Indy's Child // 10.2010

Astounding Advancements in Health Care Keep Women in Balance October 2010 * indyschild.com

October 2010 18

Juggling Act

Commentary & Parenting * Publisher’s Note: Attitude is Everything

07

DEAR TEACHER: Adjusting to Kindergarten, Appropriate Reading Levels and Getting Enough Sleep mommy magic: Halloween isn't Just for Kids

26 51

NEWS & SHOPPING * News You Can Use: Contests, News Events and More

08

Eco-mod mom: Fall Food, Fun and Flair

22

The Lasting benefits of preschool

16

Health & Wellness * pediatric Health: Heart Screenings for Young Athletes

14

Women's health: The Skinny on Your Health

15

Women's Health: Could it Be My Thyroid?

21

pediatric safety: Trick or Treat Your Way to a Safe Halloween

52

Around Town * FAMILY FUN IN INDY: Trees in the Limelight for Fall Fun

child E xceptional

38

Managing social deficits in children with autism

42

healthcare for your child with special needs

10

INDY PARKS: Fall into Fun with Indy Parks

12

museum note: Have a Bone-Shaking Time in Skeletown

13

arts & enrichment: Raising Scientists

48

indianapolis zoo: Spooky Activities Abound at the Indianapolis Zoo

53

* RESOURCES

open house directory

28

childcare & education directory

31

special needs calendar

44

special needs guide

46

arts & enrichment directory

50

fall fun guide

56

Calendar

58

classifieds

71

Ask the Staff: What was your favorite Halloween Costume as a Child?

I was a last minute-"throw it together" Halloween girl!

An M & M

Rainbow Brite

BU

RN

S

A tree costume, handmade by my mother!

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harvesting fun 6 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

h e at her

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sk i ew

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Snow White

A Witch

A magician’s rabbit in the hat

j e nn i ca za

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K A R E N R I NG

Co mm e n ta ry & PARENTING

Indy’s Child

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Publisher’s Note

Attitude is Everything Why Parental Involvement and a Positive Attitude Matter

FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne barbara@indyschild.com Publisher & President of Sales & Business Development Mary Wynne Cox publisher@indyschild.com Associate Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Lynette Rowland editor@indyschild.com sales and business development Jennica Zalewski jennica@indyschild.com Art Direction & Design Heather Lipe heather@indyschild.com Controller / ACCOUNTANT Roxanne Burns roxanne@indyschild.com OFFICE MANAGER Karen Ring karen@indyschild.com

I

am a big fan of Indianapolis Star writer, Matthew Tully. He has a passion for kids and education and so do I. He believes that innovation can be exciting and make a difference in the lives of children—so do I. He believes that parental involvement in your child’s schooling is paramount — I couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Matthew, for writing about Manuel High School and, more recently, Summer Advantage USA. I took note that the Summer Advantage USA program had positive and measurable results in math and reading skills for the 3,000 students involved for the two months the program took place. Earl Phalen is the dynamic educator who designed this program that demands parent participation.

determined to succeed.When Yearwood had his Madeline Wes tern, initial teachers’ meeting, he announced that the Indy's Child's school would have a weekly evening program in all of the classrooms. Boys and girls would recite newes t reader! poetry, put on a play, sing, read their papers— whatever, but parents and grandparents were invited to attend. The initiative here was that the classroom teachers were to plaster the walls with all of the work papers of their students. Spelling papers from 100% of the students were posted Tennis Program. His goal was to win a college alongside all math and other projects assigned. tennis scholarship—and he did! He graduated from New Mexico Military College and went The parents became involved with their children on to get a Ph.D. in Education. He was a at home because they wanted to be proud of their member of the varsity tennis team all four years children’s work and realized they could make a and learned to prioritize his time. Yearwood’s attitude of “I can do it” and the importance of difference. having a team of parents and teachers who want What was Yearwood’s reward? He was recently the best will surely produce the best middle assigned the worst middle school in Lubbock. The school in Lubbock in a matter of a few years. only difference is that the school has four tennis courts. I am certain that Brian Yearwood will not only raise the standards of his middle school; but also, in his quiet way, inspire and coach his boys and girls to be the best Middle School Tennis Team in Texas.

I want to note another program that has demonstrated huge success in Lubbock, Texas.

When Brian Yearwood, a principal originally from Tobago, West Indies, was named a principal of an elementary school, Lubbock gave him the worst performing school in the school system.

It took him several years to move this school Brian Yearwood lived with our family for three to number one in the school system. Attitude summers. He was a tournament player in the is everything to Brian Yearwood and he was Washington Township Schools Community

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY © Getty Images, Jupiterimages Costumes on page 54 provided

by HalloweenExpress.com

CORRECTION In our September issue, the ad we ran for Heritage Christian School on page 25 listed their Open House date as being Thursday, November 10, 2010. The correct date is Thursday, November 11, 2010.

Indy’s Child 921 E. 86th Street, Suite 130 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317.722.8500 (p) 317.722.8510 (f ) indyschild@indyschild.com Copyright: Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2009 by Indy’s Child Inc. 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,

INDYSCHILD.COM 7

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news you can use

Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Announce “The Barnum Award Program” to Kids 6-14 Who Are Making a Difference in Indianapolis

Enter the Ohio’s Largest Playground Howlin’ Good Time Sweepstakes

One lucky winner will receive (1) one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge at Kings Island located in Warren County, Ohio’s Largest Playground. Your stay includes one night in a family suite plus 4 passes for the indoor waterpark.

As the home to Kings Island, Great Wolf Lodge, The Beach Waterpark and Ozone Zipline Adventures – Warren County is the ultimate getaway, not far away. Conveniently located just minutes north of Cincinnati, Warren County is close to a variety of regional attractions making it the perfect hub-and-spoke vacation destination. With something for everyone, and more to do within a 30-mile radius, it’s no wonder Warren County is Ohio’s Largest Playground!

Great Wolf Lodge at Kings Island will give you and your kids something to howl about!

It’s one of the largest indoor waterparks in Ohio, with 12 waterslides, six tube slides, four children’s slides and interactive treehouse water fort with 12 levels of family-soaking fun. This familystyle resort has everything you need to keep your “pack” happy such as two great restaurants, multiple snack shops, and Starbucks plus a spa for Mom and Dad and one for kids, too. During your unforgettable getaway adventure contest visit e th r te n e o T you can also enjoy other family-friendly amenities like hild.com the MagiQuest live-action fantasy adventure game, Cub w.indysc w w Club activities, nightly story time and much more all Contests. and click on under one roof. For more information visit http://www. ohioslargestplayground.com/great-wolf-lodge/.

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Barnum Award Recipient will receive a $500 grant to fund future community service endeavors.

Nominees will be judged on the impact of their accomplishments, creativity and innovation, and their inspiration to others relating to their cause. Nominators are required to be over the age of 21, and must fill out a short questionnaire about the child they feel is making a difference in the community.

In honor of one of the founders of The Greatest Show On Earth®, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® announces the call for Indianapolis and surrounding area nominations for The Barnum Award. The award honors the spirit of P.T. Barnum and his inspirational contributions to society by identifying and celebrating children age six to 14 who give back to their own communities in creative, fun, and innovative ways. Nominations now being accepted for Indianapolis area children can be submitted online at www.TheBarnumAward. com through November 19.

The Indianapolis-area recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony prior to the start of the opening night performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Funundrum® on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at Conseco Fieldhouse, where the show performs through Sunday, Dec. 5.

Three local award recipients will be chosen by a panel of distinguished local luminaries, and will receive award medals and grants to fund future local service projects. The Gold Barnum Award Recipient will receive a $1,000 grant, the Silver Barnum Award Recipient will receive a $750 grant, and the Bronze

The Barnum Award is a national program presented by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in conjunction with a two-year celebration of the 200th anniversary of P.T. Barnum’s birth. Nationally, more than $150,000 in grants will be awarded.

Disney Live Mickey’s Magic Show in Indy for One Day Only Abracadabra! It’s Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show! Mickey, Minnie and a host of Disney friends come together with world-class magicians to perform magic from legendary Disney films right before your eyes. See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the spectacular levitation of Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine; and the enchanted dancing brooms of Fantasia. Join Donald and Goofy, Alice and the Mad Hatter and many more for a one-of-a-kind stage show you’ll never forget. Mickey’s Magic Show is a whole new way to experience Disney Magic with your family! Come join Mickey and crew on Sunday, November 7 at 12:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.

Clarian Health Partners RN from Indianapolis Starts Babysitting Business Franchise

Indy Maternity, Baby & Toddler Expo Features More Than 150 Exhibitors, Fun Games, Family Entertainment

Kristin is the mom of three young children and she knows f irst hand how challenging it can be to f ind good childcare. For many years it was a strain to f ind a daycare that would accommodate early morning or evening work schedules at the Hospital where she worked as an RN. It was also diff icult to f ind someone to help out on the occasional date night. After struggling to f ind a babysitter after her third baby was born that would work with her schedule, she found SeekingSitters, and opened a franchise in the Indianapolis area to provide child care to other parents in need of quality, reliable and trustworthy sitters.

Indiana’s “big baby” is turning 5, as the Indy Maternity, Baby, & Toddler Expo, the state’s largest and premier event for parents and their little ones, comes to the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds, Saturday, October 16 (10 a.m – 5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 17, 2010 (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.). The Expo will celebrate five years in Indy with more than 150 exhibitors offering the latest products and services for mom, dad, and baby.

She is like any other working mom who continually juggles both a work life and personal life. With 3 kids, newborn and a 3-year-old and 9-year-old, she is very busy with all of their activities. So, after many successful years of being a Registered Nurse, she took the leap of faith into the franchise business of SeekingSitters. Her goal is to help families f ind the perfect sitter for each member that she serves.

The Indy Maternity, Baby, & Toddler Expo is the “onesies-stop” shop for new and expectant families. Highlights include the latest products (everything from eco-friendly baby goodies to furniture and more), games and prizes (including the famous Diaper Derby and Daddyathon), live entertainment, lounges for mom and dad (Mommy Pampering Lounge and Daddy Tailgate Lounge),

SeekingSitters provides the same unique, reliable and trustworthy service in every franchise location. And the service provided includes a properly performed background screening on each SeekingSitters referred babysitter and each family that utilizes the service. These background investigations are performed through SeekingSitters inhouse investigation company, Hide and Seek. Hide and Seek was founded in 1978 and from 30 years of investigative experience, they know that pertinent personal character information can be overlooked unless an in-depth background investigation is performed on an individual; therefore, an intense hands-on background check is performed on every sitter. This thorough background check process, in conjunction with SeekingSitters one-on-one interview process, is how SeekingSitters babysitting service can f ind and screen the best sitters possible.

For more information visit http://seekingsittersindianapolisnorth.com/

Bebe Swag Bags (first 50 moms will receive swag bags overflowing with freebies), fantasy parties (Princess Tea Parties and Boys Pirate Parties) and so much more!

The Indy Maternity, Baby, & Toddler Expo is made possible in part by national sponsors Britax, Buy Buy Baby, The Data Baby, Hybrid Mom, Joovy, Kia, Kidzola, Mamapalooza, The Picture People, Ptpamedia, The Shower Diva, Sounds of Pertussis, US Family Guide, and Whirlpool.

Tickets to the Expo are $7 general admission, $3.50 for grandparents, and free for children under 5. For more information about the Indy Maternity, Baby, & Toddler Expo and visit www.bebepaluzza. com or call (317) 517-9920.

Many kids start planning their Halloween costume weeks in advance.

But what about kids who are unable to trick-or-treat due to a medical condition?

St.Vincent hasn’t forgotten about them. And, with your help, we can make their Halloween sweeter than they ever imagined!

Join us for Trick-or-Treat for Kids Off Their Feet, which benefits the young patients at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

All you have to do is collect small “treats” for pediatric patients

who are unable to trick-or-treat on Halloween night due to an illness, injury, surgery recovery or frail immune system. Below is a list of recommended “treats.”

(Please note that they must be new due to infection control issues.

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Baby dolls Boxed puzzles Bubbles Board games Character pillowcases DVDs Coloring books

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Crayons Hot Wheels Infant toys Legos Playing cards Princess crowns Rattles Silly Bandz

Simply deliver items to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent, located behind the main hospital at 2001 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

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family fun in indy

Trees in the Limelight for Fall Fun Take the Time to Enjoy the Beauty of Fall Garfield Park on Shelby Street is the oldest park in the city and has a 2 1/2 acre Victorian-style sunken garden. Three lovely fountains grace the grounds adding architectural interest to the outstanding gardens surrounded by beautiful maturing trees. The conservatory also features a 7,500 square foot Amazon River Region Tropical Rainforest with a 15 foot waterfall and hundreds of Central and South American plant species.

There is a minimal fee of $2 to visit the conservatory.

Eagle Creek Park on the North West side is one of the largest municipal parks in the country with 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of dry land activities, including a wonderful Earth Discovery Nature center. In October, it will feature a Nature Discovery Program with guided nature walks, native plants, weird bugs, live animals and environmental education.

The fee is $5 for a car or $3 if you are walking or cycling. Go to www.indyparks. org to find out about all of the city parks and their amenities.

It’s show time! From bright yellow to f iery red, leaves are lighting up the trees throughout Central Indiana.

Visions of the brilliantly colored rolling hills of Brown County and our beautiful state parks tend to top the list of places we think of visiting when it comes to fall foliage. But don’t overlook what sits in our own back yard. While peak color time fluctuates, the second week in October tends to be Mother Nature’s favorite time around Indianapolis. The city has some beautiful parks with unique attributes that could make that perfect afternoon or weekend stroll come alive with beautiful colors.

This first suggestion will no doubt blow your mind; but, hear me out – there is a method to my madness when I suggest Crown Hill Cemetery. In addition to some of the colorful characters buried there (including a President, three Vice Presidents and John Dillinger) there is a wide variety of colorful trees. Crown Hill was built on a tree orchard and there are over 100 different species making it a great place to pick up a leaf or two for your scrapbook collection. While checking out the tombstones and trees, you can point out that the dogwood tree was once used to make daggers and its bark was an ingredient in toothpaste! Crown Hill is the nation’s third largest cemetery filled with plenty of history as well to make it a leaf and learn tour. Go to www.crownhillhf.org for a downloadable map and more information on guided tours.

You can make a day of it by crossing the street to the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s 100 Acres.

With a 152 acre campus, the IMA has gardens, nature and art at its finest in one convenient location. The new park specifically features a 35 acre lake lined with several kinds of trees and a beautiful Welcome Center that was inspired by a deteriorating leaf. While the kids take a potty break, you can look up through the alternating planks of wood and Plexiglass as if they were the veins of a leaf through which rays of sunlight shine.

Another great place to spread out a blanket and have a picnic is at one of the regional parks with their scenic views, lakes, rivers and ponds. Holiday Park on Spring Mill Road (on the west bank of the White River) features unique ruins from the former St. Paul building in New York sitting on Greek columns. The kneeling figures, called the Races of Men, represent a white, black, and Asian who labored in unity. Just behind the sculpture are 26 columns (10 feet tall) that were obtained from a convent. This 94 acre park also contains more than 800 species of plants.

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Heading to the east side of town, you will find plenty of foliage at Fort Harrison State Park, as well as interesting history.

Image Courtesy of the The 1,700-acre park features walking and Indianapolis Museum of Art jogging trails, in addition to fishing access to Fall Creek and two national historic districts. The former Citizen's Military Training Camp, Civilian Conservation Corps camp and World War II prisoner of war camp is preserved at the park headquarters and visitors can now check out the Museum of 20th Century Warfare.

There are also guided horseback tours or pony rides ($16-21 for the trail rides and $3.50 for the pony rides). Fishing (fall and winter) is also available and the park office sells the necessary state fishing permit. In winter, ice fishing is available. Fall Creek runs about 3.5 miles inside the park and visitors are likely to see everything from deer to frogs, beavers, turtles and squirrels. www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2982.htm And there is a helpful tool you can use from now until November 13th — Leaf Cams. These cameras are positioned at three different places in Indiana this year. They are Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, IN, another in Brown County State Park and the third will flash foliage from the IMA’s 100 Acres. All you have to do is log on to your computer and type www.visitindiana.com/leafcam to have the colors fill your screen.

It’s always sad when the curtain falls on Mother Nature’s show. So, here’s an easy project for the family to preserve some of the memories. Collect some of your favorite leaves during your trip. The trick to keeping the colors sharp is to remove the moisture as quickly as possible.

Press the leaves between paper towels or the pages of the book and let sit for ten days. When the leaves are dry and flat, put them between two sheets of waxed paper and gently press with a medium hot iron moving slowly over entire surface for about 10 seconds. And voila, you’ve saved the autumn colors for another day.

Kimberly Harms has four children (5-24) along with a grandchild and is the Associate Director of Media Relations at the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association, www.visitindy.com. You can follow her on Twitter @kimberlyharms.

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indy parks

Fall into Fun with Indy Parks Halloween Haunts and Autumn Activities Stow away your swimsuits and beach towels, it’s time to feel the crisp, cool air on your cheeks and hear the crunch of leaves beneath your feet. Autumn in Indy Parks is full of festive activities to create fun, family memories while enjoying our natural amenities. Grab a thermos full of hot cider, take a walk on one of our trails and watch the leaves sprinkle their magical colors at our 206 parks.

mess but take the memories home with you!

October 19, 6-7 p.m. Cost $ 8.

Does your child already have a Halloween costume picked out? Is the anticipation of trick-or-treat bags full of candy almost too much to bear? Indy Parks is your guide for Halloween planning.

Ghoulish Garf ield is a spooktacular familyfriendly event at Garf ield Park. Whether you’re dressed as your favorite superhero or scary monster, travel around the park by hayride and tour the Haunted Conservatory with ghosts and goblins hiding at every turn.

Create creepy crafts at the Garf ield Park Arts Center and mix a batch of slimy “GoblinGoo.” October 29-30, 7-9 p.m.

Two of our parks offer an Americana tradition perfect for an October evening. Hayrides at Southeastway Park and Eagle Creek Park transport your friends and family members back to simpler times. Cuddle up under a thick blanket and relax as you wind through a maze of wondrous Fall scenery. Group packages include a picnic shelter and cozy campf ire to complete the experience. Call It’s Easter and Halloween all rolled into Southeastway at 861-5167 or Eagle Creek at one at Christian Park. Search for glow327-7110 for reservations. in-the-dark eggs during the “monster egg hunt” or play laser tag in your Halloween Scary faces, happy faces or self-portrait – costume inside the family center. Venture try out your Jack-o-lantern carving skills at out in the moonlight as a haunted hayride takes you along a spooky trail. October 2930, 6-10 p.m.

The Indy Parks’ Fall Fun Guide has more activities

Your child may not be ready for ghoulish goblins and menacing monsters this Halloween. Holliday Park and the Indianapolis or call 327-PARK. Make sure to sign up for our Civic Theater’s Hauntless Halloween will let monthly newsletter at www.indyparks.org and your little one sleep soundly at night. During the evening of enchanted fun, families hike start planning your Halloween and Fall fun today. along a candlelit trail and visit with forest inhabitants who have come alive, in a fun Indy Island/Raymond Park. Staffers guide and inviting way, for these special evenings. your little Picassos as they create a traditional October 14-16, cost and times vary. Call pumpkin decoration you can display on your 327-7180 for more information. front porch. And the best part? Leave the

and events. Check with your local family center

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museum note

Have a Bone-Shaking Time in Skeletown

Children's Museum Celebrates 47 Years of Spooktaculous Fun It’s that bewitching time of year again at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis—time for the annual Haunted House. A ghoulishly good time awaits all who dare to visit Skeletown! The 47th annual Haunted House is organized by The Children’s Museum Guild and presented

by PNC, with Lights-On Hours sponsored by Indianapolis Power and Light Company.

Enjoy more Halloween fun at the museum during special activities for the season, including several Feast with the Witches options, a Family Late-Night Adventure and Scout Late-Night Adventures.

Feast with the Witches Enjoy a breakfast, lunch or dinner “boo-ffet,” plus Halloween entertainment in Lilly Theater. Tickets include your meal with the museum’s witches and a tour of Skeletown during the IPL The Children’s Museum Guild has done a terrific job of transforming Lights-On Hours. Many times and dates are available, but seats some of Indianapolis’ best known landmarks into some of the are limited, so make your reservations early! city’s spookiest destinations. Included in this year’s tour are BoneCrusher Stadium, the Scaregrounds, the Spine-Chilling Speedway Family Late-Night Adventure and many more! Because the rooms are modeled after recognizable Enjoy a frightening family dinner and a lights-out, behind-thedestinations like the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Lucas Oil stadium, scenes tour of Skeletown. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis Museum of non-members; families are encouraged to register early as there is Art, there will be plenty with which kids of all ages can connect. limited seating.

Scout Late-Night Adventures Scouts will enjoy an adventurous dinner and a lights-out, behindthe-scenes tour of Skeletown. They can also explore the museum and see a special planetarium show. The Official Skeletown scout patch will be awarded to all adventure-seekers during this event.

Do your children dare to be scared? Then they can come during All Junior Girl Scouts, Bears, and Webelos are welcome. One Frightening Hours at the Haunted House. Lights will be out so adult chaperone per eight scouts is required. Groups can register they can enjoy a good scare from our resident ghosts and skeletons. by phone at 317-334-4000.

If your little one frightens easily, see all the Haunted House has to offer during IPL’s Lights-On Hours. Children can explore the haunted destinations of the city, such as the Art-trocious Museum and Zombie Zoo, while collecting some creepy treats to enjoy.

The Haunted House runs Oct. 16–31. Tickets go on sale Sept. 13 Christina Morse is an intern with the Children’s Museum of and can be purchased at Marsh Supermarkets and AAA locations, as Indianapolis. well as online at childrensmuseum.org or by calling 317-334-4000.

IPL’s Light-On Hours Tuesdays–Saturdays: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Tuesdays: 3:30–9 p.m.

Sundays (except 10/31): 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Halloween Sunday, 10/31: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Frightening Hours Wednesdays, Thursdays: 3:30–9 p.m.

Fridays: 3:30–9:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 3:30–9:30 p.m.

Feast with the Witches Saturdays, Oct. 23 and 30, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 21, noon Sundays, Oct. 24 and 31, noon Family Late-Night Adventure Friday, Oct. 22, 6:30–11 p.m.

Scout Late-Night Adventures Saturday, Oct. 16, or Friday, Oct. 29: 6:30–11 p.m.

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pediatric health

Heart Screenings for Young Athletes A Simple Precaution with Lifesaving Implications

It seems unthinkable: A healthylooking young athlete suddenly dies during practice or competition. Even though these shocking deaths make headlines, the incidents are fairly rare. However, as a parent, you want

14 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

to arm yourself with the right information as thorough examination that includes blood your child heads to the doctor’s office for that pressure measurements. He or she also will all-important sports physical. likely obtain a detailed history of any personal or family heart conditions. Further screening may be needed if there is a history of chest What is sudden cardiac death?

Sudden cardiac death in young athletes is mostly pain, dizziness or fainting; abnormal shortness likely caused by a heart problem that may not of breath or fatigue during exercise; a family have been detected before and occurs without history of unexpected sudden death within warning. Athletes appear to be more vulnerable the family; or a history of abnormal heartbeat than other young people because of the adrenaline or heart murmur. Additional screening also rush they experience while playing sports. There may be necessary if your child is unusually are several underlying conditions that can trigger tall and is experiencing heart or eye problems. heart failure during training or competition.

The most common cause of sudden Sudden cardiac death appears to be more cardiac death is hypertrophic obstructive common in boys, African-Americans, and cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a birth defect football and basketball players. Researchers have that causes excessive thickening of the heart yet to discover why more cardiac-related deaths muscle and impairs blood flow. It can often are associated with those two sports, but one be detected by an echocardiogram (ECHO) reason might be the sheer numbers of players: or cardiac ultrasound exam. This is a quick Football and basketball are the most prevalent and easy test that takes "moving pictures" of the heart and allows doctors to determine if youth sports in America today. there is a problem such as a heart murmur or a congenital heart defect. An Italian study over a 25-year period also documented an 89 percent Sports physicals In order to participate in many organized decrease in the incidence of sudden death sports activities, children and teens need a in athletes by adding an electrocardiogram yearly physical exam. As part of your child’s (ECG) to a careful history and physical. sports physical, the doctor will conduct a

Signs and symptoms Many people with HOCM experience no symptoms, while others may experience notable signs. Some of these signs may include:

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Chest pain or pressure that usually occurs with exercise or physical activity

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Shortness of breath and fatigue during exercise Fainting or passing out Heart palpitations, like a fluttering of the heart

If your child is diagnosed with a heart problem, you, your child and your child’s doctor will make the decision about future physical activity and sports. The good news is that the majority of young athletes with heart conditions can participate in most, if not all, physical activities.

For more information, RileyHospital.org.

visit

www.

Dr. Randall Caldwell is director of Pediatric Cardiology, Riley Hospital for Children

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women's health

The Skinny on Your Health

How Your Skin Explains Overall Health a part of your inner being, as well as the outer fabric of your body. The healthier you eat, the better your skin will look. Likewise, the more junk foods you consume, the more problems you’re likely to see on your skin and elsewhere.

Here are a few of the key ingredients you need in your diet to produce healthy skin— and good health overall!

Are you getting enough water? How about antioxidants? Had too much sun exposure?

You can get answers to all of these questions simply by examining your skin. Your skin can actually tell you a lot about your overall health.

Your skin – which is actually your largest organ – is there to guard the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. When something inside your body isn’t functioning properly, signs of it often show up on the skin.

Flush out dry skin If your skin is dry and f laky, that’s a good indication that you may not be consuming enough water. While the exact amount of water you should drink each day varies by age, good hydration is important at every age. And it becomes even more important as you get older. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as women experiencing menopause, often lose a lot of hydration and need to up their efforts to keep hydrated.

to our skin if we don’t make the effort to pigmentation, or brown spots—and they continually hydrate it.” can appear f ive, 10 or 15 years after sun exposure.

