Cincinnati Parent // 10.2011

October 2011

[ FREE]

[ cincinnatiparent.com ]

Cincy on a Budget

Do-it-Yourself Halloween Costumes

Preschool Enrichment Local learning programs When Divorce HAPPENS Handling the difficult time

FALL FUN in Cincy Festivals, local attractions and more

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OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 3

contents 09

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October 2011 28

visit us online at cincinnatiparent.com

features

in every issue

parenting

resources

14

Fall Fun in Cincy

05 12

09

Mommy Magic

Halloween Traditions

20

Conquering Breast Cancer

around town

health

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06

Community Spotlight

22

Women’s Health

Local News, Events and More

Knowledge is Power: How Breast Awareness Saves Lives

10

Cincy on a Budget

Do-It-Yourself Halloween Costumes

23

Women’s Health

Improving Women’s Surgery Techniques

Festivals, Local Attractions and More

One Local Mother’s Story

24

When Divorce Happens

28

Preschool Enrichment

Handling the Difficult Time

Publisher’s Note Online Buzz

Local Learning Programs

Fall Fun Guide Open House Guide Childcare + Education Guide Birthday Party Guide Marketplace

calendars 33 37 39

Daily Events Ongoing Events Fun + Wacky

CONTACT US Cincinnati Parent

ADDRESS: 9435 Waterstone Blvd., Suite 140 | Cincinnati, OH 45249 PHONE: 513.444.2015 | FAX: 513.444.2099 EMAIL: info@cincinnatiparent.com 4 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

ON THE COVER Cover Model: Eli Fleetwood Cover Location: Parky’s Farm Photographer: Helen Adams Photography

in every issue [ publisher’s note ] [ ask the staff ] what is your favorite thing about fall?

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT Mary Wynne Cox | publisher@cincinnatiparent.com | a warm fire on a cool evening

Laughter: The Best Medicine Make your home a happy home Did you know that young children laugh 300 times a day and adults average only 17 laughs a day? Did you know that you can Google hundreds of pages of information on humor and laughter?

you will all laugh together. Laughter releases stress to some extent, and limiting stress in your family makes for better relationships with everyone.

Every article agrees: Laughter is a wonderful source of good mental and emotional health.

Laughter is often the best medicine we can find to mend what ails us.

All good speakers capture their audiences with a good story or joke. If you want to get your message across, try using humor. Even when dealing with adversity or serious matters, a sense of humor can help defuse the situation.

I have a few girl friends that I get together with every month for our “therapy” session. We have jokingly called it that for many years. We share our problems and give each other advice on different situations. The majority of the evening is spent laughing so hard at silly stories about our families and daily antics. I always feel great after our “therapy” session and feel that it is truly great for my mental health.

The bottom line is to surround yourself with people who make you happy. Enjoy your family and be sure that you have a lot of laughter in your home. Venture out to the many great festivals and events taking place this month in Cincinnati that will definitely put a smile on everyone’s face. Be sure to check out our online calendar that lists dozens of events taking place every day.

There is scientific evidence that credits humor as a positive trait in preventing heart problems.

Dr. Michael Miller, director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland states, “We don’t know yet why laughing protects the heart, but we know that mental stress is associated with impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels.” The study also revealed that 40 percent of the people with heart disease were less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease.

Also, join us on Facebook for a chance to win tickets to King’s Island, The Children’s Theatre, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and a trip to Opryland at the renowned Gaylord Resort in Nashville, Tenn. Cincinnati Parent Magazine wishes you and your family a very “happy” October.

Laughter makes your home a happy home.

Children need to have some good belly laughs with their parents. Watch a funny comedy and

MANAGING EDITOR Megan Kirschner | megan@cincinnatiparent.com | halloween candy!

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Katie Pfierman | katie@cincinnatiparent.com | pumpkin spice lattes and bonfires!

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Heather Lipe | heather@cincinnatiparent.com | going to the pumpkin patch!

SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jennica Zalewski | jennica@cincinnatiparent.com | awesome weather!

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jenny Swain | jenny@cincinnatiparent.com | making chili and watching football

BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns | roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com | taking my kids to the pumpkin patch!

EVENTS COORDINATOR & PUBLIC RELATIONS Wendy Cox | wendy@cincinnatiparent.com | getting out all my big sweaters and boots!

OFFICE MANAGER Karen Ring | karen@cincinnatiparent.com | camping on a crisp fall weekend Copyright Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2011 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.cincinnatiparent.com.

Mary Wynne Cox Publisher & President

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 5

around town

[ community spotlight ]

Cincinnati Playhouse Goes Off the Hill in October

Community Spotlight Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs

and Fun for you and your Little One

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s 2011-2012 Off the Hill Series begins with the winner of the 2011 Macy’s New Play Prize, What’s Buggin’ Greg, by Darrah Cloud. It’s a riotous comedy that takes the childhood angst of fitting in to an extreme level when a fifth-grader wakes one morning to discover that he has been transformed into a giant cockroach.

What will he tell his friends? How can he face his schoolmates? Can he still perform the lead in his school play?

Geared to children ages 7 and above, this world premiere play will be performed at more than a dozen Greater Cincinnati community centers beginning Oct. 1. For specific dates, locations and more information, visit the Playhouse Web site at www.cincyplay.com

Now Shalom Family has a great new way for parents and babies to get connected to one another and the Jewish community. Presenting Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for you and your Little One, private interactive playgroups that take place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. These playgroups are FREE and feature the popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun. Play dates always include a snack and take place from 2 to 3 p.m. at The Gymboree in Mason. Dates and times are subject to change, please check the Web site for updates. RSVP at www.myshalomfamily.org. Sensory Sunday is a program of Shalom Family, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation.

The next Sensory Sunday Playgroups will take place on October 9th and October 23rd from 2 to 3 p.m. and are open to families in the Jewish community with children two years and younger in which at least one parent is Jewish. Plus, two families will each win a $50 Target Gift Card at every event!

Marvin’s Organic Gardens 2nd Annual Fall Harvest Family Festival Saturday, October 15th NOON - 5pm

Mark your calendars for Marvin’s Organic Gardens 2nd Annual Fall Harvest Family Festival (Saturday, October 15th NOON - 5pm)! Experience live music & entertainment, including cooking demos, pumpkin-carving, picking & painting, face-painting, hayrides, as well as a number of local community vendors specializing in a variety of crafts.

Don’t forget to dust off the old rolling pin to take part in The Great Pumpkin Cook (& Bake)-Off Contest here, where contestants may enter (1) dish in Sweet & (1) dish in Savory categories for judging.

Winners earn gift certificates -- $50 or $100 -- to the garden center.

Contact Brittany Wagner for info on contest rules & registration: Brittany@hellotarte.com OR (513) 984-8278.

So, save the date -- October 15th -- to join in the fall festivities at Fall Harvest & Marvin’s Organic Gardens!

Women’s Health & Healing at “the Barefoot”

“Ease” into Pregnancy, Labor and Menopause

Hilltop OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY: Dedicated to Women’s Health The physician’s of Hilltop Obstetrics and Gynecology are excited to announce that they will be moving to a brand new location in Lebanon in 2012. They have been serving the Lebanon community for more than 8 years and will now be doing so out of a new state of the art facility. Their new address will be 990 Belvedere Drive. Hilltop will continue to serve their patients at their Middletown/Franklin location, as well as their West Chester location. Please feel free to call for more details at (513)424-1440.

Ease into Times of Change with our programs that support and nourish your mind, body and spirit. Join us for a holistic approach to wellness and health promotion through personalized therapies, classes and consultation. Experience authentic complementary care, bridging traditional medical understanding with gentle effective natural remedies to manage symptoms, de-stress and create personal comfort.

Barefoot RnR | 7710 Shawnee Run Rd., Madeira, OH 45243 | 513-271-5881 www.barefootrnr.com

OCTOBER = Children’s Magazine Month, Eat Better Together Month, Class Reunioin Month, Financial Planning Month, National Chili Month, Down Syndrome Month, Positive Attitude Month, Sausage Month, Rhubarb Month...

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$10 off your first visit!

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 7

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[ mommy magic ]

parenting

Halloween Traditions Making lasting memories with your family Mary Susan Buhner marysusan@mommy-magic.com

Halloween is now ranked as the second most popular holiday of the year. Of course, Christmas is ranked first, but Halloween is closing in on it. But Halloween is not actually a technical “holiday.” Rather, it has become more of a tradition for many to celebrate autumn and have some family fun. Families are partaking in many of the annual Halloween festivities – the prepping for the costume, carving pumpkins, hay rides, bonfires and more. I have to admit, all these traditions make me feel like a kid again which makes me a big fan of Halloween.

As moms, we know a BIG part of Halloween for our kids is the actual costume. Especially now, when catalogues start arriving in July featuring the year’s most awesome costumes. My kids carry around these catalogues for weeks. They circle their most favorite costume, discuss it over with one another, then cross it out only to contemplate it some more and eventually go back to re-circling their original favorite. I am convinced that my kids don’t really even care about the candy at Halloween. Instead, they have more fun planning and talking about their costume. They have so much fun in fact, that they started a tradition of

picking out my husband’s costume for Halloween.

We celebrate two family birthdays in October so we always have a family Halloween costume party. This serves as the perfect excuse for my kids to dress their dad up in what else, the perfect costume! Each year my girls surprise my husband with their carefully selected Halloween costume to transform “Daddy” into whatever costume they have selected. In past years, he has been a a cowboy, a race car driver, a pirate (“The Pirates of the Caribbean” version, of course), Elvis (jumpsuit, wig and all) and my personal favorite, a sumo wrestler (you know, the zip-up costume). It has become a tradition in our family and it is loads of fun.

a great costume line for moms who would rather not dress up as a “dirty” nurse to “Dr. Feelgood” or as the “Bad Cop.” Yes, I do feel compelled to set an example to my three girls and not wear a costume that warrants a “R” rating. Call me conservative, but a garter and red lace bra popping out from a costume does not spell appropriate family fun. With that, I am still on the search for the perfect Halloween costume.

Regardless, I know it is not what I wear that my kids remember, but the fact that as a family, we had fun. I have learned, in fact, that the process of planning, talking, and laughing about our Halloween costumes beforehand, have become just as much fun as wearing them on Halloween.

To all moms, working like crazy to make With everyone squared away with their all the magic happen as we enter into the festive and fun Halloween costumes, that second biggest “holiday” – Halloween, leaves me - the mom. I didn’t always used just remember that it all does not have to be “the mom.” There was in fact a time to be perfect. In fact, some of the most when I was young (hard for my kids to fun and funny memories come from believe, I know) and I could dress up as those moments that are not perfect. anything and not think about it. As a Happy Halloween! mom of three now, costumes fit differently. Furthermore, somewhere between 1990 Need ideas on fun things to do this fall? and 2011 Halloween costumes got a little trashy Visit CincinnatiParent.com and sign up for us moms. Want to make a for our weekly e-newsletter! million bucks? Come up with

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OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 9

around town

[ cincy on a budget ]

Do-It-Yourself Halloween Costumes Making unique and inexpensive costumes at home Cathy Abner Fall is here! That means leaves changing colors, cooler weather, and of course - Halloween. For many kids, choosing a Halloween costume is exciting, but depending on what costume they pick, where you shop, or how many kids you have, this could end up costly.

This year, why not go the do-it-yourself route and make a unique, inexpensive costume at home? Not only can you save money, but if you decide to include your child in the costume making process, you get the added bonus of time spent together.

