor their projects to reflect their children’s ages and capabilities. Frustration can easily set in if you expect too much too soon, Tipton said, so it’s best to find small parts of the process to share with young children. Our kid helpers were all self-professed foodies and love to cook. It also became apparent, as they assembled their houses, they were all very meticulous. At one point, we asked what their favorite subjects in school are. Was it any surprise that math and science were the answers? “But really more math,” Abby noted, as the others nodded in agreement. Alex and Colin also bonded over the fact that both are LEGO enthusiasts.

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

Our photographer Alysia Burton has created a photo slide show to go along with the full instructions, and it all resides on our website, ColumbusParent.com. But to tempt your palates and inspire your creativity, we’re sharing photos here from the entirely edible landscape construction, plus instructions for making the frozen pond. And we’ve included Antoine’s memories of growing up on the outdoor ice.

HOW TO MAKE ICE (with an oven!) Crushing and then melting Life Saver hard candies in a low-heat oven is an easy, fun and safe way to create an ice pond. (This is also an excellent technique for making stained glass windows in a gingerbread house.) Our online instructions include another method, but Tipton said she considers that one a “grown-up only” method of preparation.

MATERIALS

• Life Saver hard candies: a mixture of mostly pinacolada plus some pineapple-flavored candies will give you the whitest ice (mint candies won’t work at all because they have oil in them). About 20 total will be needed to create a “pond” the size of an 8-1/2” by 11” paper sheet. • parchment paper • baking sheet • meat tenderizer • freezer baggies (regular sandwich baggies are too thin) • scissors

INSTRUCTIONS 1. GROWN-UP: Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. KID (OR CBJ PLAYER): Unwrap candies and place in the freezer baggie, sealing it securely. Use the meat tenderizer to crush the Life Savers to a fine dust. 3. GROWN-UP: Use scissors to cut off a bottom corner of the baggie and empty the crushed Life Savers onto the baking sheet. 4. KID: Spread the crushed candies around with your fingertips to form an even layer in the desired shape. (NOTE: We also added “blue” lines, a red center line and goals to our frozen pond to create a hockey rink. These were made by crushing candies in other colors and then sprinkling them on top of the white layer.) 5. GROWN-UP: Place the baking sheet in the oven. Baking time will vary by oven and the thickness of the crushed candy, but it generally takes about three minutes for the candies to start melting. They’ll take on a more liquid appearance. Once most of it looks liquid, remove from the oven. It will continue to melt even as the sheet cools. The melted candy will completely cool and harden in about 10 minutes. Once cool, the grown-up can transfer it (with bare hands or a spatula) to the landscape.

GROWING UP ON THE ICE Antoine Vermette answered questions for us about his childhood in Quebec, Canada: What are your favorite food memories from the holidays? We always have turkey and mashed potatoes, and now my wife (Karen Bonneau Vermette) will make a chocolate cake. One of my favorite foods is the tourtiere. They’re a meat pie. We can’t really find them around here, so we have to make them ourselves.

Did you really play hockey outside when you were growing up? Yes, I did! The thing is you’ve got to bring your own shovel. That’s to clean off the ice. We rarely could get enough guys to play a full game. A lot of times I would just go play by myself. I would practice new ways to score. But at first, like a lot of kids, I thought about wanting to be a goalie because of the cool equipment. I would say, “Dad, I want to be a goalie,” and he just said, “Oh, we’ll see.” It wasn’t that he didn’t think it was a good position. He just knew I had a gift to move on the ice.

A lot of hockey players have to leave home at a young age in order to pursue a career. Did you? I was 16 when I moved away, but I was lucky enough that I played for a team in Quebec City. My hometown (St. Agapit) is just outside it. It was too far, though, for me to commute, so during the week I lived in a billet (a boarding situation with another family) and my father would come drive me home for the weekends. I was very lucky. And then when I started playing professionally, it was for Victoriaville, which was only about one hour away from my family.

Did you get to go home for Christmas or does being in the middle of your season prevent that? This year we might get to go home to Quebec. Usually our family has to come down here to us, but right now it looks like we’ll have a long enough break to go up there.

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

family fun: PARTIES

a Cookie-Exchange TEA PARTY BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

Lucy Myrtle Baith loves parties and fancy dresses. Her little sister, Athena, 2, loves dolls and cookies. With the help of their mother, Sarah Grace Heller, the girls hosted a holiday party that combined all of their favorite things. ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

Heller organized a tea party-themed cookie-exchange party for Lucy Myrtle, 5, and several of her classmates at their Bexley home. She invited the girls and their mothers to don their holiday finery and enjoy an afternoon of tea, games and crafts. Each party guest was asked to bring her favorite doll and several dozen cookies to share. When the girls arrived on a sunny Saturday afternoon, they spent a few minutes admiring one another’s party dresses before heading into the living room to check out the toy tea sets that Heller had set up. After the girls played a bit, Lucy Myrtle

invited them to sit in a circle. “Thank you for coming to my party,” she told them before asking them to introduce the dolls that they had brought. When it was Masha Shonia’s turn, she told the girls, “I’m still thinking.” The 5-year-old had brought a doll she received the day before from her grandmother. After introductions were made, Heller told the girls it was time for crafts. She handed each child a sealed sandwich bag filled with applesauce and cinnamon. She told the girls to roll the bag around in their

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

hands until the two were combined. To everyone’s surprise the ingredients formed cinnamon-scented dough. “What are we going to make with this?” asked Emily White, 5. In response, Heller led the girls to table where she let them remove the dough from the bags. “Pat it down and roll it,” she instructed the youngsters. Once the dough was flat, the girls used cookie cutters to create angels, bells and Santas. Heller told them the dough would harden as it dried and they would end up

with cinnamon-scented Christmas ornaments. “It makes a fun little gift if you want to make a gift for someone,” Heller told the girls. When the ornaments were cut out, Heller told the girls to put a hole in the top. She sent them home with red and green ribbon so they could hang their creations on their Christmas trees. When they were done with crafts, the girls headed to the dining room to fill buckets and tins with the cookies they had brought.