Going “anti” on aging Feel as if your skin is aging fast? Maybe you’re noticing less smoothness and elasticity? It may be due to a lack of antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants, such as those found in blackberries, blueberries and strawberries, protect skin cells and decrease the amount of damage to your skin. This is important because, as skin ages, it receives less blood f low and, as a result, becomes thinner and more easily damaged. It is also more difficult for skin to heal itself as a person ages. The more help we give it – with good things like antioxidants – the better.

A rbour says there are a lso topica l antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, E, green tea and other antioxidant compounds found in creams and lotions, that can help your skin retain its youthfulness. Some have even Not only is water important to our overall proven to decrease the long-term effects of health – and better to drink than anything the sun on the skin. else – it also keeps skin looking healthy and young. Davina Arbour, a medical Additionally, she recommends Retin-A aesthetician with St.Vincent Women’s cream. Widely known for treating acne, Hospital’s SKINnovations practice in Retin-A is used to enhance the overall Fishers, often explains the effect of water texture of the skin and help remove f ine lines from the face. by comparing a grape and a raisin.

“A grape is plump because it’s full of liquid, whereas a raisin is full of lines and wrinkles Screening the sun’s rays Foods and skin tone One of the key things that can affect your because there’s not any liquid in it,” she The sun can also have a negative effect skin is food. Everything you eat becomes says. “That’s what can happen over time on skin. Sun damage appears as hyper

Good sunscreen is a must—look for types that protect against both ultraviolet A and B rays. It’s also important to cover the skin (wearing hats, shirts, etc.) and not expose it to too much sun or tanning booths.

The damage is great and long-lasting.

Easy as 1, 2, 3 “If people started doing just those three things – drinking lots of water; eating right and applying antioxidants; and protecting their skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays – they’d make a big difference in their appearance and their overall health.”

Arbour is part of St.Vincent Women’s SKINnovations practice in Fishers. Together with Juanita Albright, MD, a board certif ied internist, Arbour provides medically-tested treatments, including Cutera CoolGlide Vein Therapy, Laser Genesis, Cutera Titan Laser and more. SKINnovations works closely with nutritionists and massage therapists at St.Vincent Women’s Hospital to provide patients with the full spectrum of care.

Call 317-415-9010 for a complimentary consultation at SKINnovations today.

INDYSCHILD.COM 15

NE WS & SH O PPING

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eco-mod mom

These are a few of our favorite things…

Girly Fall Must Haves

Fall Food , Fun & Flair

Regi s ter to WIN these ite m s o n th e IndysChil d.com contes t p age!

In The Kitchen

Spending time with your children in the kitchen forms health habits and memories that last a lifetime.

KinderKitchen Whimsical, safe and highly functional kitchen gear for kids! The serrated Dog Knife is sharp enough to cut food but not small fingers while the Mouse Cups and Gold Fish spoons make measuring fun. $6-$18 www.kuhnrikon.com

“Home Sweet Hoot” Scrabble Tile Pendant Visit this local artisan’s Web site to read her blog or see how she transforms Scrabble Tiles into her signature pendants. $8.00. www.sundayafternoonhousewife.com

Cookbook: From Terra's Table by Chef Jeff Rossman The recipes in this new cookbook are inspired by local organic ingredients available near the chef and author's unpretentious restaurant in Southern California. From Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Salad to Vanilla Butter Lobster with Tomato Confit and Lobster Spaetzle, this beautiful collection of recipes with stunning photographs encourages a connection with the terra (meaning earth) through the wonder of delicious foods.

Available November 2010. $32.95 www.fromterrastable.com “Let's Play House” Mommy and Me Apron Set Hand-sewn by Indianapolis-based Lucky Duck Designs’ Sandy Grau, this adorable matching apron for you and your little helper will get both motivated to stir up something delicious. $67 for the set. www.etsy.com/shop/luckyduckydesigns or www.lddbaby.com.

Red Carrie Cowgirl Boots Brand new for fall from Pediped's Flex Line, these adorable boots support natural foot motion with a special flex fit system that can extend how long your little cowgirl is able to wear her boots! $57. www.pedipeds.com

Family fun that takes it easy on the ecosystem.

Eco Gaming

Play it Safe A fun and challenging board game that focuses on safety in 600 different ways! Also included: a home fire escape kit, fingerprinting strips and other bonus items. Ages 6-adult. $34.95 www.playitsafe.com.

Twirly Girl Dresses “Express your inner twirl” is this company's motto and our little testers absolutely loved these very twirl-able and reversible dresses. $74. www.twirlygirlshop.com Earth-opoly The classic “opoly” style game with an eco-conscience.

Ages 8-adult. $24.95 www.lateforthesky.com

Dollie & Me Madame Alexander dolls has partnered with Dollie & Me to make a new line of 18-inch dolls with matching “big girl” outfits. The best part? They’re beautifully made and priced. Available this fall at Kohl's & Sears. $29.95. www.dollieme.com

16 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

Colts Cotton Crocheted Checkers Set Handcrafted and perfect for Colt's fans young or old, this set can be rolled up and taken anywhere. www.etsy.com/shop/cornfieldcanary $20.00 Kelly Huff is our resident Eco-Mod Mom. She is a professional chef turned stay-at-home mom who enjoys introducing her children to a variety of culinary delights and living life as organically and eco-friendly as possible.

Want to suggest local artisans, organic ideas and products or culinary delights? E-mail her at Kelly@indyschild.com.

Visit IndysChild.com this month to find her brand-new blog!

Iron Skillet Local Apple Pancakes 3 farm fresh eggs 1/2 cup Trader's Point Creamery whole milk 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour 1 tablespoon evaporated cane sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons butter 3 medium Stuckey Farms or other local apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 cup brown sugar Harris Sugar Bush Maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Combine the eggs, milk, f lour, sugar, and vanilla in a blender.

Blend until smooth, and set aside. Melt the butter in a seasoned iron skillet then add the sliced apples and the brown sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about ten minutes while arranging the apples in a nice starburst pattern. Remove skillet from heat. Pour the blended m ixture over the apples in the pan, and move the pan to the oven. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the batter is browned and sl ightly raised. Remove from oven, cut into wedges and serve with maple syrup.

Chef Kelly’s Cooking Corner

INDYSCHILD.COM 17

Advancements are being made every day in women’s health and knowing the facts can be the difference between life and death. Arming yourself with knowledge can be the key to insuring you’re around to perform that juggling act for years to come.

Staying abreast of the situation

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.

Approximately 1 in 8 women will find out she has breast cancer at some point in her life.

According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with and nearly 40,000 women will die of breast cancer in 2010. During the period between 2003 through 2007, the median age of diagnosis was 61 and the incidence rate more than doubled after the age of 35.

Fortunately, the survival rate for those diagnosed with breast cancer early is quite good and recent treatment and preventive options are raising those survival numbers. Many women have overcome the disease and are happy and healthy today thanks to early detection and advancing technologies. In fact, statistics show that there are approximately 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in America today.

Annual screenings and preventative measures are steps every woman can take to fight breast cancer. Watching diet, exercising and avoiding cancer risks such as smoking are the most obvious and simplest measures one can take to prevent the disease. However, scientists are currently

Astounding Advancements in Health Care Keep Women in Balance Women today are constantly attempting to keep many balls in the air at once; from raising children, to holding down a job and managing a home. While juggling so many things, something is bound to drop. Unfortunately for many women, the ball that drops is often their own health.

Women today are constantly attempting to keep many balls in the air at once; from raising children, to holding down a job and managing a home. While juggling so many things, something is bound to drop. Unfortunately for many women, the ball that drops is often their own health.

There’s no question that a woman’s health is the key to keeping everything else running well. One cannot function at a job nor raise happy, healthy kids when she is not happy and healthy herself. For some reason, however, women often feel guilty about looking out for number one.

18 INDY’S CHILD * October 2010

working on a vaccine that may possibly curb the onset of the disease.

According to a study by researchers at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, a vaccine to prevent breast cancer has recently been showing promise in laboratory animals. A single vaccination not only prevented the development of tumors in mice specifically bred to develop the disease, it inhibited the growth of existing tumors. Similarly bred mice that received a placebo all developed tumors.

Though it is a huge leap from this one study on mice to a full-blown vaccination procedure on humans (federal funding iscurrently pending), the initial test results look promising. According to researchers, the key is targeting a protein called a-lactalbumin that is found in the majority of breast cancers, but not in healthy women, except during lactation. The vaccine accelerates a woman’s immune system against a-lactalbumin, stopping tumor formation without damaging any healthy tissue. Testing is moving forward to the human stage and if results are successful, women over 40 (and beyond the breast-feeding stage) may be able to receive the vaccine within the next 10 years.

Once diagnosed with breast cancer, the prognosis and treatment options depend on many variables such as type, stage and size of the cancer, as well as the individual woman’s age and general health. Many new, promising techniques are currently being developed to treat the disease.

INDYSCHILD.COM 19

For example, typically once a lump is discovered, a lumpectomy is performed followed by several weeks of radiation. A new technique, however, is treating breast cancer using a less invasive and time-consuming means. The procedure known as Accelerated, Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) reduces the treatment area from the entire breast to the area directly surrounding the tumor site, thereby reducing the treatment time from several weeks to a matter of a few days. APBI has been used in limited trials in the U.S. in the past few years, but results have been positive.

Many other therapy and treatment trials are underway to increase the growing survival rate for breast cancer. Research is ongoing to improve chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy as well.

The Bare Bones

Osteoporosis or “porous bone” is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of the people 50 years of age and older. In the U.S. today, 10 million people, 80 percent of them women, are estimated to already have the disease. In addition, nearly 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.

About 85-90% of adult bone mass is acquired by the age of 20 in most women. Therefore, building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can help to prevent osteoporosis later in life. This can be done through diet and exercise, including consuming the

20 INDY’S CHILD * October 2010

recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin The gains in pain D and participating in weight bearing physical Great strides are also being made in the reduction activity. of pain and recovery time associated with hysterectomies. The Clarian West Advanced The decline in bone mass usually begins for Minimally Invasive Surgery Center for Women women around the time of menopause. A “offers patients the opportunity to explore government task force is recommending that the latest in gynecological surgery options women at high risk for osteoporosis should that can significantly reduce hospitalization be given a bone density test starting at age and recovery time, minimize and - in some 60, rather than waiting until age 65. Factors cases - nearly eliminate scarring and, perhaps that would put a woman into the high-risk most importantly, return the patient to the category include low body weight, a family quality of life she deserves.” Living with pain history of hip fractures, smoking, and the and discomfort, excessive monthly bleeding use of some medications. and other lifestyle-altering conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and Through highly accurate technologies, cancer can be eliminated much more painlessly Riverview Hospital in Noblesville can today than in years past. help diagnose osteoporosis very early, even before signif icant bone loss has occurred. The term “minimally invasive” refers to surgical The radiological examination equipment techniques that utilize instruments such as a used is called a bone densitometer, also laparoscope, which includes a camera and small known as a DEXA. The spine, hip and/ hand-type instruments, which reduces the need or forearm are x-rayed with this low- to make major, open incisions. The laparoscopic dose radiation technology to determine instruments are inserted through small incisions in the body, which heal much faster and leave bone loss. far less noticeable scars. The latest advance in In add it ion, scient ists are cur rently minimally invasive surgery is a technique called exploring the role of natural estrogen- the Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery, or like substances in foods, like soybean SILS, which allows the surgeon to perform a isof lavones, in boosting bone health. A hysterectomy through a single, thumb-size study recently published in the American incision in the belly button. In addition, whereas Journal of Clinical Nutr ition showed a traditional hysterectomy may take weeks to that soybean has potential to substitute heal, an SILS patient may be back to normal conventional steroid hormone replacement within about one week. Clarian West surgeons therapy for postmenopausal women. Some “have pioneered this technique for hysterectomy local testing has been conducted in this f ield patients in Indiana, and join just 22 surgeons as well, but is still experimental in nature.

nationwide currently performing this groundbreaking technique.”

Staying health conscious

Many local health and fitness programs are available to aid women in staying informed and healthy. For example, St. Francis Hospital of Indianapolis is offering a new program for women called “Spirit of Women.” For a one-time membership fee of $10, women can participate in health education—including information on wellness, prevention and treatment, receive lowcost and free health screenings and discounts on massage therapy and receive a quarterly health magazine.

St Francis is currently the only Indianapolisarea hospital that is part of the national Spirit of Women network and has been named a Spirit of Women Premier Hospital for surpassing national standards measuring clinical excellence in women’s health care and community outreach.

Call 317-865-5865 for more information on Spirit of Women.

Juggle on, busy women! Just don’t let that health ball drop. So many options and so many new advancements exist to aid you in balancing the most important ball of all. Without our health, the equilibrium is skewed, but if we stay informed and well, we can, in fact, achieve balance.

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

H e a lt h & W e lln e ss

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women's health profile

Could it Be My Thyroid?

Changes in Your Body May Signal Thyroid Issues The rapid hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause can cause major shifts in our immune system making a woman’s immune system more likely than a man’s to attack her own tissues. Because thyroid hormone levels also shift with changes in estrogen and progesterone, the thyroid gland can be misidentif ied as a foreign invader and is prone for attack by the immune system.

The result If you suspect a thyroid problem, ask your doctor to may be thyroiditis, check the level of a signal hormone from the pituitary called or inf lammation of the thyroid gland, TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone. and may present with symptoms of either hypothyroidism (low function) or hyperthyroidism (high function).

loss, fast heart rate, feeling jittery, and diarrhea. It is important to note that both conditions can cause menstrual abnormalities, fatigue, hair loss, skin changes, palpitations, and mood issues. For a new mom, issues with milk production, not restarting menstrual cycles after stopping breast feeding, continued hair loss, rapid weight changes, depression, palpitations and insomnia may be additional red f lags to a possible thyroid issue.

If you suspect a thyroid problem, ask your doctor to check the level of a signal hormone from the pituitary called TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone. Its level runs opposite of the thyroid function and will be elevated if the thyroid is under functioning and low if the gland is too active.

Checking free levels of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) measures thyroid hormone available to the cells and antithyroid antibody levels like thyroid peroxidase antibody and Such inf lammation may be transient and resolve on its own, anti-thyroglobulin antibody can look for an immune system as in a case of post-partum thyroiditis, or may be chronic attack on the thyroid gland. in nature, and require long term medical treatment. Many patients have presented with complaints of not returning Thyroid issues can present in both men and women to their normal energy levels after pregnancy or issues at any time of life. But in women, hormonal swings during menopause such as hot f lashes, insomnia, or hair can often overlap or trigger the symptoms of thyroid loss. Since the symptoms of thyroid disease overlap with disease, and complicate the diagnosis. Talk with your hormonal changes, it may be easy to miss a developing doctor about testing and treatments to help you f ind your thyroid problem without proper testing. hormonal balance.

Hypothyroidism can present with weight gain, constipation, Angela LaSalle, MD practices Integrative Medicine with dry skin, depression, and cholesterol issues or menstrual Indiana Health Group in Carmel, IN and is board certified in abnormalities. Hyperthyroidism is associated with weight Family Medicine.

INDYSCHILD.COM 21

Wh y Ea rly Educat ion

here are a handful of things I remember about kindergarten—everything from cutting a circle the right way, building cardboard faux-brick block towers and running as fast as Super Woman at recess. I’m wondering if my parents lost sleep over my preparedness for such accomplishments. Today’s schools have not only parental expectations to meet, but also great expectations from the community at-large.

According to S.C. Worthham, author of Assessment in Early Childhood Education, the 1980’s brought about standardized testing; the 1990’s schools improved on ground-level scores, but were still low performing in 2000 and 2001. With initiatives created during the Bush administration, the No Child Left Behind Act, signed into law on January 8, 2002, had a positive impact on testing required by individual states.

during the work day. Too often, they are in “child storage” (for most likely to choose worksheets are those who f ind the instance, parked in front of a TV set), instead of in a quality early narrow task comforting.” learning environment.

A study by the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Indiana made up of an anti-crime organization of more than 3,000 police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors and other law enforcement leaders and violence survivors nationwide reported that 66 percent of kindergarten teachers said children who attended pre-kindergarten are “substantially better What does this mean for my three-year-old?

The Early Childhood Head Start Task Force was formed in prepared” to start and succeed in school. Research also shows April of 2002. Now, early childcare and education is universally pre-kindergarten programs later result in lower drug use, higher regarded as an important component of basic education. During graduation rates, fewer families receiving welfare and lower crime.

The World Conference on Education for All held in March 1990 in Thailand, the concept of “learning begins at birth” was widely “Ten years ago, if a child entered kindergarten able to write part of accepted and promoted. When most parents find it difficult to play his name it was considered success, let alone being able to identify a significant role in the proper development of skills and ethics of half of the letters of the alphabet. Today, children are expected our future, it became important to take stock of emerging trends to come to kindergarten not only recognizing and writing letters (not all) and identifying sounds, but also to be able to participate in in preschool education. many phonemic and phonological awareness activities,” said Jodie Bolinger, director of Faith Montessori Preschool in Noblesville.

In the twenty-first century, Early Reading First, Special Aside: Maria Montessori was an Italian doctor who devoted herself Education Preschool Grants and Head Start programs provide the to educating the children of Rome’s ghettos. She became famous funding, teachers and early education professionals, therapists and for her visionary methods and insight into how children learn. Her innovators who have since created some of the most outstanding teachings spawned an educational movement which is enormously preschool programs, including franchises and not-for-profit popular throughout the world. church organizations, both of which have educated children for decades are now continuing to get better each year as parents have “Some preschool programs assume that because the higher expectations. standards have increased the only way to teach is to hand a child some crayons and a worksheet. If a child comes home with more than one worksheet from preschool per week, What are the benefits of preschool? it’s too much. When worksheets are presented as a choice, In Indiana, 59 percent or 297,302 children under the age of six programs run the risk of enabling children to be passive have either both parents or their only parent in the workforce, and learners, taking the easy way out. After all, the children are, therefore, in the care of someone other than their parent(s) 22 INDY’S CHILD * October 2010

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Position Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs states: “Teachers who are knowledgeable about child development and learning are able to make broad predictions about what children of a particular age group typically will be like, what they typically will and won’t be capable of and what strategies and approaches will most likely promote their optimal learning and development. With this knowledge, teachers can make preliminary decisions with some confidence about environment, materials, interactions, and activities.” They go on to say, “A hallmark of developmentally appropriate teaching is intentionality. Good teachers are intentional in everything they do — setting up the classroom, planning curriculum, making use of various teaching strategies, assessing children, interacting with them and working with their families. They are able to use a variety of strategies. Intentional teachers are purposeful and thoughtful about the actions they take, and they direct their pedagogy toward the outcomes the program is trying to help children reach.”

Is your child’s teacher intentional with your child, a blossoming person?

“At Faith Montessori Preschool, we believe that children learn best through hands-on experiences and activities that engage higher level critical thinking skills. We provide learning opportunities that promote phonemic and phonological awareness across the curriculum in all content areas, provide for shared reading a writing activities, hands-on math and science activities, and provide practical and invaluable opportunities for children to learn self-help skills like buttoning, lacing, zipping and preparing and cleaning up snack at an

early age,” said Bolinger. “We promote small class sizes to ensure that activities and projects are done in small groups for meaningful experiences. Pencil and paper activities are used rarely and only when a child is ready and always in a developmentally appropriate activity. We follow the NAEYC guidelines in regards to developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs.”

At the Jewish Community Center ( JCC), Judy Sosin, JCC associate executive director, points out that teachers and students engage in Montessori methods of learning through the use of cognitive, physical and social development, mathematical skills, critical thinking and emotional development. Students graduate from school having learned several skills including fine motor development used to increase small muscle development.

Teaching character, nurture, independent learning, conf idence, exploration and practical life skills are responsibilities that used to fall primarily on parents— and they still do. However, preschools have recognized the enrichment opportunities beyond using scissors, stacking and gross motor skills by creating programs and preschool centers that provide children with the satisfaction of learning their young minds are hungry for while also preparing citizens for the greater good of their community.

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

24 INDY’S CHILD * October 2010

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis announces the opening of the new Children’s Museum Preschool.

The brand new preschool at the Children’s Museum of museum’s galleries to offer children a wide Indianapolis consists of a dynamic curriculum for children ages three through five by utilizing the resources of the world’s largest children’s museum. The preschool will invite children to explore, discover and create using the museum’s galleries while also having fun and making friends.

“The new Children’s Museum Preschool is another extension of our mission to offer unique family learning opportunities,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, museum president and CEO. “Attending preschool within the museum allows children to be immersed in our world-class exhibits dedicated to the arts, sciences and humanities. The program will offer each child an unparalleled experience and prepare them for lifelong learning success.”

The Children’s Museum preschool program will utilize the principles and practices of Maria Montessori and Reggio Emilia with a curriculum backed by Indiana’s early learning guidelines. Certified, experienced teachers will guide each child’s preferences by asking questions and encouraging discussions to explore topics and skills that interest them. Class time will take place both in dedicated classrooms and w ith i n the

range of hands-on learning experiences.

“Children are naturally curious and by encouraging each child’s own interests, they will begin to use critical thinking skills which will increase their confidence, self-reliance and socialization. Development of math, language and problem-solving skills will happen naturally and logically through play and interaction with others,” said Patchen.

Stand-Alone Preschool Classes If individual classes are a better option for your child instead of a longer preschool program, The Children’s Museum offers stand-alone classes for children ages two to five. For the twoyear-olds there are Playscape Toddlers classes and for children three to five there are Playscape Preschool classes.

The Playscape Toddlers classes offer activities such as learning how autumn leaves change colors, how to make jack-olanterns, and how to decorate holiday cookies. These classes are specifically designed with your 2-year-old in mind, and offer a way for your little one to explore, play, and learn. These classes start in September and run through December.

The Playscape Preschool classes are designed for children who are ready to learn with other classmates in group settings. These classes promote discussions among the children and are centered on developmentally appropriate activities. Kids discover the creatures that live in ponds, learn about the different techniques artists through the centuries have used, and make holiday gifts for their loved ones.

INDYSCHILD.COM 25

dear teacher

Open House Guide Adjusting to Kindergarten, Appropriate

Co mm e n ta ry & Pa r e n t i n g

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Reading Levels and Getting Enough Sleep Your Questions of Teachers—Answered!

Poor Adjustment to Kindergarten Question: Since school started, it's been a daily battle to get my kid off to kindergarten. She whines, cries and procrastinates. At school, she prefers being with the teacher to her classmates. And rather than paying attention to her work, she tries to see what the rest of the class is doing. The teacher is not very happy with our daughter's behavior. What should we do? - Help Needed Answer: Your daughter is in kindergarten – a year in which she is to learn how to adjust to the school environment. She needs to learn listening and sharing skills, as well as how to behave appropriately in the classroom. She should master these things so it is easy for her to pick up the academic skills preparing her to read and do math in first grade.

Your daughter is having a hard time adjusting to school. It probably ties into her reluctance to go to school in the morning. Make the morning routine as simple and pleasant as possible.

It sounds like you have talked to the teacher about the situation at school. Many young children do prefer being with the teacher until they make friends with their classmates. Help your child get to

26 INDY’S CHILD * October 2010

know some of the other children in her class better by scheduling play dates with them. The teacher also should be doing things to help your daughter get to know individual children better.

The school put him in a special reading class.

Currently, he is receiving reading instruction in the regular third-grade classroom. He also has a tutor who says he's now reading on grade level. The school says he is a very bright little Your daughter seems to enjoy seeing what the boy with a vocabulary at the sixth-grade level. other students are doing rather than working Should I continue having him work with the independently. At times, the teacher could put tutor? - Special Help or Not her in a small group with other students who may work better in small groups. The child also could Answer: Reading on grade level is a good thing. be seated in the front of the room, away from the However, the brighter a child is, the greater the distraction of seeing so many other children. reading potential. Students with above-average intelligence are expected to read above grade Visit the classroom to observe your child's behavior. level. What we're talking about is something Then, talk with the teacher about ways the two called "reading expectancy." of you can work together to improve the child's behavior. Perhaps the child could be given some There are a variety of reading-expectancy assignments at home similar to those she does at formulas that can be used to predict the level school. You could focus on helping her learn how to that your son should be reading on. You might handle them and stay on task. You also could play- ask the school to do this. We suspect that he act work situations at school with your daughter to should be reading beyond the third-grade level. show her how to handle them.

Keep the tutor, if you can afford to do so.

Have her test and then focus on the areas that Appropriate Reading Level cause him trouble until he becomes a very for Bright Child Question: Last year, in second grade, my prof icient reader able to handle material above son's reading f luency was below grade level. grade level.

How Much Sleep Is Enough?

Question: How do I know if my school-age children are getting enough sleep? They always want to stay up past their bedtime. – Sleepless Answer: All children do not need the same amount of sleep. Most studies show that children between the ages of 6 and 9 require about 10 hours of sleep.

Preteens and teens need a little more than nine hours. Teens can be sleep deprived because their body clocks are telling them to stay up late, and schools often start so early.

If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, your children may not be getting enough sleep:

* * * *

Do they usually fall asleep in the car?

Do you have to get them out of bed every morning?

Do they seem overtired during the day?

Are they falling asleep in class?

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or ask them on the columnists’ Web site at www.dearteacher.com.

INDYSCHILD.COM 27

Open House Guide Bishop Chatard High School 5885 Crittenden Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Phone: (317) 251-1451 www.BishopChatard.org

Open House Dates: November 4, 2010 Bishop Chatard High School will host its annual open house from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 4. Bishop Chatard is the Archdiocese of Indianapolis North Deanery high school and is open to any student seeking a strong academic and faith-based education. For more information, visit www.

BishopChatard.org.

