Columbus Parent - January 2012

JANUARY 2012

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getting started: TABLE OF CONTENTS AR: CALEND

157

TO DO THINGS NTH THIS MO

ColumbusParent.com

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

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

Brian Lindamood blindamood@columbusparent.com EDITOR

Jane Hawes jane.hawes@columbusparent.com NICHE PUBLICATIONS ADVERTISING MANAGER

Amy Bishop abishop@columbusparent.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

LA Castle lcastle@columbusparent.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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

Vanessa Micic vmicic@columbusparent.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Will Shilling wshilling@columbusparent.com ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

ON THE GO 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14

BEST BET: We offer up five of your best bets for family fun in Central Ohio this month NEWS ON THE GO PRODUCT PIX COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE: Bexley’s Nori Duffee HOUSEBROKEN: Dispatch columnist Joe Blundo VITAMIN ME: Capital Style editor Kristy Eckert TAKE IT FROM TRACY: 10TV’s Tracy Townsend NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: Lancaster BIZ SPOTLIGHT: Kimberly Murray from the AHA museum

NEED TO KNOW 15 16

FAMILY FINANCE: with Denise Trowbridge THE GO-TO GUIDE: Family Fun Factory Tours

HOT TOPIC:

PRODUCTION EDITOR

21

rzimmer@columbusparent.com

22 24 25

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THE CHILDCARE CENTERS DIRECTORY: from Columbus Parent and Action for Children CONTINUITY OF CARE: The next big thing in childcare?

MAKING GOOD CHOICES: Childcare centers can teach healthy living AGE-APPROPRIATE: BABYSITTING AGES 11-15: Babysitting Basics AGES 11-20: Great Expectations AGES 21+: The Overnight Babysitter PEDIATRIC HEALTHSOURCE: from Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Rebecca Zimmer GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Michaela Schuett mschuett@columbusparent.com PHOTOGRAPHER

Alysia Burton aburton@columbusparent.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Heather Weekley hweekley@columbusparent.com CONTRIBUTORS

Tessa Berg, Joe Blundo, Olivera Bratich, Linda Deitch, Melissa Kossler Dutton, Kristy Eckert, Colin Hawes, Kristen Maetzold, Phil Pikelny, Michael J. Rosen, Elizabeth Seufer, Mary Slebodnik, Tracy Townsend, Denise Trowbridge

FAMILY FUN 18 20 37 38 40 42 44

2

COOKING WITH KIDS: A cake for people AND dogs?!

OVERNIGHT TRIPPIN’: The Children’s Museum in Indianapolis PLAYGROUND PATROL: Central Park Playland in Westerville HANDS ON: Clintonville’s Wholly Craft PARTIES: A “sprinkle shower” EATING OUT WITH KIDS: Luce in Powell REVIEWS: Books, apps, games and a website

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

DISTRIBUTION

ON THE COVER: Alex hangs with his penguin friend Tuna at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium PHOTO BY ALYSIA BURTON

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

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

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

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3

MARBURN ACADEMY

getting started: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WINTER ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE Please join us for an informative session

Sunday, January 29 • 1:00 – 4:00 pm For parents and students interested in 1st – 12th grade.

RSVP to bdavidson@marburnacademy.org or 614-433-0822 •

Orton-Gillingham accredited

•

Inquiry-based instruction

•

1-1 Laptop school

•

Organization /self-awareness

•

Fine and Performing Arts

•

100% of Marburn’s graduates

•

Outdoor leadership component

accepted into college

FREE EARLY READING SCREENING Friday, February 24 • For children aged 5-7 RSVP Required • Appointments fill fast! bdavidson@marburnacademy.org or 614-433-0822 Find out if your child is likely to experience difficulty learning to read, write or spell.

FREE COMMUNITY PARENT SEMINAR “Early Identification and Early Intervention: Why Wait For Failure” Tuesday, January 10 • 7:00 – 9:00 pm RSVP to (614) 433-0822 or bdavidson@marburnacademy.org

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

Dear Columbus Parents, It was right around this time of the year, 13 years ago. It was that winter with the insanely long spell of freezing rain and snow, when my daughter’s kindergarten classes were cancelled for a week, when I couldn’t get the car out of the driveway for three days. I also had a semi-mobile 6-monthold in the house and a husband in Florida (because he’s a college swim coach and that’s where he goes every winter with this team for winter training — believe me, I got a good gift out of his absence that year).

So it was me, the 5-year-old and her baby brother, roughing it alone on leftover Christmas cookies and half a bottle of cooking sherry (don’t you judge me). Eventually the bread, milk, cereal and other staples of life ran low. I was going to have to dig the car out and get to the grocery store.

First time I did it was late at night while they were sleeping. By the next morning, the car and the driveway were buried under snow again. So, for the first time in her life, my daughter had to keep an eye on her brother. Needless to say it was more stressful for me than it was for her. I would shovel a few feet, then run back in to see if they were both alive. Shovel, run back, shovel, run back. (A great workout, by the way.)

My mission was finally completed. Big Sis even got Little Bro into his snowsuit. She and I bundled up, then we all headed to the store, making it there and back safely.

The episode was a milestone, not just in my solo-parenting adventures (of which there are many when your spouse is a coach), but also in my children’s ability to take care of each other. Sometimes, I’ve learned, we adults don’t always give our kids credit (or even a chance) for nurturing each other. But it’s part of how families have survived — and thrived — for millennia.

For this issue’s focus on childcare, I worked on a very interesting story about a growing trend in childcare: mixedage groups. It’s one of those concepts that makes perfect sense when you think about — primary caregiver has responsibility for a small group of children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 3 years, and the children stay with that caregiver and group of children every year that they’re at the childcare center.

Linda Neugebauer, a longtime leader in Central Ohio for early childhood education, is championing this concept and hopes to convince others to try it. All I can say is that what I observed at one of the pilot schools — Kids Care Academy — brought back happy memories for me, watching the young children interact with each other and, yes, nurture each other.

CONNECT WITH US

Marburn Academy…simply better www.marburnacademy.org

4

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

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

on the go: BEST BETS FOR FAMILY FUN IN JANUARY Columbus Children’s Family Theatre: Goldilocks and Friday Night COSI stays open until 9 p.m. on Friday, the Three Bears Jan. 27, so the whole family can enjoy

jump start the

NEW YEAR

The remixed story of the children’s classic is performed for kids, by kids. Follow the story of Goldilocks and Baby Bear in this 50-minute act at the Park Street Theatre. Thursday-Sunday shows will run Jan. 12-22. Tickets are $10-$21.

512 N. Park St., Short North, 614-224-6672, colschildrenstheatre.org

Joan Marcus photo

with

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CAN’TMISS COLUMBUS ACTIVITIES!

Broadway Across America: Shrek The Musical The big green ogre is visiting Ohio’s capital city! From Jan. 10-15, Broadway Across America’s “Shrek The Musical” will delight audiences with laughs and musical numbers at the Ohio Theatre. Show times vary, and ticket prices start at $28. 39 E. State St., Downtown, 614-469-0939, capa.com

PBJ & Jazz: Sean Carney & the Sean Carney Band Put a little jazz in your January! The popular PBJ & Jazz series continues into 2012, with a performance by Sean Carney and his band on Jan. 14. While listening to live tunes, youngsters can munch on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a cookie and juice, all provided in the $5 admission. There will be two Saturday morning show times at the Lincoln Theatre: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. 769 E. Long St., East Side, 614-294-5200, jazzartsgroup.org

the myriad exhibitions and activities.

The $9 general admission includes a show in the Giant Screen Theater.

COSI members can stay late for free, and pay a reduced rate of $3.50 for a Giant Screen flick. 333 W. Broad St., Downtown, 614-228-2674, cosi.org

Ohio State University Women’s Basketball v. Illinois The Lady Buckeyes take on the Fighting Illini during a Sunday afternoon game at Value City Arena. Watch as they showcase their dribbling, shooting and passing skills against the visiting University of Illinois at 2 p.m. on Jan. 22.

Tickets are $5-$15.

555 Borror Drive, Campus, 614-292-2624, ohiostatebuckeyes.com

Sunday, January 8, 3 pm

Fiery Fiddlin’ and Fairy Tales!

Paint your own Ceramics Studio

Albert-George Schram, conductor

Sunday, March 25, 3 pm

Art and Creativity Opportunities for People with and without Disabilities

The INclusive Arts OUTlet in Lancaster 150 W. Main Street · Lancaster, OH 43130 740.653.1755 www.artandclayonmain.com

Rhythm of the Americas Michael Berkowitz, conductor

Performances take place at the Capitol Theatre in the Vern Riffe Center with the Columbus Symphony!

Media Sponsor:

Pre-concert activities, beginning at 2 pm include a musical craft, instruments to see and play, conducting lessons, musical tattoos and more.

columbussymphony.com 614-228-8600

Support provided by:

800-745-3000

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

5

on the go: NEWS ON THE GO

200 REASONS why columbus

is a great place to

Around Town Where the happening kids just happened to be COLUMBUS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT OHIO THEATRE DECEMBER 3, 2011 PHOTOS BY ALYSIA BURTON

RAISE A FAMILY

In case you hadn’t heard, Columbus is celebrating its bicentennial in 2012.

To wish Columbus a happy birthday, Parent has drummed up 200 reasons why this fair city is a great place to raise a family. We’ll be counting them down throughout the year, beginning with the following: 1. A German-based reverence for quality baked goods

2. Jack Hanna: The world knows he’s from here. What more could we ask for in a public figure?

3. We’re located on the western side of the time zone, which means we get more daylight at the end of the day than the beginning. Maybe it’s just us, but that’s the side we’d rather have an hour more daylight.

4. That gallon of milk in your fridge probably traveled less than 100 miles from a cow to get here.

5. The Center for Discovery at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Branch

6. Ohio is No. 35 in the nation for square mileage, but No. 5 in the number of colleges and universities. That’s what we call density of opportunity!

7. North Market: The living embodiment of the term “Something for everyone!”

13. The crafting community in Central Ohio: Talk about great role modeling for the kids.

14. The PBJ & Jazz concert series from the Jazz Arts Group

Toby and Max Thomas

Jessica Stelzer

15. The Step Up to Quality state rating program for childcare centers and preschools

16. Depending on how you classify William Henry Harrison, Ohio is either No. 1 or No. 2 on the list for being home to the most U.S. presidents (Harrison was born in Virginia, but considered himself an Ohioan).

17. Rick Nash: Because by now we all know that humble, hardworking athlete role models don’t exactly grow on trees.

18. German Village: The original cool neighborhood

19. The Ohio Statehouse: Admit it, it’s also

Quentin Zimmer

Kacy Lytle

Cassidy Parker

pretty cool

20. Graeter’s: The original ice cream that exOhioans would ship to themselves

8. Mad River Mountain: Yes, we’ve got real winter sports, too!

9. We also have our own dedicated curling ice at the Columbus Curling Club. That’s a big deal in the curling world.

10. Max & Erma’s: Free cookies on Wednesdays. ‘Nuff said.

11. The Wonder Room at the Columbus Museum of Art: The best just got better, especially for families.

12. Columbus Children’s Theatre: Not just for watching — also for doing!

WILL SHILLING PHOTO

6

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

Divya and Darshan Uppal

Keely and Ryleigh Fouts

on the go: PRODUCT PIX SING ME A RAINBOW Who doesn’t love a rainbow? Now you can make your own with the solar-powered Rainbowmaker Chime ($52). Simply suction it to a window and watch in amazement as a crystal creates swirling rainbows. The attached chimes create a soothing sound to accompany the light show.

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Botanica Gift Shop, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614-645-8733, fpconservatory.org/botanica.htm

TOTALLY TUBULAR Spooner Boards ($50) are designed to be used in ANY space and on ANY surface, even carpet! The 28” Pro Model is suitable for practicing techniques indoors or outdoors in as little as a 4-foot area. Spooner Boards have no weight limitations and come with a life-time guarantee.

Learning Express, 180 F Market St., New Albany, 614-9330333, columbus.learningexpresstoys.com

START YOUR ENGINES Toddlers will likely invest hours on their hands and knees, racing this kid-powered Race Car Wooden Push Toy ($32), made by manny and simon, all over the house. The window is a handle that allows for easy pushing. It’s made of 100 percent post-industrial recycled wood residuals and is painted with non-toxic and ultra low odor paint.

Sprout Soup, 3286 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-267-7768, sproutsoup.com

FOR WINTER FLIP FLOPS! Girls can rock their flip flops even in the coldest months when they pull on a pair of LittleMissMatched Flip Flop Socks. Sold in mismatched yet coordinated sets of three for $15 a pair, these socks step up the style of even the most hum-drum flip flop.

Available online at littlemissmatched.com

OVER THE MOON Introduce your child to the writing of Columbus native James Thurber with the beautifully illustrated “Many Moons” ($8), the story of a princess who wants the moon and the jester who gets it for her.

Thurber House Country Bookstore, 77 Jefferson Ave., Downtown, 614-464-1032, thurberhouse.org

FUNNY FARM A farm has never looked so lovely as it does on the soft pages of “Farmy Farm” ($9) by Chris Raschka. Available at Cover to Cover Books, Caldecott Award winner Raschka creates whimsical watercolor pictures on felt pages that amuse your little book lover.

Cover to Cover Books, 3560 N High St., Clintonville, 614-263-1624, covertocoverchildrensbooks.com

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

7

on the go: COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE AGE: 30 SPOUSE: Eric, married for 8 years KIDS: Kyra (5) and Kayla (4) NEIGHBORHOOD: Bexley JOB: stay-at-home mom

Nori Duffee What is the most played song on your iPod right now? I’ll be the first

Favorite movie that you went to see with the kids: I’ll tell you the

to admit that I have the strangest taste in music. I get goosebumps when I listen to “Just Like Heaven” by the Cure, which is a great song.

My top 25 most played songs include artists like Britney Spears, the Beatles, Kings of Leon, the Bee Gees and then Jay-Z. Big spectrum there!

least favorite movie: “Tangled!”

My girls were terrified of that movie! Fast forward almost a year, and my younger daughter insists on being Rapunzel for this past Halloween. Complete with an amazing wig.

Who is your favorite TV/movie parent? Claire (Julie Bowen) from “Mod-

put yourself in their shoes. Not being able to find your favorite pink Hello Kitty socks may seem really trivial to an adult, but to a small child, it’s important.

ern Family.” I especially love watching Claire deal with her two very different teenage daughters. It’s giving me a scary preview of what my life will be like in another 10 years….

Which super-hero power would you like to have? I’d love to be able to freeze and fast-forward time! I’d freeze those magical moments where everyone is so happy and amazing and being a parent is the most awesome and rewarding thing in the world…Then I’d like to fast forward through when my girls are throwing themselves on the floor of Kroger because I was buying red apples instead of green.

Favorite thing to do for family fun in Central Ohio: In the winter, we spend a lot of time at COSI. We also love to walk to the Jeffrey Mansion in Bexley and pack a picnic when the weather is nice. On rainy days my kids love going to places like Kingdom of Bounce.

Favorite restaurant to take the kids:

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

8

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

When we take the kids out, it is almost always for pizza because it is so fast. Hungry kids = crabby kids!

We love Donatos and Rubino’s in Bexley. Afterwards we almost always go to Johnson’s for ice cream.

Best advice you ever received as a parent: To try and remember to

What have you learned as a parent that you wish someone had told you before had that first kid? That it really does go by in a flash.

Everyone did tell me that, but you don’t know how true it really is until you’re experiencing it yourself. It feels like yesterday I had two babies under 15 months in my house with seemingly endless bottles and burp cloths and diapers…. and then today they are big girls with their own thoughts, opinions and personalities.

What’s something your parents did that you thought was nuts when you were a kid and now you understand? My mom was also a stay-athome mom and every night she insisted on a nice family dinner, with no distractions. My brother and I hated that we couldn’t watch TV during dinner and instead had to talk about our day at school and our friends with mom and dad. Then overnight I became a mother and see why that hour at the dinner table and staying in tune with your children’s lives every day is so important.

on the go: HOUSEBROKEN

HOME Odyssey 2012

BY JOE BLUNDO

My car can forget stuff.

I learned that after disconnecting the battery so I could clean the terminals. When I reconnected the battery, the car had forgotten how to run properly. It kept stalling.

A half hour on an Internet forum revealed the problem: When the power source to the car’s computer is interrupted, the stupid thing has to relearn how to make the car operate.

Drive it around awhile until it gets the hang of things again, my online advisers said. This actually worked, but it has strained my relationship with the car. I’m not fond of household machines with central nervous systems of their own.

In a previous house, we had an old furnace that, one cold winter day, turned on and wouldn’t turn off. When the house got into the mid-80s, I decided I better do something, so I called a furnace guy who told me to bang on a certain pipe with a wrench. The furnace promptly shut off and never misbehaved like that again. Beautiful.

I haven’t had a furnace that obedient since. Now it takes a technician and $400 (if I’m lucky) to get a furnace to cooperate because it has mysterious electronic brains that operate it.

Threatening it with a wrench would have no effect whatsoever.

I suppose I can tolerate this sort of thing in cars and furnaces, in the interest of conserving fossil fuels. But gen-

Ecole Francaise

erally, I think it best to minimize the number of household devices that have minds of their own.

They make refrigerators now that will keep track of what you put in them and remind you when it’s time to buy more. Isn’t that a bit presumptuous of an appliance? Frankly, I don’t want a refrigerator recording how often I buy a six-pack. It’s none of the refrigerator’s business.

Likewise, I’m not happy about my radio’s standoffishness. I resigned myself to all TV sets demanding that I approach them only via remote control, but I thought radios were more downto-earth than that. But my latest model has nary a button or switch upon its sleek face. The remote must intercede for me when I need to make a request of the radio.

It’s a perfectly fine system until it’s not. When the remote abruptly stopped working, neither changing the battery nor mashing the remote buttons with increasing intensity would jolt it into

Joe Blundo’s column So to Speak appears in the Life section of The Columbus Dispatch. Visit his blog at Dispatch.com action. And, of course, approaching the radio itself was out of the question. I would have had better luck getting an audience with Queen Elizabeth. So it was a day without NPR. Lest I sound like a Luddite, I should point out that I wrote this column on a computer. There’s such a thing as a machine that’s too dumb, and that pretty much describes every typewriter I ever used. No matter how carefully I hit the keys, an error or two always managed to find its way onto the page.

But when they did, I at least knew whose central nervous system was to blame.

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on the go: VITAMIN ME B: Carefully load your little boy back

the

Landof KNOW

BY KRISTY ECKERT

POP QUIZ: When your sister’s husband calls at midnight to say their baby is coming any minute, and you’ve just finished driving from Columbus to your parents’ Akron home with your almost-2-year-old, what do you do?

A: Say, “Mom and Dad, you go. It’s midnight and I’ve got a 1year-old who is already up hours past his bedtime. We’re going to sleep as long as we can. Call me when the baby arrives and we’ll be at the hospital before they even let anyone into the room.”

into the SUV, drive to the hospital, carry your son inside, give your sister a hug, and promise to return when the baby’s out and visitors are allowed in the room. Return to your parents’, put your child in his crib and sleep until your cell rings.

C: Toss two diapers, a couple of wipes and one baggie of graham crackers in your camera bag, scoop up your kid, and high tail it out of the house. Because after all, the doctor said the baby is coming. Any minute!

If you are sane and have ever interacted with a toddler in any capacity (or anxiously awaited the birth of someone else’s child), you answered A. And you were correct.

If you are mostly sane but think that one last pre-pushing hug for your sister would be worth screwing up a toddler’s sleep schedule for at least a week, you answered B. It’s not the right answer, but it’s also not the worst possible plan. (Note: If you

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answered B, it has also been too long since you had a toddler.)

I, apparently, was deliriously overjoyed about impending Aunt-hood.

Because I chose C. C is the wrong answer.

Because the baby is not coming any minute. The baby is coming at 9:24 a.m. And you won’t be allowed to hold her until 2:15 p.m.

What happened during those 14+ hours is not really worth recounting.

