0117 hcf issuu

HAMILTON COUNTY

WINTER ISSUE 2017

the go to resource for local families

WINTER INDOOR FUN

WHAT TO DO WHEN IT’S TOO COLD TO GO OUTSIDE!

+

SINGLE FAT H E R ?

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

H E A D S TA R T AND FIRST STEPS

PRIVATE SCHOOL PROFILES

CONTENTS

INSIDE

// WINTER

departments AGES & STAGES 10

BABIES Laboring with Laughing Gas

12

TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS Head Start and First Steps

14

SCHOOL AGERS Progressive Education and ADD/ADHD

25

TWEENS & TEENS Adopted Kids and Their Biological Parents

FAMILY 26

MOMS Pregnancy at an Advanced Maternal Age

28

DADS Single Father? You're Not Alone

in every issue 06 08 33 35

GREETINGS SNIPPETS RESOURCE GUIDE FUN & WACKY CALENDAR

columns + guides 16

PRIVATE SCHOOL PROFILES Area Students Give Their Perspective

30

24

A DAD INFLUENCE Shush Happens

29

HIDDEN GEMS Local Pizzerias

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28

30

12

32

WINTER INDOOR FUN What to Do When It's Too Cold to Go Outside

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT Indy Snack Attack

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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GREETINGS

WORDS BY // SUSAN BRYANT

meet the staff Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Associate Publisher & Advertising Sales Jennica Zalewski jennica@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Editor Susan Bryant susan@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Advertising Coordinator Karen Ring karen@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Creative Director Katie Clark katie@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Snow Job

Business Manager Roxanne Burns roxanne@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

As I sit writing this note, snow is falling. And not just a little – it’s actually starting to coat the trees and roads with a decent layer of the white stuff.

Although this development would bring an enthusiastic response from my kids, as an adult my first thoughts are 1) where is our ice scraper? 2) do any of our snow pants and boots still fit? and 3) could this mean (gulp) that we could have a snow day tomorrow?

And then I tell myself that this is a good reminder of when to appreciate your child’s reaction to the world and embrace it yourself. Where I see snowy streets to navigate, they see a landscape suddenly (and beautifully) transformed. Me grumbling about wet boots and coats dripping on the floor means they had so much fun being outside that they didn’t want to come in.

And if school is cancelled, well, there are worse things than not packing a lunch nobody is excited about.

So, if you’re like me and winter really isn’t your thing, take heart. Having a child in your life means that there will always be somebody who finds the prospect of snow piling up outside the door absolutely thrilling. Under the right conditions (hot cocoa in hand, fire in the fireplace, good book to curl up with) you might just too.

Public Relations and Events Wendy Cox wendy@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melissa Glidden, Stephanie Lowe-Sagebiel, Kate Burkhardt, Holly Kline, Jennifer Thompson, Dr. Susan Benson

Contact Us Hamilton County Family 6340 Westfield Blvd., Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317) 417-3031 or (317) 710-6622

Hamilton County Family Magazine is published quarterly.

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

on the cover Abby and Ella Watkins from Carmel

Susan Bryant EDITOR susan@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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Photographer Michelle Tiek Michelle Tiek Photography

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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SNIPPETS

// WINTER

BITS oF INFo You MIGhT NoT kNow! DeAth SpirAL. fLyiNG Sit SpiN. tripLe tOe LOOp. No, these are not the games your kids are inventing in a bout of cabin fever.

They’re ice skating terms – and Hamilton County has three rinks where you can try a few tricks of your own. (Or hug the wall in an attempt not to fall.) t ICE SKADIUM IN CARMEL

{FUN FACT} 880 GALLONS {FUN FACT}

t ARCTIC ZONE ICEPLEX IN

THAT’S HOW MUCH THE WORLD’S LARGEST CUP OF HOT CHOCOLATE HELD, ACCORDING TO THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS. THE RECORD WAS SET IN 2013 AS PART OF THE FESTIVAL OF CHOCOLATE IN TAMPA, FL.

POP QUIZ

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A MONSTER BEVERAGE LIKE THIS? THE RECIPE INCLUDED

39,462.5 GRAMS OF POWDERED MILK, 3,331.16 LITRES OF WATER AND 502,584.88 GRAMS OF COCOA. Source: www.guinnessworldrecords.com/worldrecords/largest-cup-of-hot-chocolatecocoa

BRRR!

What is the coldest month in indiana?

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY With 18.5 degrees as the average low temperature, January is the coldest month we have to endure!

Source: www.rssweather.com/climate/Indiana/ Indianapolis/

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WESTFIELD t FUEL TANK IN FISHERS

WHERE WAS THE HIGHEST SNOWFALL EVER RECORDED IN A ONE YEAR PERIOD? Mount Rainier in Washington State.

Between February 19, 1971 and February 18, 1972, 102 feet of snow fell!

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE YEARLY SNOWFALL IN INDIANAPOLIS? 25.9 inches – just a little over 2 feet!

Sources: www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/ weather/snow.html, https://www.currentresults. com/Weather/Indiana/annual-snowfall.php

ACHOO!

kids sick…again?

YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT IN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF LIFE, MOST CHILDREN HAVE

8 TO 10 COLDS!

AS THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEMS GET STRONGER WITH AGE HOWEVER, THAT NUMBER GOES DOWN. (WHEW!)

Source: www.healthychildren. org/English/health-issues/ conditions/ear-nose-throat/ Pages/Children-andColds.aspx

IS THE

“5 SECOND RULE” REALLY A THING?

Your kid drops a cookie on the floor and invokes the “5 Second Rule” saying it’s okay to eat something that has landed on the ground if it can be snatched up within 5 seconds.

Fact or Fiction?

It depends largely on the floor, according to an experiment conducted on the subject.

Floors that are dry may have less microorganisms present, but floors that are moist are more likely to harbor pathogens like salmonella, listeria or E. coli. What else did the study show? People are more likely to eat dropped cookies and candy rather than dropped broccoli and cauliflower.

(Not exactly news to parents!)