At first, the idea of a homemade costume may seem time-consuming, but this does not have to be the case. You can make a unique costume with little prep time, some creativity, and a few items you may already own. Here are some ideas to get you started: If you are pressed for time or maybe not particularly skilled at crafting, assembling a “couch potato/tired person” costume is quick and easy. All your child needs is a pair of pajamas, a robe, slippers, a remote control or plastic coffee mug, and “messy hair” to complete the look.

Perhaps you have family members or friends with costumes they no longer need. Borrowing or trading costumes with them is an option for not spending any money on a brand new one.

If you’re feeling creative, characters from kid’s movies tend to be popular costumes each year.

Have a Harry Potter fan at home? All it takes to transform your child into this famous wizard is putting together a black robe, white collared shirt, a red and gold tie, a pair of round glasses, a wand, and top if off with the signature lightning bolt on the forehead and you’re good to go.

Maybe your child is a Smurf’s fan. Look around for a white pair of pants, white shoes, white hat, a blue shirt and some blue makeup. Add a rolled up pair of blue socks pinned to the back 10 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

of the pants as a tail, and your child has a complete Smurf costume.

Of course, these are only several ideas out of hundreds of possibilities. A quick search on Google will yield pages of Web sites with do-it-yourself ideas for kids of all ages.

Additionally, You Tube has videos available that will show you step-by-step instructions on assembling costumes at home.

Still, even if you aren’t buying a store-bought costume, you may not want to rule out Halloween stores completely. There are plenty of ways to save money in stores by checking clearance shelves or buying items you can pair with things you already own.

Becky Cappel, manager of Cappel’s in Cincinnati, said there are plenty of inexpensive accessory-type items you can buy that can be used in creating the perfect costume for your child.

“We have half-masks ranging from 25 cents to $10. Foam clown noses for 79 cents. We also carry any type of cape, ear and tail kits, and inexpensive wigs,” she said.

If you’re looking for unique selections of items for special costumes, try checking out The Theatre House in Covington, which specializes in theatrical items and supplies you may not find in most Halloween stores. The Theatre House not only carries material for people to sew their own costumes, but also props and accessories.

“We have a lot of accessories, make-up, wigs and hats. This year, blue makeup for Smurf costumes and rainbow wigs are really popular,” said Pam Gauckle of the Theatre House.

Finally, to save even more money, don’t forget to shop after Halloween, when stores will often significantly mark down items which you can then put away for next year.

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 11

online buzz

Exclusive Contests at

CincinnatiParent.com

Would you leave your kids in the car if you were running into the store, just for a minute?

Not a Chance Nope. Not a chance. —Hannah P.

It’s Not a Problem My kids are 16, 13 and 2, so as long as at least one of my older two are there, it’s not a problem. ­—Toni C.

Depends on the Circumstance Yep. Just did. But it truly depends on the circumstances! —Shayna R.

Only When We Can See Each Other

Family Passes to Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

Gift Certificates to Willie’s Sports Cafe in Kenwood

Showcase Cinemas Movie Passes

Passes to the Cincinnati Zoo for Hall-ZOO-Ween

I started leaving my 8-year-old in the car last year, with the windows up, doors locked, and keys with me, only when we can see each other, and only (obviously) when it’s cool outside. —Stephanie E.

They All Come With Me Nope...Not even in a gas station. They all come in with me. —Nicole S.

Under No Circumstance Absolutely not! Under no circumstances —Judy B.

Only if I Can See the Car Only if I could see the car, i.e. to pickup a food order or pay for gas. —Annette S.

Only if Someone Else is in the Car Nope, not unless somebody else was in the car with them! —Jessica D.

Not if I Can’t See Them No, especially if I can’t see them and they can’t see me. —Mary W.

It Only Takes a Moment for Something to Happen Absolutely not! I am a Social Worker and I have seen too much! Please remember-You may do it just once, for just a moment, BUT that is all it may take for consequences that you’ll regret for a lifetime!! —Peggy T.

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Over 2,100 Fans and Counting...

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Now, THIS is What ” the “Buzzt!!! is all abou

The “Christmassy Dreamworks Experience” package (valued at $1,100) includes:

Two-night room accommodations (Sun-Thurs) at Gaylord Opryland Resort for up to a family of four; four tickets to ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Merry Madagascar™; ShrekFeast™ Character Meal; “Character Passport” Meet & Greets; DreamWorks Themed Scavenger Hunt; DreamWorks Welcome Amenity with Package Check-In; souvenir photo; Special Wake-Up Calls by DreamWorks Characters;two tickets for a ride on the Delta Riverboats inside Gaylord Opryland; a VIP Coupon Book valued at more than $250, as well as applicable taxes, daily self parking and daily resort fee.

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 13

FALL FUN in Cincy

Festivals, local attractions

and more

Written by Adrian Kendrick

The crisp air of autumn is a bout to settle in again. So get your mugs ready for apple cider, enjoy pumpkin decorating

and gather around bonfires. Enjoy it all with fa mily or friends too, by participating in a ctivities that allow you to welcome fall in with a bang. R ead on to find creative, fun events for the entire family.

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he page t n r u T ! d more to rea

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 15

fall fun in cincy 16 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Benton Family Farms When is the last time you’ve been to a real farm? Stop by the Benton Family Farms for Pumpkin Days on the Farm. During the month of October from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends visitors can learn to milk a cow, pick from a pumpkin patch or take a ride on the hayride. The fun doesn’t stop there though, try feeding and petting the animals or visit a 500 lb. pig. Wow!

Marvin Organic Gardens Join in on the celebration at Marvin’s Organic Gardens as they welcome their second annual Fall Harvest Event on October 15 from Noon to 5 p.m. Rock to some music, enjoy entertainment and participate in pumpkin craving, face painting, hayrides and other various attractions. A variety of local vendors will provide crafts and homemade goods. For all you pumpkin lovers stop by or participate in the Great Pumpkin Cook (and Bake) Off, in which contestants compete for the title of Best Sweet & Savory dishes.

Neltner’s Farm Step back in time at the Fall Festival on Neltner’s Farm. The autumn abundance is apparent: homegrown homemade food,

regionally produced wines, old-fashioned games and back-to-roots bluegrass music.

Sounds exciting, right? Well there’s more, kids can pet animals, run through a corn maze, take a horse-drawn wagon ride or get their face painted. This event will certainly be a joyous occasion for the family.

EnterTRAINment Junction Let the good times roll at the Jack-O-Lantern Junction. On September 24 to October 31 you can participate in a family Halloween celebration in a kid-friendly atmosphere. In addition, the children can have fun with crafts, an outdoor straw maze and a Halloween themed hand-cranked train cars or an electric train ride. If that’s not enough, let loose in the kid’s play area or go nuts in the A-maze-N-Funhouse and much more.

Hidden Valley Fruit Farm This authentic fruit farm is full of excitement. Don’t miss out on the adorable farm animals, learn farm methods used for centuries or tour the beautiful historic farm.

Best part is you get to pick various fruits and hayrides are available as well. A cabin is also provided for gatherings and bonfires.

Also slurp on homemade cider, munch on thriller apples, fresh fruits and more.

Keepin’ It Country Farms Activities for the whole family await at the farm. Come tap your feet Saturday night at Barn Dances with the Richard Lynch Band, and quests every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. from the antique barn. During the weekends of October 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 the Country Fall Festivals will be held with Pumpkin Patch visits, corn and hay maze, hayrides, barnyard playground, petting zoo, concessions, country store and more.

Gorman Heritage Farm Pumpkins, hayrides, music, crafts and more are there to enjoy at the Sunflower Festival, Oct. 1-2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s rumored that the highlight of the event is pouncing through acres of golden sunflowers, which you can cut for a small charge. When you’re ready for more adventure hike to the top of the hill for a spectacular view of the Mill Creek Valley or just visit the friendly animals.

Kids under 10-years-old can participate in the Come as You Grow contest. Kids dressed as a farm animal or a sunflower are admitted free and can compete for prizes.

fall fun

resources

[ childcare ]

Benton Family Farms

A great place to bring your children if they want to see what a fourth generation working farm looks like and meet the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations helping to make this October possible. 11896 Old Lexington Pike, Walton, KY 41094, Contact: Mary Benton Marcum, Phone: 859-485-7000, Email: bentonfamilyfarm@aol.com, ­

www.bentonfamilyfarm.webs.com/ Admission Price: $7 person, 3 years under FREE Hours/Dates: All Saturdays and Sundays in October from 11:30am to 6pm_Ages Welcome: 6 months-100 yrs!

Wheel Chair Accessibility: Yes Entertainment Available: Hayrides, hay maze, animals to pet and feed, horse rides, sheep shearing, cow milking, calf brushing, and egg gathering. All farm friendly activities!

Food Available: Best Spoon FUDGE EVER, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin pies, biscuits and gravy... Plus, farm catered cooking What to Expect: A family working farm open for your visit in October, to pick a pumpkin off the vine with a hayride out to the patch. Non-commercial setting just a simple family working farm having an agritourism month, Do expect hands on with the animals and lots of leaves.

Blooms & Berries Farm Market Get lost in our a-MAIZE-ing 7 acre Explore Cincy! corn maze and discover fun facts about many Cincinnati family attractions along the way. Immerse yourself as you stroll through 7 acres of sunflowers or enjoy a 30 minute hayride through Pumpkin Town with visiting pumpkin circus. Farm admission, parking, and the play area are FREE. Concessions available. 9669 South State Rt. 48, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Jeff Probst, Phone: 513 697-9173, Email: Jeff@ BloomsAndBerriesFarmMarket.com­ Admission Price: FREE Admission to the Farm Hours/Dates: Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm (no public weekday hayrides) Ages Welcome: ALL Wheel Chair Accessibility: Limited Entertainment Available: Hayrides, Corn Maze, Sunflower Walking Path, Kids Play area, Straw Maze, Animals, Pumpkins!

Food Available: Grill & Concessions, Caramel Apples, Popcorn and More!

Coco-Ween 11320 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45246, Contact: Kelly Ness, Phone: 513.771.2080, Email: coco@cincinnaticrowneplaza.com, ­

www.CoCoKeyCincinnati.com Admission Price: $19.99/person Hours/Dates: October 29th & 30th Ages Welcome: All Ages Wheel Chair Accessibility: Yes Entertainment Available: Yes

Food Available: Yes What to Expect: Trick or treat for Halloween goodies & treats in the Water Park; Arts & Crafts. Fun the whole family can enjoy! Don’t worry about the weather, it’s always a perfect 84 degrees here.

Fitton Center for Creative Arts 101 S. Monument, Hamilton, OH 45011, Contact: Jodi Fritsch, Phone: 513-863-8873 x130, Fax: 513-863-8865, Email: jodi@fittoncenter. org, www.fittoncenter.org Admission Price: Adults: $10/members, $12/nonmembers, Child (up to 16): $5/members, $6/nonmembers Hours/Dates: September 30 @ 7:30 p.m. (MadCap Puppets: Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite) October 28 @7:30 p.m. (What’s Buggin’ Greg…performed by Playhouse in the Park’s Off the Hill Touring Company) November 18 @ 7:30 p.m. (Robert Post) Ages Welcome: All Ages!

Wheel Chair Accessibility: Yes Food Available: Yes! Reception before show at 6:30 p.m. sponsored

by Brown’s Marketplace.