CINNAMONSCENTED ORNAMENTS • Combine 1/3 cup of applesauce and 1/3 cup of cinnamon in sealed sandwich bag (really, that’s it for ingredients!). • Massage the bag between your hands until the ingredients are combined. • Roll the dough out and cut it into holiday shapes using cookie cutters. Don’t forget to put a hole through the top of the ornament so it can be hung on the Christmas tree. • Let the ornaments sit undisturbed for several days to completely dry.

There were still plenty of cookies left to enjoy with a cup of tea or hot cocoa that Heller served in mismatched china cups. The girls also nibbled on chicken cordon bleu bites, mini hotdogs and rice balls. The light meal seemed to reenergize the girls and they ran off to play some more. After having a chance to talk a bit among themselves, the mothers gathered their girls, thanked the hostesses for a wonderful time and headed home. Heller knew it was a successful party when Lucy Myrtle asked to be put to bed not long after the last guest left.

COOKIE PARTY TIPS • If you plan on hosting a cookieexchange party, be sure to provide guests with clear instructions on how many cookies to bring. • Be sure to provide containers for guests to take all their cookie acquisitions home. • If the party includes children, be sure to have enough cookies for the kids to munch on some.

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

Merry & Bright November 19 - January 4

New this year! Original art from Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas

A season of lights and delights for all ages! Poinsettias, gingerbread houses, music, a model railroad, candlelight nights and family entertainment. Make your holidays Merry & Bright! Presented by WesBanco. Media support from WBNS-10TV.

1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43203 614.645.8733 www.fpconservatory.org

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

family fun: DAY TRIPPIN’

THE HOCKING HILLS

Scenic Railway Santa Train BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

My kids have never visited Santa at the mall. We prefer to connect with the jolly old elf when he’s doing something a bit more interesting than sitting in a chair. When we heard that St. Nick takes time from his busy schedule to take a ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, the whole family was on board — or, should I say, “all aboard.” We piled in the minivan and headed toward the train depot in Nelsonville — a drive that’s much quicker and easier thanks to the Route 33 Bypass that opened several years ago. When we arrived at the station, the boys were awed by the big diesel engine sitting on the track. They also were curious to check out the coaches, which date from the 1920s and 1930s. The traveling cars were decked out in lights and greenery and had a festive feel. The boys excitedly boarded the train and each chose a window seat. They sang along to the Christmas carols that were playing on the sound system. When the train got moving, they initially had fun looking out the windows at the houses and businesses that we were rolling past. As the two-hour train ride wore on, they got a little restless and I wished I had brought

KYLE ROBERTSON/DISPATCH PHOTO

crayons or other car-type activities to occupy them. We also could have used more snacks. The volunteerrun railway company allows families to bring food onto the vintage coaches. The highlight of the ride was, of course, Santa. He visits each car and spends ample time visiting with each child. He eagerly poses for photos and doesn’t flinch at crying babies or timid toddlers. After the kids chat with Santa, his elf gives them a candy cane — so be sure and pack a few wet wipes to clean up after that treat. Don’t be surprised if

Santa asks for a little something in return. He usually asks kids and grown-ups to join him in an impromptu

sing-a-long. His song of choice? “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” of course!

IF YOU GO 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, 800-967-7834, hvsry.org TIMES: The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Santa Train runs Saturdays and Sundays beginning from Nov. 26 through Dec. 18. Two roundtrip trains depart each day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. COST: Tickets cost $16 for adults; $14 for seniors (60-plus) and $12 for children ages 3 to 12. Kids under 3 are free but must sit on a guardian’s lap. TIP: Two other historic railroads in Ohio — the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad and the Byesville Scenic Railway — offer Santa-themed train excursions. To read more about both, check out our Go-To Guide this issue.

invites you to

Come Downtown for the lights (AND STAY FOR SANTA AND THE GRINCH)

The inaugural Holiday Fair is coming Dec. 16-18 to Columbus Commons.

Most activities are free and a $5 wristband takes care of the rest. Here’s a look at some highlights of the Holiday Fair schedule: Friday, Dec. 16 — 4-9 p.m. 6 p.m. Columbus Maennerchor performance 8 p.m. Columbus Children’s Choir performance 8:30 p.m. Fireworks Saturday, Dec. 1-4 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 6, 7 and 8 p.m.

17 — Noon-9 p.m. Ice Sculpture Show Performance by the Columbus International Children’s Choir Story time with the Columbus Metropolitan Library How the Grinch Stole Christmas screenings

Sunday, Dec. 18 — Noon-6 p.m. 2 p.m. Performance by Kids Company Performing Group

Each day, this brandnew spin on the holiday season will feature fun for all ages, including trackless train rides, carousel rides, a giant “ice” slide, a barnyard petting zoo and marshmallow roasting. Additionally, a holiday tent will host photos with Santa Claus, a Secret Santa shop, indoor seating and choir performances. The Columbus Commons are at 160 S. High St. Parking is available in the Commons’ Main Garage at 55 E. Rich Street.

And you can check out nearly 200,000 holiday lights Downtown — from the Commons to Scioto Mile to the Lazarus Building — now through Jan. 15.

Complete details at ColumbusCommons.org. columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

family fun: MEDIA REVIEWS

Books ***BLACK FRIDAY

Each month, the staff at the Columbus Metropolitan Library reviews kids’ books for us. For the holidays, we asked them to recommend titles for everyone in the family. Melissa Boyd from the main branch’s Center for Discovery, offered up these suggestions:

SALES EVENT ***

If this year’s economic uncertainty has made selecting a gift a bit challenging, why not let a book serve as the stand-in for a more luxurious stocking stuffer? After all, you may not be able to give them a trip to Paris, but nothing’s stopping them from reading about it….

“Journeys of a Lifetime” from National Geographic: Perhaps it’s a stroll through the Headhunter’s Trail of Malaysia you fancy or a tour of Thailand’s cuisine. This book gives you a taste of the exotic without ever leaving the couch. Vicarious photographic thrills abound in this impressive coffee-table book, making it easy to get lost in its pages.

