Columbus Parent Magazine February 2010

ColumbusParent.com

february 2010 • free copy Central Ohio’s trusted resource since 1988

IS YOUR CHILD HAPPY IN SCHOOL? Every child deserves the chance to reach his or her potential. As America’s largest online education provider for grades K through 12, that’s what we do best. Our flexible program is proven to work for children who aren’t thriving in a traditional school.

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

www.K12.com/oh 866.339.9074 ColumbusParent.com

January 30, 2010 – May 9, 2010 An Exhibit about the (Impolite) Science of the Human Body When was the last time you were truly en-GROSS-ed with biology? If you’ve ever wondered what causes gas build up, why you barf, or why snot comes out of your nose, bring your entire family to GROSSOLOGY: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. Free with COSI Membership or General Admission CREATED AND PRODUCED BY ADVANCED EXHIBITS, A DIVISION OF ADVANCED ANIMATIONS, LLC. IN COLLABORATION WITH SCIENCE WORLD BRITISH COLUMBIA.

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Don’t miss: It’s

Snot Science February 20

Meet real health professionals and ask all those embarrassing questions you never thought you could ask. Add our Get Gross with Science Family Workshop to your day for an additional fee.

333 West Broad Street | Columbus, OH 43215 | 614.228.2674 | www.cosi.org |

ColumbusParent.com

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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February 2010

MARBURN ACADEMY

VOLU M E 22 • I SSU E 2

BETWEEN HOPE, POSSIBILITY, AND GRADUATION.

features 12

Talking with teens Say this, not that

FREE COMMUNITY PARENT SEMINAR

“Early Identification, Intervention, and Reading Development” February 9, 2010 • 7:00 - 9:00 PM

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Teens making a difference Profiles of kids paying it forward

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Pregnant at 17 Rachel’s story

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Dating your spouse Make time for two

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Valentine’s Day romance Without breaking the bank

FREE EARLY READING SCREENING

Cover photo by Amy Clark thenextstepstudios.com and babystepsstudios.com

For children aged 5-7 February 26, 2010 • Space is limited Appointment times vary

departments From the experts

ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE MARCH 8, 2010 • 7:00 - 9:00 PM Tour the school and learn about our outstanding programs.

RSVP to Barbara Davidson • 614-433-0822 or bdavidson@marburnacademy.org 1860 Walden Dr., 43229 WWW.MARBURNACADEMY.ORG 4

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Pediatric HealthSource Understanding the signs of torticollis

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Growing up Online Online self defense

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Making the Grade Help! My teen hates school

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Out & About Family calendar

Short takes 8

Sports Doc Watch for kids hiding injuries

Seen & Noted Trends, tips and resources

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Fast Food Heart-healthy cake

In the News A briefing for busy parents

30

Family Media Teen reads from the Columbus Metropolit an Library

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Newest & Neatest Fun and functional reviews for families

Viewpoints 6

In our community

Editor’s Note Take our teens, please

33

Family Getaways Ohio’s lake region

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The Dad Files Get into the kitchen

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

ColumbusParent.com

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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editor’s note | staci perkins

Take our teens, please!

Not really. Well, okay, maybe sometimes.

You know what used to drive me crazy? When my kids were little and sweet and some other mom would come up to me and say, “Oh sure, they’re cute now. You just WAIT until they’re teenagers!” Like they knew it all. Clearly, they weren’t celebrating motherhood and were taking their children for granted. They must be such bitter people, I thought. I’ll never be that way.

And now? Bitter doesn’t begin to cover it. Because there’s so much more that comes with being a parent of a teen: confusion, isolation, worry, oh, the WORRY. The little people we raised who used to say, “I wuv you, Mommy,” now don’t even want to be in the same zip code. It’s like learning to be a parent all over again. Only harder.

So, such was the inspiration for our teen issue. Do we have all the answers? Of course not. We’d have made a fortune by now if we did. But, we delve deep into the minds of teens (scary), and touch on some controversial topics such as teen pregnancy. Read this article with your son or daughter, or put it under his or her pillow to read alone.

It’s sobering, but told from the eyes of a teen parent, which may make your teen perk up and pay attention.

Speaking of listening, how’s that going for you? In our Talking with Teens feature, we’ll give you tips on how to talk with your teenager without putting her on the defensive. Research shows that involved (read: nagging) parents really do make a dif-

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ference in the lives of teens.

They may not appear to be listening, but the important things do get through.

But it’s not all doom and gloom with teens. We profile several in this issue who are making a difference in the community by giving back to those around them and helping others in need.

Plus, we’ve got Valentine’s Day covered with fun and inexpensive date night ideas. To get through the crazy years of parenting, we all need a night out now and then.

Let me know what you think of our teen issue — send your comments to columbusparent @thisweeknews.com. And remember, there’s no “I” in teen. We’re all in this together.

Launching this month!

A social network just for central Ohio moms!

Introducing ColumbusMomstyle.com — a place to share your thoughts, get support, and meet other moms just like you. Enjoy freebies, moms’ nights out and all the great resources you rely on from Columbus Parent Magazine, 10TV and The Columbus Dispatch.

Real women. Real moms.

Go us! Log on to ColumbusMomstyle.com to join. It’s free!

february online at columbusparent.com Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

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Talking to teens

Teen pregnancy in Ohio

The secrets of dating your spouse

Teens doing good

A dad’s point of view: Raising kids takes a lot of luck

February’s issue online: Log on every day for new stories!

Children’s authors and illustrators week

Women’s heart week

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Family is key to unlocking teen school success

Keep teen drivers safe behind the wheel

College Goal Sunday in Ohio

Use Super Bowl for teachable moments

A dad’s point of view: A dad, his son, Ds and Fs

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Be heart healthy

Secrets of a long happy marriage

Spring sports safety

Put your career safety net in place

A dad’s point of view: When did I become the senior dad?

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National pancake week!

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What kids are searching for online

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Penny Harvest program helps kids make a difference

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How to help a loved one overcome sexual abuse

Teen success; 9 ways to support your teen; tackling peer pressure

A dad’s point of view: A man and his dogs

Parentphrase January’s results: How many times per week does your family eat at a restaurant?

38% Hardly ever 0% 3-4 times

58% 1-3 times 4% Almost every night

February’s question: Do you feel like your teen runs your household?

ONN’s Parenting Project Watch an article come to life! Tune in to ONN’s Parenting Project each Wednesday.

Got something to s ay?

E-mail ColumbusParent@ThisWeekNews.com

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

ColumbusParent.com

February 2010 Volume 22 | Issue 2

Published by ThisWeek Community Media editor | staci perkins retail & online sales manager | veronica lynagh design and production | 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 libraries and 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.

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.

Website Design

Special Section College Guide

Front Cover Original Photo

Headlines

Are you the parent of a child younger than 6 years?

If so, you may qualify for a research study. You will be asked to come to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for one research session that will last about two hours. You will answer questions on a computer about yourself and your child’s health and safety. Compensation will be provided.

Call Michele Patak at 614-355-3602 or e-mail Michele.Patak@NationwideChildrens.org for more information.

Interview

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS OF AMERICA Third Place: Best Parenting Publication 2009

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ColumbusParent.com

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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seen and noted | staci perkins

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Martial arts academy opens in New Albany Certified master martial artist Master Tan Tran recently announced the opening of Master Tran’s Martial Arts Academy at 4973 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany, in the Urban Active plaza.

Master Tran’s Martial Arts Academy offers numerous forms of martial arts training, including Taekwondo, Haidong Gumdo, Muay Thai, Hapkido, Olympic-style competition training, Tai Chi Chuan and women’s self-defense. Classes are offered Monday through Friday during evening hours and private lessons are available.

Photo courtesy of Master Tran’s Martial Arts Academy

A master martial artist with more than 40 years of experience, Master Tran is a certified instructor in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Vo Tu Do (free-style kickboxing), Vo Binh Dinh (traditional Vietnamese Kung Fu), Tai Chi Chuan, Hapkido, Haidong Gumdo, Seven-Mountain Spiritual

Kung Fu, Vo Thieu Lam Nam Quyen (southern style of Shaolin Kung Fu), Chi Kung and Ki-Healing. He also is an award-winning Olympic-style martial artist who offers specialized training in Olympic-style competition combat, yet he focuses the majority of his teachings on traditional, authentic Asian martial arts and practical, real-life selfdefense. The Academy also focuses on maintaining good health, building selfesteem and having fun.

For more information, call (614) 599-1266, or email mastertran@ TranMartialArts.com.

ColumbusMomstyle.com Real women. Real moms. Go us!

Momstyle, your favorite e-magazine, is getting a makeover!

That's right, get ready for ColumbusMomstyle .com, launching February 1! It's a social network hangout just for moms. Well, and a couple of really brave dads who have great stuff to share.

We recently started recruiting discussion leaders, hoping for 15 to 20 chatty gals who could get the ball rolling. As I'm writing, we have surpassed 110! What's that tell us? That this is a much-needed service in central Ohio.

Discussion leaders were asked why they want to be a part of Columbus

Momstyle.com and comments ranged from "I need a place to escape!" to "I want to connect with other moms and make new friends." It's also going to be a place to network, offer support, start groups based on your interests, and win all kinds of freebies and goodies.

It's all about you.

And because it's backed by Columbus Parent Magazine, 10TV and The Columbus Dispatch, you know you'll get all the latest parenting resources, news and events around town. We're all thrilled to be a part of this big initiative. Join today!

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To shop smart and save money, of course!

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offers daily blogs telling you where the latest and greatest finds are. Plus, get weekly menus that use ingredients currently on sale. Talk to other savvy shoppers on our

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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TheBAG.com is the local source to learn to shop smart and save money. What are you waiting for? Sign up now!

Children of America Columbus Childcare is first in state Children of America Educational Childcare has opened its first school in the state at 8360 N. High St. The new center welcomes parents to tour the facility to experience the specially designed classrooms and learn about the company’s age-appropriate curriculums. The school offers educational programming for children ages six weeks to 12 years.

Curriculum is designed to promote: ■ Sensory and motor ability development in a music-filled, reassuring environment for infants (six weeks to 16 months); ■ Eye-hand coordination and socialization skills such as sharing and taking turns for toddlers (16 months to 2 1/2 years); ■ Self-help skills, physical coordination, artistic expression and understanding of colors and shapes, language and letters for preschoolers (2 1/2 to 4 years); ■ Supervised fun and homework assistance before and after school for students (5 to 12 years); and ■ Fun-filled learning adventures throughout the summer months at Camp WOW for children ages 5 to 12 years.

Visit the school to complete an application Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (614) 985-1993.

ColumbusParent.com

MARCH 2–7, 2010 | PAlaCE THEATRE WWW.THE101DALMATIANSMUSICAL.COM

ticketmaster.com | 1-800-745-3000 & outlets | broadwayacrossamerica.com capa.com • 614-469-0939 | Ohio Theatre Ticket Office | For Group Sales, call Jolane at 614-719-6900 ColumbusParent.com

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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Summer Activities Expo highlights pre-K through teen programs

Feb. 27–Mar. 7 Ohio Expo Center Tickets$10/adults, children 12 & under free Saturdays 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sundays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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Talent alent’s blooming, too

discount coupon available soon at Central Ohio National City/PNC bank branches!

Appearing Saturday, Feb. 27 Acclaimed garden writer

TRACY DISABATOAUST

will present tips to make your garden the best it can be.

Host of HGTV’s Designed To Sell

SHANE TALLANT

will help your place go from ordinary to being able to fetch top dollar on the market.

Can you believe it’s already time to start thinking about what your kids will do this summer?

Companies that provide children’s programming are setting their dates, creating camp and workshop curriculum and will be ready to showcase new offerings within the next couple of months.

One of the best ways to learn about these programs is by attending the Summer Activities Expo. These expos provide an opportunity for you to visit more than 50 companies that provide children’s programming — all on one night and all under the same roof. A wide range of companies exhibit, from dance and sports camps, to water ski and reptile programs, plus many

Photo by J. Shively

more. Company owners and spokespersons are available to help you find the perfect program for your kids, provide in-depth information on their offerings and reserve space in their programs on-the-spot.

There are two upcoming expos sponsored by Columbus Parent Magazine and T hisWeek Community Newspapers: WPC Summer Camp/Activities Expo Tuesday, March 9, 5:30-8 p.m.

