Columbus Parent December 2010

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

Creature Facts

Education Corner

• Gorillas eat mostly plants and are considered herbivores.

They eat over 200 different kinds of plants.

• Western Lowland Gorillas live in Africa in the regions of Congo, Gabon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic.

• Gorillas will make nests out of grasses and twigs for daytime naps and for nighttime sleeping. They never use the same nest twice.

• Gorilla hair turns silver as they get older. Males get the name silverback due to the silver hair on their backs and upper thighs when they age.

• A new gorilla baby! Come to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium to see the newest gorilla baby born on September 29,2010.

Read about some of the special gorillas at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium including Colo, the first gorilla ever born in a Zoo. Visit “Your Zoo - Around the World” at www.columbuscreaturefeature.com

• Wildlights Tours

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Home Activities

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Gorilla Trading Card • Coloring Page • Word Search • Cryptogram Find these activities and more at

WILDLIGHTS Nov. 19th, 2010 to January 1st, 2011

JACK HANNA’S HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Saturday, December 04, 2010, 10:00 AM to

ZOO YEAR’S EVE AT WILDLIGHTS:

www.columbuscreaturefeature.com

:

10:00 PM

December 26, 2010 to January 01, 2011

Help the gorilla find the way to a tasty fruit snack.

Connect the dots to complete the picture.

NOW OPEN For More Creature Feature Fun, Games & Activities Visit:

www.ColumbusCreatureFeature.com columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

Happy Haircuts!

Ask for your favorite stylist!

The Experts in Kids Haircut s!

Happy Holidays!

6 Convenient Locations • Open Monday thru Saturday.

(Open Sunday 12-4 Westerville & Polaris locations only) Appointments Recommended • www.cookiecutterscolumbus.com

Polaris Parkway

Westerville

Dublin/Powell

6071 Chandler Dr.

7438 Sawmill Road

(1/3 mile west of Polaris Mall, behind KFC)

(On S.R. 3 just 2 traffic lights, North of Maxtown)

(Corner of Sawmill & Hard Rd.)

846-5610

898-9855

792-2899

Pickerington

Gahanna/New Albany

Hilliard

1726 Hill Road North

4359 Morse Road

3233 Hilliard-Rome Rd.

(Rt. 256 next to Barnes & Nobles)

(1 mile east of I-270)

(Tinapple Plaza on Hilliard-Rome Rd.)

522-0220

428-9999

876-7700

1198 East Powell Road

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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getting started: TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE GO 12 14 18

19 20 21 22 24 26

NEWS ON THE GO PRODUCT PIX: The LastMinute Holiday Gift Guide COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE: BalletMet’s Olivia Clark Omardien VITAMIN ME: Capital Style editor Kristy Eckert HOUSEBROKEN: Dispatch columnist Joe Blundo TAKE IT FROM TRACY: 10TV’s Tracy Townsend PEOPLE YOU SHOULD MEET: Roberta Hamper NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: German Village SHOP SPOTLIGHT: The Brown Bag Deli

HOT TOPICS 28

29

30

FELIZ NAVIDAD: Whitehall Girl Scout troop brings joy to the season KEEPING IT COOL: Helping parents manage the stress of the holiday season LEGO LIGHTS UP FIRST NIGHT: Fun for all ages

NEED TO KNOW 32 38 43

THE GO-TO GUIDE: Holiday Lights and Displays HANDY MOM: reinventing the paper clip AGE-APPROPRIATE:

GIVING & RECEIVING

46

AGES 2-7: How to help kids be better recipients AGES 14-18: Teens volunteer at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank AGES 7+: Helping older kids rekindle the magic of the holidays PEDIATRIC HEALTHSOURCE: from Nationwide Children’s Hospital

ON THE COVER: Snoozy Scandanavia pajamas ($32) provided by Lottie Da Boutique, 4705 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-754-1261, lottiedababy.com

PHOTO BY DANIEL SOHNER

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

FAMILY FUN 48 50 52 54 56 58 59 60

RECYCLED FUN: Fabric memory collages from the Ohio Craft Museum in Grandview EATING OUT WITH KIDS: Biddie’s Coach House in Dublin COOKING WITH KIDS: A cookie bake sale for a good cause in Gahanna PARTIES: A bouncy birthday at Sky Zone in Lewis Center HANDS ON: Family Tree cards from Wholly Craft in Clintonville DAY TRIPPIN’: Lancaster’s AHA! Museum PLAYGROUND PATROL: Recreations Outlet in Powell REVIEWS: Books, apps, games and websites

CALENDAR: 209 THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

www.ataonline.com/leadershipnow/

11/15/2011 /15/2011

Powell

Lewis Center

Pickerington

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

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

773 Windmiller Dr. Suite C 614-920-9480

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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getting started: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Blessings & Undressings

of the Season

BY JANE HAWES

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

Let me tell you about the cover of this issue because, for me, it sums up so much of the joy of the holiday season: It’s got squiggles and giggles, velvet and glitter, and it almost had nudity.

First, the squiggles and giggles. Our cover model, Cooper, is the 1-year-old son of my Capital Style and Dispatch colleagues Kristy Eckert and Mike Wagner. My desk is next to Kristy’s, so I knew she had a photogenic kid she could share with me.

She and Mike also have a future sprinter.

The best shots that intrepid photographer Daniel Sohner nabbed came in the microseconds between popping Cooper in the big box (which didn’t bother him in the least) and him crawling at warp speed toward the nearest shiny metal object. But always with a smile on his face! The kid’s a natural.

The velvet and glitter were my contribution. I originally planned to wrap a big box with something shiny, but then I got the idea to line a box with fabric. It’s one of those craft projects I remembered from when I was home with my first baby. From those cablenetwork shows I got ideas for all sorts of home-beautifying activities, the likes of which always left my husband afraid to ask how my day had gone. Covering storage boxes with fabric, using an aerosol tacky-glue spray, was one of my favorites.

So I bought out the velvet remnants at a fabric store and went nuts with the glue spray (although, yes, some duct tape was involved as well). The result, as one editor here observed, looked like an appropriate gift box for housing a human child.

As for the near nudity, after getting many great photos of Cooper clad in his PJs, he needed a diaper change. Now any parent knows there’s a linear relationship between

Brian Lindamood blindamood@columbusparent.com EDITOR

Jane Hawes jhawes@columbusparent.com NICHE PUBLICATIONS ADVERTISING MANAGER

Amy Bishop abishop@columbusparent.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jessica Wrightsel jwrightsel@columbusparent.com DIGITAL ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

Vanessa Micic vmicic@columbusparent.com PHOTO EDITOR

Will Shilling wshilling@columbusparent.com PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Rebecca Zimmer rzimmer@columbusparent.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Michaela Schuett mschuett@columbusparent.com PHOTOGRAPHER

Daniel Sohner dsohner@columbusparent.com WEB PRODUCER DANIEL SOHNER PHOTO

Elizabeth Warren ewarren@columbusparent.com

nudity and happiness in children (and more than a few adults), so we decided to throw him back in the box with just his diapers on. Trust me when I say if you think Cooper looks happy in the cover photo, you should have seen him sans clothing.

So what does all that have to do with the meaning of Christmas? The holiday season is a time to bring some creativity and outsized whimsy to the ordinary, and to give ourselves room to squiggle, giggle and enjoy our families to the fullest. I hope your holiday season is full of all this and more!

CALENDAR EDITOR

Nikki Davis ndavis@columbusparent.com CONTRIBUTORS Debbie Angelos, Kevin Brashear, Joe Blundo, Olivera Bratich, Kim Wilson Byers, Adriana de la Peña, Melissa Kossler Dutton, Kristy Eckert, Kristen Maetzold, Joe Maiorana, Marguerite Marsh, Megan Moriarty, Phil Pikelny, Elizabeth Seufer, Truda Shinker, Shawn Sines, Tracy Townsend, Emily Westenhouser DISTRIBUTION If you would like to receive Columbus Parent at your business, or to report delivery concerns: Chris Maines 614-778-9026 cmaines@dispatch.com Columbus Parent is published and distributed by The Dispatch Printing Company every month, available at more than 1,200 locations throughout Central Ohio. One free copy per person. Circulation: 58,000 copies. Copyright © 2010 The Dispatch Printing Company

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

YOU COULD WIN!

2010 Winter Coloring Contest December 1–31, 2010

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

HOW TO ENTER: The winter coloring contest runs December 1 – 31, 2010.

1. Color in the picture and neatly fill out the entry form.

2. Take your picture/entry form to any central Ohio Kohl’s Department Store Customer Service Counter by December 31.

4. You will be given a participation ribbon and a free, fun Activity Booklet at the Customer Service Counter, while supplies last!

5. Entries will be judged in the month following the contest deadline. Prizes will be awarded to entries from each store. Nationwide Children’s Hospital will notify award-winners.

PRIZES: First: $25 Kohl’s Gift Card and a Free Bike Helmet. Second: $10 Kohl’s Gift Card and a Free Bike Helmet.

Third: a Free Bike Helmet.

Helmets must be picked up at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and fitted for safety.

HOW TO GET A FREE ACTIVITY BOOKLET WITHOUT ENTERING: Activity Booklets will be available to anyone (regardless of entering) at Kohl’s Customer Service Counters throughout 2010, as well as at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Close to HomeSM Centers, while supplies last!

®

4972

Name of Artist: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Age: _________

FOR MORE INFO: about safety, this contest, or to obtain an Activity Booklet in a foreign language translation, go to: www.NationwideChildrens.org/KISS or contact KISS@NationwideChildrens.org or call (614) 355-0679.

Parent or Guardian: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City _________________________________________ State __________________________________________Zip Code _________________ Phone Number: ( ____ ) ____________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________________ ®

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

Date_____________ Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________

®

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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getting started: ON THE WEB

We hope you love the brand new ColumbusParent.com.

If you haven’t seen it yet, we’ve made it easier than ever to access and share the important info and advice you need as a Central Ohio parent, especially during the busy holiday season.

little easier, To make life a e nched our onlin we’ve also lau all ays. We’ve got lid o h e th to e guid ce: our popeed in one pla n u yo fo in e th ional ide (with addit u g t if g ay lid o ular h ts) plus our last-minute gif se o th r fo ks ic p tivities of seasonal ac ll fu ar d n le ca event ts. Go to kids and paren and events for t t.com and star ColumbusParen d sanity! saving time an

Proper Training From The Very Beginning Holiday Special Free Registration & Free Trial Class *New students only Expires 1/15/11

500 Orangepoint Drive, Lewis Center (Minutes from Powell off Route 23, between Home Road & Orange Road)

740.548.4600 www.northpointedance.com

10

REGISTER NOW FOR CLASSES Check our website for exclusive specials www.northpointedance.com

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

If you’re looking for freebies, don’t miss Columbus Parent Magazine on Facebook. We’ve got weekly giveaways that will help you stuff your kids’ stockings. In the last month, some of the those great giveaways included: VIP tickets to “Sesame Street Live,” orchestra-level tickets to BalletMet’s Nutcracker, the brand-new game InCLUEsive Treasure Hunt, and tickets to upcoming Columbus Children’s Theatre productions!

Online schooling from America’s leader: K 12 K12 makes learning come alive with online content, textbooks, hands-on activities, and expert teachers. Our options include tuition-free online public schools, an accredited private school, and direct purchase of 210+ courses. K12 is the leader in online education for grades K–12. Find out why at K12.com.

IS YOUR CHILD HAPPY IN SCHOOL? Get to know Ohio’s full-time, tuition-free public school option The Ohio Virtual Academy and K12 give Ohio kids in grades K–12 the chance to learn in the ways that are right for them. OHVA offers: •The award-winning K12 curriculum, including world languages for grades 3–12 •Support from Ohio-licensed teachers •An active, supportive school community and extracurricular activities •A robust Advanced Learner Program •Books, materials, and loaner computer system •Academic enrichment opportunities like spelling and geography bees, and science fairs

OHVA is accredited by CITA and NCA CASI and was named

K12.com

Parent’s Choice Winner for Best Public High School in Ohio by BusinessWeek and GreatSchools.net!

We’re still accepting applications for grades K–8 for an immediate start, and second semester applications for high school. Find complete details and a list of upcoming events, including our Winterland of Gingerbread events, at K12.com/OH or call 866.339.9074.

Follow us on Twitter @K12Learn Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/K12inc

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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on the go: NEWS ON THE GO

THE BARD Comes to Columbus The young actress leveled a cool gaze at the audience, lifted a wooden sword and let rip with the words of Prince Escalus in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

“Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace, profaners of this neighborstained steel!” thundered 7-year-old Brandi Russell.

Yes, 7 years old. But this first grader at South Mifflin STEM Academy in Columbus wasn’t the only member of Art Isennagle’s class who knew the soliloquy. Most of Brandi’s 17 classmates, seated on the brightly colored rug before her, were mouthing the words along with her. They’re part of an exciting collaborative between local schools, Ohio State University and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

“I was somewhat skeptical about how effective Shakespeare could be with first graders,” said Isennagle, who spent a week last summer in Stratford, England, learning how to incorporate the words of the Bard into everyday classroom curricula.

“But it’s incredible to see what Shakespeare does for them,” Isennagle said. “Now I’m amazed.”

The South Mifflin first graders are the youngest of the 20 classes in grades one through 12 currently trying this innovative program. Classes from Columbus City, Reynoldsburg and the Metro High School are participating.

Its costs have been underwritten for the first three years by the Wexner family of New Albany, with the hope that $1 million can be raised by next summer to fund another three-year run, said Victoria Ellwood, a spokeswoman for the Stand Up for Shakespeare America Initiative, as it’s called. Social scientists at OSU also will study the effectiveness of the Shakespeare-influenced curricula, using proficiencytest scores and other standards.

A few months into this school year, Isennagle said Holiday travel and family get-togethers, no matter he sees the impact. The students were already making how well-planned and wonderful, still result in stress. unprompted connections with dates in history, linking Mingling personalities, the influx of family and friends Shakespeare’s death in 1616 to the Pilgrims landing at — it’s easy to lose sight of the impact gatherings have Plymouth Rock in 1620. They were drawing maps, on us as parents and on our kids.

Venn diagrams (to help the families of Verona find During this year’s festivities, consider common ground), and learning about the commerce gaming as the means to releasing that and vocabulary of the time. anxiety. A little family fun can recharge But they also were learning about the emotional the energy spent corralling the kids into appeal of Shakespeare’s immortal stories. During a the car for a long trip to Aunt Erma’s or “Verona Peace Conference,” the children argued persuasively with “Lord Capulet,” as played by Isennagle, reestablish that cooperative spirit by to let Romeo and Juliet get married. playing games with your “But why?” Capulet/Isennagle demanded, triggering core family as the focus a cascade of giggles. of attention.

“Because they like each other!” the kids shouted When we play, we back. remove a lot of the tradiFor more information about the Stand Up for tional barriers between Shakespeare America program, go to artsinitiative.osu.edu.

—JANE HAWES

AT PLAY

DANIEL SOHNER PHOTO

The Family That Plays Together...

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

our kids and us. Try and find the time for a friendly game of Uno, or an age-appropriate board game like Life or Sorry. Be sure to mix up the teams in your games: Avoid Mom and Dad versus the kids and enjoy the chatter and jokes that will flow from your family organically.

Older kids often resist the family bonding of games but it is important to make them aware that the game is actually just a means to spending some fun time together without forcing them to interact. The natural conversations that evolve from strategizing over a game of Risk or haggling while playing Monopoly will undoubtedly surprise you. —SHAWN SINES

around town

DANIEL SOHNER PHOTOS

HIGHBALL HALLOWEEN IN THE SHORT NORTH October 30

What’s big in ...

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

* * *

Mechanical toys are still a popular toy with Dutch children — you know, the good, old-fashioned toys that run on wind-up, and not battery, power. At Knuffels (which means “Cuddles” in Dutch) toy shop, wind-up monkeys and penguins and swimmers go quickly. And we don’t just mean across the table top!

Gabby, Garrett and Gavin Bel

Sophie and Owen Ptak

Kites aren’t just a popular toy in Holland. They’re an art form unto themselves, with entire stores like Joe’s Vliegerwinkel (literally: “Joe’s Kite Store”) devoted to kites!

Ask for a “Coke” in Amsterdam and you’re likely to get handed a small baked pastry. That’s because cake is spelled “koek” there. Some of the most popular ones are filled with a mixture of apples and hazelnuts. —JANE HAWES

Jayden, Aaron and Oni Johnson

Nadia and Julian Overhilt

Bradley Gawe and Pheonix Gamble

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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on the go: PRODUCT PIX

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

Frontgate Stocking Looking for the perfect keepsake stocking with a bit of whimsy for good measure? Frontgate, the home furnishings manufacturer, carries a line of Christmas stockings and other holiday decor. This particular Felt Swirls Stocking is available online only for $30 but you can find plenty more at their Easton outlet store.

Frontgate Outlet Center, 3780 Easton Market, Easton, 614-470-9070; frontgate.com

Holographic Holiday Specs

Recycled Time

If you’ve ever wanted to look at the season from a different angle, try this perspective — holiday specs that turn points of light into holographic snowmen. For $1.80 each, these Gemini Specs, available at The Works Gear Shop, are a great stocking stuffer (and conversation starter)!

55 S. First St., Newark, 740-349-9277; attheworks.org

Through Dec. 23, the Ohio Craft Museum hosts its “Gifts of the Craftsmen” show, and artist Mark Brown makes some of the one-of-a-kind treasures to be found there. His whimsical, colorful clocks are made entirely from recycled materials, and range from around $58 to $87 each. 1665 W. Fifth Ave., Grandview, 614-486-4402; ohiocraft.org

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

Potato Chip Science Kit We test-drove this book and science-project kit that comes packaged in a potato-chip bag, and it got an enthusiastic thumbs-up from kids who like their science hands on. The book, developed by a father and son, has a ton of experiments with potatoes, potato-chip canisters and provides basic materials (like electrodes, wires, digital clocks and more) to use with them.

From Workman Publishing for $18.

Available online at potatochipscience.com, amazon.com or at area book stores.

Disc Golf Mart Ching! Once Dad hears that sound from a distance, he will be hooked on disc golf. Disc golf is played pretty much the same as regular golf, only replacing the ball and clubs with a Frisbee-like flying disc. It’s also one of the fastest growing recreational sports in the country and Columbus has plenty of courses to play for free. Disc Golf Mart, a disc golf pro shop, has discs starting at $7 and a knowledgeable staff that will help you pick out the right disc for your skill level. The shop also stocks a wide range of accessories for all disc golfing needs.

Visit pdga.com for a disc golf course directory.

1971 Riverside Dr., Upper Arlington, 614-481-0808; discgolfmart.biz

Luxury Plush Throw From Restoration Hardware, this plush throw ($29) is furry and fabulous. Snuggling never looked (or felt) so chic!

3964 Townsfair Way, Easton, 614-478-9010; restorationhardware.com

ALL WRAPPED UP FAMILY TIME

YMCA of Central Ohio WHAT WAS THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

OSU, WNBA and Olympic basketball great Katie Smith My best holiday gift was my stuffed animal Ewoks from “Star Wars”! I am a big animal lover and the Ewoks were so adorable with their furry selves and little voices! My parents knew I would love them and I took very good care of them.

Now they will be handed down to the next little Smiths!

My gift to you comes complete with laughter and memories, time together at the Y and learning healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Your Candy Stash The fab new shop Bink Davies carries these fun Candy Stash wallets from Fred Studio. They’re molded from phthalate-free plastics and synthetic leather, and packaged in a clear, recyclable display box.

They go for $15 each.

668 N. High St., Short North, 614-725-4588; binkdavies.com

Join today.

Gift Certificates available.

ymcacolumbus.org columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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Touchable decor The grandkids won’t draw on furniture or walls when they have the Doodlebook picture frame ($16) to decorate at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. The frame holds a 4-by-6-inch photo and is an 80-page sketching pad. Need a new picture? Peel off the old design and start from scratch.

Available at umbra.com

If you’ve ever been to The Works Museum in Newark, then you’ve probably watched their glassblowers create all kinds of beautiful objects in the studio. This teardrop ornament was created by glass artist Aaron Buchholz and sells for $18 in The Works Gear Shop.

55 S. First St., Newark, 740-349-9277; attheworks.org

For a true shopping experience and the best value a bookworm could ask for, The Book Loft in German Village is the place. The Book Loft has gift certificates that never expire and sells Book Loft T-shirts. When worn into the store and used with online T-shirt club coupons, the additional savings can really add up for your reader.

631 S. Third St., German Village, 614-464-1774; bookloft.com

Love ’em to pieces

Remember last winter? The six-foot snow drifts? Little Susie getting buried in the snow? This year, be prepared with Flex Jr. snow shoes from Little Bear ($60). And shhhh — don’t tell your kids, but snowshoeing burns almost twice as many calories as walking. You might actually want to pick up a pair for yourself and get a workout while you play with the kids.

Available at amazon.com

The Master Shavers of Studio 997

THE BOOK LOFT A Keepsake Ornament

Snow-ward, ho!

