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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS NOW!

You Have a Choice! Serving Grades K-8 State Approved Curriculum

Challenging Curriculum and Daily Sports Instruction!

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

Extended School Day from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Daily Fitness Regimen in Martial Arts, Soccer and Tennis Participation in all State Mandated Academic Testing Programs

Choose from 1 of 5 conveniently located campuses!

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

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

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

Information Meetings will be held at each school for interested parents on Thursday, July 14, 2011 • 6-8 p.m.

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

K-6

2220 Hamilton Ct. E. • Columbus OH 43232 E-mail: mlovinguth@performanceacademies.com Phone: 614-318-1037

K-8

www.edvantages.com # www.performanceacademies.com columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

getting started: TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON THE GO 10 12 14

22 23 24 26

NEWS ON THE GO PRODUCT PIX WHAT THE WELLDRESSED KIDS ARE WEARING TO THE QUINCEAÑERA: from the Hilltop’s La Chaparrita ANATOMY OF A GOODIE BAG: from Party City COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE: Columbus’s Charly Bauer PEOPLE YOU SHOULD MEET: Granville gardening author Jennifer Bartley HOUSEBROKEN: Dispatch columnist Joe Blundo VITAMIN ME: Capital Style editor Kristy Eckert TAKE IT FROM TRACY: 10TV’s Tracy Townsend NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: New Albany BIZ SPOTLIGHT: The Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts

CALENDAR:

239

THINGS TO D O THIS MONTH

About Town: Columbus Commons

HOT TOPIC: SPORTS

NEED TO KNOW

FAMILY FUN

34 38

A DIAMOND FULL OF MIRACLES: Giving every child a chance to play baseball BATTER UP? The perils of potent bats and other sports equipment PAY UP TO PLAY ON? Pay-to-participate fees became the new norm in high school sports

THE GO-TO GUIDE: Geocaching PEDIATRIC HEALTHSOURCE: from Nationwide Children’s Hospital AGE APPROPRIATE: PARTIES AGES 1-5: Birthdays for Tots AGES 4-10: Invitation Frustration AGES 6-12: Slumber Parties FAMILY FINANCE: a new column from Denise Trowbridge

50 51

48 44 52 53

Jennifer Bartley’s Granville garden

EATING OUT WITH KIDS: Katalina’s Café Corner in Harrison West COOKING WITH KIDS: Making ice cream with the Girl Scouts WORTH THE PRICE OF A SITTER? Cocktails for the grownups and cooking for the kids at Franklin Park Conservatory PARTIES: A quinceañera HANDS ON: Clintonville’s Wholly Craft goes origami DAY TRIPPIN’: A trip to a Tribe game in Cleveland PLAYGROUND PATROL: Upper Arlington’s Fancyburg Park REVIEWS: Books, apps, games, music and a family-friendly website

ON THE COVER: Andy takes the plunge into summer at Bexley’s David H. Madison Community Pool PHOTO BY WILL SHILLING

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

ERIC WAGNER PHOTO

When is learning Discipline, Respect, Goal Setting and Leadership Skills cool? When you learn it in MARTIAL ARTS CLASS! Martial arts offers everything kids want and everything their parents want for them.

AGES 4-6

Powell In the Giant Eagle Plaza (Corner of Sawmill Pkwy. and Powell Rd.) 614-760-0000

AGES 7-12

Lewis Center 95 Neverland Drive (N.W. Corner of 23 and Powell Rd.) 740-549-1313

AGES 13-ABOVE

Pickerington 773 Windmiller Dr. Suite C 614-920-9480

Call today for more information about our 4 Week Introductory Course! columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

getting started: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Sporting Life BY JANE HAWES

If there’s one episode that sums up the difference between how my husband and I approach our kids’ sporting activities, it would be the time I trusted my husband to get our then-7-year-old son ready for a swim meet. It was a summer evening, and work obligations meant I had to meet my men at the swim meet. I got there not long after they did, but before the team started their warm-up swims. We set up our camp chairs and I settled in with a magazine and a bottle of water. The coaches called for the kids to swim, and my son pulled down his sweat pants. And then he pulled them right back up. During that two-second interval, approximately half the team saw proof that my son is indeed a male. I turned to my husband, after I calmly finished my swig of water. “Where’s his swimsuit?” I asked him. “Where’s your suit?” he asked our son. “You said you had it on when we left.” “I … I thought I did,” our son replied, still clutching the tops of his sweat pants. “I asked him if he had it on before we left,” my husband told me, “and he said he did.” (At this point, many of you are already nodding knowingly.) “Did you see the suit?” I asked. Translation: My husband had failed to make visual contact with the suit. Sure, when it comes to the minutia of swimming, he could probably tell you who won the bronze medal in the 1956 Summer Olympics men’s 100-meter backstroke, but the minutia of everything that goes around the actual sport doesn’t really register on his radar. But it does on mine. By the time we found a baggy pair of board shorts to borrow for our son that night, we learned that the only things he had packed for the meet were his Pokemon cards, a penny-hockey board, three-and-ahalf candy canes and a bendy straw. But he didn’t swim badly, other than diving in once to do the butterfly and coming up doing the breaststroke. I’d like to think we all learned something that night, but I know we didn’t. We have a system as a family and in its own dysfunctional way, it’s functional. Every family does. Sometimes it’s the kid who’s the preparation fiend. Sometimes it’s the single mom or dad who gets it all done, or a grandparent, or a sympathetic neighbor. No matter how we do it, though, sports are a part

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

ColumbusParent.com

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

Katie Wolfe Lloyd kwolfe@columbusparent.com DIRECTOR OF NICHE PUBLICATIONS

Brian Lindamood blindamood@columbusparent.com EDITOR

Jane Hawes jhawes@columbusparent.com NICHE PUBLICATIONS ADVERTISING MANAGER

Amy Bishop abishop@columbusparent.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 WILL SHILLING PHOTO

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jesse Tigges jtigges@columbusparent.com EDITORIAL INTERN

of many families’ lives, and in this month’s issue we consider sports from a few different angles — including safety, cost and accessibility for players of all abilities. And we also dive into summer with our annual emphasis on parties. What a privilege it was to learn about quinceañeras, those wonderfully extravagant birthday parties for Latinas turning 15. From the fascinating rituals (the girl enters the party wearing her sneakers and then changes to grownup dress shoes) to the extraordinary clothes (be sure to check out our Well-Dressed Kids feature for some truly adorable kid party clothes), I learned so much about other Central Ohio families and the traditions that make their lives rich and memorable.

Mary Slebodnik mslebodnik@columbusparent.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Albright, Debbie Angelos, Joe Blundo, Olivera Bratich, Geoff Dutton, Melissa Kossler Dutton, Kristy Eckert, Anietra Hamper, Kristen Maetzold, Joe Maiorana, Phil Pikelny, Elizabeth Seufer, Emma Shinker, Truda Shinker, Shawn Sines, Lexie Stoia, Tracy Townsend, Denise Trowbridge, Eric Wagner

DISTRIBUTION If you would like to receive Columbus Parent at your business, or to report delivery concerns:

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

Columbus Parent is published and distributed by The Dispatch Printing Company every month, available at more than 1,200 locations throughout Central Ohio. One free copy per person. Circulation: 58,000 copies. Copyright © 2011 The Dispatch Printing Company

COLUMBUS CREATURE FEATURE Eagles

nd Barbara. She’s one Hi kids! Here’s a picture of my frie at the Columbus Zoo and of the bald eagles you can visit to the Zoo in 1998 bald Aquarium. When Barbara moved species list. eagles were on the endangered

Learn at the Zoo

While living here she became part of an important breeding program. She mothered 20 eaglets that were released into the wild. Then in 2008 we received great news that bald eagles were down listed to Threatened in Ohio! Here’s a picture of one of her eaglets born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Juvenile eagles look very different from adult eagles. The eagle’s first feathers are all brown, including their head and tail; like this picture of Cheyenne who lives at the Zoo too. They also have a dark beak that turns yellow as they mature. These changes take place during the first five years of their life.

• Family Overnights

• Birthday Parties

Summer 2011:

• Twilight Tours

• Teacher Workshops

• Summer Day Camps: for ages 3-12 • Family Night Hikes

• Guided Walking Tours (Daily) • Behind the Scene Tours (Daily)

To register visit: www.columbuszoo.org

Zoo Kid Corner Interview: Lincoln had a great week at Summer Experience Camp! His top three memories are the boat ride, playing Flies and Spiders and watching the Animals on Safari show. His favorite animal is the okapi because it looks like a combination of a giraffe and zebra. When Lincoln comes to the Zoo with his family he loves to go to Keeper Talks. During Keeper Talks you get to meet the keepers and hear all about the animals they take care of. Name: Lincoln City: Columbus, OH • Age: 8 Education Program: Summer Experience

For More Creature Feature Fun, Games & Activities Visit:

www.ColumbusCreatureFeature.com

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

getting started: ON THE WEB

e t a m i t l u Y A D H T R I B party! THE

ue for Columbus ust be the Party Iss If it’s July, then it m t giveaway to go ar we’ve got a grea ate Birthday Parent! And this ye stories. It’s the Ultim rty pa t yea gr r ou with all ll receive a birthda e lucky winner wi on d an t, ily es nt fam co ur Party ything yo takes care of ever party package that girl or boy an y da rth bi me special needs to throw so t birthday party! unforgettably grea thes and even a corations, food, clo u Entertainment, de got it all, and all yo ld a party — we’ve n. wi to r te en d special place to ho om an ColumbusParent.c , 27 ly Ju til un have to do is visit 27 ne line entries from Ju We’ll be taking on the August issue of in d ce un no an be ll wi er nn wi e th and . Columbus Parent thday Party! n the Ultimate Bir wi to r So ente

THE GIVEAWAY ROSTER OF GLORY We’ve been busy here at Columbus Parent, giving away all kinds of great prizes. Next month you’ll get to see who won our “Take Dad Out to the Ballgame” prize package (boxseat tickets to the Columbus Clippers’ game on July 16, plus the chance for one lucky dad and adoring child to toss out the first pitches of the evening, and more!). We’ve also been busy giving away Zoombezi Bay passes, a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium family membership, a set of Disney Cuddly Bodysuits, and more. And this month, our print issue is loaded with all kinds of little clues as to what some of our July giveaways will be. So figure out what they are and then keep an eye on our website, ColumbusParent.com, and on our Facebook page (Columbus Parent Magazine). You never know what might pop up!

Schedule Classes

Now for Summer & Fall $10.00 OFF WHEN REGISTERED BY AUGUST 28TH, 2011

Open Houses Saturday August 13th 10-12 pm Sunday August 21st 5-7pm Sunday August 28th 5-7pm

On our website ColumbusParent.com

On Facebook at Columbus Parent Magazine r On Twitte nt are P s u b @Colum a _h wes or @jane

GET READY FOR A FAIRTASTIC GOOD TIME!

The Ohio State Fair begins on July 27 and runs through Aug. 7, and as always it’s packed with family fun, food and entertainment. And Columbus Parent has five family four-packs of admission tickets to give away, plus one four-pack of tickets (admission included) for the Aug. 1 David Crowder Band concert and one four-pack of tickets (admission included) for the Aug. 2 Loretta Lynn and The Oak Ridge Boys concert. Enter to win by visiting ColumbusParent.com’s contest page. We’ll take entries from June 27 until July 20. Winners will be announced soon after!

The Premier Solution For Parents Providing Hourly, Flexible and Full-Time Child Care We offer an hourly drop off child care program for children 8 weeks to 10 years. Children can play, socialize, learn and explore for an hour or the whole day Discount For Set Schedule For Parents Working Part-Time or Split Shifts

Full-Time Infant Room No Waiting Lists! No Contracts!

Mango’s place allows parents the opportunity to:

irt EE t-sh

g gisterin when re ly 30th u before J

• Run Errands • Attend Appointments • Have a Date Night

Call to register: 740-548-4600

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

One FREE Hour

Dublin/Hilliard 5601 Woerner Temple Rd. Corner of Emerald Pkwy. 614-790-9970

www.mangosplace.com

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

NOW ENROLLING Fall Preschool

• Children learn through play, exploration and an environment which promotes a love of learning • Ages 3-5 yrs. • No Potty Training Requirements • Siblings can stay in the drop-in program

Summer Camp • 2nd session Join Mango and explore The Great Outdoors! July 18th - August 20th • No Potty Training Requirements • Ages 3 and Up (siblings in the same class)

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

on the go:

NEWS

on the

And don’t forget those

BUS PASSES

Kids can take the

EAT LOCAL too! CHALLENGE,

Local group Local Matters has gotten parents thinking about the virtues of eating locally-grown food. Now they’re launching a special program to get kids thinking about becoming “locavores,” too! The Kids! Eat Local Challenge has just begun, and Central Ohio kids have until Aug. 15 to enter. As with a similar challenge (for grownups) that ran last October during Local Foods Week, entrants need to get a game card and complete at least four of six foodie activities on it. They can then enter to win prizes like a party at the Little Chefs Academy, a gardening kit or a kid-friendly cookbook. The challenge activities are: cooking with a grownup, growing an herb in a pot, working in a garden, picking your own fruit or vegetable, making an Ohio fruit smoothie and drawing a picture of Ohio food. Kids can obtain a game card in a number of ways — printing one off from the EatLocalOhio.org website or picking one up at North Market’s Greener Grocer stand, a Columbus city public swimming pool or at Local Matters’ booth at the Easton Farmers Market (held on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Once completed (with at least four activities checked off), entrants can mail their game cards to Local Matters at 731 E. Broad St, 3rd Floor, Columbus, OH 43205, and they will be entered in the grand-prize drawing.

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

It got a little dicey last year, waiting for the renewal of the Columbus City Schools’ contract with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). At a cost of $600,000 to the district, more than 15,000 highschool students in the city can ride the COTA buses for free when traveling to school, jobs or sports activities. However, even though the district’s contract with COTA runs until Oct. 1, a coding error will shut off the current bus passes after June 30 (meaning, if a student swipes

the card on a bus’s fare box, it won’t work). For the past couple of months, COTA and district have been trying to notify students about the problem and advising them that they need to obtain new passes. They have until June 30 to do so. After that, said COTA spokesman Marty Stutz, they can still obtain new passes, but their old ones will not work anymore. To schedule an appointment to obtain a new pass, students should call the

Columbus City Schools’ transportation office at 614-3655074 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The student will have to turn in the old pass before a new one is issued during that appointment. If the old pass has been lost, there will be a $25 replacement charge, otherwise the new one is free and good until Oct. 1. The transportation office is located at 89 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus.

GET UP AND GO Before we set out on our urban, suburban and rural walks, let’s check some of the academic goals we can take with us: vocabulary enrichment, letter recognition, oral language, number concepts, comprehension, listening skills, physical fitness, problem solving, categorization, environmental awareness, the world of nature…We could go on, but I think you get the idea! Keeping academic goals in mind, add the first syllable of fundamentals — FUN! Learning through fun, safe, non-stressful, playful and direct engaging experiences are the BEST ways children learn. Slip a small notepad into your pocket. Don’t forget a pen or pencil. With your young companion(s), jot down notes about what you experience while you walk. Even one word, sketch or number will help you remember. What if Lewis and Clark had not taken notes? Enjoy this mini-potpourri of ideas as you swing into a warm-weather walkabout:

• Decision making and problem solving: In many parks, paths diverge. In neighborhoods, streets intersect. Discuss: which way shall we go? What do you think? What path shall we take and why? • Notice how many states are represented by license plates. Even walking through a parking lot can yield a fun session of talking, counting, comparing, geographic awareness, the fun of discovery. • Stop. Look. Listen. Appreciate the wonders of nature. The magic of caterpillar to butterfly, tadpoles to frogs, seeds to flowers. Be open to all of the discoveries, those extraordinary moments in seemingly ordinary walks! • Name names: Flowers? What kind of flowers? Colors? Which colors? Be specific. Chalk it up for vocabulary enrichment! Our children are waiting to read, write, sing, dance and examine the world. Don’t wait too long! Get walking! —MIMI BRODSKY CHENFELD, ARTS EDUCATOR

The best taco al pastor in the city!

AROUND TOWN

JUNE 17, 2011

Where the happening kids just happened to be

ON THE COLUMBUS COMMONS

PHOTOS BY ERIC WAGNER

Mondays: 2 x1 Tacos al Pastor to or Wednesdays: Gringa’s Night htt $2 c/u 5221 Godown Rd. • Columbus, OH 43235 • (614) 4) 5538-0211 38 021 2111

Open Daily Sun - Thu: 11am-12am • Fri & Sat: 11am-1am

Monte Carlo Italian Kitchen

Namon Williams, Thaddeus Burton, Amelia Murphy and Charlie Hayes

Real Homemade Italian Food

*Kids Eat for $1.99 on Monday Nights *Dine In Only *Only one meal per customer Prime Rib Fridays and Saturdays

Isabelle Brockmeyer & Madeline Brockmeyer

Now Delivering Large Bulk Orders! Call for more details!

(614) 890-2061 www.montecarloitaliankitchen.com Parkview Center 610 W. Schrock Road Westerville (By FedEx ) AT the Corner of Cleveland Ave. & Schrock

Mitchell Genson and Sophia Snyder Back row (standing): Nolan Wharton and John Tamburino; Front row: Christian Peters, Jacqueline McAuliffe, Ava Sharett and Eva Williford

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

BOOKMARK FARMS HORSE LOVER’S DAY CAMP • Open to all levels • Most sessions still available • Our reputation is second to none Riding Lessons for Children and Adults! 8824 Morse Road, SW Pataskala, OH 43062

Call or go to our website for details.

740-964-2601 www.BookmarkFarms.com

JANE’S MONTESSORI ACADEMY Come Visit Us At Our Open House Events On Sunday, July 17th from 2-4pm Wednesday, July 27th from 6:30-8:30pm • 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

• 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

Outdoor summer camps available for students ages 3 yrs through 6th grade. Weekly themes and corresponding field trips!

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

on the go: PRODUCT PIX

poop HAPPENS

when

Be prepared for messy, wet and/or stinky clothes with the Munchkin Damp Goods Bag ($10). The bag comes in several cute patterns, has an interior liner and is machine-washable — a stylish way to stash those accidents that inevitably happen when you’re out and about with a baby. AVAILABLE AT TARGET. FIND STORE LOCATIONS AT TARGET.COM

The Kinder, Gentler Dodge We love the new game Dodge Tag ($20). It has all the great elements of dodge ball (running and throwing) without the painful ones (bruises and hurt feelings). Kids throw squishy balls and try to stick them to their opponent’s vest. It’s also one of those great toys that can be used both indoors and out.

LARSON’S TOYS & GAMES, 1617 W. LANE AVE., UPPER ARLINGTON, 614-486-7701, LARSONSTOYS.COM

COOL THREADS Make back-to-school shopping an adventure and check out Rag-O-Rama. This resale shop specializes in fun, funky and high-end clothes your teen will love. And you’ll love that the prices are well below what you’ll find at the mall. RAG-O-RAMA, 3301 N. HIGH ST., CLINTONVILLE, 614-261-7202, RAGORAMA.COM

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Too Hot to Handle

Show your kids that you’ve still got game with the Pac-Man HotHead Potholder ($15). It’s safe up to 450 degrees, but you know you’ll mostly be using it to chase your little ones around the house. Wokka wokka! AVAILABLE AT THINKGEEK.COM

Petite Palette

This ingenious little notepad and colored pencils ensemble ($25) puts some serious style into your bag of options to keep kids amused, whether in the car, restaurant or any place they need to be quietly busy! Made locally (in Lexington), the durable heavy cotton wrapper comes in stylish fabric designs and it all ties up nicely with a grosgrain ribbon. DELAWARE ARTS CASTLE GIFT SHOP, 190 W. WINTER ST., DELAWARE, 740-369-2787, ARTSCASTLE.ORG

LOLLACUP

Lollacup ($18) isn’t just interesting to look at — it works, too! This BPA-free drinking cup features an innovative design that helps infants and toddlers successfully use a straw. And its modern and whimsical animal shape is available in bold red, good green and happy orange — each color has a unique “face.” Sometime this month, we’ll be giving away a free one, so keep an eye on Columbus Parent’s Facebook page! PETIT GREEN, 1500 POLARIS PKWY., POLARIS FASHION PLACE, 614-840-0544, PETITGREENBABY.COM

—COMPILED BY TRUDA SHINKER & JANE HAWES

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

on the go: WELL-DRESSED

The Conservatory of Piano celebrating 40 years of excellence in piano instruction introductory piano classes for:

WHAT THE

WELL-DRESSED

KIDS ARE WEARING TO A

• preschool ages 3 to 6 • beginners ages 7 to 10 • young adults ages 11 to 17 • adults • private lessons for all ages always available • transfer students welcome

Quinceañera

summer sampler july 11 - august 19 register by july 8

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

excellence in piano instruction is our only businesssm

ON KENNETH: American Western suit jacket and pants ($69), Gioberti shirt ($17), Donaldo Boots and matching belt ($75), Monte Golden Line hat ($30), and a stuffed monkey (his own)

KENNETH

AGE: 3 PARENTS: Karin and Keith NEIGHBORHOOD: Canal Winchester FAVORITE FOOD: vanilla ice cream LEAST FAVORITE FOOD: mac and cheese (“It’s amazing, I know,” said his mother.) FAVORITE CARTOON CHARACTER: Diego FAVORITE DVD: “Baby Einstein: Neptune’s Oceans” FAVORITE BOOK: “Five Silly Monkeys” by Steve Haskamp

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

WANT TO WIN THIS PIÑATA? Stay tuned to our Facebook page (Columbus Parent Magazine) and watch for your chance to enter to win one this month! (We’ll be giving away two of them.)

