Cincinnati Parent /// 02.11

Making of a

Mompreneur Finding the Perfect Preschool

February 2011 * CINCINNATIPARENT.com

February 2011 10

the preschool hunt

18

making of mompreneurs

* Commentary & Parenting

PUBLISHER’s NOTE: Encouraging Experiential Learning

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mommy magic: Balancing Motherhood

29

* NEWS & SHOPPING

EVENTS & NEWS YOU CAN USE: News You Want—Now!

06

* Around Town Profile: Cool Schools

09

cincy on a budget: Great Ways to Get Back What You Paid

17

* HEALTH & WELLNESS

WOMEN’s health: Christ Hospital Offers Advanced Treatments for Pelvic Floor Disorders 08

20

birthdays in cincy

pediatric health: Difficult Child or Something More?

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WOMEN’s health: Best Bets to Prevent Heart Disease

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* RESOURCES

childcare & education directory

14

Mompreneur Guide

19

summer camp guide

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calendar

37

classifieds

41

Ask the Staff:

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February is Library Lovers' Month! In honor of this, tell us what book you are currently reading (or trying to find time to read)?

A Christamore House Guild book -- The Last Time I Saw You

aN

time for baby

The Time Traveler’s Wife

K at i e Pfier

Anything by one of my favorite authors Janet Evanovich

m

Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan

M

ROXANN

KAREN RING Crazy Love

by Francis Chan

ski ew

jennica za

l

e

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

by Stieg Larsson

150 Years of camp

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ip

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KARA BLU

BU

RN

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The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

h e at h e r

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co mm e nta ry & pa r e ntin g

Publisher & President of Sales & Business Development Mary Wynne Cox publisher@cincinnatiparent.com

Art Direction & DESIGN Heather Lipe

heather@cincinnatiparent.com

director of MARKETING & business development Katie Pfierman katie@cincinnatiparent.com

SALES AND Business Development Jennica Zalewski jennica@cincinnatiparent.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kara Blum kara@cincinnatiparent.com

ACCOUNTANT Roxanne Burns

roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com

OFFICE MANAGER Karen Ring

karen@cincinnatiparent.com

COVER MODEL Lindsay McNutt COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Driscoll Photography

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Publisher’s Note

Encouraging Experiential Learning

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Teaching Life Lessons Through Everyday Experiences

First, we survived being born to mothers streetlights came on. No one was able to who took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, reach us all day—and we were OK! tuna from a can and didn’t get tested for We did not have Playstations, Nintendos diabetes. and Xboxes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies, no with bright colored lead-based paints. surround sound, cell phones, or personal We had no childproof lids on medicine computers. There was also no internet or bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when chat rooms. we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps— We had friends and we went outside and not helmets on our heads.

So many parents want to protect found them! their children from the adverse As infants and children, we would ride in times in life. Some will go as far cars with no car seats, booster seats or air We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from as confronting a teacher to avoid bags with bald tires and sometimes little to these accidents. no breaks. their child going through a painful situation. Many will protect their We drank water from the garden hose and We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us children to the point that they are not from a bottle. forever. not allowing their children to grow We shared one soft drink with four as individuals. friends—from one bottle—and no one We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would died from it. happen, we did not poke out our eyes.

I have witnessed this scenario countless times and want to share We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid with real We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house an interesting email that was sent white sugar. And we weren’t overweight! and knocked on the door or rang the bell and to me. There are many lessons, Why? talked to them. stories, and truths within this message. I realize that today we Because we were always outside playing— Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to live in a different time than when that’s why! learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine I grew up, however, this hit home We would leave home in the morning and that!! with me. play all day, as long as were back when the ife is full of joy and disappointments. I think, as a parent, it is very important to help your children deal with both.

When your child has a big success, it is fun to celebrate and enjoy the moment. When your child has a loss or defeat in their life, it is a lesson waiting to happen.

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of—they actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors—ever.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

Although I am not suggesting we let our kids ride in cars without car seats or ride their bikes without helmets, there is some truth to allowing your children to f ight their own battles, create their own fun, and learn the lessons of life by being somewhat independent in their choices.

I shared this with my daughter and niece tonight and they loved it. I hope you will f ind some wisdom and insight from this as well. Happy February Cincinnati Parent Readers!

—Mary Cox Publisher and President

Cincinnati Parent 9435 Waterstone Blvd, Suite 140 Cincinnati, OH 45249 513.444.2015 (ph) 513.444.2099 (fx) info@cincinnatiparent.com Copyright: Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2008 by Cincinnati Parent and Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.

cincinnatiparent.com

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 5

N E WS & SH O PPI N G

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events & news you can use

3rd Annual Get Smart About Art Festival and STUDIO 2011 in Over-the-Rhine On Saturday, February 26th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the 3rd Annual Get Smart About Art Festival and STUDIO 2011 will be held at the School of Creative and Performing Arts in historic OverThe-Rhine. This family and teen arts festival connects families and the arts community in fun and creative ways.

Highlights include music, storytelling, artwork, dance and much more!

With today’s hectic lifestyle, it’s imperative we take a break from all the high-tech gadgets that consume our lives. Cheers to Art in Madeira does just that. This brand new canvas painting studio offers “art as entertainment,” so whether you consider yourself artistic or not, a painting session with stepby-step instruction can help you unwind a bit from your busy schedules. Canvas painting is the newest trend in art that is taking the country (and Cincinnati) by storm. Absolutely no experience is necessary. Visit cheerstoart.com for more information.

Molly Maid of Northern Kentucky and Southeast Cincinnati is in Search of the Busy Mom to Win a Year of Maid Service!

Do you know a busy mom who seems to never stop going? A mom who hustles from the moment she wakes until the moment her head hits the pillow at night? A mom who knows where everyone is, where everyone needs to be and can miraculously manage it all?

Then please nominate her (or yourself ) before March 1, 2011 for Molly Maid of NKY and SE Cincinnati service area. The mom with the most on her plate will be rewarded with a stress-reducing price of not having to clean her house for an entire year! Yes, that’s right–A WHOLE YEAR! Submit your essay to contest@ mollymaid.com (maximum of 350 words). Subject to territory limitations (service address must be in the NKY/SE Cincinnati service area). Go to CincinnatiParent.com for more details!

6 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

The festivities begin at Music Hall with the Lollipops Family Concert, Mozart!, performed by Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and the Know Theatre Company. The 45-minute concert begins at 10:00 a.m. The fun continues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the School for Creative and Performing Art, one block south from Music Hall.

Get Smart About Art provides interactive art making activities with the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Art Center, Taft Museum, Happen, Inc, and Window Arts Enrichment.

Performing through out the day are the Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, Ensemble Theater, My Nose Turns Red, Dramakinetics, Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, and many more arts organizations from the across the region.

STUDIO 2011, an exclusive space with performances by and for teens, is where all the emerging young artists will want to hang out! Scheduled to perform are Elementz, The Groundlings from the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and School of Creative and Performing Arts Jazz Ensemble.

All of the activities are open and free to the public. Again, Mozart! Begins at 10 a.m. in Music Hall, 1241 Elm Street. Get Smart About Art Festival and STUDIO 2011 begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. at the School of Creative and Performing Arts, 108 West Central Parkway, one block south from Music Hall.

Covedale Center After-School Drama Program to Begin March 8, 2011 The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts continues its new After-School Drama Program for young performers, ages 10 through 13.

Classes will encompass acting, improvisation, theatre skills and a f inal performance on the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts stage!

The Covedale Center After-School Drama program will be an excellent preparation for young performers who may wish to audition for the award-winning Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre teen program

or audition for “the Covedale’s” regular season shows (when ageappropriate roles are available in a cast) when they are old enough.

After School Drama program classes will be: Tuesdays and Thursdays for 6 weeks; 4:15 – 5:30 p.m. each afternoon. Start Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2011 - End Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011.

Final performance on Sat. April 16, 2011 @ 2:00 p.m.; free and open to the public. Classes will be held in the Rehearsal Studio, located in the new backstage addition to the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts.

Tuition for Covedale Center AfterSchool Drama Program is $175.00 for 12 sessions plus performance.

Target class size is 25 participants.

Admission to the final performance is free.

Admission to the program is on a first-come basis. Registration is available immediately. Registration closing deadline is March 1, 2011.

For more information or to register a child for the Covedale Center After School Drama Program, call the Covedale at 513.241.6550 or visit www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 7

H EA LT H & W E LLN E SS

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women’s health

ADVERTISEMENT

Christ Hospital Offers Advanced Treatments for Pelvic Floor Disorders New Treatments Offer Improved Quality of Life

The pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that help support and control the rectum, uterus, vagina and bladder. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease, previous pelvic surgeries and various other causes.

The Christ Hospital Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders is a unique center—one of only a few in the country—offering a “multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders.”

Urogynecologists, specialists in the care of women with pelvic floor disorders, colorectal surgeons, urologists and physical therapists work as a team to give patients comprehensive and advanced care. Common conditions treatable by the Center include incontinence, pelvic pain, overactive bladder and pelvic floor prolapse.

Pelvic floor prolapse is a condition wherein the pelvic organs—uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum—descend, causing a bulge and/or pressure.

In more severe cases, organs may actually protrude from the vagina.

lectured throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. Karram is mid 90s,” says Dr. Karram. “It’s basically a pacemaker for the Editor-In-Chief of the International Urogynecology Journal and the bladder.” The in-office procedure involves the implantation of consumer publication Women’s Health Today. a small device in the lower back, upper thigh area. The device has small electrodes that connect to nerves in the bladder and According to Dr. Karram, not much is known about the causes of pelvic send a series of charges to the nerves. The level and intensity organ prolapse and it is not always preventable. “The causes can be is controlled remotely if necessary. “This procedure has been multi-faceted,” states Dr. Karram. “From genetic to environmental.” successful for both overactive bladder and those who have It is, however, more prevalent in women who have had several vaginal trouble urinating. It is FDA approved and will soon be approved deliveries and in older, menopausal women because of thinning of the for use in bowel incontinence, as well,” says Dr. Karram. uterus and loss of estrogen.

Botox injection is the newest form of treatment for overactive Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse varies from case to case. bladder. The procedure is performed in-office and involves Menopausal women may be helped with estrogen cream to ease mild the injection of Botox into the wall of the bladder in several symptoms of prolapse. Initial symptoms of pressure and bulging do locations, essentially paralyzing the bladder. “The Botox does not usually require treatment; however the condition can worsen wear off eventually,” says Dr. Karram, “and the procedure will with time. need to be repeated every 6 to 7 months.” Botox for the bladder is not currently FDA approved, however approval is imminent.

According to Dr. Karram, the need for surgery arises when organs begin to protrude. “For some women, the insertion of a ‘pessary,’ For more information on these procedures, The Center for which is placed into the vagina much like a diaphragm, can help with Pelvic Floor Disorders or to schedule a consultation, call (513) the prolapse,” he says, “but this is not always the case.”

463-2500.

Dr. Mickey Karram is the director of urogynecology and reconstructive surgery at The Christ Hospital and the medical director of The Christ Hospital Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders.

He is also Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Advancements in the treatment of overactive bladder are also being University of Cincinnati School of Medicine and is an internationally made. One such treatment is neuromodulation. “Neuromodulation renowned urogynecologist and pelvic surgeon, having taught and is a nerve stimulation technology that has been around since the

8 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and the author of the book “What’s the Point?” Visit her at rebeccatodd.wordpress.com.

AROU N D TOW N

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profile: cincinnati public schools

Cool Schools!

Exciting Happenings at Cincinnati Public Schools With 58 schools spread around a 90-square-mile district, Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) is Hamilton County’s largest public school district and Ohio’s third largest.

It currently serves approximately 34,600 students in preschool through 12th grade.The 58 schools are comprised of 14 high schools with varying focuses, 19 magnet elementary schools offering specialized curriculum in programs such as the arts, foreign language and Montessori teaching methods, as well as many neighborhood elementary schools.

CPS elementary schools are showing great improvements in recent years as a result of the distrcit’s Elementary Initiative; a strategy to improve performance in the system’s lowest ranking schools. The strategy included assessment and realignment of resources, intensive focus on math and reading and leadership training for CPS principals and district leaders.

In the two years since the program was launched, 13 of 16 participating schools have shown measurable improvement in overall performance. Seven of the schools have jumped one or two categories in the Ohio report card ranking system and six have met all of the federal accountability targets for Adequate Yearly Progress.

CPS has also been using a positive reinforcement program known as “Learning Is Cool.” The program encourages students in grades 1 through 8 to make the A honor roll each quarter. Children receive prizes throughout the year and those making the A honor roll at least two quarters are invited to attend a ceremony with the Cincinnati Bengals at the end of the year. As a result, the number of CPS students earning the A Honor Roll at least two quarters increased 35%. Last school year, 3,392 earned the honor.

the highest ranking. “[Taft] started out as one of the worst performing high schools in the state,” says Christine Wolff, Assistant Communications Manager for CPS. The school was transformed into an Information Technology School working with a strong partnership with Cincinnati Bell and is now teaching cutting edge technology. “[Taft] has climbed its way up and is now nationally recognized.” Last year the school attained the high honor of being named a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

CPS high schools offer students opportunities to explore a variety of interests that prepare them for success in college and beyond. Hughes High School students concentrate on science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs. One standout program, Zoo Academy, is the only program in the United States where high school students have the opportunity to work directly with zookeepers in animal care. Western Hills High School is one of only two schools in the U.S. offeringthe Project Lead the Way pre-engineering program.

Virtual High School is also an option for students with alternative needs. Virtual High School is described as “education blending traditional learning and e-learning” and allows students who may have experienced frustration with traditional education or have life circumstances requiring a nontraditional option to still receive a high school education outside of the classroom.Students follow timelines and attend school three hours per day for five days a week. Standard curriculum is followed and Spanish classes are also offered.

Many CPS high schools have strong ratings from the Ohio State Department of Education. Taft Information Technology High School recently made the district’s list of excellent-rated schools,

Recently opened is the new home for the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA). In the new building, SCPA now combines two Cincinnati Public Schools — Schiel Primary

School for Arts Enrichment (grades K-3) and SCPA (grades 4-12). Inside the new SCPA are three performance areas, additional class and practice rooms as well as several galleries for displaying student artwork. “It’s a beautiful new, state of the art building,” says Ms. Wolff.

In addition, “Half of the funding for the project was raised through private donations. Because of the extra money, we were able to expand the project.” Classes are offered for children in grades K-12 and approximately 1,300 students are currently enrolled.

The SCPA is part of the districts $1-billion 10year Facilities Master Plan, now entering it 9th year. All schools in the district are being either fully renovated or rebuilt. The Facilities Master Plan was developed jointly by CPS and the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC), the state agency directing a statewide campaign to upgrade all Ohio school buildings.

For more information on CPS happenings, visit their website at cps-k12.org.

Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and author of the book “What’s the Point? -- Looking for Logic in Modern America.”

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 9

“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.” -W.B. Yeats When it’s time to enroll your child in a preschool, choosing the right one is often a difficult decision to make. The wide range of options available presents new methodologies of teaching of which parents may be unfamiliar.

However, learning about the different options is fascinating and informative because Cincinnati offers a host of preschool programs and philosophies.

Here are seven preschool philosophies that may be right for your child.

Montessori

Philosophy: Italian educator Maria Montessori founded the philosophy in 1907, one of its premises being that children are capable and individual learners. Teachers guide and intervene when necessary.

In the classroom: Working within mixed age groups, children help each other to become independent in an environment prepared in such a way as to foster success. The clock doesn’t reign in the classroom and children may engage in their work for as long as they choose.