What to Expect: The show starts at 7:30, with a reception at 6:30.

Enjoy kid-friendly food before the performance.

Gorman Heritage Farm Sunflower Festival Bring the whole family to this traditional fall festival. Pumpkins, hayrides, crafts, music combine with sunflower beauty for a truly memorable fall day on the farm! Free parking, reasonable admission and great family fun! Kids under 10: Dress as a sunflower or farm animal and get in free! 10052 Reading Rd., Evendale, OH 45241, Contact: Vicki Foster, Phone: (513)563-6663, Email: email@ gormanfarm.org­ Admission Price: $7 adults, $5 kids/seniors Hours/Dates: October 2nd-3rd, 10am-4pm Ages Welcome: Family Friendly Wheel Chair Accessibility: Most areas accessible Entertainment Available: Clog Dancing Saturday, Bluegrass Music Sunday, pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, kids’ crafts, U-pick sunflowers.Food Available: Grill Concession Stand What to Expect: Fun day outdoors on the farm. Wear walking shoes, bring the stroller for little ones. Great value - Pay admission, all entertainment is free. pay extra only for pumpkins, sunflowers & food.

Heritage Village Museum’s Haunted Village A village full of ghostly attractions awaits! Trick or treat throughout the village while being chased by the Headless Horseman. Meet a variety of Halloween characters. Hamilton County Park Pass Required: $3/day or $10/year. 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, OH 45241, Contact: Shelley Gregg, Phone: 513-563-9484, Email: info@ heritagevillagecincinnati.org­ Admission Price: $8.00 Hours/Dates: Oct. 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29 from 6pm-10pm Ages Welcome: ALL

GUIDE

Wheel Chair Accessibility: Limited Entertainment Available: Wagon Rides, Monster Mash Dance, Games, Face Painting, and more!

Food Available: Snacks-concession stand Vendors: N/A What to Expect: A family-friendly, slight fright event for all ages.

Keepin’ It Country Farms Come for fun days filled with Hayrides, Pumpkin patch, a Barnyard playground, a Mini train ride, Pony rides, Shelled corn pit, Hay maze, Corn maze, Games, Petting Zoo, Country store and Concessions! 5511 Township Line Road, Waynesville, OH 45068, Phone: 513-934-2001, Email: donnaandrichard@ keepinitcountryfarm, www.keepinitcountryfarm.com Admission Price: Free admission, prices for activities Hours/Dates: October 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 Ages Welcome: All Ages Wheel Chair Accessibility: Yes Entertainment Available: Live Country Music Saturday Nights Food Available: Concessions hot dogs, bbq, pretzels, nachos, popcorns, pizza, caramel apple sundaes, slushies What to Expect: Lots of fall fun for the whole family!

Shaw Farms Watch your childrens imagination run wild! Visit our fun farm animals. Weekends we have a live bluegrass band and a wonderful blacksmith demonstration. Check out what’s knew on our website to see dates and times of special events happening during the month! 1737 SR 131, Milford, OH 45140, Contact: Pam Shaw, Phone: 513-575-2022, Email: pamsshaw@yahoo.com, www.shawfarms.com Directions to Facility: 275 to exit 59 (Milford Parkway) At the second light the road will change to SR 131. Go straight on to 131 and we are 5 miles on your right.

Admission Price: Admission and parking are always free.

Hours/Dates: September 24th through October 31st.

September hours: 9am-6pm. October hours: 9am-7pm Ages Welcome: All Ages!

Wheel Chair Accessibility: Yes Entertainment Available: Tractor and horse drawn hay rides, Corn Mazes, Lil Blue Train and Face Painting!

Food Available: Yes Vendors: We have every kind of pumpkin gourd and squash imaginable, in all colors and sizes. We also carry corn stalks and bales of straw along with many other fall decorating items.

What to Expect: We hope you will make Shaw Farms one of your Fall Family Traditions for many years to come!

Sunrock Farm Sunrock farm is a 113 acre farm built in 1848 which for the past 30 years has offered farm education and

enjoyment to many children and their parents. Ten minutes from downtown Cincinnati in Campbell county, Kentucky, the farm is easy to get to from I-275 and I-471. Its attractive park-like setting and warm child-friendly atmosphere make it an ideal place for families to visit and enjoy a taste of old-fashioned farm life. Make sure your cameras have lots of memory space available for great photos which will last a lifetime. See you at the farm. 103 Gibson Lane, Wilder, KY 41076, Contact: Frank Traina, Phone: (859)781-5502, Fax: (859)572-0260, Email: email@sunrockfarm.org, www.

sunrockfarm.org Admission Price: 2 hour tours $10/person, 1 hour tours $7/person. Children under one are free Hours/Dates: October 2-31. See website or call 859-781-5502 for times.

Ages Welcome: All Ages Wheel Chair Accessibility: Limited Entertainment Available: Hayride & Farm Activities Food Available: Free apple cider and cookies on the weekend tours Vendors: Farm Store What to Expect: Hayride to pumpkin field, milk goat, hold bunnies, brush horse, wash cow, feed sheep & goats, walk kids, take lots of great photos of children with animals

Windmill Farm Market Windmill Farm Market is home to our ‘Spooktacular’ adventure Hayride, up and down hills and through the mud! We are decorated for young children but enjoyed by people of all ages! Our hayride is open to the public Sat and Sun through October and to groups by appt. only during the week. 454 E. St. Rt. 73, Springboro, OH 45066, Contact: Mollie Wentworth, Phone: 937.885.3965, Email: info@windmillfarmmarket.com, www.

windmillfarmmarket.com Hours/Dates: Market Open Daily Ages Welcome: All Ages Entertainment Available: ‘Spooktacular” Hayride open to public Sat and Sun from 10-5. Private Hayrides scheduled during week by appt. only.

Food Available: Fresh apples, cider, bakery, funnel cakes, and caramel apples.

Vendors: Pork sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs.

What to Expect: Our market is open daily through October. You can spend hours enjoying the animals, play areas or finding all of your fall decorations including pumpkins, cornstalks, straw bales, gourds and beautiful mums.

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 17

18 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 19

CONQUERING Breast Cancer Written by Carrie Bishop

At age 27 Andrea Bashor of Cincinnati was a vibrant, healthy mom and wife. Then, seemingly overnight, she found a lump on her left breast.

“You couldn’t miss it. One day it wasn’t there, the next day it was,” she said. So she made an appointment with her OB/GYN. She was advised to wait a month at which time if the lump persisted she should see a breast surgeon. After three weeks of waiting she went ahead and made the call. “I could tell the lump was not feeling right,” she said.

An ultrasound created minimal concern for the surgeon who gave Bashor the option to wait and see if the lump would go away on its own or go ahead and have it removed. She chose a lumpectomy, a decision that likely saved her life. After removal and biopsy of the lump, it was determined it was in fact cancer.

She had a second surgery that included a lymph node biopsy and the removal of surrounding tissue to obtain clean margins. She then underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiation.

“From the beginning I questioned my decision to have only the lumpectomy when my gut said I should have 20 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

One local mother’s story

done a bilateral mastectomy, but I had complications from a blood clot in the last round of chemotherapy. I went through radiation with my breasts then opted for a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction,” she said.

She now considers herself cancer free.

Like so many young breast cancer survivors, Bashor dealt with the issue of children. At the time of diagnosis she had a toddler, but she wanted more. Should she? She and her husband decided to and now have 3 healthy children. Because her cancer was triple negative, meaning it was not fueled by hormones, she said that the diagnosis as well as other factors helped her make the decision to have kids after treatment.

She had also met another local woman who like her had triple negative breast cancer and went on to have two kids after treatment. “It gave us hope to see someone else who had made the decision. I saw that she was 10 years out now and is fine and her children are fine. I didn’t know anyone like that,” Bashor said.

Six years out from diagnosis, Bashor enjoys a healthy life and is pursuing a nurse practitioner degree at the University of Cincinnati. She knows first hand the need breast cancer patients have for good support and wants women to know people are ready, willing and able to help.

“You’re not alone even though you feel like it at first.

There are a lot of young women and moms who deal with breast cancer. The support is out there. Ask your physicians if there are any support groups around,” she said and points to Pink Ribbon Girls and the Cincinnati affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure as critical resources for her recovery.

Pink Ribbon Girls, for which Bashor sits on the board, provides education and awareness for early detection and support. She said the organization offers a program called Mommy Has Breast Cancer, which helps women battling the disease with meals, housecleaning, daycare services, transportation, and more. Its Web site, www.pinkribbongirls.org, also has a searchable survivor

database to help patients connect with survivors of similar circumstances who live nearby.

The local Komen affiliate, www.komencincinnati.org, is active building awareness about breast cancer and early detection, providing support to survivors and their families, funding free mammograms, and even funding transportation and treatment support for survivors. This year has been a landmark year for the organization as it funnels $1 million into the community to advance education, screening, treatment, genetic testing, emergency aid and more, including a new 12-week whole person rehabilitation program for survivors after cancer treatment.

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 21

health

[ women’s health ]

Knowledge is Power: How Breast Awareness Saves Lives Breast care, physical health and support systems Rachel Oren Breast health is an important topic in women’s health today, as it is vital for women to become educated and proactive in their breast care.

Mammograms Arin Kraemer with Christ Hospital quoted that those with breast cancer caught in the earliest stage have a 98 percent survival rate as compared to late diagnosis of 27 percent. The American Cancer Society concludes that women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40 and some doctors also suggest women should get a baseline mammogram at age 35. Some women should also consider starting mammograms earlier than age 40 depending on their family history and

22 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

level of risk. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure provides a wealth of detailed information on mammograms and screenings at www.komen.org

Breast Self-Exams Dr. Lewis with Tri-Health suggested that women conduct breast self-exams the same time every month such as their birthdate (i.e. the 17 of every month). She recommended that women limit their alcohol and caffeine intake, exercise daily, and maintain a healthy weight for overall breast health. Lewis also commented that breastfeeding improves a woman’s risk profile for breast cancer.

Support Groups Many hospitals and care centers provide support groups for educational and

emotional support. The Pink Ribbon Girls is an excellent organization seeking to come alongside women and their families battling breast cancer. They connect women through the Internet and provide education, awareness and support.

Co-founder and executive director, Tracie Metzger, commented that Pink Ribbon Girls can provide breast cancer patients or survivors services such as housecleaning, meals, babysitting, and transportation for free. To utilize any of the services by Pink Ribbon Girls visit their Web site at www.pinkribbongirls.org. The Mary Jo Propper Family Center for Breast Care, The Wellness Community and Cancer Family Care are just some of Cincinnati’s resources for providing support groups and networks.

[ women’s health ]

health

Improving Women’s Surgery Techniques Robotic and laparoscopic surgery Sara Lewis Director of Obstetrics/Gynecology Department at Group Health Associates It may sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but today many surgical procedures can be performed using robotics, especially in the field of gynecology.

Minimally invasive procedures include both robotic surgery and the closely related laparoscopic surgery.

Where we once made at least a 6-inch incision for a hysterectomy, we now can make four or five small cuts less than an inch long. As a result, our patients experience less pain, shorter recovery times, fewer complications and less scarring. For some procedures, a hospital stay may even be eliminated.

Laparoscopy vs. robotics Laparoscopy involves the insertion of a tiny camera into an incision, allowing the surgeon

to see the affected area without a large opening. Special instruments are inserted through other incisions to perform the surgery. Surgeons can view tissue better and in more detail on a monitor. The instruments can get in tighter spaces.