ON LUNA BIANCCA: Frankie’s dress with embroidered-flower overlay ($60), Modit Nina shoes ($23), Falls Creek lace cuffed ankle socks ($5 for twopair set), her necklace designed by her mother, Iris

See this Month’s Movie Reviews at

LUNA BIANCCA

AGE: 6 PARENTS: Enrique and Iris BROTHER: Arat (15) NEIGHBORHOOD: northwest Columbus FAVORITE FOOD: olives (“since she was a little baby!” said her father) LEAST FAVORITE FOOD: jelly beans FAVORITE SPORT: bowling FAVORITE DVD: “Mickey’s Adventures in Wonderland” from Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

WHERE TO BUY: Clothes and shoes from La Chaparrita, 2655 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614-351-8265 (also located at 3899 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, 614-418-5039); socks from Meijer, various locations, meijer.com

For more information on WOW! services, call

1-866-826-3889 columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

on the go: ANATOMY OF A ...

Goodie

bag BY KRISTEN MAETZOLD

Summer Play • Stay away from fireworks! Legal does NOT equal safe! • Do drink lots of extra water when you are in the sun. • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes BEFORE going outside. • Re-apply sunscreen every hour and after swimming.

You’ve painstakingly planned every detail from the hand-crafted invitations to the coordinating birthday cake. Now make sure your guests’ last impression of the party is a good(ie) one! Putting together a truly great goodie bag is all about finding items kids will love, parents won’t curse and, let’s be honest, it’s also about price. Take it easy on yourself and your wallet by choosing a one-stop-shopping party store. The items here were all selected from Party City, which has several locations around Columbus. Find the one nearest you at partycity.com.

KEEP IT CONTAINED

SUGGESTION: Pick the goodies first, then select the container to put them in because size will matter. Party City has bags, boxes, buckets and even screw-open plastic balls to fit every color, character or party theme imaginable. We love these Chinese-food take-out containers (99 cents each).

ALL WOUND UP The kids are going to go home spinning in circles anyway, so why not blame it on these wind-up Z Originals toys ($4 to $5)? They also come in Noggin Bop and Slider models.

PERSONAL ATTENTION

Birthdays should be about more than a number — they should also be about a name! Make each party guest feel special by including a personalized item in their bag, like a My Name Flashlight ($7).

• Keep anything with wheels away from pools.

GUESTS ALL AGLOW

• Have an adult with Kids around all water all the time! COLOR ME HAPPY

THE GOODIE THAT GROWS ON YOU

The grass is always greener when it’s sprouting from a ladybug or bumblebee! All these Grow-a-Bugs ($9) need is a little water, light and love because the seeds are already implanted. Once their “hair” comes in, kids will have fun playing barber!

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

READY TO BURST

As any kid knows, bubbles are far more fun when you take them out of the tub! You can go with bubble bottles that match themes like Toy Story, Star Wars, Cinderella, Dora and Sponge Bob. Or you can keep it simple with this multi-colored 12-pack of miniatures ($3).

You’ve worked hard to coordinate everything else, why stop with the candy? M&M’s has you covered with candy shells that come in every shade of the rainbow ($6 per 7-ounce bag). If you want to customize even further with names, dates or even pictures, order online at mymms.com.

What child doesn’t like to glow in the dark? The Super Glow Stick Necklaces ($2 each or $10 per dozen) are a fun fashion statement, and they come in a variety of colors.

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

on the go: COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE

Charly bauer AGE: 41 SPOUSE: Jeni Britton Bauer. We’ve been together for 12 years but we’re still in our honeymoon period. KIDS: Greta, almost 4, and Dashiell, barely 2 NEIGHBORHOOD: Columbus JOBS: Dad; Chief Technology Officer and occasional ice-cream scooper at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams; Jeni’s husband

Favorite thing to do for cheap family fun in Central Ohio: Visit the fountain in North Bank Park or take my kids to chase tennis balls on a public court. Or linger in the library.

Favorite restaurant to take the kids: Basi Italia. For spaghetti and meatballs, Guiseppe’s Ritrovo — the marinara is like face paint.

What’s something your mom or dad did that you thought was nuts when you were a kid and now you understand? Cursing.

Favorite movie that you went to see with the kids: I haven’t been able to sit

What’s the funniest thing your child ever said or did that you really wish he through a whole movie yet, but at home we or she hadn’t said or done? Dashiell said can watch most of “Babies” and Disney’s “Oceans.”

Favorite way to spend a Saturday afternoon: Margaritas at Cuco’s Market & Tacqueria, and a nap followed by a bike ride.

Best advice you ever received as a parent: “Broken legs, not broken eggs.” Separate the real problems from the little stuff.

the alternatives for “shoot” and “gosh darn it” when he wasn’t even 2. I’m told he’s only supposed to have about 10 words in his vocabulary. He actually has more like 500, but unfortunately several of them are curse words. It’s all my fault, I know. I’ve tried really hard to hide my laughter.

My life’s motto is: “Are you kidding me?” Greta says that all the time. It’s not a motto as such, but it’s fun to say really loud.

What is the most played song on your iPod right now? I’ve been thinking about getting an iPod, but lately I’ve been listening to “Meet Glen Campbell” on vinyl.

Which superhero power would you like to have? Probably accelerated healing. Wolverine and Lobo both have this. It is the ability to heal rapidly from any injury; the rate of recovery varies from character to character. This can sometimes result in the slowing of aging. This would help with parenting, too. A close second super-hero power would be superhuman breath. This is the ability to inhale/exhale with superhumanly powerful strength. This can range from exhalation on par with gale force winds to inhalation on par with the power of a gravitational vortex. In some cases, freezing temperatures can also be achieved. Superman and Toad both have this. WILL SHILLING PHOTO

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

on the go: PEOPLE YOU SHOULD MEET

Jennifer Bartley BY JANE HAWES

Chances are that Jennifer Bartley’s five children have mixed feelings about the garden they helped build behind their parents’ Granville house. And in particular about the brick walkways that separate the raised beds of vegetables and flowers.

JOE MAIORANA PHOTO

“We found the bricks when Columbus State (Community College) was tearing down some building for a parking lot,” explained Bartley, “but they were all covered with concrete. So it became kind of a punishment. I’d tell them to ‘go out and chip some more bricks’ if they’d done something wrong.” Well, no matter what Bartley’s four sons and one daughter, now grown, think about then, in the here and now, they can all take credit for creating a beautiful garden as a family — and for helping launch their mother’s second career. After homeschooling her children while her husband Terry pursued his career as a minister, Bartley embarked on her next career as a landscape architect and author. Bartley is the author of “The Kitchen Gardener’s Handbook,” which was released late last year by Timber Press, a Portland, Oregonbased publishing house. The richly detailed book, which features photos and hand drawings from Bartley, is already into its second printing. It follows her 2006 book, “Designing the New Kitchen Garden: An American Potager Handbook.” A “potager” (pronounced “POH-tuh-jhay”) is a French term roughly meaning “for the soup pot” and it has become a synonym for a kitchen garden, said Bartley. The kitchen garden that she and her children built against the back side of the Bartley home is neither large nor elaborate, but its thoughtful and balanced composition yields a steady harvest of vegetables and herbs. Kitchen gardens, explained Bartley, descend from the French tradition of putting fruits, flowers and vegetables within eyesight of the kitchen and home, and European

monasteries really mastered this garden form. “Contrast that with England,” said Bartley (who, after raising the kids, returned to Ohio State in the late ’90s to earn undergraduate and master’s degrees in landscape architecture). During the Reformation when many monasteries were destroyed, a different landscaping philosophy emerged. The English preferred to see rolling vistas and, from the British Isles came the tradition of front lawns. “It was no longer fashionable to see the messy kitchen gardens,” Bartley said. “They were moved away from the houses, back behind walls and hedges, and the culinary results were disastrous.” She continued: “When you can see your garden, you’re more motivated to maintain it and use its produce. There’s constant change, but you’re connected to what’s going on.” Bartley now travels throughout the U.S. to build kitchen gardens for clients. She also maintains a website, americanpotager.com, that is packed with recipes and ideas for other home gardeners. And she continues to experiment with the gardens that she and her children started. Next up? Reclaiming the front lawn. She’s carving out a new garden around her front door and has already planted rhubarb, sorrel and a variety of currant bushes. “Historically, kitchen gardens were also considered healing gardens,” Bartley said, explaining the healing came from not just eating the crops grown but feeling the peace that accompanies the slow process of building and maintaining a garden. “It’s great for kids to be involved in a garden,” Bartley mused with a smile, “but maybe, as parents, we need that more.”

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

on the go: HOUSEBROKEN to suddenly be hit by a pang of intense jealousy. Oh, adults try to fight it by wearing short sleeves and open-toed shoes and eating al-fresco, but those are poor substitutes for the childhood Julys that we really need. I’ve thought about spritzing myself with a bottle of chlorinated water when the yearning for a midday pool break becomes overwhelming, but I don’t know how that would go over in the office. The principle, however, is sound: If you can’t have a free July, at least have some sensory experiences that remind you of it. It will lift your mood, the way a little sunonce the Fourth of July had come and gone, light helps in midwinter. Here’s my presummer was virtually over. scription: That was my first inkling that adults might • PICK BLACKBERRIES. To me, they be dumb. Did no one teach them math? On the taste like summer, more so than tomatoes 5th of July, a kid was still looking at 26 days or sweet corn or any of those other foods of glorious freedom in that month alone. we associate with the season. I didn’t grow Now I understand their motivation: jealup on a farm and therefore had limited ousy. They were stuck in the office while kids harvesting experiences. The ones that enjoyed the summer. They were bitter, poor stand out most vividly are July berry-pickthings. ing adventures with their thorny menace I try not to be bitter now, but it’s difficult. and sweet reward. All a guy in business attire has to do is ride • PLAY BALL. I mean baseball or softby a swimming pool on a weekday afternoon ball or, best of all, Wiffle ball in the back-

pityParty prescription BY JOE BLUNDO

I have never really gotten over the fact that adults are expected to work in July. It’s a hangover from childhood days, when July was the one month you could rely on to be free of obligations. June was marred by final exams, and August was polluted by backto-school ads that reminded you how quickly the summer was ending. But July? Totally unencumbered by alarm clocks, homework or looming school years. It was as if someone arranged for an entire month of Saturdays. Adults would try to ruin it by saying that

yard. Start around 7:30 p.m., when it’s beginning to cool off, and keep going until it’s too dark to see. Do not try to substitute some other activity, such as Frisbeetossing or croquet. Those are adult diversions, but the point here is to replicate summer childhoods, which were made all the more exhilarating by the risk of striking out with men on base. • SIT ON A FRONT PORCH. If you don’t have one, find somebody who does. A back porch won’t do. It’s too peaceful. You need the movement of traffic and pedestrians to contrast against your utter lack of motion. It heightens the relaxation effect of July. Repeat until you start feeling like a kid in July again.

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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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

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VISIT K12.COM/OH CALL 866.339.9074 columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

on the go: VITAMIN ME

Make a Wish and… The cake was adorable — tiny and colorful and fun. Perfect for my little man's first birthday. I envisioned Cooper's inaugural taste of sugar as an experience of utter euphoria. He would dip those baby fingers into the icing, widen his sky blue eyes at first bite, look at Momma and Daddy with a mischievous grin, and then start smashing his teeny hands into his teeny cake to his giant heart's content. This kid is almost inexplicably happy at all hours; I could only imagine this coming glee. With balloons floating about, my husband dutifully slid a towel beneath the high chair, clipped on the large-sized tray and buckled in Cooper. I handed the video camera to my mom and the regular camera to my dad. I lit the big, numeral-one-shaped candle. Cued the singing. Started walking toward my boy.

Cooper was confused but amused, and certainly intrigued by all the activity. Suddenly, mid-song, my dad stopped singing. “I'm not sure if I have this on right,” he said, pulling the camera away from his eye to look at the settings. “Dad,” I half gasped, trying not to skip a beat in the song, still walking steadily toward my baby with his cake. “I'm sure it's fine.” “No,” he said, “I'm not sure it's taking pictures.” The song volume softened. “Dad,” I replied, agitated. “It's…” “Will you look at it?” he interrupted. I was right in front of Coop, and the song (as you know, it's not quite ballad-length) was nearly over. But while I wanted to finish it in peace, I also wanted a picture — at least one! — documenting the moment. So I turned my head toward my father, and sud-

BY KRISTY ECKERT

denly — it was one of those things that happens as if in slow motion — sinnnnnggggggggge. My curious little guy had grabbed the flame. The silence before the scream is the worst part, isn't it? Then: flurry of wailing, crocodile tears, Mom dropping the video camera, me trying to wedge Coop out of his chair, my husband turning the faucet as cold as it could get. Happy birthday to you!, right? When things settled and tears stopped, we put him back in his chair to attack his cake. He stuck a finger gingerly into the icing, put it to his lips, and made a sourpuss face. Then, he just looked at this mass of baked batter and icing in front of him and stared. No smashing. No smiling. No nothing. He just wanted down.

In the end, Cooper most enjoyed running among the balloons scattered around the floor and playing in the cardboard box that his Step2 car came in. My husband most enjoyed the fact that he gets to tease me every time we see a flame of any sort. There was plenty of glee — and even more when we recall the tale, which is far funnier now than while it was happening. The moral of the story? Things don't usually go as planned. But those are the best memories anyway, aren't they?

Kristy Eckert is the editor of Capital Style, a bimonthly women’s magazine published by The Dispatch Printing Company. To sign up for her weekly e-newsletter, visit Capital-Style.com

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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

on the go: TAKE IT FROM TRACY

take

mom

OUT TO THE

ballgame BY TRACY TOWNSEND

We’re playing baseball this summer and so far it’s a blast. I knew this day was coming nine years ago when we lived on the North Side of Chicago three blocks from the storied Wrigley Field. Ian could barely hold up his little head but had a prime seat in the Friendly Confines with us as we watched the Cubs play.

As soon as he was old enough, we signed him up to play. First there was T-ball, where the players hit the ball off the tee — or keep swinging at it until they do. Next Ian played coach-pitch baseball. As the name implies, the coach would pitch to players and again, and parents would watch and wait for the players to make contact with that one pitch to get a hit — or to strike out. Now we’re playing what’s called kid-pitch baseball, and in my mind this is true Little League baseball. Something happens to me when the kids take the field. Yes, I join the other moms and dads in encouraging and rallying the boys through each inning. Our boys play for the Cleveland Indians (as a native of Cincinnati and a Reds fan, this is probably the only time I’m cheering for the Indians). There seems to be an instant

camaraderie in our folding-chair ranks, as we sit watching the game in the elements. So far, we’ve watched in the rain and during a blistering 90-degree scorcher of a day. Of course we all hope the kids will pull out a victory — and that has happened at least once — but it is clear there are many good lessons to learn from losing. These lessons include congratulating the other team, and not criticizing teammates for mistakes but instead encouraging them to persist. There is also something to be said for the experience of self improvement and for learning how to accept instruction and constructive criticism. You can see them trying to absorb all of it as they play. The boys are listening to the coaches — and to their parents “coaching” from the side. With kids ages 9 and

10, the “parent coaches” on the sidelines can have the biggest impact on whether a child will enjoy the experience. But as parents we all have to remind ourselves to first and foremost “coach” our kids to be good sports. You know the old saying, “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.” I am not holding onto big-league baseball dreams for Ian. I just want him to have fun, be physically active and learn the game. And certainly he’ll learn those other lessons along the way that will help him become the superstar in life that “Coach Mom” wants him to be.

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

AUGUST 5, 6 & 7 - 2011

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columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

on the go: NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Learning Express

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

NEW ALBANY MIDDLE SCHOOL

RD. ILLE V N RA IN G E. DUBL

ST .

PURPLE DOG ART STUDIO

LEARNING EXPRESS

New Albany has existed for more than 150 years, but the community has really blossomed over the last two decades. RD .

STARBUCKS

JO HN ST OW N

Through the efforts of Limited Brands founder Leslie H. Wexner and the New Albany Company, the northeastern suburb has become a hub of residential, commercial and business development. The community, which this year acquired enough residents to officially become a city, has a strong focus on planning — so much so that the city’s website touts itself as a “rare location that leaves nothing to chance.” With so much going on in New Albany, it’s a great locale for a day of family fun, said Eileen Leuby, president of the New Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. The community eagerly welcomes families and children, she said. “It’s a very young community,” Leuby said. “The majority of homes were built after 1990.”

JEANNE B. MCCOY COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS E. M AI N

JOHNSON’S ON MARKET STREET

NEW ALBANY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

NEW ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL

TAILFEATHERS BOUTIQUE AND THREE FRENCH HENS

HIGH ST .

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WEXNER COMMUNITY PARK FODOR RD.

New Albany

161 PLAIN TOWNSHIP AQUATIC CENTER

NEW ALBANY BRANCH OF THE COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY

Kids will enjoy a stop at the New Albany branch of

the Columbus Metropolitan Library, which offers numerous story hours and kid-oriented programs. The library features a reading room for kids (and parents). The bright room feels like a homey sun porch and makes a great spot to read with your child. Just outside of the library is a quaint town square that’s home to a Starbucks, Learning Express toy store and Johnson’s on Market Street, an ice-cream shop that’s associated with Johnson’s Ice Cream in Bexley. The shop delivers on its promise to give guests “good sweet fun.” A sweet spot for moms

Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts especially on this Market Square is Tailfeathers Bou-

tique and Three French Hens, two shops housed in one store. Tailfeathers offers ladies’ clothing and accessories. Three French Hens sells a great mix of house wares and gifts, including pewter bubble wands,

stuffed animals and other unique kid items. (If you’re lucky, your kid will sit on the bench outside the door and eat his ice cream cone while you shop.) If ice cream is not enough to cool off your crowd, head over to the Plain Township Aquatic Center. The mini

NEW ALBANY BRANCH OF THE COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY 200 Market St. 614-645-2275 www.columbuslibrary.org

PLAIN TOWNSHIP AQUATIC CENTER 7650 Swickard Woods Blvd. Summer Phone: 614-775-9430 plaintownship.org WEXNER COMMUNITY PARK 7600 Swickard Woods Blvd. 614-939-7275 naparks.org/html/wexner_park.htm

STARBUCKS 220 Market St. 614-775-0569 ? starbucks.com LEARNING EXPRESS 180 F Market St. 614-933-0333 newalbany.learningexpress-toys.com JOHNSON’S ON MARKET STREET 180 Market St. 614-855-8108 johnsonsonmarketstreet.com

PURPLE DOG ART STUDIO 28 S. High St. 614 271-9306 purpledogart.com JEANNE B. MCCOY COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. 614-245-4701 mccoycenter.org

TAILFEATHERS BOUTIQUE AND THREE FRENCH HENS 220 Market St., Suite E 614-855-1775 tailfeathersboutique.com Tailfeathers Boutique and Three French Hens water park features two 28-foot water slides, a beach-entry kiddie pool and an interactive water play pool, in addition to a pool designated for lap swimming. If you don’t hold a seasonal pass, you can buy day passes, which run $8 for an adult (18 and older), $6 for children (ages 3-17) and free for children 2 and younger. Nearby Wexner Community Park is another fun place. Kids will enjoy climbing on the play structure and running around the attractive grounds. Wannabe artists should check out Purple Dog Art Studio, where kids and adults can take classes using a variety of mediums like pastels, clay and acrylic paint. The studio also hosts birthday parties and summer camps. New Albany also offers a variety of opportunities to experience professional arts programming.

Market Square The Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts prides itself on providing unique opportunities to inspire and educate Central Ohioans, said Kristen Ferguson, director of marketing.

The center brings in Broadway musicals, musicians, authors and a wide spectrum of performers to “inspire and enrich the lives of the residents of New Albany and surrounding communities,” Ferguson said.

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

on the go: BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Ted DeDee Executive Director, Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts

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Built through a successful collaboration of New Albany, Plain Township, the New AlbanyPlain Local School District and the New Albany Community Foundation, the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts strives to provide educational and cultural opportunities for the residents of Central Ohio. Since opening in February of 2008, the center has featured everything from Broadway shows and student performances to presentations by authors and chefs. While the center brings in professional touring acts, it also serves as a performance venue for local groups such as the New Albany Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Childrenâ€™s Theatre. â€”MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

Can you tell me about an event that generated a real buzz in the community? The two events that we have had over the last three years that have had a strong positive reaction from students and parents were the two lecturers from National Geographic.

