ColumbusParent.com
december 2009 • free copy
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K gets kids thinking big. 12
It’s what happens when they mash up math and physics to catch air. When they instinctively calculate a turning angle and know that friction is their friend. When they push force and energy to the mathematical limit. That’s thanks to K12 and our award-winning curriculum, individualized to bring learning alive, one child at a time. Every subject is delivered online, with hands-on activities, plus books and support from expert teachers.
when kids get into learning, learning gets into them. Options include: • Full-time, tuition-free public schooling in many states • An accredited online private school available worldwide • Over 180 individual courses including foreign languages, AP, and electives available for direct purchase • A robust Advanced Learner Program that challenges talented children with unique enrichment opportunities We’re America’s largest online curriculum provider for grades K through 12. Because we give every student a chance to think big.
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K12.com. Interested in a tuition-free online public school option for your child? The K12 program is available through the Ohio Virtual Academy, a full-time online public school for grades K-12 that offers state-licensed teachers, a vibrant school community, and a range of extracurricular activities. Is your child happy in school? Second semester starts soon. It’s not too late to make a change in your child’s education for 2009-2010. Discover what thousands of Ohio parents already know—that the Ohio Virtual Academy gives kids an exceptional education. We’re currently accepting K-8 enrollments for an immediate start and high school enrollments for a second semester start. Learn more at an upcoming event. See a full listing and get complete enrollment information at K12.com/oh.
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Named Parent’s Choice WINNER for Best PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL IN OHIO by Business Week and GreatSchools.net
Learn more at an Ohio Virtual Academy event 12/9, Gahanna 12/17, Pickerington
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
www.K12.com/oh 866.339.9074
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December 2009
MARBURN ACADEMY
VOLU M E 21 • ISSU E 12
COME SEE HOW GOOD A SCHOOL CAN BE
features 12 Beyond the leg lamp A trip to the A Christmas Story house
WINTER ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE
15 Multiple blessings Raising twins and triplets
17 Holiday horrors Kids at grown-up parties are a no-no
January 31, 2010 • 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Grades 1 - 12 • Families Invited Tour the school, meet the faculty and current students.
18 The reason of the season How to keep meaning in the holidays
Congratulations to Ashley, winner of our OSU/Columbus Parent Magazine cover contest! Photo by Amy Clark, Baby Steps Studios www.babystepsstudios.com
departments From the experts
FREE COMMUNITY PARENT SEMINAR "GETTING HIGH SCHOOL TO WORK FOR ADHD STUDENTS" JANUARY 12, 2010 * 7-9PM
RSVP to Barbara Davidson at 614-433-0822 or bdavidson@marburnacademy.org Marburn Academy 1860 Walden Dr., 43229
www.marburnacademy.org EDUCATION YOU CAN VALUE 4
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Pediatric HealthSource | Burn-related injuries are cause for concern Growing up Online | Savvy tips for holiday shopping Sports Doc | Reader questions Sizing it Up | Putting a healthy twist on holiday meals Fast Food | Holiday cookies with zing
Viewpoints 6 43 44 45
Editor’s Note | It’s the most wonderful time of the year Family Getaways | Winter in Hocking Hills Manic Mommy | The best Christmas ever The Dad Files | An evergreen solution to clutter
21 Holiday Gift Guide
In our community 47
Out & About | Family calendar
Short takes 8 19 39
Seen & Noted | Trends, tips and resources In the News | A briefing for busy parents Family Media | Great reads from the Columbus Metropolitan Library
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
ColumbusParent.com
All Aboard the Santa Express! The hottest brands in fashion at up to 65% off everyday! Visit Lodistation.com for information about Santa Express dates and times as well as exclusive savings and offers at The Station!
Buy One Santa Express Ticket, Get one Santa Express Ticket FREE Must be 18 or older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Valid through December 25, 2009.
Cost: $3.00 per ticket. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Weather permitting. ColumbusParent.com
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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editor’s note | staci perkins
Counting my blessings The passing of breast cancer fighter Stefanie Spielman has caused a collective pause in our city and beyond. A loyal wife and mom, she fought a very public battle with the disease, and did so with humor and grace. It’s times like these that make me pause to give thanks for those in my life, and for the many blessings I’ve received. I met Stefanie once at a breast cancer fundraiser for another public cancer fighter, Heather Pick. They were like two peas in a pod, making each other laugh and sharing private jokes — all while inspiring others. I ask that you keep these families, and all those dealing with life’s challenges, in your prayers during the holidays. And in the spirit of both of these amazing women: pay it forward. Start by going to ColumbusParent.com throughout the month of December for our secondannual 12 Days of Giving series. From December 9 through 24, we highlight area non-profits that are counting on your time, talent and treasure to help those in need. Last year around this time I took a drive to Cleveland to see the house where the movie A Christmas Story was partially filmed. People either love or hate the movie. Truthfully, I have a hard time sitting through the film because it makes me so anxious; especially the flagpole part. But there are scenes that make me laugh out loud every time. Like the “fra-jeelay” major award (a.k.a. the
leg lamp), and the dogs devouring the turkey Ralphie’s mom worked so hard to prepare for Christmas dinner. Love it or hate it, read our story Beyond the Leg Lamp in this issue. It will surely make you chuckle. And don’t miss all the great photos on our website, too! Check out our secondannual Holiday Gift Guide! Items in the Guide were hand-picked and tested by our staff. This section will help narrow down ideas for your kids, nieces and nephews, and even yourself! Plus, TheBAG Lady weighs in on where to find gifts at great prices. Thinking of throwing a holiday soirée? Think twice about how you address those invitations — you could end up with a bunch of kiddos at your adults-only event. Read our story about when it’s appropriate for kids to come with. Finally, our story on the blessings of multiples will make you happy to be a parent. The anecdotes from these big families, including those from their sibs, are truly heart warming. In a year filled with economic turmoil, I propose we all give back — however we are able. One random act of kindness leads to another, and another, changing the world for the better, just a little bit at a time. Happy holidays!
ONN’s Parenting Project
december online at columbusparent.com Monday
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Census in schools gives voice to youth PLUS: Beyond the leg lamp
Tuesday
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Multiple blessings: twins and more
Wednesday
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How to keep the reason in the season
Thursday
Friday
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Holiday party horrors
Holiday Gift Guide PLUS: A dad's point of view: My son has a girlfriend; now what do I do?
December’s issue online: Log on every day for new stories!
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Letting them go without letting them down
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Before the guests arrive, Mom melts down
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Franklin County Children Services
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Invention Convention PLUS: Travel to the Trump Hotel
HAPPY HANUKKAH!
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Friends of the Shelter PLUS: Mondays with Mrs. James
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American Diabetes Association
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Komen Columbus PLUS: A dad's point of view: Who said marriage should be work?
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Capital Area Humane Society PLUS: How to keep kids’ holiday stress at bay
Kaleidoscope Youth Center
American Cancer Society PLUS: A dad's point of view: E-mail, etiquette and friends
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The Arts Castle
American Red Cross of Greater Columbus
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
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Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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Mondays with Mrs. James
29 30 10 shortcuts to save Mom's sanity
Enjoy the journey, despite the detours
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HAPPY KWANZAA!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
DEC. 26
Parentphrase
November’s results: In what type of school are your kids enrolled: public or private?
65% Public
35% Private
December’s question: Do you take your kids to grown-up parties?
Don’t miss this special online series — stories are marked with a star!
Watch an article come to life! Tune in to ONN’s Parenting Project each Wednesday.
Got something to say? E-mail ColumbusParent@ThisWeekNews.com
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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December 2009 Volume 21 | Issue 12
Published by ThisWeek Community Media editor | staci perkins retail & online sales manager | veronica lynagh design and production | clara mansour & annie steel retail account executive | theresa kauser (740) 888-6021 retail account executive | karen laney (740) 888-6022 marketing coordinator | alexis perrone dicken (740) 888-6075 online production | stefanie hauck & liz warren classified advertising manager | doug abdelnour (740) 888-5003 classified account executives | molly chievitz, brittiny dunlap & paul krupa circulation | (740) 888-6100 special thanks | margo bartlett
Columbus Parent Magazine 7801 N. Central Dr. Lewis Center, OH 43035 fax: (740) 888-6001 columbusparent@thisweeknews.com www.ColumbusParent.com
Columbus Parent Magazine is available free of charge at more than 800 locations in central Ohio, including all local Kroger stores. The opinions and views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Columbus Parent Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, press releases, etc. ROSHAD ISAIAH’S FATHER WHITEHALL, OHIO
Columbus Parent Magazine has been registered with the state of Ohio. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content is prohibited. All real estate advertising herein is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familiar status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis.
ISAIAH IS AUTISTIC, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO EXPLAIN EXACTLY HOW HE’S FEELING. THIS MADE HIS CANCER DIAGNOSIS EVEN MORE CHALLENGING AND OUR PEDIATRIC EXPERTISE EVEN MORE VITAL. TO SEE HOW NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HELPED ISAIAH THROUGH EVERY STEP OF HIS TREATMENT AND HEALING PROCESS, VISIT
PediatricHealthSource.org Please remember, you should always call your pediatrician or family doctor before taking a child to an urgent care center.
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Special Section College Guide
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I WISH I COULD TAKE PIANO LESSONS Did you know that there is a positive association between music lessons and higher school grades and scores on achievement testing in mathematics, spelling and reading? The Conservatory of Piano offers introductory classes for preschool ages 3 to 6, beginners ages 7 to 10, and adults; private lessons for all ages are always available. excellence in piano instruction is our only business.SM
209 north hamilton road, columbus • 614-755-2424 60 old west wilson bridge road, worthington • 614-436-6076 www.conservatoryofpiano.com
seen and noted | staci perkins
Franklin County Children Services Holiday Wish brings hope Nearly 4,500 abused, neglected and troubled children in Franklin County may not receive gifts this holiday season without the help of the community. For more than 40 years, Franklin County Children Services has asked the community to help fill the holiday wishes of children through the agency’s Holiday Wish program. And year after year, thousands of individuals, businesses, churches and civic groups have come forward to help. The children receiving the gifts are under the care of Franklin County Children Services and may have suffered through a variety of abuses. They live with foster parents, relatives, parents, or in residential care. There is no guarantee that without the help of the community these children will experience the true spirit of giving and receiving. This gift-giving program allows each child under the care of Children Services to wish for a specific gift. The child’s wish comes true through the generosity of com-
munity donors. Each child up to age 11 may ask for a gift worth $40. Fifty-dollar monetary donations are needed for each child 12 to 18. Emergency toy donations and other cash donations are also needed. All donations to Holiday Wish are tax deductible. Donations are accepted online at www.franklincountyohio.gov/children_servi ces. This year, Holiday Wish progress can also be followed on Facebook. Find out how you can help children enjoy the holidays. Call Holiday Wish at (614) 275-2525 or e-mail holidaywish@ fccs.co.franklin.oh.us.
All aboard at the Groveport Town Hall Groveport Art Gallery’s spectacular holiday art exhibit is sure to delight kids of all ages and their parents. Vintage Trains & Erector Sets features an extensive collection of antique toy trains and erector sets dating back to 1912. Many are operational. Trains included in the exhibit: ■ Rare cardboard train from World War II ■ Pre-World War II Lionel and American Flyer O-gauge ■ Marx electric and wind-up trains ■ Lionel pre-World War I standard gauge train Erector set models from 1913 to the 1950s in the exhibit: ■ 5-foot 1913 model Ferris wheel ■ 6-foot 1950s parachute jump, featured in the amusement park set ■ Carousel and Ferris wheel from the 1950s.
Photo courtesy of Groveport Town Hall
The exhibit will be presented through January 3. Closed November 11, 26, 27; December 24, 25 and January 1. Groveport Town Hall Art Gallery, 648 Main St. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays, noon-6 p.m. Admission is free. Guided tours presented by the collector may be arranged by calling the Town Hall at (614) 836-3333.
Send press releases via e-mail to ColumbusParent@thisweeknews.com. Please submit releases by the fifth of the preceding month.
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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St. Joseph students accompany High School for the Blind to Pasadena Three St. Joseph Montessori School (SJMS) students, Elliott Narcross, Nicholas Salamon and Elisabeth Spector, have been chosen to accompany the Ohio School for the Blind High School Marching Band to California in January. The band has been selected to march in the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena on January 1, 2010. Narcross, Salamon and Spector have the responsibility of assisting the students with staying in formation and moving safely in unfamiliar terrain. All three SJMS students are in eighth grade and are the youngest sighted assis-
Photo courtesy of St Joseph Montessori School
Left to right: Elliott Narcross, Nicholas Salamon and Elisabeth Spector. ect, but has become much tants to work with the more. marching band. Their work The Ohio School for the with blind students began as Blind has been in existence a community service proj-
Help your child become a better reader Reading begins at home. Before children ever go to school, they acquire knowledge that lays the foundation for reading. They learn about objects, events, thoughts and feelings, and develop the language skills to express ideas and describe experiences. Huntington Learning Center offers the following tips on what you can do to help your children become better readers. Help your children acquire a wide range of knowledge. When you take your children on shopping trips, visits to the zoo and museums, and on family vacations, you help give them important background knowledge. Surround these events with questions, answers and comments. Talk with your children about their experiences. This helps build vocabulary and expressive skills, connecting their world to language. Ask “what if” questions to expand their imagination and creativity. Read aloud with your children. Reading aloud is the most important way for children to learn about letters and words. Listen attentively as your child reads to you and take turns reading to one another.
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Remember to praise your children for their efforts. As you read with your children, stop periodically and ask questions. For example, ask your child what he or she thinks might happen next. Or ask, “Do you know what a palace is?” Point out different things in the story, such as, “Look how much he has eaten.” Set a family reading time. This shows that you enjoy reading and will encourage your children to value reading as well. Have plenty of books in your home and visit the library regularly. Monitor how much TV your children watch. Many experts recommend that children watch no more than 10 hours of television each week. When watching TV with beginning readers, turn on the closed-caption feature. Huntington Learning Center can help give children the tools needed to succeed, the confidence in their ability to learn, and the desire to achieve in school. For more information, call (800) CAN LEARN.
since 1837, the marching band program since 2005, when the School for the Deaf invited them to play at their football game. The next year, a full marching band program was developed. In order to perform, sighted assistants were recruited. Today the High School for the Blind has the only blind marching band in the country. Band director Carol Agler noted that the mission of the band is to show the public and encourage the blind students to remember “being blind does not mean you can’t do (certain things or anything), you just do them differently.”
Help the Salvation Army The Salvation Army in Central Ohio is anticipating their busiest holiday season to date. More people than ever are turning to the Salvation Army for help during these difficult times. The Army is preparing to provide food, toys and warm winter coats to thousands of local families in need. None of this would be possible without the generous support of the central Ohio community. Last year the Salvation Army provided holiday toys and food to more than 7,300 families, raised more than $535,000 through Red Kettle donations and provided 4,022 adults and children with winter coats. This year there is much to be done and many opportunities to volunteer are available to make the holidays brighter for less fortunate families. Volunteer are needed for Coats for Columbus, Christmas Kettles, Columbus Blue Jackets raffles, Christmas Cheer, Adopt-A-Family, toy and food drives, office helpers and holiday shoppers. For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities, contact Jean Griffith at jean.griffith@use.salvationarmy.org, or (614) 358-2627.
Introducing Lottie Da: The hip new baby boutique in Clintonville Step into Lottie Da and you will find the most eclectic assortment of children’s gifts, gear, toys and clothing in Columbus. This boutique has a one-a-kind feel and many designs are handmade and exclusive to Lottie Da. It is the destination for that perfect baby shower gift, or for the outfit that will make moms at the playground green with envy. The Lottie Da concept was developed by store owner and Clintonville resident Amy Routh. Inspired by her daughter Charlotte and armed with her background in design, Amy set out to bring a unique shopping
Shower registries are welcome and gift certificates are available. Stop in for Lottie Da’s first holiday open house on December 5 to see what all experience to Columbus. the buzz is about. Located at Her carefully chosen prod4705 N. High St. Extended ucts are aimed at parents holiday hours start who appreciate good design November 27. Tuesday and and want something unique Wednesday from 10 a.m.-7 for their infant, toddler or p.m., Thursday through preschooler. Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 Customers can choose p.m., and Sunday from 10 their own fabrics and create a.m.-6 p.m. More informaa look that fits their personal tion is available on the webstyle preference. Amy’s cus- site: www.lottiedababy.com. tom offerings include crib Or contact Amy at (614) 754bedding and nursery acces- 1261. sories, diaper bags and her own line of girls’ dresses.
Correction: November’s Domestic Silence story bio should read Jane Hawes.
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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Paid Advertisement compliments of Rosati Windows
Fast Facts About The Buckeye Ranch ◗ The Buckeye Ranch is a private, non-profit organization that provides hope and healing for children and families who struggle with emotional, behavioral and mental health issues. ◗ The Buckeye Ranch opened its doors to the first group of 10 boys in 1961. Today, The Ranch has emerged as a national leader in the treatment of children struggling to overcome abuse, neglect, mental illness, suicidal tendencies, addictions and behavior disorders. ◗ In just five years, the number of children in The Buckeye Ranch’s care has grown from 1,200 daily in 2003 to 2,000 each day in 2008, a 67 percent increase. ◗ The Buckeye Ranch’s services have grown to include communitybased services, foster care, child protection services, residential treatment, deaf services and educational programs. ◗ The Learn.Care.Give. Campaign is The Buckeye Ranch’s first major community-wide capital campaign, with a goal of $7.5 million by 2011. A successful effort will enable The Ranch to purchase and refurbish the new Family Center on West Broad Street and allow for renovations and technology upgrades on the Grove City campus. ◗ To learn how you can help support the children and families in your community, visit Learn.Care.Give.org For more information please call (614) 875-2371 or visit The Buckeye Ranch’s Web site at www.buckeyeranch.org or www.learncaregive.org.
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A Must-Read for Every Parent A compelling story that could be your friend, your neighbor, your co-worker… or someone in your family. Series made possible through a grant by the Rosati Windows Foundation What began as a troubled road for 15year-old Josef, has turned into a path of new beginnings and hope with the help of The Buckeye Ranch. Just two years ago, Josef was on a course no parent wants to see their child travel — drugs and alcohol, hanging out with the wrong crowd and suicidal ideations.These behavioral issues were prompted after Josef learned that his father was diagnosed with a terminal illness and instead of talking through his problems, he turned to drugs and alcohol as an outlet to his grieving. “I never expected my son to be involved in that kind of thing, but I knew that I wasn’t able to give him the help he really needed,” said his mother, Joanna. Following eight months of treatment at The Buckeye Ranch, Josef recently returned home.With the help of qualified and caring professionals, Josef is now on the path to recovery. He has learned how to face his fears surrounding his father’s illness and healthy ways to grieve. “The Buckeye Ranch provided Josef with a safe and stable atmosphere that allowed him to participate in activities I wasn’t able to provide for him,” said Joanna. Before Josef came to The Ranch, he
isolated himself from his family and often went out late at night.“The Ranch really helped him become the person I used to know,” said Joanna. When doctors recommended treatment at The Ranch, Joanna was filled with conflicting feelings of relief and confusion, as she was not familiar with the agency and its services. However, her positive experience relieved her fears and she is extremely grateful for the services provided to her family. “The Ranch really helped Josef learn to talk about his problems instead of keeping them to himself,” said Joanna. The Ranch also helped Josef gain the confidence he needed in order to express himself in a positive way.“It was definitely a wake-up call,” said Josef.“The Ranch helped me learn how to accept help and ask questions.” Josef’s experience at The Ranch has taught him that one decision can affect his whole future.“Some people think that when they’re younger, decisions won’t affect the future, but really, it is the decisions you make as a child that are the most important,” said Josef. Daily,The Buckeye Ranch helps thousands of families with children and teens who are struggling with
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
behavioral or mental health disorders just like Josef.With more than 400 caring staff serving children in central, west and southwest Ohio,The Ranch is one of Ohio’s largest behavioral health agencies. In 2002, the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General stated that 1 in 10 children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness and fewer than half get the treatment they need.That is why The Buckeye Ranch is dedicated to offering immediate access to care for those families and children in need of help. “The Buckeye Ranch has enjoyed tremendous success in restoring hope and offering healing treatment for children and families,” said President and CEO, Nick Rees. In 1961,The Buckeye Ranch opened its doors to a group of 10 boys with the help of the Women’s Juvenile Service Board who recognized the need for a residential home for troubled adolescents in Franklin County.