Who’s says pampering is only for Mom? If the dad in your house enjoys a soothing getaway, a visit to John Bowman at The Master Shavers will surely be a treat. The Signature Shave ($40) consists of pre-shave oils that soften the beard, shave creams with glycerin that make for the smoothest straight razor shave and after shave balms. When all is said and done nine towels later, Dad is completely relaxed, looking and feeling like a new man.

997 Sells Ave., Grandview, 614-488-9970; mastershavers.com

PBS + COSI = Great Toys

Take a photo of the grandkids and turn it into a puzzle. It’ll be fun for grandparents to put the puzzle together with their grandchildren when they come to visit.

Cord Camera offers two sizes of photo puzzles: a 110-piece, 8-by-10-inch puzzle for $20 and a 252-piece, 10-by-14-inch puzzle for $24. The puzzles can be ordered at any Cord Camera store.

Multiple locations, cordcamera.com

COSI teams up with PBS to offer hard-to-find books, video, games, even apparel, all in the $5 to $15 range that tie into favorite PBS shows like “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Sid The Science Kid,” “Super Why” and “Sesame Street.” And there’s a neat tie-in, too: The Big Red Dog’s Exhibition is at COSI through the end of the year. Good for ages 2 and up.

333 W. Broad Street, Downtown, 614-228-2674; cosi.org

WHAT WAS THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Columbus Symphony Orchestra maestro Jean-Marie Zeitouni In 1998, I was studying in Vienna and did not have enough money to fly home for Christmas.

Friends who were going to be away for the holidays gave me keys to their apartment in the heart of the city not even a block away from the Cathedral. Vienna at Christmas is magic — people gathering and music everywhere, all in the city of Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms.

At the last minute, a friend who worked for an airline gave my brother a free ticket (he was studying in London at the time, and was just as poor as I was), so he was able to join me for the New Year celebrations. We spent a week at museums, concerts, the opera and, of course, as guests at many friends’ parties.

To spend the holiday season in such a magical city with my brother and surrounded by the generosity of newly made friends really warmed my heart. This was truly the best gift of all.

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

CONTRIBUTORS: Debbie Angelos, Kevin Brashear, Kristy Eckert, Jane Hawes, Kristen Maetzold, Elizabeth Seufer, Truda Shinker & Carmella Van Vleet

WHAT WAS THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Columbus Dispatch cartoonist Jeff Stahler I’ve always been a movie buff. Even as a child, I’d been fascinated by watching films. My most memorable Christmas gift as a child, at the age of 10 or 11, was a (used) 8mm projector and four or five (three-minute) movies of Laurel & Hardy, Chaplin and Popeye cartoons. I probably dreamed that someday I’d have my own theater. I still have the projector and my kids have played it and watched films on it when they were younger. Later in life, I advanced my film collection by purchasing a bigger projector and showing movies like “Bye, Bye Birdie� or “Top Hat� with Astaire & Rogers in the backyard for neighbors and friends. Nowadays, I just enjoy going to movies at the Drexel or the Grandview Theater.

Wanted Used KidsFITS Stuff!

GIVEGently THE GIFT THAT

EVERY SIZE & STYLE!

Holiday Treats If you are searching for holiday fare that’s pretty and edible for your pets, look no further. The Three Dog Bakery in the Short North kicks into high gear with Pupkin Pies — made with a wheat crust and canned pumpkin. Be sure to also look for bagged bulk treats that are perfect for stocking stuffers.

Prices range from $2 to $2.75.

611 N. High St., Short North, 614- 221-3647; threedogcolumbus.com

Heroic Reading They devoured the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Now give them the follow-up, “The Heroes of Olympus, Book One: The Lost Hero� by Rick Riordan (hardcover, $19) and bring on the snow days! Beehive Books in Delaware has both series (and a great coffee shop).

25 N. Sandusky St., Delaware, 740-363-2337; beehiveat25.com.

Sit Back and Game With built-in speakers, an adjustable headrest and even lumbar support, the LumiSource Boom Chair 4.1 is comfort itself for your dedicated gamer. They retail regularly for $99 at area Meijer and Target stores, but we’ve seen some pretty good sale prices out there this season.

Go to meijer.com or target.com to find the store nearest you.

Personalized Knit Hats These adorable, hand-knit flap hats from Fireflies and Fairy Tales are heart and head warming. Made by 1-2-3 Exclusively, you can have one personalized with a name and your choice of colors to keep your little lady (or gentleman) cozy and cute all winter long. $32. Sizes run from 0 to 6 months.

2132 Arlington Ave., Upper Arlington, 614-487-7885

$ % & '

Sell.

!""! #

Buy. and directions, please visit For Store Information Repeat.ÂŽ www.onceuponachildcolumbus.com

ÂŽ

Clean Out Your Closet and Get Paid For It! In Arlington 2011 Henderson Rd 614-923-0166 Located In Front of Krogers on Henderson Rd.

In Westerville 399 S. State St.

614-899-3000

Located in the Cherry Park Plaza by Once Upon A Child

At Clothes MentorŽ We have all the brand names clothes you want and love at a fraction of what you’ll pay at the mall.

www.clothes-mentor.com columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

17

on the go: COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE

Olivia Clark Omardien If you had to be on a reality-TV show, which one would it be?

The obvious choice would be “So You Think You Can Dance?,” but actually I would love to try the obstacle courses on the show “Wipeout.” I love watching the contestants try to get through without getting too beat up by the course. I think it would be fun to give it a try!

Favorite thing to do for family fun in Central Ohio: We got zoo memberships this year for the Columbus Zoo. The family pass is very affordable and I love going to the zoo on short trips.

Safiyyah can pick two or three animals she wants to see that day, she can ride the carousel, and we can head home without cramming the whole zoo experience into one day.

Favorite restaurant to take a kid: We like to take Safiyyah to Taj Mahal on High Street, close to OSU’s campus. She has grown up eating her Daddy’s curries (he is a great cook!) and she loves to eat Indian food.

Favorite way to spend a lazy day off: No plans! It is so rare to have a day with nowhere to go, no place to be. We love to watch movies as a family — stay in our PJs, play, and usually cook something yummy.

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

That I would never sleep again — ever. I would have slept a lot more during my pregnancy if I knew I would never get another good night’s rest.

What’s the funniest thing your child has said or done?

We realized Safiyyah was at the age that we could no longer just leave the TV on and forget about it when she asked us what sex was. The TV was left on “Two and a Half Men,” and she picked up a new vocabulary word.

Luckily she was young enough to forget about it a minute later.

What’s your favorite holiday season memory from your own childhood?

My parents always told us that animals magically had the ability to talk for a short while at midnight every Christmas. So after we got back from the late church service, we would get in the truck and drive to the top of the hill at my parents’ farm. We would turn off the truck, roll down the windows, and listen. There was usually snow on the ground and it was always so beautiful and peaceful. Midnight would come, Christmas would come — and we swear we heard whispers in the woods from the animals telling each other “Merry Christmas.”

What’s the best advice you ever received as a parent?

My mom told me before Safiyyah was born that it is important to pick your battles. That was such good advice! Safiyyah likes to play dress up and often wants to go to the store or daycare dressed as Tinkerbell or a princess or a ballerina. I let her do it. I save the battles for important things like not picking your nose!

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

JOE MAIORANA PHOTO

AGE: 33 JOB: Ballet dancer with BalletMet Columbus for 12 years HUSBAND: Hisham Omardien, the ballet master and a former dancer at BalletMet. Married for 5 years.

DAUGHTER: Safiyyah, 3 NEIGHBORHOOD: Columbus

on the go: VITAMIN ME

THE TICKET (to my holiday happiness)

BY KRISTY ECKERT

Every year, the week before Christmas, the call is inevitable.

“I’m at the mall shopping for mom,” my dad will say. “What size does she wear again?

OK, thanks. And I might call back.”

He does call back — for her shoe size, her color preference, her favorite labels. It’s a daylong venture.

Like many men, his intentions are incredi-

bly sweet, but his questions many. And I love to help. But since most men lack 24-hour elf assistance, I have developed The Ticket. You simply need to fill it in, circle as many choices as necessary, then cut it out and slip it into your significant other’s wallet. When he’s ready to shop (even if it’s during the 11th hour), he’s got everything he needs.

Enjoy!

My Dress Size: ______________________________________________

My Shirt/Sweater/Coat Size: ____________

My Pant/Skirt Size: ____________________________

My Shoe Size: ______________________

My Bra Size: __________________________________

My Underwear Size: ________________

My Favorite Colors to Wear: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My Favorite Stores/Brands for Clothing: ________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My Favorite Stores/Brands for Shoes: ____________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My Favorite Stores/Brands for Jewelry: __________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My Favorite Stores/Brands for Beauty Products: ____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My Favorite Stores/Brands for Handbags: ______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My Favorite Stores/Brands for Home Décor: __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I WOULD BE THRILLED IF YOU TRIED TO BUY ME: Dresses ‹› Tops ‹› Coats ‹› Pants ‹› Skirts ‹› Shoes ‹› Boots ‹› Lingerie ‹› Jewelry Beauty Products ‹› Perfume ‹› Handbags ‹› Home Décor I AM LEAVING YOU FOR GEORGE CLOONEY IF YOU TRY TO BUY ME: Dresses ‹› Tops ‹› Coats ‹› Pants ‹› Skirts ‹› Shoes ‹› Boots ‹› Lingerie ‹› Jewelry Beauty Products ‹› Perfume ‹› Handbags ‹› Home Décor I’D RATHER HAVE THIS: Weekend Getaway ‹› Concert Tickets ‹› Theater Tickets Sporting Event Tickets ‹› Spa Package ‹› Magazine Subscription AND FINALLY, LET ME JUST SPELL IT OUT FOR YOU: Get me ____________________________________________________________ and I’ll put in a good word for you with Santa.

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

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

19

on the go: HOUSEBROKEN

You Asked for It

BY JOE BLUNDO

Today, Mr. Housebroken will answer your questions about remodeling, decorating and investing in real estate.

Mr. Housebroken accepts no responsibility for advice that results in bankruptcy, divorce, embarrassment or small explosions.

Dear Mr. Housebroken, I have seven Siberian huskies, six kids under 10 and a husband whose hobby is repairing motorcycles in the living room. Also, our house is situated between a strip mine and a cattle feed lot, so there’s often dust in the air. Do you have any tips for keeping the house clean?

A: Keep cleaning products handy and organized so they’re easy to find. Clean on a regular schedule so nothing ever gets too dirty. And encase the entire house in an air-tight cube of Lucite.

Dear Mr. Housebroken, I’ve read a lot about how color can affect mood. Do you think painting my bedroom bright yellow will lift my spirits?

A: Those stories about color affecting mood really oversimplify a complex subject. For example, they usually leave out the fact that the people made happiest by a new room color are paint salesmen.

Dear Mr. Housebroken, I have a Shaker-style dining table with Danish Modern chairs, a Victorian chandelier and Elizabethan wine goblets. What can I do to make sure this odd mix doesn’t ruin the atmosphere at my dinner party?

A: Keep refilling the goblets with wine.

Dear Mr. Housebroken, We’d like to invest in real estate in an outlying area that has low unemployment, high property appreciation and a young, energetic population that doesn’t mind making a few sacrifices in order to secure a better life. Where would you look?

A: China.

Dear Mr. Housebroken, When someone rings my front doorbell, the lights in the house dim, all the smoke alarms go off and the toilet in the half-bath flushes itself.

We’ve spent thousands of dollars on plumbers, electricians, technicians and consultants who have attempted to solve the problem, but they can’t figure out what’s wrong. I’m at my wit’s end. What would you suggest?

A: Have a printer make you a sign that says:

Dear Mr. Housebroken I’m enclosing the shriveled remains of a small mammal that I think has been damaging my lawn. Can you identify it and tell me what I can do to prevent more damage?

A: It’s a mole, and at this point I’d say it poses no further threat.

By the way, should you notice a much larger mammal with antlers nibbling on your shrubs, just send a photograph for identification. Otherwise, the postage will cost you a fortune.

Dear Mr. Housebroken, My husband is buying fireworks on sale now and storing them in our attic for the next Fourth of July. It gets really hot up there in the summer.

How does this sound to you?

A: It sounds like a good way to make the Fourth of July come early.

“Doorbell out of order. Please knock.”

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

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

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on the go: TAKE IT FROM TRACY

The

Holiday

Haul

BY TRACY TOWNSEND

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

Halloween is but a memory of crisp weather, warm apple cider and far too many peanut butter cups.

Now, two of my favorite holidays are on the horizon — Thanksgiving and Christmas. The reality is I love just about any occasion that brings my loved ones to one place.

The Townsend family is a close-knit group of six — Mom, Dad and four children, all of us grown up now.

My dad used to drive us kids crazy with his lectures about looking out for each other and reminding us the house was “built for training, not entertaining.”

We took that to mean our modest home didn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it had all we needed for a solid foundation and start in life.

All of this rings true with me now that I am a mother and live closer to my childhood home in Cincinnati. My career as a broadcast journalist came with the understanding that it would entail a nomadic lifestyle. After I graduated from The Ohio State University, I moved back to Cincinnati to start my career.

From there it was on to Kansas City, Chicago and now back again to Columbus.

It really is no big deal for adults to do all that moving but once you add children, each move is a major deal. This becomes especially true during the holidays because you have to share the time and the love.

Our family alternates Thanksgiving and Christmas between paternal and maternal grandparents. Because both my mom and my mother-in-law are “only” children, they are quite used to having things their way.

But so far, the alternating tradition that my husband Murvin and I created to make both mothers (and fathers) happy is working out well.

Our son Ian, of course, loves it. Our only child spends time with his cousins, uncles, aunts and both sets of “grands.” And yes, he basks in the glory of being the only boy in the bunch, which means he is showered with manly gifts and goodies galore.

Travel has truly become a tradition — which means we sometimes skip traditions. Last year, for example, there was no Thanksgiving turkey. We were in Texas and that meant beef — for Thanksgiving dinner.

As you might expect, flexibility is also on our list of traditions. There is a benefit to being malleable during the holidays: We aren’t trapped in traditions but have become open to creating new ones and treasuring the old and familiar ones.

As of this writing, we are still working out where we’ll go this year for the holidays. But I know that as long as there is family and food, I’m good and very grateful — no matter where we have to travel.

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21

on the go: PEOPLE YOU SHOULD MEET

Roberta Hamper

In August, Roberta Hamper, at the age of 69, graduated from Ohio State University with her bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology. For most people, such an accomplishment would be the exclamation point on a lifetime of learning.

But for Roberta, it’s more like a comma.

This month, she’s off to South Africa for a monthlong photography tour.

When she comes back, she’ll keep hacking away at the 50 boxes still in storage from rebuilding her and husband Don’s northwest Columbus home after a catastrophic 2008 fire. Next year, she and daughter Anietra Hamper, a 10TV news anchor, will take off on a trip to the Philippines.

Oh, and she might begin work on a graduate degree at OSU. “We never did the trip to Cedar Point thing,” Anietra recalled of her childhood.

“Everything we did with her was learning in some way. If we went to San Antonio, she took us to the Alamo. And when they were building that interchange at Rte. 315 and I-270 (in the 1980s), she took us up there to dig for concretions.”

While Don drove, and still drives, a truck for a living,

22

Roberta raised Anietra and their two sons, Shay and Keir, also a truck driver who died in a trucking accident in 1988. It was in the aftermath of that tragedy that Roberta slowly ventured into doing more traveling with her Nikon D800 camera.

“I was horrified to fly, but I decided to get over it,” she said with what seems to be characteristic pragmatism and pluck. Now, more than a decade later, the Hampers’ modest ranch-style home is filled with extraordinary artifacts from six continents, along with the antiques and artwork Roberta and Don had collected already.

“Growing up, I thought everyone’s house looked like a museum,” Anietra said.

“But it all helped us grow up to be very interested and engaged people.”

In getting her OSU degree, Roberta is part of a still-growing number of women, many of whom dis-

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

rupted their college educations to raise families. At OSU, the number of “nontrads,” as non-traditional students, ages 30 and older, are known in the academic world, has risen about 33 percent since 2001. And the biggest growth has come within the segment of women ages 50 and older.

“I always liked school and it was a personal goal,” Roberta said of her decision to resume her college studies 14 years ago, after 32 years away from the classroom. “I took classes one at a time or one quarter at a time.”

The math and statistics classes were not favorites, but Roberta relished the women’s studies and education courses, once devising a research project to see how old children are when they noticed physical disabilities in others.

“I took an arm off a Barbie doll, drew spots on her

DANIEL SOHNER PHOTO

Roberta and Anietra Hamper face, I may have even cut off all her hair,” Roberta said.

“At young ages like 4 and 5, they didn’t notice it. But by the first or second grade, they did and it also seemed like the parents’ attitudes influenced them by then.

And that was when bullying started, too.”

Roberta has no desire to do anything but keep learning, whether here in Central Ohio or in small Asian or African villages.

“Always continue to

grow through knowledge of a new skill, travel, or just reading a book,” Roberta offered as advice to others.

“We are all different with different ideas and ambitions. It is never too late to reach those goals.”

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23

on the go: NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

German Village

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON PHOTOS BY DANIEL SOHNER

The residents of German Village are used to sharing. They share parking spots, driveways and green spaces. So it’s no wonder they’re so willing to share their wonderful historic neighborhood.

Visiting “The Village” — as locals call it — is a chance to “step into being a part of history,” said Sarah Harpham, a local shop owner.

German Village, located just south of Downtown, dates to the mid-1800s. German immigrants, who at one time made up one-third of the area’s population, settled there and established businesses, schools and churches.

Visitors are always made to feel welcome, said Harpham, owner of Helen Winnemore Craft, a store offering a charming mix of distinctive handmade items from American artists. The shop, which carries everything from pottery to purses, is known for its drawers filled with jewelry and other treasures that shoppers are invited to explore.

Although most parents worry about bringing kids into the shop, Harpham welcomes them and sends them upstairs to check out her toy room, which is stocked with one-of-a-kind children’s items.

Volunteers at the German Village Society Visitors Center can help create an itinerary that will suit any family. The society also sells walking-tour guides, which offer insights on the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.

Visitors get their best views of the architecture and gardens while traipsing over the brick streets, said volunteer Jerry Glick.

The center also offers a free video, which is a great introduction to the neighborhood and its German roots.

It’s still possible to sample the German history at Juergen’s German Village Bakery, Restaurant & Cafe, which serves up authentic German sausages and pastries.

Children also will be delighted with cupcakes from Bakery Gingham, fudge from Schmidt’s Fudge Haus, macaroons from Pistacia Vera and cacao-based goodies from

24

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

Yosick’s Artisan Chocolates.

“There’s lot of sweets spots in German Village, which kids will love,” said Allyson Morena, who has lived there for eight years.

For a more substantial treat, Morena’s 6-year-old son, Cameron, recommends picking up a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich at the Brown Bag Deli and taking it to Schiller Park. The park, home to Actors Theatre’s summer Shakespeare series, features a large playground and fishing pond. Ducks eagerly greet any visitor throwing bread.

A draw for locals and tourists alike is Katzinger’s Deli, an authentic urban deli that serves up huge sandwiches, specialty foods and barrels of serve-yourself pickles.

Another fun stop in German Village is the Golden Hobby Shop, a converted schoolhouse that sells items made by senior citizens. It’s a great place to pick up a unique baby gift. The store carries children’s knitted and crocheted

sweaters, doll clothing and furniture, and baby blankets and quilts. Another great shopping find is the Dog Works/cats2 shop for interesting pet items.

But no trip to German Village would be complete without a visit to The Book Loft, a 32-room, independently-owned book store with a fabulous children’s section. Wandering the maze of rooms, filled floor to ceiling with books, is pleasantly disarming. Kids can find everything from classic tales to fun Star Wars items. The store also stocks stickers, activity books and craft kits.

Hitting multiple places in a day will require some walking but it’s time well spent, said Amanda Ellis, owner of Bakery Gingham.

“It is spread out. But that kind of makes German Village what it is,” she said. “You never know what a street is going to hold.”