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School 2801 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: (317) 524-7050 www.brebeuf.org

Open House Dates: Nov.4, Jan. 20, March 10 Brebeuf Jesuit strives to provide the best college preparatory education in Indiana, doing so in the fullness of Jesuit scholastic tradition, holding dear and taking most seriously its mission to prepare men and women for leadership in service to others.

spirit, and body. With strong academics and college placement, a scenic 1,800-acre lakeside campus, unparalleled facilities, 55 sports teams, equitation, dance and performing arts, Culver offers its students the opportunity of a lifetime. Scholarships and financial aid are available.

Heritage Christian School 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, In 46250 Contact: Emily Iglendza, Director of Enrollment Management Phone: 317-849-3441 Email: Admissions@heritagechristian.net www.heritagechristian.net

Community Open House: Thurs., Nov 10 Prep K & Kindergarten Info Night: Thursday, Jan 13 Prep K - 12th Grade college preparatory, Christian school.

Non-denominational & independent. The mission of HCS is is to glorify God through the discipleship of students and the pursuit of excellence in education with the Bible as the foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.

international School of Indiana Culver Academies 1300 Academy Rd., Culver, IN 46511 Phone: 1-800-5-CULVER Email: admissions@culver.org

Lower School: 200 W. 49th Street Upper School: 4330 North Michig, Indianapolis, IN 46208 Contact: Wagner Phone: 317.923.1951

www.culver.org

www.isind.org

Open House Dates: Oct. 16, Nov. 13, Dec. 11

Open House Dates: Lower School - 200 W. 49th Street, Indianapolis (Classes in Action) Tuesday, October 19, 2010: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November

A college-preparatory co-educational boarding school with 790 students representing 40 states and 25 countries that educates, nurtures and develops the whole individual – mind,

28 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

30, 2010: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

- 6:00 p.m. Upper School - 4330 N. Mich ISI is for Indiana-based students and families who see the future involving global competition and collaboration. ISI develops independent thinkers with a distinctive edge by facilitating the International Baccalaureate curriculum and language dexterity, within a multicultural setting at all levels of the school.

Maria Montessori International Academy 4370 Weston Pointe Drive, Ste. 100, Zionsville, Carmel, Indianapolis, an, IN Phone: 317-769-2220 http://mariamontessori-intl.org Maria Montessori International Academy offer programs for infant, toddler, pre-k, Kindergarten, and elementary 1st to 6th grade

Park Tudor 7200 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240 Phone: (317) 415-2700 : www.parktudor.org Open House Dates: November 4, 2010 (Grades 9-12) Park Tudor is a private school in Indianapolis, Indiana. As an independent school for children age 3 through grade 12, we provide an individualized learning environment where children are encouraged to explore opportunities, exceed expectations and expand possibilities. Small class sizes, a safe and caring atmosphere, and numerous extracurricular

activities ensure that each child at Park Tudor receives a unique educational experience catered to his or her individual needs.

Primrose School at Anson 6484 Central Blvd. Whitestown, Zionsville, IN 46075 Phone: 317-769-4990 www.primroseanson.com

Open House Dates: Please call or visit our website for event dates/times The Primrose School at Anson is a top quality infant through Kindergarten facility. Our school is located on the West side of Zionsville at the intersection of state road 334 and county road 650 E. just off Interstate 65. We offer programs for children from six weeks to twelve years of age. Visit our website at www.primroseanson.com or call us at 317-769-4990. Classes are filling up so call today!

Primrose School at Bridgewater 14711 N. Gray Rd., Westfield, IN 46062 Phone: 317-848-0123 www.primrosebridgewater.com

Open House Dates: Monthly events and daily private tours. Call today for more information.

The Primrose School at Bridgewater is a private preschool offering innovative, educational child care for infants through private kindergarten and after school. As The Leader in Educational Child Care®, we offer an exclusive, proprietary Balanced Learning® curriculum including Spanish, sign language, technology, music, art, PE and all core academic subjects.

Primrose School of Carmel 780 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317.577.9480 www.PrimroseCarmel.com

Open House Dates: Tours Given Daily from 9 am - 4 pm (Call to schedule other times) Primrose provides a safe and nurturing environment where children are happy, engaged, and continually preparing for a brighter tomorrow. We have programs for Infants through a full-day Kindergarten, as well as a before and after school program for elementary school children. Call us to find out more or schedule a time to visit. We look forward to meeting you!

Phone: 317-769-2450 www.tpcs.org

Open House Dates: Oct. 6 & Feb. 2: K - 5;Oct. 13 & Feb.9: 6th - 8th; October 27 & Feb.16: High School TPCA serves 550 students preschool - college preparatory high school grade 12. Spanish, Technology, Fine Arts, AP, Interscholastic Athletics, PE, national and international travel, clubs, before/after care, community service, electives – education built on a Biblical foundation. Located at I-65 North/SR 334, convenient to NW Indianapolis, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Carmel, and Lebanon.

University High School of Indiana Primrose School at Gray Eagle 12290 Olio Road, Fishers, IN 46037 Phone: 317.577.9480 www.PrimroseGrayEagle.com

Open House Dates: Tours Given Daily 9-4 or call to schedule a visit See Primrose School of Carmel listing (above) for details.

Primrose School of Noblesville 15707 North Point Blvd., Noblesville, IN 46060 Phone: 317-773-4900 www.PrimroseNoblesville.com

Open House Dates: Stop in for a tour or call for an appointment

Primrose School at WestClay 13096 Moultrie Street, Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317-873-0123

2825 West 116th Street, Carmel, In 46032 317-733-4475 www.universityhighschool.org

The Primrose School at WestClay is a private preschool offering innovative, educational child care for infants through private kindergarten and after school. As The Leader in Educational Child Care®, we offer an exclusive, proprietary Balanced Learning® curriculum including Spanish, sign language, technology, music, art, PE and all core academic subjects.

St. Richard's School 33 E. 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205 Phone: 317-926-0425 www.StRichardsSchool.org

Address: 9959 East 126th St, Fishers, IN 46038 Contact: Courtney Floyd Phone: (317) 767-4312 Email: info@fisherspointecoop.org www.fisherspointecoop.org/

Open House Dates: Wednesday, November 10th 9:30-11am and 5-7pm

Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives Indianapolis and Surrounding Areas, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Phone: 317-767-7596 www.preschoolco-op.org

Open House Dates: Nov. 8th-12th

Open House Dates: Oct. 3, Nov.14 University is an independent college preparatory high school.

Small by design, University offers academic excellence in a close-knit community atmosphere, unique in the Indianapolis area. Faculty mentoring, four-year college counseling, a threeweek January Term intensive and competitive but inclusive athletics are some of University's signature features.

Meridian Montessori 5158 N. Kenwood Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-804-1784 www.MeridianMontessori.com

Open House Dates: We welcome visitors to our Children's House many times throughout the year. Please contact us to arrange a visit.

Acorn Montessori School 620 Kinzer Avenue, Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317-846-1669 www.acornmontessorischool.com

Open House Dates: 10:30 a.m., First Wednesday of the month

www.primrosewestclay.com

Open House Dates: Monthly events and private tours daily. Call today for more information.

Fishers Pointe Cooperative Preschool

Montessori Garden Academy 4141 S. East Street, Indianapolis, In 46227 Phone: 317-782-9990 www.montessorigardenacademy.org

Open House Dates: Sunday October 17th: 2:00- 4:00 pm

Northeast Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten Address: 5805 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226 Contact: Trina Burton Phone: 317-592-9790 Email: burton.trina@gmail.com www.necoop.org

Open House Dates: Tuesday, Nov. 9, 9-12 am and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12th, 9-12 am

The Orchard School 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: (317) 251-9253 www.orchard.org/

Open House Dates: Visit www.orchard.org/ admissions/tours-and-open-houses/index. aspx for open house and tour dates.

The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasized experiential learning.

Parkview Cooperative Preschool Address: 4550 Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46205 Contact: Mia Kary Phone: 317-921-7000 Email: info@parkviewpreschool.org Website: http://www.parkviewpreschool.org Open House Dates: Nov. 10th 10am-12pm & 6pm-8pm

YOUR LISTING HERE! Contact Jennica at Jennica@IndysChild.com

Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: 253-3441 Open House Dates: Visitors welcome any day year-round.

Cathedral High School 5225 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226 Phone: (317) 542-1481 Email: lrenze@cathedral-irish.org www.gocathedral.com

Open House Dates: Nov. 18

Open House Dates: October 14, 2010, 8:30-1:30 St. Richard’s School develops articulate, respectful students who are critical thinkers. Our graduates know how to study, how to manage their time, and how to put forth their personal best. Art, music, physical education, and French begin in PreKindergarten with Latin and Spanish added in grades 6-8.

Come see us. You’ll be glad you did!

Sycamore School 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: 317-202-2519 www.sycamoreschool.org

Open House Dates: Oct. 17, 2010 from 1-3 pm; call to schedule a prospective parent tour For 25 years, Sycamore has offered gifted kids a special kind of education with: active involvement in learning; a challenging, enriched curriculum designed for gifted learners; teachers trained, experienced in gifted education; an understanding of their academic, social, emotional needs; a learning environment of peers who think and learn like they do.

Traders Point Christian Academy 6600 S. Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown, IN 46077

Clay Montessori School 463 E. Main St, Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317-580-1850 Open House Dates: Tuesday, August 24th. 7-9 p.m.

Edgewood Preschool Cooperative Address: 4040 East Thompson Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237 Contact: Jennifer Buechler Phone: 317-767-7730 Email: jjbuechler@sbcglobal.net www.edgewoodpreschoolcoop.org

Open House Dates: Nov. 9th (5-8pm), Nov. 10th (9:30am-12:30pm)

Fishers Montessori School North & South at Christ Community Church 13097 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone: 317-849-9519 Open House Dates: Monday, August 23rd. 7-9 p.m.

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30 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

Childcare & Education Directory Child Care E ast

Kidz Luv Bilingual Academy & Educational Childcare 4118 N Sheridan Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46226\ Tumikia Gilbert 317-547-7323 tumgilbert@aol.com www.kidzluv.daycarematch.com Home: East: Christian - Catholic Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Kidz Luv has provided early childhood education to families for 10 years. Our Educational Childcare cares for children Infant-3 years and our Bilingual Academy implements Spanish and Sign Language into our preschool cirriculum, and is for children ages 3-5.

We are NAFCC Accredited, State Licensed and CCDF is accepted.

M eridian K essler Wee Folk Child Care

Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Indianapolis 317-926-3640 Ages: 4 weeks+

Quality in-home child care serving caring families for 20 years. (CPR, 1st aid certified, and state licensed). Two meals and one snack provided daily along with baby food and regular formula.

We provide quality learning through play in a non-smoking Christian environment. Preschool program providing Kindergarten prep is available. $130/week. 7:15-5:30 M-F.

North

Jillian's Jellybeans

7955 Moore Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46228 317-945-9854 Fax: 317-328-9306 jaypeanutbutter@hotmail.com Early Childhood Home Childcare Center Location of School or Trader Point Preschool/Kindergarten Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Daily drop-off rates are $25.00 a day for 8+hrs. Call for Full-Time rate and Parents' Friday Night Out. Hours/Dates: 5am-5pm or 6am-6pm Mon-Fri. Field Trips: Are assigned once or twice a month.

Ages/Grades: 6weeks to 13years old.

Before/After School Care: Before and After School Care is offered. Drop off for Before School Care starts as early as 5am.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Childcare

2421 Butterfield Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46220 Mrs. Hatcher 317-205-9211 peanut_jelly@att.net http://www.peanutbutterjelly.info Low flexible rates vary with age.

CCDF accepted; monthly specials. $50.00 registration fee. Drop in services available, Parent’s Night Out. Please call for more information!

7 DAYS A WEEK 24 HOURS A DAY Home Childcare Field trips to the Children’s Museum, The Indianapolis Zoo, Chuck E. Cheese’s, Monkey Joe’s, Snapperz and more!

Ages 4 weeks through 4 years old

Peanut Butter and Jelly Childcare offers a “home away from home” within a learning enviornment, and our professional caregivers provide quality care that kids deserve while also being allowed to be kids. Licensed, CPR certified, first aid, universal precautions, drug and criminal checks. Daily hot home cooked meals. Daily progress reports, kindergarten prep.

carmelin@gymboreeclasses.com Gymboree offers unique Play & Learn, Music or Art events & parties. These events are lead by our professional teachers in our clean, creative and colorful environment. We can also bring the event to you with our mobile program. Ages birth - 5 years.

Mi Escuelita SeekingSitters

1950 E. Greyhound Pass, Ste 18-301, Carmel, IN 46033 Kristin Slade 317-985-9505 kristins@seekingsitters www.seekingsitters.com Agency

SeekingSitters Indianapolis North is the solution for all of your childcare needs. We are an ondemand service for families seeking babysitters.

Whether your need is last minute, one-time, parttime, or full-time, we can solve your childcare dilemma. Visit SeekingSitters.com for more information and to sign up!

Schools

Brownsburg

Maria Montessori International Academy

431 E. Northfield Dr., Brownsburg, IN 317-852-3900 mariamontessori-intl.org Ages: 12 months to 6 years

Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive selfimage. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language. Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages toddlers, Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Carmel

Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc.

Emily & Scott Rudicel 1402 W. Main St. Carmel, IN 317-580-0699 info@carmelmontessori.com carmelmontessori.com Ages: Pre-school through Kindergarten.

Address: 3085 W 116th St, Carmel, 46032 Contact: Giovina Cecili Phone: 575-9379 Email: gcecili@miescuelitaindy.com Website: http://www. miescuelitaindy.com Type of School: Early Childhood Hours/Dates: Monday-Friday 8:30 - 11:30 am (1st session) 12:00 - 3:00 pm (2nd session) After School 3:30 - 4:30 pm Ages/Grades: Preschool: 2 to 5 After School: 5 and up

A unique Spanish Immersion Preschool in Carmel. Loving, nurturing environment. Small class sizes: 6:1 ratio. Native Spanish speakers.

Personalized attention to every child. Daily activities: music, art, reading, writing. Give your child the opportunity to learn a second language at an early age. Registration open year-round. No registration fee if you mention this ad.

MINDS-IN-MOTION ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT CENTER

879 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 Patricia Acker 317-571-8752 packer@mimlearning.com www.mimlearning.com Election of program determines cost.

Please call for list of programs/fees.

Hours/Dates: Call for summer hours Ages 3, 4, & 5 Grades K-12 Monthly Open House DatesPlease call for dates/times.

Minds-in-Motion is an Advanced Development program designed to stimulate the balance, visual, and auditory processes of the brain which maximizes learning potential. Our program ignites high level brain function which increases academic, athletic and social success! Over 2000 teachers in 4 states use Minds-in-Motion!

The Montessori Learning Center

Elizabeth Williams 1402 W. Main St. Carmel 317-846-8182 elizabeth@ themontessorilearningcenter.com

themontessorilearningcenter.com

Carmel Montessori School is located on the beautiful campus at St. Christopher’s Church on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 10 years head-teaching experience.

We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available.

The Montessori Learning Center Elementary program focuses on developing the whole child through interaction with an interdisciplinary curriculum. Our program specifically meets the needs of each child and is aligned with Indiana State Standards.

Clay Montessori

Primrose School at WestClay

Peggy White 463 East Main St. Carmel 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850 Ages: 3-6

Call for more information. (Affiliated with Fisher’s Montessori). Morning, afternoon and full-day programs.

Gymboree Play & Music

12524 N. Gray Rd, Carmel, IN 46033 Phone: 317-574-9626

Ages: Grades 1-3

13096 Moultrie Street 317-848-0123 Julie Bowman jbowman@primrosewestclay.com primrosewestclay.com Our programs are offered to students ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We offer before and after school programs, including transportation.

The Primrose School at WestClay is dedicated to providing outstanding educational care to

students ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. Our curriculum is NCA accredited and offers many extras such as Spanish, technology, sign language, character development, music appreciation, art appreciation, science, social studies, reading, English, and math. Please call today to learn how more than 90% of Primrose students out performed the national average.

Carmel -Zionsville

Maria Montessori International Academy 4370 Weston Point Dr. Zionsville 317-769-2220 mariamontessori-intl.org Ages: 3 months to 6 years old

Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive selfimage. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language. The lead teachers possess bachelor degree and certification in Montessori Education. Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages starting 3 months to 6 years located in Stonegate, Zionsville, IN.

E ast

Children of America

10830 Pendleton Pike Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46236 Contact: Nicole Davis Phone: 317-826-0399 Email: coalawrencein@ childrenofamerica.com www.childrenofamerica.com Type of School: Preschool/ Kindergarten Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: See school Director for Fee Schedule Hours/Dates: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM Monday - Friday Field Trips: Yes Ages/Grades: 6 wks thru 12 yrs Before/After School Care: Yes with Transportation provided to Lawrence schools Open House Dates: July 31, 2010

The Children of America difference is our commitment to your child's future.

Innovation and creativity are the hallmarks of our teaching and the foundation of our infrastructure. With our qualified teachers and proprietary curriculum we provide your child with an unsurpassed learning experience.

Fishers

Fishers Montessori

Peggy White 12806 Ford Rd and 131st and Allisonville Rd. Fishers 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850 Ages: 3-9

A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary.

Certification through American Montessori Society. 9-12, 12:30-3, 9-3.

Primrose School at Gray Eagle

Mindy Smith 12290 Olio Road (Olio Road between INDYSCHILD.COM 31

116th street and 126th street) Fishers 317-577-9480 mindy@ primrosegrayeagle.com Ages: Infants thru full day kindergarten.

Before/after care available.

At Primrose School at Gray Eagle we offer much more than a daycare experience. Our exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum prepares your child for academic success while fully integrating character development - creating a well-rounded young individual. Our safe, secure environment will provide you with peace-of-mind, knowing that your child is safe, happy and growing everyday! Full Time: $220 - $320 per week depending on age. Visit PrimroseGrayEagle.com for more information.

Geist

My Backyard Fine Arts Preschool at Geist Sports Academy

11960 East 62nd Street Indianapolis 317-823-7734 geistsportsacademy.com Ages: 2 year-Pre K (5 year)

NOW ENROLLING! Children will discover their unique selves and learn about the world around them through exploring the visual arts, creative movement and music appreciation.

9-11:45 a.m. M-Fri; MWF 9-1:30pm.

M eridian St. M ichigan R d.

Maria Montessori International Academy

7507 N. Michigan Road Indianapolis 317-291-5557 mariamontessori-intl.org Ages: 3 months to 9 years old

Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated

32 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive selfimage. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language. The lead teachers possess bachelor degree and certification in Montessori Education. Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages starting 3 months to 6 years located in Zionsville, IN.

Multiple L ocations

Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives: ICPC

Multiple Locations in Indianapolis Area For schools, see below.

ICPC Line: 317-767-7596 Ages: Preschool classes for ages 2-5; other programs vary - Kindergarten, Stay & Play, Enrichment/Extended Days.

Indianapolis Area Preschool and Kindergarten Cooperatives Cooperative Preschools: great for your child, great for you! Children and parents learn and grow together in the classroom with caring, experienced teachers. Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives (ICPC) member schools are: Apple House: 6121 E. County Rd 100 S, Avon, 797-5925 Butler: 2411 Indianapolis Ave, Indy, 226-4287 Downey: 111 S. Downey Rd, Indy, 359-5304 Edgewood: 4040 E. Thompson Rd, Indy, 767-7730 Fishers Point: 9959 E. 126th St, Fishers, 767-4312 Geist Orchard: 7879 N. 700 West, McCordsville, 336-7008 Meridian Hills Nursery School and Kindergarten: 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indy, 255-0831 Meridian Street: 5500 N. Meridian St, Indy, 767-3003 Northeast Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten: 5805 E.

56th St, Indy, 592-9790 Parkview: 4550 central Ave, Indy, 380-0628 Speedway: 3000 N. High School Rd, Indy, 356-2804 Willowcreek: 8170 Hague Rd, Indy, 578-5488

Polly Panda Preschool and Bridgford Kindergarten 2944 E. 56th St.., Indianapolis Gail Hacker and Tammy Clark 317-257-9127 pollypandaindy@sbcglobal.net 17645 Oakmont Dr., Noblesville Mandy Galle 317-773-0387 Oakmontpollypanda@yahoo.com Six weeks through Kindergarten, summer program also available.

Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child’s total growth. Our theme-based hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child’s sense of self-worth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our well-qualified and loving staff.

The Early Learning Center 5249 David St, Indianapolis, IN 46226 Jenny Collins 317-423-8215 jennifercollins@msdlt.k12.in.us http://elc.ltschools.org Public School Operating Hours: 6:30 AM 6:00 PM Monday - Friday Ages/Grades: 6 weeks to Pre-Kindergarten Multiple Locations/ Northeast Indianapolis Locations: Amy Beverland 11660 Fox Rd, Brook Park 5249 David St, Mary Castle 8510 E 82nd St,

Winding Ridge 11845 E 46th St. Every aspect of our centers - from the buildings themselves to the programs and curriculum - has been purposefully designed by the highly qualified staff according to “best practice” research in early learning to meet and respect the development and learning needs of the young child, ages 6 weeks-6 years.

Noblesville

Primrose School at Bridgewater

14711 N. Gray Road, Noblesville, IN 46062 317-848-0123 Julie Bowman jbowman@primrosebridgewater.com primrosebridgewater.com Please call to schedule a tour and to get tuition information.

We are open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

We take many exciting fieldtrips so please call to learn more specific details.

Our programs are offered to students ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age.

Students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are required to wear school uniforms.

Before/After School Care: We offer before and after school programs, including transportation, to students up to 12 years of age.

The Primrose School at Bridgewater is dedicated to providing outstanding educational care to students ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. Our curriculum is NCA accredited and offers many extras such as Spanish, technology, sign language, character development, music appreciation, art appreciation, science, social studies, reading, English, and math. Please call today to learn

how more than 90% of Primrose students out performed the national average.

North

Arthur M. Glick JCC 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-251-9467 emills@JCCindy.org JCCindy.org Ages: 6 weeks - Grade K

Our loving caregivers and teachers demonstrate by example and encourage children to behave according to these values as the children are learning, playing and socializing with one another. The JCC embraces a learning-throughplay teaching method to engage children in activities that promote creativity, accelerate learning and stimulate social interaction, all at each child’s individual pace.

Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center

600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Joanie Waldman 317-259-6854 jwaldman@bez613.org Ages/Grades: 12 mos.+, 18 mos.+, 2’s+ (8:50 am to 12:30 pm or 3:00 pm and choice of days). 3’s+ (8:50 am to 3:00 pm and choice of days).

4’s+/PreK (3 or 5 day option)and Kindergarten (5 full-day program 8:50 am to 3:00 pm) OPTIONS FOR ALL: Flexible hours. Availibility 7:30am-6pm, until 5:30 on Fridays.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts’ Enrichment.

Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love!

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool

Christy Whaley 5500 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis 317-253-0472 cwhaley@msumc.org msumc.org Ages: Nursery School and Preschool

The Children’s Day In Nursery School is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values. It is designed to offer children 9 months to 3 years a positive and developmentally appropriate experience in the care of experienced caregivers. Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. CDI Preschool program provides a quality developmentally appropriate education for 3, 4 and 5 year olds.

Program includes weekly Christian Life Skills, First Steps in Music (ICC) and Book Club. 3’s: T & Th, 4/5’s MWF. 9-2:30 pm. Summer Camp available.

Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church

7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Regina Covey for Registration; Director Cara Paul for Curriculum 317-252-5517 rcovey@secondchurch.org Ages/Grades: 9 months to 5 years Now accepting applications.

Children’s Circle Preschool is a weekday, developmentally appropriate, activity-based Christian program. We meet the needs of the whole child in a fun, creative, nurturing environment. Here, children can develop the skills necessary to live in today’s world. Our experienced faculty leads children toward discovery of who they are and what they can do.

We embrace excellence in education by nurturing the whole child -- physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing John Drake or Kelly Belt 9111 N. Haverstick Rd. Indianapolis 317-575-6508 jdrake@churchatthecrossing.org churchatthecrossing.org Ages: 12mos - Pre-K 5’s

Our Mothers Day Out (12-35mos) 9:15-2:30 and Preschool (3yrs-PreK’s) programs provide relaxed, playful, secure environments that nurture creativity and encourage the exploration of God’s world, a wide variety of learning materials, & friendships, with readiness activities woven through each study unit. Need longer hours?

Try our childcare ministry, The Neighborhood designed for 2-PreK 6:30-6pm M-F. Call for information and to schedule tours.

Fairview Early Childhood Program

Melissa Peterson 4609 N. Capital Ave. Indianapolis 317-253-4990 mpeterson@fairviewpresbyterian.org fairviewpresbyterian.org Ages: 12 mo-5 yrs. (or up to Kindergarten)

Fairview ECP has a developmental, experienced based curriculum in a warm and inclusive environment. Curriculum is designed to promote positive social behavior, respect for diversity, positive self-concept, independence, creativity and critical thinking skills. Come and visit us!

The Independence Academy of Indiana, Inc. 612 West 42nd Street Susan Le Vay 317-926-0043 susanlevay@IAindiana.org www.IAindiana.org

Ages/Grades: Grades 5 - 12 Hours/Dates: 8am - 3:30pm M-F August - May Field Trips: Field trips average 1 per month (for curriculum and life skills enhancement) Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $11,250.

No financial aid currently available. We accept students with high-functioning autism, including Asperger’s Syndrome, who are able to work in a small group setting. Uniforms/Dress Code: Yes Before/After School Care: After school care available from 3:30 - 5:30pm.

Open House Dates: Call us for a consultation and tour Created specifically for students with highfunctioning autism and Asperger Syndrome, The Independence Academy helps students achieve their highest level of independence and academic success. Dedicated and trained staff teach math, sciences, language arts, global studies, social and life skills, and more. Very small classes. Beautiful campus. A place to belong.