Teacher talk: “We have areas set up for independent ‘works’ designed to teach specific skills, as well as areas for creative group experiences. Students also work collaboratively. We nurture the natural 10 CINCINNATI PARENT * February 2011

curiosity and enthusiasm of children,” says Diana Osborn of Leaves of Learning, Inc. “Dr. Montessori believed that a child who is allowed to develop his or her personality freely and independently would grow to be a far more responsible and creative adult than one who is heavily disciplined. There is an order in a Montessori classroom that works to the advantage of everyone. Children learn that if they care for their environment and fellow human beings they themselves will have a richer variety of experiences.

They learn that freedom is precious, but we must assume certain responsibilities. This is the reason that the classroom and the students are so peaceful,” says Linda Klages AMS, PhD Candidate at Renaissance Montessori.

“We give children the sense of belonging to a community and contributing to that community.

It’s an amazing opportunity to watch these children thrive with a genuine enthusiasm and thrill,” says Laura Saylor, principal of Central Montessori Academy.

“The philosophy speaks to each child in the manner by which they learn best. The child is centered in an environment where free discovery is encouraged through the prepared environment,” says Kathy Scott, head Montessori teacher at Summit Country Day School.

“I love that Montessori encourages children to move through the curriculum at their own pace. They are never ‘bored’ because another challenge always awaits! They become independent, self-motivated, excited learners,” says Pat Elder, Head of School, Montessori Academy of Cincinnati.

A little more info: A school may use the Montessori name without being affiliated with either the Association Montessori Internationale or the American Montessori Society and there are many shades as to how strictly the school adheres to original Montessori principles.

Waldorf

Philosophy: Founder Rudolph Steiner opened his first school in Germany in 1919. Waldorf emphasizes play-acting, stories, and open ended and imaginative play.

of learning,” says Carmy Malora of Cincinnati Waldorf School.

A little more info: Waldorf programs are regulated through the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. The AWSNA holds the trademark rights to use the Waldorf name and any variation of the Waldorf name, e.g. “Waldorf inspired.”

Reggio Emilia

Philosophy: Named after a city in Italy where the townspeople first developed the philosophy, Reggio Emilia was instituted after World War II and is a fairly unstructured learning environment.

Teachers are viewed as collaborators in learning and students are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity.

In the classroom: Natural materials in the classroom are emphasized—toys are made of cloth and wood and the environment is unhurried, calm and low tech.

In the classroom: Parents, as their child’s first teacher, are viewed as an integral part of Reggio and often volunteer in the classroom. As in Montessori, teachers are there to guide students, who are then encouraged to take the lead in their own learning and pursue their own interests.

Teacher talk: “Circle Time is rich in songs, verses and movement. Baking, cooking, watercolor painting, gardening and composting lead children naturally into math and sciences. The goal is to ignite creative individuals with an intrinsic love

Teacher talk: “Our philosophy is ‘Reggioinspired.’ Our project work emerges from the interests and ideas of the children. By focusing our attention on real-world subject matter, our goal is to get them excited and foster what will become

a lifelong love of learning,” says Laura Carr, director of The Compass School of Cincinnati.

but can also be implemented in classrooms that don’t utilize the Reggio philosophy.

A little more info: A significant emphasis is placed on community and collaboration of teachers, students and parents in Reggio.

Teachers often photograph children at work to document their creative process, as well as the finished product.

Play-Based/ Traditional

Project-Based

Philosophy: Many preschools fall under the play-based umbrella where the order of the day is encouraging free play.

An emphasis is placed upon cooperation, sharing and other social development tactics.

Philosophy: Similar to Reggio Emilia in that it is another fairly unstructured, student led learning environment, teachers guide and work with children to plan projects that lead to learning in a positive, spontaneous way.

In the classroom: Toys and materials encouraging openended and imaginative play, such as dress up clothes, musical instruments, toy kitchens and play food, blocks, puzzles and books should be prevalent.

In the classroom: A real-world connection is emphasized with field trips and hands-on learning being and integral part of the learning process. Children are active and self-motivated learners, free to follow their own interests with their teacher acting as a guide.

Teacher talk: “Our school has two distinct philosophies— traditional and Montessori.

Families pick which philosophy they like best based on student observations, parent input and evaluations. Our hope is that each family chooses a philosophy that they feel is appropriate to their child’s needs,” says Aaron Kel lenberger, Director of Cincinnati Country Day School.

A little more info: Projectbased is similar to Reggio Emilia in that it’s also a fairly unstructured learning environment. Project learning is one aspect of Reggio,

“We incorporate a careful blend of Traditional and Montessori

styles of learning through childdirected activities and structured play,” says Tammy Robinson, Chief Operating Officer, The Gardner School.

A little more info: Play-based schools can run the gamut from being more academic focused to being more social-based, to everything in between. Free play and experimentation are both important, and some schools are more structured than others.

Cooperative

Philosophy: Co-op preschools involve the whole family. Parents share in running the business operations of the school and meet monthly for a parent meeting. Under teacher guidance, parents also log hours volunteering in the classroom.

In the classroom: Co-ops are often play-based, and children are encouraged to interact and problem-solve together, as well as to develop their autonomy through choosing what activities to participate in (e.g. choosing whether to play outdoors or indoors). Parents volunteer on a regular basis in the classroom.

A little more info: Play dates become easy, with parents and

children knowing one another from the classroom. Tuition is often half that of other preschools, making it more affordable, especially for families with more than one preschooler enrolled.

Community/ Religion

Philosophy: The philosophies and curriculum of community and religious preschools will vary based on the program, so it’s key to visit and ask questions.

Often the programs are playbased (see above).

In (or out of ) the classroom: Depending on the school and amenities, children in community preschool programs may have access to museums, gymnasiums, pools and playgrounds.

A little more info: The Y, JCC, and maybe even your local recreation department all may offer preschool programs.

Many churches offer preschool programs, as well.

Krista Bocko is a freelance writer and lives in Noblesville, Indiana with her husband and four children. She can be reached at kbocko@sbcglobal. net.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 11

10 Signs of a Great Preschool from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

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Children spend most of their playing and working with materials or other children. They do not wander aimlessly, and they are not expected to sit quietly for long periods of time.

Children have access to various activities throughout the day. Look for assorted building blocks and other construction materials; props for pretend play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys such as matching games, pegboards, and puzzles. Children should not all be doing the same thing at the same time.

Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the day.

They do not spend all their time with the whole group.

The classroom is decorated with children’s original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and stories dictated by children to teachers.

Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences.

The natural world of plants and animals and meaningful activities like cooking, taking attendance, or serving snack provide the basis for learning activities.

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Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore. Worksheets are used little if at all.

Children have an opportunity to play outside every day. Outdoor play is never sacrificed for more instructional time.

Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group story time.

Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead, as well as those who need additional help. Teachers recognize that children’s different background and experiences mean that they do not learn the same things at the same time in the same way.

Children and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel secure about sending their child to the program. Children are happy to attend; they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling sick.

Visit www.rightchoiceforkids.org or www.greatschools.org for more information

Sign up for our Free e-newsletter today, at CINCINNaTIPareNT.Com!!!

12 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 13

Childcare & Education Directory Child Care/Preschool Chai Tots Early Childhood Center

7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040 (513)234-0600 www.chaitots.com Grades: 6 weeks - 6 years Enrollment: 40 Academic excellence via unique blend of Montessori method and traditional Jewish education. Chai Tots teaches children the culture and traditions of Judaism, while developing their creativity skills and promoting independence. Flexible schedule.

Before and Aftercare.

The Compass School 9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249 Contact: Laura Carr Phone: 513-683-8833 Email: CompassLC@yahoo.com www.TheCompassSchool.com Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12.

Offering outstanding Reggio-Inspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children.

Degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family

environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. Call today for your personal tour.

the gardner school of blue ash 9920 Carver Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-985-9444 www.TheGardnerSchool.com Ages 6 weeks - Pre-K This award-winning, academically focused preschool has recently opened in the Blue Ash Community.You want the best for your child, and so do we. With our nationally-recognized curriculum taught by our degreed teaching faculty, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment for learning readiness where your child can prepare for academic achievement and lifelong success.

Goddard School

development from 6 weeks to 6 years, and up to 8 years for after-school enrichment.

To learn more about The Goddard School® in you neighborhood, call 1-800-GODDARD or visit online at www.goddardschool.com.

Good Shepherd Nursery School 7701 Kenwood Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236 Contact: Leigh Anne Prugh, Director 513-891-1733 Email: LAPrugh@ GoodShepherd.com www.gsns.info Grades: 3-5 yrs.

Enrollment: 114 At Good Shepherd Nursery School, our goal is to help 3, 4, and 5 year olds make an easy transition from the security of home life to the unfamiliar world of elementary school. Preschool learning and social devlopment take place in an atmosphere of sharing and understanding.

4430 Red Bank Expressway, Cincinnati, OH 45227 Phone: 513-271-6311 Grades: Ages 6 weeks to 8 years Kinder Garden School The Goddard School provides Blue Ash - 10969 Reed Hartman Highway, Blue Ash, OH 45242 the foundation to encourage your child’s lifelong love of learning.

Contact: Tami Lanham Whether gently holding your infant, Phone: 513-791-4300 encouraging your toddler to share, Email: tami@ or providing your preschooler with a kindergardenschool.com variety of enriching activities, caring West Chester - 5900 West teachers support your child’s healthy

14 CINCINNATI PARENT * February 2011

Chester Road, Ste. C, West Chester, OHIO 45069.

Contact: Trudi Simpson Phone: 513-874-3100 Email: trudi@ kindergardenschool.com www.kindergardenschool.com Grades: 6 weeks through kindergarten Enrollment: Please call or email.

Together with interaction of child, staff and family, we develop the complete child. In our Kinder Garden, we provide formative encouragement and knowledge with hands-on staff taking a personal interest in family and holistic education decisions for the child. Kinder Garden School is devoted to growing a child’s wish to flourish and learn by cultivating curiosity and problem-solving proficiency in a full supportive, fertile, fun setting. ENLIGHTENMENT IS OUR MISSION. Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Nursery School 5950 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213 (513)631-0170 www.prpc.org Grades: 2 1/2 - 5 years, Parent/ Child classes birth to 32 months Enrollment: 65

Professionally qualified teachers provide active, expressive, child-

centered learning experiences at this 3-star award-winning program.

Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 day AM or PM sessions. Excellent ratios, degreed teachers and spacious, sunny, classrooms await your preschooler.

Parent and child classes also available for babies and toddlers.

Tender Years Cooperative Preschool 360 Robin Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140 Phone: 513-588-4975 Email: lovelandtenderyears@ gmail.com www.lovelandtenderyears.com Grades: 3 and 4 year-olds For 30 years, Tender Years Cooperative Preschool has offered parents a quality program for their child at a reasonable cost. You have the privilege of participating with your child in the classroom and contributing your ideas, talents and experience to the school.

Our classes are taught by highly-trained teachers with degrees in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.

Montessori

Central Montessori Academy 1904 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231 Laura Saylor

513-742-5800 laura@ centralmontessoriacademy.com www.centralmontessoriacademy. com Infancy through Sixth Grade Enrollment: 110 At C.M.A., children (infants through sixth-graders) learn at their pace, building self-esteem while being taught as individuals. Our program is academically rigorous while stressing life skills (i.e. critical-thinking & courteous behavior).

The result: motivated & self-disciplined lifelong-learners who are students of life just as much as they are of academics.

Community Montessori School 9035 Cincinnati Dayton Rd, West Chester, OH 45069 Contact: Jamie Minniear 513-777-0808 Email: communitymontessori1@ gmail.com www.CMontessori.com Grades: Preschool/ Kindergarten, Ages 3-6 Community Montessori School is a quality Montessori preschool and kindergarten that respects children and provides an environment that is supportive for children to learn not only important academic skills, but also social skills and self-motivation.

Children grow and learn at their own pace with gentle guidance from a teacher.

The Child’s Place 4936 Old Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason, OH 45040

(513)398-6928 www.montacademy.org Grades: 6 weeks through 4 years Enrollment: 150 Montessori Early Childhood Program!

Exceptionally low ratios in a nurturing environment! Our 2-acre campus provides bike and cart paths. Separate play areas for toddlers and preschoolers.

Spanish and Music classes offered! Fulltime and Part-time available. AMS Affiliate

Montessori curriculum with an individualized nurturing approach.

Experienced, degreed teachers foster a love of learning, promote independence and develop the necessary skills for success. New 7.5acre campus! State Chartered. AMS Affiliated. Extended Care available onsite.

Montessori Center Room

2505 Riverside Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513-321-3282 Country Hills Montessori Email: mcr1966@fuse.net 4400 Glen Este Withamsville, montessoricenterroom.com Cincinnati, OH 45236 Grades: 3 - 6 years old Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner Enrollment: 50 Phone: 513-752-1066 A child-focused, AMS-Affiliated, Email: sschreiberchm@ yahoo.com 40-year-old program for children ages 3-6 years. Before and after care available, Grades: 3 - K Providing half day programs for 3 to Musikgarten is offered weekly.

K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under The New School the guidance of Montessori certified Montessori teachers, in an inter-generational 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229 enviornment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West (513)281-7999 Chester, Ohio and in Ft. Thomas and www.thenewschool.cc Erlanger, KY. Visit chmschools.com for Grades: 3 year-olds all location addresses & phones. through 6th Grade Enrollment: 150 Founded on Montessori principles in Montessori Academy of Cincinnati 1970, our wooded playgrounds, homecooked meals and family-like setting 8293 Duke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040 in North Avondale’s Mitchell Mansion provide a stimulating and nurturing (513)398-7773 environment for learning. We value www.montacademy.org diversity and create a caring and Grades: 3 years – 8th grade supportive community. Our graduates Enrollment: 300 Now in our 23rd year offering excel academically, but more importantly

Age 2 - Grade 12 are empowered as citizens of our global community. (Accredited by AMS and Enrollment: 1100 ISACS). Upcoming Open House Dates: The state-of-the-art Lower School Sunday, January 30 (2-4PM) is home to the Montessori Program where children ages 2 to 6 receive a Renaissance world-class academic and enrichment Montessori School curriculum. Multiple programs include 9994 Zig Zag Road, a new Montessori Toddler Program for Montgomery, OH 45242 2 yr. olds and full and half-day programs Contact: Linda Klages for ages 3-6. Before- and aftercare, and holiday care available.

Phone: 513-234-5821 Email: renaissanceschool@ cinci.rr.com renaissancemontessori.org/ Bethany School Category: Montessori 555 Albion Avenue, Grades: 18 months to age 6 Cincinnati, OH 45246 Enrollment: 45 Phone: (513)771-7462 At Renaissance Montessori, we take www.bethanyschool.org pride in educating young children Grades: K – 8th grade the Montessori way and welcome the Enrollment: 250 opportunity to educate your child and foster your child’s development. Our Bethany School is an independent mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, preparatory school where students and creative learning environment for experience an appreciation for many each child.We strive to ensure each child cultures. Laptop computers, on-line is thriving in the natural, nonjudgmental grading, a dynamic music program, environment we provide by presenting a rigorous curriculum, and a variety of happy, organized, and clean atmosphere extracurricular programs provide a truly in which the children can play, learn, extraordinary educational environment. observe, and interact.You can learn more about us by visiting us on Thursday mornings or arrange for a tour at 234- Cincinnati Country Day School 5821.

6905 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Summit Country Phone: (513)979-0220 Day School www.countryday.net 2161 Grandin Road, Grades: Early Childhood Cincinnati, OH 45208 (18 months); 12th grade (513)871-4700 Enrollment: 800 www.summitcds.org CCDS is an independent, co-educational Montessori school dedicated to educational

Non-Public

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 15

excellence serving students 18 months through Grade 12. The School is nationally recognized for its innovative, integrated laptop computer program.

Extended day and tuition assistance is available.