Source: www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ features/5-second-rule-rules-sometimes-#1

[B RAND ED CONTENT]

Creating a PAwSitive Dental Experience At Fishers Pediatric Dentistry

The use of therapy dogs is a growing trend for providing comfort in today’s healthcare facilities and beyond, and Fishers Pediatric Dentistry (FPD) is proud to be a part of this movement.

Meet Pearly, FPD’s newest addition to the team! Pearly is a 4-month-old miniature Australian Labradoodle and is the official mascot and therapy dog for FPD. FPD understands that getting your child to the dentist is not always easy, and there may be fears and anxieties associated with visiting the dentist. That is why Dr. Ana Vàzquez and Dr. Misti Pratt, owners of FPD, chose to think outside of the box in order to enhance their patient experience by offering animalassisted therapy.

Follow Pearly on Instagram (#Pearlywithapurpose) or click on the "Services" tab on our website.

Research has shown that pet therapy provides both physical and emotional benefits during stressful situations, such as a trip to the dentist. Animal-assisted therapy has also been known to provide a sense of calming and support for children with autism, ADHD and other special needs. Being in the presence of a companion animal can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, and provides a dose of comfort and unconditional love that puts patients at ease.

Pearly has been with FPD for just over two months, and her personality has definitely changed the energy at the office. “She already has an amazing intuition for helping nervous children, and has been able to make anxious patients feel more at ease,” stated Dr. Ana. Pearly has also made a positive impact on her coworkers. “She is one of the first to arrive in the morning, and she takes the time to greet each member of her FPD family as they enter the door to start their day,” Dr. Misti added.

When Pearly is not offering comfort and support to patients, she can often be found providing her team members their daily dose of “pet therapy.” It is no wonder dogs are known as “man’s best friend.”

Pearly will continue her extensive training over the next few months and will work chair-side more and more as she grows up.

A vital part of her training is to be at the office every day so she can be exposed to all of the different noises and work on developing her socialization skills. She typically works Monday through Thursday, and is often found near the reception area greeting the patients, or chair-side lending a paw to hold.

On your next visit to the office, be sure to ask to meet Pearly – she will definitely be excited to see you!

To learn more about the services offered at Fishers Pediatric Dentistry, visit www.fishers pediatric.com .

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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BABIES

WORDS BY // Melissa Glidden

Laboring with Laughing Gas How the latest birthing trends are influencing labor and delivery Laughing gas (also known as nitrous oxide) is useful for more than just calming your nerves at the dentist’s office these days.

According to the popular online pregnancy and childbirth resource WhatToExpect.com, more than 50% of laboring mothers in the UK and Australia use laughing gas as a tool to help manage pain and anxiety during childbirth. Currently, only about 1% of American mothers request nitrous oxide during labor – but that number is on the rise. And laughing gas isn’t the only childbirth trend that’s seen an uptick in recent years. Considering that about 40% of women choose to forgo an epidural (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) that leaves many laboring mothers out there trying new and interesting ways to navigate the challenges of labor and delivery.

Expectant mothers in Hamilton County are part of this trend too. “One of the benefits of living in the digital age is that patients are more aware of what options are available,” says Stacey Irwin, a registered nurse and Manager of Labor and Delivery at St. Vincent Women’s Hospital.

Her colleague Jill Lancaster, a registered nurse and St. Vincent Women’s Hospital’s Manager of Perinatal Support Services, does caution mothers, however: “Not everything you find online is evidencedbased or researched for safety.”

Popular birthing trends A quick Google search for the phrase “birthing trends” will net the casual researcher results ranging from freebirth (birth without the assistance of any medical personnel) to birthing in a pool with dolphins in an attempt to help promote tranquility.

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Among the most popular birthing trends are:

Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” Similar to what you might find in the dentist’s office, a medical professional places a small mask over the mother’s nose allowing her to inhale nitrous oxide: a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. In addition to pain control, inhaling nitrous oxide promotes a feeling of euphoria (hence the name “laughing gas”) and is reported to help mothers feel significantly more relaxed and at ease without harming the baby.

Irwin says that St. Vincent’s labor and delivery department recently began offering their patients nitrous oxide. “It has been a wonderful addition to our pain management options for our patients,” she says. “Some have used it to get them all the way through their labor, while others have used it only for a little bit until they desire something different for their pain control.”

Hypnobirthing The history of hypnobirthing dates back to the 1960s, with the Hypnobirthing Institute being founded by practitioner

Marie Mongan. Since then, millions of women have turned to hypnosis and hypnotherapy in an attempt to manage pain during childbirth without drug interventions. On the website www.kghypno birthing.com parents can search for hypnobirthing classes, and discover other avenues by which to use hypnosis during childbirth.

Waterbirth According to the American Pregnancy Association, water birth has been on the rise for the last 30 years. Fans of water birth say that laboring in water, either in a hot tub or birthing pool, is an effective way of managing pain and anxiety during childbirth. According to the website AmericanPregnancy.org, “The theory behind water birth is that since the baby has already been in the amniotic fluid sac for nine months, birthing in a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.”

Irwin says movement is the key to pain management in labor. “The more freedom you have to move around – whether by walking, squatting, using a birthing ball, or laboring in the tub or shower, the more able you are to handle labor pains.”

Lotus birth and delayed cord-clamping Proponents of lotus birth claim that leaving the umbilical cord and placenta attached to the baby until they naturally fall off (usually a few days after birth) is a way to ensure the baby continues getting adequate oxygen and nutrients as it transitions from the womb to life outside the mother’s body. Another option is to simply delay cord-clamping until it’s clear that the umbilical cord is no longer pulsing, and therefore no longer delivering oxygen or nutrients to the baby.

Considering your options While many choices exist for possible birth plans, it is imperative to discuss what is possible – and advisable – with your own doctor.

If a method you are interested in is safe and evidence-based, bring up the option with your care team.

“Please speak with your physicians about any birth trend you are thinking about trying,” says Irwin. “Your physician will be able to guide you based on what’s safe for you and your baby.”