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Paid Advertisement compliments of Rosati Windows
This dedicated group of women raised funds and purchased a piece of land in the cornfields of Grove City to build the first residential cottage,Argo House. According to the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, 1 in 12 teens between the ages of 12 and 17 have experienced an episode of major depression.With that,The Ranch is committed to provide proactive treatment to families and children in need. The Ranch offers a wide range of services to help children who are struggling to overcome serious issues including abuse, neglect, mental illness, suicidal tendencies, addictions and behavioral disorders.The Ranch’s services have grown to include community-based services, foster care, child protection services, residential treatment, deaf services and educational programs. Since its opening 48 years ago,The Ranch has helped provide hope and healing to more than 65,000 families and children through its comprehensive array of programs and services that have changed the course of their
“The Buckeye Ranch provided Josef with a safe and stable atmosphere that allowed him to participate in activities I wasn’t able to provide for him.” — Joanna lives forever. With the inevitable rise in children that suffer from a mental illness, the demand for The Ranch’s programs and services has become far greater than its current capacity.While The Ranch is dedicated to providing immediate access to those families in need, some children must be placed on a waiting list of 30-60 days. For many,The Ranch is their last chance to lead a normal and healthy life and waiting for necessary treatment could be the difference between life and death. According to the National Institute of Medicine, in 2002, suicide was the
third leading cause of death among 1524 year-olds.With that in mind, it is crucial that The Ranch continues to develop new and improved methods of care and expansion of its facilities. The Buckeye Ranch changes the lives of families and children all around Ohio. Instead of a future of anxiety, depression and fear,The Ranch
provides a future of possibilities — one that offers the chance to realize personal and professional potential. “I think that if Josef had not come to The Ranch I am not even sure he would be alive now,” said Joanna.“I really believe it was a life-saving thing for him.”
Would you like to help? If you’d like more information about being a Foster Care Family (it’s easier than you might think) … or you’d like to make a financial contribution to the Ranch, please contact us:
Go to www.LearnCareGive.org or call (614) 875-2371 This series made possible though a generous grant by the Rosati Windows Foundation
5665 Hoover Road Grove City, Ohio 43123
ColumbusParent.com
Mike Rosati, Board Member, Buckeye Ranch Owner, Rosati Windows
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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feature | magdalene pesch
cs 050409 526055601-1
Beyond the leg lamp: A trip to the ‘Christmas Story’ house
Happy Haircuts! The Experts in Kid Haircuts s!
Ask for your favorite stylist!
Happy Holidays!
6 Convenient Locations • Open Monday thru Saturday. (Open Sunday 12-4 Westerville & Polaris locations only)
Appointments Recommended • www.cookiecutterscolumbus.com
Polaris Parkway
1198 East Powell Road
Westerville
6071 Chandler Dr.
Dublin/Powell
7438 Sawmill Road
(1/3 mile west of Polaris Mall, behind KFC)
(On S.R. 3 just 2 traffic lights, North of Maxtown)
846-5610
898-9855
Pickerington
Gahanna/New Albany
(Rt. 256 next to Barnes & Nobles)
(1 mile east of I-270)
(Tinapple Plaza on Hilliard-Rome Rd.)
428-9999
876-7700
1726 Hill Road North 522-0220
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4359 Morse Road
(Corner of Sawmill & Hard Rd.)
792-2899
Hilliard
3233 Hilliard-Rome Rd.
A Christmas Story. That iconic holiday movie people either love or hate. Cleveland boasts a connection to the Christmas tale of BB gun mania and “pink nightmare” bunny suits, of triple-dog-dares and major awards. Part of the filming took place in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood; 3159 W. 11th Street, to be exact (a.k.a. the Parkers’ house). Now a bona-fide tourist attraction, the Christmas Story House and Museum attracts visitors from all over. In 2004, entrepreneur Brian Jones purchased the house on the auction and marketplace website, eBay. Operating as Red Rider Leg Lamps (redriderleglamps .com), the Christmas Storyfan-Jones had been making and selling lamps reminiscent of the “major award” that figures so prominently in the film. Jones offered the eBay seller $150,000 for the house in return for an early removal of the $99,000 listing. The house had been a rental property, but after renovating the house’s interior to resemble the Parker family home as it is represented in the film, Jones opened it to the public, along with a museum and gift shop. A Christmas Story House tour guide Michelene Hart described the major structural renovations that were required to create the Parker
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
Magdalene Pesch | Parent
A Christmas Story Museum sits across from the house. residence recognizable by viewers of the film. “When [Jones] got here, the place was a wreck inside, because there was no proper plumbing; there was not anything in here that was worth anything. It was ‘just’ the Christmas Story house. But he was undaunted by that ... He had to squeeze that huge soundstage; he went freezeframe by freeze-frame and recreated [the interior of the house] to be the inside of the Christmas Story house.” The renovation log can be viewed on the Christmas Story
house webpage. In transforming the house, Jones has subsequently helped to transform the neighborhood. A Christmas Story House executive director Steve Siedlecki described the effect of Jones’ entrepreneurial efforts. “Basically, you have almost three quarters of a million dollars worth of home purchases and renovations just in this little corner here. Some of the other surrounding lots have fixed up their yards a little bit. But the neighborhood itself was on
ColumbusParent.com
Magdalene Pesch | Parent
The soft glow of the leg lamp dominates the living room.
Magdalene Pesch | Parent
Ralphie listened to the Little Orphan Annie show on a radio similar to this one. Go to ColumbusParent.com for all the great Christmas Story links and lots of fun extras: Fact sheet Trivia sheet Brian Jones biography Seasonal activities and gifts new to the Christmas Story house 100,000th visitor wins leg lamp
columbusparent.com
ColumbusParent.com
the up and up before, and this is just kind of the continuation of it.” A Christmas Story was based on In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, author Jean Shepherd’s collection of short stories about growing up in Indiana. Despite the Hoosier setting of Shep-herd’s book, director Bob Clark ultimately chose a Cleveland location for the onscreen Parker family. Shepherd and Clark toured the ‘Rust Belt’ scouting potential locations for the film. They found their particular vision of 1939-1940 Indiana realized in Cleveland’s multicultural and industrial setting. “One of the things that was important was that the [steel] mills were seen from the house in the background. They were looking for a type of neighborhood that was a Slavic-Polish kind of neighborhood, Italian, Irish — the people that worked in the mills — and that had nooks and crannies and had that 40s look,” Hart explains. The house ultimately selected was logistically almost perfect for the filmmakers’ purposes. Siedlecki analyzed why the Tremont house was indubitably the house for A Christmas Story. “It was perfect for setting up [film] equipment. [The lot was] where they kept the Bumpus house; that’s where they kept Black Bart’s horse. And then also the way that the house is situated on the street, right on the intersection, it gave perfect camera views — you know, the sweeping shots of the neighborhood.” However, as Siedlecki said, it is nearly impossible for filming to
take place inside a house of normal proportions. “[The filmmakers] weren’t going to use the interior of this house. Hollywood needs to manipulate the environment. Lighting, tracks on the floor. Even today, being opened up a little more than it was, it’s still just way too small to get a couple actors in there, a couple cameras, the booms, everything. No interior shots were actually done [inside]. The actual soundstage was modeled off the interior of the house. When [filmmakers] are building a soundstage, they do need to make the interior be set up similar to the way the outside looks,” Siedlecki said. Jones and his team have been enormously successful in bringing the house “to life.” Hart emphasized the huge popularity of the house as a showplace. “A couple thousand people came the first day that [the house] opened [on Thanksgiving weekend in 2006]. In the last three years, there have been a hundred thousand people. About a month ago, we had our 100,000th person. He [Lee Stanton] was from Maine. We gave him a leg lamp and a few other gifts. I had the privilege of taking the ticket from him, so that was fun.” The House appeals to A Christmas Story fanatics, loyal Clevelanders, and passers-through Cleveland alike. Visitors’ cars parked outside the house have license plates that reflect a variety of different states in the U.S. Siedlecki reflected on how the Christmas Story house staff focuses on maintaining it as an inviting, interactive exhibit. “The whole idea was we want people to be able to come here and experience the movie, not just see the house. You know, climb
under the sink. Act out your favorite scene. Touch the leg,” he said. The furniture, appliances and telephone are 1939/1940s-style. The house is decorated with props reminiscent of the film. A sled is on the porch. The shed is in the backyard. The infamous leg lamp stands in its place of honor near the window. On the desk in Ralphie and Randy’s room are broken eyeglasses and a marbled-cover composition book containing, in a child’s cursive, Ralphie’s “What I Want for Christmas” essay. There’s even a bar of red Lifebuoy soap, which Mother used to scour Ralphie’s mouth clean of “fudge.” Across the street from the house are the Christmas Story House museum and gift shop. The museum showcases memorabilia relevant to the film, including many original props used in filming, and uses an assortment of different displays on a rotating basis. The gift shop offers a wealth of Christmas Story merchandise, including items that are exclusive to the Christmas Story House and Museum. Christmas was the oncea-year pivot “around which the entire ‘kid year’ revolved” for Ralphie Parker, but thanks to Brian Jones and the house staff, it will always be Christmas in Tremont.
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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ColumbusParent.com
feature | marsha zimmerman
Comfort and joy in extra measures:
Twins and triplets bring multiple blessings for the holidays With all of the hype about Jon and Kate Gosselin and their multiples, the Dilley sextuplets (born in 1993) and the McCaughey septuplets (born in 1997) are yesterday’s news. Even celebrity twins are taking a backseat to the media frenzy surrounding the reality series family that has been dismantled in front of America. While Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s twins were bumped quickly to celebrity status in 2008, the birth of twin boys by Charlie Sheen’s wife made little or no splash in 2009.
But the truth is that regardless of how the gossip columns respond, twins are born every day to parents with oodles of fanfare from those who matter most. The aunts, uncles and grandparents (a.k.a. the relative paparazzi) bring with them every digital recording device known to mankind — from camera phones to digital video recorders and everything in between. And perhaps during the holidays more than ever, families with multiples are reminded of how very blessed they are. The memo-
ries of that special buzz surrounding the hospital waiting room when the twins or triplets were born come to life again when scrapbooks are dusted off and opened up during holiday gatherings. The tiny infants, much anticipated by family and friends, were exalted upon their arrival. The “oohs” and “ahhs” over those multiple arrivals are more than double or triple those experienced by their singleton counterparts — all captured for posterity by countless camera flashes. Most parents of multiples
join in the delight over the arrival of their special miracles, and agree that with the birth of twins or triplets (or more), come comfort and joy in extra measures, along with an astonishing number of trials and tribulations. “I knew that twins would be more work, but I never thought about how many sleepless nights we would have with one or the other sick. They don’t get ear infections together just because they are twins,” remarked one dad. Another dad remembered, “Together they could wreak havoc in a mat-
Resources: The Columbus Mothers of Twins Club offers support and information. http://cmotc.findsmithgroups.com/signin.do TwinParents.com is an online support community. http://www.twinparents.com/ Many parents subscribe to Twins Magazine for stories about other families like them, as well as find helpful tips and suggestions for raising multiples. www.twinsmagazine.com TwinsHelp.com is another online resource for informational articles as well as clothing and gift items. www.twinshelp.com/articles.html
ter of seconds. What one didn’t think of the other would. One might push the ottoman across the room. When he
ran into an obstacle like, say, the counter, he turned and walked away. And then his twin gets the bright idea to
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
15
use the new ottoman positioning as a boost up onto the counter, where the Christmas candy is. Now we’re having some fun!” His wife added, “Remember how we tried to get a decent Christmas picture that year? We couldn’t make both of them happy at the same time. We have this whole collection of pictures with one smiling and one sad, or one mad and the other laughing. ‘Never again,’ we said. But of course we did.” Other moms also recalled the fun and frivolity during the holidays. “When my twins were younger, I loved doing what I called ‘holiday laundry’ with them. We visited several relatives for the
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holidays who expected that they would be cute and adorably dressed alike. That meant twice as many clothes as we would normally need because if one twin messed up an outfit, we had to change both of them into new outfits. So about a week before our trip, I would wash and iron all of their outfits. They would entertain me the entire time. While I ironed and folded clothes, they would pull each other and their stuffed animals in suitcases tied together like a choo-choo train, or one would be a wild lion and the other would catch her with the laundry basket upside down. It was quite fun.” Another mom remembered hearing a screech and
a flush as she was trying to get everyone out the door. “I walked into the bathroom to find one in tears and the other holding an empty goldfish bowl, explaining that when fishies die, the way they get to heaven is through the toilet. How do you respond to that one as you’re heading out to the Christmas Eve service?” Though the days may feel long, the years are most definitely short. And when those precocious preschoolers head off to kindergarten, the feeling of having the house completely empty all at once can be a bit overwhelming for a mother of multiples. “I know that other moms go through this too, but it seems like they get to experience it in stages — one at a time,” said one mother of triplets. “When my kids went to school I went from a full house to an empty house very fast.” The woosh of the school bus door was the beginning of a new era for her. “With only two classrooms in the elementary school, we had to decide whether they should all stay together in one room or split them into two with one by herself. These aren’t decisions that regular parents have to make.” Because parents of multiples have challenges that are different from other parents, they often seek out other experienced parents for advice. Numerous clubs and organizations around Columbus, as well as online communities, offer encouragement, support and advice. Once in school, siblings of twins (called singletons) enjoy a bit of celebrity status themselves. “Most kids think it’s cool that my brother and sister are twins,” said one older sister. “Mostly it’s okay
and kind of fun to be their sister, but sometimes it’s annoying.” Another sibling added, “It’s kind of no big deal. Mostly they are just regular kids and since neither one of them is really weird, it’s okay with me if people know that I am their sister.” As twins and triplets get older, each develops his or her identity and the novelty wears off a bit for those around them. Dressing alike is much less common. While identical and fraternal twins will often share clothes, most don’t care to dress alike except for a special occasion or to appease the relative paparazzi at family or holiday gatherings. Some share
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
friends, while others hang with completely different groups at school. Fraternal twins and triplets have a few different friendship challenges. “Because my brother is the same age as me, sometimes my friends start to ‘like’ him. And so sometimes when they come over to my house I’m not sure if they are here because they are my friends or because they think my brother is cute. That’s kind of creepy,” said a sibling. Of course parents agree that the bountiful blessings that multiples bring definitely outweigh all of the extra work. And a trip to the mall with the double stroller will quickly bring back fond
memories of the relative paparazzi of those newborn days, as fellow shoppers stare in awe of her ability to bring the double darlings out in public. They may not carry flashy cameras, but mothers of singletons generally display high regard for mothers of multiples — as they should.
Marsha Zimmerman is a freelance marketer, writer and mother of fraternal twins. She lives in Dublin. You can find her profile online at: www.linkedin.com/in/marshazimmerman.
ColumbusParent.com
feature | melissa kossler dutton
Holiday horrors: Kids at grown-up parties sure to spoil holiday cheer
Here’s a holiday surprise that no one wants — an uninvited child at an adult party.
addressed to the family or lists the names of the children, they are invited. If it’s addressed to the adults in the home, they are the only ones invited, she explained. Other clues as to whether an event is kid-friendly are Bringing kids to an adult the time and place of the gathering is not only rude to event, added Emilie Duncan the host or hostess, it’s of Emilie Duncan Event unfair to the other guests Planning in Columbus. A who may feel as though they party at an art gallery or have to act differently in the hotel ballroom, or somepresence of children, party thing late in the evening is and etiquette specialists say. probably intended for It’s also not fair to guests grown-ups. If you have any who made arrangements for doubts about who’s invited the care of their children. to the event, call the host, “It’s not acceptable to show she said. When you make up at any social event with the call, pose the question an uninvited infant or in such a way that it does child,” said Cathi Fallon, the not sound like you are trying director of the Etiquette to secure an invitation for Institute of Columbus, the children. “Let the hostCincinnati and Dayton. “If ess know it’s okay if they’re you can’t arrange for childnot invited,” Duncan said. care, you politely decline the If the answer is no, do not invitation.” try to pressure the host into Take your cue from the making an exception, she invitation, Fallon said. If it is said. Remember, an event
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columbusparent.com Don’t have a babysitter? Visit ColumbusParent.com for some creative alternatives. intended for adults is not likely to be fun for children. It’s up to the hostess to determine what type of party she wishes to hold, Fallon said. “There’s nothing wrong with not inviting chil-
dren,” she said. If you’re uncomfortable attending without your children, don’t go, Duncan added. “There’s no mandate that says you have to go to every party to which you get invited.”
Tips for hostesses wishing to have a kid-free event: Carefully word and address the party invitations so parents know the event is for adults only. Stand your ground if parents try to include their kids. Tell them you understand their predicament and will miss them at the event. Send invitations early enough for parents to find a babysitter for the event. Still not convinced that no one wants kids at an adult party? Google the topic and read the rants. Here are a few of our favorites: “Most parents think their kids are the cutest (I know I did!), but they have to realize that other people don’t see it that way. I don’t think people have a right to inflict their kids on other people. If you can’t afford a babysitter, stay home!” “I have been to parties in the past where there are
always the people who think that no matter what, their children should be at a party. It’s the one couple who never seems to notice that no one else brought children.” “I am kind of aggravated that I can’t host a party that is nice without it being suggested that I take on everyone’s children, too.” “I think it’s ridiculous to expect you to change the tone of your event because the guests aren’t willing to get a babysitter. Surely their kids don’t go everywhere with them, and surely they wish to go out from time to time alone, like on a date, so they probably could use this as an excuse to do just that.”
Melissa Kossler Dutton has worked as a reporter for more than a decade. She’s a frequent contributor to a variety of Ohio publications. She lives in Bexley with her husband and two sons.
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
17
feature | heather reichle
How to keep the reason in the season
Tips for Preventing Falls! stairs inside outside Keep all stairs inside andand outside your 1 Keep your of clutter. homehome clear clear of clutter. or tape tape them them Remove throw rugs, rugs or 2 Remove down so they can’t don’t slip. slip. down Make sure your the 3 Make driveway, driveway, sidewalks and and outdoor stairs are are free of ice and and snow.
youryour Make sure 4 Check boots boots and shoes for good, have good non-skid tread. treads.