Partly because I’m pretty sure I may not have been conscious for part of them. I vaguely recall being scolded by a security guard for lying on the floor with my child on top of me during one of the four — yes, only four — hours he slept. I also have video that I may or may not remember taking of Cooper laughing hysterically while pounding on a pop machine.

The story, of course, has a happy ending: Baby Harper did arrive, precious and cherubic as could be, with a mop of black hair and feet as long and boney as her momma’s and aunt’s.

And even after I put him through

far too many hours in The Land of No (No, you can’t run into the surgery room! No, you can’t hit that button! No, you can’t pull those cords!), my good little man still had his sweetness about him.

We lifted him to the nursery glass to see his baby cousin, who lay just inches away on the other side. He got quiet, inspecting the tiny creature.

“Baby,” he said. Then, she started to cry. Mr. Cooper carefully put his fingers to his binky (please don’t judge me — we were on hour 14), pulled it out and pressed it against the glass, offering it to soothe her.

My eyes welled with tears.

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

on the go: TAKE IT FROM TRACY

The Grand

BACK-UP plan

BY TRACY TOWNSEND

What a difference a year makes: Last January I remember writing about my family’s great fortune in finding a babysitter who has become like a member of the family. One year later, we still hold her in high regard and enjoy having her sit with Ian — when her schedule allows. A funny thing happened last spring: she graduated from college and joined the real world of work. My husband and I sort of “forgot” this day would be coming.

Our sitter’s life transition has required us to do some growing up, too. Namely, we have to find another person to fill the void. As many of you know, that is no easy task. I have long secretly envied my friends who rarely, if ever, seem to have babysitting crises because they can call on family members, especially grandparents.

Calling on your parents with a request for help with child care can be tricky. In our case, the paternal and maternal grandparents are retired but live out of town — in Indianapolis and Cincinnati respectively.

The care comes at no charge but depending on your perspective, there is a “price.” We pay in patience as both our mothers freely share their opinions on how Ian is being raised, disciplined, fed, educated and clothed.

The good news is Murvin and I don’t have any problems entrusting Ian to our parents. Between the two couples, seven children have been raised, earned college degrees, and are gainfully employed and good citizens.

There is something, though, that happens once they became grandparents. Quite frankly, they’ve come to embrace being the “Grands.” It’s as if they’ve acquired a license to do what they want, forget what they used to say and reinvent rules for children. Whether it’s allowing Ian to eat with abandon at a certain Mexican fast-food restaurant or taking him to a big-box toy store to pick out anything he “needs,” both his paternal and maternal grandparents are guilty of overindulging him.

I could complain about them spoiling Ian but the reality is they are spending precious time with

him and creating a lifetime of memories. Sure, I will absolutely need to find another babysitter here in town — and soon. My mother constantly reminds me that, while she loves to help me with Ian, it’s not like she lives next door. Her services require some planning and a full tank of gas for the two-hour drive from Cincinnati to Columbus.

But the benefit of knowing my child is in the care of the woman who taught me what a gift it is to be a parent is absolutely priceless.

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

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columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

11

on the go: NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Lancaster

COLUMBUS

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON • PHOTOS BY ALYSIA BURTON

LANCASTER

With a mall, a healthy mix of chain and local restaurants and a great children’s museum, families in Lancaster don’t have to travel to Columbus for good entertainment options.

But Columbus residents in search of adventure might find it worthwhile to head to the Fairfield County seat.

Alley Park Nature Center

AHA museum The historic town offers a wide variety of family fun, said Ashley Crook, who runs lancasterparent.com, a website that keeps families informed about local happenings. When Crook started the website two years ago, she was surprised by how many entertainment options are available for families.

“We’re kind of a self-sustaining community,” Crook said. “A lot of people don’t go out to Columbus.”

The AHA museum, which opened in 2008, is worth the 30minute drive to Lancaster. The museum features an extensive pretend-play area, a water table, craft zone and several other entertaining exhibits.

Another fun stop for hands-on

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activities is Art & Clay, a paintyour-own pottery studio that has plenty of options for children.

The downtown business also houses Blue Shoe Arts Studio, a studio for artists with disabilities.

Art & Clay sells a variety of artwork made by artists with and without disabilities from throughout Ohio.

The Ohio Glass Museum has a wonderful selection of glass pieces — many of them produced in its studio. The museum has an awesome viewing area where kids can watch glassblowers transform hot blobs of glass into vases, bowls and ornaments. And don’t miss the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, a house built in 1865 that hosts art exhibitions and craft

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

workshops suitable for the entire family.

Lolaleigh features artwork of a different kind. The children’s clothing floor is stocked with lovely garments, many of them made by the mother-daughter team of Terice Goeller and Leigh Dixon. The women use designer fabric to create fun, fashionable clothing.

Budding ballerinas will want to visit Tutu Mommies, a store that sells custom tutus, tutu dresses, headbands and other girly accessories in infant through child sizes.

When tummies start growling, head over to Four Reasons Bakery & Deli. The eatery has a large menu of deli sandwiches, a variety

of hot drinks and cases full of homemade cookies and treats.

For something a little more upscale yet reasonably priced, visit Shaw’s Restaurant & Inn. The Lancaster institution known for steaks and fresh seafood also offers interesting cooking classes and special events.

For something sweet, head to The Candy Cottage, a confectionary that makes handmade chocolates and mints and roasts nuts. The shop also sells candyand cake-making supplies.

Lancaster definitely has a good selection of parks when the kids are ready for some outdoor fun.

Firehouse Park, located next to the local fire station, features several play structures including one

that looks a fire truck.

Rising Park also has a large playground plus a pond where visitors can feed ducks. For many locals, however, the main attraction is Mt. Pleasant, a large hill that’s a doable climb for most kids and offers a wonderful view of the city.

The Alley Park Nature Center is another fun place. The center routinely offers programs and special events.

During the warmer months, kids might enjoy catching a movie at the Skyview Drive-In. Built in 1948, the venue focuses on providing families an affordable night out. Movie goers can listen to the movies through their car stereo or on old-school speakers.

THE OHIO GLASS

.

D

S

ALLEY PARK NATURE CENTER

S. COLUMBUS ST

SKYVIEW DRIVE-IN 2420 E. Main St. 877-286-6843

DECORATIVE ARTS CENTER OF OHIO

N. HIGH ST.

BANK ST. LOLALEIGH W. MAIN ST.

RISING PARK 1120 N. High St.

N. BROAD ST.

TUTU MOMMIES

THE CANDY COTTAGE

ART & CLAY

FOUR REASONS BAKERY & DELI

S. BROAD ST.

FIREHOUSE PARK 210 E. Chestnut St.

E. MAIN ST.

VE. NA L CO LIN

D. RR TE AS NC LA NGA LO

DECORATIVE ARTS CENTER OF OHIO 145 E. Main St. 740-681-1423 decartsohio.com

THE OHIO GLASS MUSEUM 124 W. Main St. 740-687-0101 ohioglassmuseum.org

SKYVIEW DRIVE-IN

T.

THE CANDY COTTAGE 745 E. Main St. 740-653-6842 candycottageltd.com

RISING PARK

LOLALEIGH 105 N. Columbus St. 740-654-7113 lolaleigh.com

RO A

ART & CLAY 150 W. Main St. 740-653-1755 artandclayonmain.com

N. ME MO R

S. B

ALLEY PARK NATURE CENTER 2805 Old Logan Road S.E. lancasterparks.com/ Alley_Park/alley_park.html

FOUR REASONS BAKERY & DELI 135 W. Main St. 740-654-2253 fourreasons.com

R. LD IA

AHA: A HANDS-ON ADVENTURE 315 S. Broad St. 740-653-1010 aha4kids.org

FIREHOUSE PARK E. CHESTNUT ST.

E. WALNUT ST. AHA: A HANDS-ON ADVENTURE

Lolaleigh

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

13

A Blizzard of Savings!

We pay $$$ on the spot for gently used clothing, toys & equipment your kids have outgrown. PLUS, low prices on everything they need NOW!

on the go: BIZ SPOTLIGHT

Kimberly Murray, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF AHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Hours: M-S 10am to 8 pm Sunday NOON to 5pm

For Store Information and directions, please visit

www.onceuponachildcolumbus.com

FOR ALL WOMEN

www.CLOTHES - MENTOR.com

The museum opened in 2008. How did the museum come to be?

A group of six founders who had visited children’s museums in other parts of country said, “Why can’t we have this here in Lancaster?�

Within a year and a half, they had raised several thousands of dollars, secured nonprofit status, begun the process of determining exhibits and found a location.

Why do you think the community was so responsive to their idea?

There wasn’t very much for young children to do in Lancaster. People were excited about the idea. They felt like it sounded like a great idea. It would be educational. It would be fun. It would be hands-on.

If you are not wearing it, get CASH for it!

In Arlington

2011 Henderson Rd

614-923-0166

Located In Front of Krogers on Henderson Rd.

In Westerville

399 S. State St. Suite 11

614-899-3000

Located in the Cherry Park Plaza by Once Upon A Child

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| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

What age range is the museum geared to?

Our primary is 0 to 7.

However, we never say no to older children. The founders were trying to complement COSI, which serves an older audience.

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

Is this a place for parents to play with their kids or somewhere for little ones to explore on their own?

It’s definitely a museum where parents are expected to be involved. It is a handson experience that parents and children can enjoy together. The parents can enrich the child’s experience by talking to them about what they are doing, encouraging them to try new things and being a captive audience for them.

Can you share some of your future plans?

We are looking to expand. We are out of space. We are hoping to find a property or building that would work for our expansion. We know what we need. We know we need 10,000 square feet, green space and adequate parking. —MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

need to know: FAMILY FINANCE

How to Make a snowBALL

BY DENISE TROWBRIDGE

January in Central Ohio always means snow — even for debt.

Using the “debt snowball” method to tackle higher-interest debts such as credit cards, auto loans and personal loans is an effective way for many parents to significantly reduce the money they owe.

“It’s a great method for taking control,” said Kathy Virgallito, a director of Consumer Credit Counseling Services in Columbus. “It can shave quite a number of years off the debt payoff. It has real results.”

With holiday bills coming due and New Year’s money-management resolutions to be honored, it’s a timely topic. According to the Federal Reserve, about half of U.S. households have credit card debt, and those that

do owe an average of $15,799 at 13-percent interest.

How does a debt snowball work? First, you outline everything you owe, to whom, and the interest rate on each debt. Then arrange the debt in the order you’d like to pay it off. Some people start with the smallest debt and work their way up. Others choose to tackle the one with the highest interest rate first.

“Some people feel a lot more rewarded if they pay off a card completely, so they might choose to start with the smallest debt,” Virgallito said. “(But) if you want to save yourself as much money as possible in the long run, start with the highest interest rate debt.”

Once you’ve chosen a strategy, pay the minimum monthly payment on all other debts except for the one you have targeted for payoff. Concentrating on one debt at a time helps you focus and concentrate your energy on a concrete, achievable goal. Pay as much above the minimum payment as you can, each month, every month until the target debt is paid off.

When that debt is paid, begin the snowball. Add the money you were sending to the first debt to the minimum monthly payment of the next debt. For instance, if you were paying $100 toward debt No. 1 and $25 toward debt No. 2 each month, you’d send $125 to debt No. 2 each month once the first was paid off.

In theory, the debt snowball is similar to a snowball rolling down a sledding hill. As it moves along, it grows larger, moving faster and building momentum. Your outstanding loan balances will go down significantly, but the amount you are paying to service your debts stays the same every month.

But be realistic about how much extra

money you can afford to pay, Virgallito said, and then set up automatic bill payment from a bank account to make it easier. After that, Virgillato advised looking at your spending and identifying areas where you could cut and free up more money.

Once the snowball is moving along, you can add “snowflakes,” which are small, irregular amounts of “bonus” money you add to the highest monthly payment. Think spare change, that $2 mail-in rebate check, or cash from sales on eBay. Those snowflakes can be empowering, Virgallito said: “Once you start paying attention to the money coming into and going out of your life, you’re in the driver’s seat.”

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

315 S. Broad Street Lancaster, OH 43130 740.653.1010 www.aha4kids.org

A HANDS-ON ADVENTURE A CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

$5 ADMISSION

all ages

Monday-Saturday 10:00-4:00 Sunday 12:00-4:00 (Nov. to Mar.) Check out our NEW facebook page: AHA! A Hands-on Adventure, A Children’s Museum columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

15

need to know: THE GO-TO GUIDE

fun Factory Tours FAMILY

BY MARY SLEBODNIK

To distract the kids during those long stretches between family vacations, dazzle them with tours of local factories. Informative and often free, factory tours let you in on the manufacturing magic behind chocolate, metal whistles, popcorn, baseball bats and other mysteries of the universe. Below are the results of our journey with ratings for each tour’s kid-friendliness.

AL’S DELICIOUS POPCORN

OUR RATING:

1500 Bethel Road, Columbus 1-800-396-7010, alspopcorn.com/tours.html WHEN: By appointment at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., weekdays; maximum of 25 allowed per tour COST: The tour is free; a small bag of popcorn at the tour’s conclusion costs $1 DETAILS: The popcorn samples offered on this tour made up for the outdated video shown in place of actually touring the kitchen. The children from the Tray-Lee Summer Camp were good sports about the virtual tour, although they giggled at the video’s cheesy dialogue. Sampling popcorn entertained them much more. They tried more than 10 flavors — including pizza, root beer, cotton candy and cheddar — and discussed each with the seriousness of adults at a wine tasting. The $1 bags of popcorn at the tour’s end gave each child enough popcorn to enjoy a snack without overindulging.

Although the video prevented this tour from receiving a higher score, the free samples make Al’s worth a visit. Also know that the tours go on hiatus during the holidays but resume in the new year.

AMERICAN WHISTLE CORPORATION 6540 Huntley Road, Columbus 800-876-2918, ext. 4 or 614-846-2918, ext. 4, americanwhistle.com/tours.html WHEN: By appointment, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; at least 15 people (or $60 payment) required for a tour to be scheduled, but smaller groups can add on to existing groups COST: $4 per person and you receive a whistle at tour’s end OUR RATING: DETAILS: As the only American manufacturer of metal whistles, this one-room factory has produced nearly every whistle you’ve heard used by coaches, police officers and referees. And the guide won’t let you forget it.

The step-by-step demonstrations of the machines showed the group how a strip of metal turns into a full-fledged whistle and thankfully pulled the guide out of infomercial mode. Curious children who are interested in how things are made and how machines work might enjoy this tour, but some children will find whistle-building a dull topic. However most children will happily accept the whistles at the tour’s conclusion and serenade their parents for days to come. A side note: take the tour on a cool day because the factory has no air conditioning.

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| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

VELVET ICE CREAM AT YE OLDE MILL 11324 Mt. Vernon Road, Utica 1-800-589-5000, velveticecream.com/mill/tours.asp WHEN: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the hour, weekdays, no appointment necessary for groups of less than 14 COST: Free DETAILS: The old-fashioned ice cream parlor and

OUR RATING:

restaurant, playground, duck pond and museums at Velvet Ice Cream offer no shortage of entertainment. That’s part of the problem. Children on this tour had a playground and ice cream parlor comDISPATCH FILE PHOTO peting with a video for their attention. The children perked up after the video when we viewed the factory where workers made strawberry ice cream, but as the guide described the intricacies of ice cream making, fidgeting began and several families left early.

A reward for seeing the tour through took the form of fresh strawberry ice cream. All 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. tours receive ice cream samples. Children may find a self-guided tour of the Ice Cream Museum and the Museum of Milling more rewarding than the formal tour. The museums allow families to move from exhibit-to-exhibit, learning fun-facts about ice cream as their levels of interest allow.

GRAETER’S ICE CREAM PHOENIX BAT COMPANY

2555 Bethel Road, Columbus 614-442-7622, graeters.com/bethel_tour.aspx WHEN: self-guided tours available anytime; call Abby Callis, Director of Party and Tour, at the above number or fill out the tour-request form online; minimum of 10 people needed; small groups can be added on to existing groups COST: The tour is free. For $2.29 extra per person, you receive a junior scoop of ice cream at the tour’s conclusion.

DETAILS: This tour receives the four-star rating

7801 Corporate Blvd., Suite E, Plain City 614-873-7776 or 877-598-2287, phoenixbats.com/contact-phoenix-batcompany WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, no appointment necessary COST: $10 per person. Buys a customengraved mini bat.

DETAILS: I’ve never played baseball unless you count wiffle ball in gym class, but I found this tour entertaining. The guide OUR RATING: gave the group a glimpse into the precision of creating wooden bats and baseDISPATCH FILE PHOTOS ball history. He showed us how baseball bats have evolved over the years and invited us to hold the different bats and compare them. The second half of the tour focused on building the bats. Thankfully, we did not watch a video for this, but walked into the factory where the guide began to build a new ash bat and asked the children to volunteer to press the power button on two machines.

The guide’s enthusiasm for baseball was contagious and he made an effort to interact with the kids. Even so, because this is a factory with no popcorn, ice cream or playground, the tour is best suited to children ages 7 and up.

because it caters to children. The video gave a short introduction to Graeter’s “French Pot” process and kept the children interested with fun facts about ice cream. The tour guide, Abby Callis, said she changes the information presented on the tour by age group.

For example, the “magic trick” with dry ice performed for the 4- to 6-year-old children would become a “science experiment” for older kids. Callis allowed them to touch a giant spatula like the ones the ice-cream makers use. The workers waved from the other side of the viewing windows and one of them showed the kids an ice-cream pie he made.

Older children and teens might prefer the self-guided version of the tour, but no matter which version you choose, the ice-cream parlor awaits afterward with sundaes that will make people of any age happy.

ANTHONY-THOMAS CHOCOLATE FACTORY 1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus 1-877-226-3921, anthony-thomas.com/tour.html WHEN: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, no appointment necessary; 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays, by appointment for motor-coach tours and groups of more than 10 COST: Free for children 2 and under, $1 for children 3 to 18, $2 for anyone 19 and older. These fees may be used to buy candy at the end of the tour DETAILS: You won’t see a cocoa waterfall or any Oompa Loompas on this tour, but you will see a lot of chocolate. The Anthony-Thomas tour shows you a real chocolate factory.

Machines monitored by workers mix and pour buckets of chocolate into candy molds while the tour guide OUR RATING: explains the process. Not a lot of glitz or glamour, but the tour offers a chance to see how chocolate is made, to hear the story of a local business and to see the 235-pound buckeye candy on display in the store (you can buy it for a cool $3,500). To see a truly busy chocolate-making day, the tour guide recommended visiting in the fall as Anthony-Thomas gears up for the Christmas season or during the factory’s annual Easter event. Picnic tables on the company lawn offer families a place to picnic before or after the tour.

OUR RATING:

RATING KEY: Stay home and plan your trip to Disney World Better than a board game Better than an epic water-balloon fight Book your tour now

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

17

family fun: COOKING WITH KIDS

Peanut-Butter

CARROT CAKE…

BY MICHAEL J. ROSEN

FOR THE WHOLE PACK!

Here’s a recipe for a delicious, nutritious, mix-in-one-bowl cake that can be enjoyed by all the members of your pack — canine and human.

1

Never drink and drive. Designate a driver.

2

Use seatbelts and car seats every time you get in the car.

3

Protect your skin and eyes: wear sunscreen and sunglasses.

4

Dress in layers! In case clothes get wet, have extra socks, gloves and hats with you.

5

If someone starts shivering, go inside and warm up.

6

18

You lose heat through your head and feet: keep them warm and dry!

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

Now before you turn your snout up at the idea, let’s talk a little bit about all the non-nutritional benefits of this cooking project.

I’m an author (and dog lover) and in writing an expanded edition of my dog care and training book, “MY DOG! A Kids’ Guide to Keeping a Happy & Healthy Pet,” I covered all the basics — prepet preparation, rewardbased training, housetraining, healthy feeding and so forth. But I also focused on creating novel, fun and engaging projects so that young children can take pride and pleasure in their pet companionship — so that kids will want to spend more time — and less frustrating time — with their dog.