Website: Http://www.meridianhillscoop.org Type of School: Cooperative Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $48 - $233/month.

Financial aid available on a limited basis.

Field Trips: Ages three through Kindergarten go on field trips periodically.

Ages/Grades: Ages 2, 3, 4 and Kindergarten.

Open House Dates: Average class size: 14 Founded in 1960, Meridian Hills Cooperative School is Dedicated to helping children, parents and teachers grow together. Classes provide a positive, nurturing environment for 2-year-olds through Kindergarten with a special emphasis on parent education. Parents help daily in the spacious classrooms, on a beautiful half-acre playground and with a caring, experienced staff.

montessori Centres

Lynne Boone, Director 563 Westfield Blvd. W. Dr. Indianapolis 317-257-2224 montessoricentres@sbcglobal.net Ages: 2 1/2-3rd grade

3/4 through Grade 8 Religious Affiliation: None Uniforms/Dress Code: Dress code described in Family Handbook. (No Uniforms) Before/After School Care: Before/after care available. 7-8 a.mm. and 3:30-6 p.m. Ranges from $5.25-$7.25 per day.

Open House Dates: Call to schedule a personal tour, and check our Web site for the date and time of our annual Open House.

The Orchard School, an independent, nonsectarian, progressive school, emphasized experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education.

Orchard's diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible,

Stressing peace and respect for all, we’ve worked with children to develop critical-thinking and time-management skills since 1966. Montessoricertified lead teachers serve children aged 2 1/23rd grade. Our classroom structure and materials allow children to be self-directed and selfpaced. Our well-rounded curriculum includes French and Spanish, art, and computer labs. True Montessori environment serving children at all levels from gifted to special needs. Pre/K: 8:3011:30 or 8:30-3:15.

The Orchard School

615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Kristen Hein, Director of Admissions Phone: 317-713-5705 Fax: 317-254-8454 Email: khein@orchard.org Category of School: Private Independent Type of School: Preschool - Middle School Religious Affiliation: N/A Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Applicants are selected without regard to their ability to pay tuition. Every effort is made to provide financial assistance where needed. Tuition is all-inclusive.

Hours/Dates: School hours are 8:10 am to 3:20 pm. Before- and After-School Care available.

Field Trips: Middle School: 5th Grade to Cherokee, NC, 6th Grade to St. Louis, 7th Grade to Chicago, 8th Grade to Washington, D.C./ Williamsburg, Science Shadow Day. Elementary School: Various field trips throughout the year.

Ages/Grades: Preschool

International School of Indiana

Cathy Blitzer, Director 4330 N. Michigan Road Indianapolis 317-923-1951 isind.org Ages: 3 years old-12th grade

ISI is founded on the belief that an introduction to a second language, exposure to different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds and an International Baccalaureate-driven curriculum all work together to foster critical and independent thought. $12,860 pre-k through 8th grade and $13.600 for High School. Financial aid available for qualifiers.

Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School Address: 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Phone: 317-255-0831

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global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited.

Park Tudor

7200 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240 David Amstutz 317-415-2777 nfo@parktudor.org www.parktudor.org Private Independent: Preschool - High School Jr. KG (full-day) $13,300; Sr. KG-Grade 5-$15,630; Grades 6-12-$16,570 Trips for all grade levels, ranging from local to national and international depending on age.

Ages/Grades: Junior Kindergarten (ages 3-5) - Grade 12 Dress code varies by grade level.

Before- and after-school care offered.

Visit web site for a complete admissions calendar.

Park Tudor School’s exceptional educators and extraordinary opportunities prepare students to become confident and resourceful lifelong learners.

The school community creates an inspiring collegepreparatory learning environment for highly motivated young people. Two-year Global Scholars program for juniors and seniors; 19 AP classes; fullday kindergarten; Spanish beginning at age 3.

St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs

100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Bobbi Main-Jackson, Dir. 317-844-3399 mainb@stlukesumc.com stlukesumc.com Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Available upon request Labor Day-Memorial Day 9am-1pm with Summer Programs available

34 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

Preschool 3 yrs (by Sept 1 of school year)-5 yrs, Parents’ Day Out 10 mos (by Sept 1 of school year)-3 yrs Tours available upon request.

St Luke’s Community Preschool is a weekday, developmentally appropriate and experience based program. Two well-trained, degreed teachers are in each classroom.

Parents’ Day Out is a structured play experience that provides parents some time for themselves on a regular basis on M, Th, F. We provide a warm and loving Christian environment in which children can learn and grow. Tours available upon request.

Visitors welcome.

St. Richard’s School

33 E. 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205 Melinda W. Fisher 317-926-0425 x134 mfisher@strichardsschool.org strichardsschool.org Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: PKGrade Four $13,115 Grades FiveEight $13,715 2009 FA: $450,000 Multiple field trips per grade level offered each year Age three (3) through Grade Eight Prefer student to be three years old prior to June 1st for Pre-Kindergarten.

Before/After School Care: Before Care: 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

After Care: 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Independent Episcopal day school offering a community filled with academic rigor, faith based ecumenism and long-standing traditions.

Its mission is to instill knowledge and values for a lifetime through the implementation of five Pillars for Success: Faith, Classic Curriculum, Leadership, Civic Responsibility, and Global Readiness. PreKindergarten (3) through Grade 8.

Sycamore School 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260

Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions 317-202-2500 skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org sycamoreschool.org 1/2 day programs range from $5,030 to $8010; Full-day PreK through 8th grade is $13,495 for 2009-2010. Financial assistance is available. Please contact dridings@sycamoreschool.org.

M -TH 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.; F 8:15 a.m.2:15 p.m. Parent Tours: Please call 317-202-2519 to schedule a parent tour.

2 yrs. 8 mos. - 8th grade At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners. Art, music, Spanish, PE and technology are taught at all levels. Extensive field trips, athletics, child care, financial aid, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered.

Northeast

Heritage Christian School

6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, In 46250 Contact: Emily Iglendza, Director of Enrollment Management Phone: 317-849-3441 Email: Admissions@heritagechristian.net Website: http://www. heritagechristian.net Open House Dates: Thursday, Nov 10 Prep K & Kindergarten Info Night: Thursday, Jan 13 Tuition: $3839 - $9130 Financial aid available for qualified families Biblical worldview learning Bus Transportation Available Before and After School Care High Ability Learners Program Honors and AP classes Fine Arts and IHSAA Atletics

Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) & NCA Prep K - 12th Grade college preparatory, Christian school. Nondenominational & independent. The mission of HCS is is to glorify God through the discipleship of students and the pursuit of excellence in education with the Bible as the foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.

Indianapolis Jr. Academy

2910 East 62nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Phone: 317-251-0560 Email: ijacademy@comcast.net Website: www.ijacademy.org Private Independent: Preschool - Middle School Religious Affiliation: Christian - Protestant/Other Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: egistration Fees - $250 Pre-school Registration $125 Tuition: $3,515 Pre-School - $5,750 Hours/Dates: 8:00am - 3:30pm MonThurs 8:00am - 12:30pm Fridays Before/After School Care: 7:00am8:00am Mon-Friday, 3:30pm-6:00pm Mon-Thurs 12:30pm-5:30pm Fridays

Founded in 1963, Indianapolis Jr. Academy provides a well-rounded educational program with emphasis on spiritual, mental, physical, and social development. Our teachers are dedicated Christians who desire to prepare children academically and socially in an accepting environment where Christian principles are modeled and taught. The teachers enjoy enhancing the curriculum with thematic units, hands-on activities, and field trips to interesting places in our area. We currently offer grades Pre-K to 8th, along with a 3-year old Pre-School program.

Northwest

International Montessori School, Inc. 2150 West 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260

Ranee Dhadialla 317-575-8733 rkd1948@sbcglobal.net intlmontessori.com Please call for more information on tuition 9 AM - 12 Noon or 9 AM - 3 PM with options for 7-9 AM, 3-6 PM Field Trips: Yes 3 - 9 years Before/After School Care: Yes Call to schedule a tour A unique & warm place for children ages 3-9 years providing quality Montessori Education including exposure to diverse cultures, languages, art, music and more.. Now enrolling for Summer and Fall 2010!

The Children’s House

2404 W. 62nd St. (near Michigan Rd.), Indianapolis, IN 46268 Susan Catania or Mary Sexson 317-253-3033 childrenshouse08@gmail.com2404 W. 62nd St. (near Michigan Rd.), Indianapolis, IN 46268 Susan Catania or Mary Sexson 317-253-3033 childrenshouse08@gmail.com thechildrenshouseindianapolis.com Ages/Grades: 2 1/2 years - 14 years of age

The Children’s House offers a Montessori preschool.

The four areas of our preschool are practical life, sensorial, math and language. The Montessori preschool is available on a nine or twelve month calendar. The elementary level is an ungraded, continuous-progress school where children discover and pursue their unique talents and needs. Each child is provided with an individual learning experience based on the assumption that children are naturally inquisitive and want to learn. The Children’s House has helped shape the lives of hundreds of Indianapolis Children since its founding under a Lilly Endowment grant in 1971.

Traders Point Christian Academy

6600 S. Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown, IN 46075 Contact: Toni Kanzler Phone: 317-769-2450 Fax: 317-769-2456 Email: tkanzler@tpcs.org Website: http://www.tpcs.org Type of School: Private Independent Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Preschool: $1665 - $3525, Elementary: $4528 - $6917, Middle School: $8237, High School: $9790 Financial aid is available for qualified families Hours/Dates: Traditional calendar: Preschool: 2 - 4 days per week for 3 hours per day, morning and afternoon classes;extended hour options available.

KG - 12th grade: M - F 8:10am - 3:30pm Field Trips: Preschool - 12th various during the year. In addition: 5th grade to Bradford Woods, 6th grade to Cincinnati, 7th grade to Chicago, 8th grade to Washington DC/New York/Gettysburg, PA, 9th-10th to Nicaragua/Mexico Ages/Grades: Two years old - 12th grade. Half-day, extended-day and full-day kindergarten options.

Restrictions: Preschool - KG age cutoff is August 1. Academic performance must be at or above grade level.

Biblical Worldview instruction. Fine Arts, Spanish KG - 12th, interscholastic athletics, AP classes, laptop computer program, college preparatory.

Religious Affiliation: Christian - Protestant Before/After School Care: Before and After School Care available M - F at 7 am before school and to 6pm after school.

Open House Dates: KG - 5th: October 6 and February 2. Middle School: October 13 and February 9. High School: October 27 and February

16. KG Round Up January 26.

Fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), NCA and State of Indiana (Freeway); college preparatory, nondenominational Christian school. TPCA’s mission: to challenge/educate students within a Biblical worldview, leading them to a personal faith and transformed life in Jesus Christ.

South

Montessori Garden Academy

4141 S. East Street, Indianapolis, In 46227 Contact: Kelly Sikora, Director of Admissions Phone: 317-782-9990 Email: kelly@ montessorigardenacademy.org Website: http://www. montessorigardenacademy.org Type of School: Preschool - Secondary School Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $425-$850 per Month Hours/Dates: MondayFriday 6:30 am -6:00 pm Field Trips: Yes Ages/Grades: 18 Months- 4th Grade Uniforms/Dress Code: No Before/After School Care: Yes

Serving toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners and 1st-4th graders, MGA builds children's selfconfidence and nurtures their natural curiosity. It's different from traditional child care and early education because children "learn by doing" to achieve a sense of pride and independence. Early on, children learn to cooperate with each other and resolve their own conflicts respectfully. Rather than a "cookie cutter" approach, MGA’s caring teachers and individualized attention enable each child to reach his or her highest potential. Early childhood is a precious window of time when kids are most receptive to learning. Help build a strong foundation for your child or grandchild by investing in a rich learning environment now.

West

Imagine Indiana Life Sciences Academy—West

4950 W. 34th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224 Keith Marsh 317-297-9100 keith.marsh@imagineschools.com Charter: Kindergarten - Middle School Free tuition Hours/Dates: 8 am - 3pm Ages/Grades: k-7 Before care 6:30 am- 7:30 After care 3 pm - 6pm

Imagine having a choice to decide what is the best school option for your child, regardles of where you live. By choosing Imagine Life Sciences Academy West, you provide your child with a challenging education rich in math, arts, science and technology, with teachers who use innovative teaching techniques that prepare students for success.

Westfield

Montessori School of Westfield, Inc.

800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield Mary Lyman, Directress 317-867-0158 montessoriwestfield@gmail.com Ages/Grades: Toddler- 15 months to 3 years; Ages 3-Kindergarten; Elementary 1: Grade 1-3; Elementary 2: Grade 4-8

Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child.

Your Listing H ere !

Contact Jennica

Jennica@IndysChild.com

INDYSCHILD.COM 35

36 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

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d l i h E xceptional c Managing Social inDeficits Children with Autism

Social skills

come more easily for some kids than others—that’s just life. Children on the autism spectrum unquestionably fall into the latter categor y, often facing life-long battles with social skills or, more pointedly, the lack thereof.

Dr. Craig Erickson, chief of the Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center at Riley Hospital for Children and assistant professor of psychiatr y at the Indiana University School of Medicine, says social impairment is a core feature of the disorder.

He def ines social i mpa i r ment for individuals with autism as having a delay in the development of socia l sk i l ls compared to peers of sim ilar cognitive levels.

Social skills come more easily for some kids than

others—that’s just life. Children on the autism spectrum unquestionably fall into the latter category, often facing life-long battles with social skills or, more pointedly, the lack thereof.

For instance, he says one of the early signs of social def icits in young children and toddlers is the potential lack of interest in normal back and forth communication and keeping to oneself. Another hallmark is reduced eye contact or abnormal eye contact such as looking more at the mouth than the eyes.

While social def icits often plague people with autism throughout life, parents can help their children cope or manage the def icit

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through social lessons and interventions. Area experts offer a few tips:

Identify the child’s language competency “Social deficits are considered to be a defining characteristic across the spectrum, whether a child has a little language or a lot of language,” says Janine Shapiro, licensed speech-language pathologist and board certified behavior analyst with the Applied Behavior Center for Autism.

Yet, what many parents may not realize is that language is a foundation for appropriate social skills.

“A lot of time, parents with a child with autism, and even some practitioners, want to separate language from social skills when, for a lot of our children, it’s one and the same. You can’t have great social skills if you don’t have really good language or average language,” Shapiro says.

Carl Sundberg, founder and executive director of Behavior Analysis Center for Autism, is on the same page. His center teaches children how to ask for things, label things, answer questions, receptively respond, follow directions and imitate. “Those core skills comprise the basis of learning and social behavior. If you can’t ask questions, you aren’t going to be very social. If you don’t have language, you’re not going to socialize,” says Sundberg.

Make Peer-to-Peer Intervention a Priority.

“From a pure social perspective, children with autism have significant challenges in parallel conversations at many levels,” says Jane Grimes, community development director for the Applied Behavior Center for Autism in Indianapolis and founder and president of Hamilton County Autism Support Group. “While

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AUTISM FEATURE

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exceptional child a child may be social or verbal, the ability to have a parallel conversation with peers is very difficult. This goes for individuals with autism of all ages.”

To address this, Applied Behavior Center for Autism provides social skills lessons for people with autism. The lessons, held at the center’s Indianapolis and Greenwood locations, are open to the public and held twice weekly in the evenings. The Hamilton County Autism Support Group, of which Grimes is president and founder, is also starting a girls group that will meet on a regular basis.

Other organizations around Central Indiana, like the autism and behavioral consultation service Fresh Perspectives, offer peer therapy groups in various capacities.

“Our social skills groups at Fresh Perspect ives are for any schoolaged student who needs extra practice interacting —Jane Grimes, Applied Behavior Center for Autism with others. This includes, but is not limited to, those on the autism spectrum. We match our students by age and ability,” says Denise Hubble, CEO of the center.

“While a child may be social or verbal, the ability

to have a parallel conversation with peers is very difficult. This goes for individuals with autism of all ages.”

Peer-to-peer therapy is a clear trend in social skills training.

In fact, the Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center is researching it further through a U.S. Department of Defensefunded study of social skills therapy that looks at social skills training in a natural setting.

Erickson says one of the problems in standard social skills treatment is the ability to generalize results. He points to ABA or applied

40 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

behavior analysis as the gold standard in training, yet patients still may have a hard time extending what they learn in their therapist’s office, at school or into the real world among their peers. The study his team is conducting aims to place the patient in a more natural or peer-centric situation.

Start social intervention early.

“We 100 percent encourage early intervention,” says Erickson.

He points to readily available programs like Indiana First Steps or free family workshops that assist families as they move out of First Steps into a school setting. “That’s when the rubber meets the road,” he says.

Grimes, in no uncertain terms, agrees. “Like anything, when it comes to social skills and appropriate social content, the foundation you lay in elementary school is absolutely vital.”

Fortunately, children are being diagnosed earlier, which allows more time to work on the skills in which they will almost certainly be delayed.

“With any type of delay, starting early is key. As kids with autism are being diagnosed earlier, there is more time to work on the skills that we can predict that they will be delayed in,” says Mary Rosswurm, executive director for Little Star Center.

Write social skills goals into the IEP...every year.

Experts agree that it is imperative that measurable social skills goals be written into the child’s individualized education plan (IEP) and for parents to make sure those goals are being implemented across the board - in the classroom, at lunch, even during recess where classroom rules are swapped out for more sophisticated social rules.

Rules of engagement change with every age, as should social goals on children’s IEPs.

spec i a l n e e ds awa r e n e ss

Enlist peer buddies or mentors.

Peer buddies at school can show the child with autism how to do things like play hopscotch at recess and serve as a friendly resource for various matters. Maybe it’s how to line up to walk to a class assembly or simply check in to ask the child with autism how he or she is doing.

Some schools have also established mentor programs in which an older student with autism is paired with a younger student to help him or her learn the ropes.

The arrangement benefits both children by building selfesteem and creating an immediate student-to-student connection. Peer buddy and mentor programs alleviate some children’s need for adult intervention in social situations. Besides, what child after a certain age really wants an adult facilitating social interactions?

Consider kids age 16 and up who have autism. These young adults certainly don’t want adults chaperoning or having their parents get involved in personal social matters. Yet, if these individuals are not signed up in activities that help build their peer social skills, they are at a real risk of misunderstanding or not knowing what is considered appropriate social behavior. Grimes points to St. Vincent New Hope as providing a solid program for mentoring and coaching that has seen success in the area.

Know that social rules, therefore skills, change over time.

Shapiro says it is important for parents to remember that one reason social skills deficits are so hard to treat is because they change over time. “What’s expected of a 6-year-old is different than what’s expected of a 10-yearold or when the child is dating or when he goes into the workplace. The rules are always changing,” she says. As they change, they also become increasingly complex.

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Practice social skills at home.

Social skills can be practiced at school, at an autism center, at any number of pl ace s , not t he least of which is at home with family.

At home, parents a nd sibl i ng s ca n do things like play turn-taking games and practice waiting in line. Parents can a lso practice and d iscuss sit uat ion s ahead of time, such as what is and is not appropriate to say when visiting a dy i ng relat ive or friend.

09.18

While some families have access to a private therapist who can walk them through training techniques specif ic to their children, not everyone is so lucky. Fortunately, Riley Hospital for Children and other organizations conduct parent-training sessions to teach parents how to be their child’s day-to-day trainer. Sessions can be individualized for families or generalized for a more affordable group setting.

In the end, social def icits in people with autism will likely never be completely overcome, though signif icant

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gains can be made with effort. “Parents need to know that their child most likely will struggle with this their entire lives and will always need guidance,” says Rosswurm. “There is no social skills curriculum that can teach everything, as our language and culture are full of small, unspoken nuances.”

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons whose daily antics inspire her work and her life. Contact her at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com

INDYSCHILD.COM 41

spec i a l n e e ds awa r e n e ss

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Managing your family’s health insurance is right up there with talking about the family budget and waterproofing the basement.

“Can we do it another day dear?” For families that include a child with special needs, figuring out a way to finance their child’s unique and pressing health concerns can be overwhelming, if not downright scary.

Suzanne Aaron, parent liaison for About Special Kids, says several financial programs exist to help families with kids who have special needs, though she says they are not necessarily easy to find.

Following is a brief overview of programs available to help Hoosier families finance the health care required by their child with special needs.

Medicaid Disability

Aaron views Medicaid Disability as an appropriate health insurance policy for many kids with special needs because she says it provides relatively easy access to specialty care, which is vital to this patient population. The governmentfunded health insurance program takes into account a family’s income, resource limits and the child’s disability before determining a child’s eligibility for the program. Families slightly over the program’s income and asset limit can look into the program’s spend-down provision. The spend-down is a lot like private insurance co-pay in that participants will have to spend a certain amount of money on qualified medical expenses before Medicaid kicks in. The income needs are determined by the income and resources of the parents up until the child is 18, at which time the financial eligibility is determined by the adult’s income. Families can apply for Medicaid Disability at their local Division of Family Resources or call Hoosier Healthwise at 800-889-9949.

Hoosier Healthwise

Hoosier Healthwise, Indiana’s name for Medicaid (not to be confused with Medicaid Disability), is a comprehensive health insurance program intended for otherwise typically developing children, pregnant women and families with an income equal to or less than 200 percent of federal poverty level. Depending on a family’s income, they may be asked to pay fees

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spec i a l n e e ds awa r e n e ss for the program. Families that choose Hoosier Healthwise need to be aware that once their child turns 19, he or she is no longer eligible for the program. As such, Aaron says it behooves the family to know about Medicaid Disability and consider making the change from Hoosier Healthwise to Medicaid Disability before the child turns 19; otherwise, they risk going without insurance that is likely available to them.

Call Hoosier Healthwise at 800-889-9949.

Medicaid Waivers

Medicaid Waivers provide funding for people with disabilities to obtain the home- and community-based support services they need to live as independently as possible. There are various types of medical and developmental waivers and most, if not all, have waiting lists that are into the years. Once a person qualifies for and obtains the waiver, it is his or hers for life. Aaron’s advice is to “apply as soon as possible because people are targeted by the application date. The longer you wait [to apply], the longer you wait for services.” For physical or medical disabilities, call the Area Agency on Aging, 800986-3505. For developmental disabilities and Autism, call the local Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services at 800-545-7763.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not an insurance program. It’s a federally funded cash

assistance program that comes in the form of a check to the individual every month. Children, birth to age 18, can receive SSI if they meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children and if they have little or no income and resources. Children who receive SSI can also receive Medicaid. Families apply for SSI through the local social security office.

Children’s Special Health Care Services

This is a supplemental medical coverage program for children younger than 22 that kicks in where a primary policy has limitations. As with other government health financing services, there are income and disability guidelines a family must meet. Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) may provide for services like diagnostic evaluations, comprehensive primary and secondary care visits, immunizations, prescription drugs and routine dental care, among others. People with cystic fibrosis have lifetime coverage. Call CSHCS at 800-475-1355 to learn more.

CHOICE

Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly (CHOICE) is a program that families with children with special needs can tap into. The program can help with inhome care and respite services and is considered an alternative to institutionalization for people

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in danger of losing their independence. Call the local Area Agency on Aging or call CHOICE at 800-986-3505.

Private Policies

Certainly, private health insurance is also option.

Children enrolled in a private health insurance plan will use it for their primary coverage, though other supplemental resources can be tapped. Families who go this route should obtain a copy of their entire policy, read it with a finetooth comb, and understand what it does and does not cover.

Pre-Existing Condition Options

Unfortunately, some people cannot access health coverage due to pre-existing health conditions.

The good news is there are a couple programs that actually may be able to help. One is the Indiana Comprehensive Health Insurance Association (ICHIA) that offers insurance for individuals with pre-existing conditions who are unable to access private insurance. Visit www. onlinehealthpland.com and click “guest.” for more information. Also, the new PreExisting Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) is now in effect. Visit www.healthcare.gov for details.

Healthcare for a child with special needs can be extremely expensive. Fortunately, there are private and government insurance

programs and other services available to the community that may be able to help.

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons whose daily antics inspire her work and her life. Contact her at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com

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Planning a Financially Sound Tomorrow for a Child with Special Needs Parents of kids with special needs manage so many pressing issues that concerns like future financial planning are often pushed to the back burner. It’s understandable. Yet, what happens when that becomes the urgent issue? Once a person with special needs loses his or her parents, they need immediate, real and accessible financial resources. Since parents cannot predict the end of their own lives, they must consider their child’s financial future an urgent issue now.

“Parents need to make decisions by choice and not leave it to chance. Without a will, without a plan, without a Letter of Intent, they are just leaving things up to chance,” says John Dickerson, executive director of the Arc of Indiana, which operates one of the largest pools of master trusts for people with disabilities and serves over 4,000 families in Indiana.

It’s a task, no doubt. Parents will want to enlist the help of a professional financial advisor with an expertise in special needs planning, as well as an experienced attorney. Following are a few steps all parents of kids with special needs will want to consider taking.

Understand what, if any, government benefits the child will need. Some government benefits, like supplemental security income (SSI), Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers, have financial eligibility requirements.

If the person with the disability has too many assets or too much income, then he or she will lose eligibility for what may be very necessary government services. Consider that the

Medicaid threshold in Indiana is $1,500. This will inform all future-planning decisions.

Write a will. A will ensures that all assets of the deceased parent are distributed according to his or her wishes. Without a will, assets will be divvied up according to the state’s law of intestacy, which often divides assets between surviving spouse, if any, and children. Again, keep in mind the child’s need to access certain government services. A will also provides an opportunity to weigh in on whom the parent wants to serve as guardian for his or her children.

Consider a Special Needs Trust. Gordon Homes, certified financial planner and special needs financial planner with Metlife’s Center for Special Needs Planning, defines a special needs trust as a type of trust that federal and state law allows to be put into place for individuals with disabilities to enable them to maintain eligibility from government benefits while having resources to pay for things the government does not provide.