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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TODDLERS& PRESCHOOLERS

WORDS BY // Jennifer Thompson

head Start and First Steps Taking advantage of what these local programs offer Head Start and First Steps offer valuable and often life-changing services and resources for children in need. Not sure what these programs are all about? Read on to learn what Head Start and First Steps can do for your family.

What are these programs?

{Head Start} Head Start is a school readiness program for children with families who have incomes below the federal poverty level.

Pamela Le’al, Family Development Services Center Director for Hamilton County Head Start, says, “It is a program under the United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.”

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{First Steps} “First Steps is a statewide program that delivers early intervention services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and/or disabilities and their families,” says Debbi Davis, Executive Director of Prokids, Inc./Central Indiana First Steps.

“Services are individualized based on each child and family’s unique needs and are designed to enhance the child’s development as well as the family’s capacity to meet their child’s special needs.” First Steps provides services to the child in their own home or childcare center. Some of the services offered to families include Assistive Technology (AT); audiological services; Developmental Therapy (DT), family education, training and counseling; health services; medical services for diagnostic and evaluation purposes; psychological services; Physical Therapy (PT); Occupational Therapy (OT); nutrition services; nursing services; social work services;

special instruction (Developmental Therapy DT); speech therapy; transportation and other services.

Service coordinators can inform the family of their rights, opportunities and responsibilities within the program. They can also help the family become advocates for their child and will assist in creating the family’s Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), as well as help to identify and plan for transitions within and out of First Steps.

What ages do these programs serve?

{Head Start} In Hamilton County, the Early Head Start program serves children from the age of six weeks until the day before the child’s third birthday. Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, pregnant women and

their families. The Head Start program is designed for preschool children who are three years old by September 1st or have a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

{First Steps} According to Davis, “First Steps serves children ages birth to three years who are experiencing a developmental delay or have a diagnosed medical condition with a high likelihood of developmental delay.”

Why should parents take advantage of these programs?

{Head Start} Le’al says that Head Start offers kids highquality, comprehensive, early childhood, family-focused services. “It is our focus to enhance the children’s growth and development and provide them with school readiness skills.”

{First Steps} “First Steps can be a very helpful resource for families of infants and toddlers with developmental delays and/or disabilities,” says Davis. “Providers prioritize family education and engagement.

The families’ choices for their children are respected. Services are delivered in the child’s natural environment, which is most often the home or child care, and providers are as flexible as possible to ensure the family is able to fully participate.”

not done the treatment. He is now two and you cannot even detect the torticollis he was born with. He has full range of motion and so far, has not had any issues.”

How can parents find out more?

{Head Start} Parents can apply online at www.fds. org or visit the center at 17645 Oakmont Drive in Noblesville to apply in person.

{First Steps} Megan and Peter Lohman used First Steps to help treat their son’s torticollis.

Torticollis is a condition in which the head becomes persistently turned to one side, often associated with painful muscle spasms. Their son was diagnosed at birth and needed physical therapy to prevent more severe issues from developing. “The therapy and treatment parts were very positive,” says Megan. “The results were wonderful. It is hard to know how his condition would have turned out had we

If parents suspect their child is experiencing a developmental delay, then they are encouraged to self-refer (i.e., a doctor’s referral is not necessary). Contact information for local First Steps programs can be found at www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/ 4685.htm.

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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SCHOOL AGERS

Progressive Education and ADD/ADhD What’s the connection? greatly affects attention and motivation. Finding ways to motivate and get students with ADD/ADHD to pay attention is half the battle. The result is more effective learning.

(HCF) Why did you mention brain development?

(KG)

Hamilton County Family spoke with Kevin Gailey, Head of School at Midwest Academy, to discuss how progressive education can meet the needs of students with attention deficit disorder ADD/ ADHD. Excerpts from our interview are presented here.

(HCF) How does that relate progressive education?

(KG)

(HCF) Why is progressive education a good way to teach kids with ADD/ADHD?

(HCF) Let’s start with progressive education. What is this?

(KG)

(KG)

There are four main things to consider when thinking about ADD/ADHD and progressive education: progressive ed. itself, brain development, technology and commonalities among students with ADD/ADHD.

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The easiest way to explain it is to think of students experiencing what they learn through projects and hands on activity instead of rote memorization.

The process of learning and application of knowledge matters as much or more than what is learned, especially once foundational knowledge has been mastered. This way of teaching

Over the past 30 years, scientists have learned a lot about our brains.

One important thing they learned is that children are born with billions of neurons and as they grow and learn, the neurons connect into strands called neural pathways. During the teen years and young adulthood, people strengthen some of these strands and get rid of others. They use their network of neurons for the rest of their lives.

The more we develop neural pathways focused on concepts instead of information, the more we become flexible, critical thinkers who can use information. This is how progressive teachers teach because it prepares people for the varying requirements of school and work, not to get an “A” on a test and move on to the next task.

(HCF) What about technology?

(KG)

Technology has progressed a great deal as well. Millions of people now use smart phones to find facts every day. So information is available all the time.

(HCF) How does it connect to ADD/ ADHD? (KG)

First, workers don’t simply obtain information in jobs anymore. They use information. So, teachers and parents who develop students who use information prepare them better for the jobs of the future.

Second, since we can find information whenever we need it, we do not have to memorize as much and can develop our brains to remember how to find and use information more than save and retrieve it from memory.

Kids with ADD/ADHD have traits in common. Memory challenges are one of them. So why make them memorize when that is not a strength and more importantly when they don’t have to do so to be successful? The answer is we shouldn’t.

(HCF) This is a lot of information. Can you tie it all together?

(KG)

Sure. We have to recognize today’s world and more importantly the future world of work requires problem solving skills and the ability to think critically.

Pair that with our understanding of the needs of students with ADD/ADHD, what we know about the brain and how modern technology allows us to obtain information easily.

You can see we don’t need to make kids memorize information the way we used to and we should teach in a manner focused on process and application of skills.

Progressive education is that teaching method. It creates more successful learning environments.

Kevin Gailey is Head of School at Midwest Academy, a progressive school serving students in grades 4-12 with learning differences.

He can be reached at kgaily@mymwa.org or visit www.mymwa.org.

(HCF) What other common traits of students with ADD/ADHD are there?