Parents often complain, “My kids begged to get a

dog, but who ended up taking care of the dog?” First of all, let’s be frank, parents: Part of parenting is helping kids appreciate responsibility. But it’s also true: Building that appreciation requires recognizing that a dog’s needs center around repetition and routine, and that a kid’s needs — especially kids who are stimulated with busy schedules and multimedia devices — aren’t exactly centered at all!

A kid’s desire for surprise and novelty often can be at odds with the daily “duties” of feeding, exercising, and training a dog. A cooking project that feeds everyone is a great way to break through some of those attention obstacles!

And what’s the real training incentive for your dog?

Is it the treat? Is it simply

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

avoiding those corrections?

Not really. What motivates a dog to behave well is more time with your family, more of the good life that can be shared. As pack animals, both dogs and humans need companionship. And when everyone in the family — kids and grown-ups — can predict the dog’s actions and prevent undesirable actions,

there are more places, adventures, activities and occasions where the dog can be safe, well behaved and readily welcomed.

This peanut-butter carrot cake is perfect for a winter treat, but it’s also healthy enough to share whenever there’s a chance to say, “Who’s been a very good dog? You!”

Your kids give it their all, give them something to keep them at their best.

Author Michael J. Rosen works with his young friends Luke Smith, Miller MacDonald, Jenna Smith (obscured) and Claire MacDonald. Visit ColumbusParent.com to see a slideshow of the baking project

MATERIALS NEEDED • one 8-inch round cake pan or cupcake/muffin tin • 2 cups whole wheat flour • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 1/2 cup peanut butter (a salt-free and sugar-free brand is best ) • 1/2 cup safflower or canola oil • 2 cups shredded carrots (depending on the age of the children helping, steady the grater, and watch them shred the first few inches, so that their hands aren’t near the sharp edges, or the whole carrot—or just let them watch you do the grating) • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2/3 cup honey • 2 large eggs

INSTRUCTIONS

1. GROWN-UP: Preheat the oven to 350°F and move one rack to the middle shelf.

2. KID: Lightly coat or mist a cake pan or muffin tin with oil.

3. KID AND GROWN-UP: Mix the flour and baking soda together in a large bowl. Then, add the remaining ingredients and mix until just combined.

4. KID: Pour the batter into the prepared pan or tin.

Oxywater. All the taste.

None of the sugar.

5. GROWN-UP: Slide the cake into the oven and remove it after 30 minutes (for the cake) or 20 minutes (for the cupcakes). Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Feel free to cook a bit longer to give the cake a crisper texture. (That crustier part is extra delicious; save it for yourself!)

6. KID: Once cooled, you can “ice” the cake or cupcakes with more peanut butter. And you can decorate the top and the sides, too, with carrotshred “sprinkles.” Just remember — the “decorating” won’t really matter to your dog, but it can make the photos of your party more festive.

(Unfortunately, pictures don’t matter to dogs, either!)

Recipe © copyright 2011 by Michael J. Rosen, author of “MY DOG! A Kids’ Guide to Keeping a Happy & Healthy Pet” (Workman Publishing, 2011). This project, and dozens of others, can be found on the MY DOG! website: www.workman.com/mydog Become a friend of MY DOG! on Facebook http://on.fb.me/pjcAIO

™

Healthy hydration for all ages. Oxygen. Vitamins.

Minerals. Antioxidant power equal to three servings of fruit.

All good stuff. No bad stuff.

www.oxywater.com columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

19

family fun: OVERNIGHT TRIPPIN’

The Children’s Museum OF INDIANAPOLIS

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (TCM) is, hands down, the best children’s museum I have ever been to, and I say that as a true connoisseur. One of my criteria is how well each exhibit engages all ages, including adults. We once visited another highly touted children’s museum and I quickly realized, because I had a 10-year-old and a 5year-old with me, that each exhibit there appealed only to a specific age range, so while one child maxed out on one exhibit, the other one sat there, cranky and bored senseless. It was an exhausting visit.

That doesn’t happen at TCM. I remember one trip we made when they had an exhibit about mobiles and the artwork of Alexander Caldwell. All of us in the family, children and adults, spent a couple of hours in there, that’s how absorbing it was.

This last visit, I’d say it’s the Dinosphere exhibit that best represents the agespanning appeal of TCM. While my son, now 13, was building his own dinosaur on a computer (and finding out what physical attributes would help or hinder his creation’s survival), there were very young children crawling through the underbelly of a prehistoric jungle, while bigger kids and adults used the various interactive learning stations or watched the panoramic sky projected on

20

the domed ceiling change with the prehistoric weather conditions. (Warning: The amplified noises in there — roaring dinosaurs and violent thunderstorms — might scare some small children.)

Other highlights included the National Geographic Treasures of the Earth exhibit, which features three different archeological digs from around the world; the Take Me There exhibit, which showcases a different country every 3 to 4 years (currently and until 2014, it’s Egypt and you get a comprehensive experience of what it’s like to live there); the miniature rooms (they’re like a dissembled doll house and for anyone — like me — who ever had a doll house and built their own furniture, these are fantastic to study). The ScienceWorks area on the fourth floor is great for older kids (my teen-aged daughter once created her own stop-action animation video there, and the staff emailed it to us).

And set aside a couple of hours for the Playscape area (for ages 5 and under) or the

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

BY JANE HAWES

TIPS: • The museum is technically on North Meridian Street, but the parking garage is on Illinois Street, one block west of Meridian (and you can trust the highway signage to get you to the garage). You’ll enter the museum via a skywalk. For the shortest trip from the garage, park on the 2nd or 3rd level near the skywalk.

• Pick up free timed-admission tickets for the Planetarium, the live shows in the Lilly Theater or the rock-climbing wall (only for ages 6 to 12) when you arrive: They go fast.

Dow Science Center (for ages 6 and up). What is it about water, dirt and sand that draws (and keeps a hold on) kids like magnets? Thank goodness for comfortable seating throughout the place (and free wifi if you need it).

Finally, if you visit, make sure you’re in the first-floor atrium at 12:59:59 p.m. I won’t spoil the surprise for you, but let’s just say it, too, involves water.

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis 46208 317-334-3322 (TDD: 317-334-2010) or 800-820-6214, childrensmuseum.org HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday; free admission on the first Thursday of the month from 4-8 p.m., and occasional other dates (check their website for more info) COST: $11.50 for kids 2-17, $16.50 for adults 18-59, $15.50 for adults 60+; children under 2 are admitted free, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. AAA members and military families receive a 10 percent discount. Unfortunately, a COSI membership does not get you free, reciprocal admission to TCM.

• TCM’s Food Court is pretty good for food choices and pricing. A full kid’s meal will run you about $5 (for adults, it’s about $7). The “Toddler Bites” meals ($4.49-$5.49) feature toddlerattractive items like cut-up hot dogs and mandarin orange slices. Only the Whistle Stop Express counter (with sweet treats) seems overpriced. You also can bring in and eat your own food in the dining area.

• Indianapolis often hosts huge conventions and sporting events (hello, Super Bowl), so there may be times when hotel rooms are hard to obtain. Either book lodging way ahead or avoid those times. The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association website (visitindy.com) can help identify these dates.

• Outside TCM, there are some interesting little food finds. The locals swear by Bazbeaux for pizza (three locations around the area, bazbeaux.com) and Café Patachou (five locations, cafepatachou.com) for yummy organic breakfasts and lunches.

ColumbusParent.com

A LISTING OF:

174 ACCREDITED CHILDCARE CENTERS IN CENTRAL OHIO

CHILDCARE CENTERS DIRECTORY

INSIDE: • CONTINUITY OF CARE: A new concept in childcare • MAKING GOOD CHOICES: Learning healthy living at younger ages • AGE APPROPRIATE: Babysitting

hot topic: CHILDCARE

Continuity of Care The next big thing in childcare?

BY JANE HAWES

Nineteen-month-old Gavin wandered the play area at Kids Care Academy.

“Poo poo?” he said, looking around and continuing to wander. Maureen Kelly and Josie Oakes, the two teachers overseeing Gavin’s class, looked at each other and briefly considered their young charge’s request.

“He just went,” said Oakes, who had 9-month-old Ramir sitting between her legs while his classmate, 3year-old Rashad, gently showered hugs on him.

“It’s the purple ball,” Kelly deduced. “He’s been learning how to say ‘purple.’”

And, sure enough, nearly 2-year-old Aaron produced the purple ball for Gavin.

The “Tigers” group at Kids Care Academy, a daycare center and preschool in northeast Columbus, is what’s known as a “mixedage group,” as are the other two groups of Pandas and Pooh bears. Each small group, which averages about seven to 10 children, mixes children from as young as 6 weeks old up to about 36 months. Additionally the

2

children will stay with the same caregivers throughout their time in this “birth to 3” grouping, before moving onto a more traditional preschool classroom.

The Tigers, Pandas and Poohs represent a childcare concept known as “continuity of care” and it’s growing in popularity throughout the country.

About a year ago, Kids Care Academy director Dalauna Tillman switched her school, already a highly regarded facility (they hold the state’s highest rating for quality), to the new agegrouping format. Along with programs at Columbus Montessori Education Center, the Our Play Station and Learning Center, Starting Point Learning Center and The Ohio State University

Rashad, 3, gives his classmate Ramir, 9 mos., a hug (with a little help from their teacher, Josie Oakes).

Schoenbaum Family Center Weinland Park, the school is piloting the format, eschewing the more conventional model where children are grouped by age and pass from one teacher to another every six to 12 months.

So far, said Tillman, the changeover has been very successful, primarily

| January 2012 | Childcare Directory | columbusparent.com

because of the family-like bonds that are formed between the children and their caregivers.

“We know from the research how important attachment is for children,” Tillman said. “It doesn’t matter what the socioeconomic status is. It helps their social, cognitive and emo-

tional development.”

Her teachers agreed.

“The attachment is amazing,” said Kelly. “The drop offs in the morning are much less tumultuous.”

Kelly said the teachers also benefit from “how well the older kids model the appropriate behavior for the little kids, though you do

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

have to respect their space and help protect it sometimes. It’s not fair to let a 1year-old come over and destroy (an older child’s) project. But, without a doubt, you didn’t get to do as many activities in a toddler-only room.”

Tiyi Morris, Rashad’s mother, has seen both

Me’Chi, 14 mos, and Gavin, 19 mos., lose their shirts to play with shaving cream.

Rashad and his older brother Jamal benefit from the mixed-age grouping. Morris said she really likes how the mixed-age grouping “mimics the home setting.” An additional benefit for her family came with Jamal, who is now 5 and on the autism spectrum, being able to remain in the group long enough to stabilize his social and physical skills before moving onto preschool.

“If he had been in a group with his own age,” Morris said, “his delays would have been glaringly obvious. By the time he transferred (to preschool), he had caught up a bit.”

The “Caring Communities: Birth to 3” project, as it has been dubbed, is the result of local educator Linda Neugebauer’s passion for the concept. She founded Columbus Montessori in 1984. After assuming more of an emeritus role there, Neugebauer became intrigued by the idea of mix-

ing age groups in a childcare setting for infants and toddlers. Neugebauer created the nonprofit organization Early Care & Learning to assemble research, develop teacher-training programs and now test the concept in the field.

“It’s well documented that the quality of the relationship between a caregiver and child is the single biggest factor in quality childcare,” Neugebauer said, adding that this quality is determined by the “depth and duration of the relationship.”

When children have experienced too many caregivers during their early years, Neugebauer said, the negative impact often shows up in school when they are unable to “recognize the teacher is the person to pay attention to…For them, it’s just another big person telling (them) what to do.”

Neugebauer’s group has launched a website to pro-

Open H Sund ouse ay Janu ary 2 , 1-3p 9th m

mote the concept to other childcare centers and is working with the Action for Children agency to help implement it in more schools. Though there is the initial cost of retraining faculty, Neugebauer said the ongoing cost is comparable to more traditional same-age settings, plus staff and student turnover tends to be lower.

“So many of the issues we have in preschool and elementary school are because kids have had too many adults in charge of them,” Neugebauer said. “It’s a relationship thing. And I really believe we can do better by our children.”

For more information about the Caring Communities project, visit their website at earlycareand learninginc.org

columbusparent.com | Childcare Directory | January 2012 |

3

hot topic: CHILDCARE

Making Good

CHOICES Childcare centers can teach healthy living

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

Tamia Watters doesn’t eat peas.

But her 5-year-old son, Jeremiah Burton, does.

The youngster’s daycare center encourages him to try new, healthy foods, which makes his mother very happy.

“When you don’t eat it as a young child, your mind is closed to it,” the Columbus mother said.

“If you start young, you get used to it.”

When Watters enrolled her children in Starting Point Learning Center, she did not realize that the Columbus facility focused on healthy eating and nutrition. It’s an extra she really appreciates now.

A growing number of childcare providers have started paying attention to diet and exercise, said Betsy Loeb, a senior manager at Action for Child, a nonprofit agency that provides free information to parents about local childcare options.

A number of factors have prompted this trend, said Loeb: the growing number of children battling obesity, First Lady Michelle Obama’s focus on healthy eating, and the federal programs that partially reimburse childcare providers for nutritious food.

At Starting Point, the children never even noticed when the center started serving healthier versions

4

of milk and bread, said program coordinator Renee WhiteBolding.

“We’ve had very positive response,” she said. “They are liking the one-percent milk and the whole wheat bread.”

White-Bolding agreed with Watters that exposing children to healthy foods when they are young will build good habits when they grow up. Her grandchildren who attended the center when they were young always ask for fresh fruits and vegetables, she said.

“They want the good stuff, and it comes from having the right (foods) at an early age,” WhiteBolding said.

Program coordinator Kye Mosley, whose children also attend the center, appreciates the attention to eating right. It makes her feel less guilty, Mosley said, when she is rushed after work and has to serve something a little less healthy.

Many working parents are in the same situation, Loeb said.

“At the end of the day, they don’t have a lot of energy (for preparing) made-from-scratch meals,” she said.

| January 2012 | Childcare Directory | columbusparent.com

That’s why her agency encourages daycare providers to serve healthy foods and include exercise and physical activity in their curricula.

Starting Point incorporates movement and exercise wherever possible, Mosley said. Teachers try to work in large-muscle activities during lessons and often take kids outside to play. Kids need to run around and move their bodies, she said.

“It burns off a lot of energy,” Mosley said. “They love movement.

It’s pretty important to maintaining healthy weights.”

The center also engages the children in other healthful activities: They brush their teeth regularly and learn how to give each other stress-reducing head and shoulder massages.

At Hebron Academy in Columbus, teachers often start the day

Tips for finding a childcare provider that focuses on healthy habits: with stretching activities or exercise, said director Paul Flemister.

The center tries to include messages about healthy living in its teachings, he said. They also introduce children to new and healthy foods.

“We make sure we let them know why we’re focusing on it, Flemister said. “It’s cause-andeffect. You grow up to be big and strong.”

Parents who tour the center are excited about the attention given to healthy living, he said. Often they aren’t aware that many centers make that a priority now, he added.

“They don’t expect it as much as they could,” Flemister said.

• Check out the menu. Centers that are trying to create good eating habits will serve fresh fruits and vegetables, wheatbased breads and snack and one-percent milk and water.

• Ask what the center’s approach toward incorporating exercise and movement in its curriculum. Centers that have a policy about it will probably be more successful at it than those that leave it up to individual teachers.

• Ask a center representative for examples of how teachers and staff have incorporated the ideas of healthy eating and exercise into the children’s daily routines.

Source: Betsy Loeb, Action for Children

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: BABYSITTING

Great Expectations What to expect from babysitters by age group

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

11-20 YEARS

When it comes to hiring a babysitter, your child’s age is not the only number in the equation.

It’s also important to think about the age of the sitter you’re using.

The American Red Cross offers its babysitting course to children aged 11 or older but that doesn’t mean every 11-year-old is ready for every babysitting scenario.

For example, said Mary Selid, four of whose five daughters babysit, younger babysitters probably ought to be responsible for one toddler at a time.

Selid also prefers not asking younger sitters to cook. “I wouldn’t be comfortable having them doing that much cooking at a young age while watching children,�

Selid said, adding that if food must be served, then it’s best to have a younger sitter serve food that you’ve prepared already or that doesn’t require cooking.

Sitters at different ages have different qualities to offer, said Selid, whose daughters are now 20, 17, 15 and 12.

Young sitters are sometimes more eager to play with the children and charge less per hour than older teen-agers. Teen-agers often will be able to drive themselves to and from a family’s home. And college-aged students can be asked to drive children to events.

The Selid ladies — Elaine (12), Abigal (17), Mom Mary, Margaret (20), Audrey (2) and Rebekah (15) The best way to gauge what a sitter can handle is to thoroughly interview them, said both Selid and Christine Creagh, a program coordinator with the Early Childhood Development Program at Columbus State Community College.

Invite a potential sitter to your home, Creagh said, and find out what the sitters are comfortable doing. Ask if they are willing to cook meals, bathe the children or take them to a park.

Rather than ask the sitter what they charge, suggest an hourly wage. This will give the sitter the opportunity to accept the offer, counter it or decline the job, Creagh said.

She also suggested asking sitters about how they discipline children. “Make sure the person

you pick is a good fit with your parenting ideals,�

Creagh said. She also recommends checking references.

While the sitter is at your home, watch their interactions with your child. A good sitter will make an effort to connect with the child right away.

At the initial meeting, it’s also a good idea to tell the sitter about your expectations. If you limit your children’s screen time, make sure they will follow your guidelines. Make it clear how much tidying up you expect.

Selid has trained her daughters to put away toys they and the children have gotten out and to clean up the kitchen. “I tell them that’s how you keep your jobs,� she said.

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

Tips to help your babysitter succeed: • Give the sitter specific methods on how to soothe your child if he or she becomes upset. • Give the sitter parameters about when to call you if your child is upset or acting out. • Make the sitter aware of the child’s bedtime routines. • Inform the sitter about your family’s rules for screen time, evening snacks, etc.

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columbusparent.com | Childcare Directory | January 2012 |

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need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: BABYSITTING

The Overnight Babysitter Use good sense to ease the anxiety for everyone

BY LINDA DEITCH

When parents need a vacation, they often tap a trusted caregiver like Grandma and Grandpa to either host a child at their place or come stay in their home. It can be challenging but by planning ahead, you can ensure that everyone is well prepared for a great experience.

Probably the most important item on your to-do list should be to prepare a typed, notarized letter giving permission for the caregiver to seek emergency medical care for your child and to Ben, Nick and Zach with mom Geri Tsardoulias make medical decisions on your behalf. If you are a sintion tip: Give the caregivers a tour of gle parent, make sure the non-custoplaces they’re likely to go with your dial parent also gives consent. child if they aren’t already familiar “You can make it as specific or as with them. This could include their general as you want,” said Dr. school, the library, grocery store and Richard Gajdowski, UnitedHealthmovie theater (and be sure to leave care’s medical director for Central your library card and supermarket Ohio. “For example, ‘If my child loyalty card). needs surgery, please call me first.’

Tsardoulias also used creativity to You can also spell out your beliefs make sure her son still felt connected regarding blood transfusions or when she and her husband, Steve, immunizations. Thankfully, most left then-5-year-old Nick for 10 days emergencies aren’t serious, but a letso they could take an Alaskan cruise. ter empowers emergency personnel Nick stayed home while family came with the knowledge that parents’ from out of town to care for him. wishes are being granted.”

“We got a map of Alaska and highIt’s also important to stay in lighted the ports,” Tsardoulias said. touch via the phone or computer while away, Gadjowski said, “not only She also checked out children’s with the caregiver, but with your chil- library books about Alaska, and mailed her son a postcard from each dren. Tell your child, ‘Here’s my conplace along their route — including tact information. If there’s anything Port Columbus airport. going on, call me directly.’ They will “Even though most of them appreciate not having to go through arrived after we got home,” Tsardouanother adult to talk to a parent.” lias said, “it was still something for Pickerington mom Geri Tsardouhim to look forward to.” lias offered another travel prepara-

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| January 2012 | Childcare Directory | columbusparent.com

2YE1AR+S ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

MORE TRAVEL PREPARATION TIPS: Communication: For domestic travel, keep your cell phone on, but determine the roaming charges you will incur with it on at all times. For foreign travel, you might want to look into using pre-paid phone cards. Give your caregiver a detailed travel itinerary, noting specific times when you may be unable to be reached.