SHOP 24/7 @ WWW.CARMENSVACUUM.COM

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

“Wild Animal Atlas: Earth’s Astonishing Animals and Where They Live,” also from National Geographic, is intended for ages 5-8. This glossy page turner is filled with surprising facts about little-known animals from spots including the Amazon Rainforest, the Alps and the Great Barrier Reef.

Some books are best given as part of a suite of gifts, like Roy Blount Jr.’s “Alphabet Juice” and its followup, “Alpha Better Juice.” Perfect for the consummate word lover, these referencestyle books are an A to Z of hilarious snippets by the prolific author. One gets the sense in reading each entry that great care and love was afforded every last sentence.

RECREATION SERVICES

Family Fun Activities

Here is a snapshot of a few of our upcoming events and programs. Find fun family ideas for winter by visiting www.dublinohiousa.gov/recreation.

Abbey Theater Presents A Christmas Carol Saturday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 & 7 p.m.

An hour long, musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic story, written specifically for the Abbey Theater of Dublin. Recommended for families Tickets: $5 per person

The Nutcracker

“Parisian Chic: A Style Guide” by Ines de la Fressange. Next destination: Paris! Replete with whimsical illustrations, the uber-chic author shares what to wear (and not wear) when dressing Parisian, and a special section details all the best spots to hit when finally making the trip to the City of Light.

Finally, anyone would enjoy writing in one of Revolver Bound Books’ beautifully innovative 2-in-1 journal. Thanks to a clever binding technique, these 64-page journals flip outside and inside so that you can have two projects, topics or to-do lists running at the same time. They come in two different page sizes and are available at revolverboundbooks.com or from vat19.com

The New York Review Children’s Collection features classic titles that are beautifully illustrated, hard-bound and perfect for gifting: Among these are Margery Sharp’s “The Rescuers,” which features mice with personalities richer than those in most contemporary adult fiction, and illustrations from Garth Williams; Frank Tashlin’s “The Bear That Wasn’t,” a fable written in 1946 but more relevant now than ever — it’s all about a bear who wakes up from a long sleep to find that a factory has been built over the entrance to his cave, and instead of apologizing for their misstep, the factory owners accuse the bear of laziness and admonish him to get back to work (and shave); and James Thurber’s classic “The 13 Clocks” is best for savvy readers, ages 9 and up, and has retro illustrations to lend a tongue-in-cheek sophistication.

Saturday, Dec. 17 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

A special performance of the beloved holiday classic, performed by Dublin Dance Centre & Gymnastics. Recommended for families Tickets: $5 per person

From Dublin to the North Pole Families who love watching The Polar Express each holiday season can see the movie come to life as it plays in Dublin’s Abbey Theater. Children enter the theater on a trackless train, hot chocolate is served, and each child receives a golden ticket and a bell. All aboard for this magical holiday experience! We encourage children to come dressed in their pajamas. Parent participation is required. Fee is per person, pre-regstration is required. Open to all ages. Class 424185.01 424185.02

Date Dec 20 Dec 21

Day T W

Time Fee 6 – 8:30 p.m. $8 per person 6 – 8:30 p.m. $8 per person

For tickets or more information, call the Dublin Community Recreation Center at 614.410.4550 or visit www.dublinohiousa.gov/recreation.

http://facebook.com/DublinOhio http://twitter.com/DublinOhio

www.dublinohiousa.gov

dublinohiousa.gov/enews

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

december 2011

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

THURSDAY 1 FREE! Bears, Bears Everywhere, Is your favorite teddy bear ready for a long winter’s nap? Bring him along for stories and a bear hunt. He’ll be ready for some sleep after this fun event! 10:30-11:30 a.m. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Drive, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Home for the Holidays, Join us for our festive annual event! The afternoon’s festivities include: holiday music played by Mr. Brian, crafts, refreshments and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m. 4-6 p.m. Miller Park Branch Library, 1901 Arlington Ave, Upper Arlington. 614-488-5710.

FRIDAY 2 American Motorsports Arenacross, Professional and amateur motorcycle racing in AMA sanctioned arenacross. Male and female racers will range in age from 4 years old to over 40 years old. 6:30 p.m. $15, ages 6-12 $10, ages five and under free. Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., North Side. 614-644-3247. ohioexpocenter.com FREE! Downtown Delaware’s First Friday Celebration, Delaware’s downtown antique shops, gift boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and other attractions stay open late as part of Main Street Delaware’s family-friendly First Friday celebration of the city. 6-9 p.m. Historic Downtown Delaware, South Sandusky Street, Delaware. 740-203-6908. mainstreetdelaware.org FREE! Downtown Newark Holiday Open House & Cookie Walk, Hundreds of luminaries will light the streets of

downtown Newark during the Holiday Open House/Cookie Walk. Shops and galleries will be open late and there will be entertainment and a roving Santa. New this year is the Cookie Walk. 4-8 p.m. Downtown Newark, Courthouse Square. 740-258-3730. downtownnewarkoh.com Evening Programs, Content varies based on sky conditions, but may include a planetarium show, observatory tours and star gazing with the 32-inch Schottland Telescope. 8-10 p.m. Perkins Observatory, 3199 Columbus Pike, Delaware. 740-368-6908. FREE! First Friday Movies, For grades K-5. Catch a hot new DVD release on the big screen at the library. 3:15-5 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951. ghpl.org Friday Night Open Gyms, Join us for an Open Gym! Kids will enjoy two trampolines, large foam pit, two large spring floors, bars, balance beams and more! Ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome. Must have a signed waiver to participate! 810:15 p.m. $9. Gym X-Treme Gymnastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614-573-8484. gymxtreme.com Gift of the Magi, 7-9 p.m. $6-$14. Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Pl., Newark. 740345-5483. midlandtheatre.org Kids & Critters: A Zoo Adventure, A new addition to the special “A Christmas To Cure Cancer” program for children and youth. Kids will be entertained while parents enjoy the main event! The Zoo’s education staff will divide participants into groups by age, ranging from 4 to 16 years old. Activities will include handson learning activities with a focus on animal conservation, up close animal