(KG)

Learning styles vary by student, but students with ADD/ADHD are often creative and intelligent, but they also often struggle with organization, impulsivity, processing speed, working memory and have difficulty with receptive or expressive language.

This relates to the discussion because if they have trouble attending, process at slower speeds and remember less while working on assignments, asking students to memorize and reiterate non-essential information will be unsuccessful or, at best, be forgotten soon after a unit of study is complete.

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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PrIvate

schOOl PROFILES HAMILTON COUNTY IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE. FOR PARENTS CONSIDERING A PRIVATE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE, MANY OPTIONS EXIST CLOSE TO HOME. WE ASKED STUDENTS FROM SEVERAL LOCAL PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE ON WHAT MAKES THEIR SCHOOL SPECIAL TO THEM.

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BREBEUF JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL "Participating in my Jesuit high school’s community has been a transformative experience that has taught me the value of honesty, the commendability of hard work, and the meaning of love.

Walking through the hallways, I see the five “Grads at Grad” that underscore the school’s mantra of being men and women for others. The network of love that permeates throughout Brebeuf has shaped me into the intellectually competent, loving, understanding woman with others that I am today. Brebeuf has taught me the importance of setting the world on fire through my passions, ideas, and drive for the greater good."

– Emma Mazurek, Senior Brebeuf Jesuit is a private college preparatory school founded in 1962. Rooted in the Catholic Jesuit tradition, the Brebeuf community embraces the fullness and diversity of creation, accepts and respects all people, and encourages genuine dialogue while providing a rigorous college preparatory education. Students at Brebeuf Jesuit are called to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given talents as a responsibility and as an act of worship. Brebeuf Jesuit offers over 50 co-curricular activities and has 29 athletic teams. To gain a full appreciation of all that Brebeuf Jesuit has to offer, we encourage families to visit campus for a Brave Day shadow visit.

GRADES: 9 – 12 TOTAL # OF STUDENTS: 795 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 18 STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: 12:1 WEBSITE: brebeuf.org

[ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ]

CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL "Cathedral High School is among the best institutions in the nation for a reason. Many notice the national academic acclaim, unparalleled athletic success, and the beautiful setting of our hilltop campus, but may miss half of what makes us special. Here, my teachers are caring, top-notch educators, I am a part of a student body that is a diverse family of faculty and friends, and my four-year journey has been transformative and rewarding. My Cathedral education is one that I can proudly say has fully prepared me for the next step in my life."

– Griffin Gallant, Senior Cathedral High School, founded in 1918, is a private, independent Catholic high school in the Holy Cross tradition committed to transforming a diverse group of students to have the competence to see and the courage to act. Cathedral was named a national Blue Ribbon School for the third time in 2016, the only high school in Indiana, public or private, to earn that honor this year. The Blue Ribbon award for academic excellence means Cathedral students achieve in the top 15% in the nation. Cathedral offers the full International Baccalaureate Programme, 28 Advanced Placement classes, STEM classes, and dual-credit classes. The new Learning Resource Center, encompassing the school’s renowned Language Support program, is designed to meet the needs of college-bound students with diagnosed learning differences. The unique Cathedral 360 Personalized Education Experience helps each individual student achieve his or her best. Last year, Cathedral’s graduating class earned $45.1 million in scholarships and awards, the most in school history.

GRADES: 9 – 12 TOTAL # OF STUDENTS: 1,185 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 16.3 STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: 12:1 WEBSITE: gocathedral.com

GUERIN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL “I am inspired daily by the faith, charity, and love I witness in the hallways at Guerin Catholic High School. It has affected my life in so many ways! With its clubs, sports teams, fine arts, and rigorous academics, Guerin Catholic has provided me with the opportunity to branch out and truly become the best version of myself. I am confident in saying that through my time at Guerin Catholic I have developed into the person God has created me to be. And I will continue to seek His will for my life even after I graduate. Community is also special at Guerin Catholic. All of our coaches, teachers, students, and administrators show abundant love and care for one another and ensure everyone feels part of the family. To me Guerin Catholic is so much more than a school—it is a home and it is a family!”

– Jack Haddad, Junior

Guerin Catholic is located on seventy-two acres in the heart of Hamilton County, just five miles north of Indianapolis. The school was founded in 2004, and has been consistently recognized as one of the nation's top Catholic High Schools. Guerin Catholic is an open enrollment, diocesan, college preparatory school that offers a one to-one laptop-learning environment. Our faithfulness to the teachings of the Catholic Church truly make our students counter-cultural. They are well prepared to not only contribute positively to the colleges and universities they attend, but equipped to be the salt of the earth and the light for the world.

GRADES: 9 – 12 TOTAL # OF STUDENTS: 761 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 19 STUDENT/ FACULTY RATIO: 15:1 WEBSITE: GuerinCatholic.org

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL "Challenged spiritually, academically, socially, and athletically - these have been my experiences at Heritage Christian High School thus far. This past summer I made the decision to step outside my comfort zone by enrolling in a school that would allow me to grow in my faith as well to prepare me to be a successful college student. Since I’ve been at Heritage High School I have built strong relationships with my teachers because of the intimate setting, and as a result, I have had one of the best semesters academically. Based on my experience, I feel I will have many options when it is time to decide which college I should attend. I am confident that I made the right choice."

HORIZON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL "Horizon Christian School has played a crucial role in shaping me into the person I am today. It represents thirteen years of my life. For me, it has always been a safe place of learning and growth. I have built lasting relationships with my teachers. They are the reason I have remained here for so long. They genuinely care for their students, which makes all the difference. I am so thankful my parents could send me here. I plan to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders (eventually pursuing my Master's), so I can become a Speech Language Pathologist."

– Danielle Clark, Senior

– Frankie Young, Junior Heritage Christian School offers a 50-year history of demonstrating strength and success in the classroom, and on the playing field and stage, preparing the next generation of world changers. Our focus is on the whole student as we prepare them academically, spiritually and emotionally to be fully engaged and abundantly equipped to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives. Heritage combines big school opportunities with sensible class sizes, a strong curriculum that is aligned across grade levels, and teachers who are intentional about seeing students succeed both in and outside of the classroom. Students are provided opportunities to live out their faith as they participate in community outreach events, mentoring programs, and leadership opportunities. The school is recognized by the Indiana Department of Education, AdvancED and the Association of Christian Schools (ACSI).