Covington Latin School 21 E. 11th Street, Covington, KY 41011 Contact: Carl Goodmonson, Director of Admissions Phone: 859.291.7044 Fax: 859.291.1939 Email: admissions@ covingtonlatin.org www.covingtonlatin.org Category: Academically Gifted Grades: 8-12 Enrollment: 235 Covington Latin School is a classical, co-educational, Catholic, accelerated, college preparatory high school. The School’s commitment to acceleration allows advanced fifth, sixth and seventh grade students the opportunity to begin a more challenging and rewarding secondary educational experience.

St. Ursula Villa 3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513)871-7218 www.stursulavilla.org

Preschool – 8th grade Enrollment: 496 Academic excellence in the Ursuline tradition for boys and girls in preschool through 8th grade. Whole-child development, family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, Montessori or Traditional preschool options, small class size, individual attention, outstanding high school preparation.

Summit Country Day School 2161 Grandin Road (513)871-4700 www.summitcds.org Grades: Age 2 - Grade 12 Enrollment: 1100 Founded in 1890, the area’s only independent, Catholic, co-ed, college-prep school servin students age 2 - Grade 12 is recognized as a leader in formalized Character Education, Credo. A diverse community of students benefit from a rich, classical and challenging curriculum within three contiguous divisions.

Extensive athletic and visual arts programs campus-wide.

Special Needs

Springer School and Center 2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208 Phone: (513)871-6080

16 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

www.springer-ld.org Grades: 1st - 8th grade Enrollment: 200 For 40 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to become strategic learners, helping them to achieve success. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-13 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area.

The Springer Experience. Success Changes Everything.

Virtual/Distance Ohio Virtual Academy

Best performing eSchool in Ohio (866)339-9072 www.ohva.org Grades: Kindergarten – 10th grade Enrollment: 3,300 Ohio Virtual Academy helps your K-10 children obtain an excellent public school education, tuition free! Under the guidance of licensed teachers, parents help their children learn at home using K12’s comprehensive curriculum and educational materials.

YOUR LISTING HERE! Contact Katie at Katie@CincinnatiParent. com

AROU N D TOW N

*

cincy on a budget

Great Ways to Get Back What You Paid Tricks and Tips on Becoming a Cincy Resale Pro

If you’re like most Americans, your home is filled with stuff… a lot of which could be making you money. With spring around the corner, it’s a great time to do some soul-searching to determine if you really need that college collection of shot glasses or your tween’s baby toys. Clean out the closets and turn your stuff into cash.

That’s what Pete Adams of Delhi does.

This father of four has been selling his things online for more than 10 years to earn extra money and keep his family’s old belongings out of the landf ill. Adams, along with 50 million other Americans, uses the online service Craigslist to buy and sell items. Adams has sold everything from music equipment to toys to a car on Craigslist. He once even “sold” roses growing in his yard. The buyer had to dig up the roses himself.

some fees involved and you’re responsible for shipping, but sellers say it’s worth it.

If you’d rather not sell online, tr y a garage sale. Amy Carty of West Chester cleared out some of her sons’ old toys, clothes and baby furniture with a garage sale. If you want to be successful, Carty says advertising is key. Place an ad in the newspaper and hang signs in your neighborhood. Carty put signs at high traf f ic intersections near her home.

Facebook, Twitter and Craigslist are also great ways to spread the word about your sale.

When it comes to setting prices, a general rule of thumb is to charge about 10 -20 % of what you paid, but Carty says if you’re trying to clear out clutter, price it low to sell. One last tip: sell refreshments at your sale. Coffee is great in the early morning Adams likes the fact that Craigslist is free and lemonade is a big seller for afternoon and easy to use. He takes pictures of his shoppers. items, posts them online and then waits for the e-mail offers to come in. A lot of If all of this seems like too much work for Craigslist users say the trickiest part is you, head to a consignment shop. Most making arrangements for delivery. Some consignment shops simply require you buyers and sellers are uncomfortable to clean and fold (or hang) your clothes dealing with strangers and prefer meeting before you sell them. Geri Carpenter of in neutral territor y. Adams was once Once Upon a Child in Liberty Township asked to meet a buyer in front of the milk says it takes just about 15 minutes for at the grocery store to make a delivery. their clerks to sort and price gently used When it comes to selling online, though, children’s clothing, toys and equipment.

You’ll then get cash on the spot for your remember—safety f irst. stuff.

Kate Bur nes, a mother of t wo in Greenh i l ls, a lways makes sure her The process is similar at Plato’s Closet in husband is home when customers come Symmes Township. Lauren Shrider says to collect their purchases. She says that’s the store is looking for trendy clothing one drawback of Craigslist. Another is and accessories for teens in sizes 0-16. The the smaller, local audience. For higher hot sellers here are Hollister, American end items that are easy to pack and ship, Eagle and Abercrombie & Fitch. You’ll Burnes turns to the online auction site, earn more money based on the brand eBay. She says more potential customers name and the condition of the clothes. see her stuff there and that’s how she turned a prof it on old Patagonia and Other great ideas to cash in on include Northface coats. She also sold an unused Half Pr ice Books, online book and espresso machine for $300. clothing swaps, local swaps, mom forums, women’s consignment shops, sports resale Alaa Magathe of Monfort Heights says shops and more. So, if your garage, electronics are popular on eBay. She’s basement or closet is bursting at the seams been a seller for about seven years. with stuff, get out there and sell it, and Magathe says she tries to do an annual if you can’t sell it, donate it. Remember, “online garage sale.” She checks out what one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. things are selling for on eBay and then Amy Holtzman is a writer, producer and posts her stuff online and watches the mom of three living in Northern Kentucky bids come in. One thing to remember and is a graduate of Xavier University, Class if you’re using an auction site, there are of `92.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 17

Making of a Mompreneur Local Moms Make Starting Their Own Business a Passion

When you first become a mother, everything changes. You become selfless, physically giving all you have to your newborn. If you choose to have more children, they, too, get all you have—not only the last drop of energy in your tank, but more of your heart and mind as they grow. Somewhere in there, there is a light – a light of something familiar, something that reminds us of a lost self and for many women it grows brighter the less our children need us.

As I talked with these Mompreneurs, many grabbed hold of that light, yearning or idea and examined it, thought about it, prayed about it and turned it into a career for not only themselves as women, mothers and wives, but for the betterment of their family and even other mothers.

Born out of necessity Necessity – stay-at-home Moms need a lot of things; to be valued for their personal and professional sacrifice, encouraged to dream big for her children and herself and loved for her passion to succeed.

Taking desire by the reigns are women with a built-in desire to give back, pay it forward and grow personally while bringing her family alongside her for the adventure.

For Sharon Grisham, owner of Natural Green Baby, Inc., ideas started swirling in her head after she had her first child. “I was on a quest to find quality products free of chemicals for my newborn.

I wanted to find companies who manufacture in an ethical manner and are environmentally conscious,” Grisham said. “I was pleased to find many quality goods made in the USA, so then my business began—working to market them to others.”

Monica Scalf, owner and chief creative officer with The Playground Group, had her epiphany while teaching as a university professor.

She realized she had let a lot of joy drain out of her life and had replaced it with stress and anxiety because she was overcommitted and overwhelmed trying to juggle everything. The Playground Group helps clients increase productivity in their organizations by teaching them how to manage stress, increase productivity, personal branding and communications through speaking engagements and on-site consultations.

There are some gifts people just can’t ignore. For Varland Photography, the dream to start a photography business started during their honeymoon when Annie and Toby both agreed that 18 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

photography was a passion they shared and that it needed to be a part of their future together.

business is constantly forcing her to grow, to stretch and to do things she never thought she could do.

“When you start a business, it’s such an emotional part of life and for us it coincided with the emotion of starting our own family. It made me connect with clients as much as I was with my new family.

I started shooting kids and haphazardly clients were cared for as my own because I am passionate about my family and our business,” said Annie Varland, co-owner with husband Toby and winners of Cincinnati’s Best Baby Photographer 2010.

Shane Shap, owner of 520 East Brands, takes her laptop to Java Beverage Co. to feel like she’s with co-workers. 520 East Brands helps companies and Mompreneurs get their products in front of the right people. “When I can I mentor with other successful women, that makes me successful and loyal to my cause and it translates over to personal relationships.”

Women are led by their hearts, and for Mompreneurs, tying together family and career, the heart wins out and everyone wins. When Mama’s happy, everyone is happy.

Finding balance The perfect niche for the next up-and-coming Mompreneur would be magic jelly beans that free Moms from guilt before juggling family priorities and work demands. Some Mompreneurs are able to work from home while kids are in school. For those with small children, getting work done while children are napping or at preschool allows for productive power sessions.

“I am involved in a great carpool and my husband helps a lot getting our girls to their activities including a strenuous gymnastics schedule,” said Jennifer Powless, who sells Arbonne. Powless is not alone when it comes to leaning on others, especially husbands, to help meet deadlines and appointments.

Some great advice from Scalf, “It’s important when working from home to not get isolated. For me that leads to less productivity. I get a lot of energy socializing during lunch appointments or lunches with my husband.” Scalf said that loving her kids, her husband and creating satisfying moments each day comes first. All the while, her

Susan Wenner Jackson, writer, blogger and community manager, works hard from 9 to 5 and misses her children terribly when they’re gone at school. She craved the flexibility and ability to control her daily life as opposed to the full-time outside the home job she held prior to having her two children. “I love being able to use my natural talents and education to help others – whether it’s to grow their business or just learn or connect to a topic in a new way,” Wenner Jackson said.

Balance or “rhythm” as some describe their life, is often illusive.

However, with the encouragement from fellow Mompreneurs and family getting over the new business hump or the daily grind, Mompreneurs find success.

Moms helping Moms The experience Shane Shap gained while doing trade shows, product placement in stores and boutiques spring boarded her social media and branding business. “I help other Mompreneurs who are working with inventors and businesses with social and traditional media marketing. I had to a find company where I’m the boss. I needed to control my time without overhead and product sitting in my basement.”

A by-product of Shap’s hard work are the lessons it has taught her daughters. “I let them know I earn enough money to get them what they need and they learn that hard work pays off.”

Market Mommy, owned by Mompreneur Dawn Berryman, specializes in showing moms how and where to market on a budget.

“I have a professional background in marketing and couldn’t imagine how much more difficult it is for others to start a business cold turkey—and run a family. What I do helps them market their business with less sweat and tears,” Berryman said of the services provided by Market Mommy which includes free marketing advice and tips via the blog and e-newsletter.

“To reap what I sow,” Eisha Armstrong said, regional owner of Mom Corps, when asked about why she started her own business while working from home. “I wanted more control over my schedule, not necessarily fewer hours, but control over when I work and to do something I’m passionate about.”

Helene Bentley is a Lifestylist. Her love for interior design and fashion helped her decide to make a career out of what she loves.

Her services prompt stay-at-home moms to ditch the sweats and remember that to do your best, sometimes you need to feel your best.

“What I do gets women to think about what it takes to look their greatest. I help them understand what colors and cuts fit their body type. For example, I visited a client and I pulled out her favorite skirt and made 12 different outfits,” Bentley said.

SCORE is a new source many Mompreneurs are using. At www. score.org visitors can receive free and confidential on-line or faceto-face business advice. There is an exclusive link for Women in Business on the site as well.

The beauty of changing the seasons within a family stirs emotions, stops us in our tracks in awe and forces us to renegotiate what our purpose is in this world. Seasons for mothers include choosing a career, starting a family and figuring how our gifts, dreams and family all meld together, successfully.

For Armstrong, opening a Mom Corps franchise was a way to get a better work-life balance while still having a meaningful career.

Mom Corps is an employment placement agency designed to connect qualified Moms to employers that understand the balance mothers are seeking.

Nikki Keever is a freelance writer living in Noblesville, IN with her husband, three children and two dogs.

Mompreneur Guide Arbonne International West Chester, OH 45069 Contact: Jennifer Powless, Arbonne Ind Consultant, District Manager Phone: 513646-9398 Email: jmpowless@live.com www.jenniferpowless.myarbonne.com Type of Business: Baby & Childrens, Beauty, Direct Sales/MLM Area of Expertise: Skincare; Health & Wellness; Cosmetics

Botanically based products with no mineral oil, animal by-products, formaldehyde-donating preservatives, chemical fragrance or PABA, never tested on animals. Home based business with lucrative compensation, on & off-line training, expanding globally. Area of Expertise: skincare; health & wellness; cosmetics.

Grace Tree Yoga & Growth Studio 8933 CincinnatiDayton Rd, West Chester, OH 45069 Contact: Pam Painter and Renee Groenemann Phone: 513759-4458 Email: info@gracetreestudio.com www.gracetreestudio.com Type of Business: Baby & Childrens, Local Wares Area of Expertise: Yoga Classes, Growth & Wellness Services

journey of self-discovery to participate in individual Start making money now. Children are our greatest Usborne Books and More work, classes and workshops designed to nurture commodity, let’s support their future and ours!

Contact: Vikki Finan, Senior Executive Supervisor the body, balance the mind and liberate the soul!

PLAY FOR PAY. Contact Cindy today. 317-513Phone: 859.743.7602 5756 Host a Party and earn FREE games!

Miche Group

4467 LeSaint Ct., Fairfield, OH 45014 Contact: Cheryl Kidwell, Authorized Distributor Phone: 513-777-6599 Email: cherylkidwell@michegroup.net my.michebag.com/michegroup Type of Business: Direct Sales Only Area of Expertise: Handbags

Party Hoppers 5170 Delhi Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45238 Contact: Aimee McBride/Owner Phone: 513-451-4386 Email: aimee@partyhoppersonline.com www.partyhoppersonline.com Type of Business: Baby & Childrens Area of Expertise: Party rentals, Party planning, Inflatables

Once you’ve shared an Usborne book with a child, you’ll want to share with everyone! Usborne Books & More consultants build relationships with people who care about kids: parents, teachers, librarians and more! Earn an extra stream of income as you share Party Hoppers began in 2006 as an inflatable rental great books and your family-friendly business with business and party planning service. In addition to others! the rental business, Party Hoppers has a 23,000 sq. ft. indoor play and party center located in Delhi.

Venus Fitness Studio for Her

Miche Handbags are one bag with endless possibilities. No longer do you have to change handbags to match your outfit, simply change the outside cover of your Miche Bag. Several colors, patterns and sizes. Looking for commission and inventory representatives. Get your Miche Bag business started right away!

Stella & Dot

SimplyFun 7642 Prairie View Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46256 Contact: Cindy Herr-Pino, Regional VP Sales Phone: 317.513.5756 www.cindy. simplyfun.com Type of Business: Baby & Childrens, Direct Sales/MLM

Exclusive Games for ages 2 to 102 years. Our mission is to Learn & Connect Through PLAY! Do Grace Tree Studio is a sanctuary created for something that matters! Flexible, Fun, Meaningful cultivating growth in a community of the heart. Income. 25% gross profit on everything you sell.

Providing an uplifting environment for those on a Build a team! Guidance & support top notch.

Only $99 for everything you need to succeed.

Fax: 800.747.4509 Email: VikkiFinan@ myubah.com www.UsborneBookPlace. com Type of Business: Baby & Childrens, Books/CD/DVD, Direct Sales/MLM, Gift Shops

97 South Shaw Lane, Fort Thomas, KY 41075 Contact: Christie Hosea, Independent Stylist Phone: 859.380.4682 Email: christiehosea@hotmail.com www.stelladot.com/christiehosea Type of Business: Beauty, Direct Sales/MLM, Jewelry

Ranked 7 of 10 top woman-run businesses on Inc. 5000, Stella & Dot is fun AND profitable; allowing me to contribute financially to my family without spending much time away from them. Having no sales experience, the jewelry is so stylish and affordable, it sells itself! Let’s inspire each other!