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People of all ages could learn something. I was fascinated by the level of complexity of the questions asked by the people in the audience.

Youâ€™ve had big stars like LeAnn Rimes perform at the McCoy Center. Do they ever make unreasonable demands on the staff? That doesnâ€™t really go on.

WILL SHILLING PHOTO

What was Rimes like? Being such a huge celebrity, there was a lot of interest in peopleâ€™s mind whether she was truly the musical performer that everyone hoped she would be. She surpassed expectations. She was warm and very candid about her life.

What makes performances at the McCoy unique?

JEANNE B. MCCOY COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. 614-245-4701 mccoycenter.org COMING UP: The McCoy Center hosts â€œSeussical Jr.,â€? a family-friendly musical adventure through the world of Dr. Seuss on July 8, 9 and 10. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Call the New Albany Arts Council at 614-775-6222 for more information.

We try to get our performers to engage in a dialogue with the audience so the audience feels as if they have a greater understanding of what (the performers) are trying to do with their lifeâ€™s work.

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hot topic: SPORTS

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A Diamond Full of Miracles Giving every child a chance to play baseball BY ANIETRA HAMPER

For more information, visit our website: www.ohiogermanlanguageschool.org But the site is more than just a baseball field and unique beyond just its specially designed turf. The players themselves are the miracles on this ball field. Instead of diving into home plate, one player rolls over it in his wheelchair. Instead of stealing second base, a blind child is guided by her “buddy” on where to plant her feet. And 6-yearold Gavin Runkle reaches past the autism that often silences him and shouts in exuberance after hitting the ball. Gavin — or “The Gavinator” as he is known on his team — is one of 300 athletes, ages 3 to 21, who take to a field designed specifically for the Miracle League of Central Ohio. It’s part of an international non-profit organization devoted to letting every child experience the joy of playing ball. “This is huge,” said Erin Runkle, Gavin’s mother. “He is able to come here and play in a safe environment and he is cheered on no matter what happens.” When Gavin walks off the field, he is tired but there’s still a smile on his face. It is a telltale sign that what happens to Gavin on the field helps him long after he leaves. JOE MAIORANA PHOTOS “This is something he can

Just about every Saturday in May, June and July, at the Miracle League field in Dublin’s Darree Field Park, the sounds of baseball are in the air — crowds cheering on a home run, players calling out each other’s nicknames, and the bat cracking the ball.

For more info, call 740-592-3061 or visit athenschildrenservices.com

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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Grayson Bell gets a hit

do on his own,” Runkle said. “It is his baseball team. He is going to score. It is a great thing for him.” The Miracle League is celebrating its sixth season this year. Children throughout Central Ohio who have mental and physical disabilities are eligible to play, beginning at age 3. The custom-made field is designed with a cushioned synthetic surface suitable for wheelchairs and walkingassistance devices. The equipment, adapted to meet specific needs, includes audibly beeping balls and bats of various sizes to suit all players. These athletes live with all kinds of conditions, but here they get to suit up and have their chance at bat while the crowds cheer them on through their two-inning games. “It’s the best thing I have ever done,” said Joe Fox, Miracle League director. “To watch them have the opportunity to play baseball — all the smiles! It is a special place to be on a Saturday. There’s a lot of cheering.” All of the athletes make their way around the bases with a buddy who provides physical assistance and emotional encouragement. The Miracle League depends on volunteers like Ray Gans, a

junior at Dublin Coffman High School, to work with the young athletes. This is Ray’s fifth year volunteering as a buddy. Ray said he has seen players build confidence and experience true joy out there on the field. “I assist my buddy in playing the game,” said Ray. “I might have to help with base running or batting.” For the Bells, the Miracle League is a family affair. Brian and Denise Bell both volunteer for the league along with their daughter Ainsley. Their daughter Grayson, who has cerebral palsy, has played in the league for four years. “It is something she can look forward to, and it is a safe environment,” said Mr. Bell. Bell said his daughter was hooked from the first time she hit the ball. Her grand-slam balls are lined up in her bedroom as a reminder of her achievements. League rules mandate a base-clearing home run at the end of each inning, ensuring that every player will at some point get to experience them. “Her first year it was hard to get her jersey off,” Bell said. “She wanted to sleep in it. It was hard to get it in the wash.” That enthusiasm is evident with every player, coach and spectator, and, standing on the perimeter of the field, it’s easy to feel the impact that the Miracle League has on the lives of these children and their families. When the Gavinator hits a home run, his mother said she knows he is doing more than just hitting the ball — he is growing. Runkle said she saw that miracle happen in his first game. “Seeing him out there is the biggest reward I could get,” Runkle said, adding, “I cried.”

Brian Bell congratulates his daughter

ABOUT THE MIRACLE LEAGUE • The Miracle League is a non-profit organization, founded in 1998 near Atlanta, and all of its member leagues rely heavily on donations and volunteers.

Out of Africa. Without going out of Ohio.

• The Miracle League of Central Ohio is the second largest of its kind. There are currently 240 such leagues in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Australia. • The 2011 Central Ohio season runs through July 30 on Saturdays. A Tuesday evening “Night League” also exists for athletes who may be more able bodied and have some experience playing baseball.

At the Wilds, rare and endangered animals roam freely on 10,000 rolling acres. Plan your own safari adventure here, and discover just how far something so close can take you.

• The Miracle League Field is located at Darree Field Park, 6259 Cosgray Rd. in Dublin. Spectators are always welcome. For more information, go to ohiomiracleleague.org or call 614-791-1305.

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columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

hot topic: SPORTS

Batter up? The perils of potent bats and other sports equipment

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When Little League International announced it had placed a moratorium on composite-barrel baseball bats earlier this year, many parents took a direct hit to the wallet. The bats, which are typically lighter than aluminum or wood bats, were popular with players at all levels because they can launch balls farther and faster than traditional bats. They also are more expensive, with some models costing several hundred dollars.

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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Little League officials cited performance issues as the reason for their decision — unlike standard metal bats, which tend to degrade over time, independent testing has shown that some composite bats may actually exceed the performance rating printed on them long after they are broken in. Behind the scenes, though, there have been mounting safety concerns about increased ball speeds, especially in youth leagues where pitchers typically stand 10 to 15 feet closer to home plate than high school or college players. “Injuries that come from batted balls tend to be more serious, and a higher percentage of injuries of that

Nathan Lawrence from the Blendon Westerville Little League poses with a new composite bat

sort will result in surgery,” said Dr. Steve Cuff, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and sports medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

MIXED SIGNALS Families may spend hundreds of dollars a year on sports gear, so when equipment requirements change, the investment may feel wasted. In the wake of the Little League ban, many parents have been left with $200 bats their children won’t be able to use. Brian Frazier, president of the Blendon Westerville Little League, said that most parents in his organization have been understanding.

“I rejected one bat a few games ago, but I haven’t heard anybody complain, especially when they find out about the safety issues,” Frazier said. “We’ve been very proactive, so when Little League International started talking about the dangers of these bats, we educated our umpires to make sure they check equipment before the games start.” Complicating matters is the fact that not all composite bats are banned. Little League has already released a list of exempted bats, which means coaches and umpires have to check the bats against the list. But to simplify things, the Blendon Westerville league simply

JEFF MILLS PHOTOS

banned all composite bats, regardless of brand or model. There are also several other national and state youth baseball associations, and not all of their composite bat policies are consistent. The Ohio High School Athletic Association — following the lead of the National Federation of State High School Associations — will allow certain composite bats that have met thirdparty testing criteria. Other national sanctioning groups like the United States Specialty Sports Association, Nations Baseball, and the National Amateur Baseball Federation are either still developing policies, or have sent mixed signals.

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SAFETY FIRST

Blendon Westerville Little League president Brian Frazier with his son, Levi, at Ridgewood Park That’s left local leagues struggling to come up with a coherent stance on composite bats, especially since many players may participate in multiple leagues. The Central Ohio Youth Baseball League (COYBL), for instance, is allowing the bats this year, but is waiting for guidance from the national organizations before making a decision for 2012. “We need to make sure we do the right thing from a safety perspective, but we also have to look at what the national sanctioning bodies are doing,” said COYBL president Doug Hare. “We don’t want the players to have to buy a different bat for every league or tournament they play in. We’re trying to get something in parents’ hands soon, and I know that some families have put off purchasing bats this year because of it.”

BEYOND BATS Leagues also have worked to protect players from head injuries regardless of what kind of bat is being used. Girls’ fast-pitch softball requires helmets with face guards for pitchers at most of the younger levels, and

some leagues require protective chest pads for pitchers. Frazier said his league has started using leaguesupplied batting helmets with face guards, which were donated by a program called “Play Hard, Don’t Blink,” which is run by the Ohio Ophthalmological Society. Because of the increased awareness of the dangers of sustaining multiple concussions, football helmets may be the next piece of sports gear to face scrutiny. Congress is currently considering the Children’s Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act, which would ensure that new and reconditioned sports helmets for high school and younger players conform to stricter safety standards. While protective equipment is important, Cuff emphasizes that parents and coaches should also focus on helping players avoid more common ailments like sprains, stress fractures, and overuse injuries. “The best protective measure is to just have a certified athletic trainer on the sidelines or at games to help manage injuries and help with prevention,” Cuff

With an increasing number of children playing sports year-round, and often focusing on one sport alone, repetitive-strain injuries and exposure to multiple concussions has become a serious issue for youth sports programs. “Kids are specializing at younger ages and playing in more leagues, so their exposure to those injuries has increased,” said Dr. Steve Cuff, a physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Overuse of developing muscles and ligaments can lead to surgeries or even career-ending injuries. That’s why parents and coaches alike have to make sure young athletes are training properly and taking care of injuries. At the Central Ohio Youth Baseball League, for instance, the league works to educate coaches and parents on how to help young pitchers take care of their arms. The league also enforces strict pitch counts. “Our goal is to get them to make it through youth baseball and into high school and college,” said the league’s president Doug Hare. “If they wear their arm out at the youth level, they can’t achieve those goals.” says. “Just making sure kids are maintaining proper flexibility, strength and fitness can go a long way toward preventing injuries.”

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columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

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Pay-to-participate fees became the new norm in high school sports JOE MAIORANA PHOTOS

John Harper heads into a PTP future.

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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Whether you call them “pay-to-play,” “pay-to-participate” or just “PTP,” these fees have become a way of life for student-athletes in public school districts throughout Central Ohio. As districts struggle to find ways to balance the impact of state-funding cuts and failed levies, many are charging fees for students to play sports. Of the 24 Central Ohio districts that Columbus Parent surveyed, only three — Columbus City, Delaware City and Gahanna-Jefferson — had no PTP fees during the 2010-2011 school year. But that number will drop to two when Gahanna-Jefferson starts charging $200 per sport for the 2011-2012 school year. However, while districts that charge hundreds of dollars for students to play sports garner a lot of attention in the media, the fact is that 54 percent of the districts surveyed by Parent charge less than $100 per sport. Another 33 percent charge between $100 and $200. Only three districts in Central Ohio — Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, and Big Walnut — charge more than $200, although that will change for the 2011-

2012 school year when Big Walnut reduces its fees to $150. Pickerington is set to increase its fees from $210 to $500. According to Tim Stried, a spokesman for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), PTP fees are “an unfortunate reality.” OHSAA represents more than 800 public and private high schools in Ohio. “We wish that no schools were forced to go to a PTP program,” said Stried. “However, we try to make sure people know that even if a school does have PTP fees, those fees are usually much lower than what it costs to play club sports.” Stried said the immediate impact of PTP fees is a higher risk that athlete numbers will decrease in schools. But, as of now, that hasn’t been the case in

Ohio, he said. OHSAA statistics indicated that families seem to be finding a way to pay the fees. Another concern is a decrease in the level and quality of play on the field. Although Stried hasn’t seen that happen yet, he warns that it could, “five to 10 years down the road.” PTP fees are a sensitive subject with school districts. Westerville, Pickerington and Reynoldsburg schools declined to comment for this article. Even some parents who were contacted did not want to comment publicly on the topic. But no one denies it’s a struggle to provide quality academics with dwindling funds. As state allocations for schools are decreasing and many communities are voting against school levies, districts have to make tough choices about how to spend the money they do have. After its school levy was voted down in May, Canal Winchester Local Schools announced that it will increase its PTP fees from $140 to $300 for the 2011-2012 school year. According to athletic director Kent Riggs, the district is anticipating a 25 percent reduction in participation. “We’re concerned that multi-sport kids will drop off and that we will lose

McKinzie Harper and Kylie Harper are already there

THE COST OF PTP 2010-11 high-school fees at Central Ohio districts depth in our programs,” he said. “We’re disappointed that it has come to this because our goal is to have as many kids as possible participate in sports, but we have to make the books balance.” The district is hoping to put another levy on the ballot in November. So what does this all boil down to for families? Grace Wentzel of Canal Winchester said she will pay the district’s $300 fee so that her daughter, a junior, can play softball. “The fees are going to be difficult for many families in our district,” said Wentzel. “It is likely that most programs will lose talented athletes. Maybe some people think kids can do without athletics, but participating in school sports is much bigger than the competition. It builds character, encourages good sportsmanship and work ethic, and instills discipline and a desire to be the best.” T.J. and Julie Harper, also of Canal Winchester, have three kids, all of whom play sports. They, too, will pay the fees in the fall. Mr. Harper said, while his family was disappointed with the decision to raise the PTP fees, “We understand it is necessary to preserve funds for education, which is our priority. We value the sports experience as a way of rounding our kids’ education, so we see the PTP fees as an investment.”

Bexley: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Big Walnut: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300 (dropping to $150 in 2011-12)

Buckeye Valley: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75 Canal Winchester: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $140 (increasing to $300)

Columbus City: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0 Delaware: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0 Dublin: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50-$75 Gahanna-Jefferson: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0

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(increasing to $200)

Grandview Heights: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80 Groveport Madison: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75 Hilliard: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65 Lancaster: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100 Marysville: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150 Mt. Vernon: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 New Albany: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Newark: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200 Olentangy: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75 Pickerington: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $210 (increasing to $500)

Reynoldsburg: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $240 Southwest Licking: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200 South-Western: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150 Upper Arlington: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85 Westerville: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100 Worthington: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $135

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

need to know: THE GO-TO GUIDE

Geocaching BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

The Spears family is on the geohunt.

GETTING STARTED:

ERIC WAGNER PHOTOS

• Visit geocaching.com and create an account. A basic membership is free. • Once you’ve joined, you can enter your zip code to locate a cache near you. • Follow the driving directions to the cache’s location. • Plug in the coordinates and walk to the spot. (Remember that GPS coordinates can vary by up to 20 feet.) • Once you’ve located the area, look around for the cache. (People who place caches often give hints to help you find them.) • When you find the cache, sign the logbook. Only remove something if you leave something in its place. • Log back onto geocaching.com and indicate that you found the cache. SOURCE: JILL SNYDER, NATURALIST WITH THREE CREEKS METRO PARK

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Randy Spears and his daughters like to treasure hunt. But the Westerville family doesn’t search for gold or jewels. Dad and the girls — Katie, 14, and Emma, 10 — hunt for trinkets and logbooks, Spears said. And, what’s more, they use technology to do it. Spears and his daughters are “geocachers” — people who use a global positioning system (GPS) device to search for hidden containers called “caches.” Anyone with a GPS device can participate in geocaching by visiting geocaching.com, a website that lists the coordinates of caches and provides hints to help searchers find them. The site, operated by Groundspeak, Inc., is considered by many geocachers to be the No. 1 resource for information, although some GPS manufacturers also discuss the topic on their websites. The hints are necessary because the accuracy of GPS devices ranges from about six to 20 feet. Once users arrive at the right location, they need to search for the containers, which are often camouflaged and hidden in bushes, trees or other out-of-sight spots. Spears recalled a cache where the hint was: “Why are you looking down there?” It was a tricky but valid question, Spears said, because the cache was hanging from a rope in a tree. Caches usually contain a logbook for finders to sign and date, as well as trinkets for them to take. Anyone who removes something from a cache is expected to leave something of equal or greater value. The baubles in the caches motivate Spears’ daughters to participate, said their father. Typical “swag,” as geocachers call it, includes small inexpensive toys like marbles, Silly Bandz or army men. Since Spears knows his girls like to find prizes, he avoids caches where the hider describes them as “micro” or “nano” because he knows that means the container will be too small for goodies. “They don’t like the ones where there’s just a logbook,” Spears said. He likes the activity because it gets the kids outside. “My kids tend to be more screen people. They’re into computers, TV and DS. I love that this gets them out in the fresh air,” said Spears, who has hunted for caches in five states. He typically looks up caches in places that he is visiting with his family to make the trip more interesting. Geocaching has really taken off locally, said Jill Snyder, a naturalist at Three Creeks Metro Park in Groveport. She has planted several caches in the park and even purchased a set of GPS devices to teach the skill to park visitors. “We’ve started including geocaching and GPS into a lot of our park programs,” Snyder said. “It’s really catching on. It’s a neat way to get people out into the park.”

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(614) 594-0077 Geocaching is an affordable and fun activity for families, she said. GPS units range in price from $50 to $600 depending on what features are included. Electronics stores or larger discount stores carry the units. Some smartphones also have applications for geocaching that can be downloaded. Members of the geocaching.com website have created a forum where they review various devices, Spears said. The discussions are a good source of information for anyone interested in purchasing a unit. Some manufacturers have started making handheld GPS units designed for kids to use to geocache, Snyder said. “People are often surprised that it’s pretty inexpensive. Once you buy a GPS, it’s all free,” she said. “You might think only kids or adults would enjoy this, but even younger kids can participate.”

GEOCACHING TERMS DNF (Did Not Find): An acronym used by geocachers to state that they did not find a cache. This is also a type of online log on geocaching.com and is useful for alerting cache owners of potential issues. Cache owners who repeatedly receive “Did Not Find” logs should check to see that their cache has not been removed.

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Muggle: A non-geocacher. Based on the word “muggle” from the Harry Potter series, which is a non-magical person. Usually this term is used when a non-geocacher looks puzzled after befriending a geocacher searching for a cache, or when a non-geocacher accidentally finds a cache. Geomuggles are mostly harmless. SWAG: An acronym often referred to as meaning “Stuff We All Get.” It includes the trade items left in caches by geocachers. SOURCE: GEOCACHING.COM

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

S e n d y o u r t e e n t o B a s i c B a b y s i t t e r Tr a i n i n g 6 1 4 - 3 5 5 - 0 6 6 2

EYES

FIRES

90% of eye injuries can be prevented with precaution and protection.

Wear safety goggles when you might be near chemicals, sawdust, flying objects, etc. and when using power tools, mowers, or high heat.

Change detector batteries twice a year.

Get new detectors every 10 years.

Make a home fire escape plan: draw a map, have a meeting place, practice once a month.

Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Lock up gasoline and other flammable materials.

Teach children that “fire is a tool, not a toy”.

Watch children very carefully around fire pits. Be sure there is nothing that could be tripped over near the pit.

I NEVER allow a child to ride as a passenger ger on a riding mower.

Never use gasoline to start a fire or make it bigger.

I Keep small children away from mowers at all times.

BURNS

Fireworks cause over 2,000 eye injuries that cause blindness each year. • Sparklers burn at 1800 degrees, hot enough to melt gold. Use break-and-glow sticks or other glow-in-thedark toys instead. • Go to a professional fireworks show; home fireworks are illegal and dangerous.

LAWNMOWERS

I Children should be at least 12 years old to operate a push mower and 16 years old to use a riding mower.

•

I Leave all safety features and warning labels on the mower.

When cooking, use back burners; turn the handles of pans toward the back of the stove.

Keep hot liquids, even coffee and tea, well out of reach of children.

I Mow when grass is dry and it is light outside.

Use caution when taking food out of a microwave. It can be hotter than expected.

BIKES/SKATES

Set your hot water heater to 120 degrees or lower.

EVERYONE needs to wear a helmet when on wheels! Take helmets off at the playground.

Follow all traffic rules.

I I

Stop, look and listen before crossing a street.

Stay out of the sun between 10 AM to 2 PM.

Wear a reflector so you can be seen at dawn, dusk and dark.

Ear buds/headphones make it hard to hear traffic. If you are on the street, turn off the music!

If you are hot, cool off. Drink lots of water or sports drinks before you feel thirsty.

DO NOT RUB THE EYE! Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Flush the eye with water for 15 minutes. Take the container of what was spilled with you to the emergency room or eye doctor.

Put an ice pack gently over the eye.

If you get something stuck in your eye: • •

Cover with a paper cup but do NOT apply ice or ANY pressure to the eye. Do NOT REMOVE a foreign body from the eye.

• I

CALL 911 if the burned area is white or gray, and the person cannot feel it.

If the EYES are BURNED: • • •

• • • • I

Rinse cut with water and use sterile gauze or a clean cloth to put pressure on the cut. If blood soaks through the bandage, put another bandage over the first and keep applying pressure. Raise the injured body part above the heart to slow down bleeding. If something is sticking out, do NOT take it out! Do NOT put on a tourniquet (anything tied around the body part).