Katzinger’s Delicatessan 475 S. Third St. 614-228-3354 katzingers.com Pistacia Vera 541 S. Third St. 614-220-9070 pistaciavera.com German Village Society Visitors Center 588 S. Third St. 614-221-8888 germanvillage.com

Our Lady of Bethlehem School and

Yosick’s Artisan Chocolates 539 S. Fifth St. 614-223-9575 yosicks.com

Childcare

Offering educational, social and spiritual development for children ages 2-1/2 through kindergarten:

Juergen’s German Village Bakery, Restaurant & Cafe 525 S. Fourth St. 614-224-6858

The Book Loft of German Village 631 Third St. 614-464-1774 bookloft.com

• Full and part-time childcare • Totally Terrific Two’s • Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten

Golden Hobby Shop 630 S. Third St. 614-645-8329

• Full and Half-Day Kindergarten

Helen Winnemore Craft 150 E. Kossuth St. 614-444-5850 helenwinnemores.com

Our Lady of Bethlehem advantages: • Small classes

Schmidt’s Fudge Haus 220 E. Kossuth St. 614-444-2222 schmidtsfudgehaus.com

• Proven, progressive curriculum • High academic standards • Experienced, caring faculty and staff

Brown Bag Deli 898 Mohawk St. 614-443-4214 thebrownbaggv.com

• Catholic environment • Easily accessible at Henderson Road

Schiller Park 1069 Jaeger St. parks.columbus.gov

& Route 315

Open House Sunday, January 30th, 1-3pm

Bakery Gingham 189 Thurman Ave. 614-449-2253 bakerygingham.com The Dog Works/cats2 195 Thurman Ave. 614-449-0045 dogworkscats2.com

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www.ourladyofbethlehem.org columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

25

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on the go: SHOP SPOTLIGHT

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DANIEL SOHNER PHOTO

Molly Pesich Owner, Brown Bag Deli

BROWN BAG DELI 898 Mohawk St., German Village 614-443-4214 thebrownbaggv.com Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Saturday 12 noon-6 p.m. Sunday

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

When Molly Pesich learned six years ago that the Brown Bag Deli in German Village was for sale, she felt she had to buy it. A long-time restaurant worker, she had been looking to refocus her career. “I couldn’t pass it up,” said the mother of two who also lives in German Village.

“Life just moves you to find the right thing.”

26

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

Has the deli changed much since you bought it?

Do you use local ingredients in your food?

It’s changed quite a bit. It’s an ongoing evolution. We’ve shifted the focus.

The previous owner did a lot of wine and not as much food.

We’ve started to look at that. We don’t exclusively buy local, but we try to whenever we can. My uncle owns a farm. We get all our corn from him. In the summer we make an amazing corn salad that people love.

Tell us a little bit about your food.

Everything is homemade. That is my big thing — cooking from scratch. People love our soup. When the weather turns cold, I can’t make enough. We also do a variety of salads and sandwiches.

Who are your customers?

We’re pretty diverse. Obviously, we’re a neighborhood place. But we have people coming in from all over.

You have two boys, Sam, 3, and Brady, 2. Do they ever inspire new menu creations?

Unfortunately, no. They’re not very exciting eaters. I’m hoping that will change. They like the cookies.

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27

hot topic:

Feliz

Navidad A unique Whitehall Girl Scout troop brings joy to the season

BY ADRIANA DE LA PEÑA

DANIEL SOHNER PHOTOS

They’re in the first troop of its kind in Central Ohio, but they are hardly the first Girl Scouts to bring the joy of the season to others.

As part of their activities, and as a way for the girls to learn to help others, this Spanish-speaking Girl Scout troop from Whitehall spends its time making Christmas and get-well cards for the sick.

They also practice carols to sing for the children at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and for an audience of disabled people at Eastland Mall.

“They will sing in Spanish because we want to show our culture and our customs,” said Yolanda Zapata, volunteer coordinator for the group.

“We want them to keep their maternal language so they will be bilingual,” she explained.

Girl Scout Tania Velázquez, an 8-year-old third grader, said she enjoys the service projects.

28

“We want them to know we hope they’re better soon with these cards,” Tania said, adding that she thinks it’s easier to get better with people’s support.

For 11-year-old Michelle Cardenas these activities are an opportunity to learn while helping others, and she advises other children to do the same, since it’s a way to

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

make new friends.

The troop was founded earlier this year, said Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council spokeswoman Sara West. The council serves 30 counties in Ohio with 34,000 scout members. But these 18 girls and two leaders are unique.

“They’re our first,” West said, adding that nationally the Girl

Scouts organization has been reaching out to the Latino community. The biggest challenge, she said, has been translating materials into the correct dialects of Spanish.

And it was a tough sell to the Latino community because few people from Latin America are familiar with the Girl Scouts.

“They don’t know what it is and

they think it might be a cult,” West said.

Another factor was that many families in the Latino community are “very tightly knit,” West said, and “these mothers were not used to sending their daughters off to do activities after school. They need to feel very comfortable with the group and have to know the people running it well.”

The troop was introduced this summer at a Spanish-language Camp Fiesta and has been catching on, thanks to dedicated outreach coordinator Carla Breckenridge and troop leaders who are mothers of some of the girls. In the Latino Girl Scout group only Spanish is spoken, but anyone is welcome to participate, Zapata said.

Activities like the carols and cards they’re making this holiday season have the girls excited.

“Being hospitalized or having a disability does not make them different from other children,” said Tania. “They are still children and they should be treated as such.”

“We want to show the children that someone loves them,” said Michelle. “I want to tell [the children at Nationwide Children’s Hospital] that everything is possible, that the sky is the limit.”

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Keeping It Cool

You should see the other guy!

Helping Parents Manage the Stress of the Holiday Season

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON Who hasn’t seen a child pester a parent for candy while standing in line at the grocery-store checkout?

Maybe you’ve even seen a temper tantrum erupt if the answer was “no.”

It’s a scene that plays out regularly when parents and children are out and about. But rather than turn a blind eye to the situation, parenting experts urge members of the community to watch how parents react to the situation.

If you see signs that the parent is frustrated or in danger of losing his or her cool, you may be in a position to help defuse the tension and protect a child.

The current economic conditions and the stresses of the holiday season are likely to increase the pressure on parents and make them more vulnerable to overreacting, said Karen S. Days, president of the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence.

Rather than rolling your eyes or giving the family dirty looks, Days said, try offering a kind word.

“It’s important that as a community, we find appropriate ways to intervene,” Days said.

Suitable responses might include blaming the store for putting so many temptations at eye level for children or sharing a story about how your own children have misbehaved at the store.

“Distract that parent from what is going on,”

HELP EASE TENSION IN A PUBLIC PLACE • If a parent is having difficulties with his or her child, strike up a conversation with the adult to divert attention away from the child.

• Or try to get the child’s attention by talking to the child.

• Avoid negative remarks or looks. These can increase the parent’s anger and make matters worse.

• Praise the child and parent at the first opportunity.

• If a child is left unattended, stand by the child until the parent returns. If the parent doesn’t return, contact an employee.

• If you suspect abuse, call your local Children’s Services agency.

• But if the situation is violent or the child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Days said. “Commiserate with them.”

Of course, bystanders should be wary of intervening in a situation that seems violent or dangerous, Days said. But for the most part, offering a stranger a kind word in a stressful moment is a safe way to help someone else calm down and pull it together.

The key is to not appear as if you’re judging the family, said Kristi Burre, associate director of intake and

assessment for Franklin County Children Services.

Getting upset with your children is part of parenting, Burre said. That’s why it’s useful for the community to work together to support parents.

“It’s more putting yourself in their shoes and chitchatting with them — letting them know you know how they feel,” she said.

“All people get frustrated and overwhelmed. That’s natural.”

HOW TO COOL DOWN IN A MOMENT OF YOUR OWN ANGER • Take a few deep breaths.

Remember — you are the adult.

• Close your eyes and imagine what your child is about to hear.

• Press your lips together and count to 10.

• Put some space between you and your child.

• Turn on some music and sing along.

• Drink a glass of cold water.

• Call a friend.

Source: The Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

The Animal Hospital of Polaris is open, available and equipped to treat your sick or injured pet.

Did you know?

• Our services cost 1/3 less than local dedicated emergency facilities • Our Vets have extensive experience working in emergency-only practices • We’re staffed to provide 24-hour, on-site care

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columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

29

hot topics:

Building Blocks of Fun Lego Lends a Hand to First Night Columbus

BY JANE HAWES

For more information about children’s Lego clubs, visit the Lego Store at Easton Town Center, 4004 Gramercy St., 614-342-2710. To learn more about the Central Ohio Lego Train Club, visit coltc.org.

In Lego-speak, they call them “the dark ages,” explained Paul Janssen.

The 42-year-old father of three and Ohio State University associate professor of physiology said that among Lego enthusiasts, the ages between 16 and 24 are when most of them stopped playing with the famous interlocking plastic bricks.

“Then people get jobs,” Janssen said, “and have some extra money and get re-involved.”

Janssen, a native of Holland, said it took cleaning out his parents’ attic a decade ago to reignite his passion for Lego. He grew up right next door to Denmark where Lego started making wooden toys in 1932. The plastic bricks were first manufactured in 1958 and no model has ever become obsolete: The bricks manufactured in the beginning still fit with the bricks made today.

“I was moving to the U.S. and

30

BRICKS OF INFORMATION: • The name ‘Lego’ is an abbreviation of the two Danish words “leg godt,” meaning “play well.”

• Legos were first introduced in the U.S. in 1962.

PAUL JANSSEN PHOTO

my parents said, ‘Hey, why don’t you take all your stuff out of the attic and take it with you?’ I found all my Lego bricks and that same year, eBay really took off so it was easy to find more pieces that way.”

Janssen is now president of the Central Ohio Lego Train Club, a group of about 30, mostly adult Lego collectors who lend their building talents and supplies to numerous events around the area each year.

Their next big display will be at COSI Dec. 4-11, and they’ll participate in the big model-train

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

event at the Greater Columbus Convention Center Jan. 8-9. The club also has a presence at the Ohio State Fair every year.

“It says ‘Lego Train Club,’ but it’s basically Lego everything club,” Janssen said of the eightyear-old group.

They have a junior division for teens, ages 16 and older, but Janssen said the group’s intent is not to instruct children. The Lego store at Easton Town Center provides Saturday morning meetings during the year for that. The grownups just want to trade building bricks and tips.

Many group members enjoy building models of existing buildings, usually on a 1:200 or 1:100 scale. Janssen has created models of the Ohio Statehouse and COSI building. Many others enjoy making train sets.

This year, as in years past, the club will contribute about 50 pounds of bricks to the organizers of First Night Columbus for a children’s activity area at Veteran’s Memorial. And who knows?

Maybe some of those kids will grow up to play with Legos — just like the grownups!

• In 2010 the Lego Group expects to achieve global production of more than 31 billion elements.

There are 3,900 different elements in the Lego range, plus 58 different Lego colors.

• There are more than 900 million different ways of combining six eight-stud bricks of the same color.

• All Lego elements are fully compatible.

• There are Legoland parks in Billund, Denmark; London, England; Carlsbad, California; and Gunzburg, Germany. A fifth will open in Winter Haven, Florida, October 2011.

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Step into the Victorian Wonderland of Charles Dickens Dickens, with characters from his colorful tales, crafts, cooking demonstrations, caroling and more!

Ohio Village December 10–11, 17–18, 6–9 p.m.

December 19, 12–5 p.m.

For advance tickets, call at 800.686.1541, or visit ohiohistory.org/ohiovillage Adults: $12, $10 OHS members • Youth (6–12): $9, $7 OHS members Free parking 1982 Velma Ave | I-71 and 17th Avenue | Columbus, Ohio 43211 | ohiohistory.org

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

31

need to know: THE GO-TO GUIDE

Holiday Lights & Displays

BY JANE HAWES & KRISTEN MAETZOLD

’Tis the season to go see someone else decorate for the holidays. Thank goodness we have plenty of viewing options here in Central Ohio. This month’s Go-To Guide gives you all the info you need to get your fill of twinkling lights and holiday inspiration.

And we even have a few options within day-trippin’ distance, too!

HOLIDAYS AT THE CONSERVATORY ADDRESS: Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side

PHONE: 614-645-8733 WEB: fpconservatory.org PRICE: Regular admission rates ($11 adults, $9 seniors, $6 children, Free 2 and under) DATE: Nov. 24-Jan. 5, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas TIME: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 10-8 p.m.

Wednesday DISTANCE: 3 miles east from Downtown DESCRIPTION: Experience the color and spirit of the season while staying warm nestled within the beautiful botanical gardens of the Franklin Park Conservatory.

See the 10-foot tall poinsettia tree or follow the fun model garden railway. Enjoy special programs throughout the season including the Fourth Annual Gingerbread House Competition with categories for Youth, Teen, Adult, and Family!

TIP: Candlelight Night each Wednesday.

Tip toe along paths lit by hundreds of votive candles and enjoy a special menu and snacks at The Conservatory Garden Cafe or make reservations for an intimate candlelight dinner at the Palm House.

DICKENS VICTORIAN VILLAGE

CHRIS RUSSELL/DISPATCH PHOTO

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

ADDRESS: Historic downtown Cambridge, on Wheeling Avenue between Sixth and 11th streets.

PHONE: 800-933-5480 WEB: dickensvictorianvillage.com PRICE: Free DATES: Nov. 1-Jan. 8 TIMES: any time; a light show synchronized to holiday music takes place every night at the Guernsey County Courthouse from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1 DISTANCE: 80 miles east of Columbus DESCRIPTION: Take a trip back in time and experience old-world England as historic downtown Cambridge is charmingly transformed into a Dickens Victorian Village. Visitors are invited to stroll amidst 60 vignettes of 180 life-sized, lifelike figures representing classic scenes from Victorian society Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, the town crier, groups of carolers (that actually “sing” classic carols!), a bucket brigade, lamplighters, school children, street peddlers and Father Christmas. A self-guided walking tour brochure of the Dickens Victorian Village display and downtown Cambridge is available at downtown retailers, area hotels and Ye Ole Curiosity Shoppe and Dickens Welcome Center at 643 Wheeling Ave.

STATE AUTO CHRISTMAS DISPLAY

ADDRESS: 518 E. Broad St., Downtown PHONE: 614-464-5000 WEB: stateauto.com PRICE: Free DATES/TIMES: The lights will be turned on and the display officially opens on Dec. 1. The display can be toured any time through Dec. 31. The lights are turned on every day from 6-8 a.m. and 5:30-11 p.m. and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The display also will be lit from 6 a.m. on Christmas Eve until 8 a.m. on Christmas Day: DESCRIPTION: This outdoor Nativity display — filled with nearly 80 life-sized plaster and polymer-coated figures, 7,000 LED lights, 1,200 feet of garland, five 12-foot lighted wreaths and six towering Nutcrackers — has been a downtown tradition for 79 years. Local choral groups will perform, for free, every Saturday and Sunday evening at 7 p.m. from Dec. 4 through Dec. 19. And a special ceremony to place the Baby Jesus figure in the manger takes place at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. TIP: You can park in the State Auto parking lot at the southeast corner of Broad and Washington streets. Be sure to follow the instructions for a cell-phone tour of the Nativity display. Nativity guides (State Farm employees) also are on hand to answer questions during peak hours.

CHRIS RUSSELL/DISPATCH PHOTO

THE LEGENDARY LIGHTS AT CLIFTON MILL

ADDRESS: Clifton Mill, 75 Water St., Clifton PHONE: 937-767-5501 WEB: cliftonmill.com PRICE: $8 for ages 7+, Sunday-Thursday; $10 for ages 7+, Friday-Saturday; Children 6 and under are free DATE: Nov. 26-Jan. 3 TIME: Gates are open from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; lights are on from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; closes at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. DISTANCE: 40 miles southwest of Columbus DESCRIPTION: Featured in Midwest Living and Ohio Magazine, the historic Clifton Mill provides a beautiful and unique backdrop for this holiday light display. Organizers drape the mill, trees, riverbank and bridges in more than 3.5 million lights. Visitors will enjoy the Santa Claus Museum and can even get a peek in his workshop!

TIP: Week days are much less crowded. Saturday is the Mill’s busiest night.

JAMES D. DECAMP/DISPATCH PHOTO

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

33

BYESVILLE SCENIC RAILWAY “SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS” EXCURSION

Address: 100 Tolliver Trail, Byesville Phone: 740-685-0614 Web: bsrw.org Price: $12 ages 13+, $9 ages 3-12, free for children 0-2 Dates/Times: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. departures on Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 Distance: 84 miles east of downtown Columbus Description: Learn how coal miners and their families celebrated the holiday season through a dramatic presentation performed while riding a vintage train in the Appalachian foothills for a one-hour, 10-mile ride. The train will be trimmed throughout with Christmas lights, decorations, and music. A traditional Christmas story will be read and everyone is invited to sing a Christmas carol or two. Through special arrangement, Santa Claus will be on board to hear what good boys and girls want for Christmas. Refreshments served for donation.

Tip: Byesville is located 7 miles south of Cambridge where you can see the Dickens Victorian Village display.

FANTASY OF LIGHTS ADDRESS: Alum Creek State Park, 4000 Hollenback Rd., Lewis Center PHONE: 740-369-2900 WEB: alumcreek.com PRICE: Starts at $10 per car, depending on night of the week and size of the vehicle DATES: Nov.19-Jan. 2 TIMES: 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. SundayThursday; 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday DISTANCE: 20 miles north of Columbus DESCRIPTION: Considered one of Ohio’s premiere drive-thru light shows, the 11th Annual Fantasy of Lights stretches for nearly two miles and includes more than a million KATIE MILLER/DISPATCH PHOTO lights and more than 130 lighted holiday displays. There’s also a Santa House (which is not a drive-thru feature!). Enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate.

TIP: While the kids are getting their picture taken with Santa, you can knock a couple of things off their list at the gift shop.

Some of the proceeds benefit Recreation Unlimited.

A CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE AND MUSEUM

ADDRESS: 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland PHONE: 216-298-4919 WEB: achristmasstoryhouse.com PRICE: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 kids 7-12, free for kids 6 and under; on-street parking is free.

DATES/TIMES: open all year but in December, dates and times vary. It’s open most days from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Check the website for times on specific dates.

DISTANCE: 141 miles northeast of Columbus DESCRIPTION: This is the house where the nowclassic 1983 film “A Christmas Story” was filmed.

Not familiar with the movie? Then the phrase “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid” probably holds no special meaning for you, and you can move onto the next listing in the Go-To Guide. For die-hard fans, though, this Cleveland building is probably worth a pilgrimage trip at least once in your lifetime. A museum and gift shop (where the leg lamp will set you back $200 and the bunny suit a mere $60) are located across the street from the house.

TIP: The Lolly Trolley runs between the Christmas Story House and downtown Cleveland on most weekend evenings in December. Fares range from $5.50 for kids 6 and under, $14.25 for ages 7-12, and $22 for ages 13+. For more info, go to CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE PHOTO

34

lollytrolley.com/holiday.htm

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

KATIE MILLER/DISPATCH PHOTO

VILLAGE LIGHTS ADDRESS: Historic German Village PHONE: 614-221-8888 WEB SITE: germanvillage.com PRICE: Free DATE: 6-10 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 5 for the Village Lights event; enjoy the lights throughout the month DISTANCE: 1 mile south of Downtown DESCRIPTION: From twinkling white lights in the trees to more than 11,000 luminaries lining the walkways, Village Lights in Historic German Village promises to be a magical evening. Shops and restaurants will stay open to welcome you in. Also enjoy live music and carolers if you simply want to stroll the streets.

TIP: German Village restaurants will offer special treats and discounts on Village Lights night, and throughout the month.

WILDLIGHTS

ADDRESS: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell PHONE: 1-800-MONKEYS WEB: columbuszoo.org PRICE: Regular admission rates ($13 ages 10+, $8 ages 2-10, $8 Seniors, 2 and under Free); Parking is $5 per car; Members receive free admission and parking.

DATES: Nov. 19-Jan. 1, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Christmas Eve TIMES: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday DISTANCE: 17 miles northwest of Columbus DESCRIPTION: Billed as the best Wildlights yet, you will find millions of lights on everything but the animals! This long-standing family tradition is in its 23rd year. Enjoy special displays from the Polar Bears to the Koala Bears and each exhibit in between. Listen to music, visit with Santa and his reindeer, and even decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus!

TIP: This year’s display features all new eco-friendly LED lights and a chorus of animatronic trees.

FRED SQUILLANTE/DISPATCH PHOTO

CHRISTMAS AT HISTORIC ROSCOE VILLAGE ADDRESS: 600 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton PHONE: 740-622-2218.

WEB: roscoevillage.com PRICE: Free for admission and parking at the

village, which is a living historic community, designed to recreate an 1830s canal town.

DATES/TIMES: GUIDED TOURS: 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 4, 11, 18, and at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Dec. 5, 12, 19; CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHTINGS: 6 p.m. on Dec. 4, 11, 18 DISTANCE: 77 miles northeast of Columbus DESCRIPTION: “A Roscoe Christmas” guided tour offers a glimpse into the 1800s holiday season, or enjoy the same tour after the ceremony by guided candlelight. At the Saturday evening Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony, DISPATCH FILE PHOTO everyone carries a candle and sings “Silent Night” while the big tree also is lit. During the day, guests can enjoy art with Santa, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, complimentary hot-mulled cider and cookies, and many other holiday festivities.

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

35

HOLIDAY TRAIL OF LIGHTS

ADDRESS: Lake Hope State Park, 27331 State Rte. 278, McArthur PHONE: 740-596-3030 WEB: lakehopestatepark.com PRICE: Free DATE: every night from Dec. 1-31, with extra events planned for Friday and Saturday nights.

TIME: 6-10 p.m.

DISTANCE: 56 miles southeast of Columbus DESCRIPTION: Now in its sixth year, you can hike through the forest to view the 100,000+ light display including animated scenes, decorated trees, and landscape lighting. Start at the Nature Center where the 0.8-mile trail begins. The staff there says the best dates to visit are Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 when Santa visits from 6-9 p.m., the Nature Center is open with their regular animal displays plus a Lionel train display, hot chocolate, and a bonfire with the makings for s’mores.