Westerville North High School 950 County Line Rd. www.westervillepta.org

7th Annual Summer Activities Expo at Olentangy Tuesday, March 16, 5:30-8 p.m.

Orange Middle School 2680 E. Orange Rd., Lewis Center www.orangems.olentangypto.org

Appearing Sunday, March 7 Stars of Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes”

GEOF MANTHORNE Manthorne, the Executive Sous Chef at Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes, is known for his dry sense of humor and incredible creations, such as the Taj Mahal and Notre Dame Cathedral.

For updates and details, go to www.dispatchevents.com

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MARY ALICE FALLON YESKEY Fallon Yeskey is the manager in charge of keeping Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes on track and organized.

Local investment professionals earn Certified College Planning Specialist certification Ryan Sheppard, CCPS and Joseph Messinger, CCPS, CLU, financial planning professionals with Capstone Wealth Partners, Ltd., have attained the Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) certification from the National Institute of Certified College Planners.

There are fewer than 500 Certified College Planning Specialists in the country.

The National Institute of Certified College Planners (www.niccp.com) restricts the CCPS certification to registered investment advisers, licensed

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

securities representatives, CPAs, attorneys and other higher education pr ofessionals who assist families in pr eparing for the cost of sending childr en to college. The organization provides educational resources and support to CCPS candidates and designees, including training and testing in the ar eas of paying for college, saving for college, and advanced college funding strategies.

Ryan and Joe can be contacted directly at Capstone Wealth Partners, Ltd., (614) 754-7805.

ColumbusParent.com

Marisol’s powerful voice is saving lives. After being diagnosed with a heart condition, and following advice from her mom, she chose to speak up and improve her family’s fitness and nutrition plan. Today her voice, her family— and her heart—are stronger than ever.

CHOOSE TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD. Start by visiting www.heart.org/ columbusohgoredluncheon. Wear Red on February 5, 2010, National Wear Red Day. Join the Go Red For Women Luncheon on February 18, 2010. Speak up and choose to be a better you.

©2009, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund.

Go Red trademark of AHA, Red Dress trademark of DHHS.

ColumbusParent.com

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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feature | kristen maetzold

Get into the Act Doktor Kaboom!

Saturday, February 6, 11 a.m.

Doktor Kaboom! is an interactive one-man science variety show for all audiences. Join him for a journey of spectacular, and often successful, experiments and demonstrations.

Recommended for all ages. Tickets: $7 adults; $5 children and seniors.

Professional opera singers and children ages 8-13 present Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, a fun musical storytelling journey. Opera Columbus will offer a one-hour workshop on the day of the performance for 30 students who serve as chorus and supporting roles in the production. Visit www.dublin.oh.us/recreation for more information on the workshop. Recomended for ages 5 and up. Tickets: $7 adults, $5 children and seniors.

Toddler Theater Wednesday, February 10 & 24, 10 a.m.

Performer Marlene Metz plays children’s music and is joined by a special costumed character for each performance. Enjoy a wonderful, interactive performance designed specially for young ones. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Tickets: $2 per child.

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A one-word answer punctuated by a double eye roll. Sound familiar?

That one-two punch delivers a knock-out blow every time. For any parent trying to start a conversation with his or her teenager, don’t assume this one word has to be the last word. Give yourself a fighting chance.

Talk isn’t cheap, it’s priceless

The Pirates of Penzance Saturday, February 20, 11 a.m.

www.dublin.oh.us 614-410-4550

Talking with teens: The first word

Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road, or by calling 614-410-4550.

You know what “they” say about communication.

Begin paving that two-way street when children are young. Meaningful talks with your first-grader are the first step down the path to deeper conversations later.

“If you haven’t opened up the dialogue for the last couple of years, don’t expect that you’re going to walk into the bedroom and close the door and your child will just magically open up,” said Columbus psychologist Dr. David Lowenstein. “They’re going to feel like you shut them out of your life, so in turn there’s a good chance that they may shut you out as well.”

A mom I recently talked to insists persistence pays.

“Being there consistently, listening, asking questions, just building a relationship is probably the most important thing. When deeper issues arise, the

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

columbusparent.com Letting them go without letting them down: Separating from and nurturing our kids is trickier than ever. Visit ColumbusParent.com for help.

ColumbusParent.com

questions at me as soon as I child has the backlog to open up and count on y ou.� walk in the door,� said 18year-old Allison. “At the same time, I wouldn’t want A little down time my parents to completely (Teenagers’ names have ignore me, because that been changed to protect would make me feel like their identities ... and their they don’t care,� said 16allowances).

The teenagers I talked to year-old C.J., recognizing all agreed that parents don’t he’s asking his parents to have a true appreciation for walk a fine line between the amount of pressure that showing too much interest kids are under on a day-to- and not enough. The teenagers also agreed that a day basis. Sixteen-year-old parent’s tone of voice plays Ward said, “I think for parents it’s hard to understand a huge role in how kids how our lives could be har d, respond. but you have to put it in perspective to where we are in life. What we deal with now is on a different scale, but it’s still the same amount of stress (as parents’).� “Sometimes I don’t like to talk right after school because it’s been a long day.

I just want to relax,� said 17-year-old Christine. The teens said a little down time when they walk in the door after school/practice/job, etc., goes a long way to improve their moods and improves a parent’s chances of getting more than a oneword response. “I don’t like it when they immediately start firing

Pitching in without pitching a fit The chore of getting kids to do chores can be more labor intensive than the chore itself. Interestingly, all of the teens agreed that children should share responsibility for daily household chores. However, they thought deadlines for chores would be more effective than constant nagging. If kids fail to finish the chore by the deadline, parents have the right to be peeved.

Touchy topics Chores are one thing, but

approaching your kids about sex and drugs is a whole different ball game.

Scott Gordon, varsity football coach and dean of students at Thomas Worthington High School, Scott Gordon, talks to kids all day long. He also is the father of two teenagers.

Gordon believes social media like texting and Facebook have created a very savvy young generation. He believes a mature, honest approach is best. “They learn more at an earlier age. Don’t be afraid to talk about touchy subjects.�

Gordon said kids’ increased knowledge increases the pressure on them and being able to turn to a parent helps.

Parent vs. friend “A lot of parents feel like they should be friends with their kids, but friends means that you’re at their level,� Lowenstein said. “What (teenagers) need is somebody who’s going to help them manage all the things they have going on in their life.�

Gordon agreed. “It’s important to remember that kids are inexperienced

humans; they need and want parameters.� Gordon suggests that parents be clear in expressing their expectations and consistent with the message. He also thinks positives can come when kids test limits, as long as no safety issues ar e involved. “They are developing people; they have to learn for themselves and that includes learning from the consequences that grow from poor choices.�

The teens all admitted there have been many times that they didn’t agree with a parent’s decision, but realized later that it was for the best. However, they would like to see a little blurr ing of that hard line between friend and parent. “I think if a parent lives by the ‘I’m your parent and not your friend’ rule, then they shouldn’t expect you to talk to them about everything,�

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ColumbusParent.com

Kristen Maetzold is a freelance writer and producer for Living & Learning TV with 18 years’ experience as a television news producer. She lives in Worthington with her husband David and three step c hildren, Will (22), Anna (18), and Andrew (16), and is a new-ish mom to Ellie, almost 2

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Even in the best parentteen relationships, it’s seldom the child who star ts the conversation. Ward said it’s not because the teen doesn’t want to talk, he or she just doesn’t know how to open the conversation.

He said it would help if his parents just listened instead of offering advice. C.J. agreed. “It’s almost like sometimes (parents) put too much pressure on themselves to give you the right advice.�

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important if you have the first word, or last word, it’s what’s in between that matters. Conversation is a twoway street, as so are many of life’s greatest rewards.

A friend who is a mom of teenage twins sums it up nicely. “The more time, love and respect we show our teens, the more we get in return.�

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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feature | marguerite marsh

Teens making a difference Humane Society of Central Oregon.

Her first donation was enough to feed 456 dogs for one day. As of January 4, 2010, freekibble and freekibblekat, have raised over 285,000 pounds (142 tons) of kibble to be shared among 13 shelters across the U.S. It’s no wonder she was a 2008 ASPCA Humane Award Winner for her efforts.

dren ages 5 and 6. “I’ve worked in the office, been a teacher’s assistant and an outside supervisor,” said O’Brien. “I’ve learned so much. They’ve taught me as much as I’ve taught them. I’m better at working with people. I see things from their point of view. I’ve learned not to take things so seriously and the importance of going out and helping people.”

She and her friends also help walk dogs at the Capital Sally O’Brien Area Humane Society. “We Mimi Ausland As an 18-year-old senior at can walk dogs and hang out Upper Arlington High School, together,” O’Brien said. Her Not many people, let involvement with dogs doesSally O’Brien has a busy alone teens or tweens, can n’t end there. She and her schedule. She takes classes, say that they started a webfamily have been raising pupsite to feed hungry compan- tutors other students, is the pies for Pilot Dogs since 2001. ion animals at a local shelter. copy editor for her high They’ve raised seven puppies But Mimi Ausland, a 12-year- school yearbook and design old from Bend, Oregon, who editor for the school’s literary so far — keeping each for a arts magazine. She also works year. “We all help out in volunteered at the shelter, watching, socializing and can say she did — successful- three days a week in a local training,” she said. “My parrestaurant. But that doesn’t ly. stop her from volunteering at ents played a big role in this.

Ausland first got the idea from the Free Rice site, where school and in the community. They have taught me that I have the resources to go out “Volunteering is a every question you answer and help people and influcorrectly donates 10 grains of two-way street,” O’Brien ence the community. I have explained. “No matter how rice to the World Food the time. And I still have time Program to help end hunger. much I give, I get something to hang out with my friends. I in return.”

Instead of rice, she selected can still do what I want to do, Her list of volunteer kibble for cats and dogs. so why not?” projects is extensive — at Every day two questions are posted — one about cats and school she is involved with school musicals Peer one about dogs. When you Erin O’Brien Collaboration, Respect answer, correctly or incorrectly, you Yourself, the Honor Flight Erin O’Brien is a 16-yeardonate 10 pieces of kibble to Club, and is a camp counold junior at Upper Arlington each animal. selor for sixth graders at Big High School and is Sally’s sisAccording to her website, Brothers Big Sisters’ Camp ter. Erin also is communityAusland launched freekibble Oty’Okwa. She volunteers oriented and involved in on April 1, 2008. By May 14, every summer at Upper many of the same organizashe had collected 240 pounds Arlington’s Safety Town, just tions as Sally, but also marchof food, which she delivered as she has done since sixth es to her own drummer. Erin to her local shelter, the grade — working with chilhas donated her hair to Locks Video games, iPods, cell phones, texting, TV watching, bad behavior — that’s the profile that some people attribute to today’s teens.

Some fit that stereotype, but most don’t.

The problem is that good behavior doesn’t always get the press that bad behavior does. Take a look at some teens making a difference. It may change the way you look at kids 18 and under.

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of Love — to donate, hair must be 10 inches long or longer. “I’ve always hated getting my hair cut,” O’Brien said. “When I was 11 years old it was down to my hips.

I’ve done it three times and I plan to keep doing it.”

She also is a part of the Link Crew at school, helping the freshmen adjust to being in high school, has directed the local middle school’s annual musical, is involved in Respect Yourself and has been a camp counselor for sixth graders at Camp Oty’Okwa. “The whole sixth grade goes,” O’Brien said.

“The whole goal is to be positive role models. They may not know how to act in a new environment. We share the entire camp experience.”

She’s learned from the campers, too, she said.

“They’ve taught me the value

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

of looking at someone else’s perspective. And to just let go and have fun.”

Since the sixth grade, O’Brien has spent her sum-

mers at Safety Town.

Currently she’s a teacher’s aide, helping kids with crafts and teaching them songs. She also teaches traffic safety and

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how to be a safe pedestrian.

And what has she learned?

“I’ve developed new people skills and communication skills interacting with kids, their parents and the officers.

It’s getting me ready for an adult job and the interviews.”

O’Brien’s goal is to study communications and maybe work in public relations. “I enjoy working with a lot of people,” she said, and Safety Town has probably helped me realize that.”

O’Brien’s advice for teens who wish to volunteer but can’t decide what to do is to try the Humane Society. “It’s very popular. It’s easy to clean up cages and walk dogs. Find your talents and your skill to make a difference. Figure out what you are good at and what you enjoy.

Do you like sports? How about the Special Olympics?