The trust often covers quality of life issues. For instance, the trust can own a residence, pay for travel, transportation, education, entertainment, clothing, birthday and holiday celebrations, life skills training and more. Two types of special needs trusts exist: a third-party special needs trust is typically created using the parents’ or other family member’s assets and a self-settled special needs trust is funded with the child’s own assets. Trustee options include a family member, institutional trustee or pooled trust.

Ask an attorney about a Tandem Trust. A tandem trust is a two-part trust that allows families to put the bulk of their assets into a stand-alone trust that disperses assets

into a special needs trust. Typically the “feeder” trust will keep the special needs trust at a specified minimum amount or pay into the trust at regular intervals.

Consider a support trust. This is not useful for children with special needs who will require SSI or Medicaid. If the child does not use those programs, then this trust requires the trustee to make distributions to support the child with such needs as food, housing, medical care, education and more.

Write a Letter of Intent. Though not a legal document, a Letter of Intent is used by courts and others to learn about the child with disabilities after the parents are gone. The document is written by the parents or guardians to describe the child’s history, disability, current status as well as the parents’ wishes for his or her future. The child can even participate in writing the document so his or her wishes are also made known.

“It is important for parents to plan before something happens to them versus leaving it to the family to figure out after they have gone. Advanced planning is so important,” says Homes. Homes, who speaks across the country about special needs financial estate planning, is also father to a child with special needs. He considers advocacy an important part of his life’s work. He can be contacted at ghomes@metlife.com.

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons whose daily antics inspire her work and her life. Contact her at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com.

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special needs calendar

October 2010 Special Needs Calendar Check out what’s happening this month for Central Indiana’s special needs community...

Carmel Dads’ Club Special Sports Program tennis and volleyball program When: Saturdays, Oct. 1 to Oct. 16, 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: Carmel Lutheran Church Cost: Free Contact: Visit www.carmeldadsclub. org or contact Suzanne Mandel at 317595-9016 or r.s.mandel@comcast.net Northwest Indiana Early Childhood Conference hosted by Northwest Indiana Early Childhood Conference When: Sat., Oct. 2 Where: Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, Ind. Cost: Check site for upcoming details.

Contact: Visit www.iidc.indiana. edu/irca or call 812-855-6508 Families Learning in Play parent support group When: Thurs., Oct. 7, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Outreach Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Mary Rice at mrice@isd.k12.in.us Fall Classic When: Sat., Oct. 9, 9:30 a.m.

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Where: Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion Cost: Free and open to the public Contact: Visit www.soindiana.org

Applied Behavior Analysis: Practical Strategies for Home and for School workshop presented by Indiana Resource Center for Autism in conjunction with Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative When: Tues., Oct. 12, 8 a.m.

Where: Merrillville High School, Merrillville Cost: $90 and pre-registration is required Contact: Visit www.iidc.indiana. edu/irca or call 812-855-6508

When Actions Speak Louder Thank Words workshop hosted by Indiana Resource Center for Autism When: Thurs., Oct. 14, 8 a.m.

Where: Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Bloomington Cost: $90 and pre-registration is required Contact: Visit www.iidc.indiana. edu/irca or call 812-855-6508 Easter Seals Crossroads Teen Night Out When: Fri., Oct. 15, 5-9 p.m.

Where: The Monon Center Cost: Free

Contact: Melissa Fitch at 317-466-2001 x2420

Contact: Mary Rice at mrice@isd.k12.in.us

Over the Edge rappelling event and fundraiser for Special Olympics Indiana When: Sat., Oct. 16, time TBD Where: 11 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis Cost: Barnes & Thornburg building, downtown Indianapolis Contact: Visit www.soindiana.org

Buddy Walk 2.6 mile walk-a-thon for Down Syndrome Indiana When: Sat., Oct. 23, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Celebration Plaza in White River State Park Cost: No fees Contact: Rachel Wood at 317925-7617 or rachel@dsindiana.org

Structured Teaching Techniques two-day workshop hosted by Indiana Resource Center for Autism When: Tues., Oct. 19 and Wed., Oct. 20, 8 a.m.

Where: Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Bloomington Cost: $350 and preregistration is required Contact: Visit www.iidc.indiana. edu/irca or call 812-855-6508

Autism Society of Indiana Fall Conference When: Sat., Oct. 23, 9 a.m. - noon Where: The Monon Center Cost: $50 for individuals, $90 for professionals Contact: Visit www.iidc.indiana.

Families Learning in Play event party When: Thurs., Oct. 21, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Outreach Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, 1200 E. 42nd St., Raney South, Indianapolis Cost: Free

edu/irca or call 812-855-6508 Walk With Me for Easter Seals Crossroads When: Wed., Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m. start Where: Butler University Cost: Donations accepted Contact: Allison Heinekamp at 317-466-2002 or aheinekamp@ eastersealscrossroads.org

Motor Activity Clinic When: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m., Oct. 2 - Nov. 6 Where: IU Natatorium on IUPUI campus Cost: $25 Contact: Allison Plopper at aplopper@iupui.edu Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out When: Various Fridays throughout month Where: Various locations Cost: Free Contact: Anna Marie House at 317-466-2006 Carmel Dads’ Club Special Sports Program basketball program When: Saturdays, Oct. 23 through Nov. 20, 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: Carmel Lutheran Church Cost: Free Contact: Visit www.carmeldadsclub. org or contact Suzanne Mandel at 317595-9016 or r.s.mandel@comcast.net Know of an upcoming event benefitting Indianapolis’ special needs community? Email Carrie Bishop at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com

INDYSCHILD.COM 45

Special Needs Guide Applied behavior center www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org 6060 Castleway West Drive Indianapolis, IN 46250-1970 (317) 849-5437 The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior.

Dr. Jennifer Satterfield-Siegel 506 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Phone: 317 269-0026 or 450-1226 cell Email: jsatterfield_siegel@hotmail.com

Dr. Satterfield-Siegel is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist specializing in providing dental care for infants, children and patients that have special needs. We provide routine dental care, fillings, in office sedations and hospital dentistry for all of our patients. We build long lasting relationships with our families through active listening and understanding. New patients are welcomed!

Eyes For Wellness The Arc of Indiana 107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: 317-977-2375 or 800-382-9100 Email: thearc@arcind.org www.arcind.org The Arc of Indiana, established in 1956 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, works every day to empower families with information and resources, empower people with disabilities to be as independent as possible, and inspire positive change in public policy and public attitudes. Contact us. We’re here to help.

Address: 2920 E. 96th Street, Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Contact: Dr. Mary VanHoy, Developmental Optometrist Phone: (317) 818-0541 Fax: (317) 818-1756 Email: drvanhoy@eyes4wellness.com Website: http://eyes4wellness.com

Dr. VanHoy is a developmental optometrist who evaluates and treats with optometric vision therapy children with autistic spectrum disorder, physical and mental challenges, and infants and toddlers with delays in visual function that interfere with acts of daily living.

Fresh Perspectives Autism Parent Care, LLC 395 S 9th St Noblesville, Indianapolis, IN 46020 Contact: Dr. Jane Yip Phone: 317-503-1296 Email: aileda88@hotmail.com www.developmentalphysiopsychologydisorders.com

Offering one to one intervention to children and adults with autism. Academic subjects and ABA included. Insurance Billable.

Behavior Analysis Center for Autism 11902 Lakeside Dr., Fishers, IN 46038

Devon Sundberg 317-288-5232 dsundberg@thebaca.com www.thebaca.com The Behavior Analysis Center (BACA) was established by Dr. Carl Sundberg and a group of highly trained Behavior Analysts who have worked with Dr. Sundberg for years. BACA uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach language, social, academic, and life skills to children with autism and other related disabilities.

Address: 8838 Ash Road, Indianapolis, IN 46234 Contact: Denise Hubble, CEO Phone: 317-502-1398 Email: freshperspectives1@comcast.net Website: http://www.freshperspectives1.com

We are an educational consulting company that specializes in social skills groups privately and in schools that address behaviors associated with autism spectrum or related disorders.

Indianapolis Pediatric Dentistry Address: 8433 Harcourt Road, Suite 307, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Erin Phillips Phone: 317-872-7272 Email: erin@indykidsdentist.com

We have a unique dental practice. As pediatric dentists, we are specially trained in the dental care of infants, children and teens, including those patients with special medical needs. At Indianapolis Pediatric Dentistry, we treat your kids like our own. We pay special attention to each patient’s needs and we take the time to make sure they’re comfortable. We go to great lengths to make sure that both the patient and parents understand what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and the long-term benefits.

The Independence Academy Brain Balance Achievement Center Indianapolis 9302 N. Meridian Street Ste. 355, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Julie Peterson/Clinic Director Phone: 317-843-9200 Email: julie.peterson@live.com www.brainbalancecenters.com Brain Balance Achievement Centers work with children who suffer from Developmental Disorders such as Autism Spectrum , Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette's and other neurological disorders. The Brain Balance Program is unique in that it utilizes a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach designed specifically to address the various difficulties exhibited or experienced by each child.

612 West 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208 Contact: Susan Le Vay, Director Phone: 317-926-0043 Email: susanlevay@IAindiana.org www.IAindiana.org

We are a private non-profit school located near Butler University, serving students with high-functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger Syndrome in grades 5-12. IA balances academic and life-skills development in a positive and nurturing environment provided by qualified and caring faculty. Students graduate with an accredited high school diploma.

Little Star Center Cornerstone Autism Center 360 Polk Street, Greenwood, IN 46143 Contact: David Ide, Center Director Phone: (317) 888-1557 www.cornerstoneautismcenter.com

Cornerstone Autism Center is an intensive day treatment clinic dedicated to maximizing the potential of children with autism. Utilizing the science-based approach of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), trained therapists work 1:1 with the children to improve language skills, address their academic and social needs and reduce any maladaptive behavior.

12726 Hamilton Crossing Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032 Mary Rosswurm, Executive Director 317-249-2242 maryr@littlestarcenter.org www.littlestarcenter.org

Little Star is a structured, sensory-friendly place where children with autism receive intense, individualized one-on-one therapeutic intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Little Star has a “family first” philosophy and offers a supportive community of parents and professionals. Indiana’s original ABA center – providing services since 2002.

YOUR LISTING HERE!!! Contact Jennica at Jennica@indyschild.com 46 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

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His answer:

“You.“

Who can help the many Indiana children in need of foster parents?

Ask a kid what he needs from a parent, and his answer might surprise you.

It’s not a big house filled with toys or video games. He just wants someone who cares. Make a difference in a child’s life. www.DamarFosterCare.org

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arts & enrichment

Raising Scientists

Indiana Adventures to Explore the Wonders of Science toward peaceful coexistence. As you walk the beach, you can f ind zebra mussel shells, which at f irst glance look lovely. However, this invasive species creates havoc and

The constant questioning at the pumpkin patch is an in-depth investigation into the natural world: Why are pumpkins orange? Why are some big? Why are some small?

f inancial ruin to many in the area. First introduced in the ballast of ships, it has taken over and clogs any drain pipe it can find. Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N. 25 E. Chesterton, IN. (219) 926-1390. www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm

Children are born adventurers. The two-yearold in the high chair is reenacting Galileo’s famous drop of the cannon ball and the feather from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to see what will hit the ground f irst. They are channeling Sir Isaac Newton to “discover” the laws of gravity. The constant questioning at the pumpkin patch is an in-depth investigation into the natural world: Why are pumpkins orange? Why are some big? Why are some small? How does the tractor pull the wagon? How does the kettle corn pop? The kitchen can unlock principles of chemistry. How does cake batter go from a gooey liquid to a delicious solid? How does macaroni go from being a hard noodle to squishy macaroni and cheese?

Some investigations can be more formal than others and can provide the basis for a wonderful f ield trip. All throughout our state, there are many different experiences just waiting to be had for all ages.

Science in the State Parks The Eagle Creek Discovery Center has been welcoming guests for over 30 years. After reopening in the fall of 2009 as the Ornithology Center, the building is now “all about the birds,” featuring beautiful exhibits and programming focused on birds and bird watching, as well as live birds of prey programs. Did you know that Eagle Creek Park is home to 260 of the 400 bird species seen in Indiana?

It is not uncommon to see bald eagles, great blue herons, double-crested cormorants, grebes, loons and other amazing wildlife from the observation window.

Indiana Dunes State Park includes everything from dune succession tours to working with park rangers and Singing Sands Star Shows. This state park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is living proof that glaciers once scoured our great state and left behind the magnif icent Great Lakes.

Looking down the shore, it is hard to miss the mingling of factories with the natural environment in a compromise 48 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

You can explore beach dunes, watch the progression of plants as you move further away from the water inland, and search for all different types of rocks, many brought from northern Canada by gigantic glaciers. The Chain O’Lakes State Park is a fabulous example of glaciers scouring our state. The chain of lakes that provides the monikers for this park are a glacial feature called kettle lakes. They were formed when the glaciers began to melt and water dug holes and left its material behind. Many of the original kettle lakes did not survive until today and provide great examples of bogs. Chain O’Lakes State Park, 2355 E 75 South Albion, IN. (800) 457-8283. www.in.gov/ dnr/parklake/2987.htm To the west of Bloomington lies McCormick Creek State Park. Entry into this park is f ive dollars per vehicle with an Indiana license plate. Because of its southern Indiana location, it is easy to f ind evidence of limestone and karsts topography. According to the McCormick Creek State Park Web site which details the geography of the area, the canyon is a mile long and 100 feet deep. McCormick Creek State Park, 451 McCormick’s Creek Park Road, Spencer, IN. (812) 829-4881. www.mccormickscreekstatepark.com

Math & Science collide in our state’s geology Our land-locked state rests upon the site of a giant ocean. We know this because a variety of fossils are spread throughout the state and in the limestone for which southern Indiana has become famous.

You can get a f irst-hand look at this by going to Falls of the Ohio River on the border between Kentucky and Indiana. This is a Devonian sea bed chock full of fossils everywhere you walk. The nature center is outstanding and really allows you to experience what formerly lurked or swam in Indiana. Falls of the Ohio River, 201 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, IN. (812) 280-9970, $2 per person. www.fallsoftheohio.org Ocean dwellers left behind a huge inheritance for future generations in the form of limestone. The area of the state around and to the south of Bloomington has rich deposits of limestone. Limestone is made from calcium carbonate. It occurs on sea beds as a result of the demise of marine organisms and their shells. If you are curious about whether a rock is limestone or not, you can put a couple of eyedroppers of vinegar on it. If it bubbles, chances are its

limestone. This is the same principle as vinegar and baking soda volcanoes.

Blue Springs Caverns in Bedford, Indiana is an example of what happens to limestone over the years when slightly acidic rainwater is allowed to do its magic. Blue Springs Cavern is large enough that you can descend over 800 feet underground and take a boat ride through the cavern to see stalagmites and stalactites, experience 52 degree weather all-year-round and experience total darkness for the briefest of moments. Children can also take the opportunity to mine for gems using age old methods. Cost is $14 per adult, plus mining for gemstones at $3.75 per person. Blue Springs Caverns, 1459 Blue Springs Caverns Road, Bedford, IN. (812) 279-9472. www.bluespringcaverns.com.

Not sure if caves are your thing? Go north of Indiana and check out Fair Oaks Farms north of Lafayette. This combination of nine dairy farms demonstrates what farms can do to limit their environmental impact. This large dairy farm provides milk to the Chicago area and south throughout Indiana. They have created an interactive experience appropriate for all ages that has the goal to educate the general public about what it takes to bring milk to the dinner table. You will get to see calves being born at 80 per day! You’ll also witness cows being milked and a 4-D movie entitled Grass to Glass that describes what is involved in bringing milk to the table. If that’s not enough, you can take a bus tour of the entire facility, jump on a huge air trampoline and even climb a gargantuan milk bottle.

Equally as fantastic, you’ll f ind a fantastic restaurant, ice creamery and gift shop just waiting to be explored. Fair Oaks Farms, 856 N. 600 Fair Oaks, IN. (877) 536-1194. www.fofarms.com.

Hoping for a quick car nap? Go a little north of Fair Oaks, just off of Highway 65 and take the free self-driving Benton County Wind Farm Tour! Earl Park, IN. (219) 474-6100. www.earlparkindiana.com/windfarm.html.

The environment As a whole, the state of Indiana is looking to f ind more ways to become environmentally friendly and look at creating new types of jobs and sources of revenue for the state. Alternate forms of energy like ethanol and biofuels are resources that are constantly being replenished and never run out. Currently, wind energy makes up only a small fraction of the total energy output of our country.

It is reliant upon the construction of large windmills, which turn by the force of the wind. The blade acts like an airplane wing and creates a pocket of low pressure much like the processes of lift and drag in f light. This wind energy is used to turn turbo generators, which then create electricity. This type of energy produces absolutely no pollutants. The structures are expensive, but farmers gain income by renting out their land and still being able to farm it.

Girls, Incorporated has been focusing on environmental issues during their outreach programs that include water pollution and wind energy. Their Operation SMART® (Science, Math, And Relevant Technology) program uses hands-on, engaging activities to investigate solutions to environmental problems. To test the effects of water pollutant like oil, pesticides and coal, girls create a replica

water source. To understand the benefits of wind energy, in the heartland of the United States where up until a few years ago the mindset was that we had plenty of resources and all that girls also assemble their own windmills. “green” stuff didn’t apply here. Tom Elger will conduct the tour “With all of the media coverage of the BP oil spill, we wanted and he prides himself on being able to tailor the tour based on to have an activity where girls could fully understand the impact the questions and the interest levels of the people involved. of pollution on our water sources,” said Christy Barlow, director They began small with recycling cans in the lunchroom and of programs. “The visual of watching oil spread out into water are now known the world over for their practices. created great dialogue and fostered critical thinking among our participants, while encouraging them to think of ways to help Want a more formal tour of how Indiana is going green? Check out the Subaru Plant in Lafayette, Indiana by calling Tom Elger, the environment in which they live.”

5500 IN 38 East Lafayette, IN. The tour 90-minute walking tour is Companies throughout the United States and the world grapple absolutely free. (765) 449-1111. www.subaru-sia.com. with ways to make money by creating and distributing their products in cost effective ways. Subaru of Indiana is leading the Want to stay closer to home? Interested in Astronomy? Holcomb way in a grass roots effort from their employees to set the bar Observatory on the campus of Butler University is the place for for its business being environmentally proactive. The process you. This reflecting telescope uses mirrors to reflect an image of automobile production uses nonrenewable resources. These to the eyes. The observatory built around this telescope has a resources are finite and are not replenished by natural processes star theater downstairs, which presents a nice tour of the known as they are extracted or mined. Factories like Subaru have to solar system and then up to the telescope to see many things contend with the use of these resources and the discharge from present in the night sky, including the planet Venus. their factories into the environment.

Most important, whether you are just doing experiments at Subaru of Indiana has made itself into a zero waste to landfill home, answering an endless litany of questions, or taking day plant since 2004. This is quite an accomplishment since we live trips to explore our state, remember—science is everywhere.

Holcomb Observatory, 4600 Sunset Ave. Indianapolis, IN. (800) 3 6 8 - 6 8 52 . w w w. butler.edu/holcombobservatory/tours/ public-tours.

Hol l i Joya l is a Kindergarten teacher at The Orchard School in Ind ianapol is, former middle school science teacher, 2006 Bechtel Fellow Purdue University School of Engineering, 2010 Wiley N. Turner Space Science, Teacher of the Year, 2007 Space Foundation Space Teacher Liaison.

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

INDYSCHILD.COM 49

Arts & Enrichment Guide Dance

Indianapolis School of Ballet 502 N. Capitol #B, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Contact: Cathy Strauss Phone: 317-955-7525 Email: school@indyballet.org www.indyballet.org A premier dance institution, the Indianapolis School of Ballet offers professional, yearround instruction for ages 4 to adult, great performances, legendary guest master teachers, and diverse repertoire in state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Experience the joy and artistry of dance, health and fitness benefits, and a nurturing atmosphere at ISB!

Sports Geist Sports Academy 11960 East 62nd Street, Indianapolis, IN Contact: Dana Osler Phone: 317-823-7734 Email: dana@geistsportsacademy.com www.geistsportsacademy.com

50 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

GSA is a childrens facility that offers gymnastics, tumbling, cheer, birthday parties, Summer Camps, Parent's Night Out, Gym Jams, a Fine Arts Academic Preschool and much more!! You just have to check us out!!!

Music Kindermusik by Musical Beginnings 606 S. Union Street, Westfield, IN 46074 Kim Bemis 317-867-3077 kimusik@musicalbeginnings.com www.musicalbeginnings.com Music & Instrument Performance Locations in Hamilton, Boone & Northern Marion Counties Kindermusik is a music and movement program for children, ages 0-7. You’ll play, listen and dance to music that will impact your child in profound ways. That’s because every song, story and two-step has a carefully chosen purpose in this creative curriculum - one that’s designed to stimulate and strengthen the vital neural wiring taking place in your child’s mind right now. A Kindermusik educator will guide you every

step of the way so you know how each activity contributes to your child’s overall growth and development. You can learn more about Kindermusik classes by browsing our site or calling our off ice.

Teresa Siegrist Piano Studio

Address: 11653 Bradford Place (Near 116th and Keystone), Carmel, IN 46033

Contact: Teresa Siegrist Phone: 317-844-1583 Email: was11653@aol.com Choose Your Activity Category: Music Piano teacher with years of experience offering morning lessons for preschoolers, kindergarteners, as well as home-schoolers of all ages. Private piano lessons also offered for students with high-functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Students learn in a very positive, nurturing atmosphere as they progress at their own pace. References available.

Art & Enrichment JCC 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-251-9467 lbaier@JCCindy.org

www.JCCindy.org

The JCC welcomes families and individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. More than three generations have grown up in the JCC’s early childhood education and camp programs.

Thousands walk through the JCC’s doors each week to work out in the modern fitness center, participate in leagues and exercise classes, swim, enjoy family programs and so much more. The JCC – Good for life!

Nu Creation Fitness Personal Training Studio

Address: 5501 E. 71st Street, Suite 9B, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Phone: 317-259-0138 Email: nucreationfitness@yahoo.com http://www.NuCreationFitness.com Choose Your Activity Category: Fitness & Sports Nu Creation Fitness, LLC is a private personal training studio that offers one-on-one and group training to men and women of all ages. $50 off of any one-on-one training package with the mention of this ad! Also seeking Certified Personal Trainers with clientele.

YOUR LISTING HERE! Contact Jennica Jennica@IndysChild.com

Co mm e n ta ry & Pa r e n t i n g

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mommy magic

Halloween Isn't Just for Kids Adventures in Costume-land

Halloween is closing in and will be here before we know it. As moms, you know that Halloween costumes are a big deal. Since my birthday is on Halloween, I am a big fan of Halloween festivities — prepping of the costume, carving pumpkins, hay rides, bonf ires — all of it takes me back to when I was a kid. With that being said, I love everything about Halloween costumes. It may sound silly, but isn’t Halloween the only holiday that we, as adults, can join in on the fun? I happen to think so. So much, in fact, that we host a Halloween party for kids and their parents every year.

In our family, the tradition for Halloween consists of my kids picking out my husband’s Halloween costume. My girls think about it for weeks, giggle about it at night as we get them into their pajamas – the anticipation of what their Dad is going to dress up as is almost as fun as seeing him in the actual costume.

Then, the eventful day comes when they all go to the party store and pick it out together. I am not crafty, I admit it, so while making one from scratch would be ideal, it just isn’t in my realm of talent. Yes, I am a fan of the party store costume.

Every year my girls surprise him with their carefully selected Halloween costume to transform “Daddy” into whatever they have selected. My husband has gone as a sumo wrestler (you know the zip up costume), a cowboy, a race car driver, a pirate (the Pirates of the Caribbean version, of course) and this year — Elvis, with jumpsuit, wig and all. It’s our tradition and it’s loads of fun.

With that, I thought I would get in on the Halloween costume action.

Always spending so much time running around and getting my three girls’ costumes completed, I never seem to find the time to get a fun costume to wear.

As the one responsible for everyone else’s costumes, there is no specific event to pick out one for me. Am I bitter about it? No. Am I empowered by it? Temporarily. So, feeling empowered and satisfied that I am going to wear something other than my staple witch’s hat this year for our Halloween party, I venture into the local party store.

As I start scanning the wall of options, I quickly realize that Halloween costumes for women have changed over the past few years.

As I start scanning the wall of options, I quickly realize that Halloween costumes for women have changed over the past few years. Have you noticed? As I pace the aisle in disbelief of my options, I am wondering if I’m just really old or are these costumes just really trashy? I mean, as a mom of three little girls, I was not looking to be a smutty nurse or a “bad” cop.

The witch selection has even gone R-rated. This is a PGrated family party, for goodness sake! I am not trying to pick up at it or anything. When did trashy, boobs-popping-out-

of-your-costume go mainstream for moms during Halloween?

Standing in the aisle, obviously talking out loud to myself about this issue, my six-year-old daughter gives me a word of hope by exclaiming, “Mom, you shouldn’t wear one of these costumes.” Mind you, I almost told her to cover her eyes as we glanced at unending (and unnerving) rows of lingerie, er, I mean “costumes.” Feeling for a moment that she understood my plight, she continued, “You should just wear Dad’s sumo wrestler costume from last year.” Perfect! Just what I needed to hear! I pulled myself together and walked out of the store with my chin up having decided to wear my trusty witch’s hat after all. That is, until some smart mom starts making great costumes that are not in a junior sizes and actually covers my cleavage. With that being said, I surrender to accept that it is not the costume that makes the mom, but the mom who makes the costume! Happy Halloween!

Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity” Visit www.Mommy-Magic.com for more information. Become a Fan of Mommy Magic on FaceBook!

INDYSCHILD.COM 51

HEALTH & W ELLNESS

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pediatric safety

Trick or Treat Your Way to a Safe Halloween 16 Tips to Prevent Typical Halloween Injuries

When your little ghosts and goblins head out on Halloween, don’t let preventable accidents and injuries haunt you. A trip to the ER isn’t something you want your trick-or-treater to bring home.