Go to the EMERGENCY ROOM: • • • •

Use sunscreen. Reapply every few hours AND after sweating or getting wet.

Wash cuts with soapy water and coverr with a bandage.

If the cut is very deep or the edges of the cut are far apart. If the cut is on the lip OR other part of the face. If the cut continues to bleed after applying pressure. If it is a bite from a human or animal.

CALL 911 right away: • • •

If body part has been cut off: put the cut-off part in a sealed plastic bag, and put the bag in ice water right away. If blood is spurting out of the cut and won’t stop. If the cut is bleeding so much that bandages are soaked with blood.

Immediately go to the emergency room! Do NOT RUB the eye. Do NOT FLUSH the eye. Do NOT add medicine.

Sunburns: • • •

For Severe cuts (deep, large, gaping or won’t stop bleeding) while waiting for medical help: •

If the area of the body burned is large or severe. If the burn is from fire, electricity, or chemicals. If the burn is on the face, ears, hands, feet, joints, or genitals. If you see swelling, pus, redness or red streaks around the burn (signs of infection).

BLEEDING/CUTS For Minor cuts (surface or small):

in. Remove clothing from burned parts, except clothes stuck to the skin. Run cool (NOT COLD) water over burn for 20 minutes. Never put ointments, butter, or other home remedies on a burn. Do not break blisters.

Go to the EMERGENCY ROOM: • • • •

If you get hit in the eye:

.org /KIS S

All burns: • • • •

If you splash something in your eye:

•

SUN I

For all eye injuries, go to the nearest emergency room or eye doctor immediately!

• • • •

Carefully empty water or other liquids used for cooking. They may still be hot enough to cause a burn.

I Prevent flying objects! Remove toys, tools, sticks, and stones from grass.

TIPS

BURNS/SUNBURNS

Get out of the sun. Drink extra fluids. Take a lukewarm bath/shower.

Get medical attention if: • • • • •

There are blisters or lots of pain. Large area of body is burned. The face swells. Fever, chills, headache, confusion or faintness occur. There are very dry lips, mouth or eyes, lack of tears or sweat (signs of dehydration).

Call 1 9o1 r life

f ening threat ncies! e emerg

Phone Numbers Child’s Doctor: ( _________ ) _________________________ Family Doctor: ( _________ ) _________________________ Eye Doctor: ( _________ ) ___________________________ Friend/Relative Emergency Contact: Name:______________________________________________ Phone # ( _________ ) _______________________________

Ta k e a f i r s t a i d a n d C P R c l a s s s o y o u k n o w w h a t t o d o i n c a s e o f a n em | July 2011 | columbusparent.com

EYE INJURIES

For extr ac ww or prin opies w.N atio t, visit to dow nwi o nloa deC ur we d hild b ren site s

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

A l w a y s pu

H a v e w o r k i n g smok

•

gency 614-355-0662

Having working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on EVERY level of your home is the best way to keep your family safe.

To find a doctor or medical service, visit www.NationwideChildrens.org or call (614) 722-KIDS.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

•

For more about this program, go to www.NationwideChildrens.org/KISS, contact KISS@NationwideChildrens.org or call (614) 355-0679. All coloring pages and activity books are also available to freely download and print.

K.I.S.S. Your Kids and Keep Them Safe!

K e e p c o r d s f o r b l i n d s a n d c u r t a i n s o u t o f c h i l d r e n ’s r e a c h

The new “Play it Safe” video game, based on the activity books is now on line! Anyone can build a character and learn about safety at home, the pool, the park and at school by traveling through the safety adventures!

KEEP and POST :: From Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s :: Eyes, Bleeding/Cuts, Burns & Sunburns

•

on Safety) is a seasonal safety education program that features coloring contests and free activity books. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is able to provide this service through the generous support of Central Ohio Kohl’s Department Stores.

•

babies to sleep on their backs

K.I.S.S. Your Kids (Kohl’s Is Sold

Never leave your child alone around water

KIDS

•

detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on ever y floor of your home

YOUR

Call Poison Center 1-800-222-1222 (TTY 1-866-688-0088)

K.I.S.S.

•

Seat belts and car seats save lives

5534

need to know: PEDIATRIC HEALTHSOURCE

EXPERTS FROM NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ANSWER COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY A few summers ago there was an outbreak of an intestinal bug at our local pool, something with a long name that I can never remember. I know the management has put safeguards in place to prevent that from happening again, but I still worry. What exactly would have caused this and is there anything we can do to protect ourselves? Dr. Dennis Cunningham is a member of the Section of Infectious Diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

You may be referring to Cryptosporidium (a.k.a. “crypto”), one of the most common causes of illness when it comes to recreational water activities. This germ is found in the feces of an infected person and causes diarrhea. Young children, pregnant women and people with immune problems are more susceptible to getting sick from the germ. Proper chlorination is important to keep bacterial growth down, though crypto is only sensitive to chlorination at high levels. Therefore, it can survive for days in chlorinated pools, where it then easily spreads. When your family visits the pool, remind kids not to let any water get in their mouths. Anyone with diarrhea symptoms should not swim, and children not yet potty trained should wear swim diapers which prevent leakage. Be sure your children take bathroom breaks and if you must change a diaper, do so away from the pool. Your family should shower with soap before and immediately after swimming to rid the body of as many germs as possible. This will also help keep other swimmers safe. Risks of infection are higher in lakes and ponds, so try to swim in areas that are monitored. If you suspect your child may be infected, consult your primary-care physician, who will be able to evaluate your child’s symptoms and prescribe treatment.

With all the warnings about what types of UV rays you have to be protected against, it’s hard to sort through all the products available out there. What SPF do kids really need? And what ingredients should we avoid or should we be looking for in a sunscreen? The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all kids wear a broad-spectrum, sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays reach the earth and are harmful to the skin: UVA and UVB. Check the ingredient label to be sure the sunscreen will cover both. The presence of one of three ingredients (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and avobenzone) assures the sunscreen is one that will adequately protect your child. Most sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the chemicals to take effect. Be sure to reapply every two hours and again after water exposure. Parents should also practice other sun protection measures including wearing hats, sunglasses, other protective clothing and seeking the shade during peak hours of sun exposure (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages use of sunscreen in infants younger than 6 months of age. Young infants have exceedingly delicate skin and are more sensitive to the effects of excessive sun and heat exposure. Therefore, direct sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible in infancy. Chemical-free sunscreens that rely only on physical blockers (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) as their active ingredients are considered safe for young infants but are not as effective as avoiding direct sunlight.

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Dr. Patricia Witman is the Chief of the Section of Dermatology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Clinical Dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Are You Concerned About Your Child’s Development?

To learn more about Nationwide Children’s Hospital, visit www.NationwideChildrens.org

My teenage daughter plays soccer and often remarks after practices and games that it feels like her heart is going to beat right out of her chest, and that it seems to “skip beats.” I know that playing sports raises a person’s heart rate, but could this be an indication of something more serious? Your daughter may be experiencing what are known as heart palpitations. People that experience heart palpitations often report exactly what your daughter has described — racing, pounding or skipping heart beats. Some individuals also report feeling these symptoms in their necks. There are a number of factors that may influence someone’s heart rate and rhythm, including exercise, stress, caffeine and certain medications (such as those to treat asthma or heart conditions). Some kids may simply notice their own heart rhythms and think they’re abnormal. Sometimes, though, palpitations can be an indication of an abnormal heart rhythm. You should consult your primary-care physician if your daughter experiences palpitations. The physician will evaluate the frequency and intensity of these palpitations, your daughter’s medical history and that of your family. In many cases, treatment is not necessary. Here at The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, our comprehensive care includes a thorough medical history and potentially an electrocardiogram (EKG). In addition, we offer portable monitors that can record your daughter’s symptoms. These can be worn anywhere from one to 30 days, or only when your daughter experiences palpitations. Our nationally ranked program offers care for all kinds of pediatric heart conditions.

Dr. Naomi Kertesz is Director of Electrophysiology and Pacing at The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

TIP OF THE MONTH

POOL SAFETY Many families love visiting the pool on hot summer days — what a great way to cool down and unwind! Before letting your kids dive in, though, review some important water safety tips: SUPERVISE: Kids should never swim without adult supervision. WALK: Many injuries occur when kids run and slip on wet surfaces. TEACH YOUR KIDS HOW TO SWIM: Don’t rely on floats alone; children should know how to swim, even if they stay in the shallow area. BUILD A FENCE: If you have a pool at home, install a fence so kids can’t get into the pool without your knowledge. WASH: After swimming, use soap and water to remove bacteria. Be sure to dry out infants’ ears to prevent swimmer’s ear.

The Sensory Learning Program has been proven effective for a multitude of diagnoses including Acquired Brain Injury, ADD/ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, Developmental Delay as well as Sensory Dysfunctions that may present in the form of:

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columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: PARTIES

Birthdays for Tots Families are spending more on parties for wee ones BY ELIZABETH SEUFER Olamide Tolani’s first birthday party was grand. The catered fete for the little boy, held earlier this year at Monaco’s Palace in Columbus, included nearly 100 guests, many of them children. Tolani’s aunt, Shirley Davis of Reynoldsburg, hired Mickey and Minnie Mouse look-alikes and a balloon-twisting entertainer for the party. “Most kids cry at their first birthday,” said his mother, Feyi Tolani, of Lewis Center, who also has three older children. “Olamide enjoyed everything. He was dancing. He didn’t cry at all.” Tolani said a child’s first birthday is a big milestone for her family. When it comes to celebrating birthdays for 1- and 2-year-olds, parties can be fancy or simple. Or something in between. Parents typically either want a party that’s big and fantastic for their child’s first birthday, or they want to hold off on having a large party until the child is 3, 4 or 5, said Curtis Lovell II, owner of Awesome Family Entertainment, a Columbus-based party planning firm. Lovell said parents spend more now on children’s birthday parties than they did 10 or 15 years ago. They splurge on things like lavish cakes, and television character look-alikes are popular picks for young children’s birthday parties, Lovell said. “At this age, (the entertainment is) really not for the child,” he said. “It’s usually for the guests, for the older kids or for the adults.” Colorful characters and clowns make for exciting photos, which are very important to parents. “Photos are big in this generation,” Lovell said. “We like photos. We like to share photos.” The really young birthday boys and girls are either excited or standoffish when they see their favorite character in person, Lovell said. He added that the shy ones usually warm up with time or after seeing their mother or father hug the character. Lovell said extended family members often help foot the bill for children’s parties. “Out-of-state grandparents who can’t make it will enlist our service as a surprise to the party,” Lovell said. “That happens a lot.” Davis said the money she spent on her nephew’s party was more than worth it. “Some people say the kids won’t remember, but the brothers and sisters remember,” said Davis, a mother herself. “Who knows? You may not be there tomorrow. You are building memories for the child.”

1YE-A5RS

HIRING ENTERTAINMENT • If your child talks about nothing but Elmo, Elmo, Elmo — that’s your answer. Hire Elmo! • Ask other parents to recommend good family entertainers. Get contact info for those you’ve seen at other parties. • Don’t hire an entertainer for the entire length of the party. Have them arrive 30 to 60 minutes after the party starts, when arrival socializing is done and everyone can enjoy the entertainment. Source: Curtis Lovell II, of Awesome Family Entertainment

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: PARTIES

Invitation Frustration

A birthday at The Little Gym. Grow happy.

Who to invite to the party BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

As Lucy Gonia’s 4th birthday approached, her mother started to worry about which of her classmates the family should invite to the party. The decision was complicated because some of the children in Lucy’s preschool class had hosted parties and invited the entire class. The youngster also attends her school’s after-care program and has befriended kids in other classes. But Lucy’s parents were planning a fairy-tale-themed party at a teahouse and they knew the atmosphere would be very girly. The family wasn’t trying to exclude boys, but they worried the boys in the class might not enjoy the party theme, said Lucy’s mother, Lindsay Sestile. “I didn’t want anyone to feel like I left their kid out,” said the Clintonville resident. So Sestile sent an email to the entire class laying out the situation and asking for feedback. “We figure most boys won’t want to attend a tea party, but we also don’t want to exclude anyone who would otherwise be interested,” Sestile wrote the parents. “At the same time, we don’t want to invite a bunch of kids who won’t want to attend but whose parents will feel obligated.” Sestile heard back from several parents. “The overall consensus was boys probably wouldn’t be that interested in going to a teahouse,” she said. She invited all the girls in Lucy’s class and all the girls in the aftercare program. The solution seemed to suit everyone, said Sestile, who believes emailing the parents helped her make a decision that prevented hurt feelings. Making other parents aware of your decision process can make a difference, said Tiffany Jones, director of the

0S 4Y-E1 R A

Lucy Gonia still treasures her party favor. Little Lambs Children’s Center in Gahanna. Handling party invitations is a real learning opportunity, she said. If parents are aware that their child is not going to receive an invitation, they’re better prepared to help their little one deal with the disappointment, Jones said. It can also be a life lesson for children who are hosting parties. They may be disappointed that their parents’ budgets or homes cannot accommodate as many guests as they’d like, she added. Children also have to be taught to consider the feelings of their classmates whom they did not invite. Jones suggested telling a child not to discuss a party in front of uninvited friends. “As parents we can help our kids through these (situations),” she said. “We can help kids process it the right way.”

JOE MAIORANA PHOTO

Birthdays at The Little Gym are a big wish come true.

TIPS FOR MINIMIZING HURT FEELINGS AT PARTY TIME: • Let the parents of uninvited children know you are hosting a small gathering and had to limit the guest list. Be honest if budget or space issues prevented you from hosting a larger party. • If it’s your child who isn’t invited, explain that not everyone can be included in every event and this doesn’t mean he or she is not friends with the birthday boy or girl. • If you’re disappointed that your child wasn’t invited, do not communicate this to your child. SOURCE: TIFFANY JONES, DIRECTOR OF LITTLE LAMBS CHILDREN’S CENTER

When you book with us, you get the entire gym–and our staff –to yourself, plus lots of music, games, and guaranteed fun. And because we handle everything from invitations to cleanup, you get to enjoy the party too. Call to schedule a free introductory class. Learn more at TheLittleGym.com.

Polaris · 614-430-3355 columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

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NATURE THEM Fossil Fun Stream Stom Night Wonde p rs (Ages 4 to 12)

ES:

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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Slumber Parties How to keep kids safe and parents sane BY DEBBIE ANGELOS

Eight pajama-clad kids, three pizzas, two movies, an endless supply of candy and no sleep. Sound like a party? To almost any kid, it does. Slumber parties can provide a lot of great memories for kids, but only if the chaos is kept in check. “Slumber parties are a big part of childhood,” said veteran party-thrower Deb Buchholtz, mom of Darby, 13 and Jimmy, 10. “They can be tiring, but I think it’s a YEARS great way to get to know the kids your kids are around all the time.” Below, Buchholtz and JOE MAIORANA PHOTO Deb Buchholtz hosts a slumber party for her daughter and friends. Penny Warner, the Danville, California-based author of “Slumber Parties: 25 Funwith guests, suggested Warner. Buchfilled Party Themes,” weigh in on the Check out these fun (and holtz keeps all doors open and checks best strategies for staying sane, keepin periodically with snacks or drinks. cheap!) activity ideas from ing kids safe and letting the good “It’s important to keep one ear times roll. Penny Warner’s book open,” Buchholtz said. “In fact, always Find the Right Number: Limit invi“Slumber Parties: 25 check on things if you hear silence!” tees to just a small number to mainShare Information: If a child has Fun-filled Party Themes”: tain control, recommended Warner, previously had problems with homeand wait until later — such as 9 p.m. sickness, bed wetting or other issues, — to start the party: This will help • Cool Camp-In: Sing camp songs, parents should communicate this to avoid early burnout. Also be sure to make s’mores, tell not-too-scary the party host and discuss how best to include a pickup time the next day, ghost stories and have a scavenger handle the situation, recommended she said. hunt with flashlights. both Buchholtz and Warner. Plan, Plan, Plan: When her kids • Fab and Funny Fashion: Model It’s also important for the host parwere younger, Buchholtz made sure to dress-up clothes from the thrift shop ent to let guests know that you’re plan a lot of hands-on activities but and design gowns using crepe there for them if needed and sensitive has allowed her kids to take the reins paper. to their feelings. “A ‘stomachache’ in as they’ve gotten older. “Darby really the middle of the night is a great way • Krazy Karaoke: Rent or borrow a loves to create itineraries for her parto leave the party and save face,” karaoke machine and videotape ties,” said the Upper Arlington mom. Warner said. kids’ performances. Then play back “It gets the kids excited and gives While the tips above may not help the “show.” them a sense of being in charge.” Discuss Expectations: Brainstorm a you get more slumber on the night of • Beauty Makeover: Set out a variety the party, they will definitely help list of rules with your child, such as of makeup and hair products and let keep kids safe, happy and primed for “no leaving the house,” “no crank the kids give each other makeovers. calls” or “no yelling,” and display them making good memories. And that may Take before and after pictures. just be worth a night’s sleep. on a poster board or discuss them

6-12

ADVENTURE THEMES:

EMES: ANIMAL THpt iles

cs 070109 528887701-1

• Public Lessons • Summer Camps • Boarding/Leasing • Birthday Parties/Outings

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE PARTIES

need to know: FAMILY FINANCE

Gas Price Redux BY DENISE TROWBRIDGE

I’ve had a splitting cheap-ache for months. It’s that sharp pain I get in the thrifty part of my brain when I have to pay more than $20 to fill up the gas tank of my fuelsipping Honda Fit. Since March, it’s cost me about $35 each time, which seems like a lot even if the mileage is compromised by the sheer mass of the two giant 40pound toddlers in my back seat. Sure, we all know we should be driving less, combining errands for fewer trips, and lifting our lead foot off the accelerator pedal. But even if you use gas judiciously, you eventually have to pull into the station and fill up, so it pays to spend a little bit of time thinking about how to cut that gas bill.

Luckily, I have a prescription for the gasoline cheap-ache — leverage the money you’re already spending to lower your real price-per-gallon. It’s getting easier. As gas prices rise, more retailers offer gas perks to lure in shoppers. For instance, CVS is running a promotion offering a $10 gas card when you buy $30 in participating products. Speedway gas stations offer 10 to 50 cents off a gallon to Speedy Rewards members who have earned enough points. Many of us already use grocerystore loyalty cards such as those offered by Kroger and Giant Eagle. But I ask you — are you really maximizing those discounts? Let’s see. At Giant Eagle in Central Ohio,

you earn 20 cents off per gallon at GetGo stations for every $50 spent on groceries, gift cards or prescriptions, said company spokesman Dan Donovan. In their weekly circular, Giant Eagle advertises other special offers good for more points. Fuel discounts can be redeemed for an amount up to or equal to free gas, on a one-time fillup of up to 30 gallons. Kroger offers 10 cents off a gallon at any Kroger, Turkey Hill or participating Shell station for every 100 points earned. One point equals $1 spent. Most prescriptions earn 50 points every time they are filled, and every dollar spent on gift cards earns double points. The maximum discount is $1 off per

gallon, on a one-time fill-up of up to 35 gallons. Bear in mind the points earned per dollar spent are the total after coupons, not before. Using these programs casually will likely save you the occasional 10 or 20 cents off a gallon, but “unless you have eight kids and only shop at one store, you aren’t going to earn enough points for free or substantially discounted gas just buying groceries,” said Brad Huffman, a certified financial planner with Future Finances in Worthington. What to do? Tune in next month when we talk about more ways to max out your gas discounts.

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.

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columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

family fun: HANDS ON

traditional

ORIGAMI envelope

BY LEXIE STOIA & OLIVERA BRATICH

Engage your children in the traditional Japanese art of paper folding — origami! The only things you need are paper, imagination and some handy instructions to get started. Kids enjoy building 2-D and 3-D objects from paper, and origami helps build motor skills and experience with following directions. For this project, you’ll write a letter and create a decorative envelope from the very same piece of paper!

WHAT YOU NEED Square piece of decorative paper — lightweight paper works best, no cardstock or heavy paper, and it should be at least 4-inches-by-4-inches (scrapbook paper cut into quarters works great!)

HOW YOU DO IT 1. Write a letter to your recipient on the paper and lay it text side up. Fold in Have you half vertically, edge to edge, and press the fold. Unfold. Now you have a caught origam i fever? crease. The possibilitie s are endless! For even more 2. Fold the bottom left corner up toward the center, so the corner touchideas, pick up an origami book es the center point. Repeat with the top right corner. Now you have a from your loca l library or regist er for a Family top triangle and a bottom triangle. Origami works hop with 3. Fold the straight bottom edge toward the center to meet the bottom Lexie at Wholly Craft edge of your top right triangle. on July 18. 4. Repeat with the top edge. 5. Notice the pockets you have created. 6. Fold the top and bottom corners to tuck them into their respective pockets. Flip over and address your envelope!