Helping kids? Find a school that can use your help.

There’s something for all kinds of interests.”

To find out more about the organizations mentioned in this story, visit the following websites.

Eryn’s Healing Arts — Raises money to help sickle cell patients. www.erynshealingarts.com Freekibble — Answer two questions (right or wrong) and donate kibble to shelter cats and dogs. www.freekibble.com and freekibblekat.com Free Rice — Answer questions correctly and donate rice to the World Food Programme to help end hunger. www.freerice.com Food for Others — The largest distributor of free food directly to people in need in Northern Virginia. www.foodforothers.org Honor Flight Network — Raises donations to help fly WWII veterans to see the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C. www.honorflight.org Locks of Love — Donate hair and help provide hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. www.locksoflove.org Nationwide Children’s Hospital Wish List — Help a hospitalized child by donating needed items. www. nationwidechildrens.org/wish-list-for-donations Pilot Dogs, Inc. — Provides guide dogs for the visually impaired. www.pilotdogs.org Safety Town — Helps teach children ages 5-6 about pedestrian and bike safety. www.uaho.net/

toy drive was born when she was hospitalized while receivEryn Dalton Powell ing treatment for SCA. “It can be pretty painful,” she said.

Winner of a Columbus 2009 Jefferson Award for pub- “The blood cells get clogged in the veins. I tried to distract lic service, and creator of myself from the pain — I did Eryn’s Healing Arts website, some drawings and made Eryn Dalton Powell has a lot some cards.” of life knowledge at age 14.

Diagnosed with sickle cell The gift cart that offers anemia (SCA) at a young age, patients arts and crafts, toys, Powell has spent plenty of notebooks and stuffed anitime at Nationwide Children’s mals, was a help. “People Hospital. The idea for her first donate the items,” she said.

“It made me feel better that someone was thinking about me.”

Powell started her toy drive with her classmates, who were excited about helping out. Her first drive was such a success that she’s made it an annual event, even getting help from the Chicago Symphony and teachers at her school.

The idea for her website came when her mother

noticed her drawings and made cards from them.

Powell now sells the cards on her site as a fundraiser. Her goal? To help and educate others with SCA. “A lot of people don’t even know they have the disease. A 16-year-old had a stroke and then she was diagnosed.” She also just wants to help others.

“If someone else could feel better about anything — I want to do something to help them. Helping other people makes me happy. I just love it.”

Powell has other plans for her website — like creating a calendar from the photos she loves to take. But they will have to wait. Because of SCA, she missed a lot of school this year and has a lot of homework to catch up on. But that won’t keep her down. “I like the feel of accomplishment,” she said. “But at the same time, I still feel like I can still do more. I’m really, really happy, but I know I can keep on going.”

Marguerite Marsh is a freelance writer and winner of the Ohio Public Images 2008 Print Journalism Award of Excellence for her Columbus Parent article “Motherhood Redefined and Transformed by Treacher Collins Syndrome.” She writes about health and wellness, families, relationships and pets. Her blog, Heavy Petting, is on ColumbusParent.com.

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

17

feature | nicole fletcher

Pregnant at 17: Rachel’s story The problem could be that parents are just not being open and honest with kids when it comes to having ‘the sex talk,’or maybe teenagers don’t want to listen to what their parents and other adults have to say about sex. Either way, Ohio, we have a problem.

According to a federal report released in January 2009, when it comes to teen pregnancy, Ohio ranks 25th.

Ohio teens between the ages of 15 and 19 who became pregnant, rate 40 births per 1,000 teens. This upsetting rate is just below the national average of about 42 per 1,000.

New York-based Dr. Jennifer Austin Leigh said, “Parents need to create a safe and loving relationship for their sons and daughters to be able to talk with them openly and freely about sex.” And I completely agree. We need to educate the teenagers who are not yet parents and we also

18

should help to continue to educate the teenagers who are. The teen mother who is already feeling lonely, overwhelmed, and who has this huge responsibility, needs to be supported and loved in order to become the best mother she can be.

We need to encourage her to be successful in life — for herself and her child.

Rachel Coleman, an 18year-old Columbus mom, told me that before her pregnancy she didn’t have a care in the world. She said that she didn’t have to plan when she wanted to go out with her friends. Going to the movies, grabbing a bite to eat, or just simply hanging out was planned in the moment. “I guess I was pretty much your average teen,” Rachel said.

Rachel is now Mom to 7month-old Logan, and was happy to share her story with me in hopes that other young girls will see that it is not at all easy to be a teen

“I want teenagers to realize if you are sexually active, this can happen to you, too. If you are not at the point in your life where you are ready to give up your wants and needs for a baby, then you need to do everything to be as safe as possible if you still choose to have sex.” to a local store and picked up a home pregnancy test.

The results of the test came out so fast, it was pretty clear that I, in fact, was pregnant.

A doctor’s appointment later that day confirmed it — I was a 17-year-old high school senior who was about to become a mom. I had only been dating this boy for about four months when I got pregnant. It definitely was not a planned pregnancy and while being sexually active in our relationship, we could have been a lot safer, but we were not.

I was in too much shock to tell my mom. My sister Rachel Coleman with son Logan. told her so that way she My child’s father and I could be at the doctor’s mom. She wants teenagers were just friends at first and office with me that day. to realize how being careThen it was time to sit my less and carefree in a relathen decided to date the dad down and fill him in. tionship can change your summer before our senior My mom was very suplife forever. The following is year. It was senior year and what Rachel asked me to I was on my way to my next portive because she was my age when she first got pregshare with all of you. class when I became very nant. My dad reacted a lit“I met Logan’s father dizzy and passed out. I tle at first, but all in all, I during my junior year at thought it was because I Fairfield Career Center. FCC didn’t eat that morning. My had complete support from my family. I am grateful for is a vocational school sister picked me up from my family, because I was so where kids can go to study school and one of the very scared and had no idea for what they want to do first questions she asked what I was going to do. I after high school. I was me was, ‘Rachel, is there a just knew as long as I had going there for health tech- chance that you could be nology, which is pretty pregnant?’ I had to be hon- them, I’d be able to make it much like nursing. est, and I said yes. We went through anything.

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

Being pregnant my senior year was so tough. I went from hanging out with my friends every day, to going out maybe once a week if that. I stayed at home a lot and read. That’s how I became a Twilight fan! I missed my senior prom because I was in my eighth month of pregnancy.

My pregnancy took a toll on my body right around prom and graduation. All of my friends were going to graduation parties while I was at home trying to stay off my swelling feet.

I have one friend who has stuck with me throughout this entire thing. She is the only one I can talk to and do things with.

Occasionally, my parents will watch Logan so I can have a little time to myself.

Children take up a lot of time. If you are not willing to give it to them, then you won’t be ready to be a parent.

My son’s father stayed with me throughout my entire pregnancy, but when our son was about 2 months old, we came to realize our relationship was not going to work out. He sees our baby about once a week and tries to help out,

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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but as of now, I really do not get much help from him.

Overall, I love being a mom. Of course I get overwhelmed and exhausted, but honestly what mom doesn’t?

I want teenagers to realize if you are sexually active, this can happen to you, too. If you are not at the point in your life where you are ready to give up your wants and needs for a baby, then you need to do everything to be as safe as possible if you still choose to have sex.

My family is the only reason I am able to get through this time in my life.

Teen moms have to go through so many obstacles.

A lot in your life will change. I had to give up my childhood because I made the mistake of not having safe sex. Don’t get me

“For me, babies = time + love + patience. If you are a teen mom and you make it out still standing, you should be strong enough to make it through anything.” wrong, I love Logan to pieces, but I do wish I could be in a more stable position to support him.

For me, babies = time + love + patience. If you are a teen mom and you make it out still standing, you should be strong enough to make it through anything. I can’t give Logan everything right now, but I do give him what he needs. I am planning on providing us with a better life as we both get older.”

Right now, Rachel is taking a phlebotomy class.

When she becomes more financially stable, she plans

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

to continue her education by going back to school to become a pediatric nurse.

Leigh teaches what she calls COAL to parents of teenage girls. COAL stands for Curiosity, Openness, Acceptance and Love.

“Putting your head in the sand is not a good way to deal with the fact that teenagers are being sexually active,” she said. Dr. Jenn, as she is sometimes called, is an award-winning author who said her new book, The Secrets Guys Wish You Knew about Love, is a great resource to put in the hands of every teenage girl

you know.

You can find out more about Dr. Jennifer Austin Leigh by logging onto www.parentingteengirls.co m and www.honorthegirl.me.

Please join Rachel Coleman and Nicole Fletcher along with hundreds of other teen moms on www.myspace.com/teenmommagazine and www.teenmommagazineonline.com.

Nicole L. Fletcher (pregnant at age 17) was at one time a teen mom. Now in her early 30s, she is passionate about encouraging teen moms to be great parents and to be successful in life.

Nicole lives in Reynoldsburg with her husband and three kids.

For more information, log on to www.teenmommagazineonline.c om.

ColumbusParent.com

feature | vanessa druckman

The secrets of dating your spouse It’s been a decade since my wedding, but my husband and I are still as affectionate and demonstrative as we were on our honeymoon — talking on the phone throughout the day and calling each other “Sweets.”

My friends often ask me for the secret of our connectivity. My answer is simple: date night. We are passionately committed to our Saturday night escapes from our household tasks to have fun together, just like before we became “Mommy” and “Daddy.”

Usually when the babysitter arrives, the house is a mess, the kids are climbing the walls, and we are exhausted and cranky.

Grabbing my purse to walk out the door is the last thing I want to do, but a few hours later, after a quiet dinner with uninterrupted conversation followed by a fun, light movie, we return home, reconnected and relaxed.

The dates that leave us the most satisfied are our marathon date nights, when we begin with a spirited game of tennis or squash before heading out to dinner

and a movie. On the court, we can really let loose, letting go of all the stress of the week, talking trash to each other before each serve.

Debbie Mandel, author of Addicted to Stress: a Woman’s 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life, explains why these tennis nights give us such great release. “There is nothing better than an exercise date.

Nothing sheds stress as efficiently as moving your body.

And it increases your libido.”

Rachel Tayse, a work-athome-mom in Columbus, is committed to having a date night with her husband every other week. Before becoming parents, she and her husband loved going to the movies. Now they focus on doing things together so they can really talk and make the most of their kidfree time. This typically involves going out to dinner, often appetizer-hopping between two or three restaurants in the Short North or other fun neighborhoods.

They also occasionally go to a bar or theater to see live music after dining out.

Dr. Terri Orbuch, author

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“There is nothing better than an exercise date. Nothing sheds stress as efficiently as moving your body. And it increases your libido.”

— DEBBIE MANDEL, author of Addicted to Stress: a Woman’s 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life.

of 5 Simple Steps to Take your Marriage from Good to Great, applauds the Tayses’ commitment to fun. Her studies of 373 couples over 22 years have shown her that spouses can easily become distant roommates under the stress of household duties and childrearing. The most successful marriages continued the honeymoon aura of the beginning of the relationship by maintaining a sense of newness together.

Experiencing fun and laughter together at concerts,

comedy clubs, or movies is a great way to keep things novel.

Corinne Rogers, a mother of three in Dublin, even found a way to have fun with her husband without leaving the house. She organized kid-free game nights with like-minded friends. Once a month, they get together to play games like poker or Twister. They’ve even gone beyond indoor games to hold outdoor Olympics (think Slip-n-Slide and blindfolded badminton)

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

and organized murder mystery parties.

Date nights don’t need to be elaborate (or expensive) affairs. Liz Thompson, mother of four and author of the blog, This Full House, will take any time alone with her husband. They recently had a great date night at Home Depot and Lowe’s, hunting for a new water heater together. What could have been a stressful and dreary night was transformed into a special evening goofing around at

home improvement stores together, asking store employees whether they offered free martinis.

If the challenge of turning a trip down the aisles of your local supermarket into a fun outing seems too daunting, there are plenty of other inexpensive activities to choose from. Literary couples can attend author readings at their local libraries or bookstores. Many museums offer a free admission night regularly. Couples can pore over the local newspaper

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together, hunting for fun free events to attend.

Some parents report having their most memorable date nights without even leaving the house. Date nights don’t have to be expensive; the important thing is to have atmosphere and focus on your spouse.