Health and Other Home Emergencies: Type up and print your child’s medical record, including previous illnesses, medications and allergies.

Leave your insurance card. Provide directions for the nearest in-network hospital and urgent-care facility. If caregivers will be in your home, introduce them to a trusted neighbor.

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: BABYSITTING

Babysitting Basics Preparing tweens and teens for the job

BY HEATHER WEEKLEY Babysitting is a pretty standard first job for many tweens and teens. But no matter how many times they’ve taken care of younger siblings, educating them on how to react in different situations is key. What happens if a child gets sick? Who is to be contacted in case of an emergency?

The American Red Cross teaches young people these fundamentals plus the business of babysitting through their babysitter’s training course.

Offered at recreation centers, churches and various other locations around Columbus, the course is designed for 11 to 15 year olds and focuses on preparedness and responsibility.

“Our motto is to be prepared,” said Stacie Pelton, a chapter instructor trainer with the Red Cross. “As new babysitters, they haven’t had the life experience yet. Reminding them of what could occur helps them to have a plan.”

Typically, the course is taught on a Saturday. During the seven-hour training, students (which include boys and girls) cover six main topics: leadership, business, child development, basic care, emergency situations and home safety.

Pelton, who has taught classes and trained instructors for the course for the last five years, explained that these skills not only help them in childcare, but in other life scenarios.

“These are transferable skills for life,” said Pelton.

Each of the topics is described at length, and exercises and activities allow students to practice and process what they learn. For example, part of the basic-care lesson includes feeding, diapering and properly holding a newborn nursery doll. The students also learn how to save a child who is choking — a necessary skill for receiving their course-completion card.

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-EA1R5 11 S Y Students learn how to feed an infant at an American Red Cross class at the Dublin Community Center Ellie Jobe, a Dublin 13-year-old, took the Red Cross course quickly after meeting the age requirement.

“My mom encouraged me to do it,” said Ellie. “My sisters had taken it, and more people might hire me if I took it.”

Over the past several years, Ellie and her older sisters have shared babysitting responsibilities for families in their neighborhood. When school is in full swing, Ellie babysits once or twice per month.

“It’s helpful to know what to do when babysitting,” said Ellie, “like what to do if someone gets hurt, or what kinds of things to ask before the parents leave.”

Students are encouraged to always ask these questions and stay informed.

Those who go through the course receive a handbook and other materials full of information, which Pelton recommends they review frequently.

“It’s an intense course in a positive way,” she said. “but most are extremely enthusiastic to be there.”

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Is your child a budding babysitter? It’s easy to prepare them for the job.

• Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org to find a class near you. You can also directly contact the Columbus chapter at columbus.redcross.org.

• The course costs $85 per student. You can also book a class for a group of students (10 minimum).

• Check out the resources on the Red Cross website. Downloads include the babysitter’s handbook, an emergency reference guide and even a resume and business card template for excited entrepreneurs!

columbusparent.com | Childcare Directory | January 2012 |

7

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| January 2012 | Childcare Directory | columbusparent.com

EXPERTS FROM NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ANSWER COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY I know peak flu season is right around the corner, but I’m a little fuzzy on the differences in symptoms between a typical cold and the flu. And at what point should I take my child to the doctor?

Symptoms from a cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, fatigue and perhaps a cough. With a cold, people can usually work or attend school. Colds usually start more gradually and worsen over a day or two.

Anyone with influenza likely feels too sick to work or attend school for Dr. Dennis Cunningabout a week. Symptoms of the flu come on much quicker and with greater ham is a member of intensity than a cold (a person suddenly feels lousy.) Severe headaches and the Section of Infecbody aches are also typical. tious Diseases at Treatment for a common cold is generally medication to temporarily Nationwide Chilrelieve symptoms. There are no cold medications for children less than 4 dren’s Hospital and years of age because they are not effective and can cause other health an Associate Profesproblems. sor of Clinical PediThere is a vaccine to help prevent influenza, but it is only recommended atrics at The Ohio for kids over 6 months of age. There are prescription medications to treat State University Colinfluenza (Tamiflu and Relenza). These work best if started within 48 hours lege of Medicine. after influenza symptoms start.

If your child is less than 3 months of age and has a fever, take him/her to see their primary care physician even if you only suspect a cold. For older children and teenagers, there are over-the-counter cold medications.

For influenza, Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) are helpful to decrease the fever and body aches. Of course, you should always call your primary care physician for questions or if your symptoms are becoming more severe.

TIP OF THE MONTH

WINTER HEALTH

Keeping warm is tough enough, but the winter months also pose additional health and safety risks both indoors and on the road, so keep in mind these simple tips: BUCKLE UP! Make sure everyone in the family is wearing their seatbelt before taking off. Any child too small for a seatbelt should be in an approved car seat.

DON’T RUSH. Rushed drivers increase the risk of accidents. Allow plenty of travel time so you can focus on safe driving.

BE MINDFUL OF ALLERGIES. If you’re hosting visitors, know what allergies your guests have so you can plan accordingly. If you’re visiting, be sure you know what ingredients are in each food dish.

KID-PROOF YOUR HOME. Pay attention to what children can get into, and what they can get hurt from. Do your best to eliminate these risks in your own home, and keep an eye on your children when at someone else’s.

hot topic: CHILDCARE

Childcare Centers DIRECTORY

Columbus Parent and Action for Children have teamed up again this month to bring you our Childcare Directory.

Action for Children is a nonprofit childcare resource and referral agency that has been serving Central Ohio families since 1972.

ABOUT THE DIRECTORY:

Included in this directory are 174 full-time and part-time childcare centers, including those with preschools. While Action for Children has nearly 1,700 providers listed in its database, for this directory we chose to list centers which are licensed by the State of Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services or its Department of Education, and which also have received national accreditation and/or Ohio’s Step Up to Quality star rating.

The list of centers which meet these criteria is subject to change, even on a daily basis.

For example, new centers may receive accreditation or a star rating, or, for a variety of reasons, centers may not be re-accredited or may have a change in their star rating. We also have not included at-home providers in this directory, but Action for Children can provide you with information and referrals to those in your area.

Action for Children’s resource and information specialists provide detailed explanations of public funding, licensing, accreditation and Step Up to Quality; guide parents through the search criteria; and provide options that include full-day, part-day centers, Head Start programs and family home child care. There is no cost for these services.

HOW TO READ THE DIRECTORY: • The first section of the directory lists fulltime childcare and early learning centers, and the second section lists part-time center programs (preschools).

• Within each section, the listings are organized by zip code and then alphabetically within each zip code.

• The asterisk (*) after some centers’ names means they accept families who qualify for publicly-funded child care. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides financial assistance to income-eligible parents (based on the family size and income in relation to the federal poverty level) so that they can work or attend school or job training.

Families may be eligible for all or part of their monthly child care expenses. Ohio’s county departments of job and family services determine families’ eligibility, and the ODJFS reimburses providers for the cost of that care.

• The age range indicates the minimum and maximum ages served.

• Centers are identified as nationally accredited (NAEYC, NAC) or star rated (in Ohio’s Step Up to Quality program) and help parents identify childcare centers that go beyond the minimum standards of licensing. Quality indicators include lower child-teacher ratios, more highly trained teachers, early learning programming, smaller group sizes, etc.

Seeking this accreditation or rating is voluntary.

• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers a national voluntary accreditation system, which sets professional quality standards for early childhood education programs. The other national center accreditation is from the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education (NAC).

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

• Step Up to Quality is Ohio’s voluntary quality three-star rating system for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) licensed centers. Step Up to Quality recognizes early care and education programs that exceed quality benchmarks over and above Ohio’s licensing standards.

Children exercise outside at Starting Point Child Care

columbusparent.com | Childcare Directory | January 2012 |

9

hot topic: CHILDCARE

Full-time Childcare and Early Learning Centers LEADS HEAD START* 607 Sunbury Rd. Delaware, OH 43015 740-363-8810 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

LIBERTY COMMUNITY CHILDREN’S CENTER* 207 London Rd. Delaware, OH 43015 740-369-3876 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

OHIO WESLEYAN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 29 Park Ave. Delaware, OH 43015 740-368-3935 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

JCC NORTH PRESCHOOL* 1985 Swansford Drive Dublin, OH 43016 614-764-2414 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-8 years Accreditation: Two Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER #1241* 5757 Shannon Heights Blvd.

Dublin, OH 43016 614-764-0301 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

DUBLIN LEARNING ACADEMY 5900 Cromdale Dr. Dublin, OH 43017 614-761-1800 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER #301237* 6036 Tara Hill Dr. Dublin, OH 43017 614-761-7668 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

10

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER*

THE COMPASS SCHOOL 3989 North Hampton Dr. Powell, OH 43065 614-764-8844 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC , Start Smart Center Accreditation

5900 Innovation Dr. Dublin, OH 43017 614-792-9260 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER-DUBLIN*

THE GODDARD SCHOOL* 8542 Owenfield Dr. Powell, OH 43065 740-657-1300 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: One Star

4960 Park Center Ave. Dublin, OH 43017 614-761-2323 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

THE OXFORD SCHOOL OXFORD SCHOOL OF DUBLIN* 5700 Blazer Parkway Dublin, OH 43017 614-792-2220 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

6055 Glick Rd. Powell, OH 43065 614-761-6400 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: Two Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - AVERY*

THE GODDARD SCHOOL ROBERTS COURT*

LEADS HEAD START, MARYSVILLE

6190 Shamrock Court, Suite A Dublin, OH 43017 614-792-8200 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-9 years Accreditation: Two Star

4705 Avery Rd. Hilliard, OH 43026 614-777-1077 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

2525 Roberts Court Hilliard, OH 43026 614-777-8827 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: One Star

111 Morey Dr. Marysville, OH 43040 937-642-1230 Age Range: 3 years-6 years Accreditation: Three Star

7458 East Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 614-322-0772 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

THE GODDARD SCHOOL OF DUBLIN

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - RIDGEMILL #634*

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY PLACE AT POLARIS*

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - NEW ALBANY*

9331 South Old State Road Lewis Center, OH 43035 614-846-2429 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: One Star

5524 New Albany Rd East New Albany, OH 43054 614-775-0014 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER #707*

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER*

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - #000614*

96 Neverland Dr. Lewis Center, OH 43035 740-549-0264 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

10655 Sawmill Pkwy.

Powell, OH 43065 614-799-1530 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER*

SMOKY ROW CHILDREN’S CENTER*

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - REYNOLDSBURG*

8694 Oak Creek Dr. Lewis Center, OH 43035 740-548-9669 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC

8615 Smoky Row Rd Powell, OH 43065 614-766-2122 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: NAEYC

6720 Tussing Rd. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 614-868-9422 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC

THE CHILDREN’S CENTER

6239 Perimeter Dr. Dublin, OH 43017 614-799-8870 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: NAEYC

3700 Ridge Mill Dr. Hilliard, OH 43026 614-771-8909 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

AT TOMORROW’S CHILD PRESCHOOL

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER*

3975 Brown Park Dr. Hilliard, OH 43026 614-876-6756 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

4780 Cemetery Rd. Hilliard, OH 43026 614-876-8116 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

CHILDREN’S CASTLE EDUCARE*

RAINBOW CHILD CARE, TOO*

4990 Roberts Road Hilliard, OH 43026 614-527-8445 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

5599 Hilliard Rome Office Park Hilliard, OH 43026 614-777-0440 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years Accreditation: One Star

| January 2012 | Childcare Directory | columbusparent.com

IT TAKES A VILLAGE*

6601 Bartlett Rd. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 614-866-4446 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-9 years Accreditation: NAC, Two Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER* 6477 Centennial Drive Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 614-866-3750 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

RAINBOW STATION DAY CARE - REYNOLDSBURG BRICE RD*

VINEYARD EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER*

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - GROVE CITY*

6000 Cooper Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 614-890-0000 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks5 years Accreditation: One Star

2274 Stringtown Rd Grove City, OH 43123 614-875-6363 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

BROOKSEDGE DAY CARE CENTER*

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - WORTHINGTON WOODS*

CHILDREN’S EXPRESS LEARNING STATION

740 Greencrest Dr. Westerville, OH 43081 614-890-9024 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: Two Star

600 Worthington Woods Blvd.

Worthington, OH 43085 614-785-0050 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - #000492*

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - WORTHINGTON*

72 Westerview Dr. Westerville, OH 43081 614-523-1120 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

401 Park Rd. Worthington, OH 43085 614-848-3002 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER*

STEPPING STONES LEARNING CENTER*

861 Eastwind Dr. Westerville, OH 43081 614-890-1234 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

860 Griswold St Worthington, OH 43085 614-885-6656 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: Two Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER*

YMCA JERRY L. GARVER CHILD CARE PROGRAM*

1255 County Line Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 614-901-4000 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

6767 Refugee Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-834-9622 Age Range: 3 years-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Three Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER-SUNBURY*

CREATIVE CHILD CARE WEST BROAD*

1231 S. Sunbury Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 614-523-0277 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC , Start Smart Center Accreditation

5765 West Broad St. Galloway, OH 43119 614-878-6846 Age Range: 1 year 6 months9 years Accreditation: One Star

2010 Officeview Pl. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 614-863-3464 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

ST. ANN’S EDUCARE CENTER*

CYPRESS CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE

495 Cooper Rd., Ste. 115 Westerville, OH 43081 614-898-8687 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks5 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Two Star

377 Alton Darby Creek Rd. Galloway, OH 43119 614-878-8498 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years 6 months Accreditation: One Star

623 West Main St. West Jefferson, OH 43162 614-879-6484 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

DEMPSEY DAY CARE 361 Madison Dr. North West Jefferson, OH 43162 614-832-4528 Age Range: 2 weeks-6 years Accreditation: One Star

Overbrook Preschool ENROLLING FOR FALL 2012 Serving the community for 46 years Offering Young 3’s, Preschool, and Pre-K Classes

Morning and Afternoon sessions 4131 N. High St., Columbus, OH • (614) 261-1029 http://overbrookpreschool.com

CDCFC GODMAN GUILD HEAD START* 303 East 6th Ave. Columbus, OH 43201 614-297-8634 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: One Star

COLUMBUS EARLY LEARNING CENTER - NORTHSIDE* 94 E. Third Ave. Columbus, OH 43201 614-299-1131 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-5 years 6 months Accreditation: Three Star

INDIANOLA CHILDREN’S CENTER* 1970 Waldeck Ave Columbus, OH 43201 614-262-1090 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-8 years Accreditation: One Star

THE OSU CHILD CARE PROGRAM - ACKERMAN RD.* 725 Ackerman Rd. Columbus, OH 43202 614-292-4453 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-6 years Accreditation: NAEYC

A Christian based Early Education Center

Caring for Children Age 2 to 6!

5475 Brand Rd Dublin, Ohio 43017 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

614-209-4554 www.princeofpeacedublin.org

CDCFC KING HEAD START* 867 Mt. Vernon Ave. Columbus, OH 43203 614-258-2300 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Three Star

columbusparent.com | Childcare Directory | January 2012 |

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part-day preschool for 3, 4, and 5 year olds

Serving UA, Hilliard, and Northwest Columbus

Learning With Friends, Fun, and Faith UALC Preschool welcomes students of any race, color, socio-economic background, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges programs and activities of the school

UALC Preschool 2300 Lytham Rd. Columbus OH 43220 614-451-3736 ext. 7014 E-Mail preschool@ualc.org www.ualc.org/preschool

Atonement Lutheran Preschool Your child will experience learning in a Christ-centered setting.

Our caring, professional teachers provide educational readiness instruction and foster positive social, physical and spiritual growth.

Come grow with us!

614.451.5212 http://atonementchurch.com/ 1621 Francisco Road. Columbus. OH 43220-2536

full-time centers COLUMBUS EARLY LEARNING CENTER - EASTSIDE* 162 N. Ohio Ave. Columbus, OH 43203 614-253-5525 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-8 years Accreditation: Two Star

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE CHILD CARE* 1000 Atcheson St. Columbus, OH 43203 614-252-4941 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: NAEYC

R.F. HAIRSTON EARLY LEARNING CENTER* 400 N. 20th St. Columbus, OH 43203 614-252-6876 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years Accreditation: One Star

ST. PHILIP CDCFC HEAD START* 166 Woodland Ave. Columbus, OH 43203 614-252-1191 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

ST. AGNES CUL HEAD START CENTER* 2350 W. Mound St. Columbus, OH 43204 614-274-8822 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Two Star

COLUMBUS EARLY LEARNING CENTER - B.I.T.C.*

Full Member School with the American Montessori Society

Our Montessori program will teach your child to observe, to think, and to analyze.

Ages 2.5 - 6 years • Preschool and Kindergarten Established 1988 Introducing the joy of learning at an early age provides a solid foundation to last a lifetime.