WHO THOUGHT THIS UP

• Lexie Stoia is an artist living in Columbus. She enjoys working with a variety of materials and exhibits her artwork nationally. You can find her handmade textiles for sale at Wholly Craft and other shops. Visit her website, lexiestoia.com, for more information. • 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 decor and more! Hours of operation: 1-8 p.m., weekdays, 12-7 p.m. Saturdays, 12-5 p.m. Sundays, closed Tuesdays. For information, go to whollycraft.net or call 614-447-3445. WILL SHILLING PHOTOS

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Fun for the Whole Family! Photos by Randall L. Schieber

Kids activities, music, dance, food, fashion, art, culture, and more!

F e s t iv a l

o n ti a L 2 11 0

SATURDAY MORNINGS Wake up and dream. Saturday Morning Art Classes at CCAD Great creative experiences for first through twelfth grades

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PROGRESSIVE/ INSURANCE SOLUTION

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

family fun: EATING OUT WITH KIDS

Katalina’s Cafe Corner THE MOM SAYS The Ten-Second Version of this review: Go to Katalina’s Cafe Corner. Have the Swedish Pancake Balls with Nutella. You won’t be sorry. The Five-Minute Version of this review: Katalina’s Cafe Corner is one of those little gems that many suburban families probably don’t know about. Located near Victorian Village and the Short North, the restaurant is so small you could actually blink and miss it. But that would be a shame because Katalina’s is truly special. After reading several online reviews of Katalina’s that mentioned the possibility of long lines for breakfast, my family decided to get there as early as we could on a Sunday morning, which meant about 8:15 am. Our efforts paid off because there was only one other customer at the time. However, when we left an hour later, the place was almost full. With only 18 seats (19 including the one highchair we saw), space is limited. In warm weather, there is additional seating outdoors. Katalina’s has an extensive sandwich menu, but we came for the breakfast choices which were varied and interesting. The kids split the Mexican French Toast with a side of sausage and the Swedish Pancake Balls filled with Nutella and a side of sweet and spicy bacon. The adults ordered the Breakfast Tacos and the Mexican French Toast. We also had fresh-squeezed orange juice and Stauf’s coffee. The bill came to over $40, which for us is a little steep for breakfast. However, there was a lot of food, and a lot of leftovers. When we go again (and we will) we’ll probably order two or three meals to split between the four of us. The Mexican French Toast was everything you want in French toast, topped with a mixture of powdered sugar, cinnamon and cocoa powder. It was amazing — sweet but not too sweet, soft on the inside

and slightly crispy on the outside. We didn’t even need the syrup that was served with it. The Breakfast Tacos were a generous portion of eggs, chorizo, cheese, salsa and avocado on corn tortillas, served with hash browns. Katalina’s has a money-back guarantee on their Breakfast Tacos and we weren’t disappointed. They were delicious and hearty. The real star of the meal was the Swedish Pancake Balls. They were like nottoo-sweet baked doughnut holes filled with Nutella (you can also order a strawberry preserves version). They were soft, warm and gooey. Both adults and kids loved them. There was so much food that we didn’t finish everything, but we ate every morsel of the pancake balls. The meat sides were delicious. The sausage was of the patty variety and very good. I didn’t detect much sweet or spicy in the sweet and spicy bacon, but it was nonetheless wonderful. And I finally understood the big deal about fresh-squeezed orange juice. Katalina’s serves its OJ in little Mason jars and only on the weekends. Don’t miss it if it’s available. The Stauf’s coffee also was excellent. Service at Katalina’s was friendly. You order at the counter and the food is delivered to your table. The young woman working the counter was very patient with our questions; she also checked back to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. There was one bathroom; it was very clean and big enough for a parent and two kids. However, there were no diaper-changing facilities. Bottom line: Katalina’s Cafe Corner is worth the drive and the price. The unique menu, locally sourced ingredients, and excellently prepared food would please any parent, and kids will find plenty to smile about. —TRUDA SHINKER

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

JODI MILLER PHOTOS

1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Harrison West 614-294-2233 cafecornercolumbus.com COST: Breakfast ranges from $8 to $10.75; Lunch ranges from $6 to $10. Parking is free. HOURS: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily

GRADING SCALE:

HOW’D THEY LIKE IT? FOOD:

KATALINA’S CAFE CORNER

SERVICE:

FAVORITE BITE:

BATHROOM:

MOM: Swedish Pancake Balls with Nutella, and the sweet and spicy bacon KID: Swedish Pancake Balls with Nutella

GREAT!

EET

GOOD.

MEH.

BOO.

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THE KID SAYS

Before I got to Katalina’s Cafe Corner, I knew the food would taste awesome. I was right! I had seen the menu and couldn’t wait to order the Swedish Pancake Balls. When I walked into the restaurant I was surprised at how tiny it was. There was only room for 18 people to sit! I thought it was neat that some of the walls were like a chalk board. The workers had written the specials and other things on the walls. Don’t get your hopes up, though — customers aren’t allowed to use the chalk. We looked at the menu a little bit, but I already knew what I wanted. I ordered the Swedish Pancake Balls and gave some to my brother. He ordered the Mexican French Toast and gave some to me. They were both so good! The best part: Nutella in the pancake balls! You could order jelly in them, but I wanted Nutella. To drink I had freshsqueezed orange juice. It tasted like you were drinking an orange. I loved it! The only bad thing is that they only have it on weekends. I’m supposed to write

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NOW ENROLLING FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR! about the bathrooms (or bathroom). It was nice. The sink was one that you would use in a kitchen. There’s not really anything else to say about it. For service, the person we ordered from was nice

but I didn’t have to see her that much because you order at the counter. I would recommend Katalina’s Cafe Corner to everyone who loves breakfast. —EMMA SHINKER

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family fun: PARTIES

a r ! e ñ Quincea e h t quite

ZZA BY JANE HAWES & ANAHI VINA

-MOO

It was a week later and Rebeca Jimenez was still recovering from the festivities of the weekend before. The Westerville teen had celebrated her birthday for nine hours with about 150 of her closest friends and family members. To be sure, it was not the usual sort of birthday party, even in the close-knit Latino community of Central Ohio. But because it was Rebeca’s 15th birthday, it required a quinceañera party to mark this special occasion in her life. “The planning, it was stressful, but the party was wonderful,” Rebeca recalled as she and her father, Alejandro, visited with the party’s professional planner Gerardo Encinas to review photos from the birthday bash, which had taken place at the Haimerl Center in northeast Columbus. The birthday girl is designated La Quinceañera and she is celebrating her quince años, or 15th birthday, but the party itself has also become known as a quinceañera. The quinceañera tradition originated hundreds of years ago in the Americas. Native Americans had created a ceremony to mark the transition of a female from childhood to womanhood, but after the arrival of Spanish settlers in the 16th century, the tradition was tweaked to add an element of religion, as well as European touches like special dances. Quinceañeras are very popular in most of Latin America, but the traditions may vary, depending on the country. “It marks when a girl turns 15,” Encinas said. “Some people think it was to mark when a girl can get married, but that’s not right. It celebrates that she is allowed to go to social events like a woman. It is in some ways like a wedding, but that is not what it’s about.” Of course it can be as expensive as many weddings. Mr. Jimenez said he and his wife Lourdes spent $16,000 for their only daughter’s party. Encinas said he sees budgets range between $10,000 and $55,000. It was worth every penny, Jimenez said. “I was there when she was born,” the proud father said. “Everyone is very emotional and cries at these, and it was very emotional for me.”

THE ORDER OF EVENTS • Planning begins months ahead as the family picks out a theme (a masquerade ball in Rebeca’s case). The Jimenezes began working with Encinas in September 2010 for Rebeca’s May 2011 quinceañera.

• On the day of the party, many families begin the festivities by going to church for a Catholic Mass or religious service.

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

• Guests begin to

• La Quinceañera and her court of attendees arrive for a

arrive at the party site about an hour before the birthday girl does.

grand entrance that has been choreographed and rehearsed ahead of time. Rebeca was greeted with a mariachi band, which played as she processed around the dance floor twice. Her accompanying girlfriends served as her damas while Rebeca’s father, two brothers and male friends served as her chalmbelanes.

• Her mother then crowns her with a tiara, and is followed by her father who replaces the sneakers that Rebeca wore in with dress shoes, representing her transition from childhood to adulthood. Her parents then give her a “last toy” gift. Many families will give a doll, but Rebeca’s parents gave her a skateboard customized with her name.

THE FINE DETAILS • Rebeca’s dress, ordered online for about $700, was a strapless ball gown made of white silk with gold-thread brocade detailing, and it had a shrug with long, bell-shaped sleeves. • The dinner featured broccoli cream soup, beef tenderloins with red-wine sauce, pears in a red-wine reduction with vanilla ice cream, and a three-tier cake which Encinas made himself. • Decor included cream- and orange-hued roses, masquerade centerpieces with feathers and a mask, and a poster-size photo of La Quinceañera. The tables also had bottles of water with labels featuring Rebeca’s photo.

Photos courtesy Gerardo Encinas

• A three-course dinner

• Later in the evening comes the surprise dance. La Quinceañera and her

is served, then La Quinceañera dances the first dance — a waltz — with her father.

friends perform a dance for the guests. Rebeca worked with local choreographer Miguel Ramírez to create a zombie dance set to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” She and five of her friends rehearsed the dance for three months. “The crowd asked for it twice,” Rebeca said, “so we had to do it again. And then pretty much everybody starts dancing.”

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

family fun: COOKING WITH KIDS

we all

SCREAM

ice cream! for

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON PHOTOS BY JOE MAIORANA Who knew there was so much footwork involved in making ice cream? A group of Brownies at the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council’s Camp Ken-Jockety recently worked up a sweat kicking around a coffee can that served as their no-frills ice-cream maker. The Girl Scouts have made “Kick the Can Ice Cream” for years, said volunteer Deb Seckel. The recipe does not require an ice cream maker — or even a kitchen, she said. Girl Scouts often whip up a batch of the tasty treat while camping, Seckel explained. “It’s so much better than an electric ice-cream maker,” Seckel said. “It takes more energy.” Seckel and the girls started by filling a small coffee can with the ingredients. Anna Jacobs, 8, Paige Bergman, 7, and Kayla Fogel, 8, took turns measuring out the half-and-half light cream, sugar and vanilla. Once the ingredients were mixed together, the kids put the lid on the coffee can and used duct tape to seal it shut.

Then the youngsters added ice cubes and kosher salt to a larger coffee can. “You know what the salt does?” Seckel asked the girls. “It makes the ice even colder.” Once they’d added a layer of ice, they nestled the smaller can into the larger one and added more ice. “We’ve got to fill this whole thing up with ice if we want to make ice cream,” Seckel said. After the girls layered ice and salt in the can, they sealed the larger can with tape, too. That’s when the real work started. The girls got in a circle and kicked the can back and forth for about 10 minutes — stopping once to add more ice to the can. “This is better than soccer,” Seckel told the girls, while Paige nodded in agreement. “Because at the end you get ice cream,” the Columbus girl said. While she gobbled her ice cream, Paige considered ways to improve the recipe. “It would taste good spread on Girl Scout cookies,” she said.

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

INGREDIENTS:

MATERIALS NEEDED:

DIRECTIONS:

• One large (2 lb. 7 oz.) coffee can with lid • One small (1 lb) coffee can with lid • duct tape

• one pint of half-and-half light cream • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla • crushed ice (6 to 7 cups) • rock salt or kosher salt (about 1/2 cup)

Kid and Grownup: In the smaller r and vanilla. coffee can, combine half and half, suga Grownup: Seal the can with tape. on the bottom of the Kid: Place a thin layer of crushed ice large coffee can. rock salt. Kid: Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of large can. Kid: Place the small can inside the salt around the smaller rock and ice ing add Kid: Continue for every cup of ice. can, using about 2 tablespoons of salt tape. Grownup: Seal the larger can with for 10-15 minutes. forth and back can the Kid: Kick or roll ide.) (This is best done on a tile floor or outs the larger one and Grownup: Remove the small can from carefully remove the lid. the can and stir the ice Grownup: Scrape down the sides of cup servings. 1/2five ut cream together. Makes abo the ice cream is too (If m! crea Kid and Grownup: Eat the ice and continue can the al rese salt, soft, repack with ice and kicking.)

family fun: WORTH THE PRICE OF A SITTER?

Conservatory Cocktails (and Cooking)

BY GEOFF DUTTON AND MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

When we first heard that Franklin Park Conservatory was offering kids’ classes during its weekly cocktail hour, we couldn’t wait to check it out. We love the idea of activities for kids and adults at the same venue but in different spots.

COCKTAILS AT THE CONSERVATORY every Thursday from 5:30-10 p.m. 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus; 614-645-8733; fpconservatory.org/cocktails.htm

MELISSA: As longtime members of the Franklin Park Conservatory, we’ve often been ambling through the Palm House when workers were setting up for a wedding or other special event. I’ve always wished I could attend a wedding at the beautiful venue but, alas, we only seem to know other old married couples. That’s why I was so intrigued when the botanical wonder started hosting Cocktails at the Conservatory a few years ago. I was so eager to check it out that last year I badgered a group of girlfriends into taking me there for a drink on my birthday. We spent a delightful evening on the rooftop garden chatting and laughing. I was excited to experience it with Geoff. GEOFF: I’ve always enjoyed the conservatory, too. Add a bar and live music, and subtract the kids — it sounded like a winning formula. Better yet, the conservatory made it easy by offering a kids’ cooking class at the same time. The cooking class wasn’t cheap — it would certainly cost more than a sitter — but it sounded like fun. MELISSA: The kids had to be at their class at 6 p.m., so we were among the first people to arrive at the event, which is held every Thursday. It was a rainy evening, so the bar was set up in the Palm House. As I always suspected, it’s a lovely spot to sip grown-up drinks and talk about grown-up stuff. The event attracted a varied crowd — a bachelorette party, groups of co-workers, couples of all ages. GEOFF: There were “happy hour” prices for the first

JOE MAIORANA PHOTOS

NOTE: The conservatory charges non-members an $11 admission and in return gives each guest $10 worth of beverage or hors d’oeuvres tokens. As members, we were admitted free and received no tokens.

THE RATING SYSTEM AND VERDICT: Whatever it takes Book a sitter now Only if Grandma is available Candyland, anyone?

VERDICT:

hour. The band provided nice background music. Of course, you can’t beat the setting. So … why wasn’t I having fun? The crowd was thin, and if there was a vibe of any kind, I wasn’t catching it. At some point I even wondered aloud if we had time to leave and go somewhere else before picking up the boys.

MELISSA: There wasn’t a lot of interaction among the attendees. It almost felt like we were at a private party where we didn’t know anyone. The Palm House is just as beautiful as the rooftop garden, but it didn’t have the same vibe. The evening was a totally different experience

THE FINANCIALS: Two rounds of drinks with a tip for the bartender: $25 Hummus plate: $6 Kids’ cooking class: $40 (2 at $20) TOTAL COST OF THE EVENING:

$71

from when I was there with my girlfriends. Perhaps this event is best enjoyed when you bring a group of friends and create your own party.

GEOFF: When we picked up the boys, they were listening to a story while gobbling up the last of the pizza they had made. Worried we would interrupt, they impatiently shooed us back out the door until the story was over and the class dismissed. Clearly, they’d had more fun than us. MELISSA: The boys are still talking about their class. They were amazed to learn that fresh herbs and vegetables taste delicious on pizza. They’ve even started picking chives and chewing on them while playing in the backyard. They want to know when they can go back for another cooking lesson. I’m not ruling it out. After all, one of my friends has a birthday coming up.

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

family fun: DAY TRIPPIN’

TRIP to see the Dan Mendlik/Cleveland Indians photo

TRIBE BY JANE HAWES

We love the intimacy of a Columbus Clippers game at Huntington Park but, every now and then, we try to experience the grandeur of a major-league ballpark. Earlier this summer, it was time for a trip up I-71 for an afternoon game at Progressive Field, home to the Clippers’ parent team, the Cleveland Indians (a.k.a. “The Tribe”). From the high-volume hawkers of hot dogs and cotton candy to the sky-high tiers of seats, from the fireworks for home runs or holding opponents scoreless to the swell of 40,000+ voices singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch, a majorleague ballgame is a big experience. And nowhere did I feel that more than on the field after the game. Thanks to a tip from neighbors who regularly attend Indians games, we found out that kids, 12 and

under, get to run the bases right after the game ends (adults have to accompany them onto the field). When we arrived that day, I checked with one of the stadium workers (many of them are retirees, and all of them are super-friendly). From him, I learned that my son and I would need to join the other young base runners at the ramps behind Section 117 “beginning in about the eighth inning,” said the worker, “because if you wait until after the game’s over to line up, you’ll wait an hour. Every kid in this stadium wants to

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

run the bases.” Even for arriving in the middle of the eighth inning, we were still about 100th in line, but the crowd’s mood (despite the Tribe losing that day) was buoyant and friendly. And what a thrill when the ramp line started moving “into the bowels of the stadium,” as my son described it. We streamed quickly through the concrete corridors until we found ourselves out on the field. Though my son’s run was over and done within a couple of minutes, the view and the experience was fantastic. And a big “thank you” to the Indians players who stayed on the field to high-five the youngsters. I’m continually amazed nowadays at how comfortable and convenient it has become for families to attend professional sports events. I have vivid memories of traf-

fic nightmares around Yankees Stadium, seat ushers at Rochester Red Wings games growling at autograph-seeking kids, and corpulent tubes of tastebud death (a.k.a. boiled hot dogs) at Islanders hockey games. No more. Now you can expect orderly traffic flows (and I recommend the $12 parking garage at 650 Huron Road East for easy access right off Exit 171-B from I-90 East). You will find play areas for toddlers (Step 2 KidsLand behind Section 111), batting and pitching cages for kids just outside the field, and gluten-free fries and bags o’cotton candy inside. It makes for a full day, when you factor in the twoplus hour drive from Central Ohio, but a trip to see the Tribe play is a major-league treat.

CLEVELAND

INDIANS AT PROGRESSIVE FIELD

2401 Ontario St., Cleveland, 216-420-HITS (4487), indians.com COST: A KeyBank Grand Slam Four Pack ($96) gets you four mezzanine or upper-box tickets, four Pepsi products, four hot dogs and/or pizza slices and four Indians caps, plus one parking pass. Also available on game day are $8 “express tickets” (cash only, upper-reserved seats, sold outside Gate A) or $10 bleacher seats at every game. KID TIPS: KeyBank Kids Fun Days provide free activities for kids, 12 and under, from 90 minutes before the game begins until the fifth inning for all Saturday and Sunday home games. The activities include batting and pitching cages, coloring stations, gaming stands and music. The remaining Kids Fun Days for 2011 are July 9, 10, 24, 30, 31; Aug. 13, 14, 27, 28; Sept. 24, 25. Also available for really little ones at every game is the Step 2 KidsLand behind Section 111; it features climbing toys for toddlers and preschoolers.

family fun: PLAYGROUND PATROL

Fancyburg Park BY DEBBIE ANGELOS

SUMMER GUITAR AND DRUM LESSONS AVAILABLE!

We are your #1 Used Gear Resource FANCYBURG PARK 3375 Kioka Ave. (between Swansea and Wickliffe roads), Upper Arlington 614-583-5340 uaoh.net/parksforestry Special Features: Multiuse paved trail, four tennis courts, two sports fields, two baseball diamonds, eight shuffleboard courts, football field, 40-person shelter available for a fee and by reservation Note: The restrooms generally are open from April through October, and closed the rest of the year.

It may sound a bit like a pretentious European castle, but Fancyburg Park’s two agespecific playgrounds make this 25-acre park all fun and games for playgroups, birthday parties and parents trying to expend as much of their child’s energy as possible before naptime. JOE MAIORANA PHOTOS

With a handicap-accessible ramp that allows little legs to race to the three mini-slides on their own, the toddler playground offers younger kids a taste of independence. After exhausting the slides, your little balls of energy will still have insectthemed spring riders, baby swings, a playhouse and tunnel maze to explore. Too big for baby swings? The larger playground offers big-kid swings, a climbing

wall, rocket-spring bouncer and giant play structure with a story-high covered slide and lower open slide for the more cautious. The location next to the toddler area means that parents need to watch younger kids carefully — the sky-high slide looks awfully enticing to a 2-yearold daredevil. There are plenty of benches located around the playgrounds as well as restrooms close enough that a “having

too much fun” accident is less likely. Be sure to bring hand sanitizer with you on a potty break, however, because there’s a head-scratching lack of soap dispensers. With plenty of drinking fountains, parking, picnic tables and even quite a few leashed furry friends to pet as they pass through on their way to the dog park, Fancyburg Park is a great place to spend a (not-so) lazy summer day.

833 Bethel Rd. 1329 Stoneridge Drive Columbus, Ohio 43214 Gahanna, Ohio 43230 614-457-9328 614-473-0100 shop us 24/7 at www.musicgoround.com

Is your child on the right track?