Robin Gorman Newman, founder of the Love Coach and Motherhood Later websites, recommends creating a boudoir evening at home, with the caveat that this is not a family affair — so the kids either need to be at another house or deeply asleep. Begin by sending an invitation to your spouse at work, setting the tone by spraying it with perfume and kissing it with lipstick.

Then greet your spouse at the door in a special outfit, with dinner all prepared.

Having taken such care to set the ambiance will guar-

antee a special evening that will make your partner feel valued.

Many couples complain that they don’t have enough time in their busy schedules to have a date night, but there is no rule that dates need to take place at night.

Anytime that couples can make time to be with each other qualifies. There is a different energy to interrupting the workday to take an hour to be together. Events like restaurant week are a great excuse to meet your spouse for lunch (for more info, go to restaurantweekcolumbus.com). You can even make a pact to r ise early once a month to greet the dawn together with a long walk or a brisk bike ride.

Experts and happy couples agree: the trick to making marriage work is to commit to spend time together

regularly and to be sure that time together is focused on each other and full of fun.

How you choose to make that happen is up to y ou.

Once you’ve made the pact to make date nights a par t of your marriage, you can begin to create your dazzling date night list and surprise each other with exciting outings.

During those special dates, you’ll be doing more than having fun. You’ll also be making your marriage stronger and better equipped to handle laundry, sick kids, and discipline issues together as a team.

Vanessa Druckman is a freelance writer, mother of three, and author of the food and parenting blog, Chefdruck Musings.

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Five romantic restaurants you don’t want to miss 1. Share fresh fruit cocktails dressed as movie st ars under the dazzling lighting at M Restaurant (2 Miranova Place, Columbus, (614) 629-0000) 2. Take your shoes off and play footsies while trying exotic Japanese dishes at Kihac hi Restaurant (2667 Federated Blvd., Dublin, (614) 764-9040) 3. Cuddle up by the fireplace while reading the paper and enjoying one of the best brunc hes in the city at B anana Bean Cafe (3 40 Greenlawn Ave., Columbus, (614) 4 43-2262) 4. Feed each other tapas at Barcelona (263 E. Whittier St., Columbus, (614) 4 43-3699) 5. Talk politics and eat inventive organic dishes amid the funky art on the walls at Alana’s (2333 N. High St., Columbus, (614) 29 4-6783)

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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24

theBAG lady | laurie dixon

Keep the romance in Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank Valentine’s Day is a day when couples express their love for each other by sending cards, giving flowers, or offering heart-shaped boxes of delectable confections.

And it’s one of my favorite holidays — a holiday on which my husband and I got married 23 years ago.

There are many heartfelt and romantic ways to set the tone of the day. Wake up early and place a card or a rose on your love’s pillow.

This is a surefire and budget-friendly way to get Valentine’s Day started. Or place a card where your love will find it first thing in the morning. I’ve placed cards in my husband’s car taped to the steering wheel or in his briefcase.

Do something unexpected. A few years ago I surprised my husband at work with a gift basket. I went to The Dollar Tree, where I bought a basket with hearts etched on it, red paper grass and his favorite candy. I made arrangements to drop it off to his co-worker, whose mission was to place it on his desk in the morning when he wasn’t around.

It was quite an unexpected surprise!

If you want to send flowers, you don’t need to send the most expensive ones.

Ask the florist to put together a colorful but less expensive arrangement. Cookie bouquets, balloon bouquets and gourmet popcorn are other frugal ideas.

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about candy and flowers. Why not surprise your other half by buying him something you know he’s been wanting and will appreciate even more?

Years ago I told my husband not to waste money on flowers. I would rather get something that will keep for more than three or four days, such as a new bottle of perfume or jewelry. After all, I am a pragmatist.

If going out to dinner is too expensive, go out to lunch. The foodprices are generally less expensive.

While at the restaurant, give your sweetheart a small gift, perhaps a box of chocolate truffles which you can buy for under $5. Many stores have sales on their boxes of candy. Watch the weekly ads to see when your favorite store offers Valentine’s Day bargains.

Send a text to your sweetheart with the simple message of “I love you.” Little messages throughout the day don’t cost anything.

The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion Valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second-largest cardsending holiday of the year, behind Christmas. Instead of the typical Valentine’s Day card, write a letter on pretty stationery and express how much someone means to you.

Plan a special dinner for your sweetheart. You can

If going out to dinner is too expensive, go out to lunch. The food is generally less expensive. dine in at a fraction of what you would spend at a restaurant. Prepare two bacon-wrapped filet mignons with twice-baked potatoes and a vegetable.

Make or buy a decadent chocolate dessert. Don’t forget the candles and background music to set the romantic mood.

For more ideas related to Valentine’s Day, visit www.ColumbusParent.com and www.TheBAG.com.

Remember, celebrating your love doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

For now, happy Valentine’s Day! 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!

ColumbusParent.com

pediatric healthsource | nationwide children’s hospital

Understanding the signs of torticollis As a parent, it can be difficult to detect symptoms in an infant who can’t express how he or she is feeling. S o it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of certain conditions that can occur in infants.

Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) is a condition that occurs in infants due to the tightening of their neck muscles. Because it is important that infants are treated as early as possible for CMT, it is equally as imperative for parents to understand CMT and the symptoms that come with it.

CMT is typically detected in a child during the first few months after birth. It usually results in a child holding his or her head consistently tilted or rotated to one side more than the other. Although the exact cause is unknown, prominent theories include muscle trauma during delivery, soft tissue compression and intrauterine crowding (cramped position

in the uterus).

Studies show that infants who began physical therapy before they were 3 months old had shorter treatments and were more likely to have complete recoveries with conservative treatments. “It’s important for parents and physicians to recognize the symptoms of CMT as early as possible, ideally within the first 3 months of life,” said Catie Christensen, physical therapist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“Studies have shown that the younger a child with CMT is referred to physical therapy, the quicker and more successfully it can be treated. If it is detected after 3 months of age, these infants may need to undergo additional therapy or require more aggressive medical intervention.”

A group of physical therapists at Nationwide Children's Hospital have developed a new standardized treatment method for

Photos courtesy of Nationwide Children’s Hospit al

Physical therapy is import ant in the treatment of Torticollis.

Catie Christensen demonstrates stretches on an infant during physical therapy.

CMT based on different research studies. This method provides guidelines for therapists to evaluate and treat infants with CMT and provides them with a better understanding of expected outcomes.

“Research shows that having a greater loss of motion of the neck into rotation, having a bump in the neck muscle, or being

referred to a physical therapist after 3 months of age can increase the treatment duration,” continued Christensen. “At the time of the evaluation, the therapist will discuss the results with the parents and give them instructions on a home exercise program, including ways to carry and position the child, activities to strengthen and stretch the

child’s neck muscles and ideas for tummy time. It is important that parents follow through with the home exercise program on a daily basis for the best results.”

Tummy time is important for all infants to help develop strength and cultivate gross and fine motor skills.

It can be more difficult for children who have CMT due to the tightness in their neck muscles. Thus, it is

important that parents talk to their therapist or physician for ideas on how to position their child to increase the amount and duration of tummy time.

Parents also must remember to always supervise babies when they are playing on their tummies and never place a child on his or her tummy to sleep.

What a parent should look for: An infant consistently holding his or her head tilted or rot ated to one side more than the other.

■ A bump along the neck muscle.

■ An infant having more difficulty rot ating his or her head to one side as compared to the other.

■ A head that is more flat on one side compared to the other .

■ Asymmetrical use of arms or legs (not using them the s ame way on both sides of the body).

■ 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

If you have concerns that your c hild might be displaying signs or symptoms of torticollis, cont act your child’s pediatrician.

Photo courtesy of Nationwide Children’s Hospit al

Supervised tummy time is import ant for all infants to help develop strength and cultivate gross and fine motor skills. Never place a c hild on his/her tummy to sleep.

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

25

in the news | dispatch media group

Tragedy leads to surge in adoption inquiries

By RITA PRICE The Columbus Dispatch Thousands of Haitian children — frightened, hungry, wounded — suffer before our eyes.

Adoption advocates know that such images stir Americans, some so deeply that they vo w to make a place not only in their hearts but their homes. “It’s the most natural thing in the world to want to car e for these children,” said Dawn Davenport of creatingafamily.org, an online adoption resource. “But that’s not something that can happen immediately.”

Davenport began fielding calls and e-mails almost as soon as the earthquake struck. “I think it’s a good thing, but the reality is, there have been many children in need in Haiti for a long time,” she said. “It’s about continuing interest.”

In a memo last month, the U.S. S tate Department urged families to help in other ways first, mostly b y sending money to a reputable relief organization working in Haiti.

With the impoverished country in chaos, it likely will take several months before aid workers know how many children truly are orphans, experts say.

“A lot of people think that when ther e’s this level of chaos, it quickens the process. Actually, the opposite occurs,” said Diahanna Roberson of Bellefaire JCB in Cleveland, one of the nation’s oldest and largest adoption agencies.

Susan Garner Eisenman, an Upper Arlington adoption attorney, said those who call after a disaster mean w ell and usually are sincere. It’s one of those need-to-rescue things,” she said. “We get lots and lots of inquir ies, but if you don’t have a court system in the countr y, it’s tough.”

Catholic Charities and other Florida-based organizations said last month that they w ere planning a mass airlift of Haitian children, one similar to the Pedro Pan operation that took children from Cuba to the United States 40 years ago. Even if that happens, Davenport said, it wouldn’t necessarily change the prospects. “The chances are extraordinarily good that these children would not themselves be available for adoption,” she said.

The most important thing is for governments and aid organizations to protect the children, said Adam Pertman, executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute in New York. That also means working on family reunification, caregiver planning and trauma, said

Pertman, who wrote about intercountry adoption in emergencies after the tsunami struck southern Asia in 2004.

“After a disaster, people’s hearts go out and they want to do the right thing for kids,” he said. “But if we act precipitously, we wind up not doing the r ight thing for the long ter m.”

Still, if the tragedy spurs interest in fostering and adoption anywhere, not just in Haiti, that’s a good thing, said Brett Katz of Bellefaire JCB. “That’s our mission — to help all children in need.”

BBB provides tips on giving

By TRACY TURNER The Columbus Dispatch The Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio is offering advice to people who want to donate money to help earthquake-ravaged Haiti but avoid scammers who want to t ake advantage of their generosity.

“Not only do Americans need to be concerned about avoiding fraud, they also need to make sure their money goes to competent relief organizations that are equipped and experienced to handle the unique c hallenges of providing assistance,” said Kip Morse, president of the consumer-advocacy group.

To do that, consumers should: ■ Check www.bbb.org/charity to verify that charities and relief organizations are accredited by the B BB. ■ Be cautious when giving online, especially in response to e-mails that claim to link to a relief organization.

■ Find out whether the charity already is in the affected area. Otherwise, it might be difficult to get new aid workers to quickly provide assistance. See if the charity’s Web site clearly describes what it can do to help meet immediate needs.

■ Find out whether the charity provides direct aid or raises money to pass along to other relief organizations. It’s usually better to give directly to c harities that have a presence in the region.

■ Gifts of clothing, food or other in-kind donations might not be the quickest way to help people unless the organization has the st aff and infrastructure to properly distribute such aid. Be wary of those who are not experienced in dis aster relief.

Giving kids alcohol illegal, no matter what

By DANA WILSON The Columbus Dispatch Hosts Ronald and Cathy Swiggett apparently took away car keys to keep par tygoers safe on New Year’s Eve, but that won’t help their cases in cour t.

That’s because many of the 100 guests at the couple ’s home that night were younger than 21 and clearly intoxicated when deputy sheriffs broke up the party along Dale Ford Road just outside Delaware, Delaware County Sheriff Walter L. Davis III said. “To provide alcohol to minors is illegal,” he said. “Just because you’re doing it in the privacy of your home doesn’t make it legal.”

Davis wants to share that message with parents who are unaware of Ohio’s “social host” law, which prohibits adults from serving alcohol to anyone younger than 21.

The Swiggetts are each charged with misdemeanor counts of contributing to the unruliness of juveniles and providing alcohol to minors. If convicted, each could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine .

The couple’s 16-year-old son was home during the party but was not charged, Davis said. Forty-eight others who attended — 22 of them y ounger than 18 — face charges of underage drinking. Mrs. Swiggett would not comment when reached by phone last month.

Often, parents who allow teens to drink under their supervision try to rationalize that decision by saying they want to keep their kids safe, said Patricia Harmon, executive director of the Columbus-based Drug-Free Action Alliance. That mindset, she said, is “ludicrous.”