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

encounters, tour of Wildlights display, and food and drink included. 5-9 p.m. $25 per child. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell. 614-3256178. Leaders For Tomorrow, Catch the spirit as we start to celebrate a century of Girl Scouting at this Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Annual Breakfast. 7:30-9 a.m. Aladdin Shrine Center, 3850 Stelzer Rd., Easton. 614-487-8101. gsooh.org/About/100th-Anniversary/100th_Council_Activities/

SATURDAY 3 1st Saturdays, Join us for this festive 1st Saturdays as we explore Lino Tagliapietra’s whimsical glass installation, Endeavor, and then make a merry artwork. At 11:00 am, be sure to stop by the Cardinal Health Auditorium to watch the Columbus Children’s Theater’s classic performance of Mr. Scrooge. This program is recommended for families with children ages three to eight. No registration requested. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with Museum admission. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org American Motorsports Arenacross, Professional and amateur motorcycle racing in AMA sanctioned arenacross. Male and female racers will range in age from 4 years old to over 40 years old. 5 p.m. $15; Kids 6-12 $10; Children 5 & under free. Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., North Side. 614-644-3247. ohioexpocenter.com Breakfast with Santa, Get the family together and come enjoy breakfast with one of the most iconic holiday characters, Jolly Old Saint Nick. 8:30-10 a.m.

JONATHAN QUILTER/DISPATCH PHOTO

COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM Wildlights Now through Sunday, Jan. 1 — Don’t miss the annual holiday spectacular! The festivities begin each evening at 5 p.m., when the Zoo sparkles with thousands of eco-friendly LED lights. Visit for winter music and entertainment, light shows, and an opportunity to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Experience Wildlights with general Zoo admission or a membership. More information and a full list of activities can be found on colszoo.org.

Dine with Santa Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Dec. 10, 11 and 12 — Give the kids a chance to share their wish lists with Santa Claus! Enjoy a weekend brunch at 9 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday at the Zoo’s Activity Pavilion, complete with scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit and more. Or head to the Wildlights on Monday evening at 6 p.m. for a dinner with Santa, where you can feast on chicken, veggies and macaroni and cheese. Other activities include face painting and cookie decorating. Tickets are $20 for Zoo members and $30 for non-members. Order them online at colszoo.org.

www.columbuszoo.org

Adults: $10.95, Children: $5.95. Bon Vie Bistro, 4089 The Strand East, Easton. 614416-7100. CFA All Breed Cat Show, The Ohio State Persian Club presents the CFA All Breed Cat Show. More than 300 different CFA registered breeds of cats will be present. Various cat vendors and accessories available, with kittens for sale. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $6 adults; $5 seniors and kids 6-12; kids 5 and under free. Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., North Side. 614644-3247. ohioexpocenter.com Christmas is Coming, Help deck the farmhouse for the Christmas season in Victorian fashion. String popcorn, make an ornament to take home and decorate the tree. 1-3 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365. FREE! Christmas Under the Clock, Plain City lights the Christmas tree for the holiday season. Enjoy live entertainment including carolers and concessions. 5-8 p.m. Downtown Plain City, Rt. 42, 800-642-0087. unioncounty.org Creative Minds Junior Studio, An open art studio for students 7-12 years old, a variety of art media will be available for students to use. Monthly themes will be introduced but this is a student led activity. 12 noon-2 p.m. $36 for 4 sessions to be used in 3 months and/or with siblings/friends. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville. 614-890-8202. gallery202online.com/linkpages/creativemindsjunior.html Dine with Santa, Enjoy a kid friendly meal, up-close animal encounters, appearances by the Zoo’s character ambassadors. The children also will get a photo with their photo with Santa and have the chance to tell him their holiday wishes, have their face painted and get to decorate a cookie. 9-11 a.m. $30. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell. 614-645-3550. columbuszoo.org Doodles, In this dynamic drop-in program, adults and children 6 and up can experiment with fun materials and create art together. Families will work together on gallery games and unique, open-ended projects inspired by artwork in the galleries. 1-3 p.m. Free with Museum admission. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614221-4848. columbusmuseum.org Echoes in Time Theatre: Christmas on the Frontline: A Civil War Soldier’s Story, The year is 1861 and its Christmas. The war was supposed to have been over by now. However, many men and young boys found themselves away from home and their loved ones perhaps for the first time in their lives. Come listen as two soldiers at the front share memories of Christmas’s past and their

feelings about Christmas present on the frontline. 1-5 p.m. Adults $10, Seniors $9, Children 6-12 $5. Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave., North Side. 614-2972300. ohiohistory.org FREE! Family Hike, Enjoy a 2 mile walk and admire the winter scenery. 1 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville. 614895-6365. FREE! Holiday Film Series: Holiday Inn, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 2 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614-247-4969. FREE! Holiday Happiness, Join us for the 40th annual Holiday Happiness! Enjoy activities, displays, music and other holiday traditions including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614486-9621. FREE! Holidays in Powell, Bundle up in your woolies and spend an afternoon decking the halls in historic downtown Powell. Festivities includes a visit from jolly ole St. Nick and Mrs. Clause, free children’s photo and craft stations, nostalgic horse and carriage rides, warm foods, carols of yester-year, decorated shops with a delightful array of gifts and much more. 12 noon-5:30 p.m. Village Green Park, 47 Hall St., Powell. 614-3963336. cityofpowell.us FREE! Holiday Nature Crafts for Kids, Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of craft making. Ages 3-12. 1-3 p.m. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg. 614-895-6365. FREE! Holiday Open House & Craft Extravaganza, There’s no place like the North Market to get you into the holiday spirit. From the friendly salutations of the merchants to the array of delectable cuisine, the bustle of market commerce on a winter weekend is sure to warm your heart and have you humming holiday tunes! 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The North Market, 59 Spruce St., Arena District. 614463-9664. northmarket.com FREE! Life-Sized Candyland, Learn your colors and earn some candy by traveling our life-sized board as a player! For pre-K to kindergarten. 10:30 a.m.-12 noon. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