Dublin & Worthington’s Favorite Child Care Center! Currently Hiring! 1123 Bethel Rd. Columbus, 43220 614.451.5200

3480 Snouffer Rd. Columbus, 43235 614-792-8700

www.jellybeanjunction.com columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

family fun: MEDIA REVIEWS “I LIKE VEGETABLES” by Lorena Siminovich

booksS FOR

KID

This board book has simple, bright illustrations and tactile elements including smooth peas and bumpy corn. Young children will learn vocabulary, opposites, and maybe even to love eating their vegetables! FOR AGES 0 TO 2.

“RRRALPH” by Lois Ehlert Hey doggy, what’s your name? Rrralph! Are you a good boy? Yep! Yep! Everyone can play along as you read this clever picture book about a “talking” dog. Be amazed as Ralph answers all of your questions in his own doggy way. FOR AGES 3 TO 6.

“WHERE’S WALRUS?” by Stephen Savage Walrus has escaped from the zoo! Watch as he hides amongst firefighters, mannequins, and can-can dancers — and stays one step ahead of the zookeeper. This wordless picture book features charming, hilarious illustrations and is great for developing storytelling skills. FOR AGES 3 TO 6.

“LIKE PICKLE JUICE ON A COOKIE” by Julie Sternberg Eleanor is having a very bad August. A pickle juice on a cookie kind of August. Bibi, her wonderful babysitter, who’s been taking care of Eleanor since she was just a baby, has to move away. Eleanor tells us how she deals with her sad feelings. And Natalie, her new babysitter, isn’t so bad. In fact, she’s pretty fun! FOR AGES 7 TO 9.

LAURA NAWOJCHIK, YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN I, WHETSTONE BRANCH OF THE COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY

“NO PASSENGERS BEYOND THIS POINT” by Gennifer Choldenko Finn’s family is losing their house, so he and his sisters are sent to Colorado to stay with an uncle. Only when they get off the plane they’re not in Colorado, but in the strange city of Falling Bird. Some things in Falling Bird seem great, but it’s got a lot of secrets to hide. Will Finn, India, and Mouse want to go home? If so, their time to escape is running out fast. FOR AGES 10 TO 13.

“CHIME” by Franny Billingsley In Briony’s world the supernatural is real. There are ghosts, swamp spirits and witches. In fact, Briony is a witch. And it’s her evil, witchy ways that brought a flood, started a fire, killed Stepmother, and hurt Rose, her twin, so badly. At least, that’s what Briony believes. Then Eldric comes to town. With his help, maybe Briony can learn the secrets of her past. FOR TEENS.

FAMILY APPS “LITTLE THINGS”

For one parent who rated the Little Things app ($3 in the App Store), this “seek and find” game is the new alternative to the bedtime story for her children, ages 2 and 5. Little Things offers up collages — images such as a dog, a pair of scissors, a pony and cupcakes — that are actually art built from thousands of “other” things. There’s a different game, complete with soundtrack, each time your children play with it. As your kids find listed items in the game and solve timed puzzles, they collect 99 jigsaw pieces that can eventually be assembled into a new picture.

“NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS”

The iPad is a great way to read and interact with magazines. National Geographic is one of the leading publishers with titles created for this tablet computer, and National Geographic Kids was added in late May. The app itself is free, as is a free sample of how the magazine works and looks on this portable device. The June/July issue of the magazine is available for the introductory price of $2. This interactive publication is chock-full of videos, reader-submitted photos, games, puzzles, fun facts (Did you know: it takes 2,220 cupcakes to reach the top of the Washington Monument?), quizzes, jokes, and lots and lots of animal stories. National Geographic Kids is published 10 times a year. —PHIL PIKELNY

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

WEBSITE

SESAMESTREET.ORG The Sesame Street kids’ site is fun and easy to use. Children can play games, watch videos, meet all of the Sesame Street characters, and create their own page. One neat feature: Sesame Playlists, where characters, videos and games can be combined to teach one concept or skill. There’s lots of content and ideas for parents as well, and the emphasis is on school readiness. —LAURA NAWOJCHIK

2011-2012 Season Godspell Jr August 3–14, 2011 Summer Bonus show not included in season subscription.

Pinkalicious Sept. 15–Oct. 2, 2011

Sleepy Hollow A Musical Tale October 20–30, 2011

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

VIDEO GAMES

NINTENDO’S WII U During the Electronic Entertainment Expo last month, Nintendo introduced the world to the next iteration of its home video-game console. The new system — called the Wii U — takes yet another offbeat approach to video games, though it’s not as groundbreaking as the accessible-motion gaming of the Wii. The Wii U, which will miss the holiday 2011 season and arrive on shelves sometime in 2012, represents a further evolution and update to the Wii itself. The new game system finally brings high-resolution gameplay to the Nintendo platform and promises video on par with Microsoft and Sony’s current game systems. It’ll also continue to support the games and addons developed for the current Wii — including Wii MotionPlus, the Wii Remotes and Wii Balance Board. The new innovations of the Wii U focus on the player’s interaction with the system. Instead of a traditional buttonlaced handheld controller, the Wii U uses an iPad-like touch tablet with a 6.2-inch LCD screen built in. This new controller/display combination allows play even without a TV connected and includes a camera to track and augment traditional on-screen games.

Subscriptions Packages Now on Sale!

Save 10-25% off of single ticket prices with our Gold, Silver or Bronze Subscriber Packages! Gold Level Starting at $61 The Wii U release date is about a year away, so a price has not been announced. Neither has much else about the system, besides that the Super Smash Bros. game series will be converted for the new Wii. Parents who want to stay in the know should keep an eye on the Wii U. Undoubtedly, gamers young and old will be putting it on their birthday and Christmas lists next year. —SHAWN SINES

Nov. 25–Dec. 21, 2011

Goldilocks and the Three Bears January 12–22, 2012

Getting Near to Baby February 9–26, 2012

Sideways Stories from Wayside School March 8–25, 2012

The Secret Garden April 12–22, 2012 This performance will be held at the Lincoln Theater

Little Red Riding Hood May 3–13, 2012

Silver Level Starting at $44

Bronze Level Starting at $28

Gold & Silver Level Subscribers also get discounts on acting classes at the CCT Academy!

www.ColsChildrensTheatre.org

614-224-6672 All performances are in the Park Street Theatre unless otherwise noted.

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

july 2011

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

FRIDAY 1 FREE! Concerts on the Creek, Enjoy free outdoor concerts hosted by Gahanna Parks & Recreation. 7-9 p.m. Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St. , Gahanna. 614-342-4250. FREE! Fireside Fridays, Circle round the campfire the first Friday of every month after Music in the Park. We’ll be telling campfire stories, going for a night hike, gazing at the stars, and eating campfire snacks. Registration is required. 9-10 p.m. Friendship Park, 150 Oklahoma Ave., Gahanna. 614-342-4250. Grow with Me Preschool Picassos, Create crafts that little hands can easily construct. Children ages two through six are welcome (with adult participation required). 10-11 a.m. $3. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Ka-Boom!, Ages 5 and under can celebrate America’s birthday and the sounds of summer with stories, songs and a patriotic craft. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org Read White and Boom, Join us as we light up the night at a benefit for Reach Out and Read of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The family-friendly party has a fantastic view of Red White & Boom fireworks, one of the most accessible traffic locations and parking, children’s authors and activities, hot air balloon rides, live music, and catering by City BBQ. 4:3010:30 p.m. Adults: $30; children 5+ $10; couple $50; family of four $65. All-American Moving & Storage, 371 Maier Pl., Brewery District. 614-355-0518. nationwidechildrens.org/reach-out-and-read

FREE! Slapshot the Therapy Dog, Earn some of your Summer Reading Club hours by reading to the best listener in town, Slapshot the Therapy Dog. 3-4 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org FREE! The Works Music in the Courtyard Summer Concert Series, Enjoy a great afternoon of summer entertainment with live music by Twilight Junction, and Luke BC, along with food, and fun activities for kids and adults alike. Pack a picnic or purchase a fresh meal. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Works, 55 S. First St., 740-349-9277. attheworks.org FREE! The Everyday Life of the Civil War Soldier, In this “show and tell” session, James Armstead will demonstrate some of the gear used by Civil War soldiers and discuss their everyday living conditions while on campaign. Ages 811. 10-11 a.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-8827277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org

SATURDAY 2 FREE! ADHD Workshop for Parents, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Columbus Metropolitan Main Library, 96 S. Grant Ave., Olde Towne East. 704-794-7539. FREE! African American Heritage: Stories, Games and Songs, This workshop will introduce some of the stories and games, music and songs, chants and rhymes that the folks may have heard when they arrived at Port Royal, South Carolina in the 1860s. Ages 8-11. 10-11 a.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277. westervillelibrary.org

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Columbus Lady Gems Basketball, 79:30 p.m. $5 (includes free drinks and food). Lazelle Woods Recreation Center, 8140 Sancus Blvd., Worthington. 614330-1861. facebook.com/pages/HiddenGems-Basketball/177949225551403 Picnic with the Pops 2011: Patriotic Pops, 8:15 p.m. Adults: $20; Children 314: $8; Children under two: free. Chemical Abstracts Service, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., Campus. 614-228-8600. picnicwiththepops.com FREE! Rocky’s Reading Room, Program using horses to promote summer reading. Rocky, one of PBJ Connections’ therapy horses, will have books in his Reading Room for kids to take home or read with him and his friends at the farm. Kids earn prizes for reading books throughout the summer. 12-2 p.m. PBJ Connections, 9800 Jug Street Rd. NW, Pataskala. 614-395-1395. pbjconnections.org FREE! Saturday Tales, Bring the entire family to the library for stories, songs and rhymes. Each session will feature a different letter of the alphabet. 11-11:30 a.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org

SUNDAY 3 2nd Annual Independence Triathlon, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Hoover Family Park, 4290 E. Walnut Street, Westerville. 614-559-6241. FREE! 2nd Saturdays, Join Gahanna Parks & Recreation every second Saturday of the month at Creekside Park & Plaza for children’s and adult activities, including crafts, games, trivia, and art displays. 12-9 p.m. Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St. , Gahanna. 614-342-4250.

WILL SHILLING PHOTO

COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM MILITARY FAMILY FREE DAYS July 2-8 — To honor our military families and the sacrifices they make for all of us, the Zoo is offering free Zoo admission and discounted Zoombezi Bay admission ($21.99) to all who are serving and have served, along with their immediate family members. Active personnel must show their military I.D. and veterans must show proof of service. Immediate family includes a spouse and any children living in the household. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

JAZZOO CONCERTS ON FRIDAYS Fridays, July 8, 15 and 22 — Settle in at the Water’s Edge Events Park and enjoy great American music. It’s a bluesy program with singer Kevin McGuire on July 8 (with fireworks to follow), Broadway and Hollywood tunes on July 15, and Elvis, the Beatles and more on July 22. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets online or by calling the Zoo at 614-724-3485. Student tickets cost $15, adults $27-30.

DIVE-IN MOVIES AT ZOOMBEZI BAY Saturdays, July 15, 22 and 29 — Have some floating fun with the whole family, watching films from a pool perch. Pre-show activities start at 8 p.m. in the Wild Tides Wave Pool, and the film showings begin at 9 p.m. Admission comes with a regular Zoombezi Bay entry or membership. See “Shrek” on July 15, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on July 22, and “Despicable Me” on July 29.

www.columbuszoo.org

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

july 2011 FREE! Sundays at Scioto: Swing’s the Thing, Summer concert series during eight consecutive Sunday evenings. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. 78:30 p.m. Scioto Park Amphitheatre, 7377 Riverside Dr., Dublin. 614-8897444. dublinarts.org FREE! Teen Summer Reading Club, Join the Teen SRC and win prizes for all of your hard work. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org

MONDAY 4 FREE! July 4th Concert, The program includes patriotic, Broadway, popular film favorites, and the 1812 Overture with special fireworks for the cannon. Bring your picnic supper, blankets (or chairs), and stay after the concert for the community fireworks. 7:30-9:45 p.m. Free. Ohio Wesleyan University, 61 S Sandusky St, Delaware. 740-362-1799. centralohiosymphony.org FREE! Lancaster/Fairfield County 4th of July Celebration, Parade, rides, concessions, entertainment, arts & crafts, fireworks and more. Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave., 740-6533334. fourthofjulylancaster.com

TUESDAY 5 Creative Minds Art Studio, A drop-in open arts space for children that offers the opportunity to explore various art forms. All ages are welcome with a special focus on creating a space for children 6 and under. 1-3 p.m. $8/reservation rate; $10/drop-in rate. Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614-8908202. creativemindsartstudio.com Emerald City Music Games, Drum Corps International music event sponsored by the Dublin City Schools to support the stadium fund for turf replacement and maintenance. The music groups are made up of young adults ages 16 to 22 from Canada and the United States who travel throughout the country during the summer to entertain and compete. Family-oriented event to be enjoyed by all age groups. 7-10:30 p.m. $17; $20; $23. Dublin Jerome High School, 8300 Hyland Croy Rd, Dublin. 614-761-3748. emeraldcitygames.org

MyRustyBucket.com 58

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

FREE! Family Summer Sing-a-Long, Can you do the motions to “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Want to learn? Join us for a

good old-fashioned family sing-a-long. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org

1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org FREE! Music in the Parks 2011: Street Players, 7-8:30 p.m. Sunny 95 Park, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln., Upper Arlington. 614-583-5310. uaoh.net

Grow with Me Preschool Playgroup, Program for children (through age six) providing opportunities to play and socialize with others, as well as participating in learning circles and crafts. Parents (or caregivers share this experience with their children) often form friendships with other adult participants. A light snack will be provided. 10-11:30 a.m. $3/child. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Let’s Go to Space, Create a kaleidoscope. For grades K-3. 2-3 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Party Over Here, Hot dogs, chips, drinks and games will be supplies and you bring something to share, a blanket and a smile. Registration is required. 6-8 p.m. Spring Grove North Park, 1201 E. County Line Rd, Westerville. 614-901-6500. westerville.org FREE! Pottery Barn Kids Story Time, Kids of all ages are invited to join us for story time every Tuesday at the Polaris Pottery Barn Kids store. 11-11:30 a.m. Pottery Barn Kids, 1500 Polaris Pkwy. # 2228, Polaris. 614-880-3948. FREE! Summer Stories on the Lawn, For ages 2-5. 10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Totally Terrific Film Night, Bring your pillows and popcorn, and enjoy a family movie on the big screen. 7-9 p.m. Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-8827277. westervillelibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 6 FREE! Family Story Time on the Lawn, For ages 2-5. 7-7:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Ohio Hills Folk Festival, The oldest continually running festival in the state of Ohio featuring parades, flea market, craft show, country store, carnival rides and concessions, pet show, frog jumping contest, square dancing, antique tractor show, tractor rodeo, country and bluegrass music and much more. Ohio Hills Folk Festival, Fair St., Quaker City, 740-679-2704. Ohiohillsfolkfestival.com FREE! Tail Waggin’ Tutors, Register for ten minutes read-aloud time with a certified (and gentle) therapy dog. Children only, please. 7-8 p.m. Free. Westerville

Preschool Rock ‘n Rollers, Music and movement-based program for children up to age six. The class introduces activities for music and movement on alternating weeks that the parent/caregiver will enjoy with the child. Each class is offered on a drop-in basis; pre-registration is not required. 9-10 a.m. $3 per child. Groveport KidSpace Building, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org

OHIO VILLAGE AT THE OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Monday, July 4 — From 12 noon to 5 p.m., there will be old-fashioned family activities in Ohio Village’s Glorious Fourth celebration. There will be a Grand Procession, patriotic speeches, an Ohio Village Singers concert, a community dance, pie-eating contests, ice cream making, a game by the vintage Ohio baseball team and much more. The Ohio History Center will be open with four all-new exhibits (three of them deal with Americans at war and patriotism). Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org

THURSDAY 7 FREE! Get Musical!, Children ages 3-6 will enjoy a variety of musical activities, songs and games using different instruments. Parents and caregivers may attend. Registration required. 10:30-11 a.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org Grow with Me Preschool Rock ‘n Rollers, You and your preschooler will enjoy a movement and music-based program to engage all of your little one’s creative senses. 10-11 a.m. $3/child. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Lunch Bunch, Pack your lunch and join us for stories and creative activities. For kids entering grades 2-5. 12-1 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library,

FREE! Summer Entertainment Series with Mike Hemmelgarn, 7-8 p.m. Homestead Park, 4675 Cosgray Rd., Hilliard. 614-652-3922. wtwp.com

FRIDAY 8 Back to Nature, Get back to nature at one of Westerville’s favorite parks. Enjoy crafts, water exploration and nature activities. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $3. Millstone Creek Park, 745 N. Spring Rd., Westerville. 614-901-6500. westerville.org FREE! Concerts on the Creek, Enjoy outdoor concerts hosted by Gahanna Parks & Recreation. 7-9 p.m. Free. Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St. , Gahanna. 614-342-4250. Grow with Me Preschool Picassos, Create crafts that little hands can easily construct. Children ages two through six are welcome (with adult participation required). 10-11 a.m. $3/child. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-8363333. groveport.org FREE! Harry Potter & the Final Film, Celebrate the upcoming release of “Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2” with a costume contest, crafts and games. Stay for a concert by Harry and the Potters. 5:30-8 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! History Attack!, Join us as we unravel clues about historical figures and events. This program will focus on people and events about the Civil War. 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org Popcorn Pops presents Beach Party!, Sing, dance, and monkey around with the Columbus Symphony during three, special family concerts (recommended for children ages 3-12). Children will enjoy free popcorn and free pre-concert activities including face-painting, art projects, playing with musical instruments, and more. 6:30 pm. Adults $12; Children 2-14: $8. Chemical Abstracts Service, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., Campus. 614-2288600. picnicwiththepops.com

invites you to:

KIDS’ FRIDAYS AT COLUMBUS COMMONS Fridays through August, there’s fun for the entire family Downtown at the new Columbus Commons

Commons for Kids, in partnership with Columbus Parent magazine, begins at 10 a.m. each Friday and features: • Free carousel rides and inﬂatables

• Celebrity story time with Ohio State athletes and coaches, in partnership with the 2nd & 7 Foundation

Additionally, Sunday July 10 and August 14 are Family Fun Days, with support from Columbus Parent, at the Commons. Come down and catch a full day of free family entertainment.

• A chance to kick back with a selection from the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s bookmobile

For a complete schedule of events, visit ColumbusCommons.org.

• Live music, and much more — all for kids!

It’s time to come out and play!

ColumbusCommons.org

THE ALL-NEW COLUMBUS PARENT MAGAZINE NEEDS AN ALL-NEW ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Every month, readers seek out the new-look Columbus Parent magazine for information on how to get the most out of being a mommy or daddy. They devour our content, including the tips, event listings, reviews, advice columns — and even the helpful ads. THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. We’re looking for someone to sell advertising space in Columbus Parent (and other products of The Dispatch), with a heavy emphasis on new-business development.

Is there no challenge that’s too big for you? Can you put your outgoing personality and creativity to work helping local business owners grow their business? Are you knowledgable about a wide range of media options and marketing tactics? If so, visit dispatch.com/careers for more information about this opportunity and to convince us that you’re the ideal sales candidate for Columbus Parent! Flexible schedules considered.