Robotic surgery goes a step further, addressing some of the limitations of laparoscopic surgery, like a limited range of motion. Instead of standing over the patient, the doctor works at a console across the room. A high-def, 3D camera and special instruments allow for more precise, controlled movements.

Conditions treated Although every case is different, most people can benefit from minimally invasive surgery.

Anyone with serious conditions like lung or

heart disease may not qualify; from a gynecological view, a large uterus may indicate a need for traditional surgery. As with any surgery, there are risks, including bleeding, infection, blood clots and anesthesia reactions.

Most gynecological surgeries can be conducted with minimally invasive techniques, including: • Hysterectomy, partial or total • Endometriosis • Tubal

resection

ligation

• Removal • Cancer

of cysts, fibroids and tumors

treatment­

Group Health Associates physicians do both laparoscopy and robotic surgery at Bethesda North and Good Samaritan Hospitals.

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 23

Handling the difficult time

When Divorce

HAPPENS Written by Rebecca Todd

ivorce is a part of many children’s lives. According to the Enrichment Journal on the divorce rates in America, the rate for a first marriage is 41 percent and the rate for a second marriage is 60 percent.

Unfortunately, even in the most amicable situations the children will experience some adverse effects.

However, the best thing that parents can do for their children is to handle the divorce as maturely and calmly as possible and take each child’s individual needs into consideration.

Because emotions are running high for all parties in a divorce, the first step may need to be to take a step back and look at all options. Many people don’t realize there are different options other than traditional divorce court proceedings including mediation and collaborative divorce. “Really do some reading and some thinking before you start going down any path,” recommends Sherri Goren Slovin, who is an Ohio Board Certified Family Relations Law Specialist. “Different options are right for different families. Think about what the right process is for you.”

Mediation is a process in which two individuals work together through a neutral party to rectify their differences 24 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

and come to a mutual decision. Mediation areas are quiet and comfortable and individuals are not rushed and are allowed to take whatever time they need to work out any conflicts or differences.

“When I’m a mediator I’m working as a neutral party to facilitate an agreement for the couple,” said Slovin. “I usually recommend that they each have a lawyer to talk to.

The lawyer serves the function as their advocate.” When they reach an agreement, it is then turned over to a lawyer that puts it into a legally enforceable document. “The use of their lawyer is far less [in mediation]. The lawyer basically acts as a consultant.”

In a collaborative process, two collaboratively trained lawyers are working together to help a couple come up with the best agreement. “People are really confused on their options,” said Slovin. “The difference is that in a collaborative divorce, the lawyers represent their clients but they are in there as settlement specialists. They are committing by contract not to go to court.” In the collaborative process, a child specialist is used when children are involved. The couples meet separately with this

specialist to come up with a good plan that all parties can agree on based on what is best for the child(ren).

In most counties in Ohio, parents have to go through a parenting class before a divorce is granted. If someone doesn’t go through the parenting class, there may be consequences that relate to custody down the road.

“If you are getting a divorce in Hamilton County or Clermont County and you have children, you have to take our course called Helping Children Cope with Divorce,” said Chris Hall, marketing director of Beech Acres Parenting Center where the class is offered. In this three hour class, parents learn how to help their child cope with the transition, and how to focus on the needs of the child during as well as after the divorce. “We find that parents go through a divorce and all of a sudden they’re living in two households and the kids have to deal with it. How parents choose to behave before, during and after the divorce really has long lasting affects on the children. The class helps parents realize what the children are going through and gives them the tools to successfully co-parent after [a divorce],” said Hall.

Beyond the mandated class, Beech Acres offers many other options for parents who may be looking for additional help for their children and for themselves. One of the most important things divorcing parents can do for their children is to keep communications open and honest. Encourage them to express their feelings instead of keeping things bottled up. It is perfectly normal for a child to experience a range of emotions from sadness, to anger and even guilt and to not understand these feelings.

Families in Crisis is a class for parents and children to work together. During the three session class, parents are able to gain insight into their children’s feelings and problems. The first class is attended by mother and child, the second by

YOU TOLD US ON FACEBOOK... Divorce

father and child and the final with the whole family.

During the first two sessions, parents attend their own class while the children are divided into age appropriate groups. This is beneficial for children because they are able to see that they are not the only ones going through divorce and that they are not alone. “In the third session, the kids stand up together and tell the parents, ‘here’s what it’s been like for me to go through this,’” said Hall.

“Often times it’s the first time the parents have heard it because the children have been afraid to say it. The kids are often trying to protect their parents and are just trying to keep each parent happy. This program gives a chance for the parents to hear it straight from the kids and it empowers the kids to do that.”

Many additional classes including individual parent coaching sessions are available at Beech Acres (visit www.beachacres.org for a full listing of services and classes). “Our parent coaching sessions are strength-based,” explains Hall, meaning coaches help parents and children determine their strengths and use these strengths to plan their co-parenting approach. “Then when you have a vision,” said Hall, “You need to be mindful every day to stay true to that vision. Determine how you can use your strengths, the strengths of your kids and the strengths of your ex to parent your child. If you do it based on people’s strengths and based on the best interest of the child versus parents fighting, the kids transition much more successfully. And that’s the ultimate goal.”

Advice From Our Readers

“Don’t ever talk about the other parent in front of the children, it makes for disaster. Always try to keep the kids lives as normal as possible, it is very difficult on them.” -Chasity J. “No matter what the issues were for the divorce, we handled it like adults. We married because we were in love and we divorced knowing that it was over as a marriage but knew that we had a child together. And that would not change. We never really discussed it BUT... because we did not dwell on the hurt and did not care for the drama and such we now have an incredibly charming and successful 20-year-old son.”-Elizabeth T. “The best thing is to keep civilized between both parents when you have children. You may not be together as parents anymore, but you will always have those little eyes looking up to you, so it is important to consistently set an example.”-John S.

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 25

26 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

openGUIDE house resources

[ childcare ]

SCHOOL

ADDRESS

WEBSITE

OPEN HOUSE DATES / CONTACT INFO

Bethany School

555 ALbion Avenue, Cincinnati

www.bethanyschool.org

Sun., Nov. 6 from 2-4pm

Brain Balance of Cincinnati

12084 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati

www.brainbalancecenters.org

Parent Lecture: Tues., Oct. 18 at 7pm

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School

927 O’Bannonville Road, Cincinnati

www.cmhschool.com

Sun., Cot. 16 from 2-4pm

Cincinnati Country Day School

9605 Given Road, Cincinnati

www.countryday.net

Middle & Upper School: Weds., Nov. 2 from 9-11am Lower School: Weds., Nov. 9 from 9-11:30am

Cincinnati Waldorf School

5555 Little Flower Ave., Cincinnati

www.cincinnatiwaldorfschool.org

Sat., Nov. 12 from 10am-1pm

The Gardner School of Blue Ash

9920 Carver Road, Cincinnati

www.thegardnerschool.com

Call to schedule your personal tour, today!

The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori

4460 Berwick Street, Cincinnati

www.gscmotessori.org

Sun., Jan. 22 from 1-4pm

The Kinder Garden School of Blue Ash

10969 Reed Hartman Highway, Blue Ash

www.kindergardenschool.com

Thurs., Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 4-6pm

Montessori Center Room

2505 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati

www.montessoricenterroom.com

Sun., Nov. 6 from 1-3pm

The New School Montessori

3 Burton Woods Ln., Cincinnati

www.thenewschool.cc

Sun., Nov. 13 from 2-4 & Sun., Jan. 29, 2012 from 2-4pm

The Seven Hill School

Hillsdale and Doherty Campuses

www.7hills.org

Sun., Oct. 30 at 12:30pm

Springer School and Center

2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati

www.springer-ld.org

Mon., Oct. 24

The Summit Country Day School

2161 Grandin Road, Cincinnati

www.summitcds.org

Montessori PreK-K: Tues., Oct 25 at 8:45am and Tues., Nov. 8 at 8:45am; Lower School & Middle School: Thurs., Nov 10 at 8:45am; Upper School: Thurs., Nov. 17 at 6:30pm

St. Ursula Academy

1339 East McMillan Street, Cincinnati

www.saintursula.org

Open House: Sun., Oct. 30 from 10:30am-1pm; Showcase Nights: Oct. 3 & 25, Nov. 16 and Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:30pm

St. Ursula Villa

3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati

www.stursulavilla.org

Informational Coffees: Montessori & Traditional Preschool: Weds., Nov. 2 from 8:30-10am; Jr. High / Grades 7-8: Mon., Mon. 7 from 8:30-10am; Traditional Kindergarten-Grade 6: Thurs., Nov. 10 from 8:30-10am

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 27

preschool enrichment local learning programs Written by Amy Seng Holtzman

esearch has shown that preschool isn’t just fun and games for children. Quality programs can provide a lifetime of benefits. A recent University of Minnesota study found children who attended preschool had higher education levels and higher incomes later in life.

Choosing the right program now can pay off later and there are many programs to choose from.

Public schools are the biggest early childhood educators in the area. The Cincinnati Public School District has about 1,500 preschool students with traditional, 28 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

magnet and classes for children with disabilities.

Northwest Local School District has an entire building, the Houston Early Learning Center, that is dedicated to educating preschoolers. Principal Barb Hill said each classroom features computers and iPads. Lakota Local, Oak Hills Local and Milford Exempted Village schools also have preschool programs.

curriculum is rooted in what is most meaningful to the child and building upon what each individual already knows, so children are able to progress at their own pace.” Montgomery Community Church Preschool also boasts state recognition for meeting strict staffing and curriculum standards. All of its teachers have a bachelors or masters degree.

Church preschools offer academics and religion lessons.

The Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Nursery School has been recognized by the state of Ohio for early education. Director Megan Sprigg said, “All of our

In Kentucky, the Gloria Dei Preschool in Crestview Hills offers a slightly longer school day to give parents more flexibility and children more time to interact. Director Deb Bechtol said their program is unique because students

Amy Seng Holtzman Each year in the United States, thousands of children receive a life-changing diagnosis of cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute about 2 in every 10,000 children will develop the disease.

This is the story of two families whose lives have been touched by cancer and how everyone – even those of us not living with cancer – can make a difference.

Seven-year-old Cynthia Towne is a happy little girl. Her mom, Katie, said Cynthia loves swimming, tumbling and playing with her friends and brother. She’s like most little girls, but for the past three years, she’s been undergoing treatment – including a year of chemotherapy – for an inoperable brain tumor.

Cynthia’s mom, Katie Towne, was devastated and angered by the diagnosis, but she moved past that and into action thanks to

Cynthia and her monkey from the “Monkey in My Chair” program

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 29

Whatever you choose, keeping your preschooler engaged and learning lays the groundwork for a love of learning that will follow them as they grow. rotate from classroom to classroom to experience different learning centers.

There are also weekly Spanish and Bible lessons.

When it comes to private preschools, parents often look for schools that have received national and local recognition. The Goddard School in Crestview Hills boasts accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Only 8 percent of all schools nationally achieve such recognition. KinderCare in Anderson Township and the Gingerbread Academy in Blue Ash are also NAEYC accredited.

cooperative preschool – or co-op – was the best bet.

Co-op parents help in the classroom a few days each month. Lierl chose Loveland Tender Years. Tracy Anastasia is the board president there and said, “Our children get extra time with mommy and daddy, and they also learn that education is important to their family.”