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SUNDAY 4 FREE! Art Off the Square at The MAC., Artistic fun for the family including music exploration, literature, the visual arts or film related activities and demonstrations. 1-5 p.m. Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, 777 Evening St., Worthington. 614-431-0329. mcconnellarts.org

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

dec 2011 Dine with Santa, Enjoy a kid friendly meal, up-close animal encounters, appearances by the Zoo’s character ambassadors. The children also will get a photo with their photo with Santa and have the chance to tell him their holiday wishes, have their face painted and get to decorate a cookie. 9-11 a.m. $30. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell. 614-645-3550. columbuszoo.org FREE! Family Winter Walk, Look for signs of wildlife on a 1 mile walk through the fields and forest. 2 p.m. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy Rd, Dublin. 614-895-6365. Gift Making, For grades K-6. Students will make several projects that can be given to loved ones. 2-4 p.m. $6 members, $8 non-members. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster. 740-681-1423. FREE! Holiday Film Series: Holiday Inn, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 2 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614-247-4969. FREE! Holiday Open House & Craft Extravaganza, There’s no place like the North Market to get you into the holiday spirit. From the friendly salutations of the merchants to the array of delectable cuisine, the bustle of market commerce on a winter weekend is sure to warm your heart and have you humming holiday tunes! 12 noon-5 p.m. The North Market, 59 Spruce St., Arena District. 614-463-9664. northmarket.com

blades and rip cords. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior. Grades 1-3. 3 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621.

Kelton House Museum and Garden Audio Tour, Weekly audio tour describing the 19th century home of the Fernando and Sophia Kelton family with actors portraying fugitive slaves and abolitionists. 1-4 p.m. $6 adults; $4 seniors; $2 children. Kelton House, 586 E Town St, Olde Towne East. 614-4642022. keltonhouse.com

Family Fun Day, Children create winter-themed crafts and enjoy activities. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with $6 - $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org

MONDAY 5

FREE! Family Story Time, For ages 2-5. 7-7:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951. ghpl.org

Dine with Santa, Enjoy a kid friendly meal, up-close animal encounters, appearances by the Zoo’s character ambassadors. The children also will get a photo with their photo with Santa and have the chance to tell him their holiday wishes, have their face painted and get to decorate a cookie. 6-8 p.m. $30. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell. 614-645-3550. columbuszoo.org

FREE! Holiday Film Series: Holiday Inn, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 7 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614-247-4969. Merry & Bright: Candlelight Night, Enjoy live music, expanded cafe offerings and family activities. Kids visit with Mrs. Claus and decorate cookies, Santa and two of his live reindeer stop by and musical act Over Easy performs in classic barbershop style at 7pm. 6-9 p.m. Free with $6 - $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614-645-8733.

FREE! Family Evening Storytime, All ages. No registration required. 7 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-4869621.

TUESDAY 6 FREE! Holiday Music with RMT, Get into the spirit of the season with festive tunes from local band RMT. 7 p.m. Lane Road Library, 1945 Lane Road, Upper Arlington. 614-459-0273.

WEDNESDAY 7 FREE! Baby Games, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951. ghpl.org FREE! Beyblades, Join us on early dismissal days for an hour of rip-roaring fun. Bring your own blades and stadiums, if desired. Please label a plastic bag with your name to hold your extra

FAMILY FUN AT THE CONSERVATORY Wednesday Dec. 7, 14 and 21 – Take in the gorgeous foliage and winter decorations at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and let the kids enjoy fun holiday activities! Visit on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. for crafts, songs and more. And there may be some appearances by beloved holiday characters! Activities are free with Conservatory admission: $11 for adults, $9 for students and seniors, $6 for children and free for those under 3. Check out fpconservatory.org for more information.

Art Exhibit: “Santa 364,” Dec. 1- 31 What does Santa do the rest of the year? (Left, Santa & his dog Rufus visit the vet.)

Card Crop: Thurs, Dec. 1, 6:30 pm. Ages 10+. Make holiday cards. $10.

Take Your Pet’s Photo with Santa! Tuesday, December 6. Free. Call for appt.

Tween Scene: Sat, Dec. 17, 6:30 pm Wii, pizza, crafts for ages 8 - 13. $5

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

THURSDAY 8 FREE! Chess Club, Checkmate! Chess lovers of all levels are welcome to join the UAPL chess. Our local teen expert(s) will moderate, help beginners and suggest strategies to players. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each meeting. Grades 3-6. 4 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621. FREE! Holiday Craft Celebration, Celebrate the holidays with some festive crafts. Ages 2 and up. 4 p.m. Lane Road Library, 1945 Lane Road, Upper Arlington. 614-459-0273.

FREE! Holiday Movie: The Nutcracker, Prepare to be charmed by this spectacular 1977 production of The Nutcracker ballet starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland, accompanied by the members of the American Ballet Theater. 7 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621.

FRIDAY 9 Evening Programs, Content varies based on sky conditions, but may include a planetarium show, observatory tours and star gazing with the 32-inch Schottland Telescope. 8-10 p.m. Perkins Observatory, 3199 Columbus Pike, Delaware. 740-368-6908. Friday Night Open Gyms, Join us for an Open Gym! Kids will enjoy two trampolines, large foam pit, two large spring floors, bars, balance beams and more! Ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome. Must have a signed waiver to participate! 810:15 p.m. $9. Gym X-Treme Gymnastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614-573-8484. gymxtreme.com

SATURDAY 10 Breakfast with Santa, Breakfast and a photo opportunity with Santa. 8:30-10 a.m. $12-$30. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614-645-1756. Creative Minds Junior Studio, An open art studio for students 7-12 years old, a variety of art media will be available for students to use. Monthly themes will be introduced but this is a student led activity. 12 noon-2 p.m. $36 for 4 sessions to be used in 3 months and/or with siblings/friends. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville. 614-890-8202. gallery202online.com.