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As retailers begin their holiday advertising earlier and earlier each year and present the latest and greatest toys to our youth, it can be a challenge for parents to remind kids of the meaning behind the holiday season. “With technology today, kids are much more advanced and are more exposed to advertisements than they were 10 years ago,” said Matthew Onorato, Adolescent and Crisis Programs Specialist for Behavioral Health at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The combination of higher exposure to technology with the media pushing holiday deals and toys even earlier every year can make it overwhelming for kids to think outside of the gift box. Martha Wessell, mother of 13-year-old Cole, 10-year-old Carlee and 3-year-old Patience, started educating her kids about the reason for the season when they were very young. “When the kids were younger, I made sure to point out that Santa only brings one gift for Christmas,” Wessell said. She is very careful to refer to it as the “spirit of Christmas” to help take the focus off the gifts and bring in more of the meaning behind the season. One way not to focus on the materialistic aspect of the holidays is to celebrate the season as a time for family. “Celebrate togetherness,” said Onorato. “Celebrate how this time helps bring everyone close to one another.” Onorato suggested parents arrange to volunteer as a family. The benefits are two-fold: Kids give back to their community, and they have a chance to see how working together as a family helps makes the holidays even more special. “Whether
it’s donating gifts to a needy family, or forgoing an extra toy so it can be given to a child without any, it’s important for kids to learn how to give,” he said. “It’s key from an early age to build the idea that it’s not about how many gifts you get, it’s about helping others.” Last year, when Patience was 2 years old, she donated a stuffed animal to a Toys for Tots drive she attended with her father. The gesture was so rewarding for her that she talked about it for weeks afterward. “We got that seed planted early and now she’s really looking forward to it this year,” Wessell said. Last year Wessell and her family also volunteered at an animal shelter. “It’s something to help kids understand that service can be fun at this age,” she said. This year the family is looking into helping stock shelves at a food pantry or serving meals at a soup kitchen. In the Dublin city school district, kids are encouraged to give back by creating service projects in the classroom. Last year students participated in food drives, Toys for Tots and “giving trees” for collecting winter supplies for kids in need. Some of the schools, including Chapman Elementary, held a competition to see which classes could bring in the most donations. Another way for kids to have hands-on involvement during the holidays is for them to make some gifts instead of buying them all. This helps them see that most treasures come from the heart. Wessell and her children write and design holiday cards for their friends and family. They keep them generic so as not to offend any religious preferences. Wessell uses this as
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
which family members can partake all year long, not just during the holidays. “Our family memberships are great because they help us spend time together as a family and we often get a couple of extras so the kids can share it with their friends,” Wessell said. Kids also can be encouraged to give even after the holidays. Each year after Christmas, Wessell’s children go through their toys and select some to give to charity. A good idea to get away from commercialism is to start family traditions that contribute to the betterment of others. Here are some ideas to get kids involved in volunteer activities throughout the community. 1) “Adopt” a family and provide them with food and other necessary items to show kids how much one family needs to survive. 2) Donate money to a charity and ask your child to contribute from his or her piggy bank. 3) Volunteer time as a family at a local organization. 4) Make crafts for kids in hospitals. 5) Write letters to soldiers. 6) Play board games with seniors at a nursing home. 7) Donate gently used clothes and toys to less fortunate families. 8) Create a giving tree at school or church and solicit donations. 9) Help bake goods to be auctioned off to raise money for charity. 10) Help organize a canned food drive at school or church.
an educational tool to teach her children about different holiday celebrations. Wessell said making cards helps show her children that it’s nice to build a connection not only to their friends, but also to their family by wishing them well during the holidays. Wessell and her children also make treats for loved ones. They often buy pretzels and “fancy them up” by dipping them in chocolate and adding crushed peppermint or colorful sprinkles. The kids have fun creating the desserts, and it shows them that not every gift associated with the holidays has to be bought at a store. The activity is simple, can be completed as a family and is easy enough for any age to participate. Another gift idea is to make coupons for friends and family. Wessell’s children often come up with sleepover coupons. They decide on a theme for their night and design the coupons around that theme. “We try to focus on gifts that give all year long and not so much on what’s under the tree,” Wessell said. Try membership packages as presents to promote family time throughout the year. Heather Reichle is a freelance writer who lives in Columbus. Memberships to a zoo or a museum foster activities in
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in the news | dispatch media group
Watch who’s watching your kids, parents told By RITA PRICE The Columbus Dispatch The bruises were there, but the mother wouldn’t see. “He’s a good guy,” she insisted. “He wouldn’t hurt my kids.” Julie Cochran, a social worker with Franklin County Children Services, had told the young woman that something seemed wrong in the home, and she strongly suspected that the boyfriend was to blame. “We couldn’t put a finger on it, and we couldn’t prove it,” Cochran said. Days later, in the emergency room at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the mother believed. With severe and fatal cases of child abuse on the rise, local child-welfare advocates have launched an awareness campaign that focuses on a common culprit: the partners of single parents.
Dubbed “Choose Your Partner Carefully,” the project urges parents — especially mothers — to be extremely cautious about leaving children in the care of a boyfriend or girlfriend. Since 2007, eight Franklin County children have died at the hands of a parent’s abusive partner. That’s half of the total number of childabuse fatalities in the county during that time, said Children Services spokeswoman Deborrha Armstrong. The 2-year-old boy whose mother convinced herself that his injuries were from roughhousing with brothers has recovered physically, said Karen Setterlin, a Children Services supervisor. “Save for about five more minutes, or one more blow, that could have been tragic,” she said. Two other children who police say were left in the
How to carefully pick a partner Child-welfare advocates say children can face danger, abuse or even death when their parents make poor choices about romantic partners. Before leaving a child alone with a boyfriend or girlfriend, consider the answers to these kinds of questions: ■
Does your partner have children of his own? What kind of parent is he?
■
Does he show anger or impatience when your child cries or has a tantrum?
■
Does he ridicule your child or call the child names?
■
Does he think it’s funny to scare your child?
■
Does he exhibit controlling or aggressive behavior?
If you think a child you know is being abused, make a confidential call to Franklin County Children Services at (614) 229-7000. care of male friends this summer couldn’t be saved. Four-month-old Izabella Fields died July 29 of injuries that probably were caused by violent shaking, Columbus police said.
Richard A. Davidson, a 25year-old who was watching Izabella at a North Side apartment while her mom worked, is charged with murder and felonious assault in her death.
Dwann T. Allen, 18, also is charged with murder and felonious assault. Bexley police say his girlfriend’s 22month-old daughter, Zy’niah Braswell, died July 22 of abdominal injuries so severe that they resembled the effect of a fatal car crash. Experts cite various reasons for the growing danger. With roughly 40 percent of all U.S. babies born to single women, living arrangements sometimes are loose. Children frequently are left alone with romantic partners who have no relationship to them, and even less patience and maturity. “There’s this feeling of being incomplete without a guy,” Setterlin said. “We see a lot of serial dating.” She also sees plenty of poor, young mothers who lack child care but need to work in order to keep their public-assistance benefits. “They’re arriving at
Children’s, tearfully saying, ‘I only left them with him for a short time. I had to go to work,’” Setterlin said. Some studies have shown that children living with unrelated adults are nearly 50 times more likely to die from abuse than those who live with two biological parents. “Parents often assume that because their partner cares for them, they will also care for their child,” said Yvette McGee Brown, president of the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Children’s Hospital. “This is potentially a deadly mistake.” Cochran and Setterlin say parents have to be cleareyed and vigilant. Use public-access websites to check partners’ court records, trust your gut and don’t buy bogus explanations. “If it sounds ridiculous,” Setterlin said, “it’s not true.”
Therapy offers hope for muscular dystrophy Previous studies in mice with muscular dystrophy had shown promise, but tests in an animal more A gene-therapy expericlosely related to humans ment in monkeys has were important before trials shown the ability to boost in people begin, said muscle size and strength, giving hope to those looking Mendell, who heads the for treatments for muscular Center for Gene Therapy at the hospital’s research instidystrophy and other diseases that cause muscle loss tute. The researchers published their results last and weakness. month in the journal The study was led by Science Translational Brian Kaspar and neuroloMedicine. gist Dr. Jerry Mendell, both Based on the lasting and researchers at Nationwide significant improvements — Children’s Hospital. By MISTI CRANE The Columbus Dispatch
and no documented negative side effects — seen in the study of six macaque monkeys, Mendell said he expects a human study to begin by next fall. The monkeys each received injections of genes for a protein called follistatin into one of their upper leg muscles. In all cases, the injected legs became stronger and more muscular. The theory behind the therapy is that follistatin stops a protein called myostatin from turning off mus-
cle growth, allowing diseased muscle to become stronger and larger. One limitation of the experiment is that the animals were healthy, and therefore had healthy muscle. Previous research in mice showed that results were sustainable in animals that were sick. It’s also impossible to know how long the results would have lasted because the monkeys were euthanized, two of them after five months and four of them
after 15 months. Researchers examined their bodies for any damage related to the therapy and found none. “It’s a very unequivocal result,” said Sharon Hesterlee, the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s senior vice president for MDA Venture Philanthropy, the organization’s drugdevelopment arm. “This is the first time we have real evidence in an animal that is very similar to humans that you can make muscles
bigger and stronger.” The only current treatment for muscular dystrophy is steroids, and they provide limited benefit, Hesterlee said. Approval for routine use in patients with neuromuscular disorders depends on successful human trials and approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That will take several years, Mendell said.
The Dispatch Media Group is committed to keeping you up-to-date on the latest parenting trends, pediatric health developments, and child-safety issues. Here, we summarize in-depth reports recently produced by The Columbus Dispatch, WBNS-10TV, ThisWeek Community Newspapers, and ONN—the Ohio News Network. Count on these news organizations—along with Columbus Parent Magazine—to provide the information you need to make smart parenting decisions in an increasingly complicated world. To see the full versions of the stories in this section, go to ColumbusParent.com.
ColumbusParent.com
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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MEN’S BASKETBALL Value City Arena Purchase $10 tickets day of the game at the OSU Athletics tickets office Dec. 2 Florida State ...............9:30 p.m. 5 Eastern Michigan ............. Noon Pregame photos with Brutus 16 Presbyterian ....................7 p.m. 19 Delaware State ...............4 p.m. Pregame photos with Brutus 22 Cleveland State ..........8:30 p.m. Pregame photos with Brutus
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Value City Arena Dec. 6 Wisconsin .......................2 p.m. Care Bear character appearance Free postgame clinic (preregistration required) Free pom pom giveaway 15 Wright State.....................7 p.m. 19 Alabama A&M .................8 p.m. Postgame layups 22 Western Illinois ...............4 p.m. NF
OR EVE
$
FR
R E IS
ADMISS I
O
N YO
SWIMMING AND DIVING McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion – FREE AMISSION Dec. 4, 5 & 6 Ohio State Invitational
EE
Celebrate your Birthday with the Buckeyes at a Women’s Basketball or Men’s Hockey game. Packages start at $225. Call 614-247-1984.
To purchase tickets or for more information please visit OhioStateBuckeyes.com/forthefans: •Register to be a Buckeye Kids Captain of the Game at Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball and Men’s Hockey •Sign up for the Buckeye Kids Club All dates and times are subject to change.
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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december 2009
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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gift guide | TheBAG Lady
Ideas for giving (and saving) this season We all want to fill our shopping bags with gifts galore. With all of the holiday sales going on this season, plenty of deals areto be had. It’s a buyer’s market for sure. But finding a sale is not the issue. Deciding what to get everyone on your list is. Not to worry! I have been out and about finding deals and hot gift items for each person on your list — from baby’s first Christmas to bigger kids and adults. For the young child on your list, you can make quite a presentation without spending a lot of money. Babies like toys with interesting sights and sounds — anything to capture their interest. They like soft, cuddly toys, too. For pre-school kids, the Laugh & Learn Learning Farm from Fisher-Price, Color Me A Song from Crayola Beginnings, Little Mommy Baby Ah-Choo from Fisher-Price, and Text and Learn from Leap Frog are popular toys to put under the tree. Tonka Chuck My Talking Truck from Playskool, the 3-in-1 Smart Trike from Little Tikes, and Disney Pixar Toy Story Interactive Buddies Talking Action Figures are great gifts. The best thing about action figures is that many of them cost under $10. Other popular toys this season are The Just One Kiss Princess Tiana Doll from
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A gift of fragrance is a nice personal gift for all ages If you are picking out a new fragrance, it’s important to know what type of scent the person you are buying for likes. There are different categories:
clothes and shoes. That is, if they’ve picked them out. Otherwise you may find yourself in the long return lines the day after Christmas. That’s happened to me one too many times. If you are considering buying them just one bigticket item, some suggestions are the PSP Game Pack or the PSP 3000, the Nintendo DS Lite Console
have a new gaming system the first year it’s released. The X-box 360 is always a favorite for gamers. It’s priced from $199.99 to $299.99, depending which model you go for. If just good old fashioned fun is portable handheld game, what you are looking for, the PSP Go Game System, Nintendo Wii is as popular Hannah Montana Lilac as ever for $199.99. It has Video PSP, cell phone, digital just recently dropped in camera, DS I from price by $50. This gift is Nintendo, the iPod Touch or appropriate for young and iPod Nano. The best prices I old. Some of the hot games have found for the iPod are: Wii Sports Resort, Call of Touch are at Sam’s Club and Duty Modern Warfare 2, DJ Costco. The Bakugan Battle Hero Bundle with turntable, Brawlers from Activision Beatles Rock Band, Guitar and the Reader Pocket Edition from Sony are good Hero 5 and Wii Fit. A way to save money on picks, too. These are highly video games is to buy last sought after items, so act year’s releases or even used fast if you have one on your games. Several stores do list. trade-ins on games and conWith all of the new modsoles, such as Game Stop, els of cell phones just being Trade & Play, Music & Video released, you can buy last Exchange and many more. year’s models for a great This is a good way to pick up deal if you are signing up a gently used or refurbished your teen with a new contract. A must-have feature is system, or games at a lower a text key pad and unlimited cost. For the special man on text messaging. If you’re looking for gam- your list you can’t miss with electronics. Vizio TVs have ing consoles, you can get a Sony PS3 120GB for $299.99. been a top seller the last few years. They are ecoThis is a wonderful deal. I nomical and good quality. purchased one three years GPS systems, lap top comago for $599.99. It was only puters, and Flip video 60GB, too! That’s the price recorders are other top sellyou pay when you must
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
ColumbusParent.com
WOMEN: Fresh: citrus, green leaves, marine notes Floral: jasmine, rose, white flowers Oriental: spices, vanilla, patchouli Woody: citrus, warm woods, moss MEN: Fresh: citrus, green leaves, marine notes Aromatic: citrus, lavendar, geranium Woody: vetiver, agarwood, cedar Oriental: spices, vanilla, patchouli Knowing this information will give you a starting point. Ask the sales associate to show you scents in the specific categories. This is the best time of year to purchase a fragrance from a department store. They offer gift sets with an extra bonus gift. Often, you can get lotion or body gel and the bottle of perfume or cologne for the same price you would for just the single bottle. This is the only time I will pay full price for a fragrance. I love the free gifts! Last year Macy’s reduced the price of some of their gift sets before Christmas. There is a good chance that may happen again this year.
Mattel, the Dragon World Fortress from Fisher-Price, the Deluxe Studio from Spin Master and Scatterpillar Scramble from Hasbro Games. You don’t want to leave Webkinz off the list. Kids can adopt these cuddly little stuffed pets by entering a code on the Webkinz website. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Construction Devastator from Hasbro,
With pre-teens and teens you can’t go wrong with clothes and shoes. That is, if they’ve picked them out.
Zhu Zhu Pets and Hamster from Cepia are sure to make kids smile on Christmas morning. Watch for the weekly and special weekend sales at stores such as Toys R Us, Meijer, Walmart, and Target. The Friday and Saturday door buster sales are better than ever. With pre-teens and teens you can’t go wrong with
THE ONE HOLIDAY GIFT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME!
Christmas gifts seldom last past the first of the year. This year, give your child the gift that will last forever, the gift of confidence, self esteem, and achievement that’s part of being a Karate Kid. Remember, all programs include a free karate uniform to wrap for under the tree.
Dealing With Bullies Peer Pressure Abduction Awareness Self-Defense Skills CHILD SAFETY TRAINING
www.ataonline.com Ages 7 - 12
Powell
In the Giant Eagle Plaza (Corner of Sawmill Pkwy. and Powell Rd.)
614-760-0000
Ages 13 - above
Lewis Center
95 Neverland Drive (N.W. Corner of 23 and Powell Rd.)
740-549-1313
Pickerington
809 Hill Rd. (In the Drug Mart Plaza)
614-920-9480
Call About Our Holiday Special (Includes a FREE Uniform) New students only Expires 12/31/09
Ages 4 - 6
Gahanna
1362 Cherry Bottom Rd. (Morse Rd., 1 mile East of I-270)
614-4ATA USA (614-428-2872)
“Karate for Kids is the best thing I’ve ever done for my child!” Denise (parent of 3) ColumbusParent.com
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
23
Give a full year of FUN for one GREAT PRICE with a
COSI GIFT MEMBERSHIP!
Gift Memberships are available to fit a family of any size and they’ll enjoy free admission to COSI and to more than 250 other science centers worldwide all year long. Members also enjoy discounts on films, camps, workshops, and special exhibits. To purchase visit www.cosi.org, call 614.228.COSI or stop by the COSI Box Office.
COSI’s Gift Shop has great gift ideas, too!
Holiday Joys of Toys Events!
Presenting Sponsor
December: 4: “Board Games” and appearance by Curious George
November:
5: A day of make believe featuring dolls, puppets
28: First Holiday Joys of Toys Event – “Classic Toys” and appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog
and storytelling, plus appearances by the BalletMet’s Nutcracker Nuthead and Curious George 6: Community Open House – COSI’s Annual Free Day 11-12: “LEGO and Building Toys” and appearance by RATiO – COSI’s mascot 18-19: “Trains” and appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog 31: First Night Columbus at COSI, COSI open late until 11pm
January: ©Scholastic Media
Promotional Partner
New Years Day: COSI open, Scooby Doo visits Media Partner
333 West Broad St. | 614.228.2674 | www.cosi.org Open Wednesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday Noon–6pm (Closed Mon. & Tue.) Become a FAN on
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ers. Prices on GPS systems have come down a bit this year. If you’re looking for a Blackberry and don’t need all the bells and whistles, you can pick up last year’s model for a song. Other “guy” gift ideas are tickets to sporting events, Sirius or XM car radios, or a subscription to a favorite magazine. Last year I gave my husband the Sirius radio and it was a big hit. Sports jerseys and team wear are always good. Shop NFL.com and amazon.com for good deals. You can find deals on gifts for ladies of any age. Jewelry is at the top of the list for many women. QVC.com and ShopNBC .com have a wonderful selection at unbelievable prices. When you are shopping at a jewelry store in the mall, don’t be afraid to ask for a percentage off. Many times stores are able to come down on the price if you request it. All they can do is say no. They want your business and more times than not, are willing to work with you. If not, move on to the next store. Apparel, such as coats, jackets, gloves, and a new outfit, or a handbag, a plush robe, pajamas, make-up, scented body wash and lotion are nice gifts. With all of the weekly door buster sales, there is no reason to pay retail for anything. Keep your shopping passes close at hand with your circulars and you will know where the best deals are at all times. To save money, visit online sites to make your fragrance purchases. Some reputable ones that I have ordered from are theperfumespot.com and scentiments.com. If you do
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
choose to order online, only order a scent that you know for sure the recipient likes. Once the box is opened it cannot be returned. If it is not opened, you can return it. Hold on to the box and shipping order information. The newest kitchen gadgets, dishes and small appliances also are fun gifts to give. I just got the HealthMaster machine which is available at myhealthmaster.com. It’s 20 kitchen appliances wrapped up in one package. It’s an oversized blender that does everything from chopping to making fresh juice, makes and freezes ice cream, and creates sorbets ready to serve in minutes. It has a heat and simmering function to make fondues and soups, and much more. My son and I are having a lot of fun with it. Token gifts to friends, teachers and co-workers don’t have to cost a lot. If you have the time, a homebaked gift is always appropriate. You don’t have to go all out. Mini banana bread loaves, cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, gifts in a jar that you make at home, or ornaments are all well received. Many times the gifts that people remember are the homemade ones. Gifts from a jar are a very nice gift to give. To start, just buy Mason jars from the grocery store and some holiday fabric to tie around the jar’s lid to look festive. You can get recipes online by doing a Google search on “gifts from a jar.” Some websites that I like are giftsfromyourkitchen.com, nikbone.com/recipe/gifts_i n_a_jar.html and allfreecrafts.com. Still clueless? For that hard-to-buy-for person on your list, you can’t go wrong
with gift cards. They’re great for kids all the way up to grandparents who have nothing on their lists. In my opinion, this is a fail-safe route to go. My son loves it when Santa fills his stocking with gift cards from Chipotle, Subway, Arby’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, iTunes and Amazon. Gift cards to Bath & Body Works, Sephora, book stores, Starbucks, restaurants, and department stores are now available at grocery stores, which allows you to do your shopping at one place. If you do not see the card you want, just stop in to various places while you are out and pick them up. We started this a few years ago out of desperation. If you are unsure what type of card to give, you can always give a Visa gift card. The downside of giving a Visa, Mastercard or American Express gift card is that you must pay an activation fee upon purchase. I love to receive gift cards. They are always at the very top of my wish list. When choosing gifts, try to give loved ones something they want but wouldn’t normally buy for themselves. After all, that’s what the spirit of giving is all about. If possible, always have the cashier print a gift receipt with each purchase. This will enable the person to return the gift for something else if they choose.