9401 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242 Contact: Elyse Jarard, Independent Associate Phone: 513368-9319 Email: elysej@venus4her.com venus4her.usana.com Type of Business: Beauty, Direct Sales/ MLM, Food/Cooking Area of Expertise: Healthy Lifestyle/ Nutritionals/Skin care

Are you passionate about living healthy, be a part of a huge industry AND reduce the incidence of chronic disease in our society? contact Elyse at www.venus4her.usana.com. no experience necessary, just passion to make a difference in people’s lives.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 19

Birthday Celebrations in Cincy lanning a fun and unique birthday party for your Metu, connects local moms to share advice, suggestions child can be quick, easy and relatively stress-free. and stories. “Our birthday party page is our top-viewed Just ask Kristin Goecke, whose website, Mason page,” she says – the extensive list of ideas includes everything from arcades and museums to historic sites and martial arts.

Goecke says home parties can actually run a higher tab depending on how much the parents spend on supplies or hiring entertainers.

Depend i ng on the ve nue , this m ay include anything from decorations to postparty clean-up. While cost is usually a factor,

Eugene Wilson, owner of Mad Science Cincinnati, says his program engages children with an interactive combination of education and entertainment. “Our parties are inquiry-based and hands-on,” he says, and include experiments with volunteer participants, at the parents’ choice of location.

Perhaps the cheapest option is a park area with a playground and classic games like three-legged races.

For more of a nature focus, Goecke recommends Sharon Robin Wilcox, owner Woods, where parties involve crafts, playtime in the of Lazer Kraze, says the indoor play area and a naturalist showing and teaching attraction of a professional about live animals, like hawks. venue is simple. “We take care of all of the mess,” Fall Farm Days at Bonnybrook Farms offers pony rides, she says. “They show up hay rides, picking pumpkins, a corn maze, petting farm and we take care of pretty animals, pumpkin painting, and a play area. Parents can pick and choose the activities, several of which are free. much everything.”

20 CINCINNATI PARENT * February 2011

Wilson says a bad sign is when parents aren’t engaged – they aren’t supervising a large crowd of children or don’t understand what kind of program they’re getting.

“Things will always go better if the parents are engaged,” he says, because the parents know the kids – likely troublemakers, kids who are scared of the dark and so on – whereas the instructor can’t predict how individual children will act.

“You’ve got to be able to manage all the party energy,” Wilson says.

Movies, bowling and roller skating are classic fallbacks, as are party centers. Costume parties are also a solid alternative, with or without a theme. “Kids like to dress up,” Goecke says, and unlike an outdoor event, it works equally well for a winter birthday.

To be active and stay indoors, she suggests community centers, especially the YMCA, or a professional venue like Kids First Sports Center.

For kids with firefighter aspirations, Goecke says some local fire departments will come in the fire truck for a safety and prevention presentation.

Home spa treatments can also be fun and inexpensive – facials, make-up, hair styling, and mani-pedis can all be done by moms, older sisters and baby-sitters.

For mental stimulation, Amanda Neace, Cincinnati Museum Center children’s program presenter, says the Museum of Natural History and Science and the Children’s Museum offer a variety of parties, including a free-form, unthemed party for toddlers.

“It’s more for the adults, just to make it easier on them,” Neace says.

Four- to 10-year-olds can enjoy tea parties, “Fish Tales,” construction parties where they build bridges and arches, and even a pet party, where children bring stuffed animals and learn about pet care. “We teach them how to take care of their stuffed animals – it’s really cute,” Neace laughs.

Kids ages 6 to 12 can pick from a cave (inside the museum’s giant limestone cave replica), Egypt (with a mummy named Umi), dinosaur (with a pretend dig and real fossils) or space (featuring space ships and alien invader game) theme and activities.

At Mad Potter Cincinnati in Madeira, owner Amy Stiglitz says kids can paint their own pottery with non-toxic, leadfree paints. “The painting is really exciting to them,” she says. “It’s amazing to see how different every single piece turns out.”

Stiglitz advises parents to mind the clock with a party outside their home. “Don’t make it too long – know your kids,” she says, because each child has a point where they get worn out and cranky.

Most businesses allot a certain amount of time for a given event, and will schedule them back-to-back, so if the time is up but the kids aren’t ready to go, Stiglitz recommends having a Plan B.

Be aware of dietary concerns – lactose intolerance, allergies and other conditions can lead to emotional and medical reactions, so it’s important to make sure that everyone is taken care of on the food front. Linda Kraft, operations coordinator for the Newport Aquarium, says they provide pizza, cake, drinks and ice cream for parties.

“Food cannot be brought into the Aquarium… unless it’s for a medical reason,” she says, because they can’t risk any people food that could harm the animals. Kids with allergies or other conditions may bring in special food, and picky eaters can get food from the café before enjoying the exhibits.

Brian Gill of Cool Critters Outreach brings several of his animals to your house to teach kids about the lizards, snakes, frogs, spiders, scorpions and even alligators from his collection of not-so-creepy crawlies.

Forget stereotypes - boys aren’t the only ones who enjoy Gill’s parties. “Typically, the girls are a bit more adventurous in petting and touching,” he says. Gill comforts nervous children by admitting his own unusual phobia – crickets. “There’s nothing wrong with having a fear of snakes or a fear of spiders,” he says, adding that the best part of his presentations is sharing the animals with kids and adults alike. “I love what I do. I have a very big passion for it… I have fun with it.”

And no matter the theme, venue or activities, that is what birthdays should be about – fun.

Allison Tyra is a graduate of Indiana University’s School

“Have a time-filler. Have a back-up,” she says, recalling one woman who distracted the kids by having them make pictures – like flowers and rainbows – out of Skittles that she had on hand.

of Journalism. An Indianapolis native, she spends most of her time freelancing for various Midwestbased publications, watching too much Glee/ Grey’s Anatomy and giving into her cats’ demands for attention.

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Your Guide to Birthing in CINCY Nothing is more exciting and more terrifying than realizing you are expecting a child. Discovering a pregnancy positive brings an immediate rush of emotions and, inevitably, a lot of questions. What do I need to do? Where should I have my baby? Will my baby be healthy? How can I be sure?

There are so many options for child birthing methods, doctors, baby products, etc. that making decisions about what’s best for you and your baby can seem like a daunting task. It’s important to research all options and make informed decisions. Below is a guide to local options to aid in this process.

Fertility Treatments For those who have had trouble conceiving, advancements are being made in the field of fertility treatments. Bethesda Center for Reproductive Health and Fertility offers the latest technologies and care for infertility.

One concern of seeking the help of a fertility specialist is the possibility of multiple births. Bethesda Center offers Blastocyst Technology that reduces the incidence rate. “Previously in in vitro fertilization, embryos were grown to the first stage, called the cleavage stage,” explains Dr. Mazen Abdallah, a physician at the Center. “Growing embryos a little longer, until they reach the blastocyst stage increases the survival rate, so fewer embryos are transferred.”

Another advanced technique used at the Center to ensure a healthy child is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD is testing that is performed on embryos before implantation to check for possible genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. The process is performed when one or both parents are genetically predisposed to a particular disease or disorder or if the woman has suffered several miscarriages.

“There are several thousand gene mutations we can screen for,” says Dr. Abdallah. “Basically, if it exists, we can screen for it.”

Choosing a birthing method Most women, around 70%, deliver vaginally each year. Some opt for pain reduction with medication or an epidural. However, there are many other options for pain management with a natural birth, including, to name a few, the Lamaze Method, Bradley Method, water birth and hypno birth.

The Lamaze Method, created by Dr. Fernand Lamaze in the 1950s, usually involves 6 to 8 weeks of training classes for the mother and a partner. Pain management is achieved with controlled breathing, focusing on an external object and relaxation techniques such as massage or soft music. The Lamaze Method is sometimes used in combination with pain medication.

The Bradley Method was developed by Dr. Robert Bradley as an alternative to pain management drugs. This method involves more 24 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

intensive study and classes typically last for 12 weeks. The basic idea behind the process is that women instinctively know how to give birth and it teaches women to relax and focus internally on their bodies. Topics such as health, nutrition, newborn care and post partum care are also discussed.

Water birth or water labor is becoming more popular and many hospitals are beginning to offer it as an option in their maternity centers. Mother labors and/or delivers in water that is approximately 90100 degrees. The water temperature relaxes and eases the pain of the mother and the baby is born into a comfortable environment that mimics the temperature and feel of the mother’s womb.

Physically, the placenta is still supplying the baby with oxygen until it begins to separate. The baby is immediately removed from the water and placed in the mother’s arms. For the mother, benefits of water birth include easing of pain and anxiety.

Another natural childbirth choice, hypnobirthing, is a form of self-hypnosis that strives to reduce pain and anxiety. The hypnosis is not a form of ‘mesmerizing’ but rather relaxation obtained through imagery, positive suggestion and deep breathing. Mothers practice the technique for several weeks before labor and/or attend classes.

Doctors, midwives & doulas…oh my!

The majority of women still feel most comfortable seeking the advice and care of their OB/GYN for their prenatal care, labor and delivery. There are, however, other types of support available for women who would like alternative care.

Local physicians offer cutting edge technology and high quality care. Mt. Auburn Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates, with three locations in the Cincinnati area, has a goal to “provide the highest level of women’s health care in the greater Cincinnati area.” Beyond physical care, they strive to empower women with knowledge so that they can make informed decisions about their health.

Mt. Auburn is the first practice in Greater Cincinnati to offer four-dimensional ultrasounds. This innovative technology allows expectant parents to see their baby in greater detail and in motion. Moreover, doctors are able to detect things that 2-D or 3-D ultrasounds might not show. Patients receive a CD-ROM and DVD of the ultrasound to take home.

Midwives are registered nurses who are educated in nursing and midwifery.

They may work through a hospital, in private practice or in collaboration with a physician. TriHealth Nurse Midwives is an outpatient department of Bethesda North Hospital that provides health care to women. All midwives are certified nurse midwives (CNMs) licensed as independent practitioners with the Ohio Nursing Board to provide direct care. They are master’s degree prepared registered nurses who are certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) and follow standards of care set forth by the ACNM and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). Services include prenatal and postpartum care, labor and delivery care, as well as child birth and parenting classes.

Doulas (from the Greek for ‘female servant’) are more like pregnancy and delivery “coaches” and do not provide medical care like midwives and doctors. They are basically there to help with the birthing plan and offer support before, during and after the birth of the baby.

Doulas are usually practiced in relaxation techniques and can aid in making mothers more comfortable during the labor process.

They are also trained in lactation procedures and post partum issues that may arise.

Doulas of North America (DONA) is an international association of trained doulas.

DONA doulas are specially trained and certified by the organization. You can find local DONA doulas in your area by sending an email to referrals@dona.org.

States and many of those home births are unplanned. However, home birth may be a viable option for healthy, pregnant women, but it is important to do your research and surround yourself with the support of people you trust.

Where to have your baby

Joni Heredia was drawn to the idea of a homebirth when she and her husband took a Bradley birth preparation class and heard their presenter talk about homebirths. “I researched and talked to lots of people and I concluded that homebirth was safe and natural,” she says. “I knew there was less chance of complication and that I would be more comfortable in my own surroundings.”

Though hospital births with an obstetrician are still the most common, more and more mothers are employing midwives and doulas. Most hospitals today welcome this and have professional midwives and doulas on staff. In addition, home births with midwives and/or doulas are also becoming more popular.

For hospital births, it is important to find out as much information as possible about local maternity wards before making a choice. Most maternity centers and OB units offer regular tours and classes and are happy to answer any questions. Visiting the hospital and knowing what to expect can do wonders to alleviate fears and concerns of expectant parents.

The Christ Hospital Birthing Center offers high-quality maternity services, holistic treatments and state-of-the-art technology.

Christ Hospital staff stress the importance of educating new parents and many classes are offered including Lamaze, baby care and sibling classes. Tours may be scheduled by calling (513) 585-1000.

Christ Hospital staff believes that relaxation of the mother is key to having a more comfortable labor with fewer complications.

Therefore, labor and delivery rooms are designed to have the feel of home and amenities include Feng shui birthing suites, a hydrotherapy suite and private baths with multi-jet showers.

Mother and baby are transferred to the Family Unit after the birth of the baby.

The Family Unit is locked 24 hours a day and a state of the art security system is in place. All visitors much check in and identify themselves. More information on the Birthing Center is available at thechristhospital.com.

Home births account for only a very small percentage of births in the United

At first Joni’s husband was leery of the process and preferred that their first child not be born at home. “By the second birth we both agreed,” she says. “We met with several midwives and my husband trusted the midwives we chose and that conversation made him comfortable with homebirth.”

To prepare, Joni and her husband read several books, met with midwives and looked up statistics about safety and outcomes of homebirth. She recommends that anyone considering homebirth do their research, as well.

Joni has had two of her children at home and says she would do it again. “After experiencing the homebirth, I can say it was the most amazing thing to happen to me and my family,” she says. “It brought us closer as a couple, it was a relatively simple birth and when it was over we were already home in our ‘nest,’ free to enjoy our new family. The few hours after the birth when you can go to sleep in your own bed with your own family and no one meddling, that is priceless.”

Where to Shop for Baby & Mom Boutique 280, opening March 28 in Madeira, will carry maternity and baby wear (up to 12 months). There will also be a large variety of accessories for moms-to-be and newborns.

“I’ve looked at line after line to make sure that the clothes we will be offering are top quality products,” says owner Amanda Kranias. “It is important to me that my customers get high quality fabrics.”

Arbonne products are botanically based, vegan approved and never tested on animals. “We have an ABC line for babies which includes hair and body wash, body lotion, body oil, diaper cream and sunscreen SPF 30+,” says Arbonne consultant Jennifer Powless. “We also offer antiaging, skincare, cosmetics, nutrition, weight loss, detox and aromatherapy to pamper the moms.”

Once Upon a Child buys and sells second-hand, quality, safe child and baby clothes and items. According to Kate Finger, General Manager of the Cincinnati Once Upon a Child and Plato’s Closet stores, “all the products we buy must be in good condition, be stylish and, above all, meet current safety standards.” The store is a great place to find quality brand name items that are bargain-priced.

Treehouse Kids Co. features products for children of all ages, from crib to college. Not only do their products follow the hottest trends in children’s decor and furniture, but they are also certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturing Association which ensures that everything they sell is completely safe for children.

Common Pregnancy Fears Fear is a common emotion in expectant women as questions and concerns constantly arise. One of the most common fears is the loss of the pregnancy. Fortunately, according to recent statistics, only 10 to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, most of these occurring very early in the pregnancy.

After about week 8, the incidence rate drops even further.

Another common pregnancy fear is a premature delivery. The scenario is often depicted in movies and on television: the woman goes into immediate, unexpected labor at an inconvenient time followed by a mad dash to the hospital. The fact is this type of labor, especially for first time mothers, is extremely rare. Premature births

happen only about 12% of the time and even then, a mad dash is not usually necessary.

When my water broke 3 weeks early with my first child, my first instinct was to rush immediately to the hospital. After a call to my doctor, however, I was assured that I still had plenty of time, did not need to rush, and would be more comfortable resting at home until labor pains became more intense. In fact, the average length of labor for first time pregnancies is 12 to 18 hours. Second births, however, will most likely be quicker.

As a woman’s belly begins to grow, she will inevitably begin to be concerned about regaining her figure after the baby is born.

The best way to get back into shape after baby is to stay in shape before baby. Don’t make your pregnancy become an excuse to pig out. Instead, follow your doctor’s advice, eat healthy and try to stay in the recommended weight gain recommendations (usually 2535 pounds). Breast-feeding may also help new moms shed the pounds as it burns calories and tightens the abdominal muscles.

Doing research and taking steps to alleviate fears and insecurities will help insure a healthy pregnancy and future for you and your family. Having a plan and knowing the facts will empower you on the journey that lies ahead. Relax and enjoy the ride.

Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and the author of the book “What’s the Point?”

Visit her at rebeccatodd. wordpress.com.

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Must-Haves for Mommies Bed and Bedding Though the family bed is popular with some, most pediatricians recommend parents do not sleep with small infants for safety reasons. Therefore, baby really needs a bed of his own. Be aware, however, that national regulations and safety standards for cribs are changing and it is important to do your research before making a purchase.