Small class sizes mean more individual attention for each student. When combined with our renowned academic curriculum, outstanding teachers, widespread offerings and inclusive culture, it produces results unmatched in Central Ohio. Whether you are interested in our all-day PreK and Kindergarten programs or Grades 1-12, please call (614) 509-2220 to learn more or to schedule a tour because the

admissions process for the 2012-13 school year is in full swing. Screening is currently underway and places are awarded beginning March 1, so please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay in showing your interest. We are located just a few minutes outside of Columbus at 4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna 43230. www.columbusacademy.org

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

dec 2011 Dine with Santa, Enjoy a kid friendly meal, up-close animal encounters, appearances by the Zoo’s character ambassadors. The children also will get a photo with their photo with Santa and have the chance to tell him their holiday wishes, have their face painted and get to decorate a cookie. 9-11 a.m. $30. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell. 614-645-3550. columbuszoo.org Doodles, In this dynamic drop-in program, adults and children 6 and up can experiment with fun materials and create art together. Families will work together on gallery games and unique, open-ended projects inspired by artwork in the galleries. 1-3 p.m. Free with Museum admission. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614221-4848. columbusmuseum.org Echoes in Time Theatre: Christmas on the Frontline: A Civil War Soldier’s Story, The year is 1861 and its Christmas. The war was supposed to have been over by now. However, many men and young boys found themselves away from home and their loved ones perhaps for the first time in their lives. Come listen as two soldiers at the front share memories of Christmas’s past and their feelings about Christmas present on the frontline. 1-5 p.m. Adults $10, Seniors $9, Children 6-12 $5. Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave., North Side. 614-2972300. ohiohistory.org

January 10-15 • Ohio Theatre

GREAT FAMILY GIFT IDEA!

Save $10 per ticket when you buy 4 or more!* Just request the FAMILY FUN PACK when you order.

614.469.0939 • CAPA Ticket Office • Got a group of 10 or more? Call 614.719.6900 for special group rates!

*Restrictions and service fees may apply. Subject to availability. Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun eve perfs only.

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

Family Fun Day, Children explore flower arranging and enjoy crafts and activities. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with $6 $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614-6458733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Family Holiday Craft, Make ornaments and crafts out of natural materials. 2-3:30 p.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. 614-895-6365. FREE! Holiday Film Series: It’s a Wonderful Life, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 2 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614247-4969.

Holiday Story Time Character Breakfast, All you can eat pancake breakfast, activities for kids and holiday stories. 8 a.m.-12 noon $6. Olde Gahanna Sanctuary, 82 N High St, Gahanna. 614-4189114. FREE! Magic Key Story Hour, Let members of the Westland High School Key Club unlock your imagination in these enchanting adventures through amazing tales and stories. Snacks are provided. 1-2 p.m. Westland Area Library, 4740 W. Broad St, Columbus. 614-878-1301. swpl.org

SUNDAY 11 Dine with Santa, Enjoy a kid friendly meal, up-close animal encounters, appearances by the Zoo’s character ambassadors. The children also will get a photo with their photo with Santa and have the chance to tell him their holiday wishes, have their face painted and get to decorate a cookie. 9-11 a.m. $30. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell. 614-645-3550. columbuszoo.org FREE! Family Painting Workshop, 2-4 p.m. Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Gahanna. 614-728-2239. Holiday Concerts, The Central Ohio Symphony, the Young Strings and Special Guests in two identical concerts, at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., filled with holiday spirit and music. The concert will include a performance by the Young Strings ensemble, featuring the best youth string performers in the county. Make this concert part of your holiday celebration this season. Adults $20, Seniors $17, Students $6, Children $4. Ohio Wesleyan University, Gray Chapel, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. 740-3621799. centralohiosymphony.org FREE! Holiday Film Series: It’s a Wonderful Life, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 2 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614247-4969. Kelton House Museum and Garden Audio Tour, Weekly audio tour describing the 19th century home of the Fernando and Sophia Kelton family with actors portraying fugitive slaves and abolitionists. 1-4 p.m. $6 adults; $4 seniors; $2 children. Kelton House, 586 E Town St, Olde Towne East. 614-4642022. keltonhouse.com

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT To add an event to Columbus Parent Magazine’s Out & About calendar, submit information by email to calendar@ columbusparent.com or online at ColumbusParent.com. Please submit calendar events by the 7th day of the preceding month.

MONDAY 12 Dine with Santa, Enjoy a kid friendly meal, up-close animal encounters, appearances by the Zoo’s character ambassadors. The children also will get a photo with their photo with Santa and have the chance to tell him their holiday wishes, have their face painted and get to decorate a cookie. 6-8 p.m. $30. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell. 614-645-3550. columbuszoo.org

TUESDAY 13 FREE! Anime Club, 3:15-4:45 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org Holiday Cookies in a Jar, Fill a jar with cookie ingredients for a gift to someone special. Ages 16 and up. 7-8:30 p.m. Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org

WEDNESDAY 14 FREE! Child Check, The Early Childhood Resource Network + offers Child Check screenings for children ages 1 month through 5 years in 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. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Church of the Redeemer, United Methodist Preschool, 235 McNaughten Rd., Columbus. 543-9000 ext. 216. FREE! Holiday Film Series: It’s a Wonderful Life, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 7 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614247-4969. FREE! Homeschoolers: Surviving Winter, Explore the four ways animals survive harsh winters and vote for your favorite. Ages 6-12. 1 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. DublinGranville Rd., Westerville. 614-895-6365. Merry & Bright: Candlelight Night, Enjoy live music, expanded cafe offerings, a cash bar and family activities. Kids meet the Grinch and his dog Max, taste Who Pudding and Roast Beast and create holiday cards. The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus performs segments from Joy! at 7pm. 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Free with $6 $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614-6458733.