For now, happy shopping!
Laurie Dixon is central Ohio’s original BAG Lady! Read her blog EVERY DAY on TheBAG.com. Get savings tips on everything from food to fun. Learn to shop smart and save money!
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
November 27– December 20, 2009
We understand
ouchies.
Performances Thursdays–Sundays
Park Street Theatre 512 Park Street, Columbus, Ohio
We know kids. Specifically, how to mend,
stitch and heal them. We’re here when you need something more than a kiss to make it feel better.
3 Ways to Purchase Tickets: Call CCT at 614-224-6672 Call CAPA at 614-469-0939 Visit TicketMaster.com
Ticke t $ 9- $18 s Generously sponsored by:
by Barbara Robinson Recommended for everyone age 4 and older
Now Accepting Enrollment for
Winter Academy Classes
www.ColsChildrensTheatre.org
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Urgent Care. Close To Home. Downtown, Dublin, Westerville, East Columbus
You should always call your child’s pediatrician or family doctor first. For hours and directions visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/UrgentCare.
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
25
Spa Time Baby Cape This cape-style towel slips over a parent’s head, allowing him or her to safely and securely lift baby from the bath and immediately wrap him in the warmth of mom or dad’s arms. This immediate comfort removes the stress created by the baby moving from a warm environment to colder air. The exclusive built-in waterproof panel keeps parents dry, so they can focus on enjoying this nurturing time with baby, rather than fumbling for a towel. Mom or Dad’s body heat pre-warms the cape so it keeps baby warm. The patented cape is a safe and convenient accessory for drying and holding a baby post-bath. Ages newborn to 3, $39.95. Available on spatimebaby.com.
Ages newborn to 3
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Family-friendly gifts for all ages. Happy holidays! Ring Around The Nosy Your children will have hilarious, fast-action fun with this colorful game that turns everyone into an elephant. Players put on their masks and put their rings on the playing board. Using only their trunks, players must scoop up the color rings as fast as they can. The first ring is the easiest, but it gets more difficult as players try to keep their rings on their trunks while picking up more. The first player to get all three rings on their trunk wins. Ages 4 and up, 2 to 4 players, $15. Available at toymaster.com, Learning Express and boardgames.com.
Ages 4 and up
Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles — and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She Ages 4 to 7 bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? In this merriest of stories from bestselling duo Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way. Ages 4 to 7, $17.99. Available on harpercollins.com.
Just One Kiss Princess Tiana Doll Girls can relive their favorite moments from The Princess and the Frog with the Tiana doll. Just like in the story, beautiful Tiana wears her sparkly blue ball gown and comes with her frog Prince Naveen. Play out scenes from the movie by having the frog “kiss” Tiana as she turns her head away and says one of the phrases from the movie. When she eventually agrees to kiss the frog, her dress lights up and makes magical sounds. Ages 3 and up. $25.99 on toysrus.com.
Ages 3 and up
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
ColumbusParent.com
Strawberry Shortcake Berry Café Playset
This café is the most popular Ages 4 and up hangout in Berry Bitty City — it’s where Strawberry Shortcake and her friends can gather for snacks, smoothies and fun! Shaped like a strawberry with doors and windows that open, the two-story café also features Strawberry Shortcake’s bedroom and includes a three-inch sweet-smelling Strawberry Shortcake mini doll with removable fashions. The playset comes with adorable accessories, including furniture, pretend food, a spinning smoothie machine, a “flying” bird that Strawberry Shortcake or her friends can ride, and more. Additional playsets and dolls are sold separately. No batteries required. Ages 4 up, $34.99. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on hasbrotoyshop.com.
Present this coupon to RECEIVE $50 Off Diagnostic Testing Not to be combined with other offers.
Give Your Child the Gift of Learning! This holiday season, give your child gifts that last a lifetime: study skills and the confidence to succeed in school.
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math spelling phonics study skills
confidence motivation DUBLIN/WORTHINGTON
GAHANNA/NEW ALBANY
(614) 889-8888
(614) 478-0695
1343 Stoneridge Dr.
Sawmill Plaza, 2704 Sawmill Place Blvd.
GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC! MUSIC & MOVEMENT PROGRAM BIRTH TO AGE 5 Quality Time With Your Child In a Nurturing Playful Environment
MUSIC ENHANCES
Toy Story Pop-Open Playworld Let the adventure begin with this portable, storable Toy Story playset, which unfolds to reveal three fun play areas inspired by the movie. Kids can learn to fly in Andy’s room, escape the clutches of the claw in Pizza Planet, create a mutant toy in Sid’s room, or plan an escape from Sid’s backyard. Each playset includes a Buzz Lightyear figure, an exclusive Scud figure and accessories. Ages 5 and up. $39.99 on toysrus.com.
Ages 5 and up
• Language • Self-Esteem • Music Skills
Enroll Now! 14 Convenient Locations!
Ages 5 and up
(614) 868-0107 www.wejoysing.com
10% OFF Enrollment with this ad!
Splashy the Whale ‘Thar she blows!’ Splashy the friendly electronic whale is ready for fun and frolics on the high sea! But all that splashing about means Splashy’s mouth has been filling up with all kinds of Flotsam and Jetsam. Players take turns trying to fish bones, anchors, life preservers, sea horses and submarines from Splashy’s mouth as he bobs and rolls around the crest of a wave. But don’t tickle his tongue! He might surprise you with a spray of water and you will have to return all of your items back into his mouth. The player with the most Flotsam and Jetsam points at the end of the game wins. Ages 5 and up, 2 or more players, $20. Available at Kmart, Learning Express, toymaster.com and boardgames.com.
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• Creativity • Movement • Brain Development
Jump, Bounce & Play in our giant indoor inflatable arenas!
Celebrate with your guests in our private party rooms!
8200 Business Way, Ste. F, Plain City, OH 43064 • 614-873-6111
Holiday Break Jump-N-Art
The 3 day camps will run Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30, 9 am - 3 pm. Cost is $99 for the first child, $79 for the second. Lunch provided, 10% discount for early registration. Call today to register and details.
PumpJama New Year’s Eve Lock-in
Hey kids! You may not be able to stay up all night bouncing on your bed at home, but you can here! Parents are you ready to go on your date night on New Year’s Eve-without the kids––yes, you read that right! On December 31st, drop off your kids for a safe, fun night of jumping, games, movies, crafts and snacks, while you have some fun on your own. Reserve early, space is limited.
Jump-N-Joy Birthday Party Special 12/18/09-1/3/10 Only! Book Today!
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
27
FurReal Friends: Lulu, My Cuddlin’ Kitty
Ages 6 and up Connect 4: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition This extra-fun version of Connect 4 is just like the classic four-in-a-row game, with a Nickelodeon twist. Stack the yellow SpongeBob SquarePants checkers on top of the pink Patrick checkers upward, sideways, or diagonally, and be the first to yell Connect 4! But watch out, your opponent can block holes using the SpongeBob SquarePants blocker. Ages 6 and up, 2 players. $19.99 on toysrus.com.
Ages 5 and up Hasbro card games Gather the whole family for some fun playing old favorites with a new twist. ■ Monopoly Deal: Wheel and deal your way to a win! ■ Scrabble Slam: Race to create words in a flash. ■ Crazy Old Fish War: Play four classic card games in one. ■ Littlest Pet Shop Go Fish: Collect pairs of adorable pets. Ages 5 and up, 2 to 6 players. $5.99 on toysrus.com.
Go Play City Sports for Nintendo Wii Go Play City Sports recreates the experience of playing sports in the city as a kid. Become the neighborhood’s top athlete by competing in six classic games and rule the courts made of manhole covers, fire hydrants and parked cars. This collection of classic street games provides a fun, casual sports experience for the whole family. Ages 6 and up, rated E for everyone. Ages 6 and up $29.99 on toysrus.com.
Ages 4 and up
The FurReal Friends brand launched in 2002 with the introduction of a lifelike cat. This fall, the brand returns to its roots with the introduction of Lulu, My Cuddlin’ Kitty pet, the most realistic feline to join the family. The “purr-fect” pet for little ones, Lulu features soft white and marmalade fur and preens, cuddles and mews just like a real kitty cat. Lulu loves to snuggle; gently rub her back and she will “purr” and “meow” to show that she is happy. Once she’s relaxed, Lulu will roll over onto her back, indicating it’s time to have her tummy rubbed. Requires four C batteries, included. Ages 4 and up, $54.99. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on hasbrotoyshop.com.
My Little Pony: Pony Friends Assortment Girls will love the new look of each pony in this assortment. Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Toola-Roola, Starsong, Sweetie Belle, Cheerilee and Scootaloo all feature bright colors, fun-filled hairstyles and new sizes that reflect their ages. Each figure in the Pony Friends Assortment comes with its very own activity book, giving girls the opportunity to get to know their favorite pony up close and personal! Ages 3 and up, $5.99. Available at most major toy retailers and on hasbrotoyshop.com. Each sold separately.
Ages 3 and up
I-Dog Soft Speaker
Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS 35 Blaster
Girls will love to cuddle up and rock out with the I-Dog Soft Speaker pet. Available in a variety of fun colors, simply plug an MP3 player directly into this dog and music will broadcast through a built-in speaker. Just like the original I-Dog, this puppy features the signature array of colorful LED lights located on its face which will light up as the I-Dog plays your favorite tunes. Compatible with most portable music devices (not included). Requires two AA batteries, included. Ages 6 and up, $34.99. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on hasbrotoyshop.com.
Get ready for the highest dart capacity Nerf blaster yet! The Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS 35 Blaster is the next big thing from Nerf’s popular N-Strike line. It features a collapsible stock and new drum magazine that holds 35 darts, which is interchangable with the Nerf N-Strike Recon CS6 Blaster and Nerf N-Strike Longshot CS-6 Blaster. By holding the trigger and pumping, playAges ers can instantly transition between “single” fire and “slam” fire mode, unleashing a rapid stream of 35 darts. Also features a cool “digital camo” pattern unlike any Nerf blaster before it. No batteries required.
Ages 6 and up
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6 and up
Ages 6 and up, $29.99. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on hasbrotoyshop.com.
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games
Disney Sing It: Pop Hits
Mario and Sonic’s first faceoff in Beijing explodes in an all-new winter sports competition. In this ultimate sports party game, you’ll take to the snow and ice in head-to-head competitive events, as well as those that require teamwork. With new characters added to the mix and an Ages 6 and up assortment of new challenging events, the stage is set for a winter Olympic experience like no other. Get ready to go for the gold! Ages 6 and up. Rated E for everyone. Available on amazon.com for Nintendo Wii ($49.99) and DS ($33.99) systems.
Baseball Blast for Nintendo Wii It’s time for family-friendly and party-starting baseball action! Baseball Blast puts a fun fantasy spin on big league baseball by offering a series of more than 20 addicting minigames for up to four players. Test your baseball abilities in skill challenges, puzzles and trivia matches, featuring every MLB team and today’s top baseball stars with hosting by “Mr. Baseball” legend Bob Uecker. Ages 6 and up, rated E for everyone. $19.99 on amazon.com.
Ages 6 and up
This is the third game in the video-based karaoke series from Disney Interactive Studios. It features songs and music videos from fan favorites, including Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, Hannah Montana, Jesse McCartney and Coldplay. Players can sing solo, duet, or compete headto-head with friends and family in multiplayer mode. Ages 8-14, rated E for everyone. $49.99 bundled with one mircrophone, or $39.99 non-bundled. For Wii and Playstation 3. Available on amazon.com.
SpongeBob SquarePants: To SquarePants or not to SquarePants DVD SpongeBob is an innocent, irrepressibly optimistic sponge with a knack for inadvertently annoying those around him. This compilation of eight SpongeBob SquarePants episodes explores some of the things that make SpongeBob SpongeBob — namely his square pants, his enthusiasm for pleasing others, and his inherent competitive instinct. The never-before-seen To SquarePants or not to Ages 7 and up SquarePants finds SpongeBob struggling with his sense of self-identity when all his square pants accidentally shrink in the wash. Will his friends even recognize him in round pants or underpants? Optimism, infectious laughter and comedy reign in this 88-minute Nickelodeon compilation. Ages 7 and up. $12.49 on amazon.com.
Xeko Elf Island On December 3, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, along with Xeko Elf Island (a virtual world where kids play online games that cause good to happen in the real world), will launch a “Good Quest” for the hospital. This particular Good Quest will have kids playing an online game and building virtual computers to bring real computers to the patients at Nationwide Children’s. The quest spans 30 days and makes for a cool holiday gift for tweens and teens. Parents and grandparents can donate subscriptions to play Xeko Elf Island to patients of Nationwide Children’s. Xeko Elf Island was founded by a native Ohio couple who are parents of twin boys. The game and the kids who play have been involved in a number of charity donations for organizations across the globe — planting trees in Niger, building homes in Honduras and more. During the month of December, the Xeko Elf Islanders will help Nationwide Children’s bring much-needed computers and laptops to patients — all while having fun! Ages 8-15. Xeko Elf Island registration is free with a subscription upgrade. Any user is able to log into the community to play standard games. To help the Children’s mission, players need to upgrade to a membership with a subscription: approximately $5.95 per month, $29.95 for a 6-month subscription, or $57.95 for an annual membership.
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Ages 8 to 14
Ages 8 to 15
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
Let’s Have Some Fun
Play all Day in Our Huge Fun Gym!
3
$ 99
Monday-Thursday $4.99 Friday-Sunday
Galaxy Gift Certificates Make Great Stocking Stuffers
www.galaxygamesandgolf.com
614•351•8400 3700 Interchange Rd.
Located west of Wilson Rd. just south of Route I-70 (turn at the McDonald’s)
$5.00 OFF
Any Party Package Not valid with any other offer Offer expires 12-31-2009
Celebrate Christmas with us! Community Christmas Fair Sat., Dec. 5, 10-1pm
Shop for Crafts, Gifts, Food & Baked Goods, Santa Photo Opportunity, Lunch, Cookie Decorating, Secret Santa Workshop, Craft Making, Christmas Story & Music, and more!!!
Family Christmas Eve Celebration
5 p.m. Carols, Candlelight and Scripture Service with The Children’s Choir. Bring a teddy bear for donation to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department for children who are victims of violence.
North Broadway United Methodist Church 48 E. North Broadway Columbus 43214
www.north-broadway.org • 614-268-8626 29
Pictureka Flipper This is a new way to play the picture-hunting game that gets the whole family together for constantly engaging fun. In the center of the table, a 3-D penguin frantically flips small game cards from its rotating base in a circular pattern onto the game table. Players race to find the wacky drawings that match the “mission cards” before the penguin quacks and places more cards on the table. Ages 6 and up, 2 or more players. $19.99 on toysrus.com.
Holidays at the Conservatory
November 25 - January 3
C R E A T E H O L I D AY M E M O R I E S AT F R A N K L I N P A R K C O N S E R VAT O R Y • Breakfast with Santa • Holiday Day Camps for Kids • Family friendly activities • Special performances for families December 26, 28, 29 & 30
Ages 6 and up
• Candlelight Nights • Live glassblowing demonstrations
Guesstures
Visit www.fpconservatory.org or call 614-645-8733 for all of the fun details.
This game of high-speed charades will get players up and out of their seats for laugh-outloud performances. With five silly words to act out on every turn, teams have to speed up their acting and guesses, or the card-munching timer will swallow the card (and the point). Teams can choose between easy and hard questions, allowing players of all ages to compete in the silly fun. Ages 8 and up, 4 to 6 players. $19.99 on toysrus.com.
Ages 8 and up
Nerf Dart Tag Capture the Flag Set You’ll have to use your stealth and speed to win Nerf’s adrenaline-pumping twist on capture the flag. Complete with two redesigned scoring vests, two Stormfire blasters, six tag darts and a new electronic flag, the set offers an advanced way to enjoy classic dart tag action. The electronic Ages 8 and up flag features flashing lights, sounds and motion sensors. Battle your opponents to see who can capture the flag and not get tagged! Or race to “seek” and “disarm” the flag with challenging 5- and 15-minute timed modes. Requires two AA batteries; not included. Ages 8 and up, $34.99. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on hasbrotoyshop.com. Each set sold separately.
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
ColumbusParent.com
Easy-Bake Oven & Snack Center The beloved Easy-Bake Oven & Snack Center is back in its original aqua color. The classic sideloading oven that bakes with a light bulb returns to let bakers-in-the-making whip up tasty snacks for friends and family, including cakes, brownies, cookies and much more. The oven comes with three different mixes, two baking pans, two utensils, a pan pusher, two warming cups and recipes/instructions. One 100-watt standard light bulb is required but not included. Ages 8 and up, $24.99. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on hasbrotoyshop.com.
Ages 8 and up
Ages 8 and up The Shred Sled Start shredding the news! Kids, adults and outdoor enthusiasts are getting ‘on board’ with The Shred Sled, the next generation caster board that combines the movements of snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding into one unique sport. The Shred Sled is the first 4-wheel inline, dual-deck board that makes it smoother and easier for kids and adults to start carving up the streets. Instead of pushing off the board like a regular skateboard, riders use their hips, legs and arms to move the board, similar to movements used to propel surfboards and snowboards. Paint the town ‘Shred’ in one of three colors: black, blue or red. Ages 8 and up, $119.99. Available at retailers nationwide and online at www.theshredsled.com.
The O.T.R. (On the Road) Duffle Bag Perfect for parents on the go is this sports-themed, durable cotton canvas and ballistic nylon trim duffel bag, embellished with your favorite Major League Baseball team logo. Show your team loyalty on and off the field! $89. Available on pangeabrands.com.
Dads and moms
GIVE THE ZOO THIS HOLIDAY Family Memberships from $79 Hurry – Limited time only! columbuszoo.org
ColumbusParent.com
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
614-645-3550
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Set your DVR! If the weather outside gets frightful, take some downtime with your family and enjoy these classics. Here is a sampling of all the holiday scheduling you can find on http://classic-tv.com/2009HolidaySpecialsTelevisionSchedule.html. Let it snow!
Celebrate the holidays by giving back Log on to ColumbusParent.com throughout the month of December for helpful holiday ideas — including our secondannual 12 Days of Giving series. From December 9 through 24, we highlight area non-profits that are counting on your time, talent and treasure to help others in need.
Time
A Charlie Brown Christmas
ABC
Dec. 1, 8 p.m.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center
NBC
Dec. 2, 7 p.m.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
CBS
Dec. 2, 8 p.m.
Frostyís Winter Wonderland
ABCFAM
Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Twas the Night Before Christmas
ABCFAM
Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
ABC
Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
The Year without a Santa Claus
ABCFAM
Dec. 8, 8 p.m.
A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa
NBC
Dec. 11, 8 p.m.
Yes, Virginia
CBS
Dec. 11, 8 p.m.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
ABCFAM
Dec. 12, 5 p.m.
It’s a Wonderful Life
NBC
Dec. 12, 8 p.m.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
CBS
Dec. 12, 8 p.m.
Jennifer Hudson: I’ll be Home for Christmas
ABC
Dec. 14, 8 p.m.
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
ABCFAM
Dec. 16, 10:30 p.m.
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
ABCFAM
Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Christmas in Connecticut
TCM
Dec. 17, 8 p.m.
Frosty the Snowman
CBS
Dec. 18, 8 p.m.
Frosty Returns
CBS
Dec. 18, 8:30 p.m.
A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa
NBC
Dec. 19, 8 p.m.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
ABCFAM
Dec. 22, 11 a.m.
Miracle on 34th Street
ABCFAM
Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m.
The Polar Express
ABCFAM
Dec. 23, 10 p.m.
The 11th Annual a Home for the Holidays
CBS
Dec. 23, 8:30 p.m.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 11 a.m.
Winnie the Pooh & Christmas Too
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 11:30 a.m.
• Pre-World War I to 1950’s.
Pinocchio’s Christmas
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 12 p.m.
• Rare and collectibles of Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and Hafner trains plus working Erector Set Models of Ferris Wheels, carousel and parachute jump.
Twas the Night Before Christmas
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 1 p.m.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Mis t Toys
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 3:30 p.m.
• Kids’ Hands-On Play Area - American Brick Building Blocks, wooden train playset, coloring, train video and more!