What you DON’T need:

Fluffy quilts and pillows, which can pose a suffocation hazard for infants. Simple bedding is best. Local mom Catherine Dixon, mother of 18 month old Lucy with another child on the way, recommends the HALO® SleepSack®, a wearable blanket that replaces loose blankets in the crib that could cover your baby’s face and interfere with breathing.

and the things you really DON'T need ointment is a water-repelling cream formulated to relieve the sore, dry, chapped skin that can occur with diaper use.

What you DON’T need:

Most moms, even the ones who have purchased one, agree; you don’t really need a big, fancy changing table. Many times they end up being stacked up and used for storage.

Instead, “a large supply of waterproof changing pads is a must,” says Catherine.

Feeding Obviously, your needs will vary depending on whether you are breast or bottle feeding.

But as your child grows, a high chair will be a must. “High chairs are one of our top sellers,” says Kate Finger of Once Upon a Child, which buys and sells secondhand quality, safe child and baby items.

“They never stay in the store long.”

Diapering Needs Obviously, diapers are a priority for new moms. Diapering creams will also be important, as well. Arbonne offers a line of baby products that are botanically based and pH correct. Their herbal diaper

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What you DON’T need:

A fancy upholstered or wooden high chair. “They’re impossible to clean,” says Catherine. “Get a plastic one that you can hose down if you need to!”

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h e a lth & w e lln e ss

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pediatric health

Difficult Child or Something More?

Understanding Patterns of ADHD

Kids will be kids – you hear it all the time. It’s true that all children at some time will be unruly, disruptive, disorganized, unfocused or impulsive.

But when the behavior begins to affect relationships and academic performance, it’s probably time to talk to your child’s pediatrician.

Typically, the first step in diagnosis is a thorough physical examination to rule out other conditions, like low/high thyroid levels, anemia, learning disabilities, anxiety or depression, all of which can lead to behavior problems.

Your pediatrician also will want to gather more A pattern of these types of behaviors may indicate information through talks with you and your Attention-Def icit/Hyperactivity Disorder child. Many use standardized tools like the (ADHD). There are three basic types of ADHD: Vanderbilt Assessment Scale to determine the frequency and severity of symptoms. The school Inattentive – the child is easily may also get involved by providing testing to help distracted, disorganized, lacks the ability identify specific learning disabilities. to focus

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Hyperactive/Impulsive - the child is constantly on the move, can’t stay seated for long, is often described as having a “motor always running” Combined– symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive forms of the disorder are present.

Often these behaviors first become apparent after a child starts school. The structured environment of a classroom highlights the disorganization, distraction or impulsivity, especially when compared to other children of the same age.

If parents and teachers agree on the symptoms, and they are disrupting life at home and at school, it’s probably ADHD. If the problem seems to happen only in one venue, it’s probably not ADHD. The best treatment outcomes for ADHD are typically achieved through a combination of counseling and medication. A psychologist can help identify ways to work through the problems, building skills that will last a lifetime. A variety of medications are available, though each child may react uniquely to a given medication, and it may take some time to find the right medication and dose.

It’s time to visit your pediatrician if symptoms: Both parents and child also should agree on the use of medications since some side effects may Have been going on for more than 6 occur including loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, elevated blood pressure and months stomach aches. Most children, however, tolerate Occur in more than one environment, i.e. these medications well. By working with your at school and at home pediatrician, you can determine the lowest dose possible to control symptoms and avoid side effects.

Impair your child’s performance or relationships Most importantly, everyone must know that Unfortunately, ADHD cannot be diagnosed with ADHD is not the fault of child or parent. It’s a simple lab test or x-ray. Research has yet to just the way the brain is wired. By getting identify a single cause, though scientists agree that help early, we can help our kids be successful it is a biological, brain-based condition. According at home, at school and in future endeavors. to the Centers for Disease Control, 9.5 percent of Kristin Donoghue is a children 4 to 17 years of age have been diagnosed pediatrician with Group Health with ADHD. Boys are more likely to be affected Associates. than girls.

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Started before the age of 7 years

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COMME N TARY & PARE N T I N G

ARTrageous

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mommy magic

Balancing Motherhood

Raymond Walters College Muntz Theater

Think About Yourself as We Head into Spring

Tap and Jazz for Kids March 19, 2011

Tales of Flight with the Brothers Wright February 26, 2011

What I have learned over the last decade, that like life, motherhood is ever

www.rwc.uc.edu/performingarts 513-745-5705 Shows at 11am & 1pm Tickets just $5!

The balancing changing. So rather than throw up my act of motherhood is a constant effort to make hands and surrender to the madness, I must it all work. Sometimes I adapt and incorporate into the daily chaos. visualize myself spinning five plates (okay, maybe ten) all at one time.

Seek new opportunities to grow Sometimes one plate slows down a bit while outside your comfort zone. For the I am attempting to spin another one faster. past five years I’ve done mat Pilates, but I Sure enough, somehow the multi-tasking love to mix it up with a new workout. In and on the job training as a mom enables addition to my regular routine I’ve tried me to jump over and spin the wobbly plate spinning, running, strength training and before it falls. And such is the balance of all even Zumba! things in the world of motherhood. No one ever said all the plates had to spin at the same Make healthy family dinners. Family rate at the same time. Just keeping them all dinners are a must in my house! It’s a going and not falling is sometimes (okay, great way to reconnect as a family and try most of the time) an accomplishment! healthy new foods. Don’t get discouraged if your child rejects a new dish, keep One of the plates that we, as moms, need to offering it. You may have to give it to make sure we constantly spin is taking care of them up to 10 times before they will eat ourselves (okay, you can stop laughing now). it and like it.

In all seriousness, I actually have to remind myself to carve out time to not only stay well, Listen to your body. I’m pushing but be well in general. At the beginning of forty this year and have finally learned motherhood I assumed that I would have to to listen to what my body is telling me. do this, but separately from my kids. What What you put into your mouth and when I have learned over the last decade, that like is important beyond measure. I respond life, motherhood is ever changing. So rather better to eating 5 small meals a day than throw up my hands and surrender to the instead of 3 larger ones. madness, I must adapt and incorporate into the daily chaos. With that realization comes a Find a place for your mind and body lot of freedom and excitement to create your to recharge. I love community centers, own plan of wellbeing while balancing being they have it all! A pool, workout facility a mom and spinning all of those plates! and great community programming!

I just launched “The Mom’s Club,” a With that, I am happy to share a few tips that weekly luncheon that gives informative I have done myself that work, are affordable and helpful tips to make motherhood and fun. As we head into thinking about more effective, easy and fun! Go to Spring, remember to take care of yourself! www.Mommy-Magic.com for more information and tips!

Play with your kids! Let your kids Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for choose the activity and play with them.

Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity” Spending an hour outside playing soccer, Visit www.Mommy-Magic.com for riding bikes or jumping rope are great more information. Become a Fan of ways to burn calories while spending Mommy Magic on FaceBook! quality time together as a family.

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150 Years of Camp…

And Going Strong Celebrating The Rewards of Summer Camp rganized camp was born in the summer of 1861. The brainchild of William Gunn, headmaster of the Gunnery School in Washington, Connecticut, the first organized camp was a group of boys who journeyed into the wilderness along Long Island Sound for two weeks of swimming, fishing, hiking, games, and more.

The idea spread like wildfire. Parents realized that while their children were having fun at summer camp, they were also learning a positive effect that long outlasted their stay at camp. Eleanor Eells, author of History of Organized Camping: The First 100 Years, detailed in her book that though only several dozen camps were up and running in the early 1880s, several hundred were flourishing by 1900.

In 1922, Harvard University President Charles W. Eliot said, “The organized summer camp is the most important step in education that America has given the world.”

In 1929, in Camping and Character, camp standards and leadership training pioneer Dr. Hedley S. Dimock, echoed Eliot’s views on the educational benefits of camp, writing: “The summer camp as an educational agency has unusual possibilities.

Contrasted to ordinary schools, it can be stimulating and enlightening … Camp is new and at least willing to make fresh attacks on problems of education.

Schools tend to have pupils deal with life indirectly, learning from what others have to say. In camp life is an actual process.”

Perhaps that’s because even in the early 1900s the potential negative impacts of a life without the natural world were evident. Winthrop T. Talbot, an early camp leader, called it the “tyranny of the cities.” Characterized by a nerve-wracking instability, constant distraction (even before the days of television, computers, and cell phones) and a maddening lack of silence, the antidote for a child in such a state was camp. Talbot wrote, at camp “gradually he grows into harmony with the calm about him, and cheerful good nature replaces ill-temper…”

In addition to being an excellent educational tool through experiential learning, the early years of organized camp also proved that the industry was at the forefront of social change, and in a unique position to help youth adjust and thrive in the face of such changes as the women’s suffrage movement, social and racial equality, treatment of individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, times of economic hardship, and times of war.

Female camp pioneer Laura Mattoon made it her mission in the early to mid 1900s to broaden the horizons of her campers. Eells wrote of Mattoon, “She lived fully in the present and gave freely to her campers and colleagues. But her face was turned to the future in anticipation of what it might hold for her girls and what they might contribute. She understood well the place women were to occupy in the 20th century and the many ways in which the camp experience could provide preparation.”

By the 1920s more than 100 camps were devoted to helping shape the hearts and minds of girls across the country.

For both boys and girls, camp was increasingly seen as an equal playing field for all who attended, regardless of social status or economic class. Talbot once said, “In camp, poor and rich lads stripped down to their swimming trunks are on an absolute equality … Courage, generosity, goodwill, [and] honesty are the touchstones to success in camp.”

World War II, the Korean War, and later the Cold War, gave camps an additional purpose: teaching campers overall preparedness. In 1951, camping enthusiast C.I. Hammett wrote that it was important “for campers to learn to do for themselves, to practice outdoor skills that teach self-reliance and resourcefulness. This should happen in daily living, not on an occasional hike or outing, and the camper should have an active part in the preparations.”

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Hammett also believed that, “the goal of camping should be to develop future citizens and provide children the opportunity to get to know and understand other children of different racial, national, religious, geographical and economic groups,” — yet another camp vision that has today come to fruition.

More recent years have been marked by children retreating indoors in record numbers. Television, the advent of the computer age, and widespread financial cuts to school funding often resulting in the cancellation of physical education all made the role of camp even more relevant in the 1980s and ’90s. And that trend continues today.

Camps in the 21st century are continuing to prove that experiential learning is paramount in childhood development. Peg L. Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association, wrote, “The value of camp is resonating with more and more young people and adults — lessons learned, friendships formed, experiences shared, strengths discovered. There is something solid behind what seasoned camp directors have always known, and what parents have witnessed — genuine learning and growth occurs in the unique camp environment.”

Today, right where we are, is “an exciting time to be able to influence the direction of our future,” Smith said.

Eells wrote, “The pioneers of organized camping were men and women with a vision of the impact of outdoor living experiences on the lives of boys and girls.” She also said, “Camp’s common bond is the concern for people in their relationships to one another, to the environment and for their sense of community.”

Well, it has been 150 years since the beginning of organized camps, and the industry is aging beautifully.

Camp leaders are still focused on providing handson learning for their campers and the importance of building character. Camps are still fielding children through times of social and economic change. And millions of children each year are still finding themselves at camp — discovering new interests, overcoming challenges, getting inspired, and shaping themselves into tomorrow’s leaders.

Happy birthday, camp. Thanks for the trailblazing.

Thanks for the memories and the bright futures. And here’s to the next 150 years! ©2010 AmericanCamping Association, Inc. The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities.

There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards.

For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

Camp Guide Day Camps

Blue Ash YMCA - Camp Creekwood 5000 YMCA Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45242 Phone: 513-791-5000 www.MyY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: June 6-10 – Survivor Fun Factor, June 13-17 – Character Crazy, June 20-24 – Gross Me Out, June 27 to July 1 – Journey to the Jungle, July 5-8 – Sky’s the Limit, July 11-15 – Mystical Magic, July 18 to July 22 – Operation Y Spy, July 25-29 – YMCA’s Got Talent, Aug 1-5 – Discovery Camp, Aug 8-12 – Believe it or Not, Aug 15-19 – Wacky Water.

Campbell County YMCA camp hoopla 1437 South Ft. Thomas Avenue, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075 Phone: 859-781-1814 www.MyY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: May 31-June 3 – School’s Finally Out, June 6-10 – Super Sports Fan, June 13-17 – Rodeo Round Up, June 20-24 – Journey to the Jungle, June 27 to July 1 – Weird Science, July 5-8 – Day Camp at the Museum, July 11-15 –YMCA’s Got Talent , July 18 to July 22 – Shiver Me Timbers, July 25-29 – Rock-A-Hula, Aug 1-5 – Sky’s the Limit, Aug 8-12 – Survivor.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. At the Blue Ash YMCA day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and Post Camps, Preschool Camps, Sports and Specialty camps, Adventure Teen Camps, and CIT (Counselor in Training) Camps also available.

At the Campbell County YMCA traditional day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Includes swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, service learning, science, literature, free time and more.

Pre and Post Camps, Preschool Camps, and Adventure Camps also available.

Camp-A-Palooza at Kids First Sports Center

Carl H. Lindner YMCA – Camp Carl

7900 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249 Contact: Sheri Stulz Phone: 513-489-7575 Fax: 513-489-9761 Email: sstulz@kidsfirstsports.com www.kidsfirstsports.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Sports Special Needs Camps Offered: No Financial Aid Offered: Yes Hours: 9-4 pm; 7:30-9am Before care, 4-6pm After Care Dates: June 6- August 20 Ages/Grades: K-7th grade Cost: $233 a week or $54 a day with a two day minimum Activities Included: Gymnastics, basketball, karate, swimming, putt putt, rock climbing, arts & crafts, assemblies, Young Rembrants, Mad capp puppets and much more!

Camp-a-palooza has a different theme each week and pack full of FUN activities. Many of our campers are here all summer, so we mix it up every week to keep it FUN! Please visit our website for full descriptions of each week.

Camp Invention Metropolitan Cincinnati Area Contact: Michele Millikan Phone: 800-968-4332 Email: campinvention@att.net www.campinvention.org Gender of Campers: Coed Hours: 9am to 3:30pm Dates: See web site for details.

Ages/Grades: Entering Grades 1-6 Cost: $185 to $215 Activities Included: Five exciting handson classes daily: take apart appliances, make new inventions, experiment with chemistry and polymers, decipher secret codes, and discover nature’s inventors.

Unleash the creative genius in your child! Camp Invention is a weeklong adventure in creativity.

Led by local teachers the program nurtures children’s innate sense of curiosity. Children will learn how to think like inventors, problem-solve, collaborate and create—all while having tons of FUN!

1425 Linn Street, Cincinnnati, OH 45214 Phone: 513-241-9622 www.MyY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: May 31-June 3 – Mystery Week, June 6-10 – Character Crazy, June 13-17 – Scooby Doo, Where Are You?, June 20-24 – Super Sports Fan, June 27 to July 1 – Journey to the Jungle, July 5-8 – Star Spangled, July 11-15 – Splish Splash, July 18 to July 22 – Olympics, July 25-29 – Survivor, Aug 1-5 – Mystical Magic, Aug 8-12 – YMCA’s Got Talent.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. At the Carl H. Lindner YMCA day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Sports camps also available.

Clermont Family YMCA – Camp Timber Trails 2075 Front Wheel Drive, Batavia, OH 45103 Phone: 513-724-9622 www.MyY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: May 31-June 3 – Flashback, June 6-10 – Mystical Magic, June 13-17 – Believe It or Not, June 2024 – World of Discovery, June 27 to July 1 – Rodeo Round Up, July 5-8 – Holiday Happenings, July 11-15 – Rock-A-Hula, July 18 to July 22 – Journey to the Jungle, July 25-29 – Shiver Me Timbers, Aug 1-5 – YMCA’s Got Talent, Aug 8-12 – Survivor: FunFactor, Aug 15-19 – Wacky Water.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. At the Clermont YMCA day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and Post Camps, Preschool Camps, Sports and Specialty camps, and Adventure Teen Camps also available.