THURSDAY 15 Holiday Cookies for Kids, Stirring, shaping, baking and decorating will keep kids’ minds creativity engaged while making delicious holiday treats. For ages 6+, pre-registration required. 6-

8 p.m. $25, $20 for members. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Homeschoolers at the Farm: A Gingerbread Journey, Follow the trail of gingerbread through cultures and time to learn how it became a holiday favorite. 1 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365. FREE! Lego Lit, When books and LEGOs collide, you get LEGO Lit. Each month we will share a story and build creations around a theme. The Friends of the Library provide the LEGOs, you provide the fun. (Participants will not be able to keep their creations.) Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to each event. Grades K-4. 4 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621. FREE! Medieval Festival of Kings & Queens, Bring a crown from home or make one at this royal event, where we’ll read and sing songs about kings and queens. We’ll even try to catch Parker, the library’s friendly dragon! 10:30-11:30 a.m. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Drive, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

FRIDAY 16 Friday Night Open Gyms, Join us for an Open Gym! Kids will enjoy two trampolines, large foam pit, two large spring floors, bars, balance beams and more! Ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome. Must have a signed waiver to participate! 810:15 p.m. $9. Gym X-Treme Gymnastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614-573-8484. gymxtreme.com

SATURDAY 17 FREE! Christmas Bird Count, Search for birds and help collect data for the National Audobon Society Christmas Bird Count. 8 a.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville. 614-895-6365. A Christmas Evening, Make decorations, string popcorn and enjoy other 1880s holiday activities on a special lamplit evening. 4-5:30 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

When your child needs urgent care, everything matters. 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. Physicians, nurses, technicians, everybody at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a pediatric specialist. This higher level of expertise enables us to see things others may not. We know when a simple fever could be something more serious. We know how to set a broken bone so it grows properly to its adult size. We know the correct dosage of medications for children of all ages.

Our suture techs even practice putting stitches in the soft skin of a peach, because it helps us minimize scarring on the soft skin of a child. 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. Urgent care should be expert care. So always call your child’s doctor first and remember we’re here when you need us. For directions, hours and location specific information, visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/UrgentCare.

Urgent Care. Close to Home. Canal Winchester • Downtown Columbus • Dublin • East Columbus • Westerville

Christmas Ornaments, For grades K-6. Children have the opportunity to view the museum’s display of historic ornaments and then create two ornaments of their own. 2-4 p.m. $16 members, $20 non-members. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster. 740681-1423. Creative Minds Junior Studio, An open art studio for students 7-12 years old, a variety of art media will be avail-

columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

dec 2011 able for students to use. Monthly themes will be introduced but this is a student led activity. 12 noon-2 p.m. $36/4 sessions to be used in 3 months and/or with siblings/friends. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville. 614-890-8202. gallery202online.com/linkpages/creativemindsjunior.html Doodles, In this dynamic drop-in program, adults and children 6 and up can experiment with fun materials and create art together. Families will work together on gallery games and unique, open-ended projects inspired by artwork in the galleries. 1-3 p.m. Free with Museum admission. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614221-4848. columbusmuseum.org Echoes in Time Theatre: Christmas on the Frontline: A Civil War Soldier’s Story, The year is 1861 and its Christmas. The war was supposed to have been over by now. However, many men and young boys found themselves away from home and their loved ones perhaps for the first time in their lives. Come listen as two soldiers at the front share memories of Christmas’s past and their feelings about Christmas present on the frontline. 1-5 p.m. Adults $10, Seniors $9, Children 6-12 $5. Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave., North Side. 614-297-2300. ohiohistory.org Giving is Always in Fashion, Join Easton Town Center and The Salvation Army on Saturday for a day of fundraising and entertainment. Red Kettles will be placed in eight locations throughout Easton Town Center. Enjoy music from roving musicians, and have fun interacting with the celebrity bell ringers! Those who check in at six of the kettle locations will be entered to win one of three Grand Prizes: Easton Prize Packs valued at $500 each! 2-6 p.m. Easton Town Square, 60 Easton Town Center, Easton. 614-416-7100. eastontowncenter.com FREE! Holiday Film Series: The Shop Around the Corner, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 2 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614-247-4969. FREE! Holiday Movie Marathon, Join us for a whole day of Christmas movies that the entire family can enjoy! We start at 10 a.m. with The Snowman (25 min.), Yes Virginia (24 min.), the animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas (25 min.) and A Charlie Brown Christmas (25 min.). After a 12 noon-1 p.m. break, we contin-

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR! Sunday, Dec. 18 — The season isn’t complete without some classic holiday music. Visit the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts to hear a performance by the New Albany Symphony Orchestra. In their fourth season, the Symphony will dazzle the audience with their tunes, and the Columbus Children’s Choir will also make an appearance. The group is also working to help others with their canned food drive: bring canned goods to the concert and they will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $12-$22, and can be purchased at newalbanysymphony.com or 614-245-4701. ue with two full-length features: A Christmas Story (PG) at 1 p.m. and Home Alone (PG) at 2:45 p.m. 10 a.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621. Holiday Tween Scene, Kids 8-13. Join us for an evening of video gaming on the big screen, pizza, Minute to Win it games, crafts and more at KidSpace. Please bring a gag gift for the white elephant game 6:30-9 p.m. $4 Resident/$5 Non-Resident. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org

SUNDAY 18 FREE! Holiday Film Series: The Shop Around the Corner, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 2 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614-247-4969.

MONDAY 19 FREE! Jingle Bell Storytime, Dash through the snow to this fun music-andmovement storytime featuring jingle bells, snowballs and more. Registration is required and begins Dec. 5. Ages 2-6. 10:15 a.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621.