10465 Sawmill Rd, Powell, OH • 614-761-2020

www.dublinmontessori.com 12

760 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43205 614-221-6102 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-3 years Accreditation: Two Star

NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE CHILD CARE CENTER* 650 S. 18th St. Columbus, OH 43205 614-355-9450 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-3 years 6 months Accreditation: NAEYC

| January 2012 | Childcare Directory | columbusparent.com

SOUTH SIDE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER*

ROYAL CHILD DAY CARE CENTER*

NORTH BROADWAY CHILDREN’S CENTER*

255 Reeb Ave. Columbus, OH 43207 614-444-1529 Age Range: 2 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Two Star

1155 Windsor Ave. Columbus, OH 43211 614-294-7232 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Two Star

48 E. North Broadway Columbus, OH 43214 614-262-6222 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-11 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Two Star

HOLY TRINITY CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

OLENTANGY CHURCH CHILD CARE

2001 Northwest Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43212 614-486-2895 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-8 years Accreditation: Three Star

3660 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus, OH 43214 614-459-9383 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-5 years 6 months Accreditation: One Star

STARTING POINT LEARNING CARE, LLC* 2533 Lockbourne Rd. Columbus, OH 43207 614-491-1914 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: Two Star

SUCCESS KIDZ 24-HOUR ENRICHMENT CENTER*

KARE-A-LOT CHILD CARE CENTER*

1800 Parsons Ave. Columbus, OH 43207 614-449-5684 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

1030 King Ave. Columbus, OH 43212 614-298-8933 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: Two Star

A COLORFUL WORLD LEARNING CENTER*

C. RAY WILLIAMS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER*

3350 Allegheny Ave. Columbus, OH 43209 614-237-7600 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-12 years Accreditation: One Star

4737 Etna Rd. Whitehall, OH 43213 614-417-5680 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHILDREN’S CENTER*

CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UM PRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE

2314 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 43209 614-235-1263 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-6 years Accreditation: Two Star

CREATIVE CHILD CARE WASHINGTON SQUARE* 2525 Petzinger Rd. Columbus, OH 43209 614-235-7979 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-10 years Accreditation: One Star

EASTMINSTER CHILD’S PLAY AND LEARNING CENTER* 3100 E. Broad St. Bexley, OH 43209 614-231-0222 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years Accreditation: One Star

DESTINEE AND FRIENDS LEARNING CENTER* 1474 Cleveland Ave. Columbus, OH 43211 614-424-6080 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

235 McNaughten Rd. Columbus, OH 43213 614-861-7271 Age Range: 3 years-6 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Two Star

CREATIVE CHILD CARE EAST* 5831 Westbourne Ave. Columbus, OH 43213 614-864-2424 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-9 years Accreditation: One Star

DSCC - CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 3990 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43213 614-692-2852 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-6 years Accreditation: NAEYC

CASEY’S KIDS* 700 Jasonway Ave. Columbus, OH 43214 614-340-4898 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-5 years Accreditation: One Star

RIVERSIDE CHILDREN’S CENTER (BRIGHT HORIZONS) 835 Thomas Lane Columbus, OH 43214 614-566-4847 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation

BRIGHT HORIZONS AT CAPITAL CITY 277 E. Town St. Columbus, OH 43215 614-227-0550 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-6 years Accreditation: NAEYC

C. JAMES GROTHAUS CHILD CARE CENTER 275 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215 614-227-2995 Age Range: 2 months-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

CHILDREN FIRST INC.* 77 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43215 614-466-0945 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

COLUMBUS EARLY LEARNING CENTER - WESTSIDE* 40 N. Grubb St. Columbus, OH 43215 614-224-9284 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

HEAVENLY KIDS CENTER FOR LEARNING* 404 E. Mound St. Columbus, OH 43215 614-221-5750 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: Two Star

NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CHILD CARE CENTER* 255 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 43215 614-355-0600 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-5 years 6 months Accreditation: NAEYC, Three Star

CHASE BACK-UP CHILD CARE CENTER 3415 Vision Dr. Columbus, OH 43219 614-422-1366 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-13 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation

F.C.I. TOO! EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY* 2511 Mock Rd. Columbus, OH 43219 614-471-8486 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-11 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation

HEBRON ACADEMY* 1200 Brentnell Ave. Columbus, OH 43219 614-253-3771 Age Range: 2 years-12 years Accreditation: One Star

JOYFUL BEGINNINGS CHILDREN’S LEARNING ACADEMY* 1825 Woodland Ave. Columbus, OH 43219 614-253-6886 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

OUR PLAY STATION AND LEARNING CENTER* 520 N. Nelson Rd. Columbus, OH 43219 614-252-2600 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

PRECIOUS JEWELS EARLY LEARNING CENTER* 3650 Sunbury Rd. Columbus, OH 43219 614-471-5650 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: One Star

ST. STEPHENS COMMUNITY HOUSE - CHRIST CHILD CENTER* 1500 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43219 614-294-6347 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER*

LABC CHILD NURTURING CENTER*

2879 Johnstown Rd. Columbus, OH 43219 614-342-5836 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-6 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Two Star

1610 W. Lane Ave. Columbus, OH 43221 614-486-5567 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-11 years Accreditation: One Star

YWCA FAMILY CENTER*

GLADDEN COMMUNITY HOUSE PRESCHOOL*

900 Harvey Court Columbus, OH 43219 614-253-3910 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: Two Star

BURBANK EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL 4770 Burbank Dr. Columbus, OH 43220 614-487-5155 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-6 years Accreditation: NAEYC

JELLY BEAN JUNCTION LEARNING CENTER, INC.* 1123 Bethel Rd. Columbus, OH 43220 614-451-5200 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER #889* 2001 Bethel Rd. Columbus, OH 43220 614-457-0754 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

MEADOW PARK CHILDREN’S CENTER* 2425 Bethel Rd. Columbus, OH 43220 614-451-8814 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Three Star

SUNSHINE NURSERY SCHOOL* 3750 W. Henderson Rd. Columbus, OH 43220 614-457-4085 Age Range: 1 year-10 years Accreditation: One Star

183 Hawkes Ave Columbus, OH 43223 614-227-1624 Age Range: 3 years-5 years 6 months Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Three Star

YMCA HILLTOP EDUCARE CENTER*

Discover The Gardner

School, an award-winning academically focused preschool for ages 6 weeks through private kindergarten.

1952-A W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43223 614-752-8877 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years 6 months Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Three Star

The Gardner School of Dublin

BRIGHTSIDE ACADEMY EARLY EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE* 3525 Cleveland Ave. Columbus, OH 43224 614-262-5431 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

CAPITAL PARK CDCFC HEAD START*

NOW ENROLLING!

6145 Emerald Parkway Dublin, OH 43016 Phone: (614) 717-9677

Setting The Standard In Early Care & Education

2150 Agler Rd. Columbus, OH 43224 614-222-8519 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

CREATIVE CHILD CARE NORTH* 1601 Shanley Dr. Columbus, OH 43224 614-261-8153 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-10 years Accreditation: One Star

KIDS CARE ACADEMY* 3360 Kohr Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43224 614-478-3269 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Three Star

KARE-A-LOT*

LITTLE DISCIPLES LEARNING CENTER*

3164 Riverside Dr. Columbus, OH 43221 614-481-7532 Age Range: 2 months-6 years Accreditation: Two Star

4142 Westerville Rd., Ste. 200 Columbus, OH 43224 614-418-9444 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

Offering outstanding Reggio-Inspired Infant, Toddler, Two’s and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, afterschool & summer camp for school-age children.

www.AboutCompass.com Discover the difference that degreed teachers, excellent parent communication, NAEYC Accreditation, and a welcoming family environment can make. Schedule your personal tour today!

The Compass School 3989 North Hampton Drive Powell, Ohio 43065 (located off of Sawmill Pkwy)

614.764.8844 columbusparent.com | Childcare Directory | January 2012 |

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full-time centers BRIGHTSIDE ACADEMY EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION* 3611 E. Livingston Ave. Columbus, OH 43227 614-238-9470 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

COLUMBUS MONTESSORI EDUCATION CENTER* 979 S. James Rd. Columbus, OH 43227 614-231-3790 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Three Star

CREATIVE CHILD CARE WESTLAND* 485 Industrial Mile Rd. Columbus, OH 43228 614-276-2737 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-9 years Accreditation: One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER* 550 Fox Ridge St. Columbus, OH 43228 614-870-7375 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-12 years Accreditation: NAC

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER* 5381 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43228 614-851-1431 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - TAMARACK* 1955 Tamarack Circle North Columbus, OH 43229 614-433-0625 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-12 years Accreditation: NAC

LITTLE PREP SCHOOL, INC.* 2350 Fuji Dr. Columbus, OH 43229 614-890-9014 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

14

YMCA NORTH BRANCH Y-CLUB* 1640 Sandalwood Place Columbus, OH 43229 614-885-4252 Age Range: 3 years-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Three Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER-KIMBERLY PARKWAY* 4235 Kimberly Parkway North Columbus, OH 43232 614-868-8909 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-5 years Accreditation: NAC

GAHANNA CHILDREN’S COLLEGE*

JELLY BEAN JUNCTION*

230 Agler Rd. Gahanna, OH 43230 614-476-2662 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

3480 Snouffer Rd. Columbus, OH 43235 614-792-8700 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: Two Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - GAHANNA*

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - SAWMILL*

520 Morrison Rd. Gahanna, OH 43230 614-471-3665 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER #1550* 1341 Cherry Way Dr. Gahanna, OH 43230 614-475-2116 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC, One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER* 496 Havens Corners Rd. Gahanna, OH 43230 614-475-6063 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER - #708* 5351 Cleveland Ave. Columbus, OH 43231 614-891-4444 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER* 2960 E. Dublin-Granville Rd. Columbus, OH 43231 614-891-4323 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

4895 Sawmill Rd. Columbus, OH 43235 614-764-4900 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAEYC, One Star

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER #880* 2680 Sawbury Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43235 614-761-0797 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-12 years Accreditation: NAC

KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER* 2001 Hard Rd. Columbus, OH 43235 614-764-2994 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: One Star

Part-time Childcare Centers (preschools) BLACKLICK/GAHANNA CDCFC HEAD START 6540 Havens Corners Rd. Blacklick, OH 43004 614-856-0469 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

NEW HOPE PRESCHOOL 4739 W. Powell Rd. Powell, OH 43065 614-766-2446 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

INDIAN RUN PRESCHOOL

CENTRAL COLLEGE PRESCHOOL

6305 Brand Rd. Dublin, OH 43016 614-889-8862 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-6 years Accreditation: Two Star

975 S. Sunbury Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 614-794-1123 Age Range: 2 years 5 months-5 years Accreditation: One Star

NORTHWEST CHAPEL CHILDREN’S CENTER

PRAISE EXPRESS PRESCHOOL

6700 Rings Rd. Dublin, OH 43016 614-761-0363 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-5 years Accreditation: One Star

ST. JOHN CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL 6135 Rings Rd. Dublin, OH 43016 614-889-5893 Age Range: 3 years-5 years 9 months Accreditation: Three Star

DUBLIN COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL

355 Cherrington Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 614-882-8874 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: One Star

ST. JOHN’S EARLY EDUCATION CENTER 700 High St. Worthington, OH 43085 614-885-2315 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Three Star

WORTHINGTON PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

81-1/2 W. Bridge St. Dublin, OH 43017 614-889-0052 Age Range: 2 years-5 years Accreditation: Three Star

773 High St. Worthington, OH 43085 614-885-3765 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: One Star

TINY TREASURES DAY CARE, LLC*

LITTLE SHEPHERDS PRESCHOOL

BRICE CHURCH PRESCHOOL

3760-D Snouffer Rd. Columbus, OH 43235 614-792-8469 Age Range: 1 month 2 weeks-10 years Accreditation: Two Star

5475 Brand Rd. Dublin, OH 43017 614-209-4554 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-5 years 3 months Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Two Star

LEADS HEAD START NORTH UNION

LEWIS CENTER PRESCHOOL

420 Grove St. Richwood, OH 43344 937-642-1230 Age Range: 3 years-6 years Accreditation: Three Star

| January 2012 | Childcare Directory | columbusparent.com

1019 Lewis Center Rd. Lewis Center, OH 43035 740-548-1934 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

3160 Brice Rd. Brice, OH 43109 614-866-2268 Age Range: 2 years 9 months-5 years 6 months Accreditation: One Star

DAVID LUTHERAN CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL 330 Groveport Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-920-3517 Age Range: 3 years-5 years 6 months Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PRESCHOOL* 775 Galloway Rd. Galloway, OH 43119 614-878-3738 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

AMAZING KIDS ACADEMY 4501 Hoover Rd. Grove City, OH 43123 614-539-4800 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-5 years Accreditation: One Star

MIAMI VALLEY CDC MADISON PLAINS 47 Linson Rd. London, OH 43140 740-490-0654 Age Range: 3 months-5 months Accreditation: Two Star

MIAMI VALLLEY CDC FAIRHAVEN 1501 State Route 38 NE London, OH 43140 740-852-5412 Age Range: 3 years-5 years 11 months Accreditation: NAEYC, Three Star

WEINLAND PARK PREKINDERGARTEN 211 E. 7th Ave. Columbus, OH 43201 614-365-5321 Age Range: 4 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

YMCA HILLTOP PRESCHOOL 2879 Valleyview Dr. Columbus, OH 43204 614-276-8224 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Three Star

PARSONS PREKINDERGARTEN 3231 Lee Ellen Place Columbus, OH 43207 614-365-5099 Age Range: 4 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

BETH JACOB PRESCHOOL 1223 College Ave. Columbus, OH 43209 614-237-8641 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: One Star

FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL

DUXBERRY PARK ALTERNATIVE PREKINDERGARTEN

MAIZE MANOR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESCHOOL

1779 E. Maynard Ave. Columbus, OH 43219 614-365-6023 Age Range: 4 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

3901 Maize Rd. Columbus, OH 43224 614-267-4944 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-6 years Accreditation: One Star

JOHNSTOWN ROAD CDCFC HEAD START

OAKLAND PARK ALT. PREKINDERGARTEN

2879 Johnstown Rd. Columbus, OH 43219 614-342-5837 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: One Star

3392 Atwood Terrace Columbus, OH 43224 614-365-6058 Age Range: 4 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

BETHANY LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

ATONEMENT LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

CDCFC BARNETT HEAD START

1000 Noe-Bixby Rd. Columbus, OH 43213 614-866-1211 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Three Star

1621 Francisco Rd. Columbus, OH 43220 614-451-5212 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: One Star

1320 Cambridge Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43212 614-488-0681 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL 1581 Cambridge Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43212 614-488-3659 Age Range: 2 years-5 years 11 months Accreditation: Two Star

C. RAY WILLIAMS CDCFC HEAD START

BETHEL (UNITED METHODIST) CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

4737 Etna Rd. Whitehall, OH 43213 614-866-7133 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

1220 Bethel Rd. Columbus, OH 43220 614-451-1117 Age Range: 1 year 6 months-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

TEMPLE ISRAEL PRESCHOOL

UPPER ARLINGTON LUTHERAN CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

5419 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43213 614-866-0010 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-5 years 9 months Accreditation: Three Star

OVERBROOK WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL 4131 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43214 614-261-1029 Age Range: 2 years 8 months-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Three Star

SCHOOL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN 93 W. Weisheimer Rd. Columbus, OH 43214 614-267-0254 Age Range: 2 years 3 months-6 years Accreditation: NAEYC

THE COLUMBUS SPEECH AND HEARING CENTER 510 E. North Broadway Columbus, OH 43214 614-263-5151 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-6 years Accreditation: NAEYC, Start Smart Center Accreditation, Three Star

2300 Lytham Rd. Columbus, OH 43220 614-451-3736 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

MOUNTVIEW CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL 2140 Fishinger Rd. Columbus, OH 43221 614-451-8691 Age Range: 2 years 6 months-5 years 6 months Accreditation: Two Star

DANA ELEMENTARY PREKINDERGARTEN 300 S. Dana Ave. Columbus, OH 43223 614-365-5925 Age Range: 4 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

LINDEN LUTHERAN CDCFC HEAD START 1230 Oakland Park Ave. Columbus, OH 43224 614-262-9756 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

1184 Barnett Rd. Columbus, OH 43227 614-237-1595 Age Range: 3 years-5 years Accreditation: Two Star

NORTHTOWNE PREKINDERGARTEN 4767 Northtowne Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-365-5488 Age Range: 4 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

PARKMOOR URBAN ACADEMY PREKINDERGARTEN

BRIGHT MINDS START HERE. Columbus Early Learning Centers has offered quality early childhood education for more than 50 years. We believe that each child is special!

Our goal is to provide a nurturing and loving environment that helps children develop the cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills needed for success in kindergarten and first grade.

Serving families with children 6 weeks to 5 years of age Child-centered Creative Curriculum Caring, degreed teachers Spacious outdoor play areas Nutritious lunches and snacks daily Affordable, all child care subsidies accepted

NOW ENROLLING! CALL 614.224.9284 FOR THE CENTER NEAREST YOU OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.COLUMBUSEARLYLEARNING.ORG

FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, ONE PURPOSE!

1711 Penworth Dr. Columbus, OH 43229 614-365-5349 Age Range: 4 years-5 years Accreditation: NAEYC

Empower your child to take on the world.

HOW TO REACH ACTION FOR CHILDREN FOR MORE INFORMATION: On the web: actionforchildren.org On the phone: • In Franklin County, call 614-224-0222 • In Delaware County, call 740-369-0649 • In Fairfield County, call 740-687-6833 • In Licking County, call 740-345-6166, ext. 209 • In Madison County, call 740-852-0975, ext. 15 • In Pickaway County, call 740-477-1602 • In Union County, call 937-645-2017

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

Winter Festival January 14th, 10am-2pm Facepainting Balloon Sculpting Indoor Bounce Houses Carnival Games & Prizes Various Crafts “Make-It-Take-It” Activities Drawings and Raffles A visit from a surprise guest, Clifford The Big Red Dog, KA’s Got Talent live performances & a “Mommie Massage”

Enroll Your Super Hero Today!

Kiddie Academy of Reynoldsburg 6411 East Main Street Reynoldsburg, OH 614.866.1422 kiddieacademy.com/Reynoldsburg

INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL • BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER CAMP columbusparent.com | Childcare Directory | January 2012 |

15

Why choose Primrose ? ®

First Community

Award-Winning Early Childhood Programs Mary Evans Child Development Center Serving Dublin, Hilliard and Upper Arlington 614 777.4099 • Infant and toddler care • Full or Part-time Preschool • Full-day Kindergarten

First Community Church Preschool Serving Grandview, Upper Arlington and Victorian Village 614 488.0681 • Part-time Preschool • ‘Twogether’ Class with parent • Lunch & Play extension available

Just ask a mom.

As an educator, I know what my children “need in order to be ready when they leave Primrose. My son, who attended Pre-K at Primrose, was more than ready for Kindergarten.

”

— Augustus James’ Mom, Primrose Parent

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

1.800.PRIMROSE www.primroseschools.com Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Kindergarten and After School

For additional information, visit fcchurch.com

HARVEST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

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| January 2012 | Childcare Directory | columbusparent.com

Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose, Primrose Schools, and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2011 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

Cares for Children

family fun: PLAYGROUND PATROL

CENTRAL PARK PLAYLAND AT WESTERVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

BY ELIZABETH SEUFER

The cat’s out of the bag: Central Park Playland at Westerville Christian Church is an indoor play place that’s fun, clean and free.

Central Park is ideal for children who love to climb and explore. Perfect for 2- to 10-yearolds, the space offers a large playset of tunALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS nels and slides.

There’s also a rock wall area. Parents mitted at Central can walk around Park during open and supervise chilplay hours, and a dren from the outwater fountain is side of the main available. play area, but may Food is permitgo in and rescue a ted during parties. child, if needed.

It costs $72 to have There are chairs for a Friday or Saturday parents to sit and afternoon party for watch. up to 24 children.

Although locatParties may be 471 E. College Ave., ed within the booked up to six Westerville, 614-891-6842, church building, months in advance. www.westerville-christian.org/ visitors aren’t (Hint: the Saturday ministries/children/central-park.aspx approached about time slots go quickHOURS FOR OPEN PLAY: 11:45 a.m –12:30 p.m. becoming church ly.)

Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–11 a.m. Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. members. Central The “Stories in Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.–11 a.m. Thursday, Park is in its own the Park” program 10 a.m.–12 noon Saturday room and is offers stories, songs COST: free accessed from the and crafts for chilrear church dren under age 6. It recent visit. In fact, all of entrance. costs $1 per child each week.

Central Park was spotless Socks are required to Check the Central Park webwhen we visited for a Saturplay; cubbies are available site for dates and registraday birthday party in Octofor storing shoes. tion details. ber.

The bathroom at Central Bottom line, Central Park Parents of children with Park is spacious. There’s is a great place to visit any food allergies also will be enough room for an adult time of the year, but esperelieved to know that food and several children. It was cially during these cold winand beverages are not pervery clean during our most ter months.

Activities

RECREATION SERVICES

Here is a snapshot of a few of our upcoming performances at the Abbey Theater. Find fun family ideas for winter by visiting www.dublinohiousa.gov/recreation.

Aladdin Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m.

Columbus Children’s Theatre presents the age-old story found in the Arabian Nights.

Aladdin comes upon an old lamp and when he accidently rubs it, a Magic Genie appears!

Aladdin gets more than he bargained for in this story filled with magic, adventure and romance. Audience members play a crucial role in this exciting play.

Recommended for ages 4 and up Tickets: $7 adults, $5 children and seniors

Skippyjon Jones Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m.

Theatreworks USA presents a little kitten with big ears and even bigger dreams!

Sometimes he pretends to be a bird, sometimes he pretends to be a llama, and sometimes he pretends to be a whale... anything BUT a Siamese cat! Based on the book by Judy Schachner, Jones is an enchanting musical about unleashing your powerful imagination and following your dreams.

Recommended for ages 5 - 8 Tickets: $7 adults, $5 children and seniors For tickets or more information, call the Dublin Community Recreation Center at 614.410.4550 or visit www.dublinohiousa.gov/recreation.

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

www.dublinohiousa.gov

dublinohiousa.gov/enews

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family fun: HANDS ON

Sock Penguin

BY OLIVERA BRATICH

Warm up your winter season with an adorable cold-weather creature, the penguin! Plush making is a fun activity for kids of any age and this project gives purpose to those lone socks who have lost their match. Save those single socks for a snowy afternoon of family craft time!

WHAT YOU NEED • black sock • white, orange and black felt scraps • tacky glue or fabric glue • needle and thread • plastic wrap or small re-sealable bag (3-inch-by-2-inch or smaller) • small handful of dried rice • pillow stuffing (like “Poly-fil” or the stuffing from old pillows)

HOW YOU DO IT

1. Cut your sock at the turn of the heel.

You’ll be working with the part of the sock that is the toe to the heel, which looks like an ovalshaped pouch.