GRADES: Preschool – 12 TOTAL # OF STUDENTS: 1,193 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 20 STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: (Preschool) 13:2, (Prep-K) 13:2, (K) 16:1, (1st-12th) 20:1 WEBSITE: heritagechristian.net

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Horizon Christian School is located on 98 beautiful acres of land in the Geist area (79th & Fall Creek) and is fully accredited through the Indiana Department of Education. Horizon is a non-denominational Biblically based Christian school that teaches for academic excellence while developing in students a Christian perspective of the world. Horizon offers students smaller class size with more personal attention. The high school offers both the Indiana Core 40 diploma as well as the Indiana Academic Honors Diploma. There are numerous dual credit and AP classes available. Call to make an appointment to find out more about Horizon!

GRADES: Pre-K – Grade 12 TOTAL # OF STUDENTS: 300 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 20 STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: 16:1 WEBSITE: hcsindy.org

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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MIDWEST ACADEMY "Since first grade, I have struggled with very mild ADD and a learning disability. I attended different schools, but was unable to find the help I needed to be successful. Midwest Academy is a place where teachers and staff provide strategies to help you succeed. Midwest is a safe, welcoming school, where teachers actually care about students. I am so glad that my family and I found a school that could meet my needs. "

THE ORCHARD SCHOOL "Orchard means everything to me because it has shaped me to be the girl I am. I will always thank Orchard for showing me this crazy, yet amazing world through so many different sets of eyes.

By experiencing Orchard I realize that all people matter. Everyone has a voice to share. It is the world's job to listen. Orchard means everything to me because it guided me to see these ideas."

– Charlotte Kumler, 8th Grade

– Nia Brown, Senior

Midwest Academy is an independent, progressive school located in Carmel, Indiana committed to the education of students in grades 4-12 who are faced with learning differences such as ADHD/ADD, language based learning challenges, high functioning autism, and auditory processing challenges. We provide a hands-on, process-oriented curriculum, an engaging setting, and a community fostering academic achievement, self-acceptance, and individual accountability.

GRADES: 4 – 12 TOTAL # OF STUDENTS: 96 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 9 STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: 1:5 WEBSITE: mymwa.org

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The Orchard School is a progressive, independent, nonsectarian school located at 615 W. 64th Street in Indianapolis.

The school's 42.9 acres, which include a high and low rope challenge course and a cabin, serve as an outdoor classroom. All students participate in STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math. The school has four 3D printers to enhance the math and engineering curriculum. The Orchard School has a one-to-one laptop program for second through eighth graders. Our preschool through first graders have access to iPads. Our hands-on program includes Spanish, service learning, performing arts, social/emotional learning and sports. Combined with Responsive Classroom, it's easy to understand why Orchard students are lifelong learners and compassionate community leaders!

GRADES: Preschool – Grade 8 TOTAL # OF STUDENTS: 600 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 20 classrooms have more STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: 7:1 (Many than one teacher in the room) WEBSITE: orchard.org

SYCAMORE SCHOOL "This is what Sycamore means to me: We learn lots of new and interesting things. We create, invent, collaborate to answer questions, and we solve problems. We work together to do great things. I am always happy to see my friends, and they are happy to see me. Every day you can depend on everyone. I am already sad when I think about when I will leave it.

– Insia Zaidi, 4th Grade

Sycamore School, founded in 1985, is a private, independent school for preschool - 8th graders, providing a full-time educational program to meet the needs of academically gifted students. Gifted learners have special intellectual, social, and emotional needs. Sycamore School provides an open, enriched educational environment designed to develop superior thinking skills and the opportunity to complete a broad range of academic and artistic projects. Sycamore School values its positive, enthusiastic school climate that supports and nurtures school life, which includes art, music, and athletics in addition to the study of math, science, technology, and literature.

GRADES: Preschool – Grade 8 TOTAL # OF STUDENTS: 401 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 20 STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: 8:1 WEBSITE: sycamoreschool.org

TRADERS POINT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS "I’m fortunate to have master teachers, challenging courses and leadership opportunities at TPCS. But I’m most grateful for what’s unique here – things that shape me. My teachers pray for me and classmates defend what’s right. God is always present, from walking to class or feeding families in Nicaragua. Visitors can feel that we are different. We are expected to reach higher for a greater calling, not simply for personal glory."

– Sydney Kowal, Junior

Traders Point is located near Zionsville, in Whitestown - the fastest growing area in Indiana. 50% of our 730 students live in Boone and Hamilton counties. Many families seek a biblical worldview education, for their children to be known and loved. They want a partner to prepare and equip their children to impact the world for Christ. Academically rigorous. Individual student focused. Opportunity. Safety and community.

We are Traders Point and this is what we do.

See our NEW HIGH SCHOOL FACILITIES opening August 2017 – visit on Knights Days to see us in action and learn about our innovation for college, tech and life preparation.

GRADES: Preschool – Grade 12 TOTAL # OF STUDENTS: 730 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 18 STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: 14:1 WEBSITE: tpcs.org

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WORDS BY // PETE GILBERT

A Dad Influence Shush Happens I take my three kids to the library as an afterschool activity every week. As soon as we enter, chaos ensues.

Three kids off and running in three different directions, and me trying to keep tabs on the youngest, all while “shushing” my older kids from across the library as they shout to me when they find something they’re looking for.

My oldest daughter (age 10) usually knows what she wants to check out even before arriving at the library. She brings the call number with her, ropes an employee or two into helping her and off she goes.