Jack Frost
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 5 p.m.
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 6 p.m.
Twas the Night Before Christmas
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m.
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 7 p.m.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
ABCFAM
Dec. 24, 8 p.m.
It’s a Wonderful Life
NBC
Dec. 24, 8 p.m.
A Christmas Story Marathon
TBS
Dec. 24, 8 p.m.
Jingle all the Way
ABCFAM
Dec. 25, 11 a.m.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
ABCFAM
Dec. 25, 1 p.m.
Miracle on 34th Street
ABCFAM
Dec. 25, 3:30 p.m.
! EE FR
Channel
Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special FOX
VINTAGE TRAINS & ERECTOR SETS Holiday Art Exhibit Now Through January 3 Fun for the whole family!
Mon-Sat 9 am - 8 pm • Sun Noon - 6 pm Closed December 24-25 and January 1 Groveport Art Gallery • 648 Main Street, Groveport
614-836-3333
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Special/Show/Movie
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
ColumbusParent.com
gift guide | jan myers
Take an affordable trip to ‘Victorian England’ for the holidays Last holiday season, I took my mother and my 10year-old daughter Maggie to Cambridge, Ohio, to experience the annual Dickens Victorian Village. We all loved it and I think your family will too. Best of all, most of the festivities are free! The historic downtown area of Cambridge is amazingly transformed with Victorian scenes stationed along the street, comprised of characters from Charles Dickens’ stories. There are nearly 170 mannequins adorned with vintage costumes arranged around lampposts and the Courtsquare, bringing the Victorian era to life. Photo opportunities abound, so be sure to take your camera. You and your kids will enjoy strolling the street and will probably recognize favorite characters such as Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and Father Christmas, but you’ll also find carolers, a glass blower, shoppers, a bucket brigade, bag ladies, school children, street peddlers and the town crier all positioned in realistic scenes. One of Maggie’s favorite stops was the Dickens Welcome Center where you’ll find complementary refreshments, event information, My SweeTea Pie Tea Room and the Imagination
ColumbusParent.com
Dec. 11 and 12, 18 and 19, 6–9 p.m. & Dec. 20, Noon–5 p.m. Central Ohio’s most heartwarming holiday tradition returns for just two weekends. This Victorian celebration is based on the colorful tales of Charles Dickens. Join us as Ohio Village comes to life with caroling, crafts, cooking demonstrations, costumed characters, and spectacular decorations. Purchase advance tickets by phone at 800.686.1541, on site or online at www.ohiohistory.org.
Adults: $12, $10 OHS members • Youth (6–12): $9, $7 OHS Youth members $4 Parking for nonmembers • This is an indoor/outdoor event. 1982 Velma Ave | I-71 and 17th Avenue | Columbus, Ohio 43211 | www.ohiohistory.org
Jan Myers | Parent
Kids, like Maggie Myers pictured here, can dress up and pose with Charles Dickens. Station — a free Victorian dress-up area where children and adults can don vintage clothing and pose for photos with ‘Charles Dickens.’ You’re never too
old to play dress-up! Jonett Haberfield is the Dickens Victorian Village event co-chair and said the Cambridge residents also get into the spirit. “A lot of
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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the locals like to dress up in Victorian costumes when they come downtown to the Dickens Victorian Village,” she said. “Romance is also sparked as last year two visiting couples got engaged during the event. For one of them we even had ‘Father Christmas’ there to greet them.” My daughter’s other favorite experience took place as darkness set in — The Guernsey County Courthouse Holiday Light Show. You’ll be fascinated, just as we were, as over 25,000 lights dance across the courthouse synchronized to holiday music. Four different music and light shows rotate throughout the evening, including a children’s set with childhood favorites such as Frosty the Snowman, so be sure to stay and watch them all. This also is a free activity. A full slate of other events surround the Victorian Village season including the Coal Miner’s Christmas train rides on the Byesville Scenic Railway, Peddler Weekends featuring heritage artisans and peddlers along the street, Gingerbread House Contest and Display, A Christmas Carol live performances, the National Museum of Cambridge Glass exhibits and afternoon teas at the SweeTea Pie Tearoom. Of course, while we were enjoying the Victorian Village last year, we had to indulge in a sweet treat by stopping in at Kennedy’s Bakery. And if you are looking for a delicious, affordable, home-cooked meal, all the locals will tell you that you have to try Theo’s Restaurant. Make an affordable family trip to Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge a part of your holiday plans. Visiting ‘Old World England’ (only a few miles away) just might become a new family tradition. Check out their website at www.dickensvictorianvillage.com.
Dickens Welcome Center & Ye Ole Curiosity Shoppe with Imagination Station
in the Appalachian foothills. Refreshments served for a donation. $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 3-12, children under 3 are free.
Peddler Weekends & Rotary Square
Featuring heritage artisans, peddlers and carriage rides. Peddler Weekends take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following dates: Friday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec. 5; Friday, Dec. 11; Saturday, Dec. 12; Friday, Dec. 18; Saturday, Dec. 19 Along Wheeling Ave., Cambridge Rotary Square is a small but life-sized Victorian village modeled after shops from Charles Dickens’ stories.
National Museum of Cambridge Glass
Open noon to 4 p.m. on the following dates: Saturday, Dec. 5; Saturday, Dec. 12; Saturday, Dec. 19 136 S. Ninth St., Cambridge The museum will be decorated for the season and feature a Christmas tree decorated with Cambridge Glass. Guests can make their own rubbings from original etching plates in the Education Center, and view a movie made in the 1940s by the Cambridge Glass Company. Additional hours for group tours are available by calling (740) 432-4245. For more information visit www.cambridgeglass.org. $4 general admission; $3 for seniors and AAA members; free for children under 12.
Afternoon Tea at SweeTea Pie Tea Boutique
Jan Myers | Parent
Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the Politician.
Open 4-7 p.m. the following dates: Saturday, Dec. 5; Saturday, Dec. 12; Saturday, Dec. 19; Saturday, Dec. 26 643 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge (next to Penny Court) Full tea includes tea, scones, savories, sweets and desserts. Costume dress pieces are available for your experience, or come dressed in your own! Reservations are available but not required. Seating is limited. Contact Cathy Seeley at (740) 826-4441. $14.95 per person.
ing at 5:30 p.m. and is shown every 20 minutes until the final production of the evening, which starts at 9 p.m. Visitors are asked to please park their cars at appropriate parking lots and spaces in downtown and watch the show Cambridge Performing Arts Centre’s from the Courthouse lawn so as not to cause a traffic hazA Christmas Carol ard with stopped cars in the streets. Friday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 Gingerbread House Contest & Display p.m.; Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 16 through Wednesday, Dec. 31 Sunday, Dec. 20, 3 p.m. Cambridge Classic Ford showroom Cambridge Performing Arts Centre, 642 Wheeling Ave., 1023 Wheeling Ave., downtown Cambridge Cambridge. Enjoy this timeless classic and holiday favorite as local actors perform the Charles Dickens play presented in the historic Cambridge Performing Arts Centre. $10 for Byesville Scenic Railway “A Coal adults; $8 for seniors (65 and older) and students (18 and Miner’s Christmas” train ride younger); children 5 and under are free. (740) 872-4228. www.BSRW.org (Byesville Scenic Railway) Guernsey County Courthouse Train departs at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, Sunday, Holiday Music & Light Show Dec. 6, Saturday, Dec. 12 Jan Myers is a freelance writer and mother in Coshocton. Her son Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010 Downtown Byesville (off Route 209, just south of Maxx is 15 and daughter Maggie is 10. She has thoroughly enjoyed 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cambridge) every stage of her children's development. Guernsey County Courthouse Lawn A Coal Miner’s Christmas: Learn how coal miners and Wheeling Ave., downtown Cambridge their families celebrated the holiday season through a draThis amazing light spectacular is presented nightly start- matic presentation performed while riding a vintage train
Open Tuesdays through Sundays Nov. 1, 2009 through Jan. 9, 2010, noon to 8 p.m. 643 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge (next to Penny Court) www.dickensvictorianvillage.com. All Dickens all the time! Visit with volunteers in costume as they share stories and photos of how the Dickens display was created. Purchase Dickens and holiday souvenirs as you go behind the scenes to learn how it took a village to create this magnificent 10-week community event. Stop in for your walking tour brochure, commemorative merchandise, original artwork, complementary light refreshments, and event information. Purchase carriage ride tickets, or experience the Imagination Station and have your photo taken in period costume to take home to remember.
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
ColumbusParent.com
gift guide | TheBAG Lady
Helpful hints for the holidays The following is an easy print-and take-with-you list of my favorite seasonal shopping tips. Enjoy! ■ Before making purchases, ask about a store’s return policy. Otherwise you may get stuck with an item you decide you don’t want. ■ For easy returns, always keep the tags, boxes, packaging and receipts from items you buy. Just fold the boxes and store. ■ If the sale item you are shopping for is out of stock in the size or color that you want, buy it anyway. If it is a regular item in a store’s inventory, it probably will be restocked in a few days or a week. Exchange it when the new stock is in to reap the benefits of the sale. ■ Avoid buy-one-get-onehalf-off sales. If it’s not an item you need immediately, you probably will do better waiting for deeper discounts. ■ Keep your receipts on hand when you shop. Many stores will give price adjustments if an item goes on sale within 14 to 30 days of your purchase. ■ Keep weekly circulars in your car. Stores such as Meijer, Walmart, Sears, h.h. Gregg, Best Buy, Home Depot and Lowe’s match prices if you have a competitor’s circular with you. ■ Take advantage of 24months, interest-free financing on major purchases. ■ Always try to negotiate a better deal when buying a large ticket item. Try to get
ColumbusParent.com
To find holiday decor on a budget, shop liquidation stores such as Big Lots first. They get overstocked merchandise from large craft chains such as Michael’s, HomeGoods, Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory, and carry a wonderful selection of discounted home decor. Check out the dollar stores, too. You can find some real gems. ■ When shopping online, watch out for shipping charges. Try to order enough merchandise to get free shipping. Also check the online return policies. If the item is from a store such as Kohl’s, Macy’s or JC Penney, you can return the merchandise to the store. ■ Form a network when the delivery fee waived, as well as the fee to haul the shopping. Let others help old item away. Don’t be you hone in on the special afraid to haggle. All they can hard-to-find item on your do is say no! list. I am moderating a Find ■ To save time, use gift that Toy forum on TheBAG.com. Post the item bags. Shop dollar stores as you are searching for and we well as Big Lots, grocery all can help each other fill stores and discount chains those stockings. List your to find them for $1. ■ Always look for the expi- request and check back ration date on gift cards and often. Check what others need as well. due bills. If you don’t use it you may lose it! ■ Always request a gift For now, happy shopping! receipt and mail in rebate forms when making a purchase. If a rebate is offered, Laurie Dixon is central Ohio’s original BAG Lady! Read her be sure to send it in before blog EVERY DAY on the offer expires. TheBAG.com. Get savings tips ■ Participate in a cookie on everything from food to fun. exchange with friends and Learn to shop smart and save money! co-workers. You’ll get an assortment of cookies to serve to holiday guests without all the work. ■
Get into the Act
A Christmas Carol Thursday, Dec. 3 -7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5-2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Abbey Theater presents a musical adaptation of Charles Dicken’s classic Christmas tale. This one hour musical will make you laugh and touch your heart. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets: $5
Toddler Theater Wednesday, December 9, 10 a.m. Performer Marlene Metz plays children’s music and is joined by a special costumed character – Curious George – for each performance. Enjoy a wonderful, interactive performance designed specially for young ones. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras. Recommended for ages 2-5. Tickets: $2 per child.
www.dublin.oh.us 614-410-4550
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
Tickets are available in advance at the Abbey Theater, Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road, or by calling 614-410-4550. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. 35
“Truly a memorable, amazing holiday experience. My little daughter especially was thrilled to see all the action—she didn’t want to leave...” — Rick C., Westerville
D E C E M B E R 11 – 2 3 , 2 0 0 9 | O H I O T H E A T R E Whether continuing your family tradition or discovering this holiday classic for the first time, The Nutcracker
will bring you memories to treasure forever. Meet the colorful characters that young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince encounter on their magical adventure: the larger-than-life Mother Ginger, the mighty Chinese Dragon, the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy and more. With more than 100 Company and student dancers and spectacular sets and costumes, BalletMet’s production is truly an extraordinary experience. The holidays aren’t complete without The Nutcracker, giving the gift of joy to Columbus audiences for more than 30 years!
DISCOUNT COUPONS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CENTRAL OHIO KROGER STORES
With Support From:
Promotional Sponsor:
FEED THE NUTCRACKER, FEED COLUMBUS
Choreographing a hunger-free community With support from Kroger Now through December 23 “Feed” a jar of peanut butter to the Nutcracker at the BalletMet Dance Centre or at the Ohio Theatre prior to any Nutcracker performance and receive a gift. Food donations benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank
Choreography: Gerard Charles | Creation and conception: Gerard Charles and Robert Post | Narration: Sir Roger Moore | Music: Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky
WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM OR 800.982.2787 | CAPA BOX OFFICE 614.469.0939 | WWW.BALLETMET.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/BALLETMET TWITTER.COM/BALLETMET Design: Peebles Creative Group Photography: Will Shively
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
ColumbusParent.com
pediatric healthsource | nationwide children’s hospital
Burn-related injuries are cause for concern Be sure your house is safe for your children An alarming number of children are taken to hospitals for serious burn-related injuries every day. These incidents usually occur within kids’ own homes through contact with hot water, flames, hot surfaces, chemicals and electrical appliances. Because the recovery period for burns is often long and difficult, these injuries can be among the most painful for children to endure. A recent study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that from 1990-2006, more than 2 million children were treated in hospital emergency departments for burn-related injuries. Although this study showed a 31 percent decrease in the overall rate
“As parents,it’s crucial to understand where the threats of possible burn injuries are around the house and take the necessary precautions to prevent them.”
— LARA MCKENZIE, Ph.D., principal investigator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
of burn-related injuries, it also shed light on the fact that 120,000 children are still being seriously injured from burns every year.
SM
Watch Pediatric HealthSource at 5 p.m. Thursdays on 10TV News HD. Each month, Pediatric HealthSource shares the latest treatment and research advancements from Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
ColumbusParent.com
“The decrease in the burn-related injury rate over the study period is notable,” said study author Lara McKenzie, Ph.D., principal investigator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “However, the disproportionately high number of injuries and the severity of these burns in young children is still cause for concern.” Young children have thinner skin than older children and adults, so their skin burns more deeply and at lower temperatures. As parents, it’s crucial to understand where the threats of possible burn injuries are around the house and take the necessary precautions to prevent them. Parents
should set water heater thermostats to no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, keep kids away from stoves, lock up chemicals and cover unused electrical outlets. “Burn-related injuries are potentially preventable with better education, warnings and instructions on consumer products,” said McKenzie. “Increased efforts are needed to improve burn prevention strategies and target households with young children.” It’s also important to understand the reach that children have around the house. Items that seem out of reach for your children may not be. Try sitting on the kitchen floor to get a child’s point of view and make adjustments to the environment accordingly.
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
Burn prevention tips ■
Keep hot foods and drinks away from table edges and never carry your child while holding a hot item.
■
Keep children out of the kitchen, especially during food preparation.
■
Don’t let young children use the microwave to prepare foods or drinks.
■
Lock up matches, lighters, gasoline and other flammable materials.
■
Cover electrical outlets when not in use.
■
Adjust your hot water heater to no more than 120 degrees F.
Burn injury facts ■
Boys are more likely than girls to suffer a burnrelated injury.
■
Children younger than 6 years old and children with disabilities have the greatest risk of burnrelated injury.
■
Scald burns are more common among young children. Older children are more likely to be injured by direct contact with fire.
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growing up online | carolyn jabs
Savvy tips for holiday shopping
During the holidays, anything that saves time is a true gift for busy parents. Shopping online can fall into that category. The upside is, of course, convenience. Parents can play Santa while the kids are dreaming of sugar plums. The downside is frustration. Squinting at thumbnails of every imaginable Pokemon action figure or Dora the Explorer accessory can sap holiday spirit every bit as much as a weekend trip to the mall. The frustration is compounded if you don’t actually get what you think you’re ordering. Fortunately, a few tips can help online shoppers get better results. First, use websites that compare prices, such as NextTag.com, MySimon.com and Shopzilla.com. The information on these sites is useful even if you buy from a local retailer. To be sure the price comparison is fair, check shipping charges. Some websites lure in customers with discounted prices, then pile on shipping and handling fees. When possible, leave enough time to use ground shipping which is free on many websites, especially during the holidays. Second, take advantage of websites that offer print-out coupons and codes that can be used to get discounts on Internet orders. Savings.com and Naughtycodes.com are regularly updated and easy to search. Coupon sites constantly change and special offers end abruptly, so be sure to print out a potential-
38
ly useful coupon as soon as you find it. Finally, to zero in on hard-to-find gifts, use specialized search engines like the “Shopping” section of Google. The exception to this rule is the one hot toy that is invariably in short supply each year. Scam artists, including some on auction sites, often exploit the desperation of holiday shoppers by offering, but not delivering, the coveted item. If you find something on a website that is sold out in every other store or site, be sure to check credentials of the seller before buying online. Also be certain you have full contact information, including an address and a working phone number, so you can follow up if the item doesn’t arrive. TheBAG Lady hosts a Find that Toy forum on TheBAG.com, a local site in Columbus, which you can check out for hard-to-find items. Here are other tips to make online shopping go more smoothly: Avoid Cyber Monday. Malls are usually packed the Friday after Thanksgiving. Now, the Monday after Thanksgiving has become a big traffic day for websites. Shop another day to avoid slow-loading websites. Choose trustworthy websites. Be wary of online advertising that appears out of nowhere. Don’t purchase items recommended by email or pop up ads. Clicking
on this kind of ad will guarantee that you’ll get more of them in the future. A growing number of these ads are blatant attempts to steal personal information. Socalled “phishing” sites mimic the look of sites that belong to reputable companies, including banks and big-name retailers. Avoid them by going directly to the website you want rather than visiting whatever pops up. Check out unknown vendors. If you don’t already know the company that has an item you want, do a little sleuthing. A lot of unknown websites are backed up by legitimate small businesses, but not all. Check the About Us section of a site to find out how long the company has been in business. Call
the phone number and evaluate the person on the other end. Information about a company’s reputation is also available at formal sites like BBBOnline.com and informal sites like epinions.com. Putting “I bought” and the name of the company into a search engine is another way to find out about complaints. Provide only the information needed for the transaction. Obviously, someone who is shipping merchandise needs to know your name and address. Usually you’ll need to provide a phone number and/or e-mail address so the company can contact you if there’s a problem with your order. No other information should be necessary. A reputable merchant will NEVER
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
not all, websites expect you to pay the cost to ship back an item, but some also have restocking fees that can be as high as 25 percent of the item’s purchase price. Opt out. You don’t give merchants at the local mall permission to call you every time they’re having a sale. Unless you really want to know about every “special offer” a company dreams up, check the box that allows you to opt out of e-mail promotions. It’s also a good idea to scan a merchant’s privacy policy to find out if it will share your customer information with other companies. Keep records. Print out what you ordered along with contact information for the company. Compare your receipts to your credit card statement to be sure there aren’t any unauthorized charges. ask for a Social Security Of course, saving time by number or bank account shopping online won’t matinformation. ter much if you overspend. Use a credit card. The biggest secret to happy Because of the Fair Credit holiday shopping is making Billing Act, your liability for a budget and sticking to it. an unauthorized charge to Use a small notebook or an your credit card is no more online spreadsheet to keep than $50. Sites that use track of what you buy — secure technology have an online and off. That way the icon of an unbroken lock in dread of January’s bills won’t the lower right corner of the interfere with the joys of holpage. Another sign of a secure site is an “s” before or iday giving. after the “http” in the web © Copyright 2009, Carolyn address. NEVER e-mail a Jabs. All rights reserved. credit card number to anyone. Look for the return poli- Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing about families and the cy. Sometimes websites Internet for over 15 years. She is associated with brick and the mother of three computersavvy kids. Other Growing Up mortar stores allow returns Online columns appear on her of online purchases to their website, www.growing-uplocal stores. For merchants online.com. selling only online, read the return policies. Most, but
ColumbusParent.com
family media | columbus metropolitan library
Anything but Typical
What do you see?