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

july 2011 FREE! Slapshot the Therapy Dog, Earn some of your Summer Reading Club hours by reading to the best listener in town, Slapshot the Therapy Dog. 3-4 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org

SATURDAY 9 Columbus Lady Gems Basketball, 79:30 p.m. $5 (includes free drinks and food). Lazelle Woods Recreation Center, 8140 Sancus Blvd., Worthington. 614330-1861. facebook.com/pages/HiddenGems-Basketball/177949225551403 Dash for Donation, Annual run/walk offering 1k, 5k, Family Fun Run, and a Kids and Mascots Dash in Downtown Columbus. Help promote organ and tissue donation while providing hope to the more than 110,000 Americans waiting for a life-saving transplant. 8-10 a.m. 5k $30; 1k Fun Walk/Kids Dash $5. Nationwide Plaza, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District. 614-432-9134. lifelineofohio.org/2010/12/dash-for-donation/ Family Fun Day, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with $6 - $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., 614.645.8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! PBJ & Jazz 2011 Concert Series: Minan Dya, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Topiary Park, 480 E. Town St., Discovery District. 614-294-5200 x 107. jazzartsgroup.org FREE! Movies on the Mile: Despicable Me, Everything begins with themed activities and concession sales in Bicentennial Park, then the featured movie

starts at dusk. 7-11 p.m. Bicentennial Park , 233 Civic Center Dr., Downtown. 614-645-3800. SciotoMile.com Picnic with the Pops 2011: Chris Botti, 8:15 p.m. Adults: $20; Children 314: $8; Children under two: free. Chemical Abstracts Service, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., Campus. 614-228-8600. picnicwiththepops.com FREE! Puppet Show , This fun for all ages show will feature adaptations of “Memoirs of a Goldfish” and “Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly,” plus an original skit written by library staff. 10-11 a.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Rocky’s Reading Room, Program using horses to promote summer reading. Rocky, one of PBJ Connections’ therapy horses, will have books in his Reading Room for kids to take home or read with him and his friends at the farm. Kids earn prizes for reading books throughout the summer. 12-2 p.m. PBJ Connections, 9800 Jug Street Rd. NW, Pataskala. 614-395-1395. pbjconnections.org FREE! Saturday Tales, Bring the entire family to the library for stories, songs and rhymes. Each session will feature a different letter of the alphabet. 11-11:30 a.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org

SUNDAY 10 FREE! Sundays at Scioto: MojoFlo, Summer concert series during eight consecutive Sunday evenings. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. 7-8:30 p.m. Scioto Park Amphitheatre, 7377 Riverside Dr., Dublin. 614-889-7444. dublinarts.org

Westerville Area Chamber Music & Arts Festival, Includes over 130 juried artists, live music, youth entertainment, a silent auction and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $1;children 16 & under free. Everal Barn & Homestead, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614-882-8917. westervillechamber.com

MONDAY 11 FREE! Family Summer Sing-a-Long, Can you do the motions to “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Want to learn? Join us for a good old-fashioned family sing-along. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Festivals of India & Henna Tattoos, Indira Satyapriya and her students from the Nalanda School of Dance will demonstrate dances from the different regions of India. Renuka Bhatt will apply temporary henna tattoos using the ancient art of mehndi. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Lolli-Pops! Kids Concert, 10:3011:30 a.m. Village Green Park, 47 Hall St., Powell. 614-396-3322. cityofpowell.us FREE! Mystery Theatre, Have fun, laugh and help solve the mystery during Scottie’s monthly mystery dinner theater hosted by Mouth of the Wolf Productions. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Scottie’s Coffee & Tea House, 660 High St., Worthington. 614-430-9055. scottiescoffee.com FREE! Preschool Story Time, 1:30-2 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org FREE! Toolbox Jewelry, We’ll use basic hardware items and incorporate them into earrings and necklaces at this cre-

ative craft program. Ages 8-11. Registration required. 2-2:45 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Write On: Creative Writing, Author Donna Gephart will help kids in grades 4-6 develop their creative writing skills. Registration is required. 3-4:30 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org

TUESDAY 12 Creative Minds Art Studio, A drop-in open arts space for children that offers the opportunity to explore various art forms. All ages are welcome with a special focus on creating a space for children 6 and under. 1-3 p.m. $8/reservation rate; $10/drop-in rate. Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614-8908202. creativemindsartstudio.com FREE! Family Summer Sing-a-Long, Can you do the motions to “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Want to learn? Join us for a good old-fashioned family sing-along. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Festivals of India & Henna Tattoos, Indira Satyapriya and her students from the Nalanda School of Dance will demonstrate dances from the different regions of India. Renuka Bhatt will apply temporary henna tattoos using the ancient art of mehndi. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277. westervillelibrary.org Grow with Me Preschool Playgroup, Program for children (through age six) providing opportunities to play and socialize with others, as well as participat-

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YOU? while others sleep Visit www.dispatch.com/delivery or call 614-461-8585 to see if there’s a delivery area open near you! 60

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

ing in learning circles and crafts. Parents (or caregivers share this experience with their children) often form friendships with other adult participants. A light snack will be provided. 10-11:30 a.m. $3/child. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org

FREE! Wiffleball Home Run Derby, 23:30 p.m. free. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-8072626. worthingtonlibraries.org

FREE! Let’s Go to the Jungle, Terrarium in a bottle. For grades K-3. 2-3 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org

FREE! Family Story Time on the Lawn, For ages 2-5. 7-7:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org

FREE! Party Over Here, Hot dogs, chips, drinks and games will be supplies and you bring something to share, a blanket and a smile. Registration is required. 6-8 p.m. Spring Grove North Park, 1201 E. County Line Rd, Westerville. 614-901-6500. westerville.org

FREE! Tail Waggin’ Tutors, Register for ten minutes read-aloud time with a certified (and gentle) therapy dog. Children only, please. 7-8 p.m. Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org

FREE! Pottery Barn Kids Story Time, Kids of all ages are invited to join us for story time every Tuesday at the Polaris Pottery Barn Kids store. 11-11:30 a.m. Pottery Barn Kids, 1500 Polaris Pkwy. # 2228, Polaris. 614-880-3948.

THURSDAY 14

FREE! Rory Rennick: OMG He Read My Mind, Magician Rory Rennick has been described as “Eddie Murphy meets David Blaine, with a little Mind Freak to boot.” But can he really read your mind? Stop by and find out. Ages 12-18. 2-2:45 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Summer Stories on the Lawn, For ages 2-5. 10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Totally Terrific Film Night, Bring your pillows and popcorn, and enjoy a family movie on the big screen. 7-9 p.m. Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-8827277. westervillelibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 13

Kids Cooking: Bountiful Berries, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side. 614-6458733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Lunch Bunch, Pack your lunch and join us for stories and creative activities. For kids entering grades 2-5. 12-1 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org FREE! Music in the Parks 2011: The Great Guinness Band, 7-8:30 p.m. Sunny 95 Park, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln., Upper Arlington. 614-583-5310. uaoh.net FREE! P.T. Reptiles, Reptiles, amphibians, arachnids & more. Ages 4 & up. 77:45 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org Preschool Rock ‘n Rollers, Music and movement-based program for children up to age six. The class introduces activi-

ties for music and movement on alternating weeks that the parent/caregiver will enjoy with the child. Each class is offered on a drop-in basis; pre-registration is not required. 9-10 a.m. $3 per child. Groveport KidSpace Building, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org

FREE! Summer Entertainment Series: The Shazzbots, The Shazzbots bring cool, quirky kids rock music to all the children of the cosmos. 7-8 p.m. Homestead Park, 4675 Cosgray Rd., Hilliard. 614-652-3922. wtwp.com

FREE! Movies on the Mile: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Everything begins with themed activities and concession sales in Bicentennial Park, then the featured movie starts at dusk. 7-11 p.m. Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr., Downtown. 614-645-3800. SciotoMile.com

FRIDAY 15 FREE! Columbus Urban League Head Start Community Festival, 9:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. St. Agnes Head Start, 2350 W. Mound St, West Side. Include free health screenings, free food, community resources. Applications for the Head Start Program will also be accepted for families residing south of I-70. Please bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of your household income. 614-252-1330. FREE! Doom-Ta-Ka Children’s Drum Circle, Come listen to the magical sound of drums. The entire family will be engaged in this interactive drum circle presented by Hakan Kaya and friends! 23 p.m. Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-8827277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org

Columbus School for Girls • 56 S. Columbia Avenue • Columbus, OH 43209 • 614.252.0781 •

FREE! Science Cafe: Colorful Chemistry, Demonstrations performed by a science expert from The Ohio State University. Tickets, required for this program, will be available one week prior to the performance. 2-3 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Slapshot the Therapy Dog, Earn some of your Summer Reading Club hours by reading to the best listener in town, Slapshot the Therapy Dog. 3-4 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org FREE! Strike Three: Wii Baseball with the Clippers, Think you’ve got what it takes to outplay members of the Columbus Clippers baseball team? 11 a.m.-12

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columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

july 2011 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Tween Scene, An evening of video gaming on the big screen, Minute to Win it games, crafts and more. 7-9 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org

SATURDAY 16 FREE! Gardening and Arts Festival, Dozens of local artists, craftsmen and musicians will welcome guests throughout this uniquely natural nursery setting. Native and unusual plants are available for sale, along with the work of our many fine artists. Live music, local food, and free gardening workshops will be offered throughout the day. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Scioto Gardens, 3351 State Route 37 W, 740-363-2864. sciotogardens.com FREE! Junior Gardening Summer Program: Grow Your Own Salsa, Licking County Master Gardener Volunteer’s are presenting four summer program sessions for children in first through fourth grades. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Ohio State University Extension, 771 E. Main St., 740-670-5315. licking.osu.edu/topics/master-gardener-volunteer-program Picnic with the Pops 2011: Daryl Stuermer, 8:15 p.m. Adults: $20; Children 3-14: $8; Children under two free. Chemical Abstracts Service, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., Campus. 614-228-8600. picnicwiththepops.com

Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277. westervillelibrary.org

FREE! Puppet Show , This fun for all ages show will feature adaptations of “Memoirs of a Goldfish” and “Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly,” plus an original skit written by library staff. 10-11 a.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org

TUESDAY 19 Creative Minds Art Studio, A drop-in open arts space for children that offers the opportunity to explore various art forms. All ages are welcome with a special focus on creating a space for children 6 and under. 1-3 p.m. $8/reservation rate; $10/drop-in rate. Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614-8908202. creativemindsartstudio.com

SUNDAY 17 Family Fun Day with The Shazzbots, Kids make their own musical instrument crafts. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $6-$11. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Sundays at Scioto: Spikedrivers, The 28th annual Dublin Arts Council’s Sundays at Scioto summer concert series during eight consecutive Sunday evenings. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. 7-8:30 p.m. Scioto Park Amphitheatre, 7377 Riverside Dr., Dublin. 614-889-7444. dublinarts.org

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

FREE! Family Summer Sing-a-Long, Can you do the motions to “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Want to learn? Join us for a good old-fashioned family sing-along. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org DISPATCH FILE PHOTO

FRANKLIN COUNTY FAIR July 16-23 — At 94 years running, the Franklin County Fair is one of the oldest county fair traditions in Ohio. Today the event continues to present old-fashioned fun in traditional county fair surroundings. Entertainment includes everything from tractor pulls to animal judging to bull riding and much more. The 2011 event will take place at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard, from July 16 to 23. General admission is $5 ($6 on July 22 and 23) and rides range from $10 to $15 for a day pass or $1/ticket (number of tickets required per ride varies; typically three tickets for adults and two for children). Tickets can be purchased at the gate. For more information, visit fcfair.org.

MONDAY 18 FREE! Family Summer Sing-a-Long, Can you do the motions to “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Want to learn? Join us for a good old-fashioned family sing-a-long. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org

FREE! Festivals of India & Henna Tattoos, Indira Satyapriya and her students from the Nalanda School of Dance will demonstrate dances from the different regions of India. Renuka Bhatt will apply temporary henna tattoos using the ancient art of mehndi. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277. westervillelibrary.org

FREE! Preschool Story Time, For ages 3-5. 1:30-2 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! West African Dance and Drum Performance, Join us for an interactive West African drum and dance performance by Sogbety Diomande. 7-8 p.m.

Win Ohio State Fair Tickets & Concert Tickets from Columbus Parent! Go to www.ColumbusParent.com for your chance to win four tickets to Loretta Lynn and The Oak Ridge Boys, the David Crowder Band or a Family Four Pack of tickets to the Ohio State Fair! Loretta Lynn Boys) ith the Oak Ridge w 2 t us ug ,A ay sd (Tue

The Oak Ridge Boy s (Tuesday,August 2 w ith Loretta

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Visit www.OhioStateFair.com for additional schedules and information. columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

july 2011 FREE! Pottery Barn Kids Story Time, Kids of all ages are invited to join us for story time every Tuesday at the Polaris Pottery Barn Kids store. 11-11:30 a.m. Pottery Barn Kids, 1500 Polaris Pkwy. # 2228, Polaris. 614-880-3948. FREE! Summer Stories on the Lawn, For ages 2-5. 10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Totally Terrific Film Night, Bring your pillows and popcorn, and enjoy a family movie on the big screen. 7-9 p.m. Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-8827277. westervillelibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 20 FREE! Clippers Storytime Q & A, Special storytime including a visit from a Columbus Clippers team member. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Rd., Worthington. 614-8072626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Family Story Time on the Lawn, For ages 2-5. 7-7:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Just for Kids: Outer Space Night, Kids will make space themed crafts that are out of this world, for children ages 3 and up. Registration is required by July 18. 7-8 p.m. FREE! Tail Waggin’ Tutors, Register for ten minutes read-aloud time with a cer-

tified (and gentle) therapy dog. Children only, please. 7-8 p.m. Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org

THURSDAY 21 FREE! Explore India: Henna Tattoos, 3-4:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Lunch Bunch, Pack your lunch and join us for stories and creative activities. For kids entering grades 2-5. 12-1 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org FREE! Music in the Parks 2011: Taiko Drumming Circle, 7-8:30 p.m. Sunny 95 Park, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln., Upper Arlington. 614-583-5310. uaoh.net Preschool Rock ‘n Rollers, Music and movement-based program for children up to age six. The class introduces activities for music and movement on alternating weeks that the parent/caregiver will enjoy with the child. Each class is offered on a drop-in basis; pre-registration is not required. 9-10 a.m. $3 per child. Groveport KidSpace Building, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org Skateboarding Education & Etiquette, This class will educate novice skateboard users and their parents of important information about skateboarding gear, safety and skate park etiquette. Space is limited so registration and pre-payment by July 18 is required. 7-8:30 p.m. $5 resident; $6 non-resident Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Summer Entertainment Series: Madcap Puppets, Madcap Puppets present Tales of Flight. Let your imagina-

tion soar with the amazing Wright Brothers. 7-8 p.m. Homestead Park, 4675 Cosgray Rd., Hilliard. 614-652-3922. wtwp.com FREE! Trash to Trendy: Accessorize, Fourth graders and up can transform safety pins, soda tabs, duct tape and more into stylin’ accessories. All supplies provided. 2:30-4 p.m. Free. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Dr., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org

FRIDAY 22 FREE! Concerts on the Creek, Enjoy free outdoor concerts hosted by Gahanna Parks & Recreation. 7-9 p.m. Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna. 614-342-4250. FREE! Friday Flicks: Footloose, Enjoy outdoor movies on the big screen this summer at Creekside Park. 9-11 p.m. Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna. 614-342-4250. German Village Art Crawl, 6-10 p.m. $20 advance / $25 door. German Village - Macon Alley, Macon Alley, German Village. 614-397-2595. gvbusinesscommunity.com Grow with Me Preschool Picassos, Create crafts that little hands can easily construct. Children ages two through six are welcome (with adult participation required). 10-11 a.m. $3/child. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-8363333. groveport.org Popcorn Pops presents Rock Around the World, Sing, dance, and monkey around with the Columbus Symphony during three, special family concerts (recommended for children ages 3-12). Children will enjoy free popcorn and free pre-concert activities including face-painting, art projects, playing with

musical instruments, and more. 6:30 pm. Adults $12; Children 2-14: $8. Chemical Abstracts Service, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., Campus. 614-228-8600. picnicwiththepops.com FREE! Slapshot the Therapy Dog, Earn some of your Summer Reading Club hours by reading to the best listener in town, Slapshot the Therapy Dog. 3-4 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org FREE! Screen On The Green Movies, Screening of “Airplane!” held at the softball diamond in the southwest corner of the park. 9 p.m. Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale Blvd., Victorian Village. 614228-2912. movies.shortnorthcivic.org

SATURDAY 23 2011 Serbian Festival, Annual summer picnic featuring live Serbian music, dancing, a full bar, and a buffet of authentic cuisine serving roast lamb, pig, chicken, smoked meats, sarma, cevaps, pastries, and homemade bread. 12-10 p.m. $3. St Stevan-Dechani Serbian Church, 1840 N Cassady Ave, North Side. 614-348-1475. ststevanofdechani.org Family Fun Day with Madcap Puppet Theater, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $6 - $11. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Outdoor Movie: Yogi Bear, 910:30 p.m. Groveport Heritage Park, 551 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org Picnic with the Pops 2011: The Spinners, 8:15 p.m. Adults: $20; Children 314: $8; Children under two: free. Chemical Abstracts Service, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., Campus. 614-228-8600. picnicwiththepops.com

FREE! Rocky’s Reading Room, Program using horses to promote summer reading. Rocky, one of PBJ Connections’ therapy horses, will have books in his Reading Room for kids to take home or read with him and his friends at the farm. Kids earn prizes for reading books throughout the summer. 12-2 p.m. PBJ Connections, 9800 Jug Street Rd. NW, Pataskala. 614-395-1395. pbjconnections.org FREE! Saturday Tales, Bring the entire family to the library for stories, songs and rhymes. Each session will feature a different letter of the alphabet. 11-11:30 a.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Stories and Songs with Clifford the Big Red Dog, Join the Clifford the Big Red Dog costumed character for stories, songs and activities. 10-11 a.m. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Dr., Worthington. 614807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Stories for Babies, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament, 1-3 p.m. Free. Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., 614-836-3333. groveport.org

SUNDAY 24 FREE! Sundays at Scioto: Big Sam’s Funky Nation, The 28th annual Dublin Arts Council’s Sundays at Scioto summer concert series during eight consecutive Sunday evenings. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Scioto Park Amphitheatre, 7377 Riverside Dr., Dublin. 614-889-7444. dublinarts.org

Family Cooking: Make and Take Picnics, Kids ages 5 and up with an adult work together to prepare portable picnic fare .2-4 p.m. $20 members; $25 non-members. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side. 614645-8733. fpconservatory.org

MONDAY 25 FREE! Family Summer Sing-a-Long, Can you do the motions to “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Want to learn? Join us for a good old-fashioned family sing-a-long. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614882-7277. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Preschool Story Time, For ages 3-5. 1:30-2 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org Teen Summer Workshop: Designs to Dye For, Three exciting new workshops especially for children aged 12 through 18. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $35. Ohio Craft Museum, 1665 W. Fifth Ave., Grandview. 614-486-4402. ohiocraft.org

TUESDAY 26 Creative Minds Art Studio, A drop-in open arts space for children that offers the opportunity to explore various art forms. All ages are welcome with a special focus on creating a space for children 6 and under. 1-3 p.m. $8/reservation rate; $10/drop-in rate. Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614-8908202. creativemindsartstudio.com FREE! Family Summer Sing-a-Long, Can you do the motions to “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Want to learn? Join us for a good old-fashioned family sing-a-long. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614882-7277. westervillelibrary.org

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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

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PARENTS CLUBS AND SUPPORT GROUPS

OUT OF THE KITCHEN AND INTO YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS DON’T MISS AN ISSUE OF CRAVE!

Get Columbus’ new dining magazine delivered hot and fresh to your home four times a year.

JUST $5 FOR 4 ISSUES To subscribe, call toll-free 855-686-2363 or visit ColumbusCrave.com Sign up by July 5 to receive the August issue

Gahanna Moms Network A support group for stay-at-home moms residing in the 43230 zip code and/or the Gahanna school district. Email gahannamoms@yahoo.com for more information.

MOMS Club of DublinWest Offers a variety of activities each month. Meetings, mom and tot activities, play groups, parties and a moms’ night out. For more information email momsclubofdublinwest@gmail.com.

Mocha Moms of Greater Columbus, Ohio A national support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time, or who have chosen alternative, less-demanding career paths to allow them to devote more time to their families. Meets the second Wednesday of each month (January - May and September - December) at 9:30 a.m. Group chooses monthly topic on which a professional presents. Childcare for toddlers and infants available, but children are welcome to stay with their mothers. Visit mochamomsofcolumbus.org/ to view current calendar of playgroups, moms’ nights out, and family events. Membership costs $40 per year and must be purchased through the national web site. Visit mochamoms.org/memsub.html and select the Columbus, OH Chapter.

MOMS Club of Hilliard Northeast A social and support group for stay-athome and part-time working moms and their children. Playgroups, field trips and moms’ nights out. If interested in joining this group, please contact Teresa at tdterranova@ columbus.rr.com.

Mommies of Miracles A growing international, peer-driven support group of mothers who have children of any age with complex medical issues, rare or undiagnosed conditions and/or developmental disabilities. Facebook page offers numerous links for parents of children with exceptional needs. Search “Mommies of Miracles” on Facebook and choose the first result. MOMS Club of Clintonville A fun social and support group for stay-athome moms and their children. Playgroups, field trips and monthly moms’ nights out. Meetings are 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month (locations vary). For membership information visit clintonvillemomsclub.yolasite.com. MOMS Club of Delaware A fun, social support group for stay-at-home moms and their children with playgroups, field trips and monthly moms’ nights out. Meets at 10 a.m. the first Monday of every month. For membership information, email momsclubofdelaware@hotmail.com. MOMS Club of Dublin Central Support group for stay-at-home moms. We plan weekly playgroups and activities, and a monthly moms’ night out. Meets at 9:45 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Vineyard Church, 5400 Avery Rd. Contact momsclubdublin_central@yahoo.com.