Clippard YMCA – Camp Littlecreek 8920 Cheviot Rd, Cincinnnati, OH 45247 Phone: 513-923-4466 www.MyY.org Gender of Campers: Coed CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 31

Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: June 6-10 - School’s finally out, June 13-17 – Journey to the Jungle, June 20-24 – Sky’s the Limit, June 27 to July 1 - Flashback, July 5-8 – Day at the Museum, July 11-15 – Super Sports Fan, July 18 to July 22 – Weird Science, July 25-29 – Shiver Me Timbers, Aug 1-5 – Mystical Magic, Aug 8-12 – YMCA’s Got Talent, Aug 15-19 – Character Crazy, Aug 22-26 – Discovery.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. At the Clippard YMCA day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and Post Camps, Preschool Camps, Sports and Specialty camps, and Adventure Teen Camps also available.

Community Montessori School 9035 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester, OH 45069 Contact: Jamie Minniear, Director Phone: 513-777-0808 Email: communitymontessori1@ gmail.com www.CMontessori.com Gender of Campers: Coed Hours: 9:00am-11:00am Dates: The weeks of: June 13, June 20, July 11, July 18 Ages/Grades: Ages 3-6 including children who completed Kindergarten this year Cost: $75/week; **receive *10 off if you register by 3/1/2011 Requirements of Campers: None Activities Included: Themed weeks, art projects, water fun, and outside activities.

Children will spend one hour in the Montessori classroom, have a group snack, then go outside for art activities, water fun, and community visitors.

Gamble-Nippert YMCA – Camp GNY: Guiding and Nurturing Youth 3159 Montana Avenue, Cincinnnati, OH 45211 Phone: 513-661-1105 www.MyY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: May 31June 3 – School’s Finally Out, June 6-10 – Super Sports Fan, June 13-17 – Show Business, June 20-24 – Splish Splash, June 27 to July 1 – Weird Science, July 5-8 – Star Spangled, July 11-15 – Believe It or Not, July 18 to July 22 –Treasure Island, July 25-29 – Journey to the Jungle, Aug 1-5 – Discovery, Aug 8-12 – Mystery Week.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. At the Gamble-Nippert YMCA day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and Post Camps also available.

Gorman Heritage Farm 10052 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241 Contact: Mike Roman, Camp Director Phone: (513)563-6663 32 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

Fax: (513)563-6659 Email: camp@gormanfarm.org www.GormanFarm.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Animals Special Needs Camps Offered: Yes, (During everyday camps) Financial Aid Offered: Financial aid is available Hours: 9:30am - 2:30pm, some other options available Dates: June 6 - August 13, see website for detailed schedule.

Ages/Grades: Ages 4 - 15.

Cost: $55-$210/week for main camps, themed camps offered at additional cost.

Activities Included: Be a farm kid! Interact with farm animals, garden, play games, hike, explore the forest, make crafts, music.

Themed camps: wilderness, art, cooking & science.

GHF’s talented & dedicated camp staff are recruited nationally. Camp counselors are selected based on their experience with children, passion & creativity for teaching, & knowledge of agriculture & the environment. You will never want to leave!

Kids Summer Camp at Heritage Village Museum 11450 Lebanon Road / Route 42, Sharonville, OH 45241 Contact: Lisa Egan, Education Director Phone: 513-563-9484 Fax: 513-563-0914 Email: Legan@ heritagevillagecincinnati.org www.heritagevillagecincinnati.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Academic/ Pre-college Special Needs Camps Offered: No Financial Aid Offered: No Hours: :00am - 3:30 pm M-F Early Drop-off 8:00 and late Pickup 5:00pm option available Dates: June 20-24, 2011 July 11-15, 2011 July 25-29, 2011 Ages/Grades: Ages 6-13 (or having finished Kindergarten) Cost: Members $145; Non-Members $170 Activities Included: Making wooden toys, Basket weaving, Cooking in a hearth kitchen, playing old-fashioned games, learning about natural dyes, sewing, weaving on a loom

During a week at the Heritage Village Kids Summer Camp, campers will learn about life during the 1800s. History will come alive during those days of camp. Kids will get the chance to learn skills (and even chores!) of Ohio’s pioneer history.

Kenton County YMCA Camp Independence 10987 Marshall Road, Taylor Mill, KY 41015 Phone: 859.781.1814 www.MyY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: May 31-June 3 – School’s Finally Out, June 6-10 – Super Sports Fan, June 13-17 – Rodeo Round Up, June 20-24 – Journey to the Jungle, June 27 to July 1 – Weird Science, July 5-8 – Day Camp at the Museum, July 11-15 – YMCA’s Got Talent , July 18 to July 22 –

Shiver Me Timbers, July 25-29 – Rock-A-Hula, Aug 1-5 – Sky’s the Limit, Aug 8-12 – Survivor.

At the Kenton County YMCA traditional day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Includes swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, service learning, science, literature, free time and more. Pre and Post Camps and Adventure Camps also available.

Lindner Center of Hope 4075 Old Western Row Road, Cincinnati, OH 45040 Phone: 513-536-4673 www.lindnercenterofhope. org/smart Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Special Needs Specific Categories: For children with attention and anxiety issues.

Financial Aid Offered: No Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday Dates: (Three 3-week sessions) Session 1: June 13 - July 1; Session 2: July 11 - July 29; Session 3: August 1 - August 19 Ages/Grades: Age 11 to 14 Cost: $2,000 per session (all inclusive) Activities Included: Behavior and study skills screening, Socialization groups, Team-based activities, Gross motor activities, Group art projects, Lunch with peers, Mindfulness/relaxation techniques

SummerSMART is a unique summer program that welcomes children (age 11 -14) who struggle with impulsivity, socialization difficulties, attention and concentration issues and anxiety disorders. The program caters to their special needs by encouraging inclusion and building confidence and socialization skills.

M.E. Lyons YMCA – Camp Pride 8108 Clough Pike, Cincinnnati, OH 45244 Phone: 513-474-1400 www.MyY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: June 6-10 - School’s finally out, June 13-17 – Music Mania, June 20-24 – YMCA’s Got Talent, June 27 to July 1 Olympics, July 5-8 – Journey to the Jungle, July 11-15 – Mystical Magic, July 18 to July 22 – Treasure Island, July 25-29 – Back to the Future, Aug 1-5 – Wacky Water, Aug 8-12 – Gross Me Out, Aug 15-19 – Wild, Wild West.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. At the M.E. Lyons YMCA day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and Post Camps, and CIT (Counselor in Training) Camps also available.

Powel Crosley Jr. YMCA – Day Camp in the Pines 9601 Winton Road, Cincinnnati, OH 45231 Phone: 513-521-7112 www.myY.org Gender of Campers: Coed

Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: May 31-June 3 – School’s Out for Summer, June 6- 10 – Shiver Me Timbers, June 13-17 – The Great Outdoors, June 20- 24 – Sizzlin’ Summer, June 27 to July 1 – wild, wild West, July 5-8 – It’s a Jungle Out There, July 1115 – YMCA’s Got Talent, July 18 to July 22 – Games Galore, July 2529 – Gross Me Out, Aug 1-5 – Take Flight, Aug 8-12 – Carnival Capers.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. At the Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and Post Camps, Preschool Camps, Sports and Specialty Camps, Adventure Teen Camps, and CIT (Counselor in Training) camps also available.

R.C. Durr YMCA – Camp Outback 5874 Veterans Way, Burlington, KY 41005 Phone: 859-534-5700 www.myY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: May 31-June 3 – School’s Finally Out, June 6-10 – Super Sports Fan, June 13-17 – Back to the Future, June 20-24 –Journey to the Jungle, June 27 to July 1 – Character Crazy, July 5-8 – Holiday Happenings, July 11-15 – Discovery , July 18 to July 22 – Under the Sea, July 25-29 – YMCA’s Got Talent, Aug 1-5 – Shiver Me Timbers, Aug 8-12 – Splish Splash.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. At the RC Durr YMCA day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and Post Camps, Preschool Camps, Sports and Specialty Camps, Adventure Teen Camps, and CIT (Counselor in Training) camps also available.

Richard E. Lindner YMCA – Camp Tecumseh Sherman & Walters Avenue, Norwood, OH 45212 Phone: 513-731-0115 www.myY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Activities Included: June 6-10 School’s Finally Out, June 13-17 – Journey to the Jungle, June 20-24 – Music Mania, June 27 to July 1 – Holiday Happenings, July 5-8 – Games Galore, July 11-15 – Around the World in 5 Days, July 18 to July 22 – Splish Splash, July 25-29 – Wild, Wild West, Aug 1-5 – Olympics, Aug 8-12 – Treasure Islan, Aug 15-19 – Hollywood Bound.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. At the R.E. Lindner YMCA day camps, each week will have a different theme but they all provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and Post Camps, Preschool Camps, Sports Camps, and Teen Camps also available.

Residential

The Howe School Summer Camp PO Box 240, Howe, IN 46746 Contact: Charles Grady, Director Phone: 260-562-2131 Fax: 260-562-3678 Email: cgrady@ thehoweschool.org Gender of Campers: Both All Boy and All Girl Basic Category: Academic/ Pre-college Hours: Any time Dates: Boys (June 19 - July 29); Girls (July 31 - Aug 5) Ages/Grades: 9 through 15 Cost: Boys (3-wks $2100, 6-wks $3500); Girls ($500) Requirements of Campers: Be ready to have fun Activities Included: Rifle, ropes course, repelling, archery, boating, canoeing, sports, hiking, nature study, games, physical fitness, camp newsletter, and crafts

The Howe Summer Camp has three and six-week boy’s residential program and a one-week girl’s program. The boys’ camp offers leadership, education and discipline, including rifle, archery, swimming, canoeing, physical training, ropes course, repelling, crafts, horsemanship, and games. Girls’ camp offers leadership, skills necessary for young women to succeed in today’s careers, including team building, culinary arts, scrapbooking, crafts, ropes and obstacle course and repelling.

YMCA Camp Ernst of Cincinnati 615 Camp Ernst Rd, Burlington, KY 41005 Contact: Eli Cochran Program Director Phone: 859-586-6181 Fax: 859-586-6214 Email: ce@myYcamp.org www.myYcamp.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Financial Aid Offered: Yes Dates: June 12-Aug 20 (one week sessions) Ages/Grades: Ages 6-15 Cost: $500-675 Activities Included: Archery, BLOB, 100 foot waterslide, banana boat, aquacycles, kayaks, canoes, swimming, crafts, zipline, giant swing, burma bridge, airwalk, climbing wall, rock band, big art, moviemaking, and much more!

Steeped in tradition and founded on the YMCA qualities of honesty, caring, responsibility, and respect, campers enjoy top notch counselors and make friends while doing a wide variety of activities. Exciting teen adventure trips and specialty horseback riding, skateboarding, and mountain biking add-ons are also part of our popular program!

YOUR LISTING HERE

Contact Katie at Katie@ CincinnatiParent.com

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 33

H e a lth & W e lln e ss

*

women’s health

Best Bets to Prevent Heart Disease

Cincy Doctors Provide Tips to Keep You Heart Healthy says prevalence and fatality are decreasing in men but holding steady in women. No one knows exactly why, but contributing factors include that women live longer in general and men are seeing doctors more often than they used to.

“On e ou t of ever y four women w i l l d ie of hear t d isease, so it is the number-one k i l ler of women,” accord ing to Dr. Jack Rubinstein, assistant professor and card iolog ist w ith Un iversit y Hospita l.

If strokes and other cardiovascular causes are included, that number jumps to one in ever y three womeån, he says.

While heart disease is the highest killer of both men and women, Dr. Rubinstein

cells, or neutralize them back into something the body can use.

Diabetes can lead to inflamed vessel walls, which restricts blood flow, and hypertension, or high blood pressure.

“People with diabetes have a high risk of vascular disease everywhere” in the body, Dr. Simply put, the heart is a muscle Lewis says, but monitoring and controlling and muscles need oxygen; when blood sugar can lower that risk. it doesn’t get enough oxygenated blood, the muscle begins to die. Fresh – not fried – fish, and fish oil because A build-up of plaque – primarily they contain Omega-3s, thin the blood slightly cholesterol and inflammatory cells and help boost HDL, or “good,” cholesterol.

– in the coronary artery can block Alcohol can also help – in small quantities. or constrict the flow of oxygen-rich Women who have one drink a day do better blood the heart needs. after an attack and are less likely to have heart disease, Dr. Rubinstein says, though doctors One major difficulty for women is aren’t quite sure why – perhaps the relaxation that the “typical” signs of a heart and stress relief help, or alchol’s property of attack don’t apply, Dr. Rubinstein being a blood thinner. Moderation is key says – those guidelines were – while one drink can bring blood pressure developed by male doctors studying male down, several can cause it to rise. patients. While women can present with those signs – substernum pain radiating to the left Exercise – without overdoing it – is something arm, chest pressure, exertion – they are much else doctors agree on. less common than in men. Women also have a variety of other symptoms not usually seen “I think one of the biggest problems we have in men, including neck, shoulder and middle is the lack of exercise,” Dr. Lewis says, in part back pain, shortness of breath and a shorter because working out can seem daunting. duration of pain.

However, from a cardiac perspective, walking The American Heart Association has seven is just as beneficial as running. basic steps for improving heart health: get active, control cholesterol, eat better, manage “It’s time you put in, not how hard you’re your blood pressure, lose weight, reduce working,” Dr. Lewis says. “You don’t have to blood sugar and stop smoking. be an athlete to exercise.”

“We try to keep it really simple,” says Lori Whether it’s sitting at a computer, watching Fovel, AHA Cincinnati’s communications TV or reading a book, a sedantary lifestyle is director. dangerous. Not only do less active people tend to gain weight, they are also at higher risk for People at an optimal weight for their body blood clots in the leg veins, which can travel, type shouldn’t need to lose weight; in fact, causing a stroke or triggering a heart attack. being underweight – especially if the person is also malnourished – can weaken the heart But it can be as simple as walking around the over time, and even lead to heart failure. house while you’re on the phone or during the commercials, parking farther away from Checking blood pressure and cholesterol buildings, or walking to a colleague’s office levels regularly is arguably the most important down the hall instead of calling or e-mailing measure, Dr. Rubinstein advises, along with – or chasing a toddler around. not smoking.

“It’s a good profession, if you want to stay Smoking is one factor that oxidizes cells, active,” Dr. Lewis says of motherhood. turning them into waste that Dr. Stephen Allison Tyra is a graduate of Indiana Lewis, director of cardiology at Bethesda University’s School of Journalism. An North Hospital, says isn’t naturally removed Indianapolis native, she spends most of her time freelancing for various from the body, and can add to plaque buildMidwest-based publications, watching up. Antioxidants can help remove oxidized too much Glee/Grey’s Anatomy and giving into her cats’ demands for attention.

“One out of every four women will die of heart disease, so it is the number-one killer of women.”­— Dr. Jack Rubinstein, assistant professor and cardiologist with University Hospital.

34 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 35

36 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

February CALENDAR EVENTS

WEDNESDAY 2

CALLING ALL CHOCOHOLICS Learn to prepare chocolate creations that also happen to be healthy. With Nata Etherton, gourmet cook, and Julie Shapero, dietician. Reservation required. $15. TriHealth Fitness and Health Pavilion. 6200 Pfeiffer Road, Cincinnati OH. www.trihealthpavilion.com.

513-985-0900.