And on Dec. 18, there are horse-drawn wagon rides from 6-9 p.m.

TIP: The light display uses motion-sensor lights, so kids love to run backwards through the short trail and reactivate the display.

OHIO STATEHOUSE PHOTO

OHIO STATEHOUSE TREE

ADDRESS: The Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Downtown PHONE: 888-OHIO-123 WEB: ohiostatehouse.org PRICE: Free DATE: December 1 for the tree lighting; the tree remains up and lit each day inside the Statehouse Atrium through Dec. 31.

TIME: The Statehouse is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, 11 a.m-5 p.m. on weekends and closed on Christmas Day. The Statehouse Museum is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, and 12-4 p.m. weekends.

DESCRIPTION: You’ll find one of the most storied holiday traditions in the heart of downtown Columbus. In its 93rd year, the Statehouse Holiday Tree Lighting and Festival starts with the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1. The holiday spirit continues all month. You can take a free tour (no reservations needed) at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. each weekday and at 12 noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends. The tours begin in the Map Room (accessible from the Third St. entrance) and you’ll see the Victorian-era holiday decorations throughout the Statehouse. And at 12 noon each weekday from Dec. 117, there will be a different musical concert in the Statehouse Crypt.

TIP: Visit the Museum Shop between Dec. 6-11 and you can draw a candy cane that will tell you if you receive 10, 20 or 30 percent off any purchase. Statehouse Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free.

36

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

FRED SQUILLANTE/DISPATCH PHOTO

WINTER WONDERLAND AT CREEKSIDE PARK

ADDRESS: Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna PHONE: 614-418-9114 WEB: visitgahanna.com PRICE: Free and open to the public DATES: Nov. 26-Jan. 3 TIME: Monday-Sunday, any time DISTANCE: 10 miles east of Columbus DESCRIPTION: The five-acre Creekside Park along Gahanna’s Big Walnut Creek is the setting for this dazzling holiday light display. Enjoy a walk along the beautiful creek and then warm up in one of the many restaurants along the waterway and plaza.

TIP: Dress warmly and bring skates because Creekside Plaza features an ice rink as well!

KYLE ROBERTSON/DISPATCH PHOTO

HOCKING HILLS SCENIC RAILWAY HOLIDAY TRAINS

ADDRESS: Nelsonville Depot, 33 E. Canal St., Nelsonville PHONE: 1-800-967-7834 WEB SITE: hvsry.org PRICE: Santa Train: $16 Ages 13-59; $14 Seniors 60+; $12 Kids 3-12; Free for Kids 0-2; North Pole Express: $25 Ages 13-59; $20 Seniors 60+; $17 Kids 3–12; Free for Kids 0-2; New Year’s Eve Celebration Train: $35 Ages 21-59 and $30 Seniors 60+ for wine and cheese; $25 Ages 13-59, $20 Seniors 60+, $15 Kids 3-12 and under 2 free for Pepsi and pizza.

DATES/TIMES: Santa Train: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 – ride lasts about 2 hours; North Pole Express: 7 p.m. on Dec. 4, 11, 17, 18 – ride lasts about 90 minutes; New Year’s Eve Celebration Train: 10:30 p.m., Dec. 31 (reservations must be made by Dec. 29).

DISTANCE: Approximately 60 miles south of Columbus DESCRIPTION: If you’re looking to take the fast track to Santa and his elves this Christmas, this is your ticket. The Hocking Hills Scenic Railway is offering special opportunities to experience the magic of the season from comfort of a heated and decorated railway car. Enjoy the ride with the jolly old elf himself when you board the daytime Santa Train.

Or feel free to wear your pj’s and robes as you hop on the evening North Pole Express: Santa will be waiting for you when you arrive Enjoy hot chocolate and treats on both tours. And on Dec. 31, you can welcome the new year with a train ride and fireworks.

TIP: Reservations are highly recommended. Bring skates or rent a pair and enjoy outdoor ice skating at North Pole Nelsonville.

OLDE HILLIARD CHRISTMAS

ADDRESS: Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard PHONE: 614-664-3290 WEB: destinationhilliard.com PRICE: Free DATES/TIMES: The Christmas season opens on Dec. 2 with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. The village will be open weekends in December from 6-8 p.m.

DISTANCE: 14 miles west of Columbus DESCRIPTION: The Historical Village in Olde Hilliard’s Weaver Park will be adorned in holiday decorations and lights all month. Each weekend, events like kids’ activities, trolley rides, visits from Santa, music and plays will take place.

TIP: Save some gift shopping for a visit to Olde Hilliard because downtown businesses also will be offering special discounts to visitors.

Because Q & ANA! is in our D Inspire your childit’sh COSI’s curiosity w s.

p o sh k r o W d o o h d il h C ly Ear

At COSI we know kids have lots of questions, like why everything is bigger through a magnifying glass and why magnets are sticky. Children age 6 months to 6 years can learn answers to these questions and more with COSI’s monthly, hands-on early childhood workshops.

Infant Workshops (Ages 6–17 Months)

Preschool Workshops (Ages 3–5 Years)

January: Airplanes February: Five Little Ducks March: Peas and Carrots COSI Members, $12 Nonmembers, $17

January: Up, Up, and Away!

February: Geckos & Amphibians March: Earth Matters COSI Members, $24 Nonmembers, $31

Workshop price includes one adult.

Workshop price includes one adult.

Toddler Workshops (Ages 18–36 Months) January: Planes, Trains, & Automobiles February: Jump, Frog, Jump!

March: Fruit Salad COSI Members, $24 Nonmembers, $31 Workshop price includes one adult.

Kindergarten Workshops (Ages 5 & 6 Years) January: Robots February: What is Biomimicry?

March: In My Backyard COSI Members, $24 Nonmembers, $31 Workshop price includes one adult.

Call 614.228.2674 to register for Early Childhood Workshops, or visit www.cosi.org/earlychildhood for details.

Stay connected to

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

37

need to know: HANDY MOM

The Paper Clip This month, Handy Mom whips the paper clip into multi-tasking shape. What are some other ingenious household uses we’ve found for the humble tool invented in 1899 by William D. Middlebrook? —JANE HAWES • Book mark: No more dirty looks

from the librarian when you return dog-eared books • Scotch-tape end holder: You

could buy those trade-marked plastic gadgets to keep the end of the tape from adhering to the roll. Or just slap on a paper clip and wrap the end around it.

• Pirate earring: Arrrrrrgh, this’ll

keep ’em out of yer jewelry box!

38

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

• Ornament hanger: Who

remembers to stock up on those little metal hooks for the Christmas tree? Just unbend a paper clip into an S shape.

• Sunglass repair: When that tiny

screw pops out, separating the arm of your glasses from the frame, just slide a paper clip through the hinge. If you really want to seal your reputation for frugality, leave it that way.

• Chocolate-candy hanger:

Friends and family won’t object to chocolate candy hung from the tree with care. How to do it?

Bisect a paper clip into two Ushaped pieces (use a pair of heavy-duty kitchen scissors).

Push the two-pronged end into the top of a chocolate candy, leaving a U-shaped loop sticking up, and then slide the end loop onto a branch.

Admission ssion Buttons on sale at:

BE

VE

THE PLA CE $8- In Advance T O 0- Day of Event $10-

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Friday,December 31 Activities begin at 5 p.m.

Downtown Columbus

ON

’ R N E W YE A

E S

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| First Night Columbus

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BLUE JACKETS NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVE GAME 7:00 p.m.

Nationwide Arena

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FIRST NIGHTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA presented by Columbus Blue Jackets, FifthThird, Marathon and Pepsi 10:00 pm -11:00 pm

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VETERANS MEMORIAL 5:00 pm-10:00 pm

â&#x20AC;˘ Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Portraits and Caricatures (North Hall) â&#x20AC;˘ Matt the Balloon Guy (North Hall) â&#x20AC;˘ Juggler Luke Kareklas (North Hall plus North Hall Stage performance) â&#x20AC;˘ Magician Matt Jergens (North Hall plus North Hall Stage performance) â&#x20AC;˘ AfroRhythms (North Hall,Main Stage ) â&#x20AC;˘ DJ Sonya (North Hall,Main Stage) â&#x20AC;˘ Short Stop (North Hall,Main Stage) â&#x20AC;˘ Shaolin Funk Breakdancers (North Hall,Main Stage) â&#x20AC;˘ Tackle Tabbacoo Campaign by James Cotton (North Hall,Main Stage) â&#x20AC;˘ Chinese Folk Dance (North Hall,Main Stage) â&#x20AC;˘ Habeebaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Belly Dancers 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm (Dining Hall,2nd Floor) â&#x20AC;˘ Columbus Community Drummers 7:00 pm (Dining Hall,2nd Floor) â&#x20AC;˘ Chris & Camille Howes - 7:00 pm; 8:00 pm & 9:00 pm (Outer Lobby,2nd Floor) â&#x20AC;˘ Ft Hayes Bands - 6:30 pm; 7:30 pm & 8:30 pm (Wayne Brehm Room,2nd Floor) COSI

â&#x20AC;˘ Transit Arts - 6:30 pm & 8:00 pm â&#x20AC;˘ Tackle Tobacco Campaign RHODES TOWER

â&#x20AC;˘ Ladies of Longford - 7:00 pm; 8:00 pm & 9:00 pm TRINITY CHURCH â&#x20AC;˘ Columbus Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus - 7:00 pm â&#x20AC;˘ Columbus State Gospel Choir - 8:00 pm â&#x20AC;˘ Israel Freeman & Total Submission 9:00 pm â&#x20AC;˘ DJ Blood Washed playing between groups ONE COLUMBUS

â&#x20AC;˘ Wonder Twin Powers - 7:00 pm; 8:00 pm & 9:00 pm HUNTINGTON BANK

â&#x20AC;˘ Battle Plan:6:30 pm - 7:30 pm & 8:30 pm KEY BANK

â&#x20AC;˘ Maggie Green Trio - 6:30 pm; 7:30 pm & 8:30 pm

First Night Columbus |

3

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| First Night Columbus

(614) 228-1776

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: GIVING AND RECEIVING

The Gift of Receiving How to Help Kids Be Better Gift Recipients

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

2-7

When Denise Pietzsch gave Kylie Kissler a gift the youngster already owned, the girl did YEARS not cry or complain. Instead, Pietzch recalled, the birthday girl said, “Oh, that’s OK,” and immediately gave it to her sister.

The gesture warmed Pietzsch’s heart.

“She was so sweet about it,” said Pietzsch, a manners expert and owner of Etiquette and Protocol Image Consultants in Worthington.

While a child’s instinct might be to pout or get upset over a duplicate gift, you can teach them to be gracious gift recipients, she said.

“You’ve got to start coaching them way ahead of time,” she said. “Ask, ‘What would you do if you got two?’ ” Follow up with conversation and role playing about how to handle the situation, Pietzsch said.

That’s the secret to Ann-Michel Kissler’s success. The Dublin mother, pictured here with her children, spends a lot of time talking with her four kids about the giving and receiving of gifts.

The conversations started when Kylie, now 6, was small. After the birth of her sister four years ago, Kylie had difficulty sharing the spotlight.

“She had a real hard time with it,” Kissler recalled. “When the second one came, we had to say it’s not always about you. Not every gift is for you.”

So Kissler got in the habit of telling her kids to be thankful whenever they did receive a gift.

She also stresses that it’s not the gift that’s special: It’s that the person thought to give you a gift that counts. It’s a lesson kids can grasp if you repeat often enough, she said.

She also instructs her kids to say thank you for any gift regardless of whether they like it.

“I don’t have a problem with you not liking something,” she said. “You just have to say DANIEL SOHNER PHOTO ‘Thank you.’ ” and that their turns will come on their own birthdays. The Pietzsch suggests teaching children to say things like, “Thank you for thinking of me,” or “It’s so nice of you to get discussions discourage her kids from rushing the birthday boy or girl and trying to “help” open the presents. me something.”

“Nobody wants that kid at the party,” Kissler said.

At holiday time, it’s important to remind children that Birthday parties are one of the biggest challenges for not everyone is going to give them a gift, she added.

Kissler also talks to her kids about what type of behavior kids, agreed Pietzsch.

“It’s good to practice,” she said. “Go through every piece she expects before they attend birthday parties. She reminds them that all the presents are for the birthday child and part of it. They can learn to be gracious.”

Nov. 26 –Dec. 19, 2010 Park Street Theatre

Sponsored by:

512 Park Street, Columbus, Ohio Recommended for everyone age 4 and older–60 minutes

s Ticke2t0 $

$

10-

3 Ways to Purchase Tickets: Call CCT at 614-224-6672 Call CAPA at 614-469-0939 Visit TicketMaster.com

Music by Victor Herbert.

Libretto and Lyrics adapted

by Ruth Perry with Ann Smit and Susan Carle from the original by Glenn MacDonough.

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

www.ColsChildrensTheatre.org columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

43

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: GIVING AND RECEIVING

Paying It Forward Teens Volunteer at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank

BY ELIZABETH SEUFER

1Y4E-A1RS8

GET INVOLVED There are several ways you can sign up to help at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, four feet 10 inches tall and able to lift up to 30 pounds.

• Visit midohiofoodbank.org and click on “Volunteer Now” • Call the volunteer information line, 614-317-9703 • E-mail volunteers@ midohiofoodbank.org

Emily Kvalheim is generous with her time.

The 18-year-old senior at Westerville Central High School teaches Sunday school and performs volunteer work for several organizations, including the Mid-Ohio Foodbank in Grove City.

It’s Emily’s third year volunteering there. She does so through her school’s Key Club and National Honor Society. Her duties at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank include sorting and preparing food for distribution.

“It’s rewarding,” Emily said. “At some point in our lives, we’re all going to need help, whether we need food, clothes, or something as small as help with our homework. I think that when you can give other people that help, then you should.”

Her mother, Jill Kvalheim, admits that she worries every time her daughter drives a car full of teens on I-71 for their afterschool shift at the food bank.

“I’m very proud of her,” Jill Kvalheim said. “She’s hope for our future.”

Of the 9,500 or so volunteers for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, volunteer manager Bev Thompson estimates that between 600 and 700 of them are teens.

Thompson started the organization’s after-school program about 10 years ago to get kids off the streets and doing something constructive. It has worked.

“Those teens increase our workforce,” Thompson said.

“Although they are not paid, they are still what we call employees because they’re saving us money.”

After-school volunteer shifts are typical-

44

DANIEL SOHNER PHOTOS

ly held two Thursdays per month during the school year, Thompson said. Teens may also work anytime the Mid-Ohio Foodbank is open and need is especially great during

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

the holiday season.

Student and adult volunteers perform the same duties, Thompson said. They all prepare food to go out to 519 agencies in 20 Central and Eastern Ohio counties.

For some teens, volunteering at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank helps satisfy school community-service requirements.

Brooke Cavallo, a 17-year-old senior at Bishop Hartley High School, said her school requires students to complete 25 service hours per year. Cavallo recently began volunteering at the Mid-Ohio Food-

bank as part of her involvement with her school’s H.A.R.T.S. Club, a service organization.

Brooke said she appreciates that the Mid-Ohio Foodbank lets students volunteer there on a regular basis. “It’s really beneficial for us.”

Her mother, Crystal Cavallo, said she taught her daughter that it’s important to pay it forward.

“If you can make other people smile,” she said, “you’ll be much happier in your life.”

WINTER CAMP

need to know: AGE APPROPRIATE: GIVING AND RECEIVING

Santa’s Little Helpers Helping Older Kids Rekindle the Magic of the Holidays

BY DEBBIE ANGELOS There’s nothing like experiencing the magic of the holidays through the eyes of a child — making lists, checking them twice and waiting for Santa.

Some of that magic may be lost, though, as kids grow up and don’t feel quite the same way about the man in red. What’s a jolly parent to do to rekindle the same holiday spirit?

Teaching older kids to play Santa themselves may be the best way to bring back some of that holiday joy. Just ask Julie Aagard of Hilliard. Along with her husband Erik, Aagard has begun using the holidays as a time to teach their three kids — Marilyn, 9, Kelly, 7, and Jordan, 3 — about service by encouraging kind deeds for others.

As the kids grow, so do the opportunities to spread good cheer, such as participating in an “Adopt a Grandparent Program” through their church.

“The kids were a little uneasy at first, but as soon as they realized that the grandparents think everything they do is just fabulous, they really warmed up,” said Aagard.

They’ve been visiting their “Grandma” Edna ever since.

Kat Ellery, volunteer coordinator for Goodwill Columbus, agrees that teaching kids to look beyond their own worlds helps them see a world of opportunity: “Finding out that there’s people in your community that you can take steps to help can be really empowering for anyone — especially young kids.”

Creating family holiday traditions of service can be just as exciting as other traditions, especially when kids get a chance to be involved in all stages.

“People think that volunteering is cleaning up trash or scrubbing floors, which it could be, but there are so many other simple and fun activities that improve the quality of life for others,” said Ellery.

“When we do something nice for someone, we always talk to the kids about how they feel, what the reactions of others were and if they are proud of themselves to create self motivation,” explained Aagard. “Our goal is to just have service become a natural part of their lives, for the rest of their lives.”

And that’s a gift that keeps on giving.

DEC. 28-30, 2010

8824 Morse Rd. SW Pataskala OH 43062

Scout Programs • Riding Lessons All Ages & Levels Gift Certificates

7+ YEARS

Call or go to our website for details.

740-964-2601 www.BookmarkFarms.com Ask about reserving our private room for a group outing!

DANIEL SOHNER PHOTO

FAMILY VOLUNTEERING TIPS: • Always supervise your child • Follow your child’s interests and let them be a part of planning • Be aware of situations for which a child may not be emotionally ready • Discuss their reactions and the reactions of others

VOLUNTEERING CONTACTS: • Kat Ellery at Goodwill Columbus: 614-583-0352 or volunteer@gwcols.org • For more service agencies and volunteering opportunities, visit liveunitedcentralohio.org or handsoncentralohio.org

JANE’S MONTESSORI ACADEMY OPEN EVENT OPEN HOUSE HOUSE EVENT Sunday, 12th,2-4 2-4PM PM Sunday,December October 17th, • 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

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

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

45

need to know: PEDIATRIC HEALTHSOURCE Watch Pediatric HealthSource at 5 p.m.

Thursdays on 10TV News HD.

EXPERTS FROM NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ANSWER COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY This time of the year we always hear that we’re supposed to keep kids from getting overstimulated with the holidays coming up, but how exactly do you do that? What exactly is overstimulation and what can you realistically do as a parent?

Center for PEDIATR IC & ADOLESCENT

PAIN CARE

Dr. Daniel Coury is Chief of the Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Coury’s research interests include developmental and behavioral pediatrics, medical education, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.

Overstimulation refers to your child being exposed to more activity than usual — to the point where he or she is overwhelmed by all that is happening. Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing.

While parents become aware of the need for a nap when they notice irritability in their toddler, they may not appreciate a similar problem when their pre-school or school-age child also behaves irritably. The excitement of so many activities — special holiday activities, visits from relatives, special meals or other treats all occurring within a day or a few days — can overwhelm a child’s ability to make choices or to settle down.

Parents can try to limit holiday activities to one or two a day.

They should also try to space activities out as much as possible and allow for some “down time” to recover and relax before moving to the next activity.

Setting time limits in advance (“we can stay for one hour”) can help both parents and children prioritize what they want to do in the allotted time and avoid activities that may promote conflict or tantrums.

I’m hearing about celiac disease more and more. What is it and what are the signs?

People who have celiac disease have a disorder that makes their bodies react to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley — grains that are in many everyday foods.

In kids with celiac disease, gluten damages villi, the finger-like projections in the small intestine responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. When the villi are damaged, the body can’t absorb nutrients the body needs to grow. If that happens, a child can become malnourished.

Celiac disease can lead to a wide variety of symptoms in different people. Infants may fail to gain weight and height as expected. In older kids, the condition can cause diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, fatigue or anemia that persists despite taking iron supplements.

If celiac disease is diagnosed, the doctor will give you guidance on which foods your child can eat and which to avoid. Because these changes will greatly affect your family’s everyday life and your child’s diet, the doctor may suggest that you meet with a nutritionist for additional advice.

To avoid gluten, it’s important to carefully read the labels of all foods before you buy them or let your child consume them. And help your child learn to do it too. When in doubt, the safest thing to do is to assume the product contains gluten and leave it out.

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Dr. Jolanda M. Denham is an attending physician in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Denham’s clinical interests involve all aspects of pediatric gastroenterology, with a special interest in nutritional disorders.

Vision Performance is a 3-Step Process

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

My child was born four weeks early. Thankfully, we’re both home now and doing very well. Should I be concerned about long-term development delays? How can I ensure my child is developing at a normal pace?

Regular immunizations, medical care and evaluation are important for premature infants, as 50 to 70 percent can experience issues that affect long-term development.

During examinations, doctors will measure an infant’s hearing, sight, nervous system development and motor skills development.

They will also measure speech and behavioral development, as some infants may require speech, occupational or physical therapy as they age. The Neonatal Developmental Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides developmental screenings for infants up to two years following their hospital stay.