The parental “workforce” also helps keep tuition down.

Another option is the Jewish Early Learning Cooperative in Clifton. Unlike some co-ops, it’s open to children from 3 months – 4 years (regardless of religion), and it’s open year-round with an all-day program.

AdvancED is another accreditation program that evaluates schools and universities based on strict standards.

Primrose Schools in West Chester and Mason are AdvancEd accredited, and winning a local parenting award for early education is the Gardner School of Blue Ash.

Montessori education is a popular preschool choice.

These schools follow the philosophy that children teach themselves while teachers provide an appropriate learning environment. Pat Elder, head of the Montessori Academy of Cincinnati, said Montessori fosters independence and higher self-esteem. The Mason school has two campuses. One serves infants through 2 years. The second serves kids from age 3 through 8th grade. The Montessori Center Room in the East End also has a preschool program.

When Amber Lierl of Loveland started searching for a preschool for her son Jacob, she was concerned about her son’s shyness and how he would transition. Lierl decided a

If you’re not ready to commit to preschool, a Parent’s Day Out (PDO) program might be a better choice. They give parents a little bit of free time during the week and allow

30 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

children a chance to interact with peers. Jessica Davis is the PDO director at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Liberty Township. She said it’s a win-win for parents and children. It’s open to anyone in the community during the school year. Other PDO programs include Wee Three Kings of Loveland with a program for 18-36 month-olds, and King of Kings Lutheran Church in Mason. It offers a once a week Mom’s Day Out program for 2-2 ½ year olds. Older children can then transition to the church’s preschool.

There are also ways to engage your preschooler outside of a classroom setting. The Duke Energy Children’s Museum at the Museum Center offers story hours and art classes, and the Cincinnati Zoo has a new preschool animal encounter program. Local libraries offer story times, and some libraries have AWE Early Literacy Stations. These computers have kid-friendly keyboards, touch screens and more than 100 learning applications for children. Look for them at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County branches and at the Erlanger and Durr libraries in Kenton County.

Whatever you choose, keeping your preschooler engaged and learning lays the groundwork for a love of learning that will follow them as they grow.

education +childcare resources

GUIDE

[ childcare ]

Child Care/Preschool Chai Tots Early Childhood Center

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

The Compass School Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12.

Offering outstanding Reggio-Inspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children. Degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. Call today for your personal tour. 9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Laura Carr, Phone: 513-683-8833, Email: CompassLC@yahoo.com, www.TheCompassSchool.com

The Gardner School of Blue Ash This award-winning, academically focused preschool has recently opened in the Blue Ash Community. You want the best for your child, and so do we.

With our nationally-recognized curriculum taught by our degreed teaching faculty, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment for learning readiness where your child can prepare for academic achievement and lifelong success. 9920 Carver Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242, 513-985-9444, www.TheGardnerSchool.com, Ages 6 weeks - Pre-K

Kinder Garden School Together with interaction of child, staff and family, we develop the complete child. In our Kinder Garden, we provide formative encouragement and knowledge with hands-on staff taking a personal interest in family and holistic education decisions for the child. Kinder Garden School is devoted to growing a child’s wish to flourish and learn by cultivating curiosity and problem-solving proficiency in a full supportive, fertile, fun setting.

ENLIGHTENMENT IS OUR MISSION. Blue Ash - 10969 Reed Hartman Highway, Blue Ash, OH 45242, Contact: Tami Lanham, Phone: 513-791-4300, Email: tami@kindergardenschool.com. West Chester - 5900 West Chester Road, Ste. C, West Chester, OHIO 45069, Contact: Trudi Simpson, Phone: 513-874-3100, Email: trudi@kindergardenschool.com, www. kindergardenschool.com, Grades: 6 weeks through kindergarten, Enrollment: Please call or email.

Montgomery Community Church Preschool MCCP is a quality, Christian based preschool where kids learn, grow and develop good social skills led by college degreed teachers. MCCP continues to be awarded the 3 star Step Up to Quality, the highest level of certification, for excellence in its program. Watch your child blossom in this nurturing environment. 11251 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Chris Conner, Phone: 513-469-5333, Email: cconner@mcc.us, www.mcc.us, Grades: Ages 3-Pre Kindergarden, Enrollment: 165

Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Nursery School

Professionally qualified teachers provide active, expressive, child-centered learning experiences at this 3-star award-winning program. Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 day AM or PM sessions. Excellent ratios, degreed teachers and spacious, sunny, classrooms await your preschooler. Parent and child classes also available for babies and toddlers. 5950 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213, (513)631-0170, www.prpc.org, Grades: 2 1/2 - 5 years, Parent/Child classes birth to 32 months, Enrollment: 65

Skidaddles Skidaddles offers convenient and reliable care that is available without reservation. Drop-in days, evenings, and weekends whenever you need childcare. Whether you need care for a few hours or all day, part-time, or full-time with flexibility, we can accomodate all your childcare needs! Feel confident knowing your children are having fun and learning while being cared for by well qualified staff in a safe and clean environment. 5939 Deerfield Blvd., Suite 104, Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Tiffany Sams, President, Phone: 513-204-3482, Email: info@skidaddles.com, www. skidaddles.com, Grades: 18 months - 12 years, Enrollment: New registrations are always welcome. Register once and use both locations Mason, OH and Florence, KY!

Montessori The Child’s Place

Montessori Early Childhood Program! Exceptionally low ratios in a nurturing environment! Our 2-acre campus provides bike and cart paths. Separate play areas for toddlers and preschoolers. Spanish and Music classes offered! Full-time and Part-time available. AMS Affiliate 4936 Old Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason, OH 45040, (513)398-6928, www.montacademy.org, Grades: 6 weeks through 4 years, Enrollment: 150

Central Montessori Academy At C.M.A., children learn at their pace, building self-esteem while being taught as individuals. The result: motivated & self-disciplined lifelonglearners who are students of life just as much as they are of academics. We are also excited to announce that construction is soon to begin on our new Natural Playground and Outdoor Learning Environment, and it is scheduled to be complete in mid-October - just in time for the first day of school! 1904 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231, Contact: Laura Saylor, Phone: 513-742-5800, Fax: 513-742-5870, Email: info@centralmontessoriacademy. com, Grades: Infancy through Sixth Grade, Enrollment: 110

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School An authentic Montessori school program resting on 6.5 acres. Extraordinary and rigorous hands-on learning inside and outside of the classrooms creating life long learners, critical thinkers and passionate leaders. 927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Meg Thomas, Head of School, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: thomas@cmhschool, www.cmhschool.

com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 150

Country Hills Montessori Providing half day programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational enviornment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas and Erlanger KY. Visit chmschools.com for all location addresses & phones. 4400 Glen Este Withamsville, Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner, Phone: 513-752-1066, Email: sschreiberchm@yahoo.com, Grades: 3 - K

Farmview Montessori Garden Offering an individualized method of education for both Preschool & Kindergarten. Half day and full day sessions available. Serving West Chester, Liberty Township and Fairfield areas. Come Grow With Us!3501 Tylersville Rd., Liberty Township, OH 45011, Contact: Judy Ryberg, Phone: (513)737-0479, Email: farmview@cinci.rr.com, www.farmviewmontessori.com

Montessori Academy of Cincinnati Now in our 23rd year offering Montessori curriculum with an individualized nurturing approach. Experienced, degreed teachers foster a love of learning, promote independence and develop the necessary skills for success. New 7.5-acre campus! State Chartered. AMS Affiliated. Extended Care available on-site. 8293 Duke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, (513)398-7773, www. montacademy.org, Grades: 3 years – 8th grade, Enrollment: 300

Montessori Center Room A child-focused, warm & inviting 40-year-old program for children ages 3-6 years old. Before and after care available. Musikgarten is offered weekly.

AMS affiliated. Call for a personal tour. 2505 Riverside Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45202, Phone: 513-321-3282, Fax: 513-321-4982, Email: mcr1966@fuse.net, www.montessoricenterroom.com, Grades: 3 - 6 years old, Enrollment: 50

The New School Montessori Founded on Montessori principles in 1970, our wooded playgrounds, home-cooked meals and family-like setting in North Avondale’s Mitchell Mansion provide a stimulating and nurturing environment for learning. We value diversity and create a caring and supportive community. Our graduates excel academically, but more importantly are empowered as citizens of our global community. (Accredited by AMS and ISACS). 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, (513)281-7999, www.thenewschool.cc, Grades: 3 year-olds through 6th Grade, Enrollment: 150, OPEN HOUSE DATES: Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 2-4PM, Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 2-4PM

Non-Public

Archbishop McNicholas High School Archbishop McNicholas High School promotes a Christ-centered, Catholic community that embraces each student – spiritually, intellectually, morally, and physically. We provide a safe, nurturing, creative, and challenging campus where individuals will grow in knowledge and faith. We equip our OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 31

students with opportunities and experiences that will enable them to achieve excellence, live out gospel values, and attain full stature in Christ.

6536 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Oh 45230, Contact: Lizanne Ingram, Phone: 51e-231-3500, Email: lingram@mcnhs.org, www.mcnhs.org, Grades: 9-12, Enrollment: 640

Cincinnati Country Day School CCDS is an independent, co-educational school dedicated to educational excellence serving students 18 months through Grade 12. The School is nationally recognized for its innovative, integrated laptop computer program. Extended day and tuition assistance is available. 6905 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243, Phone: (513)979-0220, www.countryday. net, Grades: Early Childhood (18 months); 12th grade, Enrollment: 800

St. Ursula Villa Academic excellence in the Ursuline tradition for boys and girls in preschool through 8th grade. Whole-child development, family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, Montessori or Traditional preschool options, small class size, individual attention, outstanding high school preparation. 3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226, (513)871-7218, www.stursulavilla.org, Preschool – 8th grade, Enrollment: 496

The Seven Hills School Seven Hills is an independent, non-sectarian coed school that prepares students in grades pre-K through 12 for 21st-Century opportunities.

They graduate as future-ready learners with the skills and habits of mind needed to excel in college and beyond, to live honorably, lead

32 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

effectively and learn continuously. The school has been educating Cincinnati area boys and girls since 1906. 5400 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227, Contact: Janet Hill, Director of Admissions, Phone: 513-728-2400, Fax: 513-728-2409, Email: janet.hill@7hills.org, www.7hills.org, Grades: Pre-K through 12, Enrollment: Nearly 1,000

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

Zion Temple Christian Academy Founded in 1983, Zion Temple Christian Academy is a private, nonprofit Christian School that offers highly competitive academic standards. We use the A Beka Curriculum. Our goal is to develop the total person, based on Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go…” 3771 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Rodney Napier, Assistant Principal, Phone: 513-861-5551, Fax: 513-861-1563, Email: rnapier@ztca.org, www.ztca.org, Grades: 3 year-olds through 6th Grade, Enrollment: 105

SPECIAL NEEDS Leap Beyond Therapy A pediatric physical therapy center that offers intensive physical therapy

using the Therasuit(tm) model. These are 3 hour per day, three week sessions to target specific goals and optimize success. We also offer modified therapy, home-based fitness programs and are the Tri-State’s largest dealer of adaptive bikes. 36915 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230, Contact: Ruth Grant-Bailey, Owner, Phone: (513)232-5327, Email: ruth@leapbeyondtherapy.com, www.leapbeyondtherapy.com

Springer School and Center For 40 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to become strategic learners, helping them to achieve success. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-13 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Changes Everything. 2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: (513)871-6080, www.springer-ld.org, Grades: 1st - 8th grade, Enrollment: 200

Virtual/Distance Ohio Virtual Academy

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

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

calendar sat 01

Festival is a Cincinnati favorite!