Confiscating car keys so that teens can’t drink and drive isn’t enough, Harmon said. “I think it’s becoming more and more of an excuse, because I think more and more people are aware of what the law is.”

Surveys of Ohio parents and their 13- to 18-y ear-old children in 2006 and 2007 showed that approximately 30 percent of parents and teens knew of parents who hosted parties where alcohol was available or served to teens, the Drug-Free Action Alliance said.

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reported in 2006 that one-third of teenagers had attended parties where parents were present and teens were drinking or using illegal drugs.

The Drug-Free Action Alliance has raised public awareness of the problem through its “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” campaign, which began in 2000 in O hio and has been copied in all 49 other states . The goal is to educate parents about the health and safety r isks of serving alcohol at teen parties.

The message is pushed heavily dur ing prom and graduation-party season.

The Dispatch Media Group is committed to keeping you up-to-date on the latest parenting trends, pediatric health developments, and childsafety 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. T o see the full versions of th e stories in this section, go to ColumbusParent.com.

26

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

ColumbusParent.com

Congratulations

First-year teacher transforms students’ lives

Andrea Kjerrumgaard | ThisWeek

Pickerington resident Brandon Theiss, who is in his first year of teaching special education at Canal Winchester Middle School, helps students (clockwise from left) Melanie Rauch, Carrie Gibbons, Kavanta Kendrick, Yajaira Briseno and Faith Bowman work through a reading packet. Read this story and more on ColumbusParent.com.

Photo by David Rea, ThisWeek Community Newspapers

104.9 The River’s Todd Stach (top left) and Stacy McKay (top center) join Mike Prescott (right) of the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority to award Columbus Parent Magazine reader Penne Huckleberry the CollegeAdvantage scholarship. Also pictured are Penne’s children Jessica, age 6, and Max, age 4.

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

27

growing up online | carolyn jabs

Online self defense Teaching kids to protect themselves is something most parents do without much thought. It starts with baby-proofing the house and moves smoothly into making kids aware of “out-there” dangers to avoid. Many parents go a step further and enroll kids in self-defense classes so they’ll know what to do if they find themselves in threatening situations.

The same sequence makes sense online. Because young children don’t yet have the judgment to protect themselves, parents should “baby-proof” kids’ interactive environments. Under age 6, children should have computer playtime only with software that has been carefully selected by a parent. A list of the 100 best pr ograms for children is available from Children’s Technology Review: www.childrenssoftware.com.

Early elementary school children need strict rules about which websites they are allowed to visit. Point your child toward sites run by respected organizations such as PBS (pbskids.org), National Geographic (kids.nationalgeographic. com), or the Metropolitan Museum of Art (www.metmuseum.org/explore/). For more ideas, browse the listings at kidsites.com.

Children under 13 should use only social networking sites monitored by adults.

Older elementary children will also benefit from a filter that keeps them from inadvertently stumbling into spaces where they may be at risk. The simplest option is a family-friendly search

28

engine. Even Google now has a Safe Search setting. To find it, log into a Google account, click on Settings, click on Safe Search and then select Lock Safe Search.

Although external controls are essential when children are young, eventually kids want — and need — more independence. Around the time kids get their first cell phones, parents should start teaching online selfdefense skills that will help them avoid threats whenever possible and respond effectively if they do find themselves in difficult situations. Here are some martial arts principles that readily translate into cyberspace.

Project power.

A good martial artist exudes an aura of confidence and strength that makes fighting unnecessary. Help your child develop both a sense of worth and a community of genuine friends.

Point out the differences between the close ties of face-to-face friendships and the loose ties of online relationships. Face-to-face friends will discount rumors and slurs because they know they aren’t true. Real friends also will stand up for each other and help each other solve problems. Being a part of that kind of community gives kids a sense of selfassurance that is an excellent defense against predators of all kinds.

Protect your core.

In martial arts, the core includes the vital organs.

Online, the core is private information which could be

used to steal a child’s identity, harm his or her reputation or put someone in physical danger. Many young people become quite sophisticated about knowing what can safely be shared with social networks that include both close and casual friends. Still, it’s worth reminding pre-teens especially to think carefully about posting information that could be used to embarrass them, or that would help a potential stalker track their activities. Children also should learn from an early age that they should never share passwords, Social Security numbers or other identifiers with anyone — even a best friend.

Unfortunately, many young people initiate aggression online — sometimes without intending to provoke. In a misguided effort to impress a peer group, young people are often flip, sarcastic and even cruel. Parents can help by talking about how kids can show respect even when they are teasing or trying to be funny. Encourage your child to think through what he or she says or writes online from the perspective of others. For example, using “gay” as an epithet may be painful to a peer who is str uggling with questions of sexual identity.

Stay calm.

One of the first rules of self defense is that you can’t respond effectively to an Avoid provocation.

Martial arts are called self- attack if you’re angry or flustered. Talk to your child in defense because they are advance about how he or she used in response to the would handle online harassaggression of others.

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

where they can get advice from trusted adults. Parents make this more likely when they: 1) Encourage children to come to them with things that make them uncomfortable online and, 2) Don’t overreact when they share their problems. Teach kids to copy, save or print problematic messages, photos, or videos, especially if they are threatening in any way. Help them contact customer service departments for the website or the ISP where the messages were posted. In some cases, the management may delete the offensive content, or ban the person who posted it.

Documentation also is likely to spur school officials or even the police to take action.

Much as we may want to protect our children, we do Warn your opponent.

Sometimes online aggres- them a disservice if we try to insulate them from every sors don’t realize they’ve stepped over the line. Peers, risk. Instead, good parents gradually empower children in particular, deserve a prito handle their own probvate warning that their behavior is hurtful. The web- lems by teaching them to recognize, avoid, and when site www.thatsnotcool.com suggests ways young people necessary, confront the bad guys. Then, instead of feeling can deflect unacceptable like a victim, your child will online contact especially experience all the confifrom members of the oppodence of a samurai who site sex. Your child also can send the other person a pr i- knows he or she can handle vate e-mail or text asking for whatever life may bring. a simple change in behavior. © Copyright 2009, Carolyn “Don’t text me,” or “Please delete the message you post- Jabs. All rights reserved. ed.” ment or bullying. Ask “what-if” questions to help think through problems before they occur. What if someone posts something mean on your wall? What if someone sends a message pretending to be you?

What if someone forwards a photo or message that was supposed to be private? What if someone puts nasty things about you (or a friend) on a website? Point out that sometimes the best response is to ignore hurtful, ignorant remarks. An angry, emotional rebuttal is likely to escalate the problem because it can be circulated so easily. Be sure your child knows how to defriend someone who doesn’t deserve the label.

Respond.

This is where online self defense differs from martial arts. Instead of retaliating online, kids should take their concerns about online conflict into the real world

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing about families and the Internet for over 15 years. She is the mother of three computersavvy kids. Other Growing Up Online columns appear on her website: www.growing-uponline.com.

ColumbusParent.com

making the grade | rashaun james

Help! My teen hates school!

Dear Mrs. James, I desperately need your advice! My third child is beginning his teenage years and he’s already hit the ground rolling. Smart mouth, rude disposition, gone “Goth,” the whole kit and caboodle! He is failing, hates school, hates me for all I know, and is completely turning into someone I don’t know. His brothers were nothing like this! I’m asking for your help because I think it has stemmed from school.

Sincerely, A Mom of a Teen

is often masked as belligerent, aggressive, “smart-aleck” behavior. Did you think tantrums ended in preschool?

Honey, you’re just getting started!

As a middle school teacher, I talk to many parents like you. My teacher friends and I recommend these few tips. (1) Create a genuine bond with your child. If you want your child to trust you, listen to you, and follow your advice, he or she must feel that bond.

Yes, you may already feel that you have a bond with your son, but Bobby at 9 is usually a totally different Bobby at 15.

You’re going to have to create a bond with the new and notso-improved Bobby. (2) Be a parent, not a parole officer. If you bust in and “lay down the law” you may do more harm than good. My parents would not have agreed, but I think that it may backfire on you.

Practice encouragement instead of criticism and ridicule. I was going to give you a few more, but I think this is enough to keep you busy! E-mail me at columbusparent@thisweeknews.com if you’d like more tips.

Until then ... Keep up the good work!

Love, Mrs. James

Hey there, The first thing you’re going to have to do is get over the fact that kid #3 is not like his brothers and probably never will be. He’s different and that’s what makes him special. You’re going to have to accept him as he is and take a different approach with this child. That’s first on the list.

Just let that marinate for a while before you continue reading.

Now, keep this in mind.

The teen years can be a very scary time for kids. Teachers don’t give them the same support they’re used to in earlier grades, but kids are expected to perform well anyway. They no longer have the comfort and safety of elementary school and are now in many different classrooms with all kinds of unknown kids and teachers.

On their own in a big, intimidating world, they often feel lonely and isolated. And since they’re pretty much NEVER going to come to you Dear Mrs. James, and express this or say, “Mom, I’m a mother of a teenager I need you,” their cry for help (11th grader) and I am won-

ColumbusParent.com

totally uncool to admit it, but they do. Some of her friends probably wish they saw their parents in the audience for one of their assemblies or parent-teacher conferences.

And even though your child may greet you with an “ugh” and an eye-roll, deep down she wants everything you’re dering how involved is too doing. She’ll also thank you involved. A lady in my for it later. I always end my women’s group thinks I’m advice columns with “keep up “extra” involved because I the good work,” and I am check my daughter’s online grades, check in with her daily telling you — I mean it more this time than ever! on how school is going, still Keep up the good work! talk with her teachers, as well Love, as attend functions during Mrs. James and after school. I don’t want to be “that” mom, but I just think she needs my support, you know? Maybe she’s just a Rashaun James is the little too old for it? I mean, I annoy her, but I thought I was founder and owner of Mrs. James' Learning Club. As a supposed to! successful and innovative midThanks, dle school teacher, one of her Jeannette Gallion many professional achievements includes the OCTELA Jeannette, Teacher of the Year Award.

Seriously, forget that lady She lives in Columbus with in your women’s group. Who her husband. cares what she thinks? I always tell parents: Never stop parenting! Never. Never.

Most parents think that the older their kids get, the less they should involve themselves in their education. So not true. As they get older they should have more responsibilities, but you should never stop being involved. Actually, the older they get, the more involved SEND YOUR you should be.

QUESTIONS! So, you think you’re supRashaun James says the posed to annoy her? Amen, sooner you start working on sister. Just keep it all in bala learning problem, the ance. Don’t go overboard. But sooner it gets resolved. remember this one thing: What are you waiting for? If Most teenagers wish their you have a question, e-mail parents would annoy them.

ColumbusParent@ Of course, it would be, like, thisweeknews.com.

Even though your child may greet you with an “ugh” and an eye-roll, deep down she wants everything you’re doing. And she’ll thank you for it later.

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

Protect your kids from burns!

1 Turn the handles of pots and pans toward the back of the stove.

2 Keep toddlers away from cooking areas.

3 Keep all hot liquids away from counter and table edges.

4 Cook on back burners whenever possible.

5 Remove dangling appliance cords and tablecloths from child’s reach.

6 Install safety guards on stove controls.

Visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/KISS for safety and K.I.S.S. contest information!

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family media | columbus metropolitan library

Great reads for teens These great titles were hand-picked for teens by the staff at Columbus Metropolitan Libary.

Tales of the Madman Underground

Love Is The Higher Law

One of the Survivors

By David Levithan

By Susan Shaw The first few chapters are a very When a fire kills a classroom

By John Barnes realistic and emotional retelling of of students and their teacher, a Karl Shoemaker is starting his senthe events of September 11th community turns the two stuior year in 1970s small-town Ohio through the eyes of three teens — dents who escaped tragedy into with one goal: to be nor mal. Over the Claire, Peter and Jasper. Young readtargets of suspicion and tornext six days that turns out to be ers can see the events thr ough the ment. In an unforeseeable turn harder than he thought, as Karl deals eyes of characters their own age. The of events, everyone finds out with his crazy, out-of-control moththree bond in hope and deep fr iendwhat really happened when Joey er, his cast of troubled friends, the ship as they navigate through the year after the attacks. and Maureen left that classroom, Madman Underground, and way too David Levithan’s description of the day’s events is authenwhy Joey has always been skitmany cats. Reviewed by Laura tic, both in detail and emotion. H e reminds us that we tish about fire, and what it’s been Nawojchik. share humanity with the entire world, and that post-9/11 like for them to sur vive when everyone else couldn’t. events should bring us together instead of tear ing us apart. Publishers recommend the title for 10- to 14-y ear-olds, but Reviewed by Kristina Mahoney-Hickey. this well-written and universally appealing stor y will be Fire worthwhile for older teens and adults as w ell. Reviewed by

By Kristin Cashore Melissa Fischer.