Apnea — or pauses in breathing — is common among premature infants and is usually diagnosed before discharge. It generally goes away on its own. Some preemies may develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which involves scarring and inflammation in the lungs. Supplemental oxygen and medications may be necessary after discharge.

Premature infants are particularly vulnerable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an infection in young kids that is often mistaken for a cold or the flu. Infants born at less than 32 weeks and those born from 32 to 35 weeks that attend day care, have contact with multiple children or are exposed to second-hand smoke may be able to receive a vaccine for RSV.

Dr. Mary Ann Nelin is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University and works in the Division of Neonatology’s Neonatal Developmental Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She has been with Nationwide Children’s Hospital since 2003.

Vision Performance Center of Columbus with Steven J. Curtis, OD, FCOVD Shelley Ullom, MOT, OTR/L

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TIP OF THE MONTH

HOLIDAY HAZARDS Holiday gatherings, though fun, can pose a risk for children, particularly when they’re not at a child-proofed home. Stay alert to potential dangers and keep the following out of your child’s reach to ensure a safe holiday season: Holly, mistletoe, evergreens and poinsettias: They can be poisonous depending on the quantity ingested.

Purses or bags: They may contain medications, cigarettes, alcohol or other dangers.

Decor: Beware of decorations that are choking hazards, broken ornaments and trees that children may pull on.

Leftovers: Clean up immediately — even a couple of ounces of alcohol left in a glass can be fatal to a curious toddler, and food can be a choking hazard.

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47

family fun: RECYCLED FUN

The No-Sew Fabric Memory Collage FROM THE STAFF AT THE OHIO CRAFT MUSEUM

As children outgrow clothes, blankets, and other textile items, you may find yourself reluctant to toss them out. Often, the clothes of our loved ones hold precious memories that we want to keep forever. With this project, you and your children can upcycle clothes and other fabric items into sweet little works of art, just in time for gift-giving.

MATERIALS: Fabric scraps Scissors Two-sided fusible web with a paper backing (you can find this at a fabric store)

Thin cardboard, like a piece of a cereal box

Embellishments like beads, buttons, ribbon, etc

Craft glue, like Aleene’s Tacky Glue

Empty CD Case

Thin cloth, like an old dishtowel (to use as a press cloth)

Paint brush (optional)

Tab from soda can or ribbon loop

INSTRUCTIONS: For the grownup (or older child): 1. Prepare your fabrics: Cut clothes along inner seams to make pieces of fabric that lie flat. Cut your fabric pieces into smaller scraps, approximately 5-inch square or smaller.

2. Attach the fusible webbing: Following the directions on the package, iron one side of the webbing onto the back your fabric pieces, using a thin towel or other cloth on top of the fusible webbing to protect your iron. (You should end up with a piece of fabric that has the paperbacked web melted on to the back. Do not remove the paper!) Or, instead of using fusible webbing, you can use craft glue to attach your pieces in step 9.

3. Carefully remove the front of the CD case and cut a piece of thin cardboard to fit inside.

4. Select a piece of web-backed fabric for the background.

Cut the fabric to completely cover the cardboard square from step 3. Keep fabric square and cardboard for later.

6. Have your child draw on the paper side of the fabric to make shapes for the collage. Try to use a variety of fabrics. For instance, if your child is making a self-portrait, he/she can make a shirt and pants out of separate fabrics.

7. An adult should use scissors to cut out the fabric shapes.

Children can peel the paper from the webbing, making sure the webbing doesn’t peel off the fabric entirely.

8. Have your child arrange the shapes on the fabric square from step 4. Keep the paper on the fabric square, for now.

9. An adult should use the iron and press cloth to attach the shapes to the background, ironing slowly so the shapes do not move. Once all the pieces are secure, peel the paper from the background and attach it to the cardboard square, moving the iron slowly over the whole collage. Or, you can glue your fabric pieces to the background, using craft glue and a paintbrush.

10. Using craft glue, add embellishments to your creation, For the whole family: 5. When your fabrics and background are ready, your child can start creating a collage. First, ask him/her to think about what kind of scene they’d like to create. Perhaps they want to make a self-portrait, or illustrate a favorite memory of 2010. Sketch some ideas on scrap paper.

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VOILA! You have made a fabric memory collage, perfect to use as a tree ornament, to hang on the wall, or even to send in the mail to a loved one.

Since you have the fabrics prepared, try making more than one!

such as beads, buttons, ribbon, etc.

11. Let your collage dry for several hours before sliding it into the CD case.

12. If desired, cover the top part of the CD case with a scrap of ribbon and some glue. Glue a soda can tab or loop of ribbon to the back of the CD case for hanging.

This month’s recycled-fun project is brought to you by The Ohio Craft Museum, located at 1665 W. Fifth Ave., Grandview. The museum has free admission and free parking year-round.

Now on view is “Gifts of the Craftsmen” holiday exhibition and sale. The museum is also offering gift-making workshops for children aged 6-12 on Dec. 11, 18, 20 and 21. In this one-day workshop children will create two projects suitable for gift-giving, complete with gift wrap. The cost is $25, and pre-registration is required.

Call 614-486-4402 to sign up.

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Seek. Buy. Drive. columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

49

family fun: EATING OUT WITH KIDS

Biddie’s

Coach House

BIDDIE’S COACH HOUSE 76 S. High St., Dublin 614-764-9359 biddies.com Price: Sandwiches and salads range from $9 to $12; children’s meals are $8 and include mac and cheese or a sandwich, fruit, and soup or salad; Victorian Tea is $19 per person.

Hours: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Reservations required for Victorian Tea on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

THE MOM SAYS:

I’m going to start this review by stating I had never been to Biddie’s Coach House before. I don’t have a history of trips to the historic Dublin tea house with my mother, or fond memories of wedding or baby showers there. So when I say that Biddie’s is a treasure, you can rest assured this is an objective first impression.

Think of what it’s like to hug your grandmother: warm, comforting, full of good smells and happy smiles. Walking into Biddie’s gives you the same feeling.

The quilted table cloths, flowered wall paper, and mismatched tea cups lend the place a cozy and feminine air — the perfect setting for a girls’ day out with my 9-year-old daughter, my best friend and her 6-year-old daughter.

Biddie’s has a full menu of “ladies’ luncheon” type foods, such as quiche, chicken salad and baked brie, as well as children’s meals. However, we chose to experience the Victorian Tea, which is only available on Wednesdays and Saturdays by reservation.

Our server started us off by giving us a choice of tea, coffee, Coke products, lemonade or punch. The girls chose lemonade (pink, of course), which arrived in a pink polkadotted tea pot.

We were then treated to a heart-shaped bowl of broccoli cheese soup. As our server set the bowls in front of the girls, she said, “I heart you!” I expected an eye-roll from my sometimes world-weary 9-year-old, but instead got a delighted grin.

The soup was delicious — very cheddary with a mild broccoli flavor. The moms both loved it, but the girls were not huge fans.

Next, plates of sandwiches, scones, fruit and desserts were set on a tiered serving stand. The sandwiches that day were egg salad, chicken salad, tomato on swirled rye, a brie puff, and ham and Swiss with apricot jam. The scones were plain, but included bowls of jam and Devonshire cream. Brownie wedges, angel food cake and blueberry bars topped the tier.

The moms loved the food and enjoyed the variety, but agreed that it wasn’t particularly kid-friendly. The girls, despite being adventurous eaters, were happiest with the fruit and desserts.

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DANIEL SOHNER PHOTOS

Our observant server surprised us by delivering heartshaped bowls of macaroni and cheese (which was not on the Victorian Tea menu) to the grateful girls. It was of the boxed Kraft variety and was a big hit.

The service is truly the best part of the Biddie’s experience. Our server obviously loved children and treated them like they were her grandchildren. We found all of the staff to be warm and attentive — they seemed to know just when we needed them, but gave us space to enjoy our time together.

The price for the Victorian Tea ($19 per person) is a little high, especially since the girls didn’t love most of the food.

When I go back with my daughter, I will most likely order

off the menu. The prices are reasonable and the food is more kid-friendly.

The women’s restroom was very clean and big enough for two people. However, there were no diaper-changing facilities. We didn’t have a man with us to check out the men’s room, but my guess is that it’s rarely used. Biddie’s doesn’t seem like the kind of place that gets a lot of male customers.

Overall, Biddie’s Coach House is a wonderful place for special occasions with the women in your life. The staff goes out of their way to ensure that moms and daughters have a lovely experience. Our girls were already asking to come back as we were heading out the door.

—TRUDA SHINKER

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THE KID SAYS:

When we got into Biddie’s, I noticed that it looked old fashioned. It looked like your great-grandma’s house if she loved to collect antiques. While a lady showed us to our table, I saw that the table cloths were quilts.

Overall, I didn’t really like the food. But I loved the brownies, the angel food cake and the tomato sandwich.

The lemonade was good too. Our waitress gave me macaroni and cheese when she saw that I wasn’t eating much, and that was good!

The service was awesome! I liked when our waitress gave me macaroni and cheese. It was nice when she put lemonade in our teacups because I could act like I was drinking tea even though I wasn’t.

I would recommend Biddie’s Coach House to girls who like finger food and grandmas who miss the olden days. I don’t think boys would like it, but they would scarf down the desserts.

—EMMA SHINKER

THE FOOD

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FAVORITE BITE BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

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columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

51

family fun: COOKING WITH KIDS

Cookies for Kids

When making treats is about more than just cooking!

BY JANE HAWES

What’s the newest off-the-menu item at Hoggy’s Restaurant in Gahanna? No, it’s not some newfangled barbecue dish or another way to get your kids to eat their sweet potatoes. It’s cookies.

About a year ago, Hoggy’s regional manager Libby Haag heard about Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a fundraising program based in New Jersey, that encourages people to bake and sell cookies to raise money for pediatric cancer research. She and fellow Hoggy’s employee Alexis Webb introduced the fundraiser at Hoggy’s Grandview location, and when Webb transferred to the Gahanna site this year, she brought the idea with her.

Webb has since expanded the event to include kids in the cookie preparation. As Webb surveyed the long table she had set up in the restaurant’s lobby one bright autumn afternoon, she was pleased with the array of bright and sugary cookie-decorating treats she had found.

“This is just vanilla icing,” she said, pointing out the bowls of frosting in a rainbow of colors.”I didn’t know they had cool neon colors, but they do.”

In addition to neon green, lavender, pink, blue and yellow shades of icing, Webb had assembled bowls of miniature chocolate chips, gum drops, Hershey’s kisses, sprinkles and spray icing for staff members’ and patrons’ children to use.

Webb also provided the kids with sugar cookie bases, preordered from a local supermarket, leaving the homemade baking to her staffers who had made dozens and dozens of chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal-raisin cookies, double-chocolate brownies and confetti bars for the bake sale which ran all weekend.

The idea with the cookie decorating is to make the process as fun and age-accessible as possible. From 2-yearold Perry Kniseley-Haag to 10-year-old Jenna Miller, the table was a magnet for kids and creativity.

The result? A lot of cookies heaped with icing and sugar condiments, and a lot of money raised for kids with cancer.

Each time Hoggy’s has hosted a cookie bake sale, they’ve raised anywhere from $250 to $400. And they’re already planning their next one for the weekend of Dec. 17-19.

HOGGY’S 1370 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna 614-855-7427 HOURS: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday

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DANIEL SOHNER PHOTOS

HOW TO HELP According to the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Foundation, 30 years ago 90 percent of children diagnosed with cancer did not survive the disease. Now, 75 percent of children with cancer survive, but work continues to find less toxic forms of treatment. For more about this organization, visit cookiesforkidscancer.org.

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COOKIE DECORATING BAR SET UP TIME: 15 minutes CLEAN UP TIME: probably more than 15 minutes INGREDIENTS: • Base cookies: sugar cookies are the best “canvas” to work with • Frosting: set different colors with their own frosting knives in separate bowls • Sugar condiments: the sky’s the limit! Mini-chocolate chips and gum drops are great for little hands.

Keep a bowl handy when “sprinkling” cookies.

Spray icing can be fun but it’s easy to overdo it!

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columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

53

family fun: PARTIES

a

o n B u cing

Good Birthday

BY JANE HAWES PHOTOS BY DANIEL SOHNER

Haven Woodruff had just pulled into the party room at Sky Zone Recreation Center in Lewis Center, ready for the food-consumption portion of the proceedings. The 11-year-old birthday girl, along with her twin sister Harley, spent the previous hour bouncing on the wall-to-wall trampolines in the popular new facility, which opened in September.

“You think because you’re having so much fun that the time will just fly by,” Haven, a resident of Centerburg, said, “but it’s really tiring. I think I feel like I’ve been jumping for seven hours.”

Not that Haven was complaining, mind you. It’s just one heckuva workout, all that bouncing. But Sky Zone is also the hottest new party destination in Central Ohio.

Like paint ball and laser tag before it, trampolining is what kids want right now.

WHAT IS IT? Sky Zone is basically a warehouse with a long, elevated, rectangular field of flat and tilted trampolines, separated by padded walkways. One section is just for bouncing and “rouncing” (a.k.a. bouncing in a running manner), and the other, smaller section is a Sky Zone employee-supervised arena for continuous dodgeball games.

According to general manager Elizabeth Foy, a maximum of 65 people is admitted to the field of trampolines each hour. And everyone has to wear facility-issued booties (which are heavily Lysoled between wearings).

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KID TIPS

To make the most of your bouncy time, here are some kid-friendly tips from kids: • It’s easier to get warmed up by playing dodgeball first.

• Take lots of breaks to rest your legs.

• Drink water often because you work up a sweat very quickly!

HOW DOES IT WORK? Not surprisingly, party bookings are piling up fast, said Foy. By mid-November, she said they were booked five weeks out for parties.

The “Jump Around Party” is the most basic option: For a minimum of 10 guests and $18 each on weekends and holidays ($15 each during the week), you get an hour of jump time, then a very efficient 40 minutes in one of two party rooms where you also receive two large pizzas and three pitchers of soft drinks.

You can purchase more pizzas, pitchers, a birthday cake, frozen treats, T-shirts and other a la carte items, but Sky Zone also lets you bring in your own cake, which Haven and Harley’s mom, Angeline Giffin, said was a real money-saver. She brought her own cupcakes for their party of 11 kids, ages 4 through 12.

Another perk with a party booking: You get to put all your coats, shoes and paraphernalia on a cart that’s tucked away safely in your party room. A lot of people forego the 25-cent and 50-cent rental fees on the 62 available lockers, and just dump their belongings wherever.

PARENT TIPS • • • •

•

See kid tips if you’re going to jump, too!

But if you aren’t, there are tables and wide-screen TVs to watch. Phone reception is decent inside the building, but it gets very loud in there!

The snack bar has drinks and snacks (and not all of them are unhealthy) in the $1 to $2 range.

The facility is generous with the disinfectant spray and wipes, but you still might want to bring your own bottles of water or juice to drink, and avoid the communal water fountain.

Sky Zone is very welcoming to the physically challenged, but you would need to work with the staff to make the appropriate arrangements.

SKY ZONE RECREATION CENTER 459 Orange Point Dr., Lewis Center 740-548-4004 columbus.skyzonesports.com

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

55

family fun: HANDS ON

Family

Tree Cards

BY EMILY WESTENHOUSER & OLIVERA BRATICH

Add a special touch to your holiday cards this year by creating them together as a family. Using simple shapes to represent each member of the family, the cards you send will be both personal and seasonal.

And they’ll put everyone in the holiday spirit!

HOW YOU DO IT: 1. Using a pencil and ruler, draw a rectangle

WHAT YOU NEED: • 12-inch ruler • pencil • white, red, blue and green cardstock • straight scissors • decorative-edge scissors • craft glue • glue stick • pile of scrap craft materials: fabric, trims, felt, glitter, paper, etc.

56

colored paper, fabric and felt. To really personalize them, have each family member cut their own triangles out of their favorite materials. Then sort them into piles of the “mom” triangles, the big brother/sister triangles, the little brother/sister triangles, etc.

2. Cut out this rectangle and fold it in half lengthwise. This will serve as the base of the card. Repeat this step for as many cards as you want to make.

3. Use decorative scissors to cut out a smaller

6. Arrange the triangles/pine trees on the card

rectangle out of white cardstock. You can also just cut strips of white cardstock to lay in a frame shape on top of your base card. These white shapes will represent a wintry snow!

4. Using a ruler again, draw a triangle on the green cardstock that is 1.5 inches long on each side. Each triangle you cut out is a pine tree that will represent a member of

WHO THOUGHT THIS UP

5. Cut these multiple triangles out of green

measuring 10.25 inches long by 7 inches wide on a piece of green or red cardstock.

EMILY WESTENHOUSER is the owner of Umbrella Girl Productions. Her hair scarves, sewn stationery and potholders are sold at fairs, fests and retail stores. She’s also an artist educator for children and adults. For more info, visit umbrellagirlproductions.com

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

your family. Feel free to make larger or smaller triangles based on the size of your family member — just make sure they are the same length on each side!

as if they were in a forest. Glue paper pieces down with a glue stick. Glue fabric or felt down with a craft or fabric glue. (Tip: If you’re gluing fabric to paper, only a small amount of glue is necessary! Just make sure to apply it right around the edges.)

7. Use bits and pieces from your scrap materials to decorate your pine tree forest!

OLIVERA BRATICH is the owner of Wholly Craft!, located at 3169 N. High St. in Clintonville. The shop features handmade goods from more than 100 artists and crafters, plus craft classes for teens and adults. For more info, go to whollycraft.net

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NOVEMBER 24 - JANUARY 5, 2010 Thousands of twinkling lights Hundreds of poinsettias Gingerbread display New fairy-tale themed garden railway Programs and fun activities for all ages FAMILY ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT Musical, magical, and theatrical acts Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crafts & gift making Holiday Day Camp, Dec. 20 - 23 Kids-only cooking classes CANDLELIGHT NIGHTS - 5 - 8 p.m.

Dec. 1,8, 15, 22, & 29 Musical entertainment, holiday cheer and special Palm House dinners.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Saturday, December 11, 8:30 a.m.

For reservations, call 614.645.1756

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It had been about two years since we visited the AHA! A Hands-On Adventure Children’s Museum in Lancaster, and I wondered if the kids, now 4 and 6 years old, would love it as much as they had on previous visits.

(We brought along a 3-year-old friend for good measure.)

I had no reason to worry. The boys had a blast exploring the museum’s two rooms dedicated to creative and sensory play.

As in previous visits, they were drawn to the center’s awesome water table. The four-sided table has several spouts to which kids can attach PVC pipes. Using joints and more pipes they can send water all over the table — and themselves. It’s great “cause and effect” fun. (You definitely want to pack an extra dry shirt.)

The kids also loved the performing stage with lights, a sound system and racks of costumes. Our boys left their super-hero costumes on after sharing the stage with other visitors, and they played for a long time on the hiveshaped climbing structure.

The stage area has nice seating for caregivers to sit, though some areas of the museum have no seating for parents.

AHA! A HANDS-ON ADVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 315 S. Broad St., Lancaster 740-653-1010 aha4kids.org

Photos courtesy the AHA! Museum

HOURS: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12 noon-4 p.m., Sunday COST: $5 per person TIP: Use the museum’s free lockers to stow diaper bags and coats. There’s a large table in front of the building where families can picnic, but it’s near the road so keep a watch on little ones.

The museum’s newest addition, an 11-foot fire engine, also was a huge hit.

The boys donned fire gear before they jumped into the truck, turned on sirens and extinguished imaginary fires.

Later the boys dropped a line into the “pond” and caught some magnetized fish. The pond is a great exhibit but requires close supervision: It’s easy for kids to accidentally whack each other with the pole or magnetic bait.

Youngsters with an interest in construction will want to install foam bricks at the under-construction house, a great display that also helps with

shape recognition.

Little ones will find Ball Mountain an inviting stop, where they can drop colored balls down various tubes to see where they emerge.

The museum has enough exhibits to entertain kids for several hours. The only way I could convince my crew to break for lunch was by promising to return after we ate. The museum does not sell food, nor does it have a dining area. There are plenty of fast-food options on nearby Route 33 if you want to leave for a bite to eat or grab something on your way home.

family fun: PLAYGROUND PATROL

Recreations Outlet

BY JANE HAWES

MIDDLE

SCHOOL

4401 Hilton Corporate Dr. Col www.NewMediaMiddle.org • (6

It’s ingenious marketing, when you think about it.

You’ve got a warehouse full of play sets and trampolines. You want to sell them.

But they’re not exactly an impulse purchase for most families, at $3,000 to $4,000 a pop.

So what do you do?

You pave the floor with rubberized matting and open the warehouse to anyone who wants to come inside and play.

And then you hope the kids will nag their parents into buying something.

That’s the concept behind the play space at Recreations Outlet, a purveyor of Rainbow Play Systems, Springfree trampolines, Step 2 toys and Goalsetter Systems basketball hoops.

The Cincinnati-based company has three locations in Ohio, including one in Powell. The Powell site is open for free playtime three times a week and then offers Play Pass memberships and/or drop-in rates during the remaining business hours. But nobody pressures you with sales pitches for the play sets and big toys.