2. Stuff this pouch with pillow stuffing, like Poly-fil. (Tip: Plush projects are a great way to recycle the stuffing from old pillows!) Pillow stuffing will allow you to shape your penguin, but if you don’t have any, fabric/felt scraps will also work in a pinch.

3. Fill the small re-sealable bag with dried rice or wrap the rice in plastic wrap. Place this just inside your sock pouch.

4. Use the needle and thread to stitch the pouch closed. This will not be visible on your final project, so the stitching can be messy! When finished, flip over your project so that the rice is at the bottom, weighing down your object.

5. Cut out the following shapes from the felt scraps: 2 large black ovals (wings), 1 large white oval (belly), 2 small white ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

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| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

WHO THOUGHT THIS UP circles, 2 even smaller black circles, 1 small orange diamond, 2 orange webbed feet.

6. Trim one side of your large black ovals into a point. These will be your wings! Glue one to each side of the penguin. Glue the other black and white shapes into place.

7. Fold the orange triangle in half to make a triangle. Put a small stitch or drop of glue on the inside of each end of the fold. Glue the beak onto the face.

8. Glue your feet to the bottom. The rice helps weigh down your penguin and keep it standing upright.

OLIVERA BRATICH owns Wholly Craft, 3169 N. High St. The Clintonville shop features handmade goods from more than 100 crafters and artists, including clothing, jewelry, accessories, paper goods, home décor and more! Hours of operation: 1-8 p.m., weekdays except Tuesdays when they’re closed, 12 noon-7 p.m. Saturdays, 12 noon-5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, go to whollycraft.com or call 614-447-3445.

SATURDAY MORNINGS Wake up and dream.

, Saturday Morning Art Classes at CCAD Great creative experiences for first through twelfth grades For more info visit www.ccad.edu/ce

Saturday Morning Art Classes are generously supported by The William and Jane Schloss Family Foundation

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

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family fun: PARTIES

SPRINKLE party

a

BY JANE HAWES PHOTOS BY TESSA BERG

Having a baby is different the second time.

Maybe it’s the “been there, done that” patience that comes with having been there and done that before. But maybe the expectant mommy feels a little wistful about the now-missing special attention that accompanied every experience during that first go-around.

Consider, for example, the tradition of baby showers. Tradition dictates that friends and family throw showers for the first pregnancy. But what about subsequent pregnancies? That’s where the equally delightful tradition of “sprinkles” comes in.

These are baby showers thrown for the experienced expectant mom. Long a practice in the Southern U.S., sprinkles originally were held when the second baby was a different gender than the firstborn, but they’ve now become a delightful excuse for friends to simply get together and celebrate the new baby to come.

That’s what Cherie Hinson had in mind when she hosted a sprinkle for her friend Alissa Hines this past fall. Hines and her husband Teddy — and their 3-year-old daughter Ellen — were expecting Baby No. 2.

Hinson has good reason to enjoy throwing showers and sprinkles. As owner of Petit Green, a baby boutique in Polaris Fashion Place, she delights in finding luxurious and practical goodies to bequeath on her friends.

And she loves the sprinkle concept.

“It’s just a casual smaller gathering and it’s for everyone, the dads and kids, too,” Hinson explained before guests began arriving to her Bexley home for the Sunday afternoon party.

“And I know some people are bringing gifts for Ellen, too.”

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Hostess Cherie Hinson

Hinson also selected a few more gifts to sprinkle on the Hines family, including: Simple bouquets of yellow roses adorned a few tables, while Hinson and her friends laid out a selection of baked goodies from the German Village bakery Pistacia Vera, and they made their own finger sandwiches of the egg salad, salami and provolone, chicken salad and cucumber varieties.

Game cards with trivia questions about the expectant mom waited for guests.

Hinson had selected a few gifts from her store, and — another sprinkle tradition — had asked friends to contribute toward buying one big gift, in this case a Bugaboo Donkey duo stroller that would accommodate Ellen and her new sibling.

“That’s instead of everyone bringing something on their own,” Hinson said, noting that the tradition springs from not wanting to duplicate supplies a family may still have from

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

• Bla Bla Boogaloos Johnny doll • Dwell Studio travel case in a Transportation print • LeSportsac Ryan diaper bag in a Milk print • Born Free yellow twist straw cup Ellen Hines (right) helps her mother, Alissa, and her father, Teddy, with gift opening. the first baby.

The attention was deeply appreciated by the Hines family.

“It’s just wonderful to be here with everyone and share the moment,” said Alissa Hines, as Hinson’s daughter Riley shyly approached her.

“That’s a baby in your belly?” she smiled.

“That’s right,” Hines said. “There really is.

• Little Twig 3-pack gift set (Body Wash, Baby Powder and Body Milk) • Miss Brittany’s Organic Eco-Tree Colored Pencils • Clementine Art Natural Crayons and Crayon Rocks • Plan Toys Pull-along Dancing Alligator

LOOK WHO’S COMING!

star of HGTV’s “Candice Tells All” and “Divine Design.” Appearing at the show on Saturday, March 3, at 1 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE! And check out dispatchevents.com regularly: More information and announcements are coming in the weeks and month ahead.

In partnership with

Feb. 25 – Mar. 4 KIDS DAY IS MARCH 3, WITH FUN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Ohio Expo Center (Ohio State Fairgrounds)

Saturdays Sundays CLOSED MONDAY Tuesday — Friday

10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Noon – 9 p.m.

Admission: $12. Kids under age 12 free.

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

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family fun: EATING OUT WITH KIDS

Luce THE KID SAYS First of all, when I was told about this restaurant, I thought I was going to have some pretty good food because I am a fan of spaghetti. I’ve even learned how to cook spaghetti. You tell if it’s done by throwing it against the wall and if it sticks, it’s done.

When I first saw the restaurant, it looked like a good and fancy Italian restaurant. Our server was nice. The bread was really good. You dipped it in olive oil with roasted red peppers. I only tried it that way once, and then I mostly ate the bread plain. I ordered salad with Italian dressing and spaghetti with two stuffed meatballs ($9.95). They were huge and delish. The spaghetti was the thick type which means it’s good, and they had tasty red sauce. I had ginger ale for a drink.

I almost forgot dessert. I tried basil gelato with cheesecake, olive oil gelato and

LUCE

3499 Market St., Powell 614-881-4600 lucepowell.com

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HOURS: 5-9 p.m. Sundays, closed Mondays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays, 5-10 p.m. Saturdays

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

COST: Kids’ menu ranges from $4-$5 (pizza, pasta, grilled cheese with tomato bisque, and that divine peanut butter snowball comes with each entrée); soups, salads and small-plate entrees ($4.50$14); large-plate entrees ($10-$30)

donut holes. I only liked the donut holes.

Kids will not like the olive oil or basil gelato. The adults will. My mom tricked me.

She said the basil gelato was mint ice cream. The waitress also brought me a peanut butter snowball. It usually goes with just the kids’ menu but they said we could have it. It was heavenly. I would have never thought to put peanut butter with vanilla ice cream, and it had a strawberry sauce under it.

The bathrooms were clean, they were nice and they had music in them, but there was no TV in the bathroom, which is how I prefer it. There was also only one stall and one urinal, but there was a diaper-changing station in the stall.

Yes, I would love to go back and I would want to try the pizza.

—COLIN HAWES

Music Lessons For All Ages Visit FirstChoiceMusicStudio.com for FREE reports on starting lessons.

Why Choose Us?

THE MOM SAYS First of all, in my defense, he asked, “Is that like mint ice cream?” and I said, “Sure.” He likes pesto, so I thought he’d be intrigued to have the basil in a different form. Well, more for me in the end.

And also for me, this was my kind of a break from cooking duties. I don’t know why more non-chain restaurants don’t have Sunday dinner service anymore. My husband and I were comparing notes about how, when we were growing up, Sunday dinner out was always a treat. It still is and Luce definitely delivered on that with its Sunday dinner specials (the spaghetti dish and all pizzas are $9.95). Sure, the specials might be somewhat more geared toward the adults (we also got $8 off any bottle of wine!), but it was a really delicious, relaxed meal with a lot of excellent food.

After eating way too much of their saltcrusted house bread, I made it through most of my margherita pizza. Their dough is a little on the chewy side and they could stand to add more basil, but it was still tasty, and next time I’ll probably go with the quattro formaggio flatbread that my husband had (it’s a pizza-like concoction with a crunchier crust and a killer combo of smooth and tart cheeses).

But dessert was the unexpected highlight of the meal. I don’t think Colin realizes it, but his peanut butter snowball came free of charge, probably because we had asked

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• 3 Free, Fun Recitals per year.

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• Violin • Drums about whether he could still get one, even without ordering off the kids’ menu. That was a very nice touch. But then, the grownup dessert — the dessert tapas plate — wow!

Some day once that kid’s palate matures a little he will appreciate just how mind-blowingly delicious and well-made everything on that plate was. At $12.50, it was the most expensive dish we had that night, but it was worth it. The donut holes were meltingly hot, right out of the fryer, lightly sugared and served with three types of dipping sauces. And that basil gelato with mascarpone cheesecake and macerated strawberries was inspired, as was the olive oil gelato and bread pudding.

Service was very pleasant. The bathroom was lovely but a bit on the chilly side. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the décor tends toward rustic. Loved it all, I’ll definitely expect to be taken back for a Sunday family dinner.

—JANE HAWES

• Keyboard • Bass • Viola • Cello • Saxophone • Clarinet

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• Prepare for School Concerts • Ace your school audition and playing tests!

• Ages 5 and up • 3 Recitals per year Beginners Welcome!

• Oboe • Bassoon • Trumpet • Trombone • Tuba • And more!

Located in Downtown Dublin

HOW’D THEY LIKE IT? FOOD:

SERVICE:

BATHROOM:

FAVORITE BITE: MOM: dessert tapas plate KID: spaghetti with stuffed meatballs

GRADING SCALE:

GREAT!

GOOD.

MEH.

BOO.

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

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family fun: MEDIA REVIEWS

books FOR

KIDS

“I WANT MY HAT BACK”

“DINOSAUR VS. THE LIBRARY”

by Jon Klassen Bear has lost his hat and is out to find it. Walking around, he asks all the animals if they have seen his hat, but none of them have. Wait! Bear has seen his hat, but where? A short fun picture book perfect for reading one-on-one or to a group, you and your kids can help this bear find his hat. FOR AGES 2 TO 7.

“GREEN LANTERN: WAR OF THE GREEN LANTERNS”

by Bob Shea Dinosaur roars at everything, and dinosaur always wins. However, can a noisy, roaring dinosaur win when he tries to roar in the library? This book is best read very loudly! As a matter of fact, kids can roar along with dinosaur as he travels to the library to roar where no dinosaur has roared before. Dinosaur challenges you!

FOR AGES 2 TO 7.

published by DC Comics DC Comics just rebooted all 52 of their comic book series, and almost all of them have started from scratch. The Green Lantern comics, while starting from issue #1, have not started from square one. So, before picking up those shiny new issue ones, “Green Lantern: War of the Green Lanterns” fills the readers in on all the juicy details that lead up to the new series, and explains every confusing matter readers may face. If you or your teen love comics, this is a must read as it details the war that forever changed the Green Lanterns and the Guardians of the Universe. FOR TEENS.

“JANE & MIZMOW” “THE INQUISITOR’S APPRENTICE”

by Chris Moriarty Think Sherlock Holmes with a generous dose of magic, and this book just keeps delivering from there! Sacha Kessler, a young Jewish boy, is pulled out of school soon after the discovery that he can see witches. Of course, seeing witches is not an ordinary feat that just anyone can do, so Sacha is immediately apprenticed to an inquisitor of the New York Police Department. Set in the early 20th century, this magically driven mystery novel is sure to please young readers that enjoy page-turning fantasies. FOR AGES 8 TO 14.

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by Matthew S. Armstrong Mizmow is a large, furry, long-eared monster, and Jane is a young girl. Despite their differences, they are best friends. Mizmow enjoys Jane’s company during his snacks, and Jane shares her books with Mizmow (which of course often end up as his snacks). Beautifully illustrated and charming, this book shows that being best friends with a monster isn’t always easy, but it is very much worth it. FOR AGES 3 TO 7.

“RIP TIDE” by Kat Falls Be warned, life in the water is tough and dangerous, and leaving the subsea farm is always a challenge.

Sharks, squids and killer whales are always on the prowl. However, a new mystery surrounding a sunken airplane is even more frightening. A pulsepounding and scary adventure awaits all who dare to read about this aquatic world of the future. If this is your type of book, also be sure to check out the prequel “Dark Life.” FOR AGES 8 TO 13.

—DUSTIN JOLIVETTE, HOMEWORK HELP CENTER COORDINATOR, SOUTH HIGH BRANCH, COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY

WEBSITE

GAMES “GOTHAM CITY IMPOSTERS” (Xbox 360, Sony Ps3, Windows PC, $15 Download, Rated T for Teen) Imagine running around Gotham city with an army of Batmen or as a part of Joker’s criminal band. Gotham City Imposters is an on-line multiplayer game that places you in the role of a Gotham citizen with a penchant for comic book vigilantism. Modeled after Call of Duty-style team game play, this download title promises some wacky combat.

“FINAL FANTASY XIII-2” (Xbox 360, Sony Ps3, $60, Rated T for Teen) Sequels often promise more of the same, but Final Fantasy XIII-2 looks to actually fix many of the problems with its predecessor. A sprawling, epic story flips to focus on a search for the heroine of the first game while presenting an open world and action-based combat system. Fans of Final Fantasy XIII should pick up this continuation of the story.

KIDSCLICK.ORG This site was created by a group of U.S. librarians so kids could find age-appropriate Web content on everything from science to health to popular entertainment. Complete with links and a search bar, Kids Click! will allow your kids to explore the internet and all its wonder without a worry. All links are non-commercial and non-violent. —DUSTIN JOLIVETTE

—SHAWN SINES

FAMILY APPS

—PHIL PIKELNY

“APPMATES”

FAMILY BOOK AND VIDEOS “MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON”

by Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp If you haven’t been lured in yet to the hypnotically happy little world of Marcel the Shell, then clear some time in your schedule to relax and enjoy. Marcel is one of those genuine pop-culture phenomena that happen every now and then. It started with a 3minute short film a year ago on YouTube (on the MARCELTHESHELL channel); the film promptly racked up 14 million views. This past fall another 4-minute film appeared, as did a beautifully illustrated book. Both kids and adults will enjoy the gently silly yet strangely self-empowering musings of Marcel. —JANE HAWES

If your child (of any age) is a fan of Lightning McQueen, Mater, Finn McMissle or Holly Shiftwell — all characters from Disney/Pixar’s “Cars 2” animated film — buy them an AppMATes ($20 at Target) handheld car. Then turn them loose with an iPad loaded with the free “Cars 2” iPad AppMATes app. When your child places the car on the iPad screen, the magic begins. Sensors under the cars will set the app in motion so that the car begins a tour of Radiator Springs, key games to be played and animated auto races to be run. The world this app opens up is not to be believed.

“UP WITH A FISH!” The Cat in the Hat storytelling comes to the iPhone with the Up with a Fish! (App 99-cents). The story line for your child is to assist the Cat in the Hat in the quest to stack falling objects atop his tower of fish bowls. By tilting the phone, the falling Dr. Seuss-inspired objects — including umbrellas, chairs, books and the like — ideally fall into place. If you catch the falling fishbowls, increase your score and watch your fish move up the stack of collected objects. Miss three fish bowls and the game is over. The graphics, music and sound effects will keep your kids entertained for hours on end.

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

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january 2012

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

SUNDAY 1 FREE! Family Scavenger Hunt, Look for nature clues and unusual objects along the trail using a scavenger hunt guide. Prizes available.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Gahanna. 614-895-6365.

FREE! New Year’s Day Family Hike, We’ll get 2012 off to a great start, get some exercise and enjoy nature’s beauty! We’ll meet in the parking lot afterward for hot chocolate and cookies. 10 a.m.-12 noon.

Char-Mar Ridge Preserve, 7741 Lewis Center Rd., Westerville. 740524-8600. preservationparks.com

TUESDAY 3 Children’s Theater Company, Children’s Theater class and performance company. Classes open to students age 8-12. Course covers acting, improv, scene work, scripts, dance and vocals. End of year theater performance. 6-7 p.m. $50 monthly. Infusion Dance, 7030A Huntley Road, Worthington. 614220-8780. infusiondance.net

THURSDAY 5 FREE! Parent’s Morning Out, This free ministry is for parents who are looking for a morning out to do all those errands you can’t take your child to. Children can enjoy structured play, crafts and stories in a safe and loving place. Our volun-

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teers all have current background checks on file. No advanced registration is needed. The community is welcome. 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. Westerville First Presbyterian Church, 41 W. College Ave., Westerville. 614560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.org Pioneer Club: Discovery Zone, The program includes homework help, music, games, crafts, small groups and ends with dinner. Everyone is welcome! 4-7 p.m. $25 per child per year. First Presbyterian Church, 41 W College Ave, Westerville. 614-560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.org

FRIDAY 6 FREE! Bloom! Music Together Morning, Come join in a morning of singing, dancing and playing with instruments. Experience the joy of music together! RSVP needed.

9:45-10:15 a.m. Bloom! Music and Movement Centre, 1890 Northwest Blvd., Campus. 614-327-1534. bloommusicandmovement.com FREE! First Friday Movies, How about catching a fun movie on the big screen at the library? Bring your best buddy and a snack, if you wish!

For grades K-5. 3:15-5 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4813778.

Friday Night Open Gyms, Join us for an open gym! Kids will enjoy two trampolines, large foam pit,

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

two large spring floors, bars, balance beams and more! Ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome. Must have a signed waiver to participate! 810:15 p.m. $9. Gym X-Treme Gymnastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614573-8484. gymx-treme.com FREE! Science Friday Fun, Experiment with plants to see how they use solar energy and carbon dioxide, then build your own mini-habitat to watch a flower grow. Bring two clean, clear 2 liter bottles. 1 p.m. Three Creek Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport. 614-895-6365.

SATURDAY 7 FREE! Columbus Children’s Theatre: Meet Goldilocks, Meet Goldilocks, the star of The Columbus Children’s Theatre’s upcoming production. She will perform a hilarious bit from the show. Following the performance, children will be able to make a craft. Best of all, Goldilocks will be available for pictures and autographs! Free tickets are required for this meet-andgreet, and are available beginning Dec. 17. Ages 3-7. 10:30 a.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614486-9621.

Creative Minds Junior Studio, An open art studio for students 7-12 years old, a variety of art media will be available for students to use.

Monthly themes will be introduced but this is a student led activity. 12

KIRK IRWIN/DISPATCH PHOTO

MLK DAY OPEN HOUSE Monday, Jan. 16 — During this annual event, celebrate the accomplishments and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From 12 noon-4 p.m., head to the King Arts Complex for live entertainment and check out exhibits and galleries. It’s educational and interesting for the whole family.

The MLK Day Open House is free and open to the public. Call 614-645-5465 or visit thekingartscomplex.org for more information. noon-2 p.m. $36/4 sessions to be used in 3 months and/or with siblings/friends. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville.

614-890-8202. gallery202online.com/linkpages/cre ativemindsjunior.html Doodles, In this dynamic drop-in program, adults and children 6 and up can experiment with fun materials and create art together. Families will work together on gallery games and unique, open-ended projects inspired by artwork in the galleries.

1-3 p.m. Free with Museum admis-

sion. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614-2214848. columbusmuseum.org Saturday Horse Camp, Enjoy your Saturday afternoon at the horse stable learning all about horses and ponies. And yes, you’ll ride! Come once or every Saturday - it’s up to you. Enjoy barn activities with other horsey kids, have fun and learn some skills in the saddle. 1-5 p.m.