“Injuries can run the gamut. In the past, we’ve seen kids who have been injured by a car as they run across the street. Other kids have injuries tied to their costumes. Costumes are either flammable, ill-fitting – which can cause a spill to the ground – or they include sharp objects like swords or knives that poke eyes or cause a deep cut,” explains Mitch Goldman, D.O., medical director of the Hilbert Pediatric Emergency Department at the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent.

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Wear clothing (costumes, wigs and accessories) that is bright, reflective and flame-retardant.

Use face paint instead of masks that can obstruct vision, and avoid wearing hats that will slide over the eyes.

Wear well-fitting costumes and shoes to avoid trips and falls.

Select swords, knives and similar costume accessories that are short, soft and flexible.

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Carry a flashlight or outline bags or costumes with reflective tape so children are more obvious to motorists.

Being street smart Dr. Goldman and his pediatric ED staff recommend the following tips to keep your little pumpkin’s light shining this Halloween:

Safely staying in character

52 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

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Accompany children walking door-to-door.

Have older children walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.

Go to houses on one side of the street before crossing at the top and going down the other side.

Cross streets at the corner and NEVER cross between parked cars.

Never walk near lit candles or luminaries.

Battling the (sugar) buzz

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Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.

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Eat only factory-wrapped treats.

Limit the amount of sweets.

Set rules that candy comes after a healthy snack or meal.

Label plastic sandwich bags for each day of the week for a set amount of time. Allow children to divide candy into labeled bags with the understanding that once the bag is empty, they need to wait until the next day for more.

Many kids start planning their Halloween costume weeks in advance.

But what about kids who are unable to trick-or-treat due to a medical condition?

St.Vincent hasn’t forgotten about them.

And, with your help, we can make their Halloween sweeter than they ever imagined!

Join us for Trick-orTreat for Kids Off Their Feet, which benefits the young patients at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

All you have to do is collect small “treats” for pediatric patients who are unable to trick-ortreat on Halloween night due to an illness, injury, surgery recovery

or frail immune system.

Below is a list of recommended “treats.”

(Please note that they must be new due to infection control issues.

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Baby dolls Boxed puzzles Bubbles Board games Character pillowcases DVDs Coloring books Crayons Hot Wheels Infant toys Legos Playing cards Princess crowns Rattles Silly Bandz

Simply deliver items to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent, located behind the main hospital at 2001 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

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indianapolis zoo

Spooky Activities Abound at the Indianapolis Zoo Halloween ZooBoo Promises Fun for All Ages Halloween ZooBoo, presented by AT&T Real Yellow Pages, will feature festivities beyond the regular Zoo visit including special shows, activity centers, and even a few trick-or-treat stations. Best of all, it’s included with regular Zoo admission and is free for members.

This year, the Indianapolis Zoo is hosting ten nottoo-terrifying days of ZooBoo, and here are some of the spooky activities that visitors can expect during their visit:

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Activities: Both of our pavilions host Halloween activities and games to enjoy. In the ZooBoo Activity Center, presented by Macy’s, there’s the traditional bounce house for the little guys, pumpkin bowling, and DJ monster music. Back in the North Pavilion, find a hay maze and spooky touch boxes where the visitor has to guess what’s inside. Could it be a bird’s feather or an elephant’s tooth?

* Every October, the Indianapolis Zoo features a wonderful family-friendly event that is second only to Christmas at the Zoo in terms of popularity. Halloween can be a fun time for kids of all ages, and as the public has increasingly embraced the spirit of the season, so has the Zoo.

Rides: In addition to all the activities, the Zoo’s rides will also be open! The carousel runs backwards as the Round-Go-Merry, the 3-D Ride, presented by AT&T Real Yellow Pages, will show a special version of Happy Feet, and everyone is invited to the Monster Bash via our Halloween Train Ride.

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Shows: Throughout the day, zookeepers conduct animal chats. Visitors won’t want to miss

the Spooktacular Stage Show with revolving entertainment! Another must-see event is the Halloween-themed dolphin show.

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Elephant Pumpkin Smash: Even the Zoo’s African elephants get in the spirit by smashing pumpkins and painting a picture. How does an elephant smash a pumpkin? Pretty much any way they want to, presumably (seriously, they use their feet primarily and it makes for a really big squish).

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Treats: Of course, Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without a few trick-or-treat stations.

The Zoo features a handful of candy stops around the Plains biome where all the little ghosts and goblins can receive their goodies.

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Warm Treats: Visitors who are looking for a bit more substantial food item can enjoy a caramel apple or hot cider available at the Zoo’s dining facilities.

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Zoo Grounds: Probably the best parts of ZooBoo are the decorations all around the Zoo. The staff loves this event and annually devotes hours and hours to decorating their assigned Zoo areas. With the beautiful autumn colors among the trees and plants, the fun atmosphere and the presence of all those cute kids in costume, this event is a winner!

INDYSCHILD.COM 53

A Guide to

Indiana

Fall

Festivals

Photo by Sara Morris

There are dozens of festivals that take place in the fall, capitalizing on the Midwest fall foliage and harvest traditions. Other festivals celebrate hobbies and interests of their creators including the Civil War and music enthusiasts. These festivals date back decades as organizers boast the thousands who turn out for the events. Other festivals take advantage of the

cool weather

and relaxed time of

year to celebrate their heritage. These include the Irish Fest and Greek Fest, to name a couple.

54 INDY’S CHILD * October 2010

Following is a brief overview of some of Indiana’s most popular festivals and a few you should consider visiting if you haven’t already.

47 years of haunting: The Children’s Museum Haunted House “Each year, The Children’s Museum Guild plans, creates and implements the annual Haunted House for the benefit of The Children’s Museum,” said Theresa Patterson, president of The Children’s Museum Guild.

“The 100 active women who make up the Guild contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year to the haunted house alone, in addition to the other initiatives the Guild does on behalf of the museum. Now in its 47th year, the Haunted House has been our most successful fundraiser since its beginnings in the early 1960s raising almost $450,000 in 2009.” The Haunted House is a wonderful tradition that’s been enjoyed for generations.

Age-sensitive tours are available as well.

Indy Parks is always ready for fun Perry Park Ice Rink opens Saturday, October 2. Indy Parks offers skating lessons, broomball leagues and hockey leagues as well as open skate hours. Hayrides will be held at Southeastway Park. “Celebrate fall with a hayride package including three hour use of a shelter, cozy campfire and tractorpulled hayride. This runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday from mid-September to early November,” said Jennifer McGilvray, public information office with Indy Parks.

Hauntless Halloween at Holliday Park allows families to hike along candlelit trails, visit forest inhabitants and enjoy a campfire.

Ghoulish Garf ield hosts a Halloween celebration with costumes, creepy crafts and a tour of the Haunted Conservatory.

Christian Park Halloween Festival will have a weekend of games, crafts, food and hayrides plus a Halloween Coloring Contest.

Broad Ripple Park is thinking outside-thepumpkin with a Youth Holiday Pottery Workshop, an introduction to clay work with a “Gobbling Turkeys” theme.

Back roads of Brown County Artist Studio Tour Brown County is as festive as you’d like to make it. Design your own event including a self-guided tour of Brown County’s breath-taking fall foliage. “Studios are open to the public for the entire month of October. Each studio has its own hours, some by appointment. There are 17 artists all from Brown County using mixed media, including recycled materials, clocks and more while using a wide variety of artistic techniques,” said Chris Gustin, Homestead Weaving studio owner, participant and organizer of the artist studio tour. “This unique event allows people to go to the studios they are interested in and purchase original artwork. I recommend people stop by the visitor center to help them make a

plan, including good eats between stops.”

Visit www.browncountystudiotour.com for more information.

James Whitcomb Riley Festival Enjoy one of the largest craft festivals in the state of Indiana with designated areas for food, commercial and flea market booths, plus fine arts, home arts/quilt, photography and decorated pumpkin shows. The Riley Festival follows years of tradition by celebrating the birthday of the “Hoosier Poet,” James Whitcomb Riley. Riley Festival is a showcase of a wide variety of talent that runs continuously Friday through Sunday.

“The Riley Fest is in its 42nd year with a mission to have a festival to celebrate the work and life of James Whitcomb Riley in Greenfield where he was born and raised.

There are over 465 booths with fine arts, photography and competitions and art shows.

We have a Poet on the Podium contest and living history for families to enjoy,” said Sarah Kesterson, Vice President of the Riley Festival Board. “We expect up to 70,000 people to entertain. All food is local with homemade custard, breaded tenderloins, oriental foods and more. We have special entries in our contests for James Whitcomb Riley themes, like in the home arts and fine arts and photography. Grade school children have a poster contest, which is ran by the Rotary Club. Everyone gets very involved in the festival and is proud of James Whitcomb Riley.”

The festival is held in Greenfield from October 7-10. Visit www.rileyfestival.com for more information.

Mississinewa 1812 It was the morning of December 18, 1812, the morning of the Battle of the Mississinewa. Above the sound of fighting, smell of gunpowder and the feel of death, rose one of the most significant chapters in the War of 1812 and dramatic moments in the history of Grant County, Indiana. All Civil War and history buffs must experience one of the most authentic war reenactments in the country in Grant County. The event takes place October 8-10 in Marion.

“This is a living history event in its 23rd year.

The War of 1812 is a Midwestern event with participants coming from California, Canada and the east coast. We do reenactments twice a day. We are set apart from other reenactments because of our attention to detail,” said Martin Lake, founder and CEO of the Mississinewa 1812 Festival. “There are a number of film crews from Canada, the U.S., the History Channel and TV movies who come to shoot our reenactments because of the authenticity and production. The detail is like no other. We are well thought out because we did a major amount of research at the Indiana Historical Society and State library and, of course, after fine tuning over the years.”

On over 21 acres, the festival welcomes a new attraction; the River Pirate Battles of INDYSCHILD.COM 55

1812. “Highway men were river pirates who would rob and destroy. We are reenacting history with this new event,” said Lake. Visit www.mississinewa1812.com for more information.

Get your fresh cider, pumpkins & popcorn Stuckey Farms in Sheridan is a working orchard and farm that welcomes visitors. Come and pick 27 different varieties of apples from over 4,000 trees, take a free wagon ride through the orchard, watch them press cider, eat in the covered picnic area, or browse through a Country Market full of in-season Indiana produce, honey, jellies, gifts – and of course, Indiana’s tastiest apples and cider. They also have a big u-pick area, where you’ll f ind the freshest produce for your dinner table with 15 acres of the plumpest pumpkins you’ve ever seen.

Other fantastic fall festivals include: October 2 – 3 Harvest Moon Festival, Sheridan (317-758-

5293 x134)

September 26 – October 31 Stoneycreek Farm Pumpkin Harvest Festival, Noblesville (317-773-3344)

56 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

October 2 – 3 Family Pumpkin Festival, Fishers (317595-3150)

October 2 – 3 & 9 – 10 Beasley’s Apple Festival, Danville

(317-745-4876)

October 2 – 3 Feast of the Hunter’s Moon Celebration, Lafayette (765-476-8411)

Date night suggestions Now with locations in Plainf ield, Fishers and Nashville, Indiana, wine enthusiasts can take a one-tank trip tour of them all. Call Thomas Winery at 317-837-9463 and ask about touring the Indy Wine Trail which will take you on a tour of seven award-winning wineries all within minutes of downtown Indianapolis. The Indy Wine Trail is an organization of seven area wineries, each with something different to offer. From urban settings to sprawling vineyards, you'll experience the many faces of Indiana vintners and a variety of wine styles. Pick up a Trail Passport at any Trail winery, then visit all seven wineries and receive a free gift, compliments of the Indy Wine Trail.

After speaking with so many event organizers, volunteers and participants, they all relished in the fact that generation after generation come to fall festivals and events. For Hoosiers, fall is a time to experience the best Indiana has

to offer, from the spectacular turning of the leaves to handpicked pumpkins and good outdoor fun.

Festivals conclude the busy fun of being outdoors before we welcome winter’s serenity. It is the twilight of the year after spring blooms have fallen and summer heat has subsided.

Fall is the time families reset their school-year schedules and f ine tune the chip dip for football games. We all savor the outdoor weather as it cools to a pleasant degree, making us long for one-tank getaways to local festivals.

Nikki Keever is a freelance writer and festivallover living in Noblesville, Indiana with her husband and three festival-loving children.

Want to find a list of

every fall festival?

Visit http://www.indianafestivals.org/ for a complete calendar and details!

Fall Fu n RUSSELL FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH, LLC Address: 12290 E. 191st Street, Noblesville, IN 46060 Contact: Laura Jackson-Russell Phone: 317-773-9078 Email: snekcihc@aol.com http://www.Russell-Farms.com Type of Event: Pumpkin Patch or Farmer's Market Directions: Russell Farms is located 2.5 miles East of State Road 37, in Noblesville, on 191st Street. Or the location is 4 miles West of State Road 32, on 191st Street, in Noblesville.

Admission Price: Only $5 each (2years old and younger are free) Hours or Dates: Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch Country Fall Festival is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday throughout October from 10AM-6PM. Please call for reservations for a night time group outing and/or weekday fieldtrips.

Wheel Chair Accessibility: Yes Acceptable for ages: Absolutely every age will enjoy being out on the farm!

Entertainment: Bluegrass music, Face painting, Sand art, Pumpkin decorating, etc.

Food Available: The Snack Shack serves hotdogs, hamburgers, walking tacos, stuffed breadsticks, brownies, cookies,chips, caramel apples, yummy apple cider, sodas, water What to Expect: Almost every single activity is included in the $5 each (2 and younger free) price of admission. Spend a safe day in the country at Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch. For more information please go to our website at www.Russell-Farms.com

Guide

Food Available: Organic brats, burgers, beer, wine, ice cream Vendors: Farmers market vendors selling fresh produce and homemade goods What to Expect: Fun for the whole family including live music from Polkaboy, hayrides, food, beverages, cow-petting and much more.

This German celebration is a truly great event for the whole family. Oktoberfest offers plenty of organic brats, burgers, beer, wine, and music from PolkaBoy, a 13-piece polka band playing from 1-4 p.m. The kids will enjoy hayrides, pumpkin patch, face painting, calf petting, and cow milking!

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival Address: Parke County Courthouse, Rockville, IN 47872 Contact: Cathy Harkrider Phone: 765-569-5226 Fax: 765-569-3900 Email: pci@ticz.com Website: http://wwwcoveredbridges.com Directions: Rockville Indiana is located at US 41 and US 36 Admission Price: Free Hours or Dates: Oct 8-17 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Wheel Chair Accessibility: Yes Acceptable for ages: All! Entertainment: Free entertainment scheduled daily on south side of courthouse Food Available: Wide variety of food prepared by local nonprofit organizations Vendors: All types of products What to Expect: Bus Tours available daily at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm to travel to see Coverd Bridges the shining stars of the festival.

At Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch Country Fall Festival you will enjoy the fresh country air, the sound of tractors pulling families and friends on haywagons out to the pumpkin patch, a clean and safe environment where kids and adults of all ages have plenty of room to run and have fun playing miniature golf, petting farm animals throughout this real working farm, try your hand at a cornmaze with a scavenger hunt theme (get a prize at the end), then try the huge 11 acre corn Free maps with driving directions are available from PCI showing the way to covered bridges and maze. Peddle carts for all ages (even adults!), a Country Store to browse through and find the communities celebrating the heritage of 1856 to 1920. perfect fudge, apple butter, country salsa, and fall decorations! And lots more game and activities for all ages!

The Trail of Terror Address: 11991 Florida Road, Fortville, IN 46040 Contact: Rick Witsken Phone: 317-529-1111 Email: gena8993@sbcglobal.net http://www.trailofterror.net Directions: Take I-69 to Exit 10, SR 238 (Verizon Exit) Turn right. Go 1/2 way through roundabout on SR238 for 2 miles, turn right on Florida Road, Trail on the right.

Admission Price: $15 (group discounts available) Hours or Dates: October 15th-16th, 21st-23rd, 28th-31st, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Open until midnight on Halloween night.

Acceptable for ages: 10 and older, parental discretion advised Entertainment: A Haunted Trail Food Available: Hotdogs, snacks and drinks What to Expect: What was that whispering sound over by the trees? Did you hear it? Come for the scariest walk you've ever been on. Not suitable for children under 10. 15-20 minute walk in total depending upon speed of walking.

"The Trail of Terror located near the Fishers/Geist area offers 20+ acres of heart pounding, gut wrenching, blood curdling terror. Experience the mysterious,cold, crisp air, in the middle of the deepest, darkest woods! Come if you dare to the most thrilling outdoor experience you will ever find."

Traders Point Creamery Address: 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville, IN 46077 Contact: Gail Aldon Phone: 317-733-1700 Email: events@tpforganics.com Website: http://www.traderspointcreamery.com Directions: Go west on 86th street exit off of 465. North on Moore Rd. Admission Price: $10, $8 in advance Hours or Dates: 11am to 5pm Wheel Chair Accessibility: Yes Acceptable for ages: All! Entertainment: Polka band, Hayrides, Cow-petting, Cow milking, Face-painting, and pumpkin patch INDYSCHILD.COM 57

October 2010

r e so u rc e s

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fun & wacky calendar

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

Ho m e m a d e Cookies D ay !

LIKE this calendar?

Let us know! E-mail editor@indyschild.com with your suggestions and comments!

Celebration Idea: Can't make it to a bed & breakfast? Try serving breakfast in bed or making a new recipe as a family!

4

5

6

World A Balloons Teacher's round the Day

10

11

12

Bring Your Fa c e Yo u r Teddy Fea r s Day Bear to

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Work or School Day

oc

o l at e c u p c

y da

b

24

llow Ha een

31

58 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

19

Chocolate Covered INSECTS Day

20

Monster Mash Day

Nationa l GROUCH Da y

21 m

pk

i n c h e e se

c

ay

ay

ogna

Evaluatefe i Your L Day

14

ed

ed

HOLIDAY BACKGROUND: This day was created to honor Jupiter Hammon's Birthday. Jupiter was the first Black American to have poetry published.

ol

the first twoway telephone conversation took place.

ak

ak

Black Poetry Day

18 ch

17

9 On this day in 1876,

Celebration Idea: After all schoolwork is complete, have a balloon sculpture contest!

e National Cak y Decorating Da

Change-ALight Day!

8

DENIM DAY

American Bandstand premiered.

World Day

Child HE ALTH Day

7

On this day in 1957,

pu

3 Bed & Brea kfast Day

2

15

16

22

23

CAPS LOCK Day

iPod Day

Celebration Idea: Over dinner, discuss something you really like about your life and something you'd like to change.

Greasy Foods Day

25

26

Howl at the Moon Night

27

28

Happy Birhtday Statue of LIberty!

29

30

Frankenstein International Bandana Friday Day

Potato Day

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

INDYSCHILD.COM 59

r e so u rc e s

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calendar

ctober 2010 Friday 1

Aidan’s Monte Carlo Night (SIDS event) Aidan’s Monte Carlo Night benefiting SIDS Center of Indiana To pre-register for $25, visit insids.org and click on Aidan’s Monte Carlo Night pay pal button.

Your name(s) will be added to the guest list. Day of event, $35 at the door. With your donation you receive appetizers, beer, wine, live music, 50 poker chips and a chance to enter a raffle. All proceeds benefit the local SIDS Center of Indiana. In loving memory of Aidan Robert Brehm and all SIDS babies. $25 dollars pre-pay; $35 at the door. Knights of Columbus Broad Ripple. 2100 e 71st St., indianapolis. www.insids. org. 317-513-3788.

Circle City Classic Pep Rally Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indianamuseum.org.

317-237-5222.

Mass Ave Fall Gallery Walk

daynurseryauxiliary.wordpress.com. 317-6369197 ext. 240.

Holliday Park Family Friday Night: Owl Prowl

Day Nursery Auxiliary Style Show and Luncheon The event benefits the children of the Day Nursery Early Care and Education Centers. This year’s theme is Leading the Way-In Style. Fashions are from The Secret Ingredient, Mary & Martha’s Exceedingly Chic Boutique and Day Furs. 10:30 am shopping, Noon Luncheon. 1:00 pm Fashion Show. $60. Oak Hill Mansion. 5801 W. 116th Street, Carmel. www.

Hemophilia of Indiana/ Odd Fellows Night

Holliday Park: Naturalist on the Loose

Gates Open: 5:00 pm Race: 8:00 pm.

Have you ever touched a toad? Smelled skunk cabbage?

Join us as we grab some of the coolest stuff from the nature center and head out into the park. We’ll even provide some fun activities you can do on your own.

No registration required, meet your naturalist under the gazebo at the Holliday Park playground. Free.

Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www.hollidaypark.org. 3173277180

Facility Member: $45, Program Member: $65. Baxter YMCA. 7900 S. Shelby Street, Indianapolis. www. indymca.org. 317.865.6454.

Walk to Defeat ALS Registration at 8:30 am and walk at 10:30 am. FREE. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.alsindiana.org. 317-915-9888.

Tired of spending your Friday night in front of the TV? Come out to Holliday Park to share in an adventure that is fun for the whole family. We will start with time around the campfire and then focus on the topic of the evening. We will provide roasting sticks and s’mores, you are welcome to bring hotdogs and make a meal of it. All ages, call 327-7180 to register. $5/individual.

Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www.hollidaypark.org. 3173277180.

Fishers Renaissance Faire Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 02, 2010 Through Sunday, October 03, 2010.Price: $10 adults; $5 children 5 - 12 Phone: 317-776-6000 Location: 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 http:// www.fishersrenfaire.com

Sunday 3

4th Annual Ok toberfest at Traders Point Creamery

Enjoy WonderLab’s monthly discount admission during extended evening hours! Pizza and juice are available for purchase. See the website for special activities. Special Non-member admission: $3 per person. WonderLab Museum. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington. www.wonderlab.org. 812-337-1337.

Fallfest on Pan Am Plaza Food Court

Last year more than 100,000 walkers from around the country joined in the fight against diabetes because they knew together we can stop diabetes. Each step they took and every dollar they raised helps the American Diabetes Association provide community based education programs, protect the rights of people with diabetes and fund critical research for a cure. Join us on our 4-mile walk around the canal to Stop Diabetes one step at a time. tnienaber@diabetes.org 317-3529226 ext 6738 Website: main.diabetes.org/stepoutindy.

IUPUI. 420 University Blvd., Indianapolis.

$28. Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com/ murat. 317-231-0000.

Fishers Renaissance Faire Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 02, 2010 Through Sunday, October 03, 2010.Price: $10 adults; $5 children 5 - 12 Phone: 317-776-6000 Location: 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 http:// www.fishersrenfaire.com

American Family Insurance Circle City Classic Parade FREE. Monument Circle. 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www.circlecityclassic.com. 317237-5222.

Walk to Fight Diabetes

Thirty Seconds to Mars - Concert

Saturday 2

FREE. Pan Am Plaza. 201 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis.

60 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

milking! Log on to www.traderspointcreamery. com for more information. Tickets are $10, $8 in advance. Traders Point Creamery. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville. www.tpforganics.com. 317-733-1700.

Safe Sitter Class

First Friday Evening

FREE. Massachusetts Avenue. Downtown’s NE Quad, Indianapolis.

$2. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indianamuseum.org. 317-23251637.

Finding Local Food Workshop

This celebration, in the German tradition, offers plenty of tantalizing organic food, beer and wine, and toetapping music from PolkaBoy, a rollicking 13-piece polka band playing from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There are plenty of activities the kids will enjoy too, like hayrides, a pumpkin patch, face painting, calf petting, and cow

Monday 4

Bookworms: Wacky Days (For children in grades 1 & 2) 4:00-4:45 p.m. and 6:307:15 p.m. What’s weird, wild, way out, and totally off

INDYSCHILD.COM 61

r e so u rc e s

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calendar

the wall? This week’s Bookworms program! B There or B Square. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room.

55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us.

Tuesday 5

Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures Brain Balance Achievement Centers offer the Brain Balance Program in 29 nationwide locations.

This proprietary, nonmedical program has been successful in helping hundreds of children who suffer from ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum Disorders. The parent lectures will discuss the 12-week afterschool program. Call and ask for Julie Peterson. Educators and professionals, such as occupational therapists, psychologists and pediatricians, are also encouraged to attend. Brain Balance Center of Indianapolis. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis. 317-843-9200.

Community Tuesday at White River State Park The first Tuesday of every month means discounts at all of your favorite attractions: Eiteljorg, NCAA, Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum and White River Gardens. Visit Website for details. Discount Tuesday. See Website for details or call. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.inwhiteriver.org. 800-665-9065.

56th St., Indianapolis. www.interdys.org. 317-9261450.

Indianapolis Area StepParents - Coffee Talk This is a group that hopes to provide a place for step-parents to support, give advice, ask questions, vent and get to know others that are in this unique, challenging and exciting position The first and third Wednesday of every month. Venues will change regularly and notification of location will be sent out the weekend before each meetup. A chance to just get together to meet, talk and vent with other step parents. Will change for each meeting. www.meetup.com/Indy-StepParents/calendar/14443121/, Indianapolis. www.meetup.com/Indy-Step-Parents/. 317555-5555.

Thursday 7

Target Free Family Night Fall Festival The cool crisp air. The changing of the leaves. The wonderful traditions. Welcome the fall season with crafts, activities, and music for the entire family. Sponsored generously by Target, the first Thursday of each month The Children’s Museum opens free of charge from 4-8 p.m. Free. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum.org. 317334-3322.

Apple Fest

Wednesday 6

Discover the Conner Prairie Alliance The Conner Prairie Alliance will be hosting two open houses (Oct. 6th and 19th) for prospective members who would like to learn more about this dynamic group of women who support Conner Prairie through creative fundraising. Learn about the Alliance, take a ride on the 1859 Balloon Voyage, and tour The Apple Store -- the organization’s primary fundraiser from September October every year. Proceeds of more than $1 million since 1982 benefit the museum. Free. Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. connerprairie.org/Join-And-Support/Alliance. aspx. 317-776-6000.

Dyslexia Awareness Celebration Indiana branch of International Dyslexia Association sponsors Award winning documentary film maker, Harvey Hubbell V who will inspire, educate and motivate by sharing parts of his soon to be released Dislecksia:The Movie and cleaver humor and levity.

Free. Cathedral High School Auditorium. 5225 East

62 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

Monument Circle. 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis.

317-224-1017.

Sign Language Basics for Young Ones. College Avenue Library. 4180 N. College Ave, Indianapolis. www. imcpl.org. 317-275-4320.

Friday 8

Kids’ Night Out $10 - $20. West District Branch YMCA. 7811 W. Morris St., Indianapolis. www.indymca.org. 317484-9622.

Scary Stories on the Canal $10 adults; $5 children 5 - 12. Indiana History Center.

450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis. www.storytellingarts. org. 317-232-1882.

Chili on the Circle

Indianapolis Art Center. 820 E. 67th St, Indianapolis. www.indplsartcenter.org. 317-255-2464.

Dance! Lenape Indian Traditions Join members of the Lenape Tribe from Oklahoma as they bring to life their cultural and dance traditions.

Experience a combination of Pow Wow and Social Dances as you feel the beat of the drum. Guests will be invited to participate in some dances. Admission is $13/adults, $12/seniors 65+, $9/youth (ages 2-12), free for members and youth under 2. Call 317.776.6006 or visit connerprairie.org for more information. Admission is $13/adults, $12/seniors 65+, $9/youth (ages 2-12),.

Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www. connerprairie.org/. 317-776-6000.

Monument Circle. 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis.

317-327-6043.

$15 advance; $20 door. Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis. www.storytellingarts. org. 317-232-1882.

Stars at Night

Family Nature Day: Bats

Free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

Join us and learn about bats, bust some bat myths and make a batty craft -- just in time for Halloween Registration required. $1 per person. Garfield Park Conservatory. 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis. www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org. 317327-7580.

Saturday 9

Indy Author Fair: Publishing Practice Student writers in grades 5 - 12 are invited to bring an original piece of writing to publish online and take home on a free jump drive. They’ll learn how to create an audio or video broadcast of their work to share with others. The Indy Author Fair is presented

by IMCPL and the Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award, a program of the IMCPL Foundation, with programmatic support by the Indiana Humanities Council and the Writers’ Center of Indiana. This program will be held in the Learning Curve. FREE. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www. imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

The Original and Fabulous GermanFest

$32.50. Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com/ murat. 317-231-0000.

Christmas in October Craft Fair Date: Saturday, October 09, 2010 Times: 9:00 AM 3:00 PM Location: 13000 Promise Road, Fishers, IN Website: http://www.fishersfreedomfestival.org

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes Military Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

Sugar Creek Twp. Fire and Life Safety Open House Free fun filled day of demonstrations and learning.

Free Popcorn, Kids Fire fighter combat challenge, Free antique fire truck ride, St. Vincent stat flight emergency helicopter, Fire extinguisher demonstrations, Exit Drills in the home demos, and much much more. Come learn new ways to keep you and your family safe but have a great time doing it. FREE. Sugar Creek Township Fire Station 45. 3545 S. 600, New Palestine. 317-861-5721.

"INDIANA VOICES IN SONG"—A CHILDREN’S CHORAL FESTIVAL

Resume Help: Getting Noticed free. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

Shooter Jennings - Concert

Sign Language Basics for Young Ones

Art on Fire pyrotechnics show

Disquieting, Disturbing and Dreadful Tales on the Canal

Louis C.K.

$20. Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com/ murat. 317-231-0000.

new this year, the Bavarian Stone Lift Contest Event and ticket information is available at www. athenaeumfoundation.org or by calling (317) 6552755. All proceeds from GermanFest will support the mission of the Athenaeum Foundation. $4 for advance tickets and $5 at the door. Kids 12 and under are. The Athenaeum. 401 East Michigan St, Indianapolis. www. athenaeumfoundation.org. 317-655-2755.

Enjoy all things German with the day-long, indoor/ outdoor festival including a dachshund race, yodeling contest, beer, German food and other refreshments, German music and dance, booths, cultural displays, children’s activities, silent auction, prizes and

The workshop is open to elementary and middle school children (ages 8-13 with unchanged voices) from Tippecanoe and surrounding counties. Preregistration is required through the children’s public or private music teachers and enrollment is limited to 10 per school.

Students will rehearse with the Bach Chorale Children’s Choir, the Anderson area Children’s Choir, and the Kokomo Children’s Choir and will perform three choral works by Indiana composers. For more information, call 765-429-5151, write bachchorale@comcast.net,

INDYSCHILD.COM 63

64 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

r e so u rc e s or see www.bachchoralechildrenschoir.org/.

General admission $5. Bob Rohrman Center for the Performing Arts,. 1801 South 18th Street, Lafayette. www.bachchoralechildrenschoir.org.

Free Public Family Tours The IMA offers free, 30-minute tours for families with children of all ages on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. FREE. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis. imamuseum.org.

317-923-1331.

Sunday 10

Family Pumpkin Festival

Colts vs Chiefs Various prices. Lucas Oil Stadium. 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. www.colts.com.

Monday 11

Day of the Dead: Skull Masks Children ages five and up, teens and adults are invited create an oversized, funny drawing of a skull on colored paper using ancient Aztec and traditional Mexican symbols. Day of the Dead is a Mexican and Central American celebration where children play an important role in honoring the dead and celebrating the continuity of life. This activity is made possible in part with support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Call 2754530 to register. FREE. Wayne Library. 198 S. Girls School Rd, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-2754530.

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) Coffee Talk - North

Our annual family pumpkin festival is back. Help us prepare for our Halloween Hikes by carving pumpkins.

While here, join us for pumpkin themed games and crafts. Bring the tools and talent to carve the pumpkins we provide. Your creations will line the trails for our Halloween Hikes Rain or shine. Pre-registration is appreciated. Free. Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve.

10410 Hague Rd., Fishers. www.fishers.in.us/ parks. 317-595-3150.

Come and receive some extra support or to chat all topics related to autism and meet other TACA families.

(Located at Hamilton Town Center Mall, exit 10 off I-69). FREE. Paradise Bakery and Cafe. 13230 Harrell Parkway, Suite 400, Noblesville. www.tacanow.org.

949-640-4401 Foundation Office-.

Tuesday 12

Library Kids Adventures: Everything Scary (For children in grades 3-5) We dare you to come join us. That is, if you aren’t too afraidÖ. Carmel Clay

Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us.

Market Research for Starting Your Small Business free. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

Taking the Mystery Out of College Funding Paying for college can be expensive and confusing.

This workshop will help to make the process easier to understand by identifying where to get aid and determining your best strategy to pay for your child’s college education Registration is required at www. indycollegefunding.org. Carmel Clay Public Library Program Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.indycollegefunding.org.

Down Syndrome Indiana D.A.D.S. Meeting Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome, or D.A.D.S. is a Down Syndrome Indiana group of fathers with children who happen to have Down syndrome.

We hesitate to call our self a "support group", even though we do, in many ways, support each other.

We prefer to think of D.A.D.S. as an "action group."

You won’t find us in a church basement drinking warm coffee and whining about having children with Down syndrome. Instead, you’ll find us out in the community coaching our kid’s sports teams, participating in our children’s IEPs, volunteering at local Down syndrome fund raising events, and even sponsoring fund raising events of our own. Join us for dinner on us, to discuss the unique challenges and joys of fathering an individual with Down syndrome.

For more information about D.A.D.S contact Ray Glowner at: rayglowner@sbcglobal.net. The D.A.D.S.

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facebook group is located at: www.facebook. com/group.php?gid=110288739806. Free.

Loon Lake Lodge. 6880 E 82nd St, Indianapolis. www.dadsnational.org.

Wednesday 13

Behind You Are There: Creating the Citizen’s Market Eloise Scroggins, director, exhibitions research and development, will discuss how the Citizens Market featured in the 1945 Hoosier Home Front experience was re-created in painstaking detail and how clever use of eBay as well as old-fashioned historical research strategies led to what you experience today. Free-with admission to the Indiana Experience. Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis. www.indianahistory.org. (317) 232-1878.

Best of the Season Cooking Class Do you need some healthy inspiration in the kitchen?

The Optimal Wellness Center invites you to join us for our monthly cooking class with Nutritionist and Raw Foods Chef Sarah Stout and find the secret of healthy and delicious meals In this class, we will focus on the foods of the season, including winter squash, pears, apples, and root vegetables. Simple and scrumptious recipes for busy lifestyles will be provided. Please call 317-870-7220 to pre-register. $35. Optimal Wellness Center. 4545 Northwestern Dr, Ste. a, Zionsville. www.WeCreateWellness.com. 317-870-7220.

Book Buddies 4:00-4:45 p.m. Storytime for children ages 4 Kindergarten with super stories and cool crafts. Carmel

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Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures Brain Balance Achievement Centers offer the Brain Balance ProgramÆ in 29 nationwide locations. This proprietary, non-medical program has been successful in helping hundreds of children who suffer from ADD/ ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum Disorders. The parent lectures will discuss the 12-week afterschool program, which first includes a comprehensive assessment of all areas of a child’s brain and body function. Then, by integrating physical and cognitive exercises with dietary change, Brain Balance Achievement Centers are able to correct the child’s underlying brain imbalance, improve function and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors. To register for a parent lecture, please call 317-843-9200 and ask for Julie Peterson. Educators and professionals, such as occupational therapists, psychologists and pediatricians, are also encouraged to attend. Brain Balance Center of Indianapolis. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis. 317-843-9200.

Community Night: Sand Painting $3. Indianapolis Art Center. 820 E. 67th St, Indianapolis. www.indplsartcenter.org. 317-255-2464.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live

Two shows: 3pm and 6pm. Visit www.livenation. com/edp/eventId/422656 for more information on the show. Old National Center (Formerly Murat).

502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation. com/murat. 317-632-7469.

Greenwood La Leche League Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children are invited to the Greenwood La Leche League monthly meeting Wednesday 14, at 9:30 a.m., held at the Methodist Medical Plaza, 8830 South Meridian Street (use Community Room entrance on the south side of the building). Discussion topics include the advantages of breastfeeding, the family and the breastfed baby, the art of breastfeeding and avoiding difficulties, and nutrition and weaning. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers with questions are encouraged to attend. La Leche League offers mother-to-mother support and information about breastfeeding. A lending library of books on childbirth, breastfeeding, parenting, and nutrition will be available. 9:30-11:00 a.m. Free.

Methodist Medical Plaza, Community Room. 8830 South Meridian Street, Greenwood. www.llli.org.

(317) 784-8286.

Moms and More Meeting at Center for Inquiry Snacks, conversation, light exercise, and reflection.

Children are welcome with volunteers available to care for children while mothers converse. 10-11:30am.

Free. Center for Inquiry. 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis. www.mommymoon.org. 317-6548684.

Thursday 14

Day of the Dead: Sugar Skulls 66 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

Children ages five and up, teens and adults are invited to decorate pre-made, molded skulls with colored icing, metallic foils, buttons and feathers. Day of the Dead is a Mexican and Central American celebration where children play an important role in honoring the dead and celebrating the continuity of life. This activity is made possible in part with support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Call 275-4460 to register. FREE. Lawrence Library. 7898 N. Hague Rd, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4460.

Hauntless Halloween Hikes start every 15 minutes from 5:45 until 8 p.m.

Registration is required; call early as hikes fill quickly. $7/adults, $5/children 12 and under, children under 2 are free. Holliday Park. 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis. www.hollidaypark.org. 317-3277180.

Friday 15

Halloween Hikes at Ritchey Woods Join us for a family friendly night hike. This year, you’ll talk with animals that have come to be associated with Halloween, but they’ll tell you why they are really not scary at all. Arrive early or stay after your hike for time around the campfire and fun crafts for the kids.

Bring food and drinks for the campfire, like hotdogs or s’more fixins to have an outdoor dinner, and we’ll provide marshmallows, roasting sticks, and snacks "Animals” provided by Lawrence Central Players. Must preregister. $4 per Fishers resident; $6 per non-resident.

Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve. 10410 Hague Rd., Fishers. www.fishers.in.us/parks. 317-595-3150.

use of eBay as well as old-fashioned historical research strategies led to what you experience today. Free-with admission to the Indiana Experience. Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis. www.indianahistory.org. (317) 232-1878.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will kick-off at the event and Colts Tight End Dallas Clark will serve as the master of ceremonies. Indiana Roof. 140 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indianaroof. com. 317-236-1870.

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) Autism Journey Seminar

Tuesday 19

The goal of the one-day Autism Journey Seminar is to provide parents and caretakers the “jump start” they need at the beginning of their journey from parents who have “been there, done that.” In addition to sage advice, parents who attend will receive: an overview of beginning therapies and biomedical intervention, where to go for what information, and recommended first steps. The seminar will be given by experienced parents who volunteer their time in providing the education new parents need. $20 Registration per person or $35 per couple. 1291 n Airport Road, Greenwood. www. tacanow.org. 949-640-4401 Foundation Office-.

Celtic Thunder $35-$55. Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation. com/murat. 317-231-0000.

Great Pumpkin Carving

The President’s Theatre presents Victorian Theatre

by Candlelight: “Ghost Tales of the Witch and Famous” Audience members join Ghost Trackers Interdimensional to purge the Harrison Home of ghosts from around the country. Adults $10; students (ages 6 to 17) $6. President Benjamin Harrison Home.

1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis. www.pbhh.org.

317.631.1888.

Urban Fresh

Ages 4+ Cost $8. Raymond Park. 8575 E. Raymond St., Indianapolis. www.indygov.org/eGov/City/ DPR/Parks/List/Raymond+Park+-+Indy+Island. htm. 317-327-7275.

National FFA Band Free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

$7 adults; $6.50 seniors; $4 children ages 3 - 12. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indianamuseum.org. 317-232-1637.

Moms Club Fishers Southeast

The President’s Theatre presents Victorian Theatre

by Candlelight: “Ghost Tales of the Witch and Famous”

Sunday 17

Wednesday 20

Audience members join Ghost Trackers Interdimensional to purge the Harrison Home of ghosts from around the country. Adults $10; Students (ages 6 to 17) $6. President Benjamin Harrison Home.

1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis. www.pbhh.org.

317.291.1878.

Fundraising walk at Michael Carroll Stadium at IUPUI campus downtown. 1 and 3 mile walk routes available.

Help support the Alzheimer’s AssociationSign up to walk as a group or form a team. For more information on the event, please contact Betsy Yeo at the Alzheimer’s Association at 317-575-9620 or at betsy.yeo@alz.org.

IUPUI Stadium. iupui Campus, Indianapolis. www. alz.org. 317-575-9620.

Trail of Terror Beginning Oct. 15 and continuing on select nights, Team Witskin will host their annual “Trail of Terror” in Fishers, IN. Fri - Sat, Oct. 15th and 16th. Thurs, Fri, Sat, Oct. 21, 22, 23. Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Oct. 28, 29, 30, 31. Open until Midnight Halloween night. $15.

Trail of Terror. 11991 Florida Rd., Fortville. www. trailofterror.net. 317-372-1656.

Saturday 16

A Farmer’s Chic Buffet RSVP Required. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indianamuseum. org. 317-232-1637.

Amazing Race (Family Style) Modeled after the popular tv show with challenges, pit stops, detours and intersections. All ages welcome. $30 per team. Broad Ripple Park. 1550 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis. www.indygov.org/eGov/City/ DPR/Parks/List/Broad+Ripple+Park.htm. 317327-7161.

Behind You Are There: Creating the Citizen’s Market Eloise Scroggins, director, exhibitions research and development, will discuss how the Citizens Market featured in the 1945 Hoosier Home Front experience was re-created in painstaking detail and how clever

2010 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk

Band of Horses $22. Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com/ murat. 317-231-0000.

Pancreatic Cancer Walk IUPUI Natatorium. 901 W. New York St, Indianapolis. www.sportcomplex.iupui.edu. 317-274-3518.

Plants that Bite Back Can plants really bite? Come learn abou carnivorous plants and other unique plants found at the Conservatory -- even see live plants in action Ages: 5+ Registration required. $3. Garfield Park Conservatory.

2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis. www. garfieldgardensconservatory.org. 317-327-7580.

Monday 18

Art of Mexican Cuisine $3. Indianapolis Art Center. 820 E. 67th St, Indianapolis. www.indplsartcenter.org. 317-255-2464.

Evening with the Stars Gala The Make-A-Wish FoundationÆ of Greater Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, Indiana Region will host its fifth annual Evening with the Stars gala at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The event features a VIP reception, live and silent auctions, cocktails and a gourmet dinner.

Free. 10401 East 116th St., Fishers. momsclubfse@ yahoo.com. 572-5056.

National FFA Talent Showcase Free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

Indianapolis Area StepParents - Coffee Talk This is a group that hopes to provide a place for stepparents to support, give advice, ask questions, vent and get to know others that are in this unique, challenging and exciting position The first and third Wednesday of every month. Venues will change regularly and notification of location will be sent out the weekend before each meetup. A chance to just get together to meet, talk and vent with other step parents. Will change for each meeting. www.meetup.com/IndyStep-Parents/, Indianapolis. www.meetup.com/ Indy-Step-Parents/. 317-555-5555.

Thursday 21

Fishers Parks & Recreation: Safe Sitter nationally recognized

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program teaches sitters how to have fun with children, recognize a medical emergency and know the appropriate action to take, how to handle specific ages, safety for the sitter and the children, preventing problem behavior, and the business of babysitting. For ages 1113. Min 8/ Max 16. Registration ends 10/14. R$20/ NR$30. Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building.

1 Park Drive, Fishers. www.fishers.in.us/parks.

(317)595-3150.

family event. Free. Williams Park. 940 S. Locust Lane, Brownsburg. www.indymca.org. 317-4849622.

Medical Center. 11700 N. Meridian St., Carmel. www.clariannorth.com. 317-688-3250.

E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317275-4100.

National FFA Talent Showcase

Kid’s Blast: a Family Wellness Fair

Moms and More Meeting at Center for Inquiry

Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons

Audience members join Ghost Tracks Interdimensional to purge the Harrison Home of ghosts from around the country. Friday and Saturday performances: 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Adults $10; Students (ages 6 to 17) $6. President Benjamin Harrison Home.

1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis. www.pbhh.org.

317.631.1888.

Join the Optimal Wellness Center in celebrating healthy living for the entire family Our health fair features a few of our favorite kid-friendly local businesses, free health screenings, fun yoga and fitness classes for the whole family, yummy snacks, games, prizes and more Mom and Dad are invited to participate in a healthy cooking class on kid-friendly foods from 4-6pm. You won’t want to miss this day of fun and healthy habits For more information, visit www.WeCreateWellness.com. $5 yoga class. $25 cooking class. Please call 317-8707220 for more information. $5 yoga class $25 cooking class. Optimal Wellness Center. 4545 Northwestern Dr, Ste. a, Zionsville. www.WeCreateWellness. com. 317-870-7220.

Snacks, conversation, light exercise, and reflection.

Children are welcome with volunteers available to care for children while mothers converse. 1011:30am. Free. Center for Inquiry. 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis. www.mommymoon.org.

317-654-8684.

$67-$87. Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation. com/murat. 317-231-0000.

Kid-Tested, Kid-Approved Each fall kids from around Indianapolis gather and play with their favorite toys in The Children’s Museum Store...then they cast their ballots. Kid-Tested, Kid-Approved is designed to make gift-giving as simple as 1-2-3. Free. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www. childrensmuseum.org. 317-334-3322.

National FFA Chorus free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

Southside Mothers and More Chapter Meetings Indianapolis Southside Mothers and More is a nonprofit organization that cares for the caregiver. Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month. If you would like more information on our group send an e-mail to our membership chairperson Faith at mothersandmore39@comcast.net. 7-9pm. Methodist Medical Plaza. 8830 S. Meridian St, Indianapolis. mothersandmore39.home.comcast.net. (317) 862-3525.

Friday 22

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT LIVE Following weeks of heavy competition and breathtaking performances on NBC’s #1 hit television show America’s Got Talent, top fan-voted performers from this season’s cast will embark on the first ever nationwide tour, America’s Got Talent Live, which includes a one-night-only performance at Indianapolis’s Clowes Memorial Hall on Friday 22. This all-star roster of the country’s most dynamic entertainers, one of whom will soon be crowned as this season’s winner, will join tour host Jerry Springer throughout 25 cities.

Tickets to this premiere event, presented by AEG Live, are on sale now and can be purchased via agt. aeglive.com/. Clowes Memorial Hall. 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis. www.cloweshall.org. 317-940-6444.

Halloween Extravaganza Bonfire

Free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

The President’s Theatre presents Victorian Theatre

by Candlelight: “Ghost Tales of the Witch and Famous”

Ladies’ Night Out Ladies, take an evening away from the stresses of life and enjoy some time for yourself at the OWC Our Ladies’ Night features a variety of wellness services from the best natural wellness businesses in our community. This month, we’re pleased to offer the following services: massage therapy, facials, all-natural nail care, reiki, foot bath detoxification, ear candling, waxing (eyebrows), complimentary skin consultations, and complimentary stress analysis. Please call OWC at (317) 870-7220.

Services begin at $10 - please call for pricing details.

Optimal Wellness Center. 4545 Northwestern Dr, Ste. A, Zionsville. www.WeCreateWellness.com. 317870-7220.

Saturday 23

Buddy Walk 2010 Donations accepted. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indianadsf.org.

317-457-9874.

Sunday 24

Holliday Park Fall Festival

Race for all Races

Discover birds of prey, meet native animals and admire the autumn colors at Holliday Park’s annual Fall Festival. Join us between noon and 5:00 pm for s’mores, crafts and scavenger hunts. For a schedule of programs, inlcuding live animal and insect presentations, check www.hollidaypark.org. Sponsored by Friends of Holliday Park. All ages, no registration required. Free.

Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www.hollidaypark.org. 3173277180.

$20 pre-registered. Military Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.tuxbro.com.

Hometown Roots Concert Series

The Big Draw @ The Learning Curve

Free. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

With the theme of “Make Your Mark on the Future,” families and children are invited to use digital drawing tablets, laptop computers, drawing software and more to create drawings or animations of their own. Finished drawings will be printed to take home, featured on the Learning Curve’s website, and will represent the city in the Campaign for Drawing’s 10th Annual Big Draw!

Call 275-4222 to register. FREE. Central Library. 40

Pumpkins and Hayrides

Mercado! www.eiteljorg.org. Eiteljorg Museum. 500 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.eiteljorg.org/.

317-636-WEST.

Completely FREE event featuring hayrides, pumpkin painting (while supplies last), bounce houses, games, food and FUN Kids costume contest starts at 4:00. Join us for some family fun. FREE. Zionsville Lions Park.

115 S. Elm, Zionsville. www.zionsvillelions.com.

317-697-9563.

Day of the Dead: Sugar Skulls Children ages five and up, teens and adults are invited to decorate pre-made, molded skulls with colored icing, metallic foils, buttons and feathers. Day of the Dead is a Mexican and Central American celebration where children play an important role in honoring the dead and celebrating the continuity of life. This activity is made possible in part with support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Call 275-4490 to register.

Shelby Library. 2501 Shelby St, Indianapolis. www. imcpl.org. 317-275-4490.

Dove Real BeautyWorkshop for Girls The Dove Real Beauty Workshops for Girls is an initiative of the Dove Self Esteem Fund. The workshops are fun, educational and interactive sessions for young girls ages 8 - 17 and their adult female mentors: participants will learn how society creates “ideal” images of beauty, how to appreciate their own unique beauty, values of inner beauty,how to project a healthy and positive self image and other useful selfesteem and confidence building skills. Visit www.spa-tastic.com for more details. Jordan YMCA. 8400 Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis. www.indymca.org. 317-253-3206.

Heartsaver Course at Clarian North

Join us in your favorite costume, at the West District YMCA’s third annual HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA BONFIRE. This is a free event for all ages. Come interact with creatures as you twist through our haunted playground, enjoy creepy treats, play games, sing camp songs, share stories, and have your family photo taken to remember this free

The Heartsaver AED program teaches CPR, AED use, and how to help a choking adult, infant and child victim. It is specifically designed for lay-rescuers who are required to obtain a course completion card for a CPR course. The card is valid for two years. Cost: $50 Registration: 317-688-3250 Questions? E-mail Mary at mluciani@clariannorth.com. Available Class Date: Saturday 23rd, 9am-12 noon . $50. Clarian North

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Safe Sitter Basic Safe Sitter is a medically accurate program that teaches boys and girls ages 11-13 how to handle emergencies when caring for children. This class teaches safe and nurturing child care techniques, behavior management skills, and appropriate responses to medical emergencies.

Upon completion of this class the participant will receive a Safe Sitter manual and completion card.

Please bring your lunch, drink and any snacks that you will want for the day. Members:$ 50 Guests: $75.

Westview Healthplex Sports Club. 3660 Guion Road, Indianapolis. www.westviewhealthplex.org. 317920-7412.

Monday 25

Claude Bourbon Free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

Fishers Parks & Recreation: Halloween Happenings Little goblins and ghouls are invited to this day of Halloween happenings! We will read stories, play ghoulish games and make Halloween crafts to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Children are encouraged to wear costumes and goodies will be given to all who attend.

Please list any food allergies at the time of registration. For ages 6-11. Min 12/Max 30. Registration ends 10/18. R$14/NR$21. Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building. 1 Park Drive, Fishers. www.fishers.in.us/parks.

(317)595-3150.

IHS Author Series Indiana: One Pint at a Time

occupational therapists, psychologists and pediatricians, are also encouraged to attend. Brain Balance Center of Indianapolis. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis. 317-843-9200.