FREE TUITION

68 GRADE th

th

NOWENROLLING!

DANIEL SOHNER PHOTOS

RECREATIONS OUTLET 484 W. Olentangy St., Powell 614-792-3700 recreationsoutlet.com HOURS: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday , 12-5 p.m. Sunday

NewMediaMiddle.org All you do is fill out a waiver and then hang out.

The free times at the Powell location — which has about a dozen huge play sets, two trampolines, a dozen basketball hoops at various heights, and a fleet of scooters and pedal toys — are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays

are open only to Play Pass members. Drop-in rates at all other times are $4.25 for ages 1 and older. An annual membership is $99 for one child, $129 for two, and $20 each for any children after that in a family.

There are bathrooms and a water fountain, plus plenty of Adirondack chairs (also for sale) to sit on in the

space. There’s also a Toy Barn with discounted Step 2 play sets available.

Though it skews toward the younger set, older children seem welcome and in fact are revered by the little ones. Plus plenty of parents we saw were shooting hoops.

From what we experienced here, it’s a great indoor play destination.

Mutual trust and respect are the foundation of our schools. This has created a safe environment for our kids to be true to themselves, and reach their full potential.

Our seats are filling fast, so apply online, take a tour and see for yourself the difference we can make in your child’s confidence, education and life.

Learn more at NewMediaMiddle.org or call (614) 448-7203 columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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family fun: MEDIA REVIEWS “Little Owl Lost” “A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea”

by Chris Haughton Sleepy Little Owl takes a tumble from his nest!

Toddler When he wakes up on the ground, Little Owl through Preschool asks Squirrel if he’s seen his mommy. Squirrel is ages. convinced he knows where Mommy Owl is, but keeps taking Little Owl to animals who are definitely not Mommy! Will they be able to find her?

Bright, funny illustrations add lots of charm to this reassuring story.

“It’s Christmas, David!”

s k o bo S

“Snow Party”

by Harriet Zeifert, illustrated by Mark Jones After the first snow of the season, snow people gather to celebrate the first day of winter. Lights are strung, food is made and the dance floor is ready! The Preschool snow people eat, dance and party and up. until the grand finale — snow-white butterflies circle above bringing a fresh, gentle snow. Beautiful, glowing illustrations bring to life this charming winter fantasy.

BOOKS FOR PARENTS “MINI SHOPAHOLIC” by Sophie Kinsella This is the latest offering from one of the original chick-lit authors (was it really 10 years ago that British writer Kinsella began publishing her odes to conspicuous consumption?).

While I have sometimes found her protagonist Becky Bloomwood Brandon’s self-centeredness a bit much, I was pleasantly surprised by how deftly Kinsella handled her themes and characters this time. Who knew a twit mom, a world-class brat and macroeconomic disaster could be so entertaining and morally uplifting? —JANE HAWES

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

KID

FOR

by David Shannon Fans of “No David!” will enjoy watching him try to stay out of trouble at Christmas time. Can David resist the temptation of hidGreat for den presents, Christpreschoolers. mas cookies or throwing snowballs? Will there be a lump of coal under the tree on Christmas morning?

David Shannon’s wildly expressive illustrations bring to life all the excitement and tension of holiday time.

by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes Like most children, you probably think a pig parade is a terrific idea. Well, you are wrong. Why? Well, did Preschool you know pigs will not march in and up. a line? And that they refuse to wear their majorette uniforms?

This hilarious book explores all the reasons a pig parade will not turn out the way you might imagine it! The deadpan humor mixed with uproarious illustration is sure to deliver giggles time and again.

“Buzz Boy and Fly Guy”

by Tedd Arnold Fly Guy is Buzz’s pet fly. In their latest adventure, they appear as superheroes in a story Buzz has written about them. Pirates have attacked, taken their house and hidden it in a dragon cave! Now they’re trapped on an island far away. How will they make it back home?

Ages 5 The popular “Fly and up.

Guy” early reader series has simple, silly text, humorous illustrations and lots of boy-appeal.

“As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth”

by Lynne Rae Perkins Being left behind by his train in the middle-ofnowhere-Montana is just the beginning of 16-yearAges 12 and up. old Ry’s troubles. On the way to archaeology camp, he finds out it’s canceled, his parents are adrift in the Caribbean, his grandpa back home just fell down a sinkhole and no one has a working cell phone. All of this leads to an epic and wryly funny cross-country road trip for Ry. – DIANNA SPENCER, YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN, NEW ALBANY BRANCH OF COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARIES

MAKE IT A WOW! FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT! FAMILY APPS

What A Movie!

The App Store currently has two programs with the very same name. However, it’s hard to imagine two apps that are more different than this pair. —PHIL PIKELNY

with Buzz Fitzgerald

Check Out Reviews Of Current WOW! OnDemand Movies!

“Food Fight!”

“Food Fight!”

by Glenn Melenhorst This interactive children’s book sells for $1.99 and plays on any iOS device (but it’s most enjoyable on the iPad). The story is a tale about two boys — Tim who eats nothing but sausages and Sammy, a sausage who eats nothing but little boys. The youngsters work out their differences by the end of this delightful story. Along the way, you and your youngster will enjoy the more than 80 interactive elements that appear each time you turn a page.

by Kirby Stephens Design This free game plays out the story of a Chef and his menacing food. The Chef can take on his food foes one at a time in a 12-course meal or can battle them in a Mixed Salad Challenge. The Chef can jump or throw his copper pot as he wages the “good” fight. The art isn’t as rich as the art in the interactive story, but it features profiles of the food foes and shakable snow globes.

www.columbusparent.com/calendar REVIEWS COMING UP IN DECEMBER:

Toy Story 3 December 2-8

Inception December 9-15

Disney’s A Christmas Carol December 16-22

WEBSITE www.rif.org/kids/leadingtoreading This vibrant site for online games and activities helps your child get ready to read. Created by the Reading Is Fundamental organization, it’s designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Along with songs, action rhymes, games and picture books, there’s a Grown Ups section with videos, articles and advice on building your little one’s early literacy skills.

—DIANNA SPENCER

Legend Of Gaurdians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole Dec 30-Jan 5

MAKE IT A WOW! FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT!

GAMES “FlingSmash” Nintendo likes to roll out new hardware with fun games and “FlingSmash,” which comes with the new Wii Remote including Wii Motion Plus.

“FlingSmash” is a fun title where players whip their controllers while sending cute fuzzballs soaring into obstacles in an effort to clear the boards.

Use two controllers to work together in two-player cooperation mode. Rated E for Everyone, $40 for Nintendo Wii.

Sorcerer’s Apprentice December 23-29

• GATHER THE FAMILY • GET THE SNACKS • GET COMFY!

“Rock Band 3” The latest plastic band video game takes steps to not just entertain but educate. The addition of a keyboard instrument and new music teaching modes make “Rock Band 3” a great introduction to learning a musical instrument for the whole family. Rated T for Teen, $60 ($130 with Keyboard) for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii. —SHAWN SINES

• CHOOSE A GREAT FAMILY MOVIE FROM THE LARGE SELECTION AT WOW! OnDemand

Don’t have WOW? Go to wowway.com or call 1-888-715-4719 today! columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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december 2010

OUT&ABOUT WEDNESDAY 1 Art Attack! Make a mess (or a masterpiece) during this hands-on art activity for kids 6-11. 4-4:45 p.m.

Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-8827277 ext 5006. westervillelibrary.org.

Candlelight Nights The glow of hundreds of candles and twinkling holiday lights create a unique ambiance. The Garden Cafe will offer food and beverages, and the Botanica gift shop will be open late for holiday shopping. 5-8 p.m. $6$11 . Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East.

614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Hanukka in the House Make a 2010 keepsake: paint a clay dreidel, Make a menorah handprint plate or paint your own ceramic menorah. 6 p.m., reservations and fee required, Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Lane, Powell, 614-932-3000. marcysclayground.com Holidays at the Conservatory A Central Ohio tradition, Holidays at the Conservatory will be merry and bright with hundreds of poinsettias, the traditional ten-foot poinsettia tree, a Paul Busse music box garden railway, the fourth annual gingerbread competition, and much more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under 3). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Palm House Candlelight Dinner Enjoy an exceptional dinner in the warm surroundings of the John F. Wolfe Palm House decorated specially for the holidays. Perfect for a

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holiday evening out for couples or a small group, these more formal dinners feature delicious meals made from scratch with local ingredients by the Conservatory’s Garden Café..

Reservations are required. 6-8 p.m. $55; $20 (children 4-10); free for children three and under. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-1756. fpconservatory.org.

Wildlights Turn up the wattage on your holiday season with Wildlights at the Zoo, We’ve decked the halls, trees, bushes, everything but the animals, with all new ecofriendly LED lights to bring you brightest Wildlights display ever! 59 p.m. $8: Ages two-nine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell. 614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

THURSDAY 2 Cocktails at the Conservatory Meet friends and colleagues on the rooftop gardens (or inside the Conservatory as weather permits) for a full bar selection, small plates, and a monthly drink special. 5:30-10 p.m. $10 (includes $10 in food and drink tokens). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East.

614-645-1800. fpconservatory.org.

Creative Minds Open Art Studio: Ages 2 to 6 Explore various art forms in a safe and lively environment. Although all ages are welcome, there is a special focus on creating a space for children ages six and under. Reservations are encouraged. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Oneday pass: $8; 10-day pass: $70.

Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Wester-

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

ville. 614-890-8202. creativemindsopenartstudio.com.

First Friday Movies Kids, how about catching a hot new DVD release on the big screen at the library? Bring your best buddy (and a snack if you wish)! 3:15-5 p.m.

Free. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Grandview. 614-481-3778. ghpl.org.

Fur, Fins & Feathers 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. $5/$10. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown.

614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas Opening with a tree lighting ceremony, the Historical Village will be adorned in holiday decorations and lights.

Scheduled activities include: trolley rides, Santa visits, music, and plays.

Businesses in downtown Hilliard will also offer specials. 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard.

614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Photobooth Fun It’s all the fun of the traditional photobooth! Come in and get your pictures, sure to be a hit for all ages! 6-9 p.m. $4 per picture. Scottie’s Coffee & Tea House, 660 High St., Worthington. 614-4309055. scottiescoffee.com.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

FRIDAY 3 Center Stage Players presents Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical First presented

JONATHAN QUILTER/DISPATCH PHOTO

WILDLIGHTS AT THE COLUMBUS ZOO Nov. 19 through Jan. 1: Chances are you already know it’s Wildlights time at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, but if you’re trying to time your visit to get the most out of it, it might help to know details about the daily schedule: 5 p.m. — In the African Forest section, celebrate Colo’s Christmas. See the Gorillas and Bonobos before they settle in for a long winter’s night with a special viewing.

6:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. — On Fridays and Saturdays, catch the Animals on Safari show at Conservation Lake’s performance space. From Sunday through Thursday, there’s one show at 7:15 p.m. Be sure to arrive early because the doors close when the show starts. The shows also won’t take place if outdoor temperatures fall below 20.

7 p.m. — On Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, watch Scuba Santa feed the creatures of the Aquarium, in the Shores building.

7 p.m. — At the entrance to the Holiday Encounters Village, enjoy music from local groups every evening.

www.columbuszoo.org

as a TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement, Nuncrackers features the nuns you love (plus Father Virgil), and four of Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students. 8-10:15 p.m. $15. Axis Nightclub, 775 N. High St., German Village. 866-250-4832.

Creative Minds Open Art Studio various art forms in a safe and lively environment. Although all ages are welcome, there is a special focus on creating a space for children under 18 months old. Reservations are encouraged. 9-9:45 a.m. One-day pass: $8; 10-day pass: $70. Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614890-8202. creativemindsopenartstudio.com.

Drawing Room Theatre: A Broadway Christmas Carol A little song, a little dance, a little eggnog down your pants? A Broadway Christmas Carol is a delightful and unexpected mix of show tune song parodies featuring Charles Dickens’ classic story of the redeemed miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $15. Club Diversity, 863 S. High St., German Village. 866-250-4832.

Kitchen Fundamentals: Holiday Cocktails Join Conservatory educators, Jen and Julia, in making classic holiday cocktails, and learn a few new drinks to ring in the new year. Classics include: Spiked Egg Nog, the Classic Martini, and the Manhattan. New drinks include the Snowflake and Nuts n’ Holly. 6-8 p.m. $35. Franklin Park

Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-5923. fpconservatory.org.

Mistletoe Market Reminiscent of the German Kristkindl Markt, this holiday shopping market brings old-world winter charm to Grove City’s historic Town Center. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment, along with a Christmas parade, ice sculpture, live reindeer, and the Grove City tree lighting. Fun for all ages! 5-9 p.m. Free. Grove City Town Center, Downtown Grove City. 614-539-8762. grovecitytowncenter.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas Opening with a tree lighting ceremony, the Historical Village will be adorned in holiday decorations and lights.

Schedules activities include: trolley rides, Santa, music, and plays. Businesses in downtown Hilliard will be decorated and offer specials. 6-8 p.m. Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard. 614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Toddler Time Join us for a morning of fun, play, and arts and crafts. A wide variety of large and fine motor skills equipment will be available. This program will benefit your child by increasing social skills and encouraging family involvement. Children up to sixmonths old are allowed to accompany at no charge. Every child or family of children must be accompanied by an adult. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $3. Westerville Community

Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614-901-6500. westerville.org.

SATURDAY 4

Wildlights 5-10 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

Art Around Town Art around town will include gallery games, art making activities, art challenges, discussions, and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, 777 Evening St., Worthington.

614-431-0329. mcconnellarts.org

Winterfair 2010 Annual juried fair of fine art and crafts by more than 400 artists from across the country.

Expect to find blown glass, functional pottery, jewelry, fine wearables, painting, sculpture, photography, and more. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Adults: $7; Children 12 and under: free (free return admission). Ohio State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave., 614-486-4402. ohiocraft.org.

Center Stage Players presents Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical First presented as a TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement, Nuncrackers features the nuns you love (plus Father Virgil), and four of Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students. 8-10:15 p.m. $15. Axis Nightclub, 775 N. High St., German Village. 866-250-4832.

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dec 2010 Christmas Candlelighting Share in the tradition of lighting the Christmas tree (and your own candle), where you can enjoy art with Santa, strolling carolers, horsedrawn carriage rides, free hotmulled cider and cookies, and other holiday festivities. Noon-7 p.m. Free.

Historic Roscoe Village, 600 N. Whitewoman St. 800-877-1830. roscoevillage.com.

Drawing Room Theatre: A Broadway Christmas Carol A little song, a little dance, a little eggnog down your pants? A Broadway Christmas Carol is a delightful and unexpected mix of show tune song parodies featuring Charles Dickens’ classic story of the redeemed miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $15. Club Diversity, 863 S. High St., German Village. 866-250-4832.

Festival of Trees Come see the great Christmas trees! This event will benefit the Women’s City Club and the Andrews House of Delaware Ohio. While there, purchase your ticket to the NNA Historic Holiday Home tour. There will be a silent auction of the trees.

Noon-9 p.m. The Women’s City Club, 135 N. Franklin St., Delaware.

614-406-0020. wccdelaware.org.

Free Crafts for Kids The Lakeshore Learning Store is offering free craft activities for kids ages three and up at all locations. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

Lakeshore Learning, 2148 Polaris Pkwy., 614-846-1710. lakeshorelearning.com.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard.

614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Saturday Tales Forget Saturday morning cartoons! Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and fun for the entire family every Saturday. 1111:30 a.m. Free. Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville.

614-882-7277 ext 5006. westervillelibrary.org.

Short North Gallery Hop Monthly cultural and arts gathering showcasing the latest gallery exhibitions, shopping, street performances, dining, and prime peoplewatching. 4-10 p.m. Free. Short North District, Along North High Street between Fifth Avenue and Nationwide Boulevard. 614-2998050. shortnorth.org.

Sleeping Beauty Columbus City Ballet presents the timeless fairy tale ballet as danced by children.

The ballet will feature dancers ages five to 18 from the Columbus metro area. 3-5 p.m. $24/$26.

Capitol Theatre, 77 S. High St., Downtown. 614-384-0222. columbuscityballetschool.com.

Wildlights 5-10 p.m. $8: Ages two-nine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell. 614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

Winter Craft Bazaar Lots of craft items and jewelry. See you there! 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Asbury United Methodist Church, 4760 Winchester Pike. 614-837-4601. asburysouthumc.org.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS Be sure to check out our Go-To Guide this month for even more information about holiday lights and displays throughout Central Ohio and beyond!

SUNDAY 5 Center Stage Players presents Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical 4 p.m. $15. Axis Nightclub, 775 N. High St., German Village. 866-250-4832.

The Dublin Singers present ‘Tis the Season! 3-4 p.m. & 7-8 p.m. $7-$10. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 5475 Brand Rd., Dublin.

614-326-0051. dublinsingers.org Unity East Church Family Fun Nite Free. Unity East Church, 170 E Columbus St, Pickerington. 614920-4442. unityeastchurch.org.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

MONDAY 6 Drawing Room Theatre: A Broadway Christmas Carol 7:309:30 p.m. $15. Club Diversity, 863 S. High St., German Village.

Pee Wee Play Gym Set up like the popular Friday Toddler Time, but designed for children three years and younger (must be accompanied by an adult.) Children can explore large and small motor skills toys in a safe environment. Children under six months may accompany at no charge. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $3.

Westerville Community Center, 350

N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614901-6500. westerville.org.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

TUESDAY 7 Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre: Holiday Hollywood The NotQuite-Right Celebrity Impersonators are hosting a Christmas party brimming with impersonators, clients and guests. When one impersonator winds up dead, the detective impersonator must solve the crime.

7-9:30 p.m. $26 per person for dinner and show (tax and gratuity not included); reservations required.

Spaghetti Warehouse, 397 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-464-0143.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

WEDNESDAY 8

er, this year Winford Doke has left his assistant, Artie Isaac, to take over the holiday duties. Taking the stage with no time to prepare, and only Doke’s stubborn stage hand, Jo Anne, to help him through it, Artie faces down the ultimate December dilemma. 7-8:15 p.m. Pay What You Want. Studio Two Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., Downtown.

614-975-3764.

Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen Patrons can enjoy roasted chestnuts and cider at the Live Fire Cooking Theater as Santa and two of his live reindeer make a special appearance! 6-8 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Drawing Room Theatre: A Broadway Christmas Carol 7:309:30 p.m. $15. Club Diversity, 863 S. High St., German Village. 866-2504832.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

THURSDAY 9 Charity Newsies Annual Clothea-Child Gala and Auction Annual fundraising dinner for Charity Newsies. 100% of ticket sales, and silent and live auction proceeds, will benefit the nonprofit organization’s mission to provide free clothing to needy schoolchildren in Franklin County. 7:15-9:30 p.m. Aladdin Shrine Center, 3850 Stelzer Rd. 614263-4300. charitynewsies.org.

ConAm’s Annual Xmas Spectacu- ConAm’s Annual Xmas Spectacular Jew and improved! For 30 years, lar 7-8:15 p.m. Pay What You Want.

Studio Two Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 Winford Doke, CPA, has been the venerated host of ConAm’s Annual S. High St., Downtown. 614-9753764.

Xmas Spectacular, featuring Winford’s glorious rendition of Charles Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twoDickens’ A Christmas Carol. Howev- nine/Seniors 60 and older. $13:

FRIDAY 10 ConAm’s Annual Xmas Spectacular 8-9:15 p.m. Pay What You Want.

Studio Two Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., Downtown. 614-9753764.

Glass Axis Holiday Sale & Blown Glass Ornament Workshop Give the gift of handmade art glass created by Ohio artists at Glass Axis’s annual winter sale. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for unique glass gifts including blown glass, jewelry, stained glass, and more!

You may also make your own blown glass ornament for only $25.

Ornament workshops are 12-5pm each day; no registration required (for ages 12 and up). Noon-7 p.m.

Glass Axis, 1341 Norton Ave., Victorian Village. 614-291-4250. glassaxis.org.

Wildlights 5-10 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

SATURDAY 11 Breakfast with Santa Santa will join guests for breakfast in the Grand Atrium and a meet-andgreet photo opportunity. Reservations are required. 8:30-10 a.m. $30; $15 (non-members ages 3-10).

Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E.

Santa Claws 614-527-CAMP (2267) 5100 Nike Drive, Hilliard 64

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

www.campbowwow.com/hilliard

Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614645-1756. fpconservatory.org.

Charity Newsies Annual Paper Sale 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 614-263-4300. charitynewsies.org.

ConAm’s Annual Xmas Spectacular 8-9:15 p.m. Pay What You Want.

Studio Two Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., Downtown. 614-9753764.

Drawing Room Theatre: A Broadway Christmas Carol 7:309:30 p.m. $15. Club Diversity, 863 S. High St., German Village. 866-2504832.

Glass Axis Holiday Sale & Blown Glass Ornament Workshop Give the gift of handmade art glass created by Ohio artists at Glass Axis’s annual winter sale. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for unique glass gifts including blown glass, jewelry, stained glass, and more!

You may also make your own blown glass ornament for only $25.