Minutes later she comes looking for me after she’s checked out her book, along with a dozen or so issues of Discovery Girls and Girls’ Life magazines. (These magazines tackle hard-hitting topics like: “Are You True to You?” and “What Does Your Bedroom Say About You?”) My five-year-old picks out whatever books she can grab off the shelves. She should be perusing the Beginning Reader section but many times can be found wandering around looking at World War II biographies, books explaining black holes and self-help books – basically everything except books she might actually enjoy. In fact, on our last visit she checked out a book called, My Two Gay Dads. Her mom and I were a bit confused by that one.

My seven-year-old son is the biggest reader in the family. Lately, his favorite books have come from the I Survived series. During a conversation with his sisters about how most books have happy endings, he looked up from his I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic book and without missing a beat replied, “Mine don’t.”

Three different kids. Three different library-visiting strategies. Thirty-one books and magazines checked out. A success. Now if we could just keep track of everything when it’s time to return it all, that would really be saying something.

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TWEENS & TEENS

WORDS BY // Stephanie Lowe-Sagebiel

The Counselor’s Corner Handling an adopted child’s interest in a biological parent “We adopted our daughter when she was a baby.

Although it was an open adoption, our contact with the biological mother has dwindled over the years. Now that my daughter is a teenager, she has a newfound interest in developing a relationship with her biological mother. I’m having mixed feelings about this as I’m not sure how it might go.

What’s the best way to handle this situation?”

An essential developmental task for all young people is to collect information about who they are, particularly during adolescence. Doing so helps them to develop a sense of self, belonging, history and connection that prepares them for their future. As such, there are several considerations to take into account as you approach your daughter’s interest in connecting with her biological mother.

SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH HER Make sure your daughter knows that her desire to learn more about her biological family is okay with you. This will help normalize the process and avoid her feeling “torn” between you and her biological mother.

Many children who are adopted fantasize about what their biological parents are like. If they don’t know the story behind their adoption they may create one, imag-

ining how and why their adoption took place. Talk with your daughter about any stories or fantasies she may have about her biological mom. Make a list of questions she would like to ask her, even if she doesn’t intend to share the list. Wonder with her what she imagines life might be like if she is able to reconnect with her, but also talk about what she will do if no relationship develops.

CREATE EMOTIONAL SAFETY Beginning this journey can ignite a storm of unexpected emotions for both parents and children. As her parent, your job is to create a platform of emotional safety for her to sort out whatever happens in this process.

Remember that adoption is not just about the child. Adoption affects biological and adoptive parents as well as siblings.

Acknowledging your feelings and potential triggers that may cause you anxiety or stress is important during this time. You may feel threatened if your daughter develops a strong connection with her biological mom. You may feel protective of what she will encounter in this process. You may feel overlooked or unappreciated for the important role you have played in her life.

Be aware of the thoughts and feelings you are having and know how to manage them.

Realize that your daughter’s feelings may not match yours, and in fact, she may not even be aware of all the emotions that are affecting her.

time to talk if she wishes. Some adoption reunions are beautiful stories, but others are not. Talk with your daughter about how she will handle events that are disappointing or become overwhelming. Clarify the role your daughter wants you to play and discuss the types of scenarios where she might want you to intervene.

Developmentally at this age, teens have a particularly difficult time thinking through consequences of their actions. Help guide your daughter through this important process and develop the insight to work through what she is feeling. Ask what she needs from you along the way and be sure to get the support you need as well.

Stephanie Lowe-Sagebiel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with Centerpoint Counseling and Baume Psychological Services and has nearly twenty years of experience helping adults, teens and children develop healthy skills to manage life’s challenges.

HAVE A PLAN FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT

It’s important that your daughter takes good care of herself during this emotional time. Encourage her to exercise, get enough sleep, journal if that helps her and set aside

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MOMS

WORDS BY // Dr. Susan Benson, OB/GYN

Pregnancy at an Advanced Maternal Age What moms with “more life experience” need to know These days it seems that many women are waiting longer to start their families. They want to see their career take off, waited longer to find a partner, wanted to achieve financial stability or have other “life events” that just haven’t made it the right time yet. Whatever the reason, I am seeing an increasing number of women over 35 in my office for prenatal visits, many of them with their first pregnancy. In medical terminology, this is called “Advanced Maternal Age” or AMA. I see this so often that it is common for me to have conversations with these mothers-to-be on a daily basis, discussing what they can expect and what risks waiting longer to have children might pose.

Going into pregnancy being healthy is a big advantage, so I always advise anyone (no matter their age) to optimize their health prior to getting pregnant. Take a prenatal vitamin, exercise, follow a good diet and make sure any pre-existing health conditions you have are well-controlled.

This advice is especially true for AMA moms because as patients get older we tend to come across more chronic diseases like diabetes, thyroid problems or high blood pressure that need to be well managed prior to and during pregnancy. If a mom is on any medications, she should also check with her doctor to make sure they are safe to take once she is pregnant.

She should also be certain that all of her vaccinations are up to date.

The first prenatal visit always includes a discussion of the risks that are specific to AMA pregnancies, and the risks regarding genetic disorders in the baby. Specifically, the risk for genetic disorders does start

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to increase with maternal age, after age 35.

An example of a risk for a woman at age 35 is having approximately a 1 in 350 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome.

That number may sound scary, but in actuality, this is still a low risk when you think that 349 out of 350 babies will not have the disorder. There are specific tests we can offer early in pregnancy to check for these issues. This includes an ultrasound at about 10-13 weeks to check for Down syndrome by taking a measurement of the back of the baby’s neck (called nuchal translucency) as well as blood work during that time called a Sequential screen. Also, after about 9 weeks gestation, we are able to order a blood test called cell free fetal DNA, which actually looks at the baby’s chromosomes drawn from the mother’s blood and can identify issues like Down or Turner syndrome with fairly good accuracy. In addition to these early tests, we also offer an ultrasound at about 18-20 weeks to look at all of the

baby’s anatomy. It is always the patient’s choice to determine which of these tests she wishes to pursue.

Finally, mothers who are a little older also have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure in pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. We watch for these problems at every visit and screen for them in every pregnancy. Any other pre-existing health conditions will be carefully managed.

The vast majority of “older” moms have very healthy pregnancies and healthy newborns. More and more I am seeing women wait until their 30’s to start a family, and overall this is a safe and healthy option to pursue.

