Indy's Child // August 2010

back school issue August 2010 * indyschild.com

INDYSCHILD.COM 5

August 2010 Commentary & Parenting * Publisher’s Note: A Personal Perspective on Obesity

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GROWING PAINS

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Mommy magic: Using Economic Situations as Teachable Moments

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ASK A TEEN: I Wish That...

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DEAR TEACHER: Ready for the Start of a New School Year?

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NEWS & SHOPPING * News You Can Use: Informing Parents with Every Issue

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The Green parent: Green Clean Options Plus Web Tools Allow You to Chart Conservation Success

Child l a n o i E x ce p t

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easing back to school jitters

Health & Wellness * pediatric Health: The Basics of Backpack Safety

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PEDIATRIC health: How Important is Childhood Dental Care?

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special needs awareness: The Road to Special Education

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Around Town * PROFILE: Indiana Mother's Milk Bank

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FAMILY FUN IN INDY: Kid-Friendly Restaurants are a Parent's Dream

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museum note: Preschool Fun for Everyone

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arts & enrichment: Making the Investment in After School Activities

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PROFILE: A Summertime of Fun at the Indiana State Fair

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INDY PARKS: Indy Parks Hands You the Natural Wonders of Our World

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* RESOURCES

THe Road to SPecial Education

Arts & enrichment Guide

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special neeeds guide

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OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

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Childcare & education directory

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fun & wacky calendar

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CALENDAR

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classifieds

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Ask the Staff: What was your favorite way to stay active as a child?

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25 back to school tips

Tennis and playing neighborhood games like kick the can

Swimming

Riding my bike

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Tennis

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Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Swimming

Swimming and gymnastics

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Indy’s Child

Co mm e n ta ry & PA RENTING

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Publisher’s Note

A Personal Perspective on Obesity Encouraging a Healthy Relationship with Food and Fitness

FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne barbara@indyschild.com Publisher & President of Sales & Business Development Mary Wynne Cox publisher@indyschild.com Associate Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Lynette Rowland editor@indyschild.com sales and business development Jennica Zalewski jennica@indyschild.com Art Direction & Design Heather Lipe heather@indyschild.com Public Relations and Advertising Coordinator Erin Tulley erin@indyschild.com Controller / ACCOUNTANT Roxanne Burns roxanne@indyschild.com

Obesity is a problem—it has been for generations. Now, it’s front and center while being linked to diabetes, high blood pressure and other degenerative diseases. On a plus, however, our culture is becoming more wellness-oriented and conscious about fitness and highperformance in sports, healthy eating and managing stressors of everyday life.

If education is key to weight management, the above criteria for a healthy lifestyle might help your family connect on a deeper level. Working together to find a variety of fruits and veggies (and protein) that everyone likes—along with exercise plans that everyone can participate in— will not only increase everyone’s health factor, but help your family communicate more effectively. The key to successful healthy meals is having a support system and by keeping your family involved in the menu planning, eating at regular intervals to prevent overeating and keeping an open line of communication will help everyone now and in the future. Setting good examples, such as refusing to buy high fat, high sugar snacks and instead keeping a bowl of apples on the kitchen counter or cut-up celery and carrot sticks in the refrigerator, will prevent everyone from reaching for poor food choices.

I know that managing a proper diet and making time for exercise isn’t always easy.

On a personal level, I have been for obese most of my life. Though I think “letting go” is a character flaw in myself, I find that a greater flaw would be not accepting myself as a worthy person. I often write in my list of New Year’s Resolutions that Weight Watchers is the place for me—and it is. I like the fact that the modern plan includes indulging every now and then on pizza—just count the points and plan your day to allot for it.

I see some fast food chains trying to help people like me by offering real fruit smoothies and yogurt to satisfy that fast food fix. They offer fruits, salads, cottage cheese, frozen low-fat yogurt—even at drive-thru windows. If the options are readily available, it makes healthy-eating much easier for busy families.

Of course, everyone knows that a healthy diet is just one part of the complex plan to stay fit. The Y’s are offering every kind of fitness activity you could ever be interested in, including water aerobics, Pilates and yoga. Their fitness centers have trainers who will guide you to the right workout stations and encourage you to stick with it. Remember what I said about

a support system? The Y offers support, plus all services are available at the Y for a reasonable family or single membership.

The caution every parent (or friend) must take in trying to support someone who is making healthy diet choices is to make certain that, in doing so, they help their children to maintain a positive selfimage. Some dieters see their weight as so gross that the extremes they will go to lose weight leads them to methods that can be physically harmful—even deadly.

Eating disorders are hard to treat because most sufferers see themselves as “fat” and “unworthy.” It’s a mental impression of themselves that those around them are unable to understand. The fact of the matter is that no one is unworthy of being healthy and supporting your children (and family) in their effort to lose weight or remain healthy must absolutely be a positive one. You, as a parent, are the direct line to encouraging a healthy selfimage and positive relationship with food.

As always, a doctor should be a mentor to those who are truly obese.

One practice that Weight Watchers has that was always helpful to me was to write down what you eat and how much. Some call it the “Bite it-write it” mantra. This

habit makes you more responsible for the choices you make. Seeing yourself on paper is far more apt to make you understand that “you are what you eat.” I know first hand—food has always affected my mood changes and given me a boost from one activity to the next. But I also acknowledge that putting your fork down and chewing slowly to enjoy your food is also a good habit to acquire.

Weight management is a good thing, but the most important person to acknowledge it is the person who needs to lose weight.

Loving parents must encourage healthy eating as often as possible, set a good example and allow the child to come to their own acceptance of the situation. Why do I say this? Because my parents tried to help me by serving me half-portions of the foods I craved—I responded by raiding the refrigerator. (Poor choice, I know, but I wanted the same portion as my siblings. It wasn’t my choice to get a half-portion.) By reacting negatively, controlling what only one child eats, not setting a good example or singling