Ornament workshops are 12-5pm each day; no registration required (for ages 12 and up). Noon-7 p.m.

Glass Axis, 1341 Norton Ave., Victorian Village. 614-291-4250. glassaxis.org.

GymSkills Open House Free gymnastics and tumbling class, featuring food, prizes, and a professional holiday family photo (with all rights given to you). 3-5 p.m. Free. GymSkills, 920 Science Blvd, Gahanna.

614-537-2172. gymskills.com.

Hand-Crafted Gift-Making Workshop for Kids In this one-day workshop inspired by The Ohio Craft Museum’s Gifts of the Craftsmen exhibition, children will create two projects suitable for gift-giving, complete with gift wrap! Participants need to bring a packed lunch.

Pre-registration is required. 10 a.m.2 p.m. $20 (includes supplies). Ohio Craft Museum, 1665 W. Fifth Ave., Grandview. 614-486-4402. ohiocraft.org.

Little Acorns: Getting Ready for Winter Do animals know winter is coming? During this exciting story time, children will be introduced to hibernation and migration, feeding animals during the winter, and how to make a suet bird feeder to take home. For children ages three to five, and their favorite adult. 10-11 a.m. $5 per child; parents free. Indian Village Outdoor Education Center, 3200 Indian Village Rd. 614-

6453380. columbusrecparks.com.

Wee One’s Two Weeks Before Christmas Celebration! Children ages 3 and up join us as we read “The Night Before Christmas” and create a holiday keepsake that can be given as a special gift this season or treasured for years to come! 10 a.m. Reservations required. Cost: $7 plus the cost of your project.

Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Lane, Powell, 614-932-3000. marcysclayground.com.

Wildlights 5-10 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

SUNDAY 12 Artist Holiday Sale Local artists will be selling affordable and original artwork for under $50. Noon-5 p.m. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, 777 Evening St., Worthington. 614-431-0329. mcconnellarts.org.

Children’s Gift Making Workshop Two mini workshops designed by local teachers/artists

for children grades one to six. All supplies included. Pre-registration is required (before the day of the workshop). Noon-5 p.m. Free .

McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, 777 Evening St., Worthington.

614-431-0329. mcconnellarts.org

Are you expecting?

Do you have a child under 4?

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Earn extra cash Strictly market research, no sales or gimmicks Get paid for your opinions!

ConAm’s Annual Xmas Spectacular 2-3:15 p.m. Pay What You Want.

Studio Two Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., Downtown. 614-9753764.

Glass Axis Holiday Sale & Blown Glass Ornament Workshop 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Glass Axis, 1341 Norton Ave., Victorian Village. 614-2914250. glassaxis.org.

Holiday Concerts Two-concert showcase (2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.) filled with holiday spirit. Both will include a performance by the Symphony’s Young Strings ensemble. 26 p.m. Adults: $20: Seniors: $17; Students: $6; Children: $4. Ohio Wesleyan University, Gray Chapel, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. 740-4174517. centralohiosymphony.org.

Holiday Cookies Workshop In this hands-on class, we’ll make several varieties of cookies from scratch, including Pecan Sandies, Scottish

Monday-Friday 9:00 am-9:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am-3:00 pm Sunday 4:00 pm-9:00 pm

Call us at

1-800-242-4118 and ask for Paula

7634 Crosswoods Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43235 Join our database at

www.delve.com

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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dec 2010

Seasons Life Coaching And Counseling Meeting the unique needs of Women & Mothers

Work through anxiety, depression, guilt, feelings of overwhelm, & low motivation.

Stop putting yourself last. We can help you make the first step to putting yourself on the list!

Shortbread, and Rugelach. At the end of the class, each participant will go home with an assortment of delicious holiday treats. Taught by Chef Laura Robertson-Boyd. 5-8 p.m. $35 . Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-6458733. fpconservatory.org.

Visit Seasons Seasons Life Life Coaching Coaching and and Counseling Counseling at at Visit

www.seasonscoaching-counseling.com

Indoor, glow-in-the-dark, 18 hole mini-golf

Come in over holiday break!

Call for our group rates!

B.O.G.O.

CP 12/10

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

Holiday Golden Spike Celebration Teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, The Depot Rail Museum presents its annual Christmas community open house where guests will be treated to a festive afternoon of fun. Tour restored rail cars decorated for the season as you visit with Santa. Ride the Scioto Valley Railroad North Pole Express through a winter wonderland for only $2. Children are encouraged to bring their Christmas Wish Lists for Santa. 1-4 p.m. Free with a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots; no stuffed animals accepted. The Depot Conference Center and Rail Museum, 921 Old Henderson Rd. 614-3245930. the-depot.org.

Santa Brunch at Pinnacle A holiday delight for the child in each of us! Enjoy a delectable breakfast buffet, a visit from St. Nick, and a trip to Santa’s workshop where little hands will assemble delightful crafts and enjoy other holiday surprises. 10 a.m. Children 4-12: $13; Adults: $20.

Pinnacle Golf Club, 1500 Pinnacle Club Dr., Grove City. 614-539-0722. discoverpinnacle.com.

The Worthington Chorus presents A Not So Silent Night Celebrate this Christmas with the Worthington Chorus’ presentation of traditional Christmas music, not so traditional music, a lot of ugly Christmas sweaters, and a special appearance by Santa Claus will get you in the spirit for this holiday season. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $10; free for children under 10 with paid admission. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, 777 Evening St. 614-8706430. worthingtonchorus.com.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

SHARI LEWIS/DISPATCH PHOTO

CHRISTMAS IS COMING Saturday, Dec. 4, at Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 S.R. 674 North, Canal Winchester.

Help deck the farmhouse in Victorian fashion. String popcorn, make an ornament to take home, and decorate the tree. 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

PRESCHOOLERS: OH DEER Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. Learn about the white-tailed deer through story, song and craft. Meet at the Cedar Ridge Lodge at 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Saturday, Dec. 18, at 8 a.m. at Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 U.S. Rt. 23 North, Lewis Center, and at Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, and at 10 a.m. at Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Westerville. Join in this annual National Audobon Society event. Hot cocoa served after each location’s count is completed.

FAMILY FUN SENSORY WALK Monday, Dec. 27, at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Rd. N.W., Carroll. Take a 2-mile trek on the sandstone ridge and search for animal tracks and other wildlife treasures. Meet at Springhouse Program Area at 1 p.m.

www.metroparks.net

MONDAY 13 ‘Mom and Me’ Paint Pottery We will read Eric Carle’s book “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” and create a plate or platter of a winter wonderland complete with a Polar Bear handprint and fluffy snowflakes. The ‘Mom and Me’ program runs the second Monday of each month beginning at 10 a.m. Reservation required. Cost is $7 plus the cost of your project.

Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Lane, Powell, 614-932-3000. marcysclayground.com.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

TUESDAY 14 Creative Minds Open Art Studio Drop-in arts space for children offering the opportunity to explore various art forms in a safe and lively environment. Although all ages are welcome, there is a special focus on creating a space for children ages six and under. Reservations are encouraged. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $8.

Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614-890-8202. creativemindsopenartstudio.com.

Fur, Fins & Feathers 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5/$10. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown.

614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org.

Holidays at the Conservatory 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre: Holiday Hollywood The NotQuite-Right Celebrity Impersonators are hosting a Christmas party brimming with impersonators, clients and guests. When one impersonator winds up dead, the detective impersonator must solve the crime.

7-9:30 p.m. $26 per person for dinner and show (tax and gratuity not included); reservations required.

Spaghetti Warehouse, 397 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-464-0143.

Olde Hilliard Christmas Opening with a tree lighting ceremony, the

Historical Village will be adorned in holiday decorations and lights throughout the month of December. Events will take place each weekend, including kid’s activities, trolley rides, Santa, music, and plays.

Businesses in downtown Hilliard will be decorated and offer specials. 6-8 p.m. Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard. 614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Story Time on the Farm Stories are a wonderful way to teach, engaging the imagination and spirit of a child. Set against the backdrop of a farm, the stories hold real-life meaning. Gather with your young ones to hear a monthly story and participate in a craft or activity. 1011 a.m. $5/family. Storytime on the Farm, 3083 Liberty Rd., Delaware.

740-363-2548. stratfordecologicalcenter.org.

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

Columbus School for Girls, continuing a 100 year tradition of excellence, provides a superior college preparatory education within a diverse and caring community that emphasizes leadership development in an atmosphere of moral and social responsibility.

Challenge Character Community Alice in Wonderland - Fall 2010

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

Alice in Wond

WEDNESDAY 15 Candlelight Nights 5-8 p.m. $6-$11 . Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Holidays at the Conservatory 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard.

614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE Thursday, January 13 • 9:00 am

Schedule a student visiting day December1•December7•January26 • 7:50 am - 2:45 pm Call our Admission Office to schedule an individual tour 614.252.0781

discover more about our school at columbusschoolforgirls.org

Palm House Candlelight Dinner 6-8 p.m. $55; $20 (children 4-10); free for children 3 and under.

Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614645-1756. fpconservatory.org.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell. 614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

67

YOU COULD WIN!

dec 2010 THURSDAY 16 Cocktails at the Conservatory 5:30-10 p.m. $10 (includes $10 in food/drink tokens). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-1800. fpconservatory.org.

Creative Minds Open Art Studio 9:30-11:30 a.m. One-day pass: $8; 10-day pass: $70. Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614-890-8202. creativemindsopenartstudio.com.

Fur, Fins & Feathers 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5/$10. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown.

614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org.

Holidays at the Conservatory11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard. 614664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

SM

For coloring contest information, safety tips, or to download a free safety activity book, please visit: www.NationwideChildren.org/KISS K.I.S.S.Your Kids 68

♥ Keep Them Safe!

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

rehearsals during its 2010-2011 season. Open to the public, the rehearsals will provide a glimpse into the creative process, along with a sneak peek of an upcoming production. After the rehearsal, guests can participate in a question and answer session with the artists. No reservations required. 5-6 p.m. Free.

BalletMet Performance Space, 322 Mt. Vernon Ave., Downtown. 614229-4848. balletmet.org.

dle), where you can enjoy art with Santa, strolling carolers, horsedrawn carriage rides, free hotmulled cider and cookies, and other holiday festivities. Noon-7 p.m. Free . Historic Roscoe Village, 600 N. Whitewoman St. 800-877-1830. roscoevillage.com.

Creative Minds Open Art Studio: Ages 0 to 18 months 9-9:45 a.m. $8. Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614-890-8202. creativemindsopenartstudio.com.

Fur, Fins & Feathers 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5/$10. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown.

614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org.

Fur, Fins & Feathers 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5/$10. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown.

614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org.

Holidays at the Conservatory 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Holidays at the Conservatory 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard. 614664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Vienna Boys Choir Christmas Concert 7 p.m., $20 adults, $18 seniors, $10 students. TempletonBlackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, Ohio University, 47 E. Union St., Athens. 740-593-1000. finearts.ohio.edu.

Popcorn, Painting and Gift Making! Drop the kids off and go grab some dinner while we watch “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and make a gift from the heart. 6-8 p.m.

Suitable for ages 6+. Reservations required. $25. Marcy’s Clayground, 9842 Brewster Lane, Powell, 614932-3000. marcysclayground.com.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org

Wildlights 5-10 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

FRIDAY 17

SATURDAY 18

BalletMet Open Rehearsals Back by popular demand, BalletMet is extending its monthly open

Christmas Candlelighting Share in the tradition of lighting the Christmas tree (and your own can-

Free Crafts for Kids 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free. Lakeshore Learning, 2148 Polaris Pkwy., 614-846-1710. lakeshorelearning.com.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard.

614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Santa Brunch at Pinnacle 10 a.m.

Children 4-12: $13; Adults: $20. Pinnacle Golf Club, 1500 Pinnacle Club Dr., Grove City. 614-539-0722. discoverpinnacle.com.

Saturday Tales 11-11:30 a.m. Free.

Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Westerville. 614-882-7277, ext. 5006.

Wildlights 5-10 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

SUNDAY 19 Holidays at the Conservatory 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.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.

Activities begin at 5 p.m.

Downtown Columbus

BE

VE

THE PLA CE T O Friday,December 31

!

invites you …

ON

’ R N E W YE A

E S

Join the 16th annual community-oriented, substance-free celebration!

First Night Columbus offers something for everyone.

Enjoy more than 150 entertainers in more than

First Night Columbus Buttons are only $8 each.

15 downtown performance sites, and hands on activities involving the imagination and creativity of all participants.

Button sales begin Saturday, November 27 at Giant Eagle, COSI and online at www.firstnightcolumbus.com.

Volunteer opportunities also are available! Get all the details by calling Lindsey Weiker at 614-299-8628 or go to www.firstnightcolumbus.com .

Volunteers receive a free button, pancake party pass, event T-shirt and prizes from local businesses.

For all the event details, please visit www.firstnightcolumbus.com

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

69

dec 2010 Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard.

614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Wildlights 5-10 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

MONDAY 20 Hand-Crafted Gift-Making Workshop for Kids 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $20 (includes supplies). Ohio Craft Museum, 1665 W. Fifth Ave., Grandview. 614-486-4402. ohiocraft.org.

Give us the job to find your ideal nanny. Our nannies are screened, insured, affordable and custom matched to your family and your needs.

Placement options: Full-time, Part-time, On-call and After-School Care.

Contact us to learn how our role models can support your family’s lifestyle.

For More Information Call: 740-881-6020

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

WEDNESDAY 22 Candlelight Nights 5-8 p.m. $6$11. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East.

614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Colo’s 54th Birthday Celebration, Colo, the world’s first gorilla born in a zoo, and the oldest, will celebrate her 54th birthday with cake and other special treats. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ages 2-9 and 60+: $8; Ages 10-59: $13. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell. 614-6453466. columbuszoo.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard. 614664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

TUESDAY 21

THURSDAY 23

Creative Minds Open Art Studio: Ages 2 to 6 9:30-11:30 a.m. $8.

Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614-890-8202. creativemindsopenartstudio.com.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org

Fur, Fins & Feathers 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5/$10. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown.

614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org.

Because every mom is a working mom.

Wildlights 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages twonine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell.

614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

Holidays at the Conservatory11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre: Holiday Hollywood 7-9:30 p.m. $26 per person for dinner and show (tax and gratuity not included); reservations required. Spaghetti Warehouse, 397 W. Broad St., Downtown. 614-464-0143.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard.

614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

SUNDAY 26 Holidays at the Conservatory11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard. 614664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard.

614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Wildlights and Zoo Year’s Eve 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages two-nine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell. 614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

TUESDAY 28 Creative Minds Open Art Studio: Ages 2 to 6 9:30-11:30 a.m. $8.

Gallery 202, 38 N. State St., Westerville. 614-890-8202. creativemindsopenartstudio.com.

Fur, Fins & Feathers 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5/$10. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown.

614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org.

Holidays at the Conservatory11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard.

614-664-3290. destinationhilliard.com.

Wildlights and Zoo Year’s Eve 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages two-nine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell. 614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

WEDNESDAY 29

Holidays at the Conservatory 11 Wildlights and Zoo Year’s Eve 5-9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children p.m. $8: Ages two-nine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Colum- under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde bus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconRd., Powell. 614-645-3466. columservatory.org. buszoo.org.

Olde Hilliard Christmas 6-8 p.m.

Free. Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard.

614-664-3290.

Holidays at the Conservatory11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory destinationhilliard.com.

MONDAY 27

Limited time offer for Columbus Parent Readers.

Use code “PARENT” for $20 tickets.

February 25-27 • Palace Theatre capa.com • CAPA box office • 614-469-0939 800-745-3000 • Ticketmaster.com

*Discount on select tickets. Not valid with any other offers or previously purchased tickets.

Offer good through Dec. 31, 2010. USE CODE: PARENT

box office located at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., M-F 9-5 Saturday 10-2 Groups 10+ save 10 or more! Call 614.719.6900 today!

Visit www.madlive.com for more info

SHARI LEWIS/DISPATCH PHOTO

BALLETMET’S “THE NUTCRACKER” Dec. 10–26 — Featuring sumptuous sets and costumes, an endearing story, Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Columbus Symphony and Gerard Charles’ exciting choreography performed by a talented cast of more than 100 BalletMet dancers, “The Nutcracker” ballet is an unrivaled spectacle for all ages.

At the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Downtown.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES: Friday, Dec. 10, 7:30pm Saturday, Dec. 11, 2pm Saturday, Dec. 11, 7:30pm Sunday, Dec. 12, 2pm Thursday, Dec. 16, 7:30pm Friday, Dec. 17, 7:30pm Saturday, Dec. 18, 2pm Saturday, Dec. 18, 7:30pm

Sunday, Dec. 19, 1pm Sunday, Dec. 19, 5:30pm Wednesday, Dec. 22, 7:30pm Thursday, Dec. 23, 2pm Thursday, Dec. 23, 7:30pm Sunday, Dec. 26, 1pm Sunday, Dec. 26, 5:30pm

For more information, go to balletmet.org or call the CAPA box office at 614-469-0939.

Tickets also available through Ticketmaster.

The Works’ No Nog Nationals Build a race car and watch it soar down the track to victory during The Works No Nog Nationals event.

Each year, The Works partners with National Trails Raceway for No Nog Nationals. This event is all about building, speed and fun. Children can create their own race cars from

Kinex pieces, then race them to the finish line. When the dust settles, National Trails Raceway will award first, second and third place trophies to race winners. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!

Noon-4 p.m. $3-$7. The Works, 55 S. First St. 740-349-9277. attheworks.org.

Wood Fired Pizza Workshop Kids ages eight to twelve will learn basic cooking skills by making homemade pizza dough and tomato sauce from scratch, adding cheese and vegetable toppings and baking them (with adult assistance) in a wood-fired oven. Each child will then get to enjoy their creation! 11

Got Talent?

Be a part of Nationwide’s First Night Columbus’ Got Talent competition on New Year’s Eve – Friday, December 31!

Categories include teen singing, dancing, acting, stand-up and spoken word performances.

Contestants in grades 8-12 will battle for bragging rights and great prizes.

For more information, send an email to got-talent@firstnightcolumbus.com or visit www.firstnightcolumbus.com. columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

71

dec 2010 The Gardner School, an award-winning academically focused preschool for ages 6 weeks through private kindergarten.

SATURDAY JAN 1 Fur, Fins & Feathers10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5/$10. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown.

614-221-4848. columbusmuseum.org.

a.m.-1 p.m. $25. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-5923. fpconservatory.org.

Holidays at the Conservatory 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park ConserWildlights and Zoo Year’s Eve 5-9 vatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconp.m. $8: Ages two-nine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Colum- servatory.org. bus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Wildlights and Zoo Year’s Eve 5Rd., Powell. 614-645-3466. colum10 p.m. $8: Ages two-nine/Seniors buszoo.org.

60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd., Powell. 614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

Wildlights and Zoo Year’s Eve 5-9 p.m. $8: Ages two-nine/Seniors 60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 Powell Holidays at the Conservatory 11 Rd., Powell. 614-645-3466. columa.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory buszoo.org. admission ($6-$11; Free for children under three). Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconservatory.org.

First Night Columbus 5 p.m. events begin, 10:30 p.m. fireworks. $8 for admission button prior to the event (available for purchase at Meijer stores, Veterans Memori- Holidays at the Conservatory 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory al box office or on the First Night admission ($6-$11; Free for children Columbus website). Buttons cost under three). Franklin Park Conser$10 at the event. Locations for vatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde activities are spread throughout Downtown, including COSI, Veter- Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconan’s Memorial, Rhodes Tower and servatory.org.

Trinity Episcopal Church, and are connected by shuttle buses. 614299-9221.

Dads’ Coffee Twice a month on firstnightcolumbus.com. the first Saturday of the month at 10 Fur, Fins & Feathers 10 a.m.-5:30 a.m., working and stay-at-home p.m. $5/$10. Columbus Museum of dads can connect. Bring the kids out Art, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown. to play and socialize with other 614-221-4848. fathers. This free event is at Sprout columbusmuseum.org.

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

Holidays at the Conservatory 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Conservatory Farm and Nature Guides Volunadmission ($6-$11; Free for children teer weekdays at the Stratford Ecounder three). Franklin Park Conserlogical Center to help children and vatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Olde adults understand the relationships Towne East. 614-645-8733. fpconbetween living things and their servatory.org. environment. The Stratford EcologiWildlights and Zoo Year’s Eve 5- cal Center is located at 3083 Liberty Rd. in Delaware. For more informa10 p.m. $8: Ages two-nine/Seniors tion visit StratfordEcologicalCen60 and older. $13: Ages 10-59. ter.org.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850

THURSDAY 30

SUNDAY JAN 2

The Gardner School of Dublin 6145 Emerald Parkway Dublin, OH 43016 Phone: (614) 717-9677

www.TheGardnerSchool.com

FRIDAY 31

MONDAY JAN 3

Bipolar Disorder IS YOUR CHILD TAKING MEDICATION FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER, BUT STILL SUFFERING FROM SYMPTOMS

ONGOING

A clinical research study in your area is testing an investigational medication for bipolar I disorder in children and teens.