Dr. Benson’s office is located at St. Vincent Fishers Hospital (317.415.6450) and she is currently accepting new patients.

DADS

WORDS BY // Melissa Glidden

Single Father? You’re Not Alone Tips for adjusting to this new parenting dynamic 2 million.

That’s how many American men reported themselves as single, custodial parents in 2013 according to Fatherhood.gov.

For many, the thought of single parenthood still conjures up an image of a mother – hustling between the office, home, grocery store and soccer practice with no father in sight. Carol Hornbeck, a Hamilton County area licensed marriage and family therapist, says “Part of this is due to the fact that there is less cultural and social support for men who wish to raise their children on their own.”

What should a man keep in mind if he’s about to embark on a new life as a single parent?

The best advice comes from those who have walked this path before.

Addressing challenges Rob is a 32-year-old insurance agent from Hamilton County and a single father to his 12-year-old son. He says the challenges he faces as a single father aren’t unique to him, but that doesn’t make them any less difficult.

“I struggle with being around my son enough to teach him valuable life lessons,” says Rob, who says his son’s mother has primary custody. “I’m limited to weekends and holidays, and while I can pretty much see him whenever I want during the week, I’m normally limited to just taking him out to dinner because it’s a school night.”

Hornbeck suggests that single fathers like Rob remain positive and find the courage to ask for help when they need it. “Fathers need to learn to trust themselves and their love for their children,” she says, adding that it is important to reach out to others when they need assistance.

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Maintaining a good working relationship with your ex is also fundamental to your child’s well-being. For Rob, this has been one of the less complicated parts of single fatherhood. “My ex and I have a great relationship, which makes things easy in terms of co-parenting,” he says. In his experience, however, this took pre-planning. During their divorce, he and his ex-wife agreed that no matter what, they would support one another in any decisions they made while raising their son.

“Communication is key,” says Rob.

In order to make time for self-care, Hornbeck suggests single fathers remember that it takes a village to raise a child. “In our culture, many men continue to battle the unhelpful messages they may have received as boys – namely, that it is weak or unmanly to ask for, or to need, help.” But kids benefit from close, nurturing relationships with multiple caring adults, including grandparents, uncles, aunts and mentors, so single fathers shouldn’t worry about asking for help with childcare from time to time.

Hornbeck gives this advice for establishing a positive relationship with your child’s other parent: “Disengage from the personal, emotional relationship you’ve held in the past, and think of the new relationship as a business partnership. You don’t have to be best friends – you just have to put aside the conflict that ended your former relationship, and focus on your shared stake in the child’s needs.”

Hornbeck also suggests building an arsenal of professionals to call upon. “Build a relationship with both a pediatrician and a therapist,” she says. “If you have a network of professionals you trust, you will have an easier time navigating in a crisis, because you won’t be trying to deal with the crisis at the same time that you are learning to trust a stranger.”

Enlisting help According to Hornbeck, single dads would do well to invest in a support network and not overlook their own needs. “Single fathers should take self-care seriously,” she says. “If they attend to their own emotional, spiritual and physical health, they will not only provide their children with a positive role model, but they’ll also remain healthy enough to stay available to them.”

Most importantly, Hornbeck wants single fathers to know that they are capable and not alone. “What children need most is unconditional love, safety, support and acceptance. Fathers can provide this, and can be instrumental in nurturing children to become competent, caring adults.”

Interested in connecting with others? The New Day Program for Children and Families of Divorce offers support for children and single parents. The program is held at Second Presbyterian Church and information may be obtained through the website or by calling (317) 252-5518.

hidden gems

OF HAMILTON COUNTY

WORDS BY // Kate Burkhardt, Communications Coordinator, Hamilton County Tourism

The best finds only the locals know!

Who doesn’t love pizza?

Although we typically credit Italy with inventing our beloved tomato sauce and melty cheese pies, pizza is easily one of America’s favorite meals. This installment of Hidden Gems pays tribute to Hamilton County’s local slices. Try a pizza that’s out-of-the-box!

PIZZOLOGY 13190 Hazel Dell Parkway, Carmel, IN

May we suggest: Baby Cheesus This pie is topped with Tulip Tree Creamery Foxglove double cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan reggiano and freshly cracked black pepper.

BAZBEAUX 111 W Main Street, Carmel, IN

May we suggest: Spring pizza This pie is topped with fresh tomato, broccoli, green pepper, house roasted red pepper, carrots, red onion and fresh dill.

ROCKSTONE PIZZERIA 11501 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN

May we suggest: Strawnutticota pie This dessert pie is topped with strawberries, Nutella, ricotta and powdered sugar. A great way to end your meal!

PHOTO CREDIT // Hamilton County Tourism

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winter

INDOOR FUN W H AT T O D O W H E N I T ’ S T O O C O L D T O G O O U T S I D E !

WORDS BY // Susan Bryant

EVERY PARENT KNOWS THE BEST WAY TO CURE YOUR KIDS’ CABIN FEVER IS TO SEND THEM OUTSIDE TO BURN OFF SOME ENERGY! SOMETIMES THE WEATHER SIMPLY WON’T COOPERATE THOUGH. WHEN TEMPERATURES DIP TOO LOW, TRY THESE IDEAS FOR SOME INDOOR FUN THIS WINTER.

BOUNCE OFF THE WALLS What kid doesn’t like a room full of giant inflatables?

BOUNCE U in Fishers and MONKEY JOE’S in Castleton both offer walk-in bounce times, perfect for when you need a quick fix to drain some hyperactivity!