By Stephen Krensky Rhyming clues motivate your little one to guess which endangered animal is hiding on each page of this lift-the-flap book. Not only is this book made from 100 percent recycled materials, but young children learn an important lesson about their roles in conservation. Ages 0-6.
By Nora Raleigh Baskin Jason, a sixth-grader, has a hard time interpreting body language and meanings behind the words that people speak. Interacting with people in a “typical” way is a daily struggle for Jason because he has autism. Only when he is writing stories online does Jason feel safe and free to be himself. Readers will find this novel a relatable and charming new perspective of life. Ages 9-12.
614-876-5200
www.CityofHilliard.com Jeremy Draws a Monster
By Peter McCarty The imaginative illustrations in this book bring to life the story of a lonely boy whose idea to draw a monster friend has unexpected consequences. This quirky and humorous tale will quickly become a favorite book to read over and over again. Ages 4-8.
The Chosen One
A Book of Sleep
By Il Sung Na Children will enjoy finding the owl on each page as it watches the different animals settle in for the night in this treasure of a book. Beautiful, rich illustrations and soothing text make this a perfect cozy bedtime story. Ages 4-8.
Teen
Moon Rabbit
By Natalie Russell Little Rabbit loves her life in the city, but she sometimes wonders if there is someone out there just like her, with whom she could have fun. Creative illustrations capture your heart and show children the delight in both friendship and being oneself. Ages 4-8.
Hilliard Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 3, in the Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park, 6:00PM
Blue Splash Special Discounted Pool Memberships January-March 15
Spring & Summer Program and Activity Guide
Spring & Summer Program and Activity Guide available beginning December 15, 2009 Registration for all Spring and Summer programs begins February 16 at 9:00AM online at www.cityofhilliard.com
Website: International Children’s Library http://en.childrenslibrary.org Read a book in a different language! This site has easily accessible full-text children’s books.
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By Carol Lynch Williams Thirteen-yearold Kyra has grown up on an isolated polygamist compound. Upon learning that she is assigned to be the wife of a much older man, Kyra’s strong will and free spirit are put to the test. What sacrifices will Kyra have to make in order to free herself from the only community she has ever known, and take charge of her own fate? This thriller will keep both older teens and adults on the edge of their seats.
Written by Rebecca Schmelzer, Youth Services Leader at the Northside Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Visit ColumbusParent.com to see past reviews and links to recommended websites.
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
Parent’s Night Out
Saturday, December 5 • 5:00-10:00PM Ages 6-11 • $25 a child Activity #:113432-02 39
the sports doc | christopher stankovich, ph.d.
Reader questions for the Sports Doc Dear Dr. Stankovich: We are part of a youth sport league that is currently examining options of various penalties to dole out to parents who act out aggressively at games. Do you have any advice on how to develop a system that will help? — C.W., Columbus Dear C.W.: You are not alone when it comes to leagues addressing the growing issue of parents acting out verbally and/or physically at youth sporting events. I do not have the space needed to give you a very thorough answer in this column, but here are a few things to consider.
First, be sure your league rules are clear and specifically stated so that parents know from the start of the season what is okay behavior and what is not. Second, you may want to consider a hierarchy of penalties, depending on the incident. For example, a parent who physically attacks someone might be suspended for the rest of the season, whereas a parent who inadvertently screams an obscenity might be viewed in a different light. Obviously neither is acceptable, but you can see how one is more serious than the other. Finally, any rehabilitation effort should be instructive,
not punitive, and every effort should be taken not to exacerbate the situation by embarrassing or humiliating the parent. Remember, in the vast majority of these ugly incidents, the adults regret it the next day. Adding salt to the wound is not the way to go.
study I have ever read will show that the number one reason kids play sports is to have fun, so whatever you do — especially since your child is only 10 — be sure that he is having fun, or else your child may experience youth sport burnout, or possibly even quit the team. I don’t think you have Dear Dr. Stankovich: much to be concerned about We would like to someday at this age beyond putting position our 10-year-old son your son in leagues that are as an attractive student athequivalent to his abilities. lete to college coaches. Do Down the road when he you have any advice on what starts high school you can we can do now? revisit your dreams as a fami— R.S., Groveport ly and then determine which things make the most sense Dear R.S.: (i.e. specializing in one sport, I think every research developing a portfolio to
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tion they deserve for it). Although I do not have any specific ideas about how to formally recognize her efforts, Dear Dr. Stankovich: I bet she would be happy to We love our daughter’s learn how strongly you and coach and think she is a terother parents feel about the rific influence on kids. Do things she does to help the you have any suggestions on girls on the team. Speak up, how we can have her formally speak out, and give her a genrecognized for all the great uine “thank you.” It will make things she does? her involvement with the — J.L., Worthington team that much more special. Dear J.L.: What a wonderful note to receive! I am a big fan of Dr. Chris Stankovich is an expert in sport and perfor-mance coaches myself, as most of psychology. He offers a wide varithem at the youth level are ety of educational training semivolunteers and give up a lot nars for student-athletes, coachof their time to help kids grow es, parents and league officials. Visit www.drstankovich.com, or and develop through sports call (614) 561-4482 for more (and rarely receive the attendetails.
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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sizing it up | nationwide children’s hospital
Putting a healthy twist on holiday meals The holiday season comes with the pleasure of making your favorite recipes and cooking traditional meals that you and your family can enjoy together. These meals may not be the healthiest, but with all of the frenzy that comes with preparing for the holidays; it’s hard to find time to experiment with new, healthier alternatives. Now is a great time to put a healthy twist on your favorites that won’t take away from the taste. “Cutting a few calories here and there by substituting certain ingredients with healthier ones will make a big difference for holiday meals,” said Lori Mooney, registered and licensed dietitian at the Center for Healthy Weight and
Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “These small changes can teach your children that healthy can still mean that something tastes good, and could jump-start a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.” Some of these alternatives include using skim instead of whole milk, replacing sour cream with yogurt and using butter spray instead of a stick of butter for dinner rolls and mashed potatoes. It’s also important to substitute whole-grain bread for white bread whenever possible. Fiber, which is abundant in whole-grain bread, is an essential part of a healthy diet and will keep you full for longer. These small substitutions will add up to a substantial
Try these healthy alternatives for common ingredients:
Baked potatoes are a healthy alternative compared to fried potatoes and typical cheesy potato casseroles. decrease in calories for meals during the holidays and on a day-to-day basis. “When it comes to your holiday meals, remember to enjoy them, have fun and be mindful of your portion sizes,” Mooney said. “These small tricks will help keep the calorie count down,
along with any worries about indulging in an unhealthy meal.”
Nationwide Children’s Hospital provided the information for this column.
1 cup of skim milk instead of whole milk
saves 64 calories
1 cup of low-fat yogurt instead of sour cream
saves 186 calories
1/3 cup of applesauce instead of vegetable oil (for baked goods)
saves 601 calories
1 T. of sugar substitute instead of sugar
saves 48 calories
Chicken breast without the skin
saves 102 calories
Baked potato instead of fries
saves 104 calories (If you do opt for fries, bake them instead of deep frying them and save 94 calories)
Deli turkey meat instead of bologna or salami
saves 120 calories
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
41
fast food | robin davis
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Holiday cookies with zing One of the many pleasures of the holidays for me is in the baking. Each year I sift through recipes, picking out old favorites and new ones I want to try. I’ll bake in the evenings and on weekends. For me it’s not a chore, just something I love to do. Below is a recipe on my list for this year. It’s from Sally Schneider, who wrote A New Way to Cook.
Ginger Citrus Wafers
The Gardner School of Dublin ENROLL NOW Space is limited!
42
6145 Emerald Parkway Dublin, OH 43016 Phone: (614) 717-9677
www.TheGardnerSchool.com
Makes about 100
5 1/3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon salt
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
1 1/4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 1/4 teaspoon tangerine or clementine juice 1 teaspoon peeled grated fresh ginger 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour Using a mixer, beat butter and sugar on high speed in a medium bowl until the mixture is pale yellow and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, salt, lemon and tangerine juices, ginger, vanilla and flour. Cover with plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to develop flavors. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease large nonstick cookie sheets. Drop batter by scant teaspoonfuls onto the prepared sheets, spacing them
about 2 inches apart. Using the back of a spoon, spread the cookies to make 2-inch circles. Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to brown. Cool cookies on pan 1 minute to firm. Using a thin metal spatula, carefully transfer cookies to racks to cool completely.
Robin Davis is food editor of The Columbus Dispatch. She oversees the Food section, published each Wednesday, which features recipes, question-and-answer columns and reviews of cookbooks, wines and local eateries.
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family getaways | mildred moss
The dreaded week between Christmas and New Year’s: How to fill it with fun for the whole family You know how it is. The day after Christmas all the new toys are either broken or they have lost their charm. The various electronic games and Guitar Hero are shattering your peace-loving household with unpleasant noises, not the least of which are the loud squabbles between the kids. “It’s my turn to play the drums.” “It is not. I told you we would swap after two songs.” “No, you said the next one.” “Did not.” “Did too.” And on and on. It just doesn’t seem fair after all your pre-holiday scurrying about to now face another maddening week. It’s going to be a long seven days. Maybe not. You know you can always count on Columbus Parent Magazine to come up with ideas to restore familial harmony. This particular suggestion is good for either a pre- or a post-holiday getaway. About 40 miles from your Columbus doorstep is a fantastic area called Hocking Hills. It’s the best example of Mother Nature’s handiwork in the entire state of Ohio and probably locations east and west. There are thousands of acres of trees, streams, caves, trails and incredible beauty any season of the year. Winter, with its frozen waterfalls and frosty mountains, has its own special allure.
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who will receive your gift. The craft shops thrive in the Hocking Hills. Two of my favorites are the basketmaking shop and the Liquid Light Fine Art Workshop. There also are cooking classes and way too many others to mention here. Before we go to the great out-of-doors, I have to tell you about one more inside treat. Etta’s Lunchbox Museum is a funky diner that serves the best pizza we ever tasted and all kinds of sandwiches, soups and chili. Mildred Moss | Parent The place is also a tribute to pop culture, with lunchboxLEFT: A wintertime frozen waterfall. RIGHT: The North Pole Express boarding for an afternoon train ride. es, Thermos bottles, toys, bikes, and much more also October attracts most visiAnthony the chef is noth- mon rolls. the tour is over, chances are from “the olden times.” It’s tors because of the fantastic ing short of a genius in the Now, anyone with chilgood you’ll want to buy one so much fun. autumn leaves blanketing kitchen. He manages to con- dren knows the kids are not of the three sizes of washOutside are miles of hikthe hills, but December is coct and prepare extraordigoing to be content staying boards available just for fun. ing trails, caves to explore, attractive for other reasons, nary dishes that are as deliin cozy cabins and admiring The company prepares a airplane fly-overs and horseone of which is discounted cious as they are beautifully the scenery. After all the holi- Washboard Troop Kit to send back riding. And don’t miss accommodations. My visit presented. It’s an exercise in day flurry, it would be great if to the American troops along the scenic railway system. was in October when the incredible dining in a strictly they were, but not a chance. with an instruction sheet on Decorated to match the seaHocking Hills are indeed country atmosphere with the Fortunately, there is a lot to how to use a washboard. The sons, in December it’s the breathtaking. finest gourmet fare being do, most of which is not kit contains the washboard, Santa train or the North Pole We stayed at The Inn and brought to your table. available anywhere else as a washtub, a clothesline, Express. The first is for preSpa at Cedar Falls, There are rooms in the close to home, and in one clothespins, soap and foot Christmas traveling and the www.innatcedarfalls.com. inn and private cottages case, not available anywhere powder. The kit costs $25, latter is for after the holiday. The place appears to be from tucked away in the forest. else in the country. This including shipping, and the Both are fun and the kids will somewhere in time long The spa is barely visible from attraction is a lot more inter- company will accept donalove it. before the 21st century, but the road, but is not the least esting and fun than its name tions of less. Sometimes I have so much more to the innovative building bit shy in its services. implies. It’s the Columbus laundry cannot be done for say, but I’m running out of methods used to create and During our three-day visit, Washboard Company’s facweeks on end and the solroom. So, take to the trusty maintain the property are as we ate even more gourmet tory tour. diers have to wear dirty Internet to read all about it. modern as tomorrow. dinners in such unusual setHere’s an opportunity to clothes. They are happy to The address is The owners, Ellen tings as a Scottish mansion teach the kiddies a little folk- receive the kits, as the tons www.1800hocking.com. Grinsfelder and Terry Lingo, (www.glenlaurel.com) and a lore and tell some stories of letters and pictures in a You’ll be glad you did. have stories about building medieval castle (www.raven- about what my grandchilspecial display attest. It’s a the inn using only green woodcastle.com). We also dren call “the olden days.” In great way to help the war materials which they will be had breakfast at Ravenwood, most families, the parents effort in a personal way. Call Mildred Moss is Columbus Parent Magazine’s travel writer. happy to share with you. which has the most delicious won’t have any more idea (800) 343-7967 or visit the Both are dedicated to makcinnamon rolls we had ever about a washboard than the website at www.columing visitors feel at home. tasted. They also offer a children, but not to worry. buswashboard.com to find That goes for the staff as cookbook with lots of fine One of the factory owners out how you can send a well. recipes, including the cinna- has stories to tell and before troop kit. You will be told
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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manic mommy | stacy mckay
This is going to be the best Christmas ever! I know I shouldn’t say this every year, but I do. When I was young, it seemed like every Christmas was the best one ever. I always got the one present I wanted so badly, the same one that I either broke or grew tired of a day or two after it was opened. Now that I am a wife and mother, this idea takes on a whole new meaning. It’s not about what I get, but about making it memorable for my daughter. I want us to make some wonderful family memories. So no pressure or anything, I just have to be sure everything is perfect. I fuss over the tree, the decorations, what to serve and the perfect gifts. There’s added pressure this year because my daughter is 3 1/2 and is starting to “get it.” She knows presents will be under the tree with her name on them, and she gets excited at the idea of Santa coming. The way I figure it, I have had three “practice”
holidays to get it right. She will remember some of what happens this year and I want those memories to be beautiful. There are no more dress rehearsals! The funny thing is that when I think about my wonderful Christmases growing up, I remember big holiday gatherings with my grandparents still around and tons of cousins to play and fight with. I remember my dad gathering us around the tree to read the Christmas story before we tore open our gifts. I remember my mom saying once that “Santa wished he could leave us more, but just wasn’t able to this
24/7 Physician Availability 44
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
year,” and thinking we had done just fine. Most of my memories don’t have anything to do with gifts, trees, or fancy decorations. My fondest memories are of family, laughter and lots of love. They are noisy, chaotic and imperfect. My family holidays do not resemble a Norman Rockwell painting, but they are perfect in my mind. My daughter may not remember what Santa or Mommy and Daddy gave her this year, but I hope she remembers the love. If she doesn’t recall what the tree looked like or what we ate, I hope she remembers we were together. May your holiday be flawed and full of joy!
Stacy McKay hosts Mornings with Stacy McKay on 104.9 FM, The River. You can hear her each weekday morning from 5-9 a.m. Stacy and her family live in Hilliard.
www.riversedge-peds.yourmd.medfusion.net
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the dad files | joe blundo
Lay it on the pine: An evergreen solution to clutter A good way to de-clutter the house this time of year is to collect stray objects and hang them on the Christmas tree. In truth, this practice won’t rid you of all clutter, but I consider even a small victory over clutter an important step in this junked-up world. We’ve actually done this in my house. It works, especially if you have kids. Here are some things that make good ornaments: Children’s art Every parent has lumpy pots, misshapen animals and other precious sculptures that the kids have produced in art classes. It’s impossible to discard them because that raises a classic parental fear: If you throw away something your child made, the child will be devastated, lose all sense of self-worth and start using heroin and worshipping Satan. But if you hang these items on the tree, you are actually honoring the young artist, while still getting his creations out of the way. And now you’ve made them Christmas ornaments, which means they can be tucked away 11 months of the year. Happy Meal toys Here we have the world’s most appalling products. They lure kids into eating badly. They’re probably produced by Chinese peasants making nine cents an hour. They’re invariably tied in to some dumb movie that Hollywood cranked out to further diminish American culture. And they will sleep in a landfill for eternity once their 20 minutes of play value have been used up.
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A tree full of nothing but “Hello My Name Is” badges would look egotistical. But a half dozen of them judiciously distributed just blend into the background and remind you of all the seminars you attended in the past year.
… now you’ve made them Christmas ornaments, which means they can be tucked away 11 months of the year.
Photos Kids get their pictures taken now for everything: school, sports teams, musical groups. They’re photographed more than Barack Obama. And every photo package comes with 90 wallet-size portraits. Consequently, every family has a drawer full of pictures that will never see the light of day. They simply must go on the Christmas tree. Put them in little Popsicle-stick frames, attach a loop of yarn and you have instant keepsake ornaments.
Cosmetic items Little girls especially seem to generate a lot of cheap bracelets, rings, hair clips and other trinkets. These So hang them on the tree, things were practically made and you’ll at least address for Christmas trees. Get the landfill issue. These toys them on there now before are small, colorful and easily the dog eats them and has to modified to make them sea- be endoscoped by the vet to sonally appropriate. (Just the tune of $1,200. glue a little cotton-ball beard on Astro Boy and call him In short, look at everyAstro Claus.) thing as a potential Christmas ornament. Or as I Name badges like to say: Deck the halls by I don’t mind tossing out uncluttering the house. those sticky paper name tags you paste on a shirt pocket. Joe Blundo’s column, So to But the really nice ones that Speak, appears in the Life section of The Columbus come with plastic sleeves Dispatch. It’s a mix of humor, and lanyards are difficult for human interest and information. me to discard. So I’ve been A collection of his columns has known to hang them on the been published in the book Dancing Dads, Defective Peeps tree. and Buckeye Misadventures. Granted, you want to He lives in Worthington with his exercise moderation here.
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wife and two children.
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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family calendar | staci perkins and alexis perrone dicken
OUT&ABOUT DECEMBER 2009
Submit your event
To add an event to Columbus Parent Magazine’s Out & About calendar, submit information by e-mail to ColumbusParent@ThisWeekNews.com or online at ColumbusParent.com. Please submit calendar events by the first Friday of the preceding month.
Ongoing Baby Boot Camp Polaris Mall Meet other moms and get fit with this program for pre/postnatal women and their children, presented by Danielle Duerksen. 8:309:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Polaris Mall, 1500 Polaris Pkwy. First class free. Call (614) 226-2594, or go to BabyBootCamp.com, click on Ohio. Baby Boot Camp Rite Bite Wellness Center Meet other moms and get fit with this program for pre/postnatal women and their children, presented by Danielle Duerksen. 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Rite Bite Wellness Center, 171 Green Meadows Dr. S., Lewis Center. First class free. Call (614) 226-2594, or go to BabyBootCamp.com, click on Ohio.