Children and teens enrolled in this clinical study may continue on their current prescribed medications in addition to receiving the investigational study medication.

Please Contact:

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Study participants must be: » 10 -17 years old. » Diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. » Currently on a stable dose of a bipolar medication but still experiencing symptoms.

Study participants may receive, at no cost: » Comprehensive study-related psychiatric evaluation. » Investigational study medication. » Compensation for time and travel At all times your child’s information is treated confidentially.

Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University, 1670 Upham Drive, Suite 536, Columbus, OH clinical trials@osumc.edu • 614-293-7109

| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

Powell Rd., Powell. 614-645-3466. columbuszoo.org.

Farmer’s Helper Come volunteer at the Stratford Ecological Center

and become a farmer’s helper!

Farmers’ helpers will assist with an abundance of activities such as animal chores, carpentry, fence building, preparing and maintaining the fields. The Stratford Ecological Center is located at 3083 Liberty Rd. in Delaware. For more information visit StratfordEcological Center.org.

Gardeners If you enjoy cultivating your green thumb then this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Join the Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd., to garden and maintain the vegetable gardens including the children’s garden, field gardens, giving garden, greenhouses and landscape gardens.

Mocha Moms Support group for stay-at-home moms of color. For more information email columbusmochamoms@yahoo.com MOGIS:Mothers of Girls in Sports Free group seminars for moms and daughters. New local group called Moms of Girls in Sports (MOGIS) meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Wyandotte Athletic Club. Moms, come with your female athletes to get questions answered from Margaret on a variety of topics including nutrition, strength and conditioning, injury prevention and marketing for scholarships. Share stories and learn from other moms with girls in sports. Email Margaret if you plan to attend, margaret@femaleathletesfirst.com.

Mommies of Miracles M.O.M is a growing Ohio support community of mothers who have children (of any age) with complex medical issues or disabilities. Our mission is to eliminate the isolation mothers of exceptional needs children experience on a daily basis by providing an extended network of confidential and compassionate emotional support. Join us for monthly meetings, fun family events, couples’ enrichment activities, and advocacy initiatives. For more information on events, resources and more, go to mommiesofmiracles.com Mommies Time Out Online Support Group A fun group of moms who provide support and social activities for stay-at-home and working moms in the Columbus area. Includes playgroups, play dates, meet-ups, moms’ nights out, message boards and more. MommiesTimeOut.Proboards105.com.

Piano Lessons Are For Everyone

Winter er E Events & Programs

TM

The Winter Program & Activities brochure will be available Thursday, Dec. 9, and registration begins Monday, Dec. 13. For complete information or to register visit http://dublin.oh.us/recreation or call 614-410-4550.

At The Conservatory of Piano our dedicated team of extraordinary teachers develops an individualized plan that guarantees the success of every student. introductory piano classes for: • preschool ages 3 to 6 • beginners ages 7 to 10 • young adults ages 11 to 17 • adults • private lessons for all ages always available • transfer students welcome excellence in piano instruction is our only businesssm

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

In & Out in 30 Minutes!

Locally owned and operated

From Dublin to the North Pole Tuesday, Dec. 21 or Wednesday, Dec. 22, 6 8:30 p.m.

Families who love watching The Polar Express each holiday season can see the movie come to life as it plays in Dublin's Abbey Theater. Children enter the theater on a trackless train, the Abbey Dance Ensemble performs dances, hot chocolate is served, and each child receives a golden ticket and bell. We encourage all children to come dressed in their pajamas. Parent participation is required. Fee is per person. #424185.01 (Tu) #424185.02 (W) CR/$8, SDR/NR/$18 Holiday Camp Thursday, Dec. 23 - Thursday, Dec. 30 Spend part of your winter break with us!

A field trip is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Camp information is available online. All children attending the camp must have an updated health care form on file before camp begins. There is no camp 12/24 & 12/31. All days run 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Ages: 6 - 12 Class 421150.01 421150.02 421150.03 421150.04 421150.05

Date Dec 23 Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30

5263 Nike Station Way, Hilliard Hilliard Station Shopping Center off Hilliard-Rome Rd. behind Key Bank

(614) 876-2100 www.expressmedcenters.com

SDR/NR Fee $45 $45 $60 $45 $45

Birthday Party Package Have your child s next birthday party at the DCRC! The birthday party package includes the use of the DCRC swimming pool and a classroom for a total of 2 ½ hours. The DCRC also provides decorations, paper products and balloons. Call for pricing and complete details.

Open 8am-8pm Everyday Flu Shots Available

For $20

CR $35 $35 $50 $35 $35

For more information or to register visit: www.dublin.oh.us/recreation or call 614-410-4550 A Christmas Carol Thursday, Dec. 2 & 9, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 3 & 10, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 4 & 11, 3 & 7 p.m.

An hour long, musical version of Charles Dickens classic story, created exclusively for the Abbey Theater.

Tickets: $5 per person facebook.com/DublinOhio

twitter.com/DublinOhio

dublin.oh.us/enews

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dec 2010 MOMS Club of Clintonville A fun social and support group for stayat-home moms and their children.

Playgroups, field trips and monthly moms’ nights out. 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month (locations vary). For membership information, contact Carrie at 614447- 0567, e-mail clintonvillemomsclub@yahoo.com, or visit our website http://clintonville momsclub.yolasite.com.

MOMS Club of Delaware A fun, social support group for stay-athome 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 at momsclubofdelaware@hotmail.com.

MOMS Club of Dublin Central Support group for stay-at-home moms. 9:45 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Vineyard

Church, 5400 Avery Rd. Contact Mandy Skinner at amandaskinner2@gmail.com, or 614-940-9392.

Or go to Geocities.com/momsclubdublincentral/.

MOMS Club of DublinWest MOMS Club of Dublin West offers a variety of activities each month including a monthly meeting, mom and tot activities, play groups, parties, and a moms’ night out. For more information, call 614-8739672 or e-mail momsclubofdublinwest@gmail.com MOMS Club of Dublin Southeast Support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Playgroups, monthly calendar of events, moms’ night out, service projects.

Contact Membership VP at momsclubofdublinse@yahoo.com for more info.

MOMS Club of Gahanna East Support group for stay-at-home moms. Call Cathy at 614-759-6137.

MOMS Club of Gahanna West Support group for stay-at-home moms. Gahannamoms@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club of Hilliard Northeast A social and support group for stayat-home and part-time working

moms and their children. Playgroups, field trips and moms’ nights out. 9:45 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church, 4343 Dublin Rd. mchilliardnorth@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club of Hilliard of Northwest MOMS Club of Hilliard-Northwest is a social and support group for stay-at-home and part time working moms and their children.

We offer playgroups, field trips, mom’s nights out and much more.

A general business meeting is held the first Wednesday of each month.

Please visit our website at momsclubhilliardnorthwest.org or email momsclubhilliardnorthwest@yahoo .com for more information.

MOMS Club of Lewis Center Northeast A social and support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Activities include playgroups, moms’ night out, service projects and more. The original chapter has since split to accommodate the great number of stay-athome moms in our area. We are actively seeking moms living within the designated boundaries east of S. Old State Rd., south of Lewis Center Rd., north of Orange Rd., and

west of Africa Rd. For membership information, call Liz at 740-6571473 or visit lewiscentermomsclubne.org.

MOMS Club of Lewis Center Southeast A non-profit support group for stay-at-home moms.

Actively seeking new members who live south of Orange Rd., east of S. Old State Rd., and north of Lazelle Rd. For membership information contact Gail at Moms_Club_Membership@yahoo.com or lewiscentermomsclub.org.

MOMS Club of New Albany Support group for stay-at-home moms.

Contact NAMOMSclub@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club of Northwest Columbus & Upper Arlington Support group for stay-at-home or part-time working moms. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Call 614-388-9410, or go to ColumbusMOMSClub.com.

MOMS Club of Pickerington North Support group for stay-athome moms. Also serves Reynoldsburg and Pataskala. E-mail Rachel at argillaspie@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club of Pickerington South Support group for stay-at-

home moms living south of Refugee Rd. in Pickerington or Canal Winchester. 10 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Peace United Methodist Church, 235 Diley Rd. Go to Pickerington Moms.tri-pod.com.

MOMS Club ofWorthington Support group for stay-at-home moms.

Meets on the third Tuesday of the month atWorthington Presbyterian Church. E-mail prospectivemember@worthingtonmoms.org for more information.

MOMS Club of Powell Support group for stay-at-home moms. Email Stacie at powellmoms@yahoo.com.

MOPS Dublin Fellowship support group for moms with newborns through kindergarten. The first Thursday of every month, meet at Radiant Life Church from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the third Thursday is moms’ night out. For more information call Lindsay at 614-571-2995.

MOMS Club of Sunbury A social and support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Meets for business the last Thursday of each month. Monthly activities include play dates, local outings, cooking club, book club and moms’ night out. Contact Amy at 740-513-6267, or sunburymomsclub@yahoo.com for more information.

MOMS Club of Westerville South Support group for stay-at-home moms. We have play groups, craft days, and a monthly moms’ night out. Meetings are at 10 a.m. on the last Thursday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church, 100 E. Schrock Rd., Westerville. Contact momswestervillesouth@yahoo.com for more information.

MOPS Newark Fellowship and support group open to all moms with children ages birth-5. Meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at First United Methodist Church, 88 N. Fifth St. Call 740-349-7020, or e-mail mops@firstumcnewark.org.

MOPS Upper Arlington Lutheran Church A wonderful opportunity to meet other moms with young children. The group meets every first and third Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Rd. The cost per meeting is $5 and childcare is $2 per child. For more information, call 614-451-3736.

OSUPHOTO OSU PHOTOSTORE STORE

.com

A Buckeye fan’s new favorite website Need an Ohio State football photo for your home or of ce?

OSUPhotoStore.com.

Look no further than the brand-new OSUPhotoStore.com There, you’ll nd Dispatch photos from the 2010 Ohio State football season, as well as shots of the band, Ohio Stadium and more.

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

YOUR METRO PARKS feel free!

Winter fun in your Metro Parks • Sledding hills • Cross-country ski trails • Ice skating ponds • Cozy nature centers

• Free programs • Wildlife abounds • All free - 365 days a year

USE YOUR POTS AND PANS For MoRE THAN JUST COOKiNG MAC AND CHEESE. Once you’ve made music with your infant, toddler, or preschooler in one of our joyful, research-based classes, you’ve got the ingredients to bring the fun home.

Just add a few pots. Pans. Spatulas. And you’re ready to move, sing, and satisfy your appetite for fun.

Call or go online to find out what your local Metro Park has to offer!

614-891-0700

www.metroparks.net • Battelle Darby Creek • Blacklick Woods & Golf Courses • Blendon Woods • Clear Creek • Chestnut Ridge • Glacier Ridge • Heritage Trail • Highbanks • Inniswood Metro Gardens • Pickerington Ponds • Prairie Oaks • Sharon Woods • Scioto Audubon • Slate Run Park & Historical Farm • Three Creeks

(800) 728-2692 . MUSICTOGETHER.C OM Classes are held throughout the Columbus area.

Visit our website to find a location near you!

www.musictogether.com/Columbus NOW OFFERING CLASSES FOR 5- TO 7-YEAR-OLDS! columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

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CITY OF HILLIARD TREE LIGHTING Thursday, December 2 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Historical Village Weaver Park-Hilliard Music by Scioto Darby First Graders, Visit by Santa, Ice Sculpting Demonstration, Luke the Juggler, Trolley Rides, Kettle Corn and Hot Chocolate.

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS PHOTO

For more information, visit

BLUE JACKETS FAMILY SKATE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

www.HilliardOhio.gov

Friday, Dec. 31 — The Columbus Blue Jackets are playing the Ottawa Senators at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, but before the game, if you buy a special Tim Hortons Jackets Pack, starting at $30 per person, you’ll not only get upper-bowl tickets to the game, a $10 food/beverage voucher, a CBJ hat, travel mug and a Timbits 10-count Snack Pack, you will also receive an invitation to the Stinger Family Skate at the Ice Haus next door to Nationwide Arena.

The Family Skate takes place from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. As part of your invitation, you get free skate rental, free skate time, complimentary hot chocolate and coffee, snacks, prize giveaways and a chance to skate with Stinger!

For more information or to buy tickets, go to BlueJackets.com or call 800-745-3000.

or

call 614-876-5200

dec 2010 Mothers & More Chapter 51 Nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 700 N. High St., Worthington. Call Janet at 614-8884702, or email tsalmon11@yahoo.com.

Mothers of Multiples East Columbus Support and social group for mothers of multiples. 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Church of the Redeemer United Methodist, 235 McNaughten Rd. Email: ECMom.org.

Mothers of Preschoolers Meeting Join our MOPS group the first Tues-

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day of every month, September through May from 6-8:15 p.m. at the Beechwold Christian Church, 280 Morse Rd. Come for dinner, listen to a speaker and join a small discussion group to share your ideas, thoughts and experiences with other moms.

Call Beechwold Christian Church at 614-888-1734, or visit gobcc.com for more information.

Mothers Swapping Skills Group Online notice board helps bring moms together who would like to exchange skills and services such as cooking, tutoring, babysitting, cleaning, carpooling and coaching.

Group is actively seeking women leaders for guidance. Register at Groups.google.com/group/mothersswappingskills.

“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. E-mail Dena Friedel at dfriedel@insight.rr.com.

New Moms’ Group An opportunity for new mothers and their babies to meet others and share information.

Meets from 1-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Elizabeth Blackwell Center, 3635 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus. Free. 614-566-4446.

Nisonger Center Dual Diagnosis Clinic This clinic provides mental health diagnosis, medication recommendations and psychological assessments for people of all ages who have both a developmental disability and a mental illness. The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, 357 McCampbell Hall, 1581 Dodd Dr. Call Diana Boggs, 614-292-9780, or e-mail boggs.59@osu.edu.

UNWR UNWRAP RA AP PA NEW N EW C CAREER AREER F FOR OR O R TTHE HE H HOLIDAYS. O L I DA D AY S .

‘Tis the season to find the right job for you. At columbusjobs.com/monster, we can give you the career management tools to help you find not just any job, but the right one. Tools that will help your resume stand out from the crowd. So give yourself a great gift for the new year – a new career.

Find the right job today at columbusjobs.com/monster

columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

77

dec 2010 Online Nanny Group An online group for Columbus-area nannies that helps to grow friendships and makes play dates.

Go to groups.yahoo.com/group/ohionannies/.

Perinatal Outreach & Encouragement (POEM, Inc.) We are moms who have survived prenatal or postpartum depression (PPD) so we understand like no one else can.

POEM is the Ohio Coordinator of Postpartum Support International (PSI), the leading authority on perinatal mental health. For more information call 614-315-8989 or poemonline.org.

Receptionist:Weekdays and Saturdays Volunteer your time at the Stratford Ecological Center by

answering the phone, directing visitors to activities, assisting with trails and u-pick areas, as well as selling farm products. Volunteers are welcome Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Stratford Ecological Center is located at 3083 Liberty Rd. in Delaware. For more information, visit StratfordEcologicalCenter.org.

Saturday Farm and Nature Guides Volunteer at the Stratford Ecological Center on the third Saturday of the Month to give tours of the beautiful farm to families. The Stratford Ecological Center is located at 3083 Liberty Rd. in Delaware. For more information visit StratfordEcologicalCenter.org.

Trail Maintenance Come join other volunteers at to help maintain the enchanting trails of the Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd., Delaware. For more information please visit, Stratford EcologicalCenter.org.

GS. N I V A S BIG NO HASSLE S. EVERY DAY.

LEIF NELIN, MD NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL VANSH’S NEONATOLOGIST 13% OF PREGNANCIES RESULT IN PRETERM BIRTH. THAT’S WHY NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL HAS PARTNERED WITH THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER TO FORM A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND RESEARCH COLLABORATIVE. WHAT WE LEARN FROM PATIENTS, LIKE VANSH, AND THEIR FAMILIES, COULD HELP OUR SCIENTISTS DISCOVER WAYS TO PREVENT, DIAGNOSE AND TREAT PRETERM BIRTH AND ITS COMPLICATIONS. WATCH VANSH’S PROGRESS AND LEARN HOW YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP AT

PediatricHealthSource.org

ING SAV

Y SHOU LD ALWAYS BE THIS EASY. MON E The Big Deal brings you big-time bargains at local businesses without all of the fine print that makes other coupons sites so annoying.

Sign up for the daily e-mail at BigDealColumbus.com to find out about savings of 50% or more at your favorite Columbus shops, boutiques, spas and restaurants.

Pediatric HealthSource provides information on the latest pediatric treatment and research breakthroughs, brought to you by:

SM

Discounts provided by the

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com

SMALL BUSINESS

AVON Holiday Sales Start NOW! Flexible, Easy, Fun! $10 and 1 hour is all it takes to start your own Avon Bus. Bonuses available Call Anita, ISR 1-877-871-4275

PIANO LESSONS IN YOUR HOME û (614) 847-1212 û pianolessons inyourhome.com

PIANO or beg. GUITAR LESSONS in-home. OSU Music Grad, 14 yrs. exp. All ages/levels. Ted 352-9619 orletpiano@yahoo.com

TUTORING IN YOUR HOME

û (614) 428-8867 û

GIVE THE GIFT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME!

DISCOVER MODELING INC. û 614-766-7600 û

Part-time Classified Sales Representative Ready to put your sales skills to work at the number one source of information in Central Ohio? The Columbus Dispatch is seeking a parttime Sales Representative in our Call Center at our west side location.

This part-time position is approximately 19 hours a week with the following schedule: Thurs 8am 7pm, Fri and Sat 2pm 6:30pm.

Call Center Sales Reps sell advertising over the phone into our various publications and special sections. You will compute rates for advertising and work with customers to determine wording, dates of publications and numbers of insertions. Will act as backup to the Obituary Representative.

We are looking for candidates with demonstrated sales skills, including inbound and outbound selling experience. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and computer skills are required. College degree preferred.

To apply, please visit dispatch.com/careers today!

KIDS IN MOTION at 614-57-2634 in Canal Winchester. Type B home care provider. CPR - child & infant. Now enrolling infants - tweens.

Do you need a babysitter? $25/wk, Parent must provide lunch

614-260-8877

JUSTY BOGGS PAINTING Children’s Murals Interior Painting (614) 496-3976 JustyBoggsPainting.com

Who Else Wants A Party Full of Laughter, Fun, & Happy Memories that Last a Lifetime?

WANT TO

Unlimited Photo Opportunities

SANTA?

• Visits with Your Children • Corporate Parties • Holiday Parties • Birthday Parties Call: RowdyRod Entertainment

614-264-9149

Santa Visit With his big book. Family, friends, corporations.

614-321-6330 landisclowns@ wowway.com

Step Two Jani King - We’ll Beet Their price. Licensed Insured, Bonded. Prices as low as $40. 614-638-2054 10% off First Cleaning.

GOURMET DOG & CAT GIFT BASKETS Visit us online: www.PetUnique.com Locally Owned

Call Joe Lyons Columbus’ Funniest Magician

(614)777-7632

www.heyjoelyons.com

Luke the Juggler Birthday’s a Specialty!

Santa Comes to You!

Invite The " Real Santa " Mickey, Elmo, Dora, A Clown, Balloon Artist, Face Painter, or a Magician for your next party.

Pick from 30+entertainers www.AwesomeFamily Entertainment.com 614-224-9568

JUGGLING, MAGIC, BALLOONS! BEST VALUE FOR YOUR $$$!

Call Now To Schedule Your Party!

Look for Details & Info. Online

614-547-3809 LuketheJuggler.com

Australian Shepherds, AKC. All colors! Financing available. 740-294-4471 CHRISTMAS PUPPIES! Taking deposits now, will hold for Christmas. Many breeds, sizes, colors & prices. All health guaranteed. Visit our web: blueribbonkennelsofohio .com or call 740-332-4968.

COOL CAT SITES

Birthday Party at a Candy Shop... SWEET! MJ’S HAS THE BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGE IN TOWN! And the birthday child is free for parties of 10 or more.*

Call today to reserve your date. *Available for new parties booked for 2010 AND 2011. Limited time offer.

Voted #1 p o op Candy Shbus in Colum

MJ’s Candy & Events • 614-336-8170 72 N. High St. in downtown Dublin (across from the library) mjscandybar@yahoo.com • www.mjscandy.com

ENTERTAINMENT • Private Parties • Corporate Events • After-Proms • Churches • Festivals • Reunions • Grand Openings

NOW SCHEDULING SANTA APPEARANCES COTTON CANDY, POPCORN & SNOW CONE MACHINES 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

• Moon Bounces • Gladiator Joust • Bungee Run • Sumo Wrestling • Velcro Wall

• Giant Twister • 22’ Giant Slide • Obstacle Course • Big Glove Boxing

• Clowns • Face Painters • Balloon Artist • Magicians • Jugglers

• Petting Zoo • Caricature Art • Dunk Tanks • Pony Rides

NOW FEATURED AT

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columbusparent.com | December 2010 |

79

Create a space to spend more time with your family...

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Exp. date: 12/31/2010

*On all orders of $999 or more.

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| December 2010 | columbusparent.com