Kristin Cashore’s Fire lives up I Am a Genius of to Graceling beautifully! The only character in both books is Leck, Unspeakable Evil and I Shiver but in Fire he is a young child

By Maggie Stiefvater Want to Be Your Class instead of a king. The first chapSince she was a child, Gr ace ter gives us King Leck’s muchPresident has been captivated by the yelanticipated background story.

By Josh Lieb low-eyed wolf that saved her Fire is the last of her kind. S he is Peppered with footnotes, photofrom its pack long ago. Sam a human monster. Besides her graphic evidence and newspaper leads two lives: In winter, he unnatural beauty and hair the clippings, this teen read is the work lives in the cold forest as a wolf color of fire, she has the ability to of a television producer who can list with his pack. In summer he has enter and control the minds of those near her. Kristin The Simpsons and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart among a few months of being human ...

Cashore has created another strong female character for his achievements. Our evil genius, Oscar, is a seventh-graduntil the cold makes him shift teens. Reviewed by Kristina Mahoney-Hickey. er who has convinced the people ar ound him that he is back again. The longer Sam is a harmless while simultaneously manipulating the stock wolf, and the less time he spend s market, purchasing land, and becoming ridiculously and How to Steal a Car in human form, means eventually he will stop shifting and secretly wealthy. All of this power has taught Oscar that he remain a wolf. After years of being infatuated with each

By Pete Hautman can have and do anything he wants; but after setting his other at a distance, Sam and Grace finally meet. Sam is Kelleigh Monahan, age 15, sights for student council, he is for ced to confront his limiinjured during a wolf hunt, becomes tempor arily human never meant to become a car tations. Like the other forms of entertainment the author and Grace takes care of him. One look into his y ellow eyes thief. She is at the mall with a has helped produce, Lieb’s book is humorous, satirical and and Grace knows that he is her wolf. N ow as the weather friend when a man in fr ont of her packed with layers of comic meaning. Reviewed by Melissa becomes colder, Sam struggles to stay human — or r isk losdrops his keys and walks away Fischer. ing himself, and Grace, forever. Reviewed by Cassandra without noticing. She naturally Barok. stops and picks up the keys intending to give them back. A t The Carbon Diaries 2015 the last second, she decides to

By Saci Lloyd keep the keys and takes his car In England in the near future, the for a spin. If you can steal a car effects of global warming, along with once, Kelleigh figures, you can energy and water shortages, are bringsteal a car twice. Auto theft becomes her therapy. As her ing about drastic changes. Sixteen-yearlife fills with family problems, friendship problems and old Laura would love to focus on classboyfriend problems, she deals with the stress by stealing es, boys and her band, but that’s hard cars. Although Kelleigh is making bad decisions, her charto do when her family, her country, and acter comes across as very funny and charming. Reviewed the whole world seem to be falling Visit ColumbusParent.com to see past reviews and links to

by Cassandra Barok. apart. Reviewed by Laura Nawojchik. recommended websites.

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

ColumbusParent.com

the sports doc | christopher stankovich, ph.d.

Watch for kids hiding injuries and illness If you’re the parent of an athlete, you know that injuries are unavoidable if your child plays contact sports. And kids are constantly exposed to flu bugs and colds that circulate around schools, which can potentially sideline them for a while.

Fortunately, most kids are pretty candid about needing time off from sports because of injury or illness, but some try to hide ailments from coaches and parents so they can continue to play. Playing when sick can exacerbate illnesses, leaving kids even more at risk for future problems.

So why would a child want to hide an injur y or illness?

■ He may fear looking weak to the rest of the team by not being able to “suck it up” and continue playing.

■ She may feel that if she takes time off, she might lose her starting position.

■ He may feel that the injury or illness is not that bad and doesn’t tell anyone.

■ She might fear losing the connection to friends on the team if put on the injured list.

■ He may think he will lose opportunities for college coaches to see him in action, thus squandering opportuni-

ties to someday play at the college level.

Kids hide injuries and illnesses for many reasons, and while in some cases it’s nothing to worry about, not treating more serious ailments, like a torn ACL or H1N1 flu, can turn tragic.

It is important that you keep a close eye on your child if you feel something isn’t right, and ask questions if you have any suspicions.

As an adult, you know that the reasons kids may not tell you or a coach about an injury or illness are sometimes irrational, but for kids, their fears are very real.

Be sure to keep an open

dialog, pay attention to unusual behavior, and ask questions if you feel your child may be hiding her pain and discomfort to keep playing her sport.

Dr. Chris Stankovich is an expert in sport and performance psychology. He offers a wide variety of educational training seminars for studentathletes, coaches, parents and league officials. Visit www.drstankovich.com, or call (614) 561-4482 for more details.

Delaware Area Career Center

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3 Ways to Purchase Tickets: Don’t miss this chance to get a sneak peak at the high tech labs, industry equipment and college-based curriculum that make up the challenging and real-world experiences that prepare DACC students for post-secondary education and their future careers.

Visit our web site for locations & details www.DelawareAreaCC.org

Call CCT at 614-224-6672 Call CAPA at 614-469-0939 Visit TicketMaster.com

Adapted for the stage by Barbara Field from the book

by Gertrude Chandler Warner Recommended for everyone age 6 and older

CCT Academy offers theatre classes for ages 3-16. For more information visit our website:

www.ColsChildrensTheatre.org Experience Tomorrow’s Careers Today

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

31

fast food | robin davis

Want to do something really nice for Valentine’s Day? Make your love a heart-healthy chocolate dessert.

A few years ago I ran this recipe from the American Heart Association. It’s decadent, low-fat and virtually no cholesterol. And remember, chocolate has healthful anti-oxidant properties.

If you’re looking for more dessert suggestions for Valentine’s Day, check out the recipes at DispatchKitchen.com.

Double-chocolate Valentine cake Makes 12 servings An 8- or 9-inch heartshaped or round cake pan can work if you don’t have heart-shaped muffin tins.

Heart-healthy cake

Just increase the cooking time to about 30 minutes.

Cake: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch processed) 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup nonfat milk 2 tablespoons corn or canola oil 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 large egg whites 1/4 teaspoon cream of t artar Chocolate glaze: 2 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack 20 minutes. Remove cakes from pan and cool completely.

To make the chocolate glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk all the ingredients.

Place the cooling rack with the cake over a sheet of waxed paper. Spread the glaze over the cakes, allowing it to run down the sides.

PER SERVING: 242 calories 3 g. protein 34 g. carbohydrates 2 g. fiber 3 g. fat (1 g. s aturated) 0 cholesterol 207 mg. sodium 2 to 4 t ablespoons brewed coffee 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup nonfat milk 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12 1/2-cup heart-shaped muffin cups with vegetable spray.

To make the cake: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, soda, salt and baking powder into a medium bowl. In a large

$

bowl, whisk both sugars, milk, oil and applesauce until smooth. Gradually whisk in the dry ingredients, blending well. Stir in vanilla.

In a medium bowl, beat

the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until stiff. Gently fold the whites into the batter. Pour batter into prepared cups.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or

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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32

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

ColumbusParent.com

family getaways | mildred moss

Ohio’s lake region, a perfect year-round family getaway Lucky us to be within a day’s drive of the Lake Erie Shores and Islands!

The area covers several counties and many cities of all sizes. It offers an enormous variety of pleasures that tempt a travel writer to invoke that well-worn cliché, “something for everyone.”

To list all the wonders of the lakes region is impossible, and the following list is only a sample. Pasttimes such as boating, fishing and swimming represent warmweather water activities.

Now seems an appropriate time to mention that wet and wild fun is as popular in the winter as the summer, thanks to a plethora of indoor water parks. In fact, the largest such water park in the country, Kalahari, is there to be enjoyed during any time of the year.

The mother of all amusement parks, Cedar Point, attracts three million visitors every year. The magazine Amusement Today has awarded it the Golden Ticket Award for being the best amusement park in the world for the ninth straight year. It continues to be the park that will never know completion with the addition of a new roller coaster for 2010.

For history buffs, there is the Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The Maritime Museum of Sandusky depicts the history of Lake Erie with exhibits on boat

ColumbusParent.com

building, recreational boating, shipwrecks, commercial shipping, fishing and Sandusky’s role in the Underground Railroad.

Everyone loves the stories of Ohio’s portion of the Underground Railroad. You can take a self-guided tour following a map or take a trolley tour of still-existing sites and hear stories of local Underground Railroad heroes.

How about the natural world? Bird watching is a popular activity in the area.

There are thousands of species to see during the spring and fall migratory seasons. Bird watching is a leading recreational activity in the country, second only to gardening. The Lake Erie Wing Watch protects the habitats it promotes, and is used as a model throughout the state.

According to a 2008 Visitor Postcard Survey here are the top six reasons to visit Lake Erie Shores and Islands:

For more information, or to make reservations, visit www.sawmillcreek.com. For information and vacation suggestions, go to www.shoreandislands.com.

Mildred Moss | Parent

Top: Grandsons Michael and Evan stand on the rocky coast of Lake Erie on a cold winter day. Right: The Sawmill Creek Resort is beautifully decorated, even the pool/jacuzzi area.

scaped 235 acres adjoining a 500-acre nature preserve.

The good ship Explorer takes up to 70 people out to 1. Lake Erie Islands the islands of Lake Erie. The 2. Beaches sandy beach is perfect for 3. Cedar Point sunning and swimming, and 4. Lighthouses is reached via a half-mile 5. Historical sites wooded nature walk. A lake6. Waterparks front marina has 176 boat slips.

My family visited a wonThe accommodations in derful resort that offers its own recreational activities as the Sawmill Creek Lodge are well as serving as a jumping- comfortable and spacious. off point for area exploWe particularly enjoyed the ration. It’s the Sawmill Creek public areas where cozy fires Resort and Conference blazed on massive hearths.

Center, a beautifully landIt is perfect for all seasons of

Mildred Moss | Parent

the year. We were there in November, and enjoyed scrumptious meals in one of two restaurants open in the winter. The lodge has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. It offers fireplaces and Jacuzzi suites.

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

the level of challenge depends on the direction of the winds off Lake Erie.

Most of the lodge’s décor was custom-made by two artists who incorporated the area’s Native American heritage into the overall plans.

The walls and hallways are decorated with Indian blankets and a variety of ancient implements used by the Wyandotte tribes who came up from the south to hunt and fish in the bountiful forests and lakes. Spear points are still being found in the woods.

We visited a fantastic gift shop at Sawmill. It is in a converted century-old barn that carries as much merchandise as a small department store. Everything from clothing to personal items and home decorations is of the finest quality. We spent hours admiring the very unusual offerings filling the shop to the rafters.

It was a wonderful weekend, and it makes perfect sense for a family to make the homey Sawmill Creek Resort its headquarters for a vacation in the Lake Erie Shores and Islands.

Getaway packages are offered both in winter and summer.

My son-in-law is an accomplished golfer. He says the Tom Fazio-designed golf Mildred Moss is Columbus Parent Magazine’s travel writer. course is one of the best he has ever played. Apparently,

33

newest and neatest | staci perkins and andrea m. jordan

Support for teens and parents | EDITOR’S PICK! |

How to Raise a DrugFree Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents

Teenagers Suck

By Joseph A. Califano Jr. This comprehensive guide includes everything from basic questions a parent can ask at the dinner table to how to respond when your kid asks, “Mom or Dad, did you ever try drugs?” Califano warns parents about which drugs are likeliest to tempt teens and alerts parents to the signs of substance abuse and what to do if you see these signs. Available on Amazon.com for $10.20.

That Crumpled Paper Was Due Last Week

By Ana Homayoun This book is a guide for par ents striving to get their disorganized boys focused, engaged and thriving. Top academic counselor Ana Homayoun has helped transform even the most scattered and unfocused boys into successful and motivated students. The strategies Homayoun uses are effective because they are accessible, sensible and easy to implement. Available on Amazon.com for $10.85.