Bounce U www.bounceu.com/fishers-in/ Monkey Joe’s www.monkeyjoes.com/locations/castleton

MAKE BELIEVE TAKE A SWIM Shed the hats, gloves and winter coats and grab your swimming suit. The MONON COMMUNITY CENTER ACTIVITY POOL has a mini-slide, automatic spray features and buckets of water that spontaneously dump on unsuspecting swimmers. Parents can relax poolside or get some exercise in the lap pool while the kids are busy splashing. http://carmelclayparks.com/monon-community-center/ mcc-hours/

PUT THE PEDAL TO THE METAL Feel the need for speed? Hit the track at K1 SPEED in Noblesville, Indy’s only indoor electric kart racing track. Junior racers must be at least 48” tall and can travel at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. (Parents want in on the action? Adult racers can race at 45 mph.) Strap on your helmet and take a spin! www.k1speed.com/indianapolis-location.html

CLIMB TO NEW HEIGHTS Indoor rock climbing is a great way for kids to challenge themselves in a new way. Both HOOSIER HEIGHTS in Carmel and CLIMB TIME INDY just off of 69 near Fishers offer open climb times (and climbing clubs) for kids. Hoosier Heights also has a “Ninja Training Facility” where kids can become junior ninjas.

And for parents, put a twist on your next night out with Climb Time’s date night special on Fridays.

Think CONNER PRAIRIE is just for outdoor fun? Think again!

Special areas inside the museum like the Discovery Station, Create.Connect and the Craft Corner give kids plenty of creative, imaginative ways to spend a winter’s day. www.connerprairie.org/

JUMP IN Foam Zone. Sky Slam. Ultimate Dodgeball. What kid wouldn’t be enticed by these activities? Get the wiggles out in a major way at SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK in Fishers. Kids can bounce, flip and jump to their heart’s content. And if you want in on the fun too, check out the SkyRobics class for an out-of-the-box way to burn a few calories. www.skyzone.com/fishers

BOWL A STRIKE Grab the kids and knock down some pins together! We have three bowling alleys in our area and they all offer more than bowling. PINHEADS in Fishers has an extensive arcade room, WOODLAND BOWLING CENTER at 96th and Keystone has a pirate-themed laser tag arena and BOWL 32 in Noblesville offers glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf.

Pinheads http://bowlatpinheads.com/ Woodland Bowling Center www.royalpin.com/woodland/ Bowl 32 www.bowl32.com/

Hoosier Heights www.hoosierheightsindianapolis.com/ Climb Time Indy www.climbtimeindy.com/

HIT THE ICE Lace up your skates and try your best camel spin at one of Hamilton County’s three ice rinks, ICE SKADIUM in Carmel, ARCTIC ZONE ICEPLEX in Westfield and FUEL TANK in Fishers.

Check out each rink’s website for special events like Cosmic Skate nights and other fun ways to amp up your skating experience!

Ice Skadium www.carmeliceskadium.com/ Arctic Zone Iceplex http://thearctic zone.net/site/ Fuel Tank www.indyfueltank.com/

GO NUTS Zip lines, gymnastics equipment, basketball, foam pits, a rock wall, trampolines, bounce houses – the HAMILTON COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX in Noblesville has it all. Open gym times mean your kids can focus on just one area or take advantage of what the whole complex offers. www.thesportscomplex.net/

Winter officially lasts 89 days – so be prepared!

If outdoor fun isn’t an option, take advantage of all the indoor activities available in our area.

And remember, spring is just around the corner! www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

WORDS BY // HOLLY KLINE

Indy Snack Attack Helping fight childhood hunger one snack at a time The Hamilton County School District is home to 21 schools and thousands of students. What many people in our community may not realize is that there are children in these schools who experience food insecurity. In fact, according to Gleaners Food Bank, approximately 12,500 kids in Hamilton County do not have enough food to eat.

Indy Snack Attack is on a mission to help. Founded five years ago by Hamilton County resident Lori Fowler, Indy Snack Attack is a non-profit organization that provides weekend snack bags to students in the HSE school district. “I’ve always had a passion for working in food pantries and had volunteered at ones in Fishers and Noblesville,” says Fowler. “I thought there was probably a need to help kids in this way so I came up with the weekend snack idea.”

Indy Snack Attack is designed to fill in the gaps for students when food may be scarce for them over the weekend. As Founder and Executive Director of Indy Snack attack, Fowler manages the food donations and works to pack the snacks into bags that are delivered to 14 HSE schools each Thursday. Students receive the snacks on Fridays.

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Thorpe Creek Elementary in Fishers partners with Indy Snack Attack and Principal Sara Curran is grateful for the organization’s help. “Snack bags are delivered to TCE each week and our counselor discreetly places these bags in the backpacks of participating students,” Curran says. “The food in these bags helps to sustain our students over the weekend when they are not eating at school. In 2013, we had approximately 35 students benefiting from this service. Today, we have approximately 85 students benefiting from the weekly snack bags. Indy Snack Attack is an integral partner in our school community.”

Indy Snack Attack’s reach has steadily expanded over the years. “The first year we had 20 kids in the program. Now we serve 375 kids,” Fowler says. She hopes to add three more schools this year.

Students that are part of the HSE free and reduced meal plan are eligible to receive Indy Snack Attack bags. “We help kids in kindergarten through high school,” says Fowler. “We work with mostly guidance counselors at school and leave it up to them to ID the kids to us.”

Two types of snack bags are offered. Students in kindergarten through 4th grade receive five snacks that are “open and eat.”

Individually wrapped crackers and granola bars are good examples of the types of food found in the K-4 bags. Kids in grades 5-12 have ten snacks in their bags which may include items that are microwaveable like ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, etc.

Indy Snack Attack is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and help from the local community is welcomed. Both food and tax deductible monetary donations are accepted. “We are a 100% volunteer organization,” Fowler says. “We’ve had clubs like Girl Scouts, Fall Creek Junior High Honor Society and others pack bags for us. All ages can help out including families and businesses.”

Interested in finding out more? Contact Lori Fowler at miloinindy@yahoo.com or visit http://indysnackattack.blogspot. com/ to learn how you can help.

RESOURCES

RESouRCE DIRECToRY THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR FAMILIES IN HAMILTON COUNTY AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES · CAMPS · CHILDCARE · EARLY EDUCATION ENTERTAINMENT · HOME SERVICES · and more!

PR ESCHOOL

CLASSES & CAMPS

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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RETAIL

FI T NESS & E NR ICH M E N T

PARTIES & ENTERTAINMENT

34 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // winter

FUN &

wACkY CA L EN DA R

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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