Bookmark Farms, 8824 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala. 740-964-2601. bookmarkfarms.com

SUNDAY 8 Aladdin, Presented by Columbus Children’s Theatre. 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. $16-18. Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Granville St., New Albany. 614-9392245. mccoycenter.org FREE! Bloom! Music Together Class, Come sing, move and play instruments together in a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere. Experience the joys of music together. RSVP needed. 4:30-5:15 p.m. Bloom! Music and Movement Centre, 1890 North-

west Blvd., Campus. 614-327-1534. bloommusicandmovement.com FREE! Tail Wagging Tutors, Kids in grades K-5 are invited to join Marty Marlatt and her trained therapy dogs for a fun way to practice their reading skills. Participants will take turns sharing stories with registered therapy dogs. We’ll provide the books or you can bring your favorites. 2 p.m. Lane Road Library, 1945 Lane Road, Upper Arlington.

614-459-0273.

MONDAY 9 FREE! Miller Park Mondays, Come to our monthly story time for children who attend preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays and can’t come to our normal story times.

Join us for stories, flannelboards and fingerplays chosen just for ages 3-5.

10:15 a.m. Miller Park Branch Library, 1901 Arlington Ave, Upper Arlington. 614-488-5710.

FREE! Mother-Daughter Book Club, Girls in grades 3-5 and their mothers (or grandmothers!) are invited to join us and talk books.

Registration is required; call 614807-2626. Selected title: “Liberty Porter: First Daughter” by Julia DeVillers. 7-8 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Music & Movement, Ages 2-5 years. No registration required.

1-1:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

TUESDAY 10 Children’s Theater Company, Children’s Theater class and performance company. Classes open to students age 8-12. Course covers acting, improv, scene work, scripts, dance and vocals. End of year theater performance. 6-7 p.m. $50 monthly. Infusion Dance, 7030A Huntley Road, Worthington. 614220-8780. infusiondance.net FREE! Parent-Child Book Discussion, Library instructors facilitate a discussion of the selected title to teach critical thinking and appreciation for literature. This month we will read A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. Grades 3-5. 7 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614486-9621.

St. Joseph Montessori School Open house January 27th and 29th

Pre-K through 8th Grade

Friday, January 27th 9-11am (Adults only) Sunday, January 29th 3-5pm (Children welcomed)

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OSU Campus 5 Minutes

Summit Street 71 St. Joseph

1st Street 670 Downtown 5 minutes

*St. Joseph Montessori respects the uniqueness of each child in reaching their full potential. *Come meet the committed faculty and staff members that make the learning St. Joseph Montessori School environment special.

933 Hamlet St. Columbus, OH 43201 *Come find out why the top Phone (614) 291-8601 schools in central Ohio seek www.sjms.net graduates from St. Joseph Montessori School.

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

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jan 2012 FREE! Preschoolers: Coyotes, Learn about these howling canines through story, songs and craft. 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. 614-895-6365.

FREE! Reading to Rover, Meet some therapy dogs from Central Ohio Good Shepherds, and improve your reading skills too! Beginning readers can read to these very patient listeners, and learn about the therapy dog program. Grades K5. 7 p.m. Miller Park Branch Library, 1901 Arlington Ave, Upper Arlington. 614-488-5710.

FREE! Tales for Toddlers, Ages 1836 months. No registration required. 10:15-11:30 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-4862951.

WEDNESDAY 11 FREE! Baby Games, Ages 0-18 months. No registration required.

10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Bookworms Book Club, Read, dance, chant and craft in this book club designed just for prereaders. Parents take part in the fun!

Ages 4-6. Registration required. 44:45 p.m. Westerville Library, 126 S.

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State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Child Check, Child Check is a free check of developmental areas of speech/language, fine motor, gross motor, personal/social skills, vision and hearing for children ages one month through 5 years. This service is organized by ECRN+, a program of the YMCA of Central Ohio. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. St John’s Lutheran Church, 6135 Rings Rd, Dublin. 543-9000 ext. 216.

FREE! Family Story Time, Ages 2-5 years. No registration required. 77:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Homeschoolers: Snow Science, Take a close look at snow and ice (even if it doesn’t snow outside).

Ages 6-12. 1 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Gahanna. 614-895-6365.

FREE! Preschoolers: The Beech Tree Puppets Discover the Ice Age, Go back in time with the Beech Tree Puppets as they meet some animals from the past. 10 a.m.

Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg. 614895-6365.

THURSDAY 12 FREE! Chess Club, Checkmate!

Chess lovers of all levels are welcome to join the UAPL chess. Our local teen expert(s) will moderate, help beginners and suggest strategies to players. Registration is required and begins two weeks

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

before each meeting. Grades 3-6. 4 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington.

614-486-9621.

FREE! Couponomy, Not only did Cate Taylor slash her grocery budget by 60 percent when she lost her job in 2009, she’s managed to sustain her saving streak for over two years. This local mom will discuss the best places to find coupons and deals and ways to stay organized.

She’ll also provide insights into how to bring it all together to maximize savings. 7-8:30 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Kindergarten Coffee, Come see what St. Michael School has to offer your child. Learn about the curriculum, full-or half-day programs, tour the school, and enjoy a question and answer session with refreshments. Babysitting is available; reservations are recommended. 9:30-11 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. St. Michael School, 64 E. Selby Blvd., Worthington. 614-885-3149. stmichael.cdeducation.org FREE! Parent’s Morning Out, This free ministry is for parents who are looking for a morning out to do all those errands you can’t take your child to. Children can enjoy structured play, crafts and stories in a safe and loving place. Our volunteers all have current background checks on file. No advanced registration is needed. The community is welcome. 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. Westerville First Presbyterian Church, 41

W. College Ave., Westerville. 614560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.org Pioneer Club: Discovery Zone, The program includes homework help, music, games, crafts, small groups and ends with dinner. Everyone is welcome! 4-7 p.m. $25 per child per year. First Presbyterian Church, 41 W College Ave, Westerville. 614-560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.org

FRIDAY 13 Friday Night Open Gyms, Join us for an open gym! Kids will enjoy two trampolines, large foam pit, two large spring floors, bars, balance beams and more! Ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome. Must have a signed waiver to participate! 810:15 p.m. $9. Gym X-Treme Gymnastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614573-8484. gymx-treme.com FREE! Stuffed Toy Sleepover, It’s a stuffed toy sleepover! Bring your (second) favorite plush toy to the library, share a story and tuck-in, then the toy will spend the night and find out about the magic that happens when all the librarians go home! Return the next morning to pick him/her up. On January 28, we’ll meet to watch a video showing all the crazy antics the toys did during their stay! Registration is required and begins Dec. 27. Ages 4-8. 4 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621.

FREE! Superheroes to the Rescue, Everyone’s heard about Superman, Spiderman and Wonder Woman, but did you know you can find superheroes in all sorts of unexpected places? Join the search! For grades K-3. 10:30 a.m.-12 noon. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

SATURDAY 14 Creative Minds Junior Studio, An open art studio for students 7-12 years old, a variety of art media will be available for students to use.

Monthly themes will be introduced but this is a student led activity. 12 noon-2 p.m. $36/4 sessions to be used in 3 months and/or with siblings/friends. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville.

614-890-8202. gallery202online.com/linkpages/cre ativemindsjunior.html Doodles, In this dynamic drop-in program, adults and children 6 and up can experiment with fun materials and create art together. Families will work together on gallery games and unique, open-ended projects inspired by artwork in the galleries.

1-3 p.m. Free with Museum admission. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614-2214848. columbusmuseum.org Family Fun Day: The Case of the Missing Orchid, Kids search for clues to solve the case of the missing orchid. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with $6 - $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad

St., East Side. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Just for Kids: Snow Science, Take a close look at snow and ice (even if it doesn’t snow outside. Ages 6-12. 1 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. DublinGranville Rd., Gahanna. 614-8956365.

PBJ & Jazz Concert Series: Sean Carney & the Sean Carney Band, PBJ & Jazz concerts are 1-hour long interactive concerts designed to introduce jazz and American music to young children and their families.

10 a.m. $5. Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St., East Side. 614-294-5200.

Saturday Horse Camp, Enjoy your Saturday afternoon at the horse stable learning all about horses and ponies. And yes, you’ll ride! Come once or every Saturday - it’s up to you. Enjoy barn activities with other horsey kids, have fun and learn some skills in the saddle. 1-5 p.m.

Bookmark Farms, 8824 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala. 740-964-2601. bookmarkfarms.com Saturday Studio, Saturday Studio offers students a variety of topics and media to work with. This trimester we will work on illustrations, drawing, watercolor, printmaking, carving and bookmaking.

Check the website for specific topics and descriptions. For grades K8. 10 a.m.-12 noon $8 members, $10 non-members per class. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster. 740-681-1423. decartsohio.org

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT To add an event to Columbus Parent Magazine’s Out & About calendar, submit information by email to calendar@columbusparent.com or online at ColumbusParent.com.

Please submit calendar events by the 7th day of the preceding month.

FREE! Tail Waggin’ Tutors, New reader? Just need practice? Kids ages 6 and up can sign up for ten minutes of read-aloud time with Burgh, a gentle certified therapy dog. Registration required. 12 noon1 p.m. Westerville Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org

SUNDAY 15 Architecture: Ancient Greece and Lancaster, Ohio, What do Ancient Greece and Lancaster, Ohio have in common? Put on your detective hats and trench coats and come find out! After exploring and gathering clues in the Reese-Peters house to discover ways that the ancient Greeks influenced architecture, we will go to the studio to create a 3-dimensional building complete with furnishings. For grades 48. 2-4 p.m. $28 members, $32 nonmembers. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster.

740-681-1423. decartsohio.org Jewelry-Making from Recycled Plastic, This is what they used to make Shrinky Dinks in the 70s and 80s but we will be recycling #6 plastic to make one of a kind jewelry items. Classes are for a child with the participation of an adult. 2-4 p.m. $20 members, $24 non-members (per team of 2). Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, Lancaster. 145 E. Main St., 740-681-1423. decartsohio.org

MONDAY 16 Family Fun Day: Family History, Create a family tree using natural tree branches and creative items. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with $6 - $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side.

614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Grandparents and Grandkids: School’s Out, Bring your grandchildren to watch wildlife, sip a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy a

mammal display. 10 a.m.-12 noon.

Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg. 614895-6365.

Make a T-Shirt Scarf, Teens can up-cycle an old T-shirt into a trendy scarf in this crafty workshop. Registration required. 2:30-4 p.m. Westerville Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org FREE! MLK Day Open House, In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The King Arts Complex will present the annual MLK Day Open House. A vast menu of cultural activities will be held to commemorate this holiday. Enjoy performances of African dance, modern dance, spoken word and inspirational music in our theater and auditorium. Visitors will also be able to participate in hands-on studio art projects, experience a thought-provoking exhibition in the Elijah Pierce Gallery, and permanent installations. 12 noon-4 p.m. King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., King Lincoln. 614-645-5464. thekingartscomplex.com FREE! Music & Movement, Ages 2-5 years. No registration required.

1-1:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

Pre-School Artistic Adventures, Children’s books can bring artistic experiences to life! We will read a story that turns into an exciting art project. For ages 3 and 4. Must be accompanied by an adult. 10-11 a.m. $8 members, $10 non-members per class. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster. 740-681-1423. decartsohio.org

When your child needs urgent care, everything matters.

And what matters most is pediatric expertise.

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

This higher level of expertise enables us to see things others may not. We know when a simple fever could be something more serious. We know how to set a broken bone so it grows properly to its adult size. We know the correct dosage of medications for children of all ages.

Our suture techs even practice putting stitches in the soft skin of a peach, because it helps us minimize scarring on the soft skin of a child.

Every piece of equipment is also specialized.

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

Urgent care should be expert care. So always call your child’s doctor first and remember we’re here when you need us. For directions, hours and location specific information, visit www.NationwideChildrens.org/UrgentCare.

Urgent Care. Close to Home.

Canal Winchester • Downtown Columbus • Dublin • East Columbus • Westerville

TUESDAY 17 Children’s Theater Company, Children’s Theater class and performance company. Classes open to students age 8 - 12. Course covers acting, improv, scene work, scripts, dance, and vocals. End of year the-

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

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

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

We are currently looking for FOSTER PARENTS in the Central Ohio area for teens and siblings!

give love get back so much more National Youth Advocate Program www.NYAP.org

1-877-692-7226

Celebrating 20 Years in Greater Columbus!

jan 2012 ater performance. 6-7 p.m. $50 monthly. Infusion Dance, 7030A Huntley Road, Worthington. 614220-8780. infusiondance.net FREE! Create It: Photo Tiles, Use ceramic tiles and your own photos to make this really cool art! Space is limited, registration required beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3. Don’t forget to bring your photos on a flash drive!

For grades 4-6. 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614481-3778.

FREE! Tales for Toddlers, Ages 1836 months. No registration required.

10:15-11:30 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

WEDNESDAY 18 FREE! After-School Drop-In Art Programs, Join local artist Kristen Brown for some fun “make it, take it” art projects after school. Drop in anytime during the hour, get creative and have fun! No registration required. For grades K-5. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778.

FREE! All Things Wellington, All Things Wellington is our annual curriculum night. Held each year, the event puts teachers and students in

TOM DODGE/DISPATCH PHOTO

MAGI-FEST FAMILY MAGIC SHOW Saturday, Jan. 28 — Love magic tricks? As a part of the MAGI-FEST annual convention, the headliner show will take place at the Palace Theatre downtown at 7:30 p.m. It will be fun for the whole family, featuring magicians who will knock your socks off during the two-hour show.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. To purchase tickets, call 614-469-0939 or log on to magifest.org. the spotlight to talk about Wellington innovative classroom projects and philosophies. Join us to learn more about Wellington’s approach to education that puts students in the driver’s seat of their education.

6:30-8 p.m. Wellington School, 3650 Reed Rd, Upper Arlington. 614-4577883. wellington.org FREE! Baby Games, Ages 0-18 months. No registration required.

Gift Cards Available!

New Weekday Rates:

$5 for all age golfers for 18 holes of Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf!

Music & Movement - Birth through g 5 years ears

Playfully Nurture Early Skills

Register Now for Winter Session

614-868-0107 www.wejoysing.com 10% OFF ENROLLMENT With This Ad 16 Locations - Weekdays, Evenings, and Saturdays

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| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

B.O.G.O.

CP 1/12

BUY ONE ROUND OF MINI-GOLF GET ONE ROUND OF MINI-GOLF FREE (equal or lesser value)

161 Granville Street Gahanna, OH 43230

614.428.GLOW • www.GlowPuttOhio.com

10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Family Story Time, Ages 2-5 years. No registration required. 77:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

Home School Wednesdays, For grades K-12. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $4 members, $6 non-members (per

class). Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster.

740-681-1423. decartsohio.org FREE! Teen Blog Editorial Board, Join us for our monthly meeting for current and new members. We learn about new technologies, discuss potential blog topics and brainstorm about future teen programming. Registration begins two weeks prior. Grades 8-12. 4 p.m.

Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington.

614-486-9621.

THURSDAY 19 FREE! Kindergarten: Ready or Not?, How will you know if your child is ready? A panel of children’s librarians and kindergarten teachers will answer your questions and recommend resources. 7-8:30 p.m.

Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org FREE! Parent’s Morning Out, This free ministry is for parents who are looking for a morning out to do all those errands you can’t take your child to. Children can enjoy structured play, crafts and stories in a safe and loving place. Our volunteers all have current background checks on file. No advanced registration is needed. The community is welcome. 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. Westerville First Presbyterian Church, 41 W. College Ave., Westerville. 614560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.org Pioneer Club: Discovery Zone, The program includes homework help, music, games, crafts, small groups and ends with dinner. Everyone is Welcome! 4-7 p.m. $25 per child per year. First Presbyterian Church, 41 W College Ave, Westerville. 614-560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.org FREE! Preschoolers: Snow Time, Learn how to have fun in the snow and how animals survive winter. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Gahanna. 614-895-6365.

FRIDAY 20 FREE! BalletMet Open Rehearsal, Open rehearsals provide a glimpse into the creative process and a sneak peek of an upcoming production. 5-6 p.m.

BalletMet Performance Space, 322 Mt. Vernon Ave., Downtown. 614229-4860. balletmet.org Friday Night Open Gyms, Join us for an open gym! Kids will enjoy two trampolines, large foam pit, two large spring floors, bars, balance beams and more! Ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome. Must have a signed waiver to participate! 810:15 p.m. $9. Gym X-Treme Gym-

nastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614573-8484. gymx-treme.com FREE! Spectrum Storytime, This is a new monthly story time designed for young children on the Autism spectrum, and/or children with sensory integration issues. We will have stories, songs and activities to encourage literacy and positive associations with reading and the library. Registration is required and is limited to 10 children and their caregivers. There is no age restriction, however this program is designed for children with a developmental stage of 3-5 years old. 4 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington.

614-486-9621.

SATURDAY 21 AAA Great Vacations Kids Day, Meet Nickelodeon star, SpongeBob SquarePants and Snoopy the lovable beagle from the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. Kids can design luggage tags and more at the CW at WWHO 53 Kids Corner.

Adventure guide, Vesna Tyrell, will show parents how to introduce kids to nature and the national parks. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or at any AAA Ohio Auto Club store for $9 or $6 for any AAA member. Children ages 16 and under are admitted at no charge.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance at www.AAAGreatVacations.com. Franklin County Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St., Downtown. 888-AAA-OHIO. AAAGreatVacations.com Creative Minds Junior Studio, An open art studio for students 7-12 years old, a variety of art media will be available for students to use.

Monthly themes will be introduced but this is a student led activity. 12 noon-2 p.m. $36/4 sessions to be used in 3 months and/or with siblings/friends. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville. 614-890-8202. gallery202online.com Doodles, In this dynamic drop-in program, adults and children 6 and up can experiment with fun materials and create art together. Families will work together on gallery games and unique, open-ended projects inspired by artwork in the galleries.

1-3 p.m. Free with Museum admis-

sion. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614-2214848. columbusmuseum.org FREE! Ohio Craft Museum Bookmaking Workshop, Families: make your own journal with the Ohio Craft Museum! Adults and children will work hand-in-hand to create a blank book using paper, ink and traditional book-making techniques.

Use as a journal, sketchbook or special place to write your own stories!

Registration is required and begins Jan. 7. Please register each individual, including adults. Grades 1-5. 11 a.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington.

614-486-9621.

FREE! Open Chess Club, Calling all chess players 6 and up! Keep your skills sharp with an hour-long session of free play. Basic chess knowledge required. 3-4 p.m. Westerville Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville.

614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org Saturday Horse Camp, Enjoy your Saturday afternoon at the horse stable learning all about horses and ponies. And yes, you’ll ride! Come once or every Saturday - it’s up to you. Enjoy barn activities with other horsey kids, have fun and learn some skills in the saddle. 1-5 p.m.

Bookmark Farms, 8824 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala. 740-964-2601. bookmarkfarms.com FREE! Saturday Story Stomp, Ages 2-5 years. No registration required. 11-11:30 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Superheroes to the Rescue, Everyone’s heard about Superman, Spiderman and Wonder Woman, but did you know you can find superheroes in all sorts of unexpected places? Join the search! For grades K-3. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Super Saturdays: Story Stew, Listen to a story and brew up some fun at the Library. Space is limited. Sign up in Youth Services or call 614-481-3778 beginning Saturday, Jan. 7 for both programs. 11 a.m.-12 noon. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

Valentine Fabric Postcards, Spend the day making artwork that you can mail. The cards will feature fabrics, machine stitching, collage, stamping, fibers and more. Bring one sewing machine per team, as well as a sack lunch. Classes are for a child with the participation of an adult. 12 noon-4 p.m. $28 members, $32 non-members (per team of 2). Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster.

740-681-1423. decartsohio.org

SUNDAY 22 The Art of Felting 101, We will be re-using a few wool sweaters to create this one of a kind fashion scarf.

This scarf can be whipped up quickly with a minimum of sewing knowledge. Participants bring their own wool sweaters for use and a sewing machine to this 2 day class. $28 members, $32 non-members.

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster. 740-6811423. decartsohio.org FREE! Nature for Kids: Mammal Display, Touch animal pelts and skulls and make a wildlife tracking scarf to take home. 2-4 p.m. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy Rd, Dublin. 614-895-6365.