Products with a WI N icon are up for grabs on ColumbusParent.com! Click on Contests.

The Body Scoop for Girls

By Joanne Kimes and R.J. Colleary Mood swings? Check. Eye rolls?

Check. Slamming doors and easily annoyed teens? Check. Check. Let’s face it: Teenagers Suck. The authors take readers on a humorous but helpful ride through teenage troubles and show parents how to pick their battles, handle the clash of the curfew, talk to their teen when he’s constantly texting, discuss teen sex, address peer pressure and much more. The best part is the topic index because we all know we’re never prepared with those words of wisdom when we really need them. The best book I’ve read on teens so far — a lifesaver! $9.95 on Amaz on.com.

By Jennifer Ashton Writing in a funny, fresh and young voice, Dr. Ashton has created a totally up-todate health book that speaks directly to young women about the many pressures they face. This book covers the basics and beyond of puberty, sex, personal grooming, body piercings, eating disorders and hormone imbalances. Jennifer Ashton, an ob-gyn specializing in adolescent care, has great knowledge of life as a teenage girl in today’s society. Available on Amazon.com for $12.96.

When Things Get Crazy with Your Teen: The Why, the How, and What to Do Now

Strong Families, Successful Students

By Michael Bradley Teens often turn the world upside down without a moment’s notice. When this happens, parents need handy, actionable advice that they can access right away. Using believable and engaging anecdotes and sage advice, Bradley draws a vivid picture of what teens are going through, helps parents understand the situation from their teens’ eyes, and most importantly, gives parents the tools they need to tackle these difficult moments together. Available on Amazon.com for $17.21.

Show your love

By Dr. Stephen M. Gavazzi There’s hope for parents who wonder if what they’re doing is “good enough” when it comes to helping their teen experience success in school. Columbus author Dr. Stephen Gavazzi is a renowned researcher and family therapist who spent the last 25 years of his career studying how families matter in the lives of teenagers .

Gavazzi says that parents are their own best experts when it comes to r aising teenagers. Includes step-by-step exercises designed to get parents and teens talking. Available on Amazon.com for $15. Read his blog on ColumbusParent.com!

Celebrate Black History Month

Read reviews of these items on ColumbusParent.com and while you’re there, visit our Contests page and sign up to win!

34

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

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Strong families = successful teens

Ever wonder if what you’re doing is “good enough” when it comes to raising your teenager? Dr. Steve Gavazzi, co-director of the Center for Family Research at The Ohio State University, is here to help.

Read his blog on ColumbusParent.com!

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

35

the dad files | joe blundo

If you can’t stand the cold, get into the kitchen It’s cabin fever season, when parents complain that kids are going stircrazy from being cooped up indoors.

Actually, it’s the parents who go crazy in the dead of winter. Kids, who think nothing of staging a football game in the living room, have no concept of “cooped up.” They think every venue, indoors or outdoors, is an Olympic stadium.

True, kids will sometimes complain of boredom, but you have to understand that they use the ter m more as a warning than a complaint. What they’re really saying is, “entertain me fast because I have an overpowering urge to ride my bicycle down the basement stairs.”

Every child is different, but here’s a general guideline: Kids who announce their boredom might eventually relieve that condition by doing something that will have you reaching for an insurance card (homeowners or health, depending on what they decide to throw and in which direction).

You could tell the kids to go outside and play, but that never works. Kids aren’t stupid. They know that in February it’s likely to be 20 degrees with howling winds and ground that’s frozen as hard as concrete.

They’ll think you’re trying to kill them.

You could suggest playing a board game, but that’s a sedentary activity that can go terribly wrong when kids are itching to expend

36

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

What kids are really saying is, “entertain me fast because I have an overpowering urge to ride my bicycle down the basement stairs.” energy. They’ll express that need by turning Monopoly into a martial arts activity.

I’ve seen it happen.

What you need is something that’s physical yet restrained, absorbing yet controlled, civilized yet dangerous. In other words, you need to cook with the kids. It’s a little bit myster ious, a little bit messy, a little bit dangerous — and there’s a reward at the end.

Kids will love it.

If possible, use yeast. It lends cooking the atmosphere of a science exper iment, what with all the bubbling and rising. It helps if knives are involved, too. Knives, being adult and forbidden, can really rivet a kid’s attention. A 9-year-old chopping an apple with a kitchen knife could be made happier only if you handed him a pistol and told him to shoot holes in it, too.

The ideal food for a kid cooking experience is pizza.

Most kids are intimately familiar with it but know nothing of its origins, since it tends to appear magically at the door. You’ll be unlocking a big myster y for them. To do it right, go for

the complete from-scratch experience. Well, okay, you can get the sauce from a can. But by all means, make the pizza dough, employing yeast and flour and so forth. The transformation of flour into dough is mentally stimulating, and the kneading required fulfills the need for physical activity.

While the dough is r ising, let them chop something soft, like a green pepper, to practice their knife skills. Assuming this part doesn’t result in a trip to the emergency room, you could be eating pizza in less than two hours.

Then, belly full, you can settle back and savor the completion of a satisfying project. But don’t savor too long. The kids will get bored.

Joe Blundo’s column, So to Speak, appears in the Life section of The Columbus Dispatch. It’s a mix of humor, human interest and information.

A collection of his columns has been published in the book Dancing Dads, Defective Peeps and Buckeye Misadventures.

He lives in Worthington with his wife and two children.

ColumbusParent.com

family calendar | staci perkins and andrea m. jordan

OUT&ABOUT FEBRUARY 2010

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 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) 4768489.

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.

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,

ColumbusParent.com

4310 N. High St. For more information visit Sproutsoup.com.

Monday 1 Music & Movement Come to this free event to perfect your motor skills with songs and dancing.

This is a great experience for the little ones ages 2-5 to enjoy. Come to the Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., from 1-1:30 p.m. for this great event. For more information call (614) 486-2951.

Pee Wee Play Gym Children can explore large and small motor skills toys in a safe environment. The cost is $3 at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., from 9:3011:30 a.m. For more information call (614) 601-6500.

Tuesday 2 MarioKart DS Tournament Do your kids love video games? Bring them to this video gaming tournament for ages 8-17 from 3-5 p.m.

Registration is required.

The event is at the Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., and registration is in Youth Services. For more information contact (614) 486-2951.

Tales for Toddlers Bring your kids to enjoy great stories and meet new friends for free at the Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave. This event full of tales is from 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. and is for children ages 18-36 months. For more information call (614) 486-2951.

Wednesday 3 Baby Games This free event is full of stories for young ones ages 617 months. Bring your baby to the Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., from 10:15-10:45 a.m. to hear great tales. Call (614) 481-3778 for more information.

Family Story Time Bring the family for stories at the Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., from 7-7:30 p.m. This free event is for ages 2-5.

Call (614) 481-3778 for more information.

Thursday 4 Columbus Children’s Theatre: The Boxcar Children Generations of young readers have cherished the spirited Depression-era adven-

tures of The Boxcar Children, and now the Alden children’s story comes to life on stage.

Orphaned and in danger of being sent to different foster homes, the four siblings run away and make their home in an abandoned railroad boxcar. The children then discover the rewards and perils of life on the run, as well as the joy of keeping their family together. Show times are Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 6 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Feb. 7 at 3 p.m.; Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 13 at 1 and 5 p.m.; Feb. 14 at 3 p.m.; Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 20 at 1 and 5 p.m.; Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. Come enjoy the show at the Columbus Children’s Theatre, 512 Park St. For more information visit www.colschildrenstheatre.org.

Kids Cook In this hands-on workshop, children ages 3-6 will taste a variety of oranges and cook a recipe or two. Kids get recipe cards to continue the fun at home. Parents are encouraged to stay. The cost of the class is $4 per child. The class meets from 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sprout Soup, 4310 High St. To register and for more information call (614) 5983559.

Friday 5 The Boxcar Children See February 4.

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

Preschoolers: Pepe Le Pew Learn about the smelly skunk through story, song and craft. Meet at Cedar Ridge Lodge on February 9 at 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway.

Homeschoolers: Nature Journaling Make your own nature journal and add stories and artwork. Meet at Beech Maple Lodge on February 16 at 1 p.m. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg.

Preschoolers: Crazy Canines Have a howling good time learning about coyotes and foxes. Meet at the nature center on February 9 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., or February 13 at 1 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville.

Family Theme Day: Predators & Prey Discover Ohio’s predators and prey animals with displays and activities. Meet at the nature center on February 20 from 1-3 p.m. Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 U.S. Route 23 N., Lewis Center.

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Father & Daughter Sweetheart Dance Create memories for your special little girl as you dance the night away.

Attend this semi-formal dance with your 6- to 12year-old and enjoy a delicious meal, music and a free promo-type photo. The dance is $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information call (614) 901-6500.

Headliner Magic Show The Headliner Magic/Variety Show is a family-friendly, annual magic show produced by the Columbus Magic Club, Inc., in conjunction with the Magifest magic convention.

It always has outstanding performers, fair prices and a lovely evening for families.

This event starts at 7:30 p.m. and is at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 300 W. Broad St. Ticket prices are $10 for children and $20 for adults.

For more information visit ww.magifest.org, or call (614) 299-8995.

MarioKart Madness Come play MarioKart on the big screen after school! No registration required and no cost. This event is at the Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This event is for ages 9-15. For more information visit

www.ghpl.org.

Perkins Observatory Perkins Observatory, 3199 Columbus Pike, offers public programs on Friday nights, excluding holiday weekends.

Program content varies depending on sky conditions. A program may include a planetarium show, tours of the Observatory, and/or observing with the 32-inch Schottland telescope and other telescopes, weather permitting starting at 8 p.m. To reserve tickets or request additional information call (740) 363-1257.

Toddler Time Children can explore large and small motor skills toys in a safe environment. The cost is $3 at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. from 9:3011:30 a.m. For more information call (614) 601-6500.

Saturday 6 Babysitting 101 First-timers and seasoned sitters will benefit from this informative course discussing how to make a bed, snacks, baths and play fun and easy! This event is for grades 5 and up. Come learn more about babysitting at the Worthington Library, 2280 Hard Rd., from 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. For more information contact Ann Badger at abadger@worthingtonlibraries.org, or call (614) 8072626.

Photo courtesy of Wendy’s Chili Open

February 6 The Wendy’s Chili Open The Wendy’s Chili Open is an annual wintertime fundraising event that raises money and increases awareness to benefit many children’s charities in central Ohio. The Westerville Sunrise Rotary club organizes and runs the event, and 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to charities. The event is at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on February 6 from noon-5 p.m. For more information visit www.Wendyschiliopen.com.

Bookopoly: Percy Jackson & the Olympians Olympians, gods and monsters—oh my! How well do you know your Percy Jackson adventures? Test your memory with trivia at the Worthington Library, 820 High St., from 3-4 p.m. For ages 5-7. For more information contact (614) 807-2626, or visit www.worthingtonlibraries.org.

The Boxcar Children See February 4.

Saturday Story Stomp Bring your family to enjoy stories, songs, and dancing, for ages 2-5 years. Come to the Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., from 11-11:30 a.m. Free. For more information contact (614) 481-3778.

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Storytime Theatre Presents: Topsy Turvy Enjoy the fun when picture books come to life, thanks to the library’s Teen Readers’ Theatre Troupe. Join us for free fun! This event is for ages 4-6 and will take place at the Worthington Library, 820 High St., from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

For more information contact Sarah Cofer at scoffer@worthingtonlibraries.org, or call

(614) 807-2626.

charge. Cost: $7 plus the cost of the ceramic piece you select. Painting begins at 10 a.m. at Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Ln., Powell. For more information go to www.marcysclayground.com.

Music & Movement See February 1.

Tuesday 9

ECRN Developmental Screenings ECRN is offering free develSunday 7 opmental screening called The Boxcar Children Child Check for children See February 4. ages 1 month to 5 y ears at Worthington United Methodist church, 600 High Monday 8 St., from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. These A Valentine’s ‘Mom and Me’ screenings are in the areas Paint Pottery of gross motor, fine motor, Our program will begin with speech and language, and storytime. Then one of our personal/social skills. A artists will lead you through hearing and vision screening a ceramic project to create a is also provided for children timeless Valentine with your over 3 years. Appointments little one’s handprint. Snacks are necessary and can be and paper crafts will be pro- scheduled by calling ECRN vided at no additional

at (614) 543-9000 ext. 216.