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

MOMS Club of Hilliard-Northwest A social support group for stay-at-home moms and moms working part time and their children. We offer playgroups, field trips, mom’s nights out and much more. A general business meeting with a speaker on a topic of relevance is held the first Monday of each month. For more information, email momsclubhilliardnorthwest@ yahoo.com. MOMS Club of Lewis Center Southeast A non-profit support group for stay-at-home moms. Actively seeking new members who live south of Orange Rd., east of S. Old State Rd., and north of Lazelle Rd. For membership information contact Sherry at Moms_Club_Membership@yahoo.co m or go to http://momscluboflewiscenter.com/. MOMS Club of Pickerington North Support group for stay-at-home moms. Also serves Reynoldsburg and Pataskala. Contact Susan at momsclubpn@yahoo.com. MOMS Club of Powell Northeast One of three MOMS clubs serving Powell. Support group for stay at home moms and moms who work part time looking to connect with other moms. Various activities for moms and kids. For more information visit sites.google. com/site/momsclubpowellne/. MOMS Club of Sunbury A social and support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Meets for business the last Thursday of each month at Sunbury United Methodist Church. Monthly activities include play dates, local outings, cooking club, book club and moms’ night out. Contact MOMS Club of Sunbury at sunburymomsclub@yahoo.com, or call 740-9367810 for more information. MOMS Club of Worthington Support group for stay-at-home moms who

want company during the daytime; activities include speakers, parties, playgroups and child-run service projects. Meets third Monday of the month at Worthington Presbyterian Church. Email join@worthingtonmoms.org for more information. MOPS Pickerington Fellowship and support group open to all moms with young children; 9 to11 a.m. the second Saturday of each month; Peace United Methodist Church, 235 Diley Rd., Pickerington; 614-837-3732. Mothers of Multiples East Columbus Support and social group for mothers of multiples. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1200 Waggoner Rd., Reynoldsburg. Email ECMom.org for membership information. “My” Food-Allergy Support Group A group for parents of children dealing with life-threatening food allergies. We offer monthly meetings, occasional non-food family activities and a private email group for additional support, sharing of concerns, successes, coping strategies, resources and tools. Email Dena Friedel at dena@foodallergyaids.com. New Moms’ Group An opportunity for new mothers and their babies to meet others and share information. Meets from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Elizabeth Blackwell Center, 3635 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus. Free. 614-566-4446. Perinatal Outreach & Encouragement (POEM, Inc.) We are moms who have survived prenatal or postpartum depression (PPD) so we understand like no one else can. POEM is the Ohio Coordinator of Postpartum Support International (PSI), the leading authority on perinatal mental health. For more information call 614-315-8989 or poemonline.org. Radiant Life Moms—Dublin Fellowship support group for moms with newborns through sixth grade. Meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Radiant Life Church. Third Thursday is moms’ night out. For more information call Lindsay at 614-571-2995. Westerville Moms Group Support group for stay-at-home moms. We have play groups, craft days and a monthly moms’ night out. Contact westervillemomsgroup@yahoo.com for more information.

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

FOLLOW THE FACTS NOT THE MYTH MYTH: FACT:

Reading will “click” Bright children who struggle with reading, writing, and/or spelling may be exhibiting characteristics of dyslexia or ADHD.

FACT:

Waiting for reading to click in 1st or 2nd grade makes school harder.

FACT:

Children entering 1st and 2nd grade who struggle with reading are especially vulnerable.

FACT:

Fortunately, parents in central Ohio have the experts at Marburn Academy to call for accurate information about reading instructions. Don’t wait to get the facts! Please call Barbara Davidson at 614-433-0822 or email bdavidson@marburnacademy.org with any questions.

july 2011 Grow with Me Preschool Playgroup, Program for children (through age six) providing opportunities to play and socialize with others, as well as participating in learning circles and crafts. Parents (or caregivers share this experience with their children) often form friendships with other adult participants. A light snack will be provided. 10-11:30 a.m. $3/child. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Let’s Go Down Under, Aboriginal art. For grades K-3. 2-3 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Party Over Here, Hot dogs, chips, drinks and games will be supplies and you bring something to share, a blanket and a smile. Registration is required. 6-8 p.m. Metzger Park, 137 Granby Pl., Westerville. 614-901-6500. westerville.org FREE! Pottery Barn Kids Story Time, Kids of all ages are invited to join us for story time every Tuesday at the Polaris Pottery Barn Kids store. 11-11:30 a.m. Pottery Barn Kids, 1500 Polaris Pkwy. # 2228, Polaris. 614-880-3948. FREE! Summer Stories on the Lawn, For ages 2-5. 10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Totally Terrific Film Night, Bring your pillows and popcorn, and enjoy a family movie on the big screen. 7-9 p.m. Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-8827277. westervillelibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 27 FREE! A Trip Around the World with Joanie Calem, Fun, interactive, multicultural program for the whole family featuring songs and stories with storyteller Joanie Calem. 7-8 p.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277. westervillelibrary.org

MARBURN ACADEMY...simply better Orton-Gillingham accredited

www. marburnacademy.org “The kindergarten teacher at my neighborhood school didn’t know what to do with my daughter. After attending Marburn for 6 months, my daughter was reading beyond grade level. This is the amazing truth about Marburn Academy.” Marburn parent 2011

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

FREE! Family Story Time on the Lawn, For ages 2-5. 7-7:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Tail Waggin’ Tutors, Register for ten minutes read-aloud time with a certified (and gentle) therapy dog. Children only, please. 7-8 p.m. Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Wester-

JAZZ & RIB FEST July 22-24 — There’s no better way to celebrate summer than with hot ribs and cool jazz. The 32nd annual Jazz & Rib Fest presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department returns to the Arena District riverfront on July 22-24. Three stages will host the finest local and international jazz artists, while barbeque pit masters serve up sizzling ribs, chicken and more. Savor the best ribs from around the country as 23 award-winning barbeque teams compete for “Best Ribs” bragging rights. The aroma of hot ribs and sounds of cool jazz will fill the air on July 22 and 23 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and July 24 from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. ville. 614-882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org

tion is not required. 9-10 a.m. $3 per child. Groveport KidSpace Building, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org

THURSDAY 28

Silly Pillow Sewing Class, 7-8:30 p.m. $10 Resident/ $12 Non-Resident. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org

Explore Italy: Pizza Taste Test, 3-4:30 p.m. $2. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org FREE! Lunch Bunch, Pack your lunch and join us for stories and creative activities. For kids entering grades 2-5. 12-1 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org FREE! Music in the Parks 2011: Maggie Green & Canto Poetica, 7-8:30 p.m. Sunny 95 Park, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln., Upper Arlington. 614-583-5310. uaoh.net Preschool Rock ‘n Rollers, Music and movement-based program for children up to age six. The class introduces activities for music and movement on alternating weeks that the parent/caregiver will enjoy with the child. Each class is offered on a drop-in basis; pre-registra-

FREE! Summer Entertainment Series - PT Reptiles, PT Reptiles will bring lots of animals for you to get close, touch them, and learn all about the cold blooded creatures. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Homestead Park, 4675 Cosgray Rd., Hilliard. 614-652-3922. wtwp.com

FRIDAY 29 FREE! Campfire Tales, Enjoy songs, stories and puppets around the campfire. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Concerts on the Creek, Enjoy free outdoor concerts hosted by Gahanna Parks & Recreation. 7-9 p.m. Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna. 614-342-4250.

Grow with Me Preschool Picassos, Create crafts that little hands can easily construct. Children ages two through six are welcome (with adult participation required). 10-11 a.m. $3/child. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-8363333. groveport.org FREE! Live Fit Challenge, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. OSU French Field House, 460 Woody Hayes Dr., Campus. 614-2571678. asascolumbus.org FREE! Movies on the Mile: The Pink Panther, Everything begins with themed activities and concession sales in Bicentennial Park, then the featured movie starts at dusk. 7-11 p.m. Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr., Downtown. 614-645-3800. SciotoMile.com Picnic with the Pops 2011: The Ohio State University Marching Band, 8:15 p.m. Adults: $20; Children 3-14: $8; Children under two: free. Chemical Abstracts Service, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., Campus. 614-228-8600. picnicwiththepops.com.

FREE! Science Cafe: Too Big to Sleep in Your Bed, Learn about caring for large animals from experts at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Free tickets, required for this program, will be available at the Northwest Library one week prior to the performance. 2-3 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Rd., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Slapshot the Therapy Dog, Earn some of your Summer Reading Club hours by reading to the best listener in town, Slapshot the Therapy Dog. 3-4 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778. ghpl.org FREE! Summer Concert Series: Scioto Valley Brass & Percussion Co., 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Touch A Truck, Bring your preschoolers for an up-close, hands-on experience with a variety of construction equipment and service vehicles like firetrucks, police cruisers, largerthan-life construction equipment and more. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The Sports Complex, 325 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614-901-6500. westerville.org

SATURDAY 30 FREE! Blazin’ Summer Car & Bike Show, Featuring live performances, a dance-off, a mini fashion show, food, bike and car contests, face painting, and more. 1-8 p.m. Free. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-668-8676. Beyblade Metal Fusion, See Beyblade free play. This is a drop-in class; no preregistration required. Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Ohio Nature Education’s Nature Center Open House, Join Ohio Nature Education and some of our wild animals at our nature center open house. 12-4 p.m. William C Kraner Nature Center, 10380 Fairview Rd, 740967-8320. ohionature.org

Picnic with the Pops 2011: The Ohio State University Marching Band, 8:15 p.m. Adults: $20; Children 3-14: $8; Children under two: free. Chemical Abstracts Service, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., Campus. 614-228-8600. picnicwiththepops.com FREE! Puppet Show, This fun for all ages show will feature adaptations of “Memoirs of a Goldfish” and “Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly,” plus an original skit written by library staff. 10-11 a.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Rocky’s Reading Room, Program using horses to promote summer reading. Rocky, one of PBJ Connections’ therapy horses, will have books in his Reading Room for kids to take home or read with him and his friends at the farm. Kids earn prizes for reading books throughout the summer. 12-2 p.m. PBJ Connections, 9800 Jug Street Rd. NW, Pataskala. 614-395-1395. pbjconnections.org FREE! Saturday Tales, Bring the entire family to the library for stories, songs and rhymes. Each session will feature a different letter of the alphabet. 11-11:30 a.m. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 ext. 5006. westervillelibrary.org

o t n i p o P

! h g r u b s d i K Welcome to Pittsburgh, jam-packed with family fun – after all, it’s the place where Mister Rogers built his famous neighborhood!

Mister Rogers

The Beach Boys with the Lancaster Festival Orchestra, 8-11 p.m. $5-28. Ohio University- Lancaster Campus, 1570 Granville Pike, 740-687-4808. lancasterfestival.org

SUNDAY 31 FREE! Ohio Nature Education’s Nature Center Open House, Join Ohio Nature Education and some of our wild animals at our nature center open house. 12-4 p.m. William C Kraner Nature Center, 10380 Fairview Rd, 740967-8320. ohionature.org FREE! Sundays at Scioto: British Invasion, The 28th annual Dublin Arts Council’s Sundays at Scioto summer concert series during eight consecutive Sunday evenings. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Scioto Park Amphitheatre, 7377 Riverside Dr., Dublin. 614-889-7444. dublinarts.org

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.

Pop in for a visit! Book your getaway and get $25 in FREE FUEL from GetGo. VisitPittsburgh.com/kidsburgh

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh: This summer don’t miss Nickelodeon’s™ “Dora the Explorer LIVE ™! Dora’s Pirate Adventure,” June 11-Sept. 4. Includes live performances (Fri., Sat. & Sun. only, 2:30 pm & 4:30 pm) along with daily Pirate Singalongs and interactive adventures. For more information, show times and tickets, go to doralivepgh.org.

columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

SUMMER CLASSES, CAMPS & ONGOING EVENTS Alien Universe In this workshop with artist Jamie Polzin you’ll imagine (and create) a full-scale extraterrestrial universe. Plan, make sets and costumes, and build an entire theatrical world that both friends and family can enter (and pieces you can take home). For grades three through five. July 11-15, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $95; $75 Members. The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614-2926493. wexarts.org/ Architecture Learn about the history and importance of architecture through basic perspective drawing and model-making, while exploring the unique mathematics of the Wexner Center building. Architect Fang Zhao will incorporate brief visual lectures as she introduces you to drafting, drawing, architectural models, and group reviews. For grades six through eight. July 25-29, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $95; $75 Members. The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614292-6493. wexarts.org Art Around the World Art Camp Explore cultures through art, food and history lessons. For kids ages 6-11 and registration and pre-payment are due by July 7. July 25-29, 12 noon-6 p.m. $75 Resident; $80 Non-Resident; plus $20 supply fee. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org ARTcamps Dublin Arts Council offers creative summer exploration for young artists. Print photos in a darkroom, mold clay on a potter’s wheel, or release an inner actor in a natural riverfront amphitheater. Content, activities, and age levels vary from six to 18 years. Dates vary, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $140-$190. Dublin Arts Council, 7125 Riverside Dr,, Dublin. 614-889-7444. dublinarts.org Blast from the Past Summer Camp Be a time traveler and join us on a trip through time at the Ohio Historical Center and the Ohio Village. Through hands-on activities and games (geared for children ages 6-8 and 9-11), campers will travel through Ohio’s past. Dates vary for weekly camps, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $180 per camper. Ohio Village/Ohio Historical Society, 1982 Velma Ave., 800-686-1541. ohiohistory.org/summercamps Blooms & Butterflies 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $11 adults; $9 seniors; $6 children aged 3-17; Free children under two. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org Camp Otonwe Day camp for boys and girls. $160 per session. Highbanks

| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

Metro Parks, 9466 Columbus Pike, 614481-8227. centralohiocampfire.org Camp Wyandot Weekly resident camp for boys and girls. $390 per week. Camp Wyandot, 23834 Clear Creek Rd., Rockbridge, OH. 614-481-8227. centralohiocampfire.org Creekside Paddle Boats Schedule is weather dependent. Special hours possible during Creekside events. Tues-Fri, 4-8 p.m.; Sat, 12-8 p.m.; Sun, 12-6 p.m. 4-8 p.m. Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna. 614-342-4250. gahanna.gov The Depot Rail Museum Tour the beautifully restored railroad depot featuring reconstructions of the Great Northern Railroad Dining Car, the Central Vermont Caboose, and the Georgia & Florida Railroad Executive car. 1-4 p.m. Adults: $6; Seniors: $5; Kids (3-12): $4; Children under two: free. The Depot Rail Museum, 919 Old Henderson Rd., Northwest Side. 614-324-5930. the-depot.org Digital Video Editing with Final Cut Express for Mac Join videographer and filmmaker, Ryan Schlagbaum, and spend all week learning how to edit (no shooting). You’ll be given a ready-made script and identical raw footage to shape into a unique project through editing. Class is limited to 14 students. For grades nine through twelve. July 11-15, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $95; $75 Members. The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614-292-6493. wexarts.org Dinosaurs: Explore. Escape. Survive. Stomp, crash, and roar your way to COSI this summer as dinosaurs take over the country’s No. 1 science center for families. Dinosaurs: Explore, Escape, Survive features over 10,000 square feet of prehistoric excitement, from moving animatronic dinosaurs and advanced computer simulators that let you be a dinosaur, to a huge interactive maze. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $9-$25. COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-228-2674. cosi.org Documentary: Digital Video Jam Where do you feel the need to intervene in your life? This class begins with a review of how advertising manipulates the truth and the consumer. In this course with Aaron Knochel, you’ll see how you can use video to expose the truth, find your voice, and bust misinformation as you collaborate on a group documentary short. This class is limited to 12 students. For grades nine through twelve. July 18-22, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $95; $75 Members.. The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614-292-6493. wexarts.org

Drawing & Painting Aaron Thomas from Transit Arts will cover basic drawing, cartooning, composition, and perspective skills that you can apply in painting. For grades six through eight. July 25-29, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $95; $75 Members. The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614292-6493. wexarts.org Graphic Novels and Comics Goth, romance, punk, manga/anime, old school, whatever your genre, Julian Lee will lead you in a week-long adventure to view historic works and techniques in graphic novels and comics. For grades nine through twelve. July 25-29, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $95 ($75 Members). The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614-2926493. wexarts.org Junior Theater Camp Kids will learn how to construct sets and design costumes for their theater performance. Participants will hold a performance at conclusion of camp on Friday, July 15. Registration and pre-payment by July 6 is required. July 11-15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $85 residents; $90 non-residents. Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., 614836-3333. groveport.org Life-Sized Self Portraits Make full head-to-toe portraits using paint and various 2D mediums to depict and describe yourself. Alvin White and Jennifer Davenport Sosa will incorporate identity games and exercises during the week to promote self-awareness, and pride in each student’s uniqueness. For grades six through eight. July 1115, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $95; $75 Members. The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614-292-6493. wexarts.org Live Recording Camp Learn the art and science of music production and recording in a week-long exploration of sound, engineering, recording, software, and equipment. Participate in a live recording session with professional musicians, then, using Pro Tools, mix and master a final version of a song. A basic understanding of computers is recommended, but previous experience with the software and equipment is not required. July 11-15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $275. Jazz Academy at Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St., King Lincoln. 614-294-5200. jazzartsgroup.org Make Video Games Videogame mastermind, Gordon Gavin, will show you how to build your own Mario Brothersstyle video game complete with customized levels, sprites, sounds, and effects. For grades three through five. Limited to 14 students per class. July

25-Aug. 12, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $95; $75 Members. The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614292-6493. wexarts.org Make Video Games Plus Our video game superstar, Gordon Gavin, will show you how to build or expand your own Mario Brothers-type video game, complete with levels, sprites, sounds, and effects, using the freeware GameMaker. This workshop is limited to 14 students per class. For grades six through eight. July 25-Aug. 12, 1:304:30 p.m. $95; $75 Members. The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614-292-6493. wexarts.org PBJ Connections Summer Day Camp with the Horses Campers get daily experience with horses. Activities include art, music, horse education, and nature-connecting, while working on positive group interaction, self-regulation and focus. Not a riding camp. Ages 13-16. July 18-22, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $150. PBJ Connections, 9800 Jug Street Road NW, 614-395-1395. pbjconnections.org Project Fashion Show: Folklore Inspiration Led by instructor Nancy Kangas, this class is perfect for anyone who wants to make an individual fashion statement. We provide the materials, equipment, and expertise you need to express yourself through fashion using recycled garments and materials. For grades six through eight. July 1822, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $95; $75 Members. The Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Campus. 614-2926493. wexarts.org Summer Arts Children ages 6 and older will get to experience clinics such as Bugs Out, Party in the USA, Might Jungle, Kids Have Talent, and Under the Sea. 7-week session: $75. Liberty Township Powell YMCA , 7798 N. Liberty Rd. , Powell. 740-881-1058. ymcacolumbus.org/liberty Summer Music Camp Kids ages 6-12 will learn various instruments, including piano and guitar, as well as practice vocals and experiment with music-making software on the computer. Space is limited, registration and pre-payment is required by July 11. July 18-22, 9 a.m.12 p.m. $80 residents; $85 non-residents. Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., 614-836-3333. groveport.org Teen Summer Reading Club Join the Teen SRC and win prizes for all of your hard work. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org

AVON Start your own business for only $10, Flexible & works great with summer schedules! Call Anita, ISR 614-837-6883

ROMAKE OMAKE Bilingual Preschool Now Enrolling for Fall 2011

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Now Accepting Infants 6 weeks to 12 yrs. To schedule a tour or for more information Call (614)759-8710 www.romake.com

Who Else Wants A Party Full of Laughter, Fun, & Happy Memories that Last a Lifetime? Call Joe Lyons Columbus’ Funniest Magician

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1st Session

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ENTERTAINMENT! Family Magician, Carnival Games, Bounce, Mini Golf, Clowns, Costume Charac ters & Face Painting. Call Bruce at 614-507-6205 www.makingitfun.com

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or Call Carroll Baker Today! 1-866-220-7816

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SUMMER PROGRAMS STARTING NOW at JPC Academy! Reynoldsburg Minister’s Wife & Former Teacher Has infant & toddler openings. Reg. W/ Action For Children & Franklin County. CPR/First Aid, NonSmoker, Fenced Yard, Hot Meals, Snacks, FORMULA PROVIDED, Toilet Training, Refs, Tax Statements, PreSchool Prep. M-F 7AM to 5PM. Gail (614) 864-1165

Luke the Juggler

INVITE

ELMO PARTY!

(614) 798-8335 • jpc_academy@yahoo.com 6807 Dublin Center Drive, Dublin, OH 43017

www.jpcacademy.org

maternity

Variety Acts

Extras

Moon Bounce Gladiator Joust Bungee Run Sumo Wrestling Velcro Wall Big Glove Boxing Inflatable Slides Inflatable Water Slides Obstacle Courses Toddler Inflatables

Clowns • Magicians • Juggler Ventriloquist • Disc Jockeys Caricature Art • Face Painting Pony Rides • Petting Zoo

Snowcones Cottoncandy Popcorn Dunk Tank Putt-Putt Golf Sky Dancers Carnival Games

BUZZ, DORA, SUPER MARIO, MIKEY & MINI MOUSE YOGABBA, POOH, BARNEY SPONGE BOB AND DIEGO

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columbusparent.com entertainment

Inflatable Games

30+ entertainers to choose from

Math & Science, ESL, Language Arts & Social Studies Plus Taekwondo, Arts & Crafts, And Music Friday Field Trips!

education

(614) 471-3628

TO YOUR

2nd Session

June 20-July 15 July 18-August 12 Mon.-Fri. 9am-3pm (Late-Comers Welcome)

Corporate Events • Schools • After-Proms Churches • Festivals • Reunions • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

health and wellness

babies and toddlers

preschool

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tweens and teens columbusparent.com | July 2011 |

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| July 2011 | columbusparent.com

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