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Barnes & Noble Weekly Storytime Preschool-age children and their adult friends will enjoy hearing favorite stories told by Barnes & Noble storytellers. 10:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at Barnes & Noble Easton, 4005 Townsfair Way. For more information call (614) 476-8489. Columbus Mothers of Twins Club The club provides mothers of twins and multiples information and support through educational and social activities. Member meetings are the third Thursday of each month, September-May, with themed agendas, speakers and social time at North Community Lutheran Church, 114 Morse Rd. Voice mailbox (614) 4703485 (please leave a message), or www.CMOTC.org. COSI Family Friday Night COSI is open late the last Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. COSI Columbus,
333 W. Broad St. Cost is $7 per person after 5 p.m. and includes all of COSI plus an Extreme Screen movie. Parenting workshops also are available. (614) 228COSI, or COSI.org. Craft Day at Sprout Soup Each Tuesday we do a new craft geared toward children age 2 and up. A related story is read at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the craft is available throughout. This free event is at Sprout Soup, 4310 N. High St. For more information visit Sproutsoup.com. Culinary Couples Night Out Touch of Gourmet at 7 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. 3931 Trueman Blvd., Hilliard. $59. (614) 876-9452. Dads’ Coffee Twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 10 a.m., working and stay-at-home dads can connect. Bring the kids out to play and socialize with other fathers. This free event is at Sprout Soup, 4310 N. High St. For more information visit Sproutsoup.com. The Gadfly Café Comedy Improv Workshop for Teenagers Learn the art of improv like you’ve seen on Whose Line is it Anyway, while mingling with our professional improv troupe. No one over 19 will be admitted without a teenager. 6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Gadfly
Cafe, 1126 1/2 N. High St. Free. Kids Lit Circle Every third Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. bring your child’s favorite book to share and leave with a list of new favorites. This free event is at Sprout Soup, 4310 N. High St. For more information visit Sproutsoup.com. Latin American Literature in English Translation Book club for teachers of English and the Columbus community, presented by OSU’s Center for Latin American Studies. 10 a.m. on Saturdays at Barnes & Noble, 3280 Tremont Rd. (614) 459-0920 or BN.com. Mocha Moms Support group for stay-athome moms of color. Call Kavetta, (614) 323-1217. Mommies of Miracles M.O.M is a growing Ohio support community of mothers who have children (of any age) with complex medical issues or disabilities. Our mission is to eliminate the isolation mothers of exceptional needs children experience on a daily basis by providing an extended network of confidential and compassionate emotional support. Join us for monthly meetings, fun family events, couples’ enrichment activities and advocacy initiatives. For more information on events, resources and more go to mommiesofmiracles.com
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
Preschoolers: Bears Bring your teddy bears and learn about real bears through song, story and craft. Meet at Cedar Ridge Lodge on December 8 at 9:30 or 11 a.m. at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr. in Galloway. Holiday Crafts for Kids Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon making crafts with natural and recycled materials. Meet at the nature center on December 12 from 1-3 p.m. at Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave. in Reynoldsburg. Just for Kids: Geology Learn about rocks, hurricanes and glaciers during a half-mile walk on the Ripple Rock Trail. Meet at the nature center on December 19 at 1 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd. in Westerville. Owls for Kids Meet owls from Ohio Wildlife Center and take a 1-mile hike. Meet at the bulletin board near the picnic shelter at the main park entrance on December 12 at 2 p.m. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy Rd. in Plain City.
www.metroparks.net 47
MOMS Club of Clintonville A fun social and support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Playgroups, field trips and monthly moms’ nights out. 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month (locations vary). For membership information contact Carrie at (614) 4470567, e-mail clintonvillemomsclub@yahoo.com, or visit our website http://clintonvillemomsclub.yolasite.com. MOMS Club of Dublin Central Support group for stay-athome moms. 9:45 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Vineyard Church, 5400 Avery Rd. Contact Mandy Skinner at amandaskinner2@gmail.com, or (614) 940-9392. Or go to Geocities.com/momsclubdublincentral/. MOMS Club of Dublin West MOMS Club of Dublin West offers a variety of activities each month including a monthly meeting, mom and tot activities, play groups,
MOMS Club of Dublin Southeast Support group for stay-athome moms and their children. Playgroups, monthly calendar of events, moms’ night out, service projects. Contact Susan at momsclubmembership@columbus.rr.com or 718-0687. MOMS Club of Gahanna East Support group for stay-athome moms. Call Cathy at (614) 759-6137. MOMS Club of Gahanna West Support group for stay-athome moms. Gahanna moms@yahoo.com. MOMS Club of Hilliard North A social and support group for stay-at-home and parttime working moms and their children. Playgroups, field trips, and moms’ nights out. 9:45 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church, 4343 Dublin Rd. mchilliardnorth@yahoo.com. MOMS Club of Hilliard South A support group for stay-athome and part-time working moms. We have crafts, field trips, playgroups and a monthly moms’ night out.
columbusparent.com Visit ColumbusParent.com for a complete listing of area moms’ and dads’ clubs! Visit our website at http://mchilliardsouth.goog lepages.com, or contact Lisa at mchilliardsouth@ hotmail.com. MOMS Club of Lewis Center Northeast A social and support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Activities include playgroups, moms’ night out, service projects and more. The original chapter has since split to accommodate the great number of stay-at-home moms in our area. We are actively seeking moms living within the designated boundaries east of S. Old State Rd., south of Lewis Center Rd., north of Orange Rd., and west of Africa Rd. For membership information, call Liz at (740) 6571473 or visit http://lewiscentermomsclubne.org. 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 Gail at Moms_Club_Membership@ yahoo.com or www.lewis-
centermomsclub.org. MOMS Club of New Albany Support group for stay-athome moms. Contact NAMOMSclub@yahoo.com. MOMS Club of Northwest Columbus & Upper Arlington Support group for stay-athome or part-time working moms. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Call (614) 388-9410, or go to ColumbusMOMSClub.com.
• Improved grades • Online live instruction • Individualized tutoring • Pre & Regular assessments • Free tests and worksheets • Available 24/7 • Save time, money and gas Call
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MOMS Club of Westerville South Support group for stay-athome moms. We have play groups, craft days and a monthly moms’ night out. Meetings are at 10 a.m. on the last Thursday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church, 100 E. Schrock Rd., Westerville. Contact momswestervillesouth@yahoo.co m for more information.
MOMS Club of Pickerington North Support group for stay-athome moms. Also serves MOMS Club of Worthington Reynoldsburg and Pataskala. Support group for stay-atE-mail Rachel at home moms. Meets on the argillaspie@yahoo.com. third Tuesday of the month at Worthington Presbyterian MOMS Club of Church. E-mail prospectivePickerington South member@worthingtonSupport group for stay-atmoms.org for more informahome moms living south of Refugee Rd. in Pickerington tion.
or Canal Winchester. 10 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Peace United Methodist Church, 235 Diley Rd. Go to PickeringtonMoms.tripod.com.
MOPS Dublin Fellowship support group for moms with newborns through kindergarten. The first Thursday of every month, meet at Radiant Life Church from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the third Thursday is MOMS Club of Powell moms’ night out. For more Support group for stay-atinformation call Lindsay at home moms. E-mail Stacie (614) 571-2995. at powellmoms@yahoo.com.
Mouth of the Wolf Productions, Inc.
Attractive Features
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. Monthly activities include play dates, local outings, cooking club, book club and moms’ night out. Contact Amy at (740) 513-6267, or sunburymomsclub@yahoo.com for more information.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE PROGRAM Acting classes for children of all ages. • Original performances based on the classics & class imagination • Each child can find their theatrical interest, including play writing, directing, acting and much more!
FREE ACTING WORKSHOP
Ages 4-16 • Dec 5th - Upper Arlington | Dec 12 - Marysville
For locations, class schedule and more info
www.mouthofthewolfproductions.com • email: gleason.tina@gmail.com
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
MOPS Newark Fellowship and support group open to all moms with children ages birth-5. Meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at First United Methodist Church, 88 N. Fifth St. Call (740) 349-7020, or e-mail mops@firstumcnewark.org. MOPS Upper Arlington Lutheran Church A wonderful opportunity to meet other moms with young children. The group meets every first and third Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Rd. The cost per meeting is $5 and childcare is $2 per child. For more information call (614) 451-3736. Mothers & More Chapter 51 Non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 700 N. High St.,Worthington. Call Janet at (614) 888-4702, or email tsalmon11@yahoo.com. Mothers of Multiples East Columbus Support and social group for mothers of multiples. 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Church of the Redeemer United Methodist, 235 McNaughten Rd. ECMom.org. Mothers of Preschoolers Meeting Join our MOPS group the
Register to win one of two holiday book packages! Your young readers (3-8) will love A Very Marley Christmas and Panda’s Christmas Gifts. Middle readers (10-12) will be delighted with these holiday favorites: The Lump of Coal and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Visit ColumbusParent.com to register to win one of these packages! 12/1/09 5352859
parties, and a moms’ night out. For more information, call (614) 873-9672 or email momsclubofdublinwest@gmail.com
Mommies Time Out Online Support Group A fun group of moms who provide support and social activities for stay-at-home and working moms in the Columbus area. Includes playgroups, play dates, meet-ups, moms’ nights out, message boards and more. MommiesTimeOut. Proboards105.com.
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first Tuesday of every month, September through May from 6-8:15 p.m. at the Beechwold Christian Church, 280 Morse Rd. Come for dinner, listen to a speaker and join a small discussion group to share your ideas, thoughts and experiences with other moms. Call Beechwold Christian Church at (614) 888-1734, or visit gobcc.com for more information. Mothers Swapping Skills Group Online notice board helps bring moms together who would like to exchange skills and services such as cooking, tutoring, babysitting, cleaning, carpooling and coaching. Group is actively seeking women leaders for guidance. Register at Groups.google.com/group/ mothersswappingskills.
357 McCampbell Hall, 1581 Dodd Dr. Call Diana Boggs, (614) 292-9780, or e-mail boggs.59@osu.edu. Online Nanny Group An online group for Columbus-area nannies that helps grow friendships and makes play dates. Go to groups.yahoo.com/group/o hionannies/. 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 www.poemonline.org.
Kids Cook Classes Children ages 3-6 are invited to explore and cook local foods with healthy eating advocate Rachel Tayse Baillieul. Just in time for the holidays, children will learn how to help in the kitchen and enjoy traditional foods. Each class will include tasting the ingredient, cooking at least one dish, a story and lots of fun. Learn how to cook greens from 4:15-5 p.m. at Sprout Soup, 4310 N. High St. Each class is $3 per child.
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December 5, 12, 19 at 1, 3 an entertaining documenand 5 p.m.; and December 6, tary about a subject that 13 and 20 at 1 and 3 p.m. touches everyone’s life and the return of one of our Kids Cook Classes most popular events ever: Children ages 3-6 are invited Raiders of the Lost Ark: The to explore and cook local Adaptation. The festival is foods with healthy eating December 3, 4, 7 and 9. advocate Rachel Tayse Tickets are available at (614) Baillieul. Just in time for the 292-3535. For more informaholidays, children will learn tion and a schedule of how to help in the kitchen movies, visit and enjoy traditional foods. www.wexarts.org. Each class will include tasting the ingredient, cooking at least one dish, a story, and Friday 4 lots of fun. Learn how to The Best Christmas Pageant cook greens from 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sprout Soup, Ever See December 3. 4310 N. High St. Each class is $3 per child.
Holiday Shop Shop until you drop with more than 15 vendors and artists. Find unique items for all ages and budgets. Children can ice their own cookies and shop for family and friends in the “kids only” secret holiday shopping area. The shopping is at Wyandot Elementary PTO, 5620 Dublinshire Dr. For more information, call (614) 764-7441. Studio J’s Annual Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus Enjoy a breakfast or lunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Afterward, you can create a craft and receive a 4x6 picture with Santa. There will be sing-a-longs and bells. Tickets must be purchased. $10 for adults and children, available at www.studiojsingpaintplay.com or by email jacyorig@aol.com. The studio is located at 146 E. Olentangy St., Powell, and the times for Santa are 9-10 a.m. and 10:15-11:15 a.m.
The Gospel According to Scrooge Vintage Voices Christmas This musical is a Christian Concert: A Tradition adaptation of Charles Enjoy the songs of the seaDickens’ A Christmas Carol. son at the Vintage Voices Instead of the ghosts of holiday concert, “It’s Christmas.” Vintage voices is Christmas past, present and a mixed-voices chorus of 70 future appearing to Scrooge, “My” Food-Allergy Support members, all 50 years of age three angels appear to him. Tuesday 1 The play consists of music, Group or older. The concert is at dancing and drama and is A group for parents of chilChapel Grove Inn, 1400 December Kids Camp — dren dealing with life-threatChapel Way in Heath, at 3:30 one that will appeal to all Cookies for Santa ages. The event is hosted by Tree Lighting Ceremony ening food allergies. We offer p.m. The show is free but This kids camp will focus on Radiant Life Church, 7100 monthly meetings, occadonations are appreciated. Soak in the holiday spirit making cookie plates for Post Rd., Dublin. Reserved sional non-food family with live holiday music, a Santa’s big night. We truly Zoom: Family Film Festival Seating is $5, and all others candle lighting ceremony activities, and a private eteach them how to unlock Celebrate creative filmmak- free. Child care will be promail group for additional and much more holiday fun. their creative side. The fee ing for-and by-young peovided for infants to age 4. support, sharing of conThis free event starts at 7 for this two-hour camp ple. This year Zoom brings The musical is December 5, p.m. at the Westerville cerns, successes, coping includes all bisque, supplies, you animation galore, a riv- 11, and 12 at 7 p.m. and strategies, resources and Municipal Building, 21 S. materials, hands on instruc- Thursday 3 eting drama the whole fami- December 6 and 13 at 5:30 tools. E-mail Dena Friedel at State St., Westerville. For tion, firing, snack and drink. ly will want to see and disp.m. dfriedel@insight.rr.com. more information call (614) You may leave children 6 The Best Christmas Pageant cuss, two magical classics, 901-6500. and up if they can work on Ever New Moms’ Group their own. The cost is $25 The Herdmans return to An opportunity for new per child and is from 6-8 CCT in this hilarious mothers and their babies to Christmas tale. A couple meet and share information. p.m at Outside the Lines Creative Studio, 5236 struggling to put on a Meets from 1-2:30 p.m. on Cemetery Rd., Hilliard. church Christmas pageant is Tuesdays at the Elizabeth Please call the studio at faced with casting the Blackwell Center, 3635 Ballet • Jazz • Tap • Lyrical • Hip Hop • Preschool (614) 547-7752 to sign up. Herdman kids, probably the Olentangy River Rd., “The staff at North Pointe is first class! They are friendly and caring, yet strict in the dismost inventively awful kids Columbus. Free. (614) 566cipline of dance. They have taught my daughters poise and self confidence and they love Holiday Festival & Open in history! You won’t believe 4446. attending the classes.” - Suzanne Polk House the mayhem and fun when Come to the people’s house Nisonger Center Dual the Herdmans collide with for this free festival of holiDiagnosis Clinic the Christmas story head on! day activities, including arts This delightful comedy is This clinic provides mental Call or visit our website today and crafts, carolers, refresh- adapted from the best sellhealth diagnosis, medicaments, model trains, comtion recommendations and ing book. Tickets start at $9 munity mascots, Santa and psychological assessments and are available by calling Mrs. Claus and more. The for people of all ages who (614) 224-6672. Columbus festival is at the Ohio State have both a developmental Children’s Theatre, 512 Park 500 Orangepoint Dr., Lewis Center, OH 43055 House from 5-7 p.m. For disability and a mental illSt., December 3, 10, and 17 more information go to ness. The Ohio State at 7:30 p.m.; December 4, • Please mention this ad • New Students only. University Nisonger Center, www.ohiostatehouse.org. 11, and 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Card Care 2009 If you’re creative or just like helping people, the library needs you! Brighten the holidays for others during this annual event and decorate holiday cards for the library’s homebound patrons, some of whom are so grateful, that the library often receives thank-you notes. All materials are provided. Enjoy this free event at the Worthington Library from 6:30-9 p.m., 820 High St. For more information visit www.worthingtonlibraries.org.
Happy Holidays from
Classes Start in January! 740-548-4600
www.northpointedance.com
FREE Registration!
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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FR
Vintage Voices Christmas Concert: A Tradition See December 3.
EE
!
Zoom: Family Film Festival See December 3.
Saturday 5
Art Around Town December 5, Noon – 4:00 pm Jeffrey Mansion
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever See December 3. Christmas Open House Come for a day of kids activities including cookie decorating and ornament making, live music, food and beverage sampling and demos, and door prize drawings. The open house is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Freemans Country Market, 6146 Lewis Center Rd. For more information visit www.freemansfarm.com.
Columbus Museum of Art is bringing art and fun to the Jeffrey Mansion. See 19th century European paintings, create a self-portrait and frame, enjoy family gallery games, and compete in Art Challenges to win prizes.
Lead Sponsor
December Kids Camp — Cookies for Santa See December 1.
www.columbusmuseum.org
Fireside Tales Bring the family and warm up this winter with stories and songs in front of the “fire.” Enjoy the stories at the Worthington Library at 4 p.m., 820 High St. For more information on this free event, visit www.worthingtonlibraries.org.
Dickens Victorian Village giveaway!
The Gospel According to Scrooge See December 4.
Win a trip back in time as historic downtown Cambridge is charmingly transformed into a Dickens Victorian Village.
Holiday Open House Need a way to relax with the girls before the holidays? Visit the Reiki Center: The Center for Energy Healing from 12-4 p.m. and try free sample sessions to beat holiday stress. Sample Reiki, CranioSacral therapy, massage and more. The Reiki Center is at 1540 W. Fifth Ave. For more information, visit www.thereikicenter.net.
Included in your gift package is: One overnight stay in a room at the award-winning Comfort Inn of Cambridge. Dickens-of-a-Holiday gift basket filled to the brim with Victorian-themed goodies and memorabilia from your visit. Also enjoy a close-up look at a Dickens Victorian Village scene on display and learn about how members of the Eastern Ohio Art Guild created the individual faces for each character.
Visit ColumbusParent.com and register to win this charming holiday package!
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It’s fun for the whole family!
Pre-game Photos with Brutus Bring your family out to Value City Arena for OSU Men’s Basketball game vs. Eastern Michigan at noon.
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
Happy Hanukkah Wee Ones Paint Pottery
December 5 Decorate a Menorah or make a handprint Menorah at our family Happy Hanukkah Wee Ones program.This program is for families with children of all ages. Whether you decorate with baby handprints or teenage creativity, you will make a Menorah or a Menorahinspired display. The cost is $7 plus the cost of your piece. The painting begins at 10 a.m. on December 5 at Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Ln. in Powell. For more information, visit www.marcysclayground.com
Meet Brutus and the Ohio State cheerleaders during the pre-game. For more information about tickets, visit OhioStateBuckeyes .com. Santa Express Hop aboard the Santa Express at Lodi Station Outlets. Train rides cost $2.50 per person and an adult must accompany all children. Lodi Station Outlets are located at 9911 Avon Lake Rd. in Burbank. The train is in operation from 12-5p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information visit www.lodioutlets.net. Secret Santa Event This kids Christmas workshop is for little elves only (no big elves allowed). Children should be able to be left at the studio in order to attend and will need to attend both sessions to finish projects. The children will make up to three gifts that they choose as presents. The cost includes all material, firing, snacks and drinks.
$50 per child. 3-6 p.m. at Outside the Lines Creative Studio, 5236 Cemetery Rd. in Hilliard. Call the studio at (614) 547-7752 to sign up. The second date of the session is Dec. 12. Teen Read-A-Thon Raise money to buy gifts for the United Methodist Children’s Home residents. Ask friends and family to make pledges toward the total number of pages you read on December 5, then come to the Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Rd. and read. Pledge forms are available at all library locations. For more information call (614) 807-2626 and ask for Sarah Cofer. Teddy & Me Children’s Tea This children’s tea is always popular so sign up early. Children age 5 and older are invited to attend this fun tea. Adults must be accompanied by a child. Beverages and an assortment of tea sandwiches and desserts will be accompanied by scones, soup and gourmet
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teas. Children are invited to bring their teddy and take home a special souvenir. Two sessions are available at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Davis-Shai House, 301 Central Pkwy. in Heath. Please call for reservations (740) 788-8942. The cost is $14.95. Visit with Santa Visit with Santa in the meeting room. The Grandview Park and Recreation Department and the library provide free photos of your child with Santa, and parents can bring their own cameras. The free pictures are at the Grandview Library, 1685 W. First Ave. from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Pictures are available for pick up December 12. Walden Grove School Introductory Meeting Come to an introductory meeting about our new school opening in Westerville for kindergarten
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and first grade in 2010. Walden Grove is committed to small class sizes, where children can define their individuality and excel. The meeting will be at Blumenstiel, Evans & Falvo, LLC, 261 W. Johnstown Rd. in Gahanna at 11 a.m. Call Leslie Burley at (614) 9170731 for more information.