Tales for Toddlers See February 2.

Wednesday 10 Baby Games See February 3.

Family Story Time See February 3.

Thursday 11 The Boxcar Children See February 4.

Kids Cook In this hands-on workshop, children ages 3-6 will cook a recipe or two with honey.

Kids go home with recipe cards to continue the fun at home. Parents are encouraged to stay. This session features a special Valentine’s Day treat. The cost of the class is $4 per child and is from 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sprout Soup, 4310 High St. To register and for more information call (614) 5983559.

Friday 12

play and discuss what goes into a production and much The Boxcar Children more! This class is for ages See February 4.

12-16 and will take place at the Dublin Community Perkins Observatory Recreation Center, 5600 Post See February 5.

Rd., from 1-3 p.m. for five Yeah, No School Camp Drop the kids off to wor k on consecutive Saturdays. Cost is $90 for the session. For a project and learn new techniques. They will choose more information visit www.colschildrenstheatre. a project and a technique that interests them. The day org.

The Actor’s Craft Series: also includes lunch and Dialect Workshop drink. $30. Reservations One of the most important required. The camp is from keys to being a professional 12-4 p.m. at Outside the Lines Studio, 5236 Cemetery actor is versatility, and masRd., Hilliard. To register and tering dialects is one of those tools that is beneficial for more information call and fun to have! We will (614) 527-7752. explore the sounds, rhythms and intonation patterns of Saturday 13 these accents while working with text. This is a great class Acting 101 for young film, TV, and stage This brand-new course is actors. This class is for ages designed for the budding 12-16 and will take place at theatre artist. We will touch on the basics of theatre and the Downtown Studio, 177 E. Naghten Street, from 1:30being on stage including stage direction, basic termi- 3:30 p.m. for five consecutive Saturdays. Cost is $90 nology, auditioning for a

for the session. For more information visit www.colschildrens theatre.org.

Adventures with Robin Hood You think you know Robin Hood and his Merry Men, but you have no idea! Come and explore the fun-filled, comedic world of The Somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood, and then join us at the Park Street Theatre to watch it performed live, March 11-28, with your own complimentary ticket! This class is for ages 8-11 and will take place at Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., from 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. for five consecutive Saturdays. Cost is $90 for the session. For more information visit www.colschildrenstheatre.org.

Beginning Acting Calling all aspiring young actors! This beginning acting class will teach you the basics of what it takes to become an actor. You’ll learn

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February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

39

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prepared to hear them sing it out! This class is for ages 8-11 and will take place at the Downtown Studio, 177 E. Naghten St., from 11 a.m.-1 Fairytales Around the World p.m. for five consecutive Saturdays. Cost is $90 for the Let your imagination take session. For more informayou away to the lands of fairies and trolls. Create your tion visit www.colschildrenstheatre.org. own characters and stories in magical kingdoms across Singing for the Stage the seas! Who knows what It’s never too early to start treasures you may discover singing! This fun and clever on Share Day? This class is class will teach your youngfor ages 5-7 and will take sters the fundamentals of place at the Grandstand singing in a stage musical.

Pizza Parlor, 4034 Broadway, They’ll learn some of the tricks of the trade and begin The Boxcar Children from 9-10:30 a.m. for five See February 4. consecutive Saturdays. Cost to develop the confidence it takes to belt out the tunes is $80 for the session. For Chinese New Year on Share Day! This class is more information visit Celebration for ages 6-8 and will take www.colschildrenstheatre.

Kick off the Year of the Tiger place at the Downtown org. with games and a discussion Studio, 177 E. Naghten St., of the graphic novel Intermediate Acting from 9-10:30 a.m. for five American Born Chinese by For those of you who have consecutive Saturdays. Cost Gene Kuen Yang at the taken our Beginning Acting is $85 for the session. For Worthington Library, 820 class, this class is your next High St., from 2-3 p.m. This step! Now that you have the more information visit basics down, we’ll be focus- www.colschildrenstheatre. celebration is for 5- to 7ing more on character devel- org. year-olds and is free. For Storybook Theatre opment and how to work more information contact In this creative drama class, with a partner in order to Mandy Simon at you will bring fabulous stodevelop your scene. This msimon@worthingtonlibraries.org, or call (614) 807- class is for ages 8-11 and will ries to life on stage. Learn take place at the Park Street the basics of acting and 2626.

Theatre, 512 N. Park St., movement while telling a Click, Clack, Moo from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for five story that will have everyone Farmer Brown has a probconsecutive Saturdays. Cost on the edge of their seats. lem—the cows in the barn in $90 for the session. For Get ready for characters have learned to type and more information visit from your favorite stories to they want to change how www.colschildrenstheatre. come to life! This class is for things are being run on the org. ages 5-7 and will take place farm! Who knew animals at the Dublin Community were so talented? Your child Puppet Party Recreation Center, 5600 Post Bring your kids to enjoy a will have a blast recreating Rd., from 10-11 a.m. for five puppet show and then make this popular children’s book their own puppets. This free consecutive Saturdays. Cost and performing it for you. is $80 for the session. For This class is for ages 5-7 and event is great for grades K-4. more information visit Come join the fun at the will take place at Gallery www.colschildrenstheatre.

Grandview Heights Public 202, 38 N. State St., from 9org.

Library, 1685 W. First Ave., 10 a.m. for five consecutive Saturdays. Cost is $80 for the from 10:30-11:30 a.m. For more information contact session. For more informaSunday 14 tion visit www.colschildren- (614) 481-3778.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at stheater.org.

Sing it Out Marcy’s Clayground Your child will learn the Clifford Party Join the hottest Valentine’s basics of performing in a Happy Birthday, Clifford! party in Columbus (our kilns stage musical, and begin to Kids in preschool through get to almost 1900 degrees!). develop the skills and habits Enjoy Valentine’s themed second grade can celebrate of a professional performer, music, décor and treats as the big red dog’s big day while learning how project with books and activities. you paint with your loved and move on stage. This You can even meet the ones while creating lasting Clifford costumed character class is a good introduction memories. The cost is the to musical theatre and the at the Worthington Library, price of the items you stage. Come to Share Day basic theatre terminology, what goes into a production, how to build a scene and a character, and how to conquer stage fright. We’ll also discuss the audition process and the difference between prepared auditions and cold readings. This class is for ages 8-11 and will take place at the Vista Plaza, 1141 N. Hamilton Rd., from 12-2 p.m. for five consecutive Saturdays. Cost is $90 for the session. For more information visit www.colschildrenstheatre.org.

820 High St. Bring your family to this free event from 22:45 p.m. and enjoy tons of fun. For more information call (614) 807-2626.

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

choose to paint. Painting is from 12-6 p.m. at Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Ln., Powell. For more information go to www.marcysclayground.com The Boxcar Children See February 4.

Tuesday 16 Middle School Book Discussion Club Come and discuss Kerry Spinelli’s Stargirl with teen librarian Jen from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This event is for grades 6-8 and requires no registration or cost. Come join the discussion at the Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave. For more information contact (614) 4813778.

Tales for Toddlers See February 2.

Wednesday 17 Baby Games See February 3.

Family Story Time See February 3.

Thursday 18 The Boxcar Children See February 4.

Kids Cook In this hands-on workshop, children ages 3-6 will cook a recipe or two with garlic.

Kids go home with recipe cards to continue the fun at home. Parents are encouraged to stay. In addition, each child will go home with a garlic chives plant. The cost of the class is $4 per child. The class meets from 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sprout Soup, 4310 High St. To register and for more information call (614) 598-3559.

Friday 19 The Actor’s Craft Series: Dialect Workshop See February 13.

Adventures with Robin Hood See February 13.

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41

The Write Stuff: Memoir This free workshop will help teens brush up on a variety of writing styles.

Bring your teens to get guidance on writing their personal stories during this session at the Worthington Library, 820 High St., from 2-3:30 p.m. Registration is required; call (614) 8072626.

Photo courtesy of The Arnold Sports Festival

March 4-7 The Arnold Sports Festival

In downtown Columbus, this is the largest multi-sport festival in the nation with 18,000 athletes competing in 44 sports and events, including 12 Olympics sports.

Held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Nationwide Arena, Veterans Memorial, Dispatch Ice Haus, LC Pavilion. Daily EXPO tickets are $10. (614) 431-2600. Thursday, 7-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.10 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Complete information at www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.

The Boxcar Children See February 4.

See February 4.

Click, Clack, Moo See February 13.

Family Fun Night Bring family and friends and paint together. You may bring your own snacks and drinks and make it a real party. Don’t stay cooped up inside, come out and unlock your creative side. Have fun as a group.

Reservations needed as space is limited. The Family Night is from 6-9 p.m. at Outside the Lines Studio, 5236 Cemetery Rd., Hilliard. To register and for more information call (614) 527-7752.

Family Night Enjoy a night of family fun including snacks, climbing walls, game room fun, and access to the gymnasium and pool. This event is $5 per person at the Westerville Community Center, 305 N. Cleveland Ave., from 6:30-9 p.m. For more information call (614) 901-6500.

Perkins Observatory See February 5.

Intermediate Acting See February 13.

Saturday 20 Acting 101 See February 13.

Beginning Acting See February 13.

The Boxcar Children

42

Fairytales Around the World See February 13.

Saturday Story Stomp See February 6.

Sing it Out See February 13.

Singing for the Stage See February 13.

Storybook Theatre See February 13.

Library, 1685 W. First Ave., from 3-4 p.m. Registration is required and begins on February 10 in Youth Services. Call (614) 4813778.

Thursday 25

Kids Cook In this hands-on workshop, children ages 3-6 will cook a recipe or two with black Write On! Pop-Ups beans. Kids go home with Learn more about this fascinating genre and try your recipe cards to continue the fun at home. Parents are hand at making your own encouraged to stay. The pop-up book during this cost of the class is $4 per writing and illustration workshop, best for ages 5-7. child. The class meets from Come enjoy this free learn- 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. at Sprout Soup, 4310 High St. ing experience at the To register and for more Worthington Library, 820 information call (614) 598High St., from 2-3 p.m. For 3559. more information e-mail Amy Brown at abrown@worthingtonliFriday 26 braries.com, or call (614) Perkins Observatory 807-2626.

See February 5.

Sunday 21 The Boxcar Children See February 4.

Monday 22 Arts & Crafts Come share an evening of arts and crafts with your child. This $3 per child program is for ages 6 and younger. The program is at the Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., from 6:30-8 p.m. For more information call (614) 901-6500.

Music & Movement See February 1.

Wednesday 24 Baby Games See February 3.

Family Story Time See February 3.

Pirate for a Day Come play games and make your own pirate bandana with your family. This event is for grades K-3 and is free. Join the fun at the Grandview Heights Public

Saturday 27 Acting 101 See February 13.

The Actor’s Craft Series: Dialect Workshop See February 13.

Adventures with Robin Hood See February 13.

Beginning Acting See February 13.

Click, Clack, Moo See February 13.

Fairytales Around the World See February 13.

Intermediate Acting See February 13.

Maple Syrup Festival Join us for our 23rd annual Maple Syrup Festival. Enjoy activities including tree tapping, Indian dancing, BB shooting, branding irons, pioneer-era tomahawk throw, a blacksmith shop and so much more.

The event is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Camp Lazarus, 4422 Columbus Pike, Delaware.

The cost is $2 per person.

February 2010 | Columbus Parent Magazine

Photo courtesy of Disney On Ice

February 24–28 Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! See Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and all the Disney princesses. Watch exciting moments from The Lion King, Mulan, and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films, in a skating spectacular filled with magical moments you’ll remember forever!

Nationwide Arena. Wed., Feb. 24, 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 25, 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 27, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Sun., Feb. 28, 1 and 5 p.m.

Tickets are $12.50 - $43. Additional facility and service fees may apply.

For more information go to Ticketmaster.com, www.DisneyOnIce.com, or call the Nationwide Arena Box Office at (800) 745-3000.

For more information visit www.skcbsa.org.

Singing for the Stage See February 13.

Science Secrets Explore the secrets of science using stories, songs and activities. This event is best for grades K-3. Come and learn about science for free at the Worthington Library, 820 High St., from 10:30-11:30 a.m. For more information contact Amy Brown at abrown@worthingtonlibraries, or call (614) 807-2626.

Storybook Theatre See February 13.

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.

Sing it Out See February 13.

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