TUESDAY 1

JCC Family Ceramics Workshop Ages 5 - 15 and a parent (open to the public); Bond with your family as you make keepsake ceramic projects. Instructor: Judy Workman, artist and art educator. Cost is for the entire 3-class series. Contact Info: Courtney Cummings, 513.761.7500, ccummings@ mayersonjcc.org or www.JointheJ.org. J Member Advantage: $45; public: $60; for all 3 classes. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. jointhej.org. 513-761-7500.

Half Pint Kids Club Fruit Sushi

THURSDAY 3 What’s the Matter with That Batter? Cooking Class What do a crepe, fritter and a pancake have in common?

In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of batter ratios and will have hands on experience with each item. Ages 8 and up. $25 for adults, $15 for those 16 and younger.

Gorman Heritage Farm.

10052 Reading Road, Evendale OH. gormanfarm. org/cookingclasses.shtml. Fax: 513-563-6659.

Legolympics (ages 8-12) Compete in a friendly building contest. Legos provided. Call to register. free.

Boone County Public Library. 7425 us 42, Florence KY. www.bcpl.org. 859-342-2665.

FRIDAY 4

Shop Bellevue!

Half Pints age 3-8 are invited with a caregiver to explore and try new foods in a fun environment. Join us in the café for this fun food treat. Today we will create some sweet sushi for snacking! * Items in classes may contain allergens. Please inform instructor of any allergies prior to class. Please note, while this class is FREE registration is required. FREE. Whole Foods. 5805 Deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mason.

(513) 398-9358.

Wine Walk Enjoy samples of different wines at seven participating Levee restaurants for a small donation to the American Heart Association.

Advanced reservations only. Limited reservations available. Newport on the Levee.

1 Levee Way, Newport KY. www.

NewportontheLevee.com. Call (859) 2910550 ext. 15 to make your reservation.

Fall in Love With the Avenue! Entertaining evening of dining, gallery openings, shopping, open house receptions, and special promotions provided by independently owned businesses located along 200 to 700 blocks of historic Fairfield Ave. FREE. Historic Fairfield Avenue Business District. 200-700 Fairfield Avenue, Bellevue KY. www.shopbellevueky.com. 859431-8866.

Daddy Daughter Dance Dance for fathers and daughters ages 2-12.

Free professional photo provided to each girl registered. $30 per couple; $10 each additional daughter. Northern Kentucky University. Nunn Drive, Highland Heights KY. www.nku.edu.

513-388-4513.

The Rockin’ Adventures of Peter Rabbit Ongoing through Sat.Presented by ARTrageous Saturdays. Beatrix Potter’s most famous long-eared character grows up into a rambunctious teen -- and he still can’t stay out of the McGregor’s garden! Recommended

for grades Pre K-5. Calico Children’s Theatre. 4200 Clermont College Drive, Batavia OH. www.ucclermont.edu.

(513) 558-1215.

FOTOKids Youth Astronomy Club A monthly astronomy club for kids 8-14+ years of age and their parents who have a deeper interest in astronomy and are available to attend regular monthly meetings. FREE. Cincinnati Observatory Center. 3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatiobservatory. org. (513) 321-5186.

SATURDAY 5

Annie Oakley’s Wild West Show

Hilarious characters and spine-tingling stunts bring American history to life in this Wild West extravaganza featuring Madcap’s signature giant puppets. Shows at 10:30am and 1:00pm. Tickets: Ages 4-18: $5; Adults: $6. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati OH. www. cincyplay.com. 513-421-3888.

Fiber Fun: Weaving Join us as we weave, sew, dye, and explore the amazing field of fabric works. Use your creativity and weaving skills to create a broom out of natural grasses and other materials. It’s “sew” much fun! These interactive family workshops are designed for 5 to 10-year-olds.

Workshops $5/child per session (members); $7/child per session (. Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.cincymuseum.org/. (513) 287-7000.

The Sky’s the Limit!

Let your creativity soar with artist Elissa Morley and a variety of materials to use to invent your own, imaginative flying machine. For children ages 5-12 years and their families. Weston Art Gallery. 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati OH. westonartgallery.com. 513.977.4165.

Winter Wonderland Hike Join us for a brisk hike through one of Cincinnati’s older urban forests. We’ll explore the history of the park and hopefully meet some of its wilder residents. Be sure to dress for the weather. Meet at the Trailside Nature Center. For more information, please call 7513679. FREE. Burnet Woods. 3251 Brookline Dr., Cincinnati OH. Cincinnatiparks.com.

513-751-3679.

SUNDAY 6

Teen Super Bowl Party at the JCC

Ages: Grades 9 - 12; Description: Join teens from all over the city to watch the Super Bowl at the J on two big projection screens. Food, drinks, contests and prizes! Advance registration recommended.

Contact Info: Danny Meisterman, 513.761.7500, dmeisterman@mayersonjcc.org. Fee: J Member advantage: $5; public: $8. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ.org.

513.761.7500.

MONDAY 7

Teacher Workshop: Look, touch, listen Full of interactive artworks, The UnMuseum provides a great example of how all of the senses can be incorporated into interdisciplinary lessons. All attendees will leave with lesson plan ideas. FREE to educators and those preparing to be educators. Space is limited, reservations required. Please contact Katie Labmeier at 513.345.8419 or klabmeier@ contemporaryartscenter.org.

10:30-11:30am.

Free with CAC Admission. Contemporary Arts Center. 44 E Sixth Street, Cincinnati Oh. www. contemporaryartscenter.org/UnMuseum/ ThursdayArtPlay. 513.345.8400.

TUESDAY 8

Friendship Bracelets Make beautiful bracelets at the library! Learn a variety of styles and make your own unique creation. If sparkly is more your style, beads will be available, too. Grades: 6 - 12 Location: William E. Durr Branch. Kenton County Public Library.

1992 Walton-Nicholson Road, Independence KY. www.kentonlibrary.org. 859-962-4031.

Lots of Love (all ages) Stories of love and a Valentine’s Day craft.

Call to register. free. Boone County Public Library. 6517 Market St., Petersburg KY. www.bcpl.org. 859-342-2665.

Brain Balance Parent Lecture At the lecture you will learn about the exciting Brain Balance Program and how it can help your child succeed academically, socially and behaviorally.

For attending you will receive Dr. Melillo’s book Disconnected Kids. We look forward to seeing you. FREE. Brain Balance Center Of Cincinnati.

12084 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.brainbalancecenters.com. 513-257-0705.

WEDNESDAY 9

Cooking Class Breakfast Anyone?

Did you know February is Hot Breakfast Month?

Did you also know that breakfast is the most CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 37

important meal of the day? In this demonstration class, we’ll have delicious breakfast bites and the recipes for you to take home. FREE. Whole Foods. 5805 Deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www. wholefoodsmarket.com/mason. (513) 3989358.

Recycling and Landfill Tour for Home Schoolers

Learn all about recycling, composting and other ways to minimize waste and save resources and landfill space. Take a hike to observe nature’s own lessons of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.”

For ages 8-11. $5 each. 9-11:30 followed by a lunch break and a 45 minute tour of Rumpke Landfill at 12:45. minimum age 4. Cincinnati Park Board - Nature Education. 4 Beech Lane, Cincinnati OH. Cincinnatiparks.com. 513-3216070.

THURSDAY 10 Paint Away the Winter Doldrums with STAR GLAZERS! Bring the whole family and join us as we learn with clay and pottery paints. In the 1st class, we’ll create some really cool pieces fr om clay that will get fired in the kiln. In week 2, we’ll paint them using mega-fun techniques. Ages 5+.

All supplies provided. RSVP by e-mail to ann@ starglazers.com or by calling 513-474-6364.

Prices start at $10 per piece (cash or check only).

Blue Ash Recreation Center. 4433 Cooper Road, Cincinnati OH.

Stamping Combo Camp Make five seasonal greeting cards, two gift items and scrapbooking layout/project using the latest stamps, tools and techniques. All experience levels. Ages 12 and under. All supplies provided.

Registration required. $40. Springfield Township Senior and Community Center. 9158 Winton Road, Cincinnati OH. www.springfieldtwp. org. 513-522-1154.

Thursday Art Play: Moveable Artwork Learn how to use magnets to make art that can be arranged in all different ways. 10:30-11:30am.

Free with CAC Admission. Contemporary Arts Center. 44 E Sixth Street, Cincinnati Oh. www. contemporaryartscenter.org/UnMuseum/ ThursdayArtPlay. 513.345.8400.

FRIDAY 11 Cincinnati Ballet presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

KinderCooks

This Little Light of Mine

Where our youngest “Chefs in Training” are the main ingredient! Incorporates recipes, age-appropriate culinary skills, basic nutrition, literature, and movement paced for the preschool attention span. Ages 3-5. Let the fun begin!.$30. Young Chefs Academy.

6649 Western Row Rd, Mason OH. www. youngchefsacademy.com/cincinnati. 513549-CHEF (2433).

Presented by the Cincinnati Opera, this musical tribute chronicles the groundbreaking careers of these African-American opera icons. Through live and recorded music and historic photographs, Adrienne Danrich demonstrates the role that music played in changing the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life during the Civil Rights Movement. FREE. Clifton Cultural Arts Center. 3711 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatiopera.org. (513) 768-5562.

SATURDAY 12 Aesop Bops!

Featuring David Gonzalez, Aesop’s fables come alive with speech, sound, mime, dance and imagination in this fast-paced, funny show packed with audience participation Shows at 10:30am and 1:00pm. FREE as part of ArtsWave Sampler Weekends.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati OH. www.cincyplay.com. 513421-3888.

Let your child explore their artist-side at Cheers to Art! No Experience Necessary... our instructors will walk your child step by step through the featured painting and at the end of the session they will have a finished painting that they can take home that day to hang on their wall. Come hang out with friends then hang up the art. $25.00 / Includes all materials and instruction. Cheers to Art. 7700 Camargo Road, Madeira OH. www.cheerstoart.com.

513-271-2793.

JCC “Tween Scene” Ages: Grades 6 – 8; Description: Planned by and for tweens, the fun is sure to be “sweet!” Tween Scene takes over the JCC pool, gym, and game room for an evening of food, fun, and games.

Wear gym shoes & socks, and bring a swimsuit & towel. Register in advance: 513.761.7500.

Contact Info: Danny Meisterman, 513.761.7500, dmeisterman@mayersonjcc.org. Fee: Open to the public; J Member Advantage: $20; public: $27. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ.org. 513.761.7500.

Second Saturday at Mount Washington ArtWorks Join us for an exhibit and free class at our beautiful art studio the Second Saturday of every month.

Make an art project, enjoy refreshments, and view an art class in session. All free. All ages welcome. Free. Mount Washington ArtWorks.

6450 Sherman, Anderson Township OH. cincinnatiartclasses.com.

513 232-3738.

Maple Magic

Family Bingo at the JCC Ages: All ages, open to the public; Description: Bring the whole family! We’ll provide the cards, markers, and LOTS of cool prizes! Contact Info: Matt Miller, 513.761.7500, mmiller@ mayersonjcc.org. Fee: $5/ person. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. w w w. J o i n t h e J . org. 513.761.7500.

ALL THINGS CHOCOLATE For many of us, Valentine’s Day means cards, flowers and of course…delicious chocolate! Take part in the sweet celebration, history and tasting of one of the world’s favorite Valentine treats. Cost for this program is $4.00 per person. Winton Woods.

10245 Winton Rd., Cincinnati OH. GreatParks. org. (513) 521-PARK (7275).

Sunday Jazz Valentine’s Brunch in the Park

Day

Live Jazz is coming to the Hamilton County Park District on Sunday’s! Start a new family tradition and join us for a fabulous Sunday brunch and live jazz music featuring the Chris Comer Trio performing jazz in the traditional swinging piano trio style. Adults $13.95, Children 2-12 $6.95 plus tax. Stonewood Banquet Center at Sharon Woods. 11555 Swing Road, Sharonville OH. GreatParks.org. (513) 521-PARK (7275).

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

MONDAY 14

Kids Night Out (ages 8-12) Leave the mushy Valentine’s Day to the grown ups -- this is a kids only fun party Celebrate with Wii, board games, duct tape crafts, and pizza. Call to register. free. Boone County Public Library. 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl.org. 859-342-2665.

Occurring Through Sunday, February 13.

Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Victoria Morgan choreographs a colorful tale in which entanglements between two sets of Athenian lovers unravel in high comedy. Aronoff Center for the Arts. 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati OH. www.cballet.org. 513-621-5282.

Culture Kids The Art Museum is loaded with patterns! You and your preschooler learn about patterns and design during story times, snack time, tours, and handson art activities. Includes snack. Ages 2-5. $10 per pair members, $20 per pair public. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati OH. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.(513)639-2984.

38 CINCINNATI PARENT * FEBRUARY 2011

TUESDAY 15 Ever wonder how that tasty maple syrup made it to your plate? Join us to find out We will explore all aspects of maple sugaring: tree selection, sap collecting, and evaporation.

Taste the stages of maple “product,” and learn how to do this yourself. Call 231-8678 for more information. FREE. California Woods Nature Preserve. 5400 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati OH. Cincinnatiparks.com.

513-231-8678.

Bring your child to join the circus for a night at our Studio in Clifton Ohio. He can learn and see some of the skills that we perform on a daily basis like ballooning and juggling. Please RSVP by phone to 513-921-5454.Free. Essex Studios.

501 Minnesota Street, Cincinnati Ohio. www. amazingportablecircus.com/. 513-921-5454.

WEDNESDAY 16 Mediatainment

SUNDAY 13

Canvas and Kids

Circus Experience: Join the Circus for a night

Half Pint Kids Club - Let’s Make a Valentine

Half Pints age 3-8 are invited with a caregiver to explore and try new foods in a fun environment.

Join us in the café for this fun food treat. All wizards and fairies welcome today as we make a yummy wand with chocolate! Please note, while this class is FREE registration is required. FREE. Whole Foods. 5805 Deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mason.

(513) 398-9358.

Join us for guided meditation under the stars at Drake Planetarium for a time to relax and rejuvenate. Meditainment involves a blend of proven meditation techniques with stories, music and natural sound effects set under a canopy of moving space images. $7 in advance, $8 at the door. Drake Planetarium. 2020 Sherman Ave., 4th floor of Norwood High School, Cincinnati OH. www.drakeplanetarium.org. 513-3965578.

Mysteries of the Universe Why do some stars broadcast radio signals?

Where do black holes come from? What is an X-ray galaxy? The more astronomers discover, the more strange and mysterious the Universe gets. This class reviews some of the current explanations for some of the most puzzling astronomical phenomena. $18. Cincinnati Observatory Center.

3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati OH. w w w. c i n c i n n a t i o b s e r v a t o r y. o r g .

(513) 321-5186.

THURSDAY 17

Tween the Pages: Book and Video Game Club (ages 8-12) Found a good book or video game? Talk it up and play some Wii. Call to register. free.

Boone County Public Library. 8899 us 42, Union KY. www.bcpl.org. 859-342-2665.

Young Rembrandts: Cartoon Drawing Innovative, step-by-step drawing method to teach any child how to draw, regardless of artistic ability. Weekly through March 10. $89, $79 residents. Beech Acres Park RecPlex. 6915 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati OH. http://www. andersonparks.com.

513-388-4515.

FRIDAY 18 Full Moon Walk

Recommended for ages 8 and older. Hit the trails at night and enjoy the full moon and natural history readings. Preregistration is required. 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford OH. www.cincynature.org. 513-831-1711.

Teen Studio Night Create original art with other teens and explore the Art Museum. Free, Registrations not required. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati OH. www. cincinnatiartmuseum.org. (513) 6392984.

Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey vs. Toledo. Join us for Kids Eat FREE Night. $13- $25.50. US Bank Arena. 100 Broadway, Cincinnati OH. www.usbankarena.com.

800-745-3000.

Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids Ongoing through Sunday February 20th.