MONDAY 23 FREE! Music & Movement, Ages 2-5 years. No registration required.

1-1:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Preschoolers: Hoot!, See owl mounts up close and learn about these birds of prey through a story and craft. 2 p.m. Three Creek Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport. 614-895-6365.

TUESDAY 24 Children’s Theater Company, Children’s Theater class and performance company. Classes open to students age 8 - 12. Course covers acting, improv, scene work, scripts, dance and vocals. End of year theater performance. 6-7 p.m. $50 monthly. Infusion Dance, 7030A Huntley Road, Worthington. 614220-8780. infusiondance.net FREE! Columbus Crew Book Reading & Soccer Demo, A player from the Columbus Crew will share books, demonstrate cool soccer

columbusparent.com | January 2012 |

51

Sensory learning, neuromuscular activities, and spatial awareness, otherwise referred to as,

The Little Gym helps children reach their greatest potential.

From 4 months through 12 years, classes promote development and build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Call or schedule a free introductory class online

The Little Gym of Polaris www.TLGPolarisOh.com

614-430-3355 Parent / Child Classes · Pre-K & Grade School Gymnastics Dance · Karate Sports Skills Awesome Birthday Bashes Parents’ Survival Night Camps

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| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

jan 2012 moves and talk about being a Major League Soccer player during this sporty story time. Ages 6+. 4-4:45 p.m. Westerville Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x2164. westervillelibrary.org FREE! Preschoolers: Winter in the Woods, Join the Discovery Forest puppets for the children’s winter storybook “A Stranger in the Woods.” 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 S. Cleveland Ave., Westerville.

614-895-6365.

FREE! Reading is Sweet, We’re cooking up an hour of cookie decorating with a literary theme. Explore Hansel and Gretel, meet Tough Cookie and discover some tried and true baking tips. Registration is required and begins Jan. 10. Grades 2-5. 4 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621.

FREE! Stick It!, Kids in grades 4-6 will find themselves in the middle of a sticky situation during this workshop, where they’ll use duct tape to make wallets and bracelets. 7-8 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Tales for Toddlers, Ages 1836 months. No registration required.

10:15-11:30 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Sing-A-Story, Join our inhouse musician Brian Griffin and his guitar for a morning of stories and songs. 10:15 a.m. Miller Park Branch Library, 1901 Arlington Ave, Upper Arlington. 614-488-5710.

WEDNESDAY 25

THURSDAY 26

FREE! Baby Games, Ages 0-18 months. No registration required.

10:15-10:45 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Family Story Time, Ages 2-5 years. No registration required. 77:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Kindergarten: Ready or Not?, How will you know if your child is ready? A panel of children’s librarians and kindergarten teachers will answer your questions and recommend resources. 7-8:30 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St.,

FREE! Books and Cooks: Cookies!, Be a smart cookie and come to this class to hear stories about cookies and decorate your own sweet treat.

Registration is required and begins Jan. 2. Ages 3-6. 4 p.m. Lane Road Library, 1945 Lane Road, Upper Arlington. 614-459-0273.

Fiddler on the Roof, The Tony Award-winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal and rousing, heartwarming score which includes “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset.” 7:30 p.m. $35-45. Jeanne B.

Photo courtesy Columbus Crew

COLUMBUS CREW BOOK READING AND SOCCER DEMO Tuesday, Jan. 24 — Yes, soccer players enjoy reading too! The Westerville Library will be hosting a Columbus Crew player during this story time suitable for ages 6 and up. Listen to his soccer tips and favorite books picks from 4-4:45 p.m. Plus catch some awesome soccer demonstrations.

The story time is free for all. Visit westervillelibrary.org for more information and for other library programming.

McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Granville St., New Albany. 614-939-2245. mccoycenter.org FREE! Lego Lit, When books and LEGOs collide, you get LEGO Lit. Each month we will share a story and build creations around a theme. The Friends of the Library provide the LEGOs, you provide the fun. (Participants will not be able to keep their creations.) Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to each event. Grades K-4. 4 p.m. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington.

614-486-9621.

FREE! Parent’s Morning Out, This free ministry is for parents who are looking for a morning out to do all those errands you can’t take your child to. Children can enjoy structured play, crafts and stories in a safe and loving place. Our volunteers all have current background checks on file. No advanced registration is needed. The community is welcome. 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. West-

erville First Presbyterian Church, 41 W. College Ave., Westerville. 614560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.org Pioneer Club: Discovery Zone, The program includes homework help, music, games, crafts, small groups and ends with dinner. Everyone is Welcome! 4-7 p.m. $25 per child per year. First Presbyterian Church, 41 W College Ave, Westerville. 614-560-1682. westervillefirstpresbyterian.org FREE! Stick It!, Kids in grades 4-6 will find themselves in the middle of a sticky situation during this workshop, where they’ll use duct tape to make wallets and bracelets. 4-5 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-8072626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

FRIDAY 27 Family Friday Night, COSI stays open late for family-friendly fun the last Friday of every month! You can

SATURDAY 28

explore science, discover fun and stay late! 5-9 p.m. $8. COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St., Downtown.

614-228-2674. cosi.org Friday Night Open Gyms, Join us for an Open Gym! Kids will enjoy two trampolines, large foam pit, two large spring floors, bars, balance beams and more! Ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome. Must have a signed waiver to participate! 810:15 p.m. $9. Gym X-Treme Gymnastics & Cheer, 7708 Green Meadows Dr., St. A, Lewis Center. 614573-8484. gymx-treme.com Illusionist John Steven Bloom, All ages enjoy John Steven Bloom’s special blend of magic, humor and family entertainment. 2 p.m. Free with $6 - $11 admission. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Preschoolers: Coyotes, Learn about these howling canines through story, songs and craft. How for coyotes on a short hike. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. 614-895-6365.

Creative Minds Junior Studio, An open art studio for students 7-12 years old, a variety of art media will be available for students to use.

Monthly themes will be introduced but this is a student led activity. 12 noon-2 p.m. $36/4 sessions to be used in 3 months and/or with siblings/friends. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville.

614-890-8202. gallery202online.com/linkpages/cre ativemindsjunior.html Doodles, In this dynamic drop-in program, adults and children 6 and up can experiment with fun materials and create art together. Families will work together on gallery games and unique, open-ended projects inspired by artwork in the galleries.

1-3 p.m. Free with Museum admission. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad St, Downtown. 614-2214848. columbusmuseum.org MAGI-FEST Family Magic Show, Enjoy a night of magic, comedy, and illusion suitable for the whole family, featuring some of best magicians and variety artists in the country. This show is open to the public

Skip the wait... Call ahead for carry out!

and part of the 81st annual Columbus MAGI-FEST magicians’ convention...one of the largest gatherings of magicians in the U.S. 7:30-10 p.m. $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-2998995. magifest.org FREE! Rodeo Roundup, Calling all cowboys and cowgirls, wear your gear and saddle up for stories, songs and activities all about the Wild West! We’ll also lasso some cattle and go on a library round-up.

10-11 a.m. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Drive, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar Saturday Horse Camp, Enjoy your Saturday afternoon at the horse stable learning all about horses and ponies. And yes, you’ll ride! Come once or every Saturday - it’s up to you. Enjoy barn activities with other horsey kids, have fun and learn some skills in the saddle. 1-5 p.m.

Bookmark Farms, 8824 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala. 740-964-2601. bookmarkfarms.com Saturday Studio, Saturday Studio offers students a variety of topics

and media to work with. This trimester we will work on illustrations, drawing, watercolor, printmaking, carving, and bookmaking.

Check the website for specific topics and descriptions. For grades K-8.

10 a.m.- 12 noon $8 members, $10 non-members per class. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster. 740-681-1423. decartsohio.org FREE! Stories for Babies, Babies and their caregivers are invited for a special Saturday morning story time. Older siblings are invited to bring a doll or stuffed animal to be their “baby.” 11 a.m.-12 noon.

Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Storytubes, Do you like to talk about books? Stop by to make a short two-minute video using our cameras, computers, puppets and props. Then, enter your video in the national Storytubes contest at storytubes.info to win cool prizes. All ages. 2-4 p.m. Westerville Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org

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Stroll for Epilepsy, Beat the winter blahs by taking part in Stroll for Epilepsy. Participants can walk on their own or join a team in this family friendly walk that takes you through both levels of the mall.

There will also be lots of great family activities and a silent auction.

Walkers are requested to collect pledges from family, friends and coworkers. Walkers with a minimum of $25 in pledges or donation are eligible for prizes. Proceeds benefit the programs and services of the Epilepsy Foundation. 8:30 a.m.-12 noon Minimum of $25 in pledges.

Polaris Fashion Place, 1500 Polaris Pkwy., Polaris. 800-878-3226. epilepsy-ohio.org

SUNDAY 29 The Art of Felting 101, We will be re-using a few wool sweaters to create this one of a kind fashion scarf. This scarf can be whipped up quickly with a minimum of sewing knowledge. Participants bring their own wool sweaters for use and a sewing machine to this 2 day class. $28 members, $32 non-members.

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145

E. Main St., Lancaster. 740-6811423. decartsohio.org Family Fun Day: Victorian Mini World’s Fair , Create paper dolls and play Victorian-era games at a mini World’s Fair. Take a Victorianthemed photo and watch a Silhouette artist create a cameo. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with $6 - $11 admission.

Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St., East Side. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org FREE! Kids in the Woods: Winter Fun Survival Basics, Learn how to build a temporary shelter and start a fire. 2 p.m. Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Rd., Carroll.

614-895-6365.

FREE! Natural Play Area Adventures: Critter Hunt, Use GPS units to locate critters hidden in the woods. Limited number of GPS units available. 2 p.m. Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 S. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614-8956365.

MONDAY 30 FREE! Music & Movement, Ages 2-5 years. No registration required.

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

Grandparent Support A group is forming for grandparents who watch young grandchildren on a regular part-time or full-time basis while their parents work.

The group will be a place for sharing ideas of things to do and places to go with little ones, and also a place for support for the wonderful work grandparents are doing.

For more information, contact Marie Takacs at 614-891-2532 or at greenteamarie@hotmail.com.

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

Mom2Mom For moms-to-be and moms with infants through school-aged children to come, make new friends and be encouraged as they walk down the road of motherhood together. Meets every fourth Monday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m. (childcare provided) at Madison Christian Church, 3565 Bixby Rd., Groveport. Contact 614-491-3232.

Mommies of Miracles A growing international, peer-driven support group of mothers who have children of any age with complex medical issues, rare or undiagnosed conditions and/or developmental disabilities. Facebook page offers numerous links for parents of children with exceptional needs. Search “Mommies of Miracles” on Facebook and choose the first result.

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MOMS Club of Clintonville A fun social and support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Playgroups, field trips and monthly moms’ nights out.

Meetings are 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month (locations vary). For membership information visit clintonvillemomsclub.yolasite.com.

MOMS Club of Delaware A fun, social support group for stay-at-home moms and their children with playgroups, field trips and monthly moms’ nights out.

Meets at 10 a.m. the first Monday of every month. For membership information, email momsclubofdelaware@hotmail.com.

MOMS Club of Dublin Central Support group for stay-at-home moms. We plan weekly playgroups and activities, and a monthly moms’ night out. Meets at 9:45 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Vineyard Church, 5400 Avery Rd. Contact momsclubdublin_central@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club of Dublin SouthEast Interact with other moms, participate in playgroups, find out about local kid-friendly activities, enjoy informative speakers and attend a much deserved moms-only night out every month. Meetings are the second Friday of each month at 10 a.m. Visit our website at momsclubofdublinse.webs.com or contact our Membership VP at momsclubofdublinse@yahoo.com to learn more.

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

MOMS Club of Gahanna Support group for stay-at-home moms. Also serves Blacklick and parts of New Albany. Contact Shannon at 614-759-5097 or MOMSClubofGahanna@gmail.com.

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

MOMS Club of Hilliard-Northwest A social support group for stay-at-home moms and moms working part time and their children. We offer playgroups, field

| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

trips, mom’s nights out and much more. A general business meeting with a speaker on a topic of relevance is held the first Monday of each month. For more information, email momsclubhilliardnorthwest@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club of Lewis Center Southeast A non-profit support group for stay-athome moms. Actively seeking new members who live south of Orange Rd., east of S. Old State Rd., and north of Lazelle Rd. For membership information contact Sherry at Moms_Club_Membership@yahoo.com or go to http://momscluboflewiscenter.com MOMS Club of Pickerington North Support group for stay-at-home moms. Serves Pickerington (North of Refugee Rd.), Reynoldsburg and Pataskala. Email momclubpn@yahoo.com for more info.

MOMS Club of Powell Northeast One of three MOMS clubs serving Powell. Support group for stay at home moms and moms who work part time looking to connect with other moms. Various activities for moms and kids. For more information visit sites.google.com/site/momsclubpowellne.

MOMS Club of Sunbury A social and support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Meets for business the last Thursday of each month at Sunbury United Methodist Church. Monthly activities include play dates, local outings, cooking club, book club and moms’ night out.

Contact MOMS Club of Sunbury at sunburymomsclub@yahoo.com, or call 740936-7810 for more information.

MOMS Club of Worthington Support group for stay-at-home moms who want company during the daytime; activities include speakers, parties, playgroups and child-run service projects. Meets third Monday of the month at Worthington Presbyterian Church. Email join@worthingtonmoms.org for more information. moms2moms Gain encouragement and explore how to become better equipped to face the challenges of motherhood. We meet the second Thursday of each month, September through May (except December) from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Northwest Bible Church, 6639 Scioto Darby Rd., Hilliard. For more information, email nwb.moms2moms@gmail.com.

MOPS Pickerington Fellowship and support group open to all moms with young children; 9 to11 a.m. the second Saturday

of each month; Peace United Methodist Church, 235 Diley Rd., Pickerington; 614837-3732.

MOPS Upper Arlington Lutheran Church A wonderful opportunity to meet other moms with young children. The group meets every first and third Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Rd. The cost per meeting is $5 and childcare is $2 per child.

For more information call 614-451-3736 or email mops@UALC.org.

Mothers of Multiples East Columbus Support and social group for mothers of multiples. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1200 Waggoner Rd., Reynoldsburg. Email ECMom.org for membership information.

“My” Food-Allergy Support Group A group for parents of children dealing with life-threatening food allergies. We offer monthly meetings, occasional non-food family activities and a private email group for additional support, sharing of concerns, successes, coping strategies, resources and tools. Email Dena Friedel at dena@foodallergyaids.com.

New Moms’ Group An opportunity for new mothers and their babies to meet others and share information. Meets from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Elizabeth Blackwell Center, 3635 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus. Free. 614-566-4446.

Perinatal Outreach & Encouragement (POEM, Inc.) We are moms who have survived prenatal or postpartum depression (PPD) so we understand like no one else can. POEM is the Ohio Coordinator of Postpartum Support International (PSI), the leading authority on perinatal mental health. For more information call 614-3158989 or poemonline.org.

Radiant Life Moms—Dublin Fellowship support group for moms with newborns through sixth grade. Meets 7p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Radiant Life Church. Third Thursday is moms’ night out. For more information call Lindsay at 614-571-2995.

Westerville Moms Group Support group for stay-at-home moms. We have play groups, craft days and a monthly moms’ night out. Contact westervillemomsgroup@yahoo.com for more information.

jan 2012 1-1:30 p.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

FREE! Science Attack Junior, Explore the world of science with stories and hands-on activities specially designed for kids ages 5-7.

Registration required. 4-4:45 p.m.

Westerville Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277 x5006. westervillelibrary.org

TUESDAY 31 FREE! Backwards Day Storytime, Celebrate Backwards Day with an evening story time featuring books from Z to A! We’ll start with our closing rhyme and end with an opening song. Don’t forget to wear your clothes backwards for some mixed-up fun. Ages 3-6. 7 p.m.

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

Children’s Theater Company, Children’s Theater class and performance company. Classes open to students age 8 - 12. Course covers acting, improv, scene work, scripts, dance, and vocals. End of year theater performance. 6-7 p.m. $50 monthly. Infusion Dance, 7030A Huntley Road, Worthington. 614220-8780. infusiondance.net FREE! Tales for Toddlers, Ages 1836 months. No registration required.

10:15-11:30 a.m. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-486-2951.

KEEP IN TOUCH! @columbus parent @jane_hawes

Columbus Parent Magazine

CLASSES, CAMPS & ONGOING EVENTS Afterschool Arts Institute, Students ages 7-15 participate in 8 week, arts focused sessions featuring dance, music, theatre, and visual arts taught by some of the top local artists in the city. 2:30-6 p.m. $10 registration; $35 per week. King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., King Lincoln. 614-645-5464. thekingartscomplex.com Baby and Toddler Kodaly Music and Movement, Parents (either mom or dad) come together weekly with their babies and toddlers. This 30 minute music and movement class is designed to foster all areas of development and is appropriate for children ages 6 weeks to 3.5 years of age. The Kodaly method uses the voice to develop a sense of rhyme and language. Enjoy watching your baby develop recognition of rhythmic awareness, songs, rhymes, and social skills and have fun together!! Thursdays 9:4510:15 a.m. and Sundays 2:30-3:00 p.m. beginning Jan. 12. First Class Free. Suzuki Violin School of Columbus-Worthington, 4608 Indianola Ave. Suite K, Worthington. 614-547-3477. suzukicolumbus.org FREE! Be a Smart Cookie!, this winter be a smart cookie by participating in our six-week winter readOrchids at the Franklin Park Conservatory ing program. Students ages 0-18 can register by visiting any of our lcoations and picking out a “cookie Creative Minds Art Studio, Preschool age open art sheet” to record all of their new favorite books. Read studio - in a gallery setting. Educational, fun and messy. Activities include painting, clay, puppets, six books and be entered into a drawing for some music, building and plenty of tactile! Tuesday-Thurssweet prizes - something different for each age group. Upper Arlington Public Library, 2800 Tremont day 9:30-11:00 a.m. $10 per child a session or $36 for 4 sessions, $70 for 10 sessions, multi passes can be Rd., Upper Arlington. 614-486-9621. used by many. Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. Broadway Across America: Shrek, Shrek The State St, Westerville. 614-890-8202. creativemindMusical, based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks sartstudio.com film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage. Show times Dora and Diego Let’s Explore!, Ready? Vamonos!

Jan. 10-15, times vary. $28. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State Embark on an active adventure in the enchanting world of Dora the Explorer, her animal-rescuing St., Downtown. 800-294-1892. broadwaycousin Diego, and their friends. Play with Dora and acrossamerica.com Diego and share with, care for, and help others.

Columbus Children’s Theatre: Goldilocks and Through Jan. 8. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 the Three Bears, Take a classic fairy tale, give it a p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m. Adults $14.75, Children 2burst of energy, add lots of audience participation 12 $9.75. COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St., Downand you’re in for a hilarious time with CCT’s own ver- town. 614-228-2674. cosi.org sion of Goldilocks. In our case, the story is a flashOrchids! Vibrant Victoriana, Escape to an era of back. Baby Bear and Goldilocks are friends, playing elegance and luxury with the exotic mystique of the and arguing about whom really broke Papa’s chair. orchid. The Victorian age serves as inspiration for an Mama and Papa Bear can’t agree either, so they artful display of hundreds of orchid blooms of all decide to re-enact the story as it really happened. forms, colors and sizes. Glass artist Debora Moore The familiar story is all there, mixed with frantic offers an imaginative interpretation on these infaentrances, exits and near-misses as Goldilocks is mous blooms with delicate glass sculpture. Daily almost discovered - several times! And there’s horticulture presentations, weekly guided tours and always a message. The lesson here, among others, is family activities enhance the experience for all ages. that we shouldn’t lie. Goldilocks has never been fun- Through April 8. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $6 - $11 admission. nier. Show times Jan. 12-15 and 19-22, times vary.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, $10-$21. Park Street Theatre, 512 N. Park St., Arena 1777 E Broad Street, East Side. 614-645-8733.

District. 614-224-6672. colschildrenstheatre.org fpconservatory.org.

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| January 2012 | columbusparent.com

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