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benefit the ClintonvilleBeechwold Resource Center. Family Night with the Buckeyes Join the Buckeyes at 2 p.m. as they take on Wisconsin at Value City Arena. The Care Bears will be there and so should you. Enjoy free pom pom giveaways and a fun post-game clinic. For tickets and to register for the post game clinic visit OhioStateBuckeyes.com.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Gospel According to See December 3. Scrooge See December 4. The Clintonville Community Band & Santa Express Community Choir See December 5. Enjoy a holiday concert at 4 Vintage Voices Christmas p.m. in the Whetstone High Concert: A Tradition School Auditorium, 4405 Scenic Dr. A variety of music Enjoy the songs of the seawill be performed including son at the Vintage Voices holiday concert, “It’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Vintage voices is Christmas and a sing along a mixed-voices chorus of 70 of the Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah. The con- members, all 50 years of age cert is free, but canned food or older. The concert is at Central Christian Church, and money donations will
587 Mt. Vernon Rd. in Newark at 4 p.m. The show is free but donations are appreciated. Worthington Craft Guild Calico 2009 Enjoy handcrafted items for children, for the holidays, and for the home. Stock up on great holiday items at the Worthington Square, 6489 Hearthstone Ave., Worthington. The Calico is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information visit www.worthingtoncraftguild.com.
Monday 7 Snowflake Castle Enjoy the annual event with a movie, puppet show, toy trains, face painting and visit the gift shop. Visit with Santa Claus and much more. The event is $2 per child and pictures with Santa are $3. The event is at Westerville Senior Center, 310 W. Main St. from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
p.m. For more information call (614) 901-6560. Vintage Voices Christmas Concert: A Tradition Enjoy the songs of the season at the Vintage Voices holiday concert, “It’s Christmas.” Vintage voices is a mixed-voices chorus of 70 members, all 50 years of age or older. The concert is at First United Methodist Church, 89 N. 5th St. in Newark at 2 p.m. The show is free but donations are appreciated. Zoom: Family Film Festival See December 3.
Tuesday 8 Ceramic Ornament Workshop Join our ornament-making workshop where we will make a multi-media ceramic snowman and reindeer as well as a clay-stamped ornament. Children 6 and up are welcome as are adults. The
cost is $30 the painting is from 4:30-6 p.m. at Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Ln., Powell. For more information visit www.marcysclayground.com. Kids Cook Classes Children ages 3-6 are invited to explore and cook local foods with healthy eating advocate Rachel Tayse Baillieul. Just in time for the holidays, children will learn how to help in the kitchen and enjoy traditional foods. Each class will include tasting the ingredient, cooking at least one dish, a story and lots of fun. Learn how to cook with cinnamon from 4:15-5 p.m. at Sprout Soup, 4310 N. High St. Each class is $3 per child. This class is also offered on December 15. Moms Night Out We will show you how to make ceramic gift tags from clay using rubber stamps and glaze. These one-of-a-
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kind tags will make your gift-wrapping extraordinary. The best part; they can be reused year after year. Children over 12 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. The cost is $30. The painting is from 7-9 p.m. at Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Ln. in Powell. For more information, visit marcysclayground.com. Snowflake Castle See December 7.
Wednesday 9 Santa & Mrs. Claus Come to Visit Share some fun family time together this holiday season at the Washington Township Administration Building, 6200 Eiterman Rd. in Dublin from 6-8 p.m. Come visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for a festive holiday evening. Have your picture taken with Santa on the antique fire truck for $5, make a holiday decoration together and enjoy some refreshments. Admission is $1 with all proceeds will benefit central Ohio food pantries. For more information, visit www.wtwp.com. Snowflake Castle See December 7. Vintage Voices Christmas Concert: A Tradition Enjoy the songs of the season at the Vintage Voices holiday concert, “It’s Christmas.” Vintage voices is a mixed-voices chorus of 70 members, all 50 years of age or older. The concert is at The Inn at SharonBrook, 920 Sharon Valley Rd. in Newark at 2 p.m. The show is free but donations are appreciated. Zoom: Family Film Festival See December 3.
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Kids Cook Classes Children ages 3-6 are invited to explore and cook local foods with healthy eating advocate Rachel Tayse Baillieul. Just in time for the holidays, children will learn how to help in the kitchen and enjoy traditional foods. Each class will include tasting the ingredient, cooking at least one dish, a story and lots of fun. Learn how to cook with cinnamon from 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sprout Soup, 4310 N. High St. Each class is $3 per child. Snowflake Castle See December 7.
Friday 11 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever See December 3. The Gospel According to Scrooge See December 4. Holiday with the Buckeyes Come out to the Value City Arena for an evening of holiday fun. Get your photo taken with Holiday Brutus and experience the Men’s Hockey team in action against rival Miami University at 7 p.m. For more information on tickets and events, go to OhioStateBuckeyes.com.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Snowflake Castle See December 3. See December 7.
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See December 3.
Evening at the North Pole During this special night, Santa’s elves will serve a light meal with a special dessert and beverages. Santa will share great stories from the North Pole. Create Christmas crafts and participate in a sing-a-long will get everyone in the holiday spirit. The evening is for ages 8 and under accompanied by an adult. The event is at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. from 6:30-8 p.m. The cost is $15 per child and $5 per adult. For more information, call (614) 901-6500.
The Gospel According to Scrooge See December 4. Santa Express See December 5. Santa Paws Animals throughout the Zoo will be given specially wrapped treats using materials that are safe for each individual animal. Come and see the animals in the holiday spirit and see how they react to these special enrichment gifts. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., open from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and tickets are available by calling (800) 666-5397.
Sunday 13 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever See December 3. The Gospel According to Scrooge See December 4. Photo courtesy of Will Shively
BalletMet Columbus: The Nutcracker December 11–23 Journey into a little girl’s imagination in this time-honored holiday tradition that has enchanted generations. Meet the colorful characters that young Clara and her nutcracker encounter on their magical journey, including the larger-than-life Mother Ginger, the mighty Chinese Dragon, the flying Trepak and the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy. The holidays aren’t complete without this classic family story. Tickets are $29-$66 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.balletmet.org. Showtimes though the month are: Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 12, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m.; Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 19, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 20, 1 and 5:30 p.m.; Dec. 22, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 23, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Vintage Voices Christmas Concert: A Tradition Enjoy the songs of the season at the Vintage Voices holiday concert “It’s Christmas.” Vintage voices is a mixed-voices chorus of 70 members, all 50 years of age or older. The concert is at Summerville at Hillenvale,
1615 Yauger Rd. in Mt. Vernon 3 p.m. The show is free but donations are appreciated.
Holiday Party — Create with Claus Children of all ages are invited to come and celebrate the holiday season. We will have numerous activities and games available, not to mention Santa should be here to help the kids paint and take pictures. Mrs. Claus will be sending lot of cookies to make sure we don’t get hungry. Advance reservations are needed. The cost is $15 per child and is from 1-5 p.m. at Outside the Lines Creative Studio, 5236 Cemetery Rd. in Hilliard. Call the studio at (614) 5477752 to sign up. Santa Express See December 5.
story time, followed by a project designed by a staff artist who will lead you through all the steps to create a masterpiece. This is the perfect gift making activity to share with your child. This month we will make a Christmas light handprint platter. Our program is for 2to pre-k 5-year-olds. The cost is $7 plus the cost of your piece. The painting is from 10 a.m. at Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Ln. in Powell. For more information, visit www.marcysclayground.com.
Tuesday 15 December Kids Camp — Cookies for Santa See December 1. ECRN Developmental Screenings ECRN offers free developmental screenings called Child Check for children ages 1 month through 5 years. These screenings are in the areas of gross motor; fine motor, speech and language and personal/social skills. A hearing screening also is provided. The screening will take place at the St. Stephen’s Community House, 1500 E. 17th Ave. from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments are required. Please call (614) 543-9000 ext. 216 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Kids Cook Classes See December 8.
Thursday 17 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever See December 3.
Kids Cook Classes Children ages 3-6 are invited to explore and cook local Monday 14 foods with healthy eating advocate Rachel Tayse Christmas “Mom & Me” Saturday 12 Baillieul. Just in time for the Paint Pottery holidays, children will learn The Best Christmas Pageant Our “Mom & Me” program how to help in the kitchen meets the second Monday of Ever and enjoy traditional foods. each month. We begin with
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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Ave. from 6-9 p.m. For more information, call (614) 9016500.
Saturday 19 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever See December 3. December Kids Camp — Cookies for Santa See December 5. Grandma & Grandpa & Me Stories This special story time at Old Worthington Library will feature songs and rhymes about what makes grandparents so special. Enjoy the stories and songs at the Worthington Library at 10 a.m., 820 High St. For more information, visit www.worthingtonlibraries.org.
Each class will include tasting the ingredient, cooking at least one dish, a story and lots of fun. Learn how to cook with cranberries from 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sprout Soup, 4310 N High St. Each class is $3 per child.
Friday 18 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever See December 3. Holiday Blood Drive Ready to give back this holiday season? Give the gift of life at the holiday blood drive. It will be held at Western & Southern Life, 1931 Ohio Dr. in Grove City from 2-8 p.m. Located just off 71 S. and Springtown Rd.
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To schedule a time to give, contact Ron Martin at (614) 277-4800 ext. 129, or Sally Sterling at (614) 277 4800 ext. 107, walk-ins are welcome. All donors will be entered to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Easton Shopping Center and an overnight stay at the Easton Hilton Hotel. Teen Night Enjoy music by DJ Matt Ryan, pizza by Pizza Primo, swimming, dancing, drinks and entertainment. For a $5 admission you will have access to the gym, a leisure pool including slides and climbing wall. This night is for ages 13-18 at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland
Sunday 20 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever See December 3.
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December 13 Children of all ages are invited to come and celebrate the holiday season. We will have numerous activities and games available, and Santa should be here to help kids paint and take pictures. Mrs. Claus will be sending lots of cookies to be sure we don’t get hungry. Advance reservations needed. $15 per child; 1-5 p.m. at Outside the Lines Creative Studio, 5236 Cemetery Rd. in Hilliard. Call (614) 547-7752 to sign up.
Santa Express See December 5.
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Santa Express See December 5.
Monday 21
COOL CONTEST: MOM OF THE YEAR
Holiday Camp Beat the boredom and join us for fun-filled activities with new and old friends. The camp is available for first grade through age 12. The camp is available on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. The class is held at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The cost is $30 for residents and $40 for non-residents.
nate her for Columbus Parent Magazine’s first ever Mom of the Year award!
Holiday Horse Training Camp Liberty Farms is offering this three-day camp for all aspiring riders to learn in a safe and fun environment. The camp is for ages 6-13. The camps dates are December 21-23 and another session
Think your mom’s the coolest? Then log on to ColumbusParent.com and nomiACT FAST, NOMINATION PERIOD ENDS DECEMBER 15! H1N1 LINKS Need the low-down on H1N1? We have links to all the latest info. FREE CASH! GET READY GIVEAWAY Need cash for college? Enter to win a $2,000 college scholarship from CollegeAdvantage, Ohio’s 529 Plan!
SECOND ANNUAL 12 DAYS OF GIVING
Celebrate the holidays by giving back to the community. The 12 Days of Giving is a project initiated by Columbus Parent Magazine to raise awareness of non-profit organizations during the holidays. Log on to read more about central Ohio non-profits.
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Holiday Party — Create with Claus
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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MAKE IT A WOW! FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT!
What A Movie! with Buzz Fitzgerald
Check Out Reviews Of Current WOW! OnDemand Movies!
www.columbusparent.com/calendar REVIEWS COMING UP IN NOVEMBER:
GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra December 3 to 9
Up December 10 to 16
on December 28-30. The camp is at Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. from 8:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. each day. The cost is $105 for residents and $120 for non-residents.
Tuesday 22 Holiday Camp See December 21.
Wednesday 23 Holiday Camp See December 21. Santa Express Hop aboard the Santa Express at Lodi Station Outlets. Train rides cost $2.50 per person and an adult must accompany all children. Lodi Station Outlets are located at 9911 Avon Lake Rd., in Burbank. The train is in operation from 12-5 p.m. For more information visit www.lodioutlets.net.
Saturday 26
Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince December 17 to 23
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian December 24 to 30
MAKE IT A WOW! FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT! • GATHER THE FAMILY • GET THE SNACKS
A Seussical Soiree The Columbus Athenaeum will transform into a Seussical Soiree for a lively evening full of fun and mischief with characters from Columbus Children’s Theatre’s upcoming production of Seussical the Musical. Enjoy heavy hors d’ouevres. This is a 21-andover event, please. The cost of the event is $150 at 32 N. Fourth St. Call (614) 7430104 for more information.
• GET COMFY!
Monday 28
• CHOOSE A GREAT FAMILY MOVIE FROM THE LARGE SELECTION AT WOW! OnDemand
Holiday Camp See December 21.
Don’t have WOW? Go to wowway.com or call 1-888-715-4719 today! 54
Holiday Horse Training Camp See December 21.
Tuesday 29 An American Girl’s
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
A Hogwart’s Holiday Break
December 31 In this class your child will be spending the holiday break at the famous Hogwart’s School for Magic conjuring up all sorts of mischief. Join Harry, Ron and Hermione and all of your favorite Hogwart’s characters as they celebrate the joy of the season. Just imagine the adventures they’ll have and the mysteries they’ll solve. The class is from 12-5 p.m. at the Columbus Children’s Theatre, Park Street Theatre and costs $85 for children ages 8-11. Holiday Break We are going to explore the wonderful American Girls stories — on stage. Students are encouraged to bring their dolls. Come and join us as we travel through time with Molly, Addy, Kit, Felicity, Samantha, Kristen and Josephina and explore when and how they lived. Not only will you be entertained at the end of the day, but you just might learn something, too. The class is from 12-5 p.m. at the Columbus Children’s Theatre, Park Street Theatre. $85 to attend and is primarily for children ages 8-11. Holiday Camp See December 21. Reach Out & Read Storytime
Ohio AAP President, Terry Barber, Sr., M.D. will be at Barnes & Noble Polaris on at 3 p.m. for storytime, reading his favorite children’s books. Stop by the store located at 1560 Polaris Pkwy. to listen to Dr. Barber read, and purchase books to benefit Reach Out & Read Ohio. Barnes & Noble Polaris has recently selected Reach Out & Read Ohio as a recipient of their Holiday Book Drive during the months of November and December.
Wednesday 30 Holiday Camp See December 21. Noon Lite Madness Celebrate the New Year at the preschoolers New Year’s
ColumbusParent.com
Eve celebration with crafts and entertainment. Help the kids count down to a New Year at noon and celebrate. The event is at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. from 11 a.m.-1 p. m. $3 per child at the door. For more information, call (614) 901-6500.
Thursday 31 First Night Columbus: Central Ohio’s Largest New Year’s Eve Celebration A community-oriented, substance-free celebration, First
Night offers something for everyone. At First Night Columbus, you’ll find over 150 entertainers in more than 15 downtown performance sites, and hands on activities involving the imagination and creativity of all participants. This is the perfect way for families, singles, young people and the young-at-heart to ring in the New Year. The fun is from 410 p.m.
Hogwart’s School for Magic conjuring up all sorts of mischief. Join Harry, Ron and Hermione and all of your favorite Hogwart’s characters as they celebrate the joy of the season. Just imagine the adventures they’ll have and the mysteries they’ll solve. The class is from 12-5 p.m. at the Columbus Children’s Theatre, Park Street Theatre and costs $85 and is for children ages 8-11.
A Hogwart’s Holiday Break In this class your child will be spending the holiday break at the famous
Don’t miss all our events online – click on Calendar, ColumbusParent.com!
Sign up for Momstyle Do you get our stylish e-newsletter? You should! It’s dish for moms with a lot on their plates. Fashion, tips and trends. Delivered weekly. And for the most up-to-date listing of what’s happening across central Ohio, turn to the Weekender section in The Columbus Dispatch each Thursday.
family marketplace Real Moms Helping Each Other If you would like to work from home & are tired of all the hassles, I’ve been there too! For info email happybeinghome@yahoo. com
Music & More
Looking for a Tutor? Mrs. James' Learning Club is a teacher-created tutoring network. We connect only highly qualified education majors, teachers, and experienced individuals to families in need of tutoring services. Tutoring is available for all subjects and grade levels. Let us help your child reach his or her maximum potential! ES 040109 525018001-1
AVON Need cash for the holi days? Great discount! Flexible, Easy, Fun!"$10 and 1 hour is all it takes to start your own Avon Bus. Call Anita, ISR 1-877-871-4275
(614) 746-0128
Balloon Twisting, Face Painting, More. Birthday Parties,
The Dublin Area Orton-Gillingham Method
579-6021
dyslexia.wordpress.com Reach over 58,000 central Ohio families! Advertise in Family Marketplace: (740) 888-5003.
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Brunch w/Santa, Fri.Dec.4th$10.00(child), $5.00(adult) Secret Gift Shoppe Dec.4 12:30 to 7, dec.5th 10 to 3,kids shop for parents,dec.6th 5:00 to 8:00 146 East Olentangy St. (614) 563-4807 StudioJSingPaintPlay .com
HOT BUTTON Santa Visits From the North Pole Costume Characters, Bounces, Mini-Golf Call Bruce at 507-6205or visit www.makingitfun.com Sing-Along and DanceAlong with Joanie Calem. Music & Movement classes for 1 to 6 yr. olds. Call Joanie Calem 208-6731
classes for kids • 1-7 & caregivers
Who Else Wants A Party Full of Laughter, Fun, & Happy Memories that Last a Lifetime?
Register Today
Winter session starts Jan. 11th
Annie | 740-965-3603 ask about school events & parties
www.anniejamband.com
Birthday Party at a Candy Shop... SWEET!
Call Joe Lyons Columbus’ Funniest Magician
(614)777-7632
www.heyjoelyons.com
Luke the Juggler
Party Program Includes:
• Candy themed games • Decorating cupcakes & ice cream • Candy art with Pucker Powder • Favor bag for each guest plus balloons and drinks
#1 MJ’s Candy Bar • 614-336-8170 TEDD #1 VO VOTE OP 72 N. High St. in downtown Dublin (across from the library) SHOP NDYY SH CA CAND BUSS mjscandybar@yahoo.com • www.mjscandybar.com MBU LUM IN IN COLU
Birthday’s a Specialty!
or call 614-947-0126
Dyslexia, ADHD, LD
Call Adrienne Edwards
Usborne Consultants needed for Book Fairs, Homeshows & Grants. Call 740-654-4009
Studio J’s
Corporate Events & Other Occasions Fun, Affordable, Experienced, Dependable. www.pozitheclown.com
in
PIANO or GUITAR LESSONS & Tutoring, at your home. OSU Music Grad, 12 yrs. exp. All ages & levels - Refs Available Call Ted, 352-9619 orletpiano@yahoo.com
Birthday Party? Magic, Puppets, Balloon Animals - Call Ken the Magician! Check out: www.b2bfamilyfun.com 740-369-5040
Pozi the Hippy Clown
www.MrsJamesLearningClub.webs.com
Reading Tutor
Promote Literacy
To place an ad call (740) 888-5003.
Parents sound off about controversial issues.
NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES!
CALL FOR PRICING THAT MEETS YOUR BUDGET! Look for Details & Info. Online
614.764.8010
LuketheJuggler.com Reach over 58,000 central Ohio families! Ask about our special promotions!
(740) 888-5003
December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
COOL CAT SITES ENTERTAINMENT • Private Parties • Corporate Events • After-Proms • Churches • Festivals • Reunions • Grand Openings
NOW SCHEDULING SANTA APPEARANCES COTTON CANDY, POPCORN & SNOW CONE MACHINES 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
• Moon Bounces • Gladiator Joust • Bungee Run • Sumo Wrestling • Velcro Wall
• Giant Twister • 22’ Giant Slide • Obstacle Course • Big Glove Boxing
• Clowns • Face Painters • Balloon Artist • Magicians • Jugglers
• Petting Zoo • Caricature Art • Dunk Tanks • Pony Rides
www.coolcatsites.com • 614-471-3628
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The bedroom superstore.
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December 2009 | Columbus Parent Magazine
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