The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through wild adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. With colorful characters and that

toe-tapping jungle rhythm, Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids is sure to be a crowdpleaser for audiences of all ages. $7- $20. Taft Theatre. 5th & Sycamore Streets. www. thechildrenstheatre.com. (513)569-8080. www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

SATURDAY 19

Ancient Egyptian Collars Create your own Egyptian jewelry. Design beads in a style similar to the faience work discovered by the Egyptians. These interactive family workshops are designed for 5 to 10-year-olds. Workshops $5/ child per session (members); $7/child per session. Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www. cincymuseum.org/. (513) 287-7000.

Sunday Jazz President’s Day Brunch in the Park Live Jazz is coming to the Hamilton County Park District on Sunday’s! Start a new family tradition and join us for a fabulous Sunday brunch and live jazz music featuring the Chris Comer Trio performing jazz in the traditional swinging piano trio style. $6.95- $13.95 plus tax. Sweetwine Banquet Center at Woodland Mound Park. 600 Nordyke Road, Cincinnati OH. GreatParks.org. (513) 521-PARK (7275).

MONDAY 21

Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey

Honeyhill Farm Petting Zoo (all ages)

Meet Squeak, the Pategonian cavy. Pet and feed chinchillas, hedgehogs, rabbits, and more.. Free. Boone County Public Library.

7425 us 42, Florence KY. www.bcpl.org.

859-342-2665.

SUNDAY 20 CSO: PAAVO CONDUCTS BEETHOVEN 5

vs. Kalmazoo. Join us for the Kids Club Game. $13- $25.50. US Bank Arena.

100 Broadway, Cincinnati OH. www. usbankarena.com. 800-745-3000.

Presidents’ Day Camp at the J Description: On school vacation days, bring the kids to the J. They’ll splash in the waterpark, play games in the gym, create great art projects, and enjoy the awesome new Club J room. Contact Info: Matt Miller, 513.761.7500, mmiller@mayersonjcc.org.

Fee: J Member Advantage: $48; public: $58; Add $6 for before car. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.

JointheJ.org. 513.761.7500.

THURSDAY 22

Knitting Night (aka: Chix with Stix!)

Featuring two widely popular masterpieces, Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5 and Prokofiev’s wild-tempered Piano concerto No. 2, this program is recommended for ages 10 and up. The Pathways Collection Features: Shortened concerts; Interactive, multimedia post-concert talk-backs with conductor and musicians ; Children (6-18) only $5, Adults 25% off regular prices. Music Hall. 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati OH. www. c i n c i n n a t i s y m p h o n y. o r g / home2.asp. 513-381-3300

2011 Fight for Air Climb

Each year, too many lives are lost to lung disease and this is your chance to climb, raise money and make an impact in their honor. By joining the Fight for Air Climb, you are making the commitment to f ight lung disease so everyone can breathe easier- including you! Register at any time by February 15 at noon on the www.fightforairclimb.org website.

Carew Tower. 441 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH. www.lungusa.org. (513) 985-3990.

Interested in learning how to knit or crochet?

Well grab your yarn, needles, and projects and bring them along to the CFEC’s Knitting Nights. We start at 6:00... come early, come late... we’ll be knitting/crocheting till about 9:00. Free. Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center. 4244 Hamilton Avenue Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati OH. www. theplaceforfamilies.com. 513-591-2332.

Brain Balance Parent Lecture At the lecture you will learn about the exciting Brain Balance Program and how it can help your child succeed academically, socially and behaviorally.

For attending you will receive Dr. Melillo’s book Disconnected Kids. We look forward to seeing you. FREE. Brain Balance Center Of Cincinnati. 12084 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.brainbalancecenters. com. 513-257-0705.

Half Pint Kids Club Bananas in a Blanket Half Pints age 3-8 are invited with a caregiver to explore and try new foods or a craft in a fun environment. Join us in the café for this fun food treat! Today we’ll make a yummy banana treat wrapped up and ready to go!

Registration is required. FREE. Whole Foods.

5805 Deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www. wholefoodsmarket.com/mason.

(513) 398-9358.

WEDNESDAY 23

Planetarium Show - Follow The Drinking Gourd Celebrate Black History Month at Drake Planetarium!

“Follow The Drinking Gourd” offers a wonderful story of human determination, hardship, and innovation based on the book by Jeanette Winter.

Join us in this exciting true life adventure story. $6 in advance, $7 at the door. Free for Planetarium Members with. Drake Planetarium. 2020 Sherman Ave., 4th floor of Norwood High School, Cincinnati OH. www.drakeplanetarium.org.

513-3965578.

Story Time with Miss Gail Get ready for silly stories, fun fingerplays, and sing-alongs with Miss Gail! free and open to our friends ages 2 and up. Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore. 3054 Madison Road, Cincinnati OH. www.bluemanateebooks. com. 513-731-2665.

THURSDAY 24 Mom’s Night Out!

An opportunity for local mothers to get together without the kids to socialize, relax, and be pampered. We know it’s hard being a mom - you deserve a break! Great food, goodies, giveaways & drinks – what could be better!.FREE. Whole Foods. 5805 Deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket. com/mason. (513) 398-9358.

What Parents Should Know About Reading and Comprehension Learn about current national research focused on the path of successful readers, and how to better follow your own child’s reading development

and learning. This seminar will cover the 5 critical literacy skills of successful reading and compensation skills which mask successful reading development. RSVP on website. Free.

Langsford Learning Acceleration Center. 9402 Towne Square Ave, Cincinnati OH. www.

WeTeachReading.com.

513-531-7400.

Art Explorers at the Miami University Art Museum

Art Explorers includes story-time led by the Lane Public Library children’s department followed by a related craft. The program is intended for children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult. Free. Miami University Art Museum. 801 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford OH. 513-529-2232.

FRIDAY 25

Future Rock Stars Rock out with this interactive high-energy introduction to music for preschoolers.

Children will increase their musical development through playing, singing and dancing to rock-n-roll, jazz and traditional nursery rhymes. Explore a wide range of instruments (piano, guitar, percussion) in a rockin’ fun way! Museum admission is not included in the workshop fee. $5 per child, per session for members; $7 per child per session. Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www. cincymuseum.org/.

(513) 287-7021.

SATURDAY 26

3rd Annual Get Smart About Art and STUDIO 2011

Get Smart About Art provides interactive art making activities with the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Art Center, Taft Museum, Happen, Inc, and Window Arts Enrichment. Performing through out the day are many arts organizations from

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 39

the across the region. See you there. FREE. School for Creative and Performing Arts.

108 West Central Parkway, Cincinnati OH. www.TheArtsWave.org.

513.632.0146.

http://w w w.contemporar yartscenter. o r g / U n M u s e u m / T h u r s d a yA r t P l a y.

513.345.8400.

Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids

In Love with Shakespeare

Enjoy a comedic showcase of the Bard’s iconic love scenes and sonnets brought to life by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company! It’s both a perfect introduction to Shakespeare for the novice, and a highly enjoyable collection for the aficionado.

Join us for a fun post Valentine’s Day treat! Space is limited. Register: 962-4002 Registration online will be available on Jan 1, 2011 Location: Erlanger Branch. Kenton County Public Library. 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger KY. www.kentonlibrary. org. 859-962-4002.

All levels welcome. Grace Tree Yoga & Growth Studio. 8933 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd, West Chester OH. gracetreestudio. com. 513-759-4458.

SUNDAY 27

Maple Sugar Days It’s time once again for the sap to rise and maple trees to be tapped for delicious maple sugar! There will be guided hikes through the sugar bush to see how maple trees are tapped as naturalists and volunteers share legends and lore surrounding the maple sugaring tradition. Sample foods prepared with maple! FREE. Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve. 3455 Poole Rd., Cincinnati OH. GreatParks.org. (513) 521-PARK (7275).

Family Saturday: Shadow Play

Join artist Christine Langford to discover the art of shadow puppets. Create your own shadow puppet inspired by Keith Haring’s images of dogs and people and then join your new friends and family to present a short play. 10:30-11:30am. Free with CAC Admission. Contemporary Arts Center. 44 E Sixth Street, Cincinnati Oh.

ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages. $7- $20. Taft Theatre. 5th & Sycamore Streets. www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

(513)569-8080.

The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through wild adventures and thwart the

MONDAY 28

Sacred Woman: The Art of Bellydance

Visit CincinnatiParent.com for EVEN MORE GREAT IDEAS on things to do!!! While you’re there, be sure to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, and you’ll get the top events delivered right to your inbox!

ONGOING EVENTS Penguin Days at the Zoo Occurring Daily Through Monday, February 28.

Enjoy half price admission to the Zoo every day. Remember to dress warm... BRRR! HALF PRICE! Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.s 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220. www. cincyzoo.org. 513-683-6990.

Winter Fun at Perfect North Occurring Daily Through Monday, March 1. Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing all available at family resort. Rentals, discounts and food available everyday. Great location, easy to get to in Indiana! Check the snow report or call before making a trip; hours vary depending on weather conditions. Perfect North Slopes. 19074 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025. www. perfectnorth.com. (812) 537-3754.

Cincinnati Home and Garden Show Occurring Daily (except Mon & Tue) Beginning Saturday, February 26, 2011 Through Sunday, March 06, 2011. More than 500 displays of ideas and trends for the home and garden. Ticket discount available at Home Depot! Check web site for times. $12, free ages 13 and under. $3 discount at any area Kroger with. Duke Energy Convention Center. 525 Elm St., Cincinnati OH. www.duke-energycenter.com. 513352-3750.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, February 18. The world of Cleopatra VII has been lost to the sea and sand for nearly 2,000 years. The exhibition features nearly 150 artifacts from Cleopatra’s time and will take you inside the present-day search for the elusive queen, which extends from the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near Alexandria. $7.50 Adult, $6.50 Senior, $5.50 Child (3-12); Discounts for Gro. Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.cincymuseum. org/. 1.800.733.2077.

Everything Thomas at EnterTRAINment Junction Occurring Daily (except Wed) Through Monday, February 28, 2011. Come see Thomas the Train at the world’s ONLY train-themed family 40 40 CINCINNATI CINCINNATI PARENT PARENT 20112011 * FEBRUARY * FEBRUARY

entertainment center! Explore the magical indoor celebration of kids’ favorite Thomas the Train, with several Thomas train layouts, videos, and Thomas & Friends scavenger hunts and crafts. See website for more information and times. $12.95 adults, $9.95 kids (children under age 3 free); FREE park. EnterTRAINment Junction. 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester OH. www.entertrainmentjunction.com. (513) 898-8000.

Family Jump Time Occurring Every Thrursday. Spend some quality with your kids at Pump It Up. Come play on our giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables during our evening Pop-In Playtime! Enjoy spending time with your family, meeting other families and making new friends in a safe, clean, climate controlled environment. Call Us For Details!. $7.00 per child. Pump It Up. 7724 Service Center Dr., West Chester OH. www. pumpitupparty.com/oh/west-chester. Call 513.829.7867.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning Tuesday, February 15 Through Sunday, February 27. Filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, which includes ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker, Matchmaker’, ‘If I Were A Rich Man’ and ‘Sunrise, Sunset’. A timeless classic. $22-$64. Aronoff Center for the Arts. 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati OH. www. cincinnatiarts.org. 513-621-5282.

and Water Conservation District. 29 Triangle Park Drive, Suite 2901, Cincinnati OH. www. hcswcd.org. 513-772-7645.

Kids Eat Free Ongoing Every Mon, Tue, Wed & Thu. Kids Eat Free Monday-Thursday from 4-7pm at Star Lanes on the Levee (Offer valid for kids 12 and under. For parties of 8 or less. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Offer is valid for 2 free kids meal per accompanying adult).

FREE. Star Lanes on the Levee. 1 Levee Way, Newport KY. www.starlaneslevee.com.

859-652-7250.

SHOUT! - The Mod Musical Occurring Every Sun, Thu, Fri & Sat Beginning Thursday, February 24, 2011 Through Sunday, March 13, 2011. SHOUT! flips through the years like a music magazine, taking you back to the sound, the fashion and the freedom of the 60’s! This smashing revue tracks five groovy gals as they come of age during the days that made England swing! $21, $19 students and seniors. The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. 4990 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions. com. 513-241-6550.

The Piano Teacher

Occurring Every Sun, Fri & Sat Beginning Friday, February 25 Through Saturday, March 05.

Musical retelling of fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.” All ages welcome!. $15, $12 seniors and students.Anderson Center. 7850 Five Mile Road, Cincinnati OH. www.andersoncenterevents. org. 513-233-2468.

Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning Saturday, February 12, 2011 Through Sunday, March 13, 2011. The sweet, cookie-loving Mrs. K is the perfect picture of a caring grandmotherly piano teacher. When she decides to look up some of her old students, Mrs. K unleashes a dark secret she can’t quite understand. This cunning play artfully blends past and present to explore the mystery and unpredictability of memory and the human heart. Suitable for older teenagers and adults only. $29-$59, $30 for ages 13-19.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. 962 Mount Adams Circle, Cincinnati OH. www.cincyplay. com. (513)345-2242.

Posters and Essays Contest

Winter Family Days

Occurring Through Friday, April 08, 2011.

Sponsored by the Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District. The theme is “Forests for People: More Than You Can Imagine!” Hamilton County students are eligible to enter each contest: essay contest is for kids of all grades! Winners selected from each grade level category. FREE. Hamilton County Soil

Occurring Daily Through Monday, February 28, 2011. Two children ages 2-12 admitted FREE (normally $15 each) with each adult paying full admission price of $22. Children under 2 always free. Strollers welcome. Newport Aquarium.

Newport on the Levee, Newport KY. www. newportaquarium.com. (859)261-7444.

Once Upon A Mattress

Visit

CincinnatiParent.com for even MORE great ideas on things to do!

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February 2011 Give Kids a Smile Day Celebration Idea: Hide a note in your child's lunchbox or backpack.

Let your children choose what's for dinner.

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Celebration Idea: Look into joinging your local boy or girl scout troop!

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Different Name Day!

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Celebration Idea: Have something strawberry at every meal!

Strawberry milk, PB&J with strawberry jelly...

Celebration Idea: Count all of the Quarters in your piggy bank.

11

White Shirt Day

Umbrella Day

16 17 Kyoto Protocol Random Acts of Day Kind ness Day

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Dog Biscuit on Appreciati Day

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

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Celebration Idea: Make log cabins out of pretzel sticks or graham crackers and icing.

18

On this day in 1930,

the planet Pluto was discovered

by Clyde Tombaug

19

Chocolate Mint Day

Celebration Idea: Try to name all of the planets in our solar system.

25

26

On this day in 1862,

paper currency was introduced in the U.S.

by President Abraham Lincoln.

Celebration Idea: Throw a Mexican Fielsta for dinner and learn a new Spanish word.

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Celebration Idea: Bullying has become a nationwide problem. Talk to your kids about the harmful effects of bullying.

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national stop bullying day

Homemade Soup Day

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Celebration Idea: Make some Chicken Noodle, Potato or Tomato Soup for dinner... and ask the kids for help!

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Celebration Idea: Give your pet a special treat today. Don't have a pet?

Go visit the animals at a local shelter or pet store.

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Celebration Idea: Starting today, make a weather chart to see if Punxsutawney Phil was right!

ABOUT THIS DAY: The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change aimed at fighting global warming.

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Chinese New Year!

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Celebration Idea: Make the game fun for the kids! Play football with a balloon, decorate football shaped cookies...

the Boy Scouts were founded.

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Celebration Idea: Play Monopoly as a family.

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National Tooth Fairy Day!

LOVE this calendar?

E-mail editor@CINCINNATIPARENT.com images of your family participating in one of these fun days and/or send us your day of the month ideas and we will include them in an upcoming issue!

Celebration Idea: Be sure to practice good dental health today, and every day!

Sources: familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com & thenibble.com

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 43