WEDNESDAY 21 FREE! Holiday Film Series: The Shop Around the Corner, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 7 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614-247-4969. Holiday Open Gym, Join us for a Holiday Open Gym. Come play on our two trampolines, large foam pit, bars, balance beams, two large spring floors and more! All ages welcome. Ages 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 12 noon-2 p.m. $10 (Siblings $5). Gym X-Treme Gymnastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614-573-8484. gymx-treme.com Merry & Bright: Candlelight Night, Enjoy live music, expanded cafe offerings, a cash bar and family activities. Enjoy holiday traditions from a bygone era, sample a cup of wassail ($1) and try out candle making over a live fire. The Ohio Village Singers perform a fulllength concert of 19th century American carols at 7pm. 6-9 p.m. Free with $6 $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Lil’ Elves Gift Workshop, Kids will make special gifts and wrap them for their family members in this free class at KidSpace. 7-8:30 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org

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columbusparent.com | December 2011 |

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Holiday Open Gym, Join us for a Holiday Open Gym. Kids will enjoy our two trampolines, large foam pit, bars, balance beams, two large spring floors and more! All ages welcome, 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 12 noon-2 p.m. $10 (Siblings $5). Gym XTreme Gymnastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614573-8484. gymx-treme.com

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Friday Night Open Gyms, Join us for an Open Gym! Kids will enjoy two trampolines, large foam pit, two large spring floors, bars, balance beams and more! Ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome. Must

Creative Minds Junior Studio, An open art studio for students 7-12 years old, a variety of art media will be available for students to use. Monthly themes will be introduced but this is a student led activity. 12 noon-2 p.m. $36/4 sessions to be used in 3 months and/or with siblings/friends. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville. 614-890-8202. gallery202online.com/linkpages/creativemindsjunior.html Doodles, In this dynamic drop-in program, adults and children 6 and up can experiment with fun materials and create art together. Families will work together on gallery games and unique, open-ended projects inspired by artwork in the galleries. 1-3 p.m. Free with Museum admission. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614221-4848. columbusmuseum.org FREE! Holiday Film Series: White Christmas, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 2 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614247-4969.

SUNDAY 25 FREE! Holiday Film Series: White Christmas, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 2 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614-247-4969.

MONDAY 26 Family Entertainment: Ventriloquist David Crone, Ventriloquist David Crone combines family-friendly comedic ventriloquism, magic and audience interaction. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free with $6 $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614645-8733. fpconservatory.org

TUESDAY 27 FREE! Holidaze Craft Camp, Join us for holiday break craft camp. Each day we will make a different themed craft. 1:302:30 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org Illusionist John Steven Bloom, All ages enjoy John Steven Bloom’s special blend of magic, humor and family entertainment. 11 a.m. Free with $6 - $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614-6458733. fpconservatory.org

| December 2011 | columbusparent.com

WEDNESDAY 28

FRIDAY 30

FREE! Grandparents Storytime, Are your grandchildren home for the holidays? Looking for something special to do? Visit the library for this special storytime and craft. Registration is required and begins Dec. 14. Please register each child attending and choose only one session. Ages 3-6. 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614486-9621.

Family Friday Night, COSI stays open late for family-friendly fun the last Friday of every month! You can explore science, discover fun, and stay late! Includes all of COSI’s permanent exhibitions plus a movie on the 7 story Extreme Screen theater. 5-9 p.m. $8. COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-228-2674. cosi.org

FREE! Holidaze Craft Camp, Join us for holiday break craft camp. Each day we will make a different themed craft. 1:302:30 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Holiday Film Series: White Christmas, Admission is free with a suggested toy donation to benefit The Open Shelter. 7 p.m. The Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Campus. 614247-4969. Kwanzaa Celebration, African American holiday that connects the ancient customs of Africa with the standards of living of African American people. Authentic African cuisine, African dancing, drumming and the opportunity to purchase art and jewelry from some of best vendors in our area. $15 non-members; $10 member; $12 students, seniors; $5 children. King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., King Lincoln. 614-6455464. thekingartscomplex.com

THURSDAY 29 FREE! Flashback: We Love the 80s, We pity the fool who doesn’t come to our 80s party! Join us as we go oldschool for an hour of movie clips, music, snacks, trivia, fashion and more from this bodacious decade. Dressing up is encouraged; prizes will be awarded. Ages 12-18. 7-8 p.m. Westerville Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-8827277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org Harlem Globetrotters, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $18-$121. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District. 800745-3000. Holiday Break Workday, Help with farm chores, visit with the animals and stop by the farmhouse for activities and warm up next to the woodstove. 1-3 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365. FREE! Holidaze Craft Camp, Join us for holiday break craft camp. Each day we will make a different themed craft. 1:302:30 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org

FREE! Family Fun Night Hike & Campfire, Take a 1.4 mile hike and enjoy a campfire. Bring food to roast. 5 p.m. Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Rd., Carroll. 614-895-6365. Friday Night Open Gyms, Join us for an Open Gym! Kids will enjoy two trampolines, large foam pit, two large spring floors, bars, balance beams and more! Ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome. Must have a signed waiver to participate! 810:15 p.m. $9. Gym X-Treme Gymnastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614-573-8484. gymxtreme.com FREE! Holidaze Craft Camp, Join us for holiday break craft camp. Each day we will make a different themed craft. 1:302:30 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org

SATURDAY 31 Creative Minds Junior Studio, An open art studio for students 7-12 years old, a variety of art media will be available for students to use. Monthly themes will be introduced but this is a student led activity. 12 noon-2 p.m. $36/4 sessions to be used in 3 months and/or with siblings/friends. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville. 614-890-8202. gallery202online.com/linkpages/creativemindsjunior.html Doodles, In this dynamic drop-in program, adults and children 6 and up can experiment with fun materials and create art together. Families will work together on gallery games and unique, open-ended projects inspired by artwork in the galleries. 1-3 p.m. Free with Museum admission. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org FREE! Family New Year’s Eve Party & Movie, Celebrate the New Year with us at KidSpace! Bring the family and enjoy a free movie, crafts and snacks. No registration is required. Parents must be present for the entire event. Bring blankets and/or chairs for seating. 7-9 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org

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| December 2011 | columbusparent.com