The Script with Joshua Radin $22. Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com/ murat. 317-231-0000.

Wednesday 27

Hooray for Halloween (For children in grade K and younger with their caregivers 5:00-5:30 p.m. and 7:00-7:30 p.m. Don a costume and come to the library for some slightly spooky Halloween tales. This program is for children in Kindergarten and younger and their caregivers. Free tickets are required and will be available online or at the Children’s Reference Desk beginning Wednesday 20. Carmel Clay Public Library Program Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us.

Families and children of all ages are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and visit the Smallest Halloween House in Fountain Square to get a treat. Parents of small ghosts and goblins can register for a Bunny Book Bag card. FREE. Fountain Square Library. 1066 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4390.

2nd Annual Ghosts & Goblins 5K/2K & Wellness Fair 5k Run/2K Walk through Carmel’s Arts and Design District. Hosted by Carmel Clay Education Foundation, this event benefits education grants for Carmel Clay Schools. Registration fees for the run/walk range from $10 to $25. Visit www.kenlongassoc.com to register. A Family Wellness Fair, organized by the Carmel High School Wellness Committee, will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., in the CHS cafeteria.

Admission to the Wellness Fair is free. Registration fees for the run/walk range from $10 to $25. Carmel High School. 520 East Main St., Carmel. www. kenlongassoc.com. 317-844-9961 ext.1009.

Marion “Frank” Walker, one of a very few living survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima, will discuss the flag raising atop Mount Suribachi as well as the horrible conditions that were caused by the war. Copies of Mr. Walker’s book, Preparing for the Rain on Iwo Jima Isle, will be offered for sale after the presentation.

Registration not required.

For more information, call the Reference desk at 8443362. Carmel Clay Public Library Program Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www. carmel.lib.in.us. 317-844-3362.

Trick ‘or Treat with IUPUI Volleyball

Speaker: Cecilia Coble, TACA Indiana Co-Coordinator Surviving the Holidays - Cecilia Coble will discuss gift ideas, gift opening tips, school holiday parties, cooking a GFCF holiday meal, tips for traveling and tips for handling stress during the holidays. FREE. 1291 n Airport Road, Greenwood. www.tacanow.org.

949-640-4401

Athenaeum Pops Orchestra Free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

West District ymca Safe Sitter

Dia De los Muertos Festival: A Celebration of Remembrance

Thursday 28

Dove Real BeautyWorkshop for Girls

Safe Sitter training is for boys and girls ages 11 to 14. The course will be held Saturday 30 at the Avon United Methodist Church. Cost is $65.00 per student and class space is limited. Participants must pre-register for this program. To register, please call the West District Branch YMCA at 317-484-9622, stop by at 7811 W. Morris St., Indianapolis, fax registration form to 317484-2360, or visit us online at www.indymca.org.

Fee: $65.00. Avon United Methodist Church. 6850 e us Hwy. 36, Avon. www.indymca.org. 317-484-9622.

Kenny Phelps Trio Free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

Friday 29

2010 Hoosier Association for Behavior Analysis Conference (HABA) Schedule Workshops: Friday 29, 2010 General Conference: Saturday 30 - Sunday 21, 2010 Multiple Tracks. Poster Session: Saturday 30, 2010 Social "HABAween": Saturday Evening 30, 2010. $75 $200. Embassy Suites North. 3912 Vincennes Road, Indianapolis. www.hoosieraba.com. 317-872-7700.

Tuesday 26

Halloween Costume Party

Craig Brenner Duo Free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

Bill Price

Free. Indianapolis Artsgarden. 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.indyarts.org. 317-624-2563.

Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures

68 INDY’S CHILD * OCTOBER 2010

Scare in the Square

Preparing for the Rain on Iwo Jima Isle

FREE guests with costumes; $5 adults; $2 ages 12 and under. IUPUI Natatorium.

901 W. New York St, Indianapolis. www. iupuijags.com. 317-274-3518.

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) Monthly Educational Meeting

Want to learn more about Indiana’s growing network of breweries and craft beers? Author Douglas Wissing will discuss the history of beer and beer making in Indiana in what is sure to be a fun and entertaining conversation. 12 Noon. FREE. Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis. www.indianahistory.org.

(317) 232-1878.

Brain Balance Achievement Centers offer the Brain Balance Program in 29 nationwide locations. This proprietary, non-medical program has been successful in helping hundreds of children who suffer from ADD/ ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum Disorders. The parent lectures will discuss the 12-week afterschool program, which first includes a comprehensive assessment of all areas of a child’s brain and body function. Then, by integrating physical and cognitive exercises with dietary change, Brain Balance Achievement Centers are able to correct the child’s underlying brain imbalance, improve function and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors. To register for a parent lecture, please call 317-843-9200 and ask for Julie Peterson. Educators and professionals, such as

Saturday 30

$7 adults; $6.50 seniors; $4 children ages 3 - 12. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indianamuseum.org. 317-232-1637.

The Dove Real Beauty Workshops for Girls is an initiative of the Dove Self Esteem Fund. The workshops are fun, educational and interactive sessions for young girls ages 8 - 17 and their adult female mentors: participants will learn how society creates “ideal” images of beauty, how to appreciate their own unique beauty, values of inner beauty,how to project a healthy and positive self image and other useful selfesteem and confidence building skills. Visit www.spa-tastic.com for more details. Fishers YMCA. 9012 E. 126th St., Fishers. www.indymca.org. 317-595-9622.

El Dia de los Muertos FREE. Indianapolis Art Center. 820 E. 67th St, Indianapolis. www.indplsartcenter.org. 317-255-2464.

Halloween Festival Day at Irvington!

As part of the Irvington Community Halloween Festival, children of all ages are invited for a variety of programs. Programs include Abracadabra Magic at 10:30 a.m., Animalia (live animals) at 12 noon, Silly Safaris (live animals) at 1:30 p.m., and Indiana Jim’s Reptile Experience (live animals) at 3 p.m. From 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., children can make a free pot with potter Doug Edwards. Also, a number of entertainers will perform throughout the day outside the library. FREE. Irvington Library. 5625 E. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4450.

Indiana State School Music Association Marching Band Finals Everyone is invited to the Greenwood Community Center for this FREE family event which features a costume contest, hayrides, kid’s carnival and cookout.

Each child recieves a goody bag. Dress up in your costume and join us for Halloween Fun. FREE. Greenwood Community Center. 100 Surina Way, Greenwood. www.greenwood.in.gov/parks.

317-881-4545.

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Indiana Convention Center. 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis. www.icclos.com. 317-262-3400.

ISSMA Marching Band State Finals Various prices. Lucas Oil Stadium. 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. 317-262-8600.

Liza Minnelli with the ISO $35-$75. Hilbert Circle Theatre. 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www.indianapolissymphony.org.

317-262-1100.

The Art of Meditation Meditation is for everyone Learn more about the art of meditation and how to maximize your benefits from incorporating it into your wellness lifestyle. Meditation is a heightened sense of awareness, accomplished by using concentration, inner focus and total mind/ body relaxation. Combating the many stresses that we encounter daily, meditation helps to relieve tension and stress, as well as optimize concentration and mental health. Visit www.WeCreateWellness.com for more information $15. Donations accepted for those with financial hardship. Please call 317-870-7220 to reserve your spot. $15. Donations accepted for those with financial hardship. Optimal Wellness Center.

4545 Northwestern Dr, Ste. a, Zionsville. www.

WeCreateWellness.com. 317-870-7220.

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47th Annual Haunted House: Skeletown Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning Saturday, October 16, 2010 Through Sunday 31, 2010. Skeletown—The Children’s Museum Guild’s 47th annual Haunted House—will take young explorers on a tour of the city’s spookiest destinations, including Bone-Crusher Stadium, the Art-trocious Museum, the Scaregrounds, Zombie Zoo, the Spine-Chilling Speedway, and much more IPL Lights-On Hours for children who scare easily and Frightening Hours for children who dare to be scared are offered, visit w w w.childrensmuseum. org for a full list of times. Tickets are $6.50 at the door and $5.50 at Marsh Supermarkets. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum. org. 317-334-3322.

Divorce Recovery Workshop Occurring Each Tuesday Beginning Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Through Tuesday, November 02, 2010. Divorce Recovery Workshop will begin Tuesday, September 21st and run consecutive Tuesdays through November 2nd.

The group meets from 7-8:30p at Fishers United Methodist Church at 9691 E. 116th Street, Fishers IN 46037. Call 849-1805, or visit www.fishersumc. org to download a registration form. The first step

to changing your life is deciding that you want to change your life. This group can help you learn how to make those changes. Fishers United Methodist Church. 9691 e 116th St, Fishers. www. fishersumc.org. 3178491805.

DIY Rain Barrels Workshop Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 16, 2010 Through Sunday 17, 2010. $5. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indianamuseum.org. 317-232-1637.

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Freaky Fridays Occurring Each Friday Beginning Friday, October 1, 2010 Through Friday 29, 2010. $15. Tilt Game Center. Circle Center Mall, Indianapolis. www.tilt. com. 317-266-9267.

From Tractor to Table Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, October 1, 2010 Through Sunday 31, 2010. $7 adults; $6.50 seniors; $4 children ages 3 - 12. Indiana State Museum. 650

P

enny for penny, no other food offers families as much calcium as milk.

A New Family Comes to Town Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 23, 2010 Through Sunday 24, 2010. A new family has arrived in Prairietown from the East. Help them unpack their wagon. Will they put down roots here or continue on to Illinois? Who is advocating for them to stay? Who thinks they should go on to Illinois? Will you help them decide?. Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www. connerprairie.org/. 317-776-6000.

We are currently in a calcium crisis in this nation. Nine out of ten girls and seven out of ten boys fail to meet daily calcium needs.

I have two little girls and I do my part to make sure they get their 3-A-Day of Dairy, for strong bones and healthy bodies.”

Bat Encounter Occurring Every Thu, Fri & Sat Beginning Thursday, October 21, 2010 Through Saturday 23, 2010. Our furry, winged friends pay their annual Halloweentime visit to The Children’s Museum’s Lilly Theater Don’t miss this look into the fascinating world of bats. This program is presented by the Organization for Bat Conservation at The Cranbrook Institute of Science. All bats in this program are non-releasable bats donated by zoos for educational purposes. Ideal for families with children age 4 and up. Free with museum admission. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum.org. 317-334-3322.

Amy Kelsay Kelsay Family Dairy Farm

Breastfeeding Support Group Ongoing Each Thursday. Offered by Riverview Hospital. Mothers meet and are supported by each other and lactation consultant. 10:30 am-12:30 pm.

Free. 365 westfield rd, Noblesville. 317-776-7202.

Cheetah: The Race for Survival Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, October 1, 2010 Through Sunday 31, 2010. Zoo Admission: $14.50; $9.50 seniors & children ages 2 - 12; FRE. Indianapolis Zoo. 1200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indyzoo.com. 317-630-2001.

Community Tuesday at White River State Park Occurring on the first Tuesday of each Month Through Tuesday, November 30, 2010. The first Tuesday of every month means discounts at all of your favorite attractions: Eiteljorg, NCAA, Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum and White River Gardens. Visit Website for details. Discount Tuesday. See Website for details or call. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.inwhiteriver.org. 800-665-9065.

Composting 101 Workshop Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 16, 2010 Through Sunday 17, 2010. $5. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indianamuseum.org. 317-232-1637.

The Kelsay Family: (from Left to Right) Top: Joe, Amy & Russ Front : Jenna, Debbi, Merrill, Ruth, & Josie

Indiana’s Dairy Farmers.

Delivering for You, Every Single Day.

IndianaDairyCouncil.org

Brought to you by the American Dairy Association of Indiana, your Hoosier dairy farm families.

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W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.in.gov/ism.

317-232-1637.

Ghoulish Garfield Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, October 29, 2010 Through Saturday 30, 2010. Wear your halloween costume to this family-friendly celebration! Free games, activities and pumpkin painting at the Arts Center and Family Center. $1 Admission to the Haunted Conservatory (recommended for kids 8+) and $2 hayrides around the park. Garfield Park Conservatory. 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis. www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org/. 317327-7135.

Gondola Fest Occurring Daily Through Friday, October 29, 2010.

Various Prices. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, October 14, 2010 Through Saturday 23, 2010. Join the stars, filmmakers and fellow film buffs for the 2010 Heartland Film Festival, slated for Oct. 1423 in Indianapolis, Ind. Independent feature, documentary and short films from around the world will be screened at AMC Castleton Square 14 (6020 East 82nd St.) and, new this year, AMC Showplace Indianapolis 17 (4325 South Meridian St.). Special events to be held throughout the city will include the Opening Night Film and Event, the Heartland Film Festival Awards Gala, the Filmmakers’ Brunch, the Family Movie Event, the Heartland Institute Seminar, and the Closing Night Film and Event. Tickets go on sale Sept. 24. For additional information, visit HeartlandFilmFestival.org. AMC Castleton Square Theater. 6020 E. 82nd Street, Indianapolis. www.amctheatres.com/. 317-5950985.

Harvest Jubilee

Holes

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 2, 2010 Through Sunday 3, 2010. $7 adults; $6.50 seniors; $4 children 3-12. Indiana State Museum.

650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www. indianamuseum.org. 317-232-51637.

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, September 25, 2010 Through Saturday, November 06, 2010. It’s been an award-winning book and a hit movie. Now see it onstage! A lost treasure. A multi-generational curse. Racial injustice. And a bizarre correctional facility where kids serve time digging holes in the desert. Found guilty of a crime he didn’t commit, Stanley discovers more than dirt as he digs - in this quirky comedy, he also finds new friends, the power of perseverance and the truth about his family’s past. What will he find at the bottom of the next hole?. Ticket prices start at $20. Indiana Repertory Theatre. 140 West Washington Street, Indianapolis. www.irtlive.com. 3179164834.

Headless Horseman Occurring Every Sun, Thu, Fri & Sat Beginning Thursday, October 21, 2010 Through Saturday 30, 2010. Have you ever seen a boney skeleton in the moonlight? Or heard the whisper of a ghost while on a hayride? Ever seen your own goose bumps or heard the gallop of a haunted horse? Gather family and friends close and prepare to be scared silly as the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides again at Conner Prairie. Wed., Thurs. and Sun. tickets are $8 presale, $10 at the gate. Fri. and Sat. tickets are $12 presale, $14 at gate. Gates open 6 - 9 p.m. Presale tickets on sale at participating Marsh & O’Malia’s locations. Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www.connerprairie.org/. 317-776-6000.

Heartland Film Festival

Holliday Park: Hauntless Halloween Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, October 14, 2010 Through Saturday 16, 2010. Join Holliday Park and the Indianapolis Civic Theater for an enchanted evening of fun. Families will hike candlelit trails to visit with forest inhabitants who have come alive for these special evenings, then venture back to the

nature center for a campfire, refreshments, crafts and more! Hikes start every 15 minutes from 5:458:00 pm. All ages, call early to register as hikes fill quickly. $7/adults, $5/children 12 and under, children 2 and under Free. Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www. hollidaypark.org. 3173277180.

IMA presents “Andy Warhol Enterprises” Occurring Daily Beginning Sunday, October 10, 2010 Through Sunday, January 02, 2011. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum.org. 317-920-2659.

Indianapolis Area StepParents - Coffee Talk Ongoing on the first Wednesday of each Month. This is a group that hopes to provide a place for step-parents to support, give advice, ask questions, vent and get to know others that are in this unique, challenging and exciting position The first and third Wednesday of every month. Venues will change regularly and notification of location will be sent out the weekend before each meetup. A chance to just get together to meet, talk and vent with other step parents.

Will change for each meeting. www.meetup. com/Indy-Step-Parents/calendar/14443121/, Indianapolis. www.meetup.com/Indy-StepParents/. 317-555-5555.

Indianapolis Women’s Expo Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 2, 2010 Through Sunday 3, 2010. The Women’s Expo is a weekend of browsing, shopping, and educating.

150 vendors will be onsite, sampling, selling and demonstrating thousands of products. Hours are Sat. 10am - 5pm and Sun. 11am - 4pm. Admission is $6.00. Children 13 and under are Free. Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. www. in.gov/statefair. 317-927-7500.

Indy Baby and Toddler Expo Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 16, 2010 Through Sunday 17, 2010. General- $7.00 Grandparents- Half Price Children 5 and under a. Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. www.in.gov/statefair. 317-9277500.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the musical Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, October 14, 2010 Through Sunday, November 21, 2010. Based on the favorite Paramount Pictures film, White

70 INDY’S CHILD * October 2010

Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn and, in the process, find their perfect mates. Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including "Count Your Blessings," "Happy Holiday," "Sisters," "Blue Skies," and the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family. The show is directed by Eddie Curry, with musical direction

by Kristy Templet and choreography by Ron Morgan. Costumes are by Brian Horton. There are 47 performances of White Christmas scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.

Tickets range from $35 to $58, and include Chef Odell Ward’s specially prepared buffet, with a fruit & salad bar, unlimited coffee, tea and lemonade.

Parking is free. $35 to $58. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www. beefandboards.com. 317-872-9664.

Mary Poppins Broadway’s Perfectly Magical Musical Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, September 23, 2010 Through Sunday, October 10, 2010. $23.50 - $130.00. Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www. livenation.com/murat. 317-632-7469.

Moms and More Meeting at Center for Inquiry Occurring on the second Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each Month Through Sunday, October 31, 2010. Snacks, conversation, light exercise, and reflection. Children are welcome with volunteers available to care for children while mothers converse.

10-11:30am. Free. Center for Inquiry. 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis. www.mommymoon. org. 317-654-8684.

National FFA Convention Occurring Daily Beginning Wednesday, October 20, 2010 Through Saturday 23, 2010. Indiana Convention Center. 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis. www.ffa.org. 317-262-3400.

Polar Bears to Penguins Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning Saturday, October 9, 2010 Through Sunday, January 02, 2011. One of the “coolest exhibits” ever, Polar Bears to Penguins is a family-friendly, multimedia experience that explores the fascinating and unique nature of the Earth’s polar regions, the current science being undertaken there, and these regions as indicators of climate change. Polar Bears to

r e so u rc e s Penguins was developed by Science North, Sudbury, Canada. Funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and the Government of Canada through FedNor and the Canadian Heritage programs.

Free with museum admission. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum.org. 317334-3322.

Pumpkins, Tricks and Pranks Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 30, 2010 Through Sunday 31, 2010. Strange happenings are afoot in Prairietown! Some residents have spotted a scarecrow haunting their gardens at night. What tricks and pranks does Martin Zimmerman have in store for his brother? Find out and then help him with his mischief.

Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www.connerprairie. org/. 317-776-6000.

Rising Sun Navy Bean Fall Festival Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, October 8, 2010 Through Saturday 9, 2010. The 23rd annual Rising Sun Navy Bean Fall Festival 8, 5:309:30 p.m., and October 9, 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., includes food, rides, games, booths and free entertainment.

Admission, parking, children’s entertainment and musical acts on the main stage are all free. Enjoy the fall foliage and warm hospitality at the festival in downtown Rising Sun and the beautiful Riverfront Park on the Ohio River. For a complete festival schedule, visit www. navybean festival.org or follow us on Facebook. Free. Downtown Rising Sun and Riverfront Park.

Riverfront Park, Rising Sun. www. navybeanfestival.org. 1-888-7764786.

Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch Country Fall Festival Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Saturday, October 2, 2010 Through Sunday 31, 2010. For only $5 each (2 and under free),enjoy a great friend and family, clean country setting, where you could spend the day playing miniature golf, taking hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a small scavenger hunt corn maze- get a prize at the end, a much harder 11 acre corn maze, farm animal petting areas, peddle carts for ALL ages including adults, and many more games, activities Enjoy browsing through a Country Store full of candles, fudge, applebutter, gourds, country salsa, and much more Food available. $5 each (2 and younger are free). Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch.

12290 E. 191st St., Noblesville. www.

Russell-Farms.com. 317-773-9078.

School House Rocks Occurring Daily Beginning Monday, October 11, 2010 Through Saturday 16, 2010. The Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning cartoon series "Schoolhouse Rock" taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs. Now, the popular 1970s TV show comes to life on stage instructing a whole new generation to "Unpack Your Adjectives" and "Do The Circulations.". Adults $15; Children $10. Marian University.

3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis.

www.civictheatre.org/.

4597.

317-923-

The Apple Store at Conner Prairie Occurring Daily (except Mon) Through Sunday, October 31, 2010.

The Apple Store at Conner Prairie, a fall favorite for nearly 20 years, is open Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, for this year’s Indiana apple season. The store, operated by the Conner Prairie Alliance, features many delicious items including gourmet caramel apples and classic apple cider. There is something for every apple lover! Get to the Apple Store before it closes and sink your teeth into one of these treats. Admission to Conner Prairie is not required to visit the Apple Store. Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.5 p.m. No admission required. Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www. connerprairie.org. 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836.

The Children’s Museum Preschool

to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays. For more information or show schedule, visit the theatre’s web site, www. beefandboards.com. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.beefandboards. com. 317-872-9664.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

The Phantom Gondola Ride

Wackeey Wednesday: Psychic Reading and Glass of Wine

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 30, 2010 Through Sunday 31, 2010. 4-7 (not scary); 7-10 (scary). $15. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.4gondola.com.

317-3402489.

The Slightly Haunted Puppet Studio Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 16, 2010 Through Saturday 30, 2010. $10. Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio. 25 E. Henry St., Indianapolis. www.peewinklespuppets.com.

317-917-9454.

The Smallest Haunted Story House for Preschoolers

Occurring Daily Through Friday, December 10, 2010. Prepare your Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, child for lifelong learning success at October 1, 2010 Through Saturday the new Children’s Museum Preschool. 30, 2010. During Library Hours.

In a stimulating and immersive Preschoolers and an adult are invited environment, children ages 3 through 5 to visit Fountain Square’s Smallest can explore, discover, and create using Haunted Story House and listen to the resources of the world’s largest a story. The house is fun and not too children’s museum while also having scary for little ghosts and goblins. fun and making friends. The Children’s Fountain Square Library. 1066 Virginia Museum Preschool is designed to Ave, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. enhance your child’s existing preschool 317-275-4390. program or to be your child’s only preschool experience.

Choose from 1, 2, or 3 daya-week class options for a Advertise Here!

14-week period. Children must be 3 years old on or Contact Jennica at before Aug. 31, 2010 and Jennica@indyschild.com toilet-trained to enroll. 9 a.m.-noon. $20 per threehour session for museum members and $25 for nonme. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum. org. (317) 334-4000.

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, September 25, 2010 Through Monday, January 31, 2011. $17. Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.in.gov/ism. 317232-1637.

Occurring Each Wednesday Beginning Wednesday, September 22, 2010 Through Friday, September 16, 2011.

FREE. Mass Ave Wine Shoppe. 878 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis. www.massavewine.com. 317-9727966.

Wacky Wednesday Story Time Ongoing Each Wednesday. Join us every Wed for stories and crafts. 11 am. free. Barnes & Noble. 17090 Mercantile Blvd, Noblesville. bn.com.

317-773-7952.

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clothing, toys, equipment, bedding, furniture, boutique, maternity, fabulous vendors and more... at a fraction of retail price. Eagle Church.

5801 South 650 East, Zionsville. http://www.whale-sale.com/.

ZooBoo presented by AT&T Real Yellow Pages Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday 21, 2010 Through Sunday 24, 2010.

Bring the little ones dressed up as lions, tiger and bears, oh my, and enjoy this annual celebration of Halloween when the whole Zoo gets decorated for the holiday. ZooBoo runs from 2-7 p.m. and includes everything from a Halloween-themed dolphin show to a not-so-scary haunted train ride, and activities in the ZooBoo Activity Center presented by Macy’s, which includes pumpkin bowling, a batty bounce house, and much more. ree for members and included with regular Zoo admission. Indianapolis Zoo. 1200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. http://www.indyzoo.com.

317630-2001.

Wayne Brady

Pumpkin Fest

Occurring Daily Beginning Friday 15, 2010 Through Sunday 17, 2010.

Fri. & Sat. 8 pm; Sun. 3 pm. Hilbert Circle Theatre. 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. 317-262-1100.

Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Saturday, October 02, 2010 Through Sunday, October 31, 2010. Price: $10 adults, $8 children 3-18, under 2 free Location: The Country Market is located just 5 miles North of Zionsville

Whale of a Sale Occurring Daily Beginning Friday 1, 2010 Through Saturday 2, 2010. Whale of a Sale is Indy’s premier upscale children’s consignment event and shopping expo. Featuring brand-name

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classifieds

WANTED CHILDREN FOR LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT STUDY

Children who do and do not stutter between the ages of 3 years and 5 years 11 months are being recruited for a research study on speech-language development and stuttering at IU. PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE $50 AS WELL AS FREE SPEECH-LANGUAGE TESTING.

The Little Mermaid Occurring Every Fri & Sat Beginning Friday, September 17, 2010 Through Saturday, November 06, 2010. Take a magical musical journey under the sea at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre when the Pyramid Players proudly present The Little Mermaid this fall. Marc Robin’s sweet stage adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale is the final production in their 2010 Live Theatre For Kids series. Pyramid Players productions are one hour in length and presented without intermission. Performances are for all ages, but offered particularly for children in preschool through sixth grade. All tickets are $12.50 and include a snack.

Performances take place at 10 a.m. on Fridays and at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

There are no performances Oct. 8, 15 and 16. For reservations, contact the box office at 317.872.9664.

Box office hours are 10 a.m.

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To learn more, please visit our Web site www.indiana.edu/~spdislab or contact Dr. Julie Anderson at (812) 856-1240 or judander@indiana.edu

TM

Kids table & chair rentals delivered to your home or event location!

Kids table & chair rentals delivered to your home or event location!

(317) 446-7750 tabletopsfortots.com * Parties * Family Events * Play Dates * Neighborhood Events *

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