ZooGrass Festival at the Cincinnati Zoo

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 1 Through Sunday, October 2

Ohio Cider Festival

Times: 8:00 AM

Times: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Phone: 513-281-4700

Price: FREE

Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botnaical Gardens. 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220

Phone: (513)932-1869

www.cincinnatizoo.org

www.hiddenvalleyfruitfarm.com

Join us for a day of bluegrass music, great food and activities.

Fall-O-Ween Festival Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 1 Through Sunday, October 2 Times: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Price: Adults: $10.00 Children (12 & under): $7 Children (under age 2): FREE unless the child will participate in Trick or Treat Trail. All Trick or Treaters must pay admission.

Phone: (513) 232-8230 Location: Coney Island Park. 6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230 www.coneyislandpark.com

There’s no place quite like Fall-O-Ween Fest to take in the tastes, sights and aromas of the fall season! Complete with decorative displays, interactive events for kids, Coney’s Classic Rides, musical entertainment, farm babies and more... it’s sure to be an experience the whole family will enjoy!

Gorman Heritage Farm Sunflower Festival Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 1 Through Sunday, October 2 Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Price: $7/adult, $5 kids 3-17 and seniors 65+ Phone: 513-563-6663 Location: Gorman Heritage Farm. 10052 Reading Road, Evendale, OH 45241 www.gormanfarm.org

Enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn on the farm! Friendly animals, blue skies and the best of life on a real working farm. Add some traditional fall fun activities, and you have a great event for all ages - the Sunflower

Location: Hidden Valley Fruit Farm. 474 N. Ohio 48, Lebanon, OH 45036

Cider pressing, crafts, entertainment, bounce houses, hayrides, pumpkin patch, barnyard, cider and apple foods to eat, vendors and more.

sun 02 Cincinnati Bengals VS Buffalo Bills Times: 1:00PM

on activities. There will also be FREE giveaways at every station! Plus, meet and report the News with WCPO TV’s Deb Silverman and Valerie Miller! See WLWT’s news van, and star in your own news or weather report!

Hyde Park Square Art Show Times: 1:00PM – 5:00PM Price: FREE Phone: (513) 353-2045 Location: Hyde Park Square. 2643 Erie Ave., Cincinnati OH, 45202.

Featuring artists working in all media including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, crafts and multi-media.

Price: Ticket Prices Vary

mon 03

Phone: 513-455-4800

Sprouts Institute: Songs and Stories

Location: Paul Brown Stadium. One Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati OH 45202. www.bengals.com

Come cheer on the Bengals as they take on the Bills!

Dream Job-A-Rama: A HandsOn Career Fair for Kids!

Times: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Price: RSVP by September 30th Phone: 513-703-3343 Location: 8401 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236 www.myshalomfamily.org

Everyone always asks kids what they want to be when they grow up, but aside from a few popular careers, most don’t even know all the jobs there are to choose from. Now they can discover the possibilitiesCosponsored by Rockwern Academy and Shalom Family, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation for families with children 10 and younger in which at least one parent is Jewish.

From an architect to a zoologist and everything in between, children will meet people representing dozens of fascinating careers and participate in interactive demonstrations and hands-

Times: 10:00 AM Price: Fee: $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers, plus Museum Admission Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203 www.cincymuseum.org

It’s never too early for story time!

Bring your baby for a fun researchbased literacy development program with different books, songs and finger-plays each month. Amy Schardein, who has a B.A. in Elementary Education and M.L.S. in Library Science, leads this workshop.

Designed for ages birth to 3 years.

tues 04 Storytime at Borders Crestview Hills Price: FREE Phone: 859-331-8200 Location: Crestview Hills Borders. 2785 Dixie Hwy., Crestview Hillss KY

The Tri-State area’s most playful storytime Good fun for kids and adults including stamps and stickers, crafts and a parade and, of course, a wonderful story to tie it all together Join us at 11:00 am every Tuesday.

October 2011

weds 05 Foodie Fest Times: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Phone: 513-241-2690 Location: Over the Rhine, Cincinnati OH 45202 www.otrchamber.com

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Street festival. Featuring creative goods and goodies from food and craft vendors, music, and beverages available in beer garden.

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HypnoBirthing: A Celebration of Life!

Occurring Each Wednesday Times: 6:30 PM Price: $200/birthing team for 10 week package Phone: 513-591-2332 Location:Bethesda Hospital. 10500 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242 www.trihealth. com

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Returns birthing to the beautiful, peaceful, empowering experience nature intended. This unique childbirth series explodes the myth that suffering must accompany labor! To Register: call TriHealth at 475-4500 or visit www.trihealth.com

thurs 06 Carnival Noir - A Night of Fantasy Times: 7:00 PM Price: $20 Phone: 859-957-1940 Location: Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center. 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington, KY 41011 www.thecarnegie.com

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Fairy tales and fantasy-themed OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 33

costume party. Vendors and tarot readers available. Performances by local bellydancers, mimes, singers and contortionists.Featuring the Bellydance Superstars, international touring troupe.

The Bee’s Knees (ages 6+) Times: 6:30 PM Price: Free Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library.

3215 Cougar Path, Hebron, KY 41048 www.bcpl.org

Experience bee society and hold a real beehive See the equipment and clothing beekeeping expert, Susan Kahmann, uses.

Eat a sweet honey treat. Please register.

fri 07 Museum Day at the American Sign Museum Occurring Friday, October 7 Through Saturday, October 8 Times: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Location: American Sign Museum. 2515 Essex Place, Cincinnati, OH 45206 www.signmuseum.org

The Museum Day at the American Sign Museum will coincide with the Essex Studios Artist Walk. The Art Walk is an opportunity to tour the galleries, studios and performance venues of Essex Studios Resident Artists. Events are open to the public and family friendly. Cincinnati Circus provides entertainment and Cafe de Wheels sells its famous Wheel Burgers and Sweet Potato Fries in the main parking lot. Plenty of parking is available and the entrance to the Museum Day at the American Sign Museum is located under the American Sign Museum Banner.

sun 08 Semi-Annual Scratch and Dent Sale Times: 10:00 AM Phone: 513-561-1888 Location: The Mad Potter, 7754 Camargo Rd., Madeira, OH 45243 www.mymadpotter.com/Madeira

Gently used samples and slightly damaged bisque - great deals to be had - stock up for the holidays!!

Cincinnati Parks Amazing Family Race Times: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Price: $25 Phone: 513-321-6070 Location: Mt. Airy Forest at Oak Ridge Lodge. 5083 Colerain 34 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223 www.Cincinnatiparks.com

Reserve your spot for an opportunity to join other families for a day of Amazing challenges as you wind your way through Mt. Airy Forest. Family teams can consist of up to 5 members, 2 adults maximum and includes children ages 5 through 17.

Prizes will be awarded Be sure to come early or stay afterwards for refreshments, entertainment at the Mt. Airy Forest Festival celebrating Mt Airy Forest’s 100th birthday Cost $25 per family. For more information please call 321-6070

Fall-O-Ween Festival Occurring Saturday, October 8 Through Sunday, October 9 Times: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Price: Adults: $10.00 Children (12 & under): $7 Children (under age 2): FREE unless the child will participate in Trick or Treat Trail.

All Trick or Treaters must pay admission.

Phone: (513) 232-8230 Location: Coney Island Park. 6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230 www.coneyislandpark.com

There’s no place quite like Fall-O-Ween Fest to take in the tastes, sights and aromas of the fall season! Complete with decorative displays, interactive events for kids, Coney’s Classic Rides, musical entertainment, farm babies and more... it’s sure to be an experience the whole family will enjoy!

sun 09 Pre-Natal Yoga Ongoing Each Sunday Price: $15 Phone: 5138363822 Location: Element OM. 46 East Mulberry Street, Lebanon, oh 45036 www.elementalom.com

Please join us every Sunday at 12:00 for PreNatal Yoga. Angela Serna, Krupali Certified Instructor, leads mommy to be through gentle and nourishing yoga poses to prepare for an easy delivery and a comfortable pregnancy.

mon 10 Explorers University: Microscopy Times: 2:00 PM Price: Fee: $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers, plus Museum Admission Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203 www.cincymuseum.org

There are living things all around us, but

many of them are too small to see. Join us in the lab to explore some of earth’s tiniest creatures and take home your own microscopic pet. Designed for ages 9-15.

tues 11

For more events, visit

www.cincinnatiparent.com!

weds 12 Story Time with Miss Gail Ongoing Each Wednesday Phone: 513-731-2665 Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore.

3054 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209 www.bluemanateebooks.com

Get ready for silly stories, fun fingerplays, and sing-alongs with Miss Gail! free and open to our friends ages 2 and up.

thurs 13 FAMILY JUMP NIGHT Occurring Each Thursday Times: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Price: $7.00 per child.

Phone: Call 513.829.7867 Location: Pump It Up. 7724 Service Center Dr., West Chester, OH 45069 www.pumpitupparty.com/oh/west-chester

Come play on our giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables during our evening PopIn Playtime! Share quality time and promote physical fitness while bouncing, sliding, climbing and jumping at Pump It Up. Enjoy spending time with your family, meeting other families and making new friends in a safe, clean, climate controlled environment. Call Us For Details!

Little Adventurers Occurring Each Thursday Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Price: Member $125; Non-member $155 Phone: 513-831-1711 Location: Cincinnati Nature Center. 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150 www.CincyNature.org

The Little Adventurers preschool enrichment program integrates nature into all aspects of the day, including outdoor adventure, indoor discovery time, math, literature, music, and art. Each class meets once/week for 2 hours.

Ages: 3-5

fri 14 The Wizard of Oz Friday, October 14, 2011 through Sunday, October 16, 2011.

Times: Fri., 7:30PM; Sat - Sun, 2:00PM

Price: See website for pricing details Phone: (513)569-8080.

Fall Harvest, presented by Marvin’s Organic Gardens

Location: Taft Theater. 5th & Sycamore Streets, Cincinnati, OH

Times: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

www.thechildrenstheatre.com

Phone: 513-984-8278

Heading down the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard and their way back home to Kansas, Dorothy, and Toto meet some new friends: a scrawny Scarecrow needing a brain, a rusty Tin Man needing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion needing courage. The Wicked Witch of the West tries to get rid of these intruders and claim Dorothy’s ruby slippers. With the help of Glinda the Good Witch and the awareness that they already possess the qualities they were looking for, success soon comes to them all. There really is no place like home. Performances also held on Sat. Oct 22 at 2PM and 5PM.

Costume Party!!

Price: FREE Location: Marvin’s Organic Gardens. 2055 South us Rte. 42, Lebanon, OH 45036 www.marvinsorganicgardens.com

This is a FREE family-friendly event open to call with live music, entertainment, and a variety of other activities as offered by local community vendors-including crafts, homemade goods/ merchandise, and other unique services.

Among the many activities, there will be pumpkin-carving, picking and painting, broomstick-making, cooking demos, face painting, donkey rides, and more. As well, giveaways will be distributed at random throughout the course of the event.

Phone: 513-561-1888

BLACK WALNUT WEEKEND

Location: Mad Potter – Maderia. 7754 Camargo Rd., Madeira, OH 45243

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 15 Through Sunday, October 16

www.mymadpotter.com

Times: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Halloween or other - dress up, paint and have a GREAT TIME!!!

Price: FREE, RSVP online!

Culture Club - Squish, Sculpt, Shape Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Price: $20 per pair general admission$10 per pair member Phone: 513-721-2787 Location: Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Especially for ages 2–5. Fun on the second Friday of the month. You and your preschooler will explore all about shapes with story times, snack time, tours, and hands-on art activities.

sat 15 Cincinnati Walks for Kids Phone: 513-636-2941 Location: Coney Island Park. 6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230 www.cchmc.org

Get ready to lace up those walking shoes!

Mark your calendar to join us as we honor the patients and families cared for by the medical center. This family-friendly, funfilled event has something for everyone.

Rides and face painting for the kids, sponsor goody bags for the adults and a great time for all. And best of all, while you’re enjoying your day, you’ll also be raising muchneeded funds to help the kids at Cincinnati Children’s receive the best possible care.

Location: 3455 Poole Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45251 greatparks.org

It’s the eighth year for this fun affair that celebrates the nutty Midwest harvest of walnuts! The weekend event includes live music, games, crafts, food tasting and more. This fun event has something for the whole family. On Sunday, enjoy live music by Jake Speed and the Freddies from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Harvest Fest Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 15 Through Sunday, October 16 Price: 7 Per Adult, $3 Per Child (Under 3 are free) Location: Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village. 3999 Pioneer Village Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068 www.caesarscreekpioneervillage.org

Step back in time with us to 1800 as we celebrate the harvest season. We will be getting ready for the winter months and there are so many things that need done.

We will be making soap, hominy, apple butter, hearth cooking, woodworking, blacksmithing, candle dipping, and so much more. You don’t want to miss out on this adventure. Come celebrate with us and experience for yourself some of what was actually needed to prepare for the coming months and get some hands-on experience to take away with you.

sun 16 Cincinnati Bengals VS Indianapolis Colts Times: 1:00 PM Price: Ticket Prices Vary Phone: 513-455-4800 Location: Paul Brown Stadium. One Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202 www.bengals.com

Come cheer on the Bengals as they take on the Colts!

J5K Run/Walk Times: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Price: Advance registration: $25/person; Race day registration: $35/person Phone: 513.761.7500 Location: Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 www.JointheJ.org

Race through the rolling hills of Amberley Village in this chip-timed event. For ages 10 and up. Race packet pick-up begins: 6am Race starts: 8am Award presentation: 9:30am Questions? Contact Andy Mays, 513.722.7236 or amays@mayersonjcc.org.

mon 17 Dealing with Peer Pressure: Help your child make good decisions in tough times.

Times: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Price: $15 per workshop. You must pre-register for each workshop.

Phone: (513) 231-6630 Location: Beech Acres Parenting Center. 6881 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230 www.ForTheLoveofKids.org

Kids are faced with tough dilemmas and need the strength to hold on their values and accurate perceptions. We’ll talk about what it takes to raise kids who can think for themselves and make safe decisions -even when they’re taking a stand that may put them at odds with their peers.

tues 18 Babytime Halloween Party (ages birth to 23 mo) Times: 6:30 PM Price: Free Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library. 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005 www.bcpl.org

No spooky stories here; just snuggle-time with your baby in costume. Please register.

Brain Balance Parent Lecture Times: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Price: Seating is Limited.

Phone: 513 257-0705 Location: Brain Balance of Cincinnati. 12084 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249 www.brainbalancecenters.com

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

We look forward to meeting you at the lecture.

thurs 20 Brew Review Times: 7:00 PM Price: $5. Registration Required.

Phone: (513) 398-9358 Location: Whole Foods. 5805 Deerfield Boulevard, Mason, OH 45040 wholefoodsmarket.com

Join us the third Thursday of every month for the Brew Review! Every month, we’ll take you on a beer adventure while sampling 5 monthly picks along with food pairings.

Fundraiser - Relay For Life Times: 7:00 PM Price: $35/person Phone: 513-271-2793 Location: Cheers to Art. 7700 Camargo Road, Madeira, OH 45243 www.cheerstoart.com

fri 21

Paint the “Mosaic Flowers” and personalize your artwork to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. You will be supporting Relay For Life, Heavenly Healing Herbs. $10 from each painter will go directly back to support the Relay For Life. Sorry - NO COUPONS/ GROUPONS available for this fundraiser.

Location: Sycamore Park. 4082 State Rte. 132, Batavia, OH 45103

Family Friendly Halloween Night Hike Times: 7:30 PM Price: Free

www.parks.clermontcountyohio.gov

Hit the trail on a naturalist led night hike to discover the truth about the often misunderstood animals associated with Halloween. Costumes are welcome. Meet at the information kiosk.

Scream Acres CT

Well Behaved Dogs Times: 7:00 PM Price: $35/person Phone: 513-271-2793 Location: Cheers to Art. 7700 Camargo Road, Madeira, OH 45243 www.cheerstoart.com

Paint these dogs to look like yours (cat’s are ok too!)

Nativity Music Together Occurring Every Wed & Thu Times: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 513-531-7742 Location: Nativity School. Ridge and Woodford Roads in Pleasant Ridge, Cincinnati, OH 45213 school.nativity-cincinnati.org

Ages birth - 5 and the adults who love them. Discover the magic of music together. You will sing, dance, chant and play musical instruments in an informal setting. Sr. Mary Joan, a registered Music Together teacher, will have you bouncing to the beat.

Times: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Price: $3 donation Phone: 513-703-7384 Location: Scream Acres CT. 5603 Green Acres Court, Cincinnati, OH 45248 www.cincyscreams.com

Eighth year of fear with Scream Acres Manor and Dark Carnival in 3D. All new rooms, props, scares and more. Drinks, snacks, raffle and doors prizes available.

Benefits Make-A-Wish Fondation.

sun 22

ARTrageous Saturday: Red Grammer Phone: 513-745-5600 Location: Uc Blue Ash. 9555 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 www.rwc.uc.edu

Bursting with energy, irrepressible joy, and an obvious love for the entire human race, Red Grammer is one of the premier entertainers of children and families in America.

Red’s music nourishes hearts and souls, young and old, with music that playfully reconnects each one of us with the best in ourselves.

EHMOTC Fall Kids’ Clothing & Equipment Sale!

Location: Park + Vine. 1202 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 www.parkandvine.com

A free workshop on safely and comfortably carrying a baby from birth through toddler years. Experiment and ask questions about the different kinds of carriers (wraps, ring slings, pouches, mei tais and soft-structured) and browse our selection after the class.

mon 24 Sprouts Institute: Music and Movement Times: 10:00 AM Price: Fee: $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers, plus Museum Admission Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203

Price: $1 Admission Fee

Discover the magic of music together!

Children, along with a parent or caregiver, are invited to sing, dance, chant and play instruments in an informal setting. Eliana Corredor, a registered Music Together teacher, leads this workshop. Designed for ages birth to 5 years at the Duke Energy Children’s Museum.

Location: Nagle Middle School. 1500 Nagel Road, Cincinnati, OH www.ehmotc.com

Each Fall & Spring all the Greater Cincinnati area multiple clubs have gently used clothing and equipment sales. Basically a huge “Yard Sale” for all the members in the clubs to sell and buy each others things. Everything from before the babies are born to years later…clothes, toys, equipment, furniture, you name it. Half price sale starts at 11am!

sun 23 Playhouse in the Park presents: “What’s Buggin’ Greg” at the JCC Price: FREE

Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, October 21 Through Saturday, October 22

Phone: 513.761.7500

Times: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236

Price: $7.50 per person 3 and up

www.JointheJ.org

Phone: 513-321-6070

Enjoy the Playhouse in the Park world premiere presentating of “What’s Buggin’ Greg”, which tells the story of fifth-grader Greg Samsa who wakes up one morning to discover that he has turned into a giant cockroach. What will he tell his friends? For grades 3 - 6 and their families Questions? Contact Courtney Cummings, 513-722-7226 or ccummings@mayersonjcc.org.

Walk through a pumpkin lit trail meeting such costumed characters as a chatty bat, Mother Nature, and our glamorous owl from nature and history. This is a nonscary holiday walk best suited for children ages 3-8

Times: 11:00 AM

www.cincymuseum.org/

Magic Forest Halloween Hikes

Cincinnatiparks.com

Occurring on the fourth Sunday of each Month

Times: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Times: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: Caldwell Nature Preserve. 430 West North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45216

Babywearing Bliss Phone: 513-721-7275

Phone: 513-876-9013

Occurring Friday, October 21 Through Sunday, October 23

weds 19

years old. Hikes start at 7:00 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes until 8:30 p.m. Each hike lasts about an hour.

tues 25 Halloween Spooktacular (ages 8-10) Times: 6:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Bone County Public Library.

8899 us 42, Union, KY 41091 www.bcpl.org

Ghostly games, spooky stories and tricky treats Wear your costume. Please register.

weds 26 Wee Wednesday Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Price: $0 Phone: 513-721-2787 Location: Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Creepy Crawlers, Ghosts, and Goblins...

Get to know all the creepy creatures lurking around the Art Museum during this open-house program featuring interactive storytelling by specially trained docents.

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 35

thurs 27 Treat Your Teeth Halloween Costume Party Times: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 513-755-2118 Location: West Chester Family Denistry. 9000 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester, OH 45069 www.wcfamilydentistry.com

Information on Halloween safety.

Tours, child ID by West Chester Police Department, costume contest, DJ, dancing, treats, prizes, photos, scary readings by Book Bums, bounce house, face painting and exotic animals from Aquatic and Exotics.

fri 28 Giselle Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, October 281 Through Sunday, October 30 Price: Vary Phone: 513-621-5219 Location: Music Hall. 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, oH 45202

36 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

www.cballet.org

This great classic ballet tragedy premiered June 28, 1841 at the Paris Opéra Ballet. The story is based on the German legend about Wilis, women who had been betrayed by their betrothed and died before marrying. The peasant girl Giselle goes mad after falling in love with Albrecht, an aristocrat who deceives her. The story of betrayal, forgiveness and love that transcends death ends in a graveyard, an eerie but fitting setting for Halloween weekend.

sat 29 BatFest 2011!

Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203 www.cincymuseum.org/

Get up close and personal with live bats! Don’t worry, they’re not scary. Come learn about all the

cool things you might NOT know about this misunderstood creature.

See bats from local conservation organizations, enjoy flight demonstrations by our own colony of big brown bats, learn about bat ecology, taste fruits pollinated by bats, explore the world’s largest artificial limestone cave and many more fun bat-related activities!

CoCoWeen Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 29 Through Sunday, October 30 Price: $19.99/person Phone: 513.771.2080 Location: Coco Key Cincinnati. 11320 Chester Rd., Cincinanti, OH 45246 www.CoCoKeyCincinnati.com

Enjoy spook-tacular fall decorations, coloring contests, trick or treating throughout the resort, craft projects, and much more!

Plan an overnight getaway with CoCo’s Trick or Treat package, or just come and play for the day!

Fun the whole family can enjoy!

Don’t worry about the weather, it’s always a perfect 84 degrees here.

Halloween FUN Festival Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, October 29 Through Sunday, October 30 Times: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: (513)932-1869 Location: Hidden Valley Fruit Farm.

474 N. Ohio 48, Lebanon, OH 45036 hiddenvalleyfruitfarm.com

Face painting, crafts, hayrides, pumpkin patch, barnyard, bounce house, vendors and more.

sun 30

Daniel Pearl World Music Days with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Times: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 513.761.7500 Location: Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 www.JointheJ.org

The CSO’s Brass Quintet, String Trio, and Woodwind Quintet are featured in this family-friendly concert. Funded by ArtsWave

Presents. Celebrating the life of Daniel Pearl, reporter, who was kidnapped and murdered by extremists in Pakistan. Questions?

Contact Courtney Cummings, 513-722-7226 or ccummings@ mayersonjcc.org.

mon 31 Sprouts Institute: Signing Safari Times: 10:00 AM Price: Fee: $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers, plus Museum Admission Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203 www.cincymuseum.org/

Have fun in this sign language program that is entertaining to learn, easy to implement, and helps to reduce stress during early childhood years. Jeanne Bloemer, who is a certified Child Sign Language Specialist, leads this workshop. Designed for ages 9 months to 3 years.

ongoing calendar October 2011 Disney’s Beauty And The Beast Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 27 Through Sun., Oct. 9 Price: $27.50-$72.50 Phone: (513) 621-2787 Location: Aronoff Center. 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 www.cincinnatiarts.org

TALE AS OLD AS TIME, TRUE AS IT CAN BE. Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to you! This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including ‘Be Our Guest’ and the beloved title song.

Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST! Presented by Broadway Across America.

Hall-ZOO-ween at the Cincinnati Zoo Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Sat., Oct. 8 Through Sun., Oct. 23 Times: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Price: Free with admission Phone: 513-281-4700 Location: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220 www.cincinnatizoo.org

Little ghouls and boys can enjoy three spooktacular weekends of fun from Noon – 5 p.m.

It’s so fun, it’s scary And...Hallzooween is FREE with Zoo Admission. Kids are encouraged to wear a costume during HallZOOween, but it is not required.

Haunted Village Occurring Every Fri & Sat Beginning Fri., Oct. 14 Through Sat., Oct. 29 Times: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Price: $8 Phone: 513-563-9484 Location: Heritage Village Museum. 11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241 www.heritagevillagecincinnati.org

Heritage Village Museum is excited to announce the return of Haunted Village Cincinnati’s favorite family-friendly Halloween event is back Oct. 14 and 15, 21 and 22, 28 and 29 from 6pm-10pm.

Admission is $8 per person. Trick-or-treat

throughout the Village, watch as the Mad Scientist makes his crazy concoctions, stroll carefully through the haunted cemetery and much more as the Village brings back old favorites and delights with new surprises. Free wagon rides.

Shop for treats in the Witch’s Emporium and the Museum’s gift shop and enjoy a snack at the concession stand.

Keepin’ It Country Farm Festivals Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Sat., Oct. 1 Through Sun., Oct. 30 Times: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Price: Prices vary, $2-$15 Phone: 513-934-2001 Location: Keepin’ It Country Farms. 5511 Township Line Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068 www.keepinitcountryfarm.com

Enjoy a Day on the Farm for the Whole Family...CRAFTS - FOOD - MUSIC...

RAIN OR SHINE! Activities include a Child’s Hayride with pie pumkin from patch, Corn Maze, Hay Maze, Barnyard Games with prizes, Mini Train Rides, Child’s bracelet includes all the above, Pony Ride, Child’s bracelet including pony ride, an Adult Hayride or Draft Horse Ride and MUCH more!

Jack O’Lantern Junction Occurring Daily Beginning Sat., Sept.

24 Through Monday, Oct. 31 Phone: 513-898-8000 Location: EnterTRAINment Junction. 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, OH 45069 www.entertrainmentjunction.com

You won’t’ want to miss Jack O’Lantern Junction at EnterTRAINment Junction!

Halloween fun for the whole family! First walk-thru our trick or treat maze and see kid friendly ghosts, skeletons and more.

Stop and color, or see Halloweenville our miniature animated display. Plus come and enjoy the area’s only indoor Pumpkin Patch, where kids get a free mini pumpkin.

Ohio Renaissance Festival Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Sat., Sept. 10 Through Sun., Oct. 16 Times: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM Price: $19.99, $9.99 ages 5-12; free ages 4 and under.

Phone: 513-897-7000

Location: Ohio Renaissance Festival.

Ohio 73, Harveysburg, OH 45032 www.renfestival.com

Queen Elizabeth and over 150 costumed characters invite you to this 30-acre recreated 16th Century English village where you can enjoy over 400 years of fun in a single day! Featuring nearly 100 shows daily on 11 stages, over 135 unique arts and crafts shops, hearty food and drink fit for Kings, games of skill and humanpowered rides to amuse all ages! Check website for this weekend’s theme!

Pumpkin Days on the Farm Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Sat., Oct. 1 Through Sun., Oct. 30 Times: 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM Price: $7/person, 3 & under are FREE Phone: 859-485-7000 Location: 11896 Old lexington Pike Suite 1, Walton, KY 41094 bentonfamilyfarm.webs.com

Visit a real 4th Generation (69 years!) working farm that provides a variety of educational farm experiences that are hands on! Make it a tradition, take the family on a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick, from a variety of shapes and sizes.

The barns will be open for you to come in and visit/feed the animals. We also have awesome farm grown pumpkins, gourds, straw, corn stalks for sale to help your family to decorate for fall! And enjoy our small kids corn maze! If you’re looking for a large corn maze we only do family friendly small ones! We have simple farm family fun!

Pumpkin Patch Express Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Sat., Oct. 1 Through Sun., Oct. 30 Price: FREE Phone: 513.933.8022 Location: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad.

127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, OH 45036 www.lebanonrr.com

Join the Lebanon Mason Monroe (LM&M) Railroad on a train ride through Warren County in Southwestern, Ohio to Schappacher Farm in Mason, Ohio. Walk through a real working farm, pet the animals, find your way through a corn maze, and select a pie

pumpkin for your very own! Homemade snacks are for sale (Cash Only) at the Schappacher Farm Barn. Departure Times at 9:45am, 1:00pm, 4:15pm.

Pumpkin Patch Tours Occurring Daily Beginning Sun., Oct. 2 Through Monday, Oct. 31 Price: $10 two-hour tour, $7 onehour tour, free under age 1 Phone: 859-781-5502 Location: 103 Gibson Lane, Wilder, KY 41076 www.sunrockfarm.org

Hands-on animal fun: milk a goat, hold chicks, brush a horse, feed the sheep and pet many different farm animals. Hayride to pumpkin patch to purchase pumpkins. Free apple cider and cookies on weekends at farm store.

Rocky Mountain Express Occurring Daily Beginning Fri., Oct. 14 Through Monday, Oct. 31 Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203 www.cincymuseum.org

All aboard for a journey through the Canadian Rockies on a steam train adventure of a lifetime at the OMNIMAX Theater! Experience the human drama and epic engineering involved in building a railroad through some of the most demanding and breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Join passionate engineers as they work to re-ignite the fires of the Age of Steam and restore a champion locomotive.

Together, they will pit their skills and an old engine against the perils of great mountain passes and rugged terrain. Show times vary, visit www.cincymuseum.org for times.

Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for You and Your Little One Occurring on the second Sun. and fourth Sun. of each Month Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Price: FREE, RSVP online!

Phone: 513-703-3343 Location: 6209 Snider Rd., Mason, OH 45040 www.myshalomfamily.org

Now Shalom Family has a great new way for parents and babies to get connected to

one another and the Jewish community.

Presenting private interactive playgroups that take place on the second and fourth Sun.s of each month. These playgroups are FREE and feature the popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun. Play dates always include a snack.

Dates and times are subject to change, please check the website for updates.

Sensory Sun. is a program of Shalom Family, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation. Open to families in the Jewish community with children two years and younger in which at least one parent is Jewish. Plus, two families will each win a $50 Target Gift Card at every event!

Shaw Farm Festival Weekends Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Sat., Oct. 1 Through Sun., Oct. 30 Phone: 513-575-2022 Location: 1737 State Route 131, Milford, OH 45150 www.shawfarms.com

Come dance with us in our old barn to the wonderful bluegrass music provided

by Appalachian Highway. Wonder through our 8 acre corn maze, find all the destinations and win a pumpkin!

Let your children’s imagination run wild in our interactive playgrounds and visit our wide selection of farm animals. Pick that special pumpkin out of our real live pumpkin patch! From Hayrides to face painting Shaw Farms has it all!

Tornado Alley Occurring Daily Through Thursday, Oct. 13 Price: Varies Per Ticket Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203 www.cincymuseum.org

Get swept away into the beauty and raw power of some of the most dangerous and breathtaking weather events in the world premiere of Tornado Alley. Join Sean Casey, star of the Discovery Channel’s Storm Chaser series, on a heart-pounding mission to understand the origins, structure and evolution of tornadoes.vShow times vary, visit www.cincymuseum.org for times.

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 37

birthday party

GUIDE

marketplace LEARN TO PLAY MUSIC AT HOME!

Piano, guitar & voice lessons Lessons available for all ages Highly qualified music teacher Flexible scheduling/Optional recitals $10,000 Musical Lending Library

PIANO LESSONS

IN YOUR HOME, INC. (513) 860-3540

www.pianolessonsinyourhome.com

YOUR AD HERE!

West Chester Academy of Music & Dance www.wcaom.com 829-2345 38 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Contact Katie at Katie@CincinnatiParent.com

fun+wacky sun

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homemade cookies day how to celebrate: have storytime with your kids before bed tonight

child health day

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name your car day

how to celebrate: today is a great day to schedule check-ups for which your child may be overdue!!! e

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how to celebrate: today is the day to celebrate silliness!

yom kippur begins at sundown

how to celebrate: mix 1C peanut butter, 1C marshmallow cream & one egg. form into balls & place on cookie sheet. bake 12 mins at 350°

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mad hatter day

moment of it’s my party day frustration day

world sight day

chocolate cupcake day

how to celebrate: what’s your satisfaction level with your life? if you’re unhappy, consider going back to school or starting a new hobby!

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bologna day

greasy foods day

happy halloween!

pumpkin day

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

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fluffernutter day

SWEETEST DAY 22

“Monster Mash” reached number one on the music charts!

how to celebrate: make homemade carmel apples! for an easier treat, slice apples and drizzle with caramel.

how to celebrate: volunteer at a homeless shelter. plant a tree. adopt an animal. visit a local nursing home.

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evaluate your on this day life day in 1962, the song

how to celebrate: how to celebrate: go ahead...have fries just carve pumpkins while eating this once without pumpkin bread, seeds feeling guilty! or pie!

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chocolate covered insects day

how to celebrate: is everyone in your family how to celebrate: up-to-date on their vision how adventureous are you? appointments? if not, we opt for chocolate covered schedule them today! gummy worms!

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candy corn day

how to celebrate: send a note to your child’s teacher thanking them for the great job they are doing!

world teachers day

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ipod day

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a day p ast

how to celebrate: take your boss to lunch. write your boss a card thanking them for your job.

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how to celebrate: how to celebrate: have a party and celebrate! frustrated? today is the day use today as an excuse to to let it out. go for a walk. cry. talk to a friend. invite friends over. have think. seek help. cake. wear that party dress...

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bosses day

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in 1876, the first two-way phone conversation took place.

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caramel make a apple day difference day

plush animal lovers day

how to celebrate: tell your kids about your favorite stuffed animal you had as a child.

frankenstein day

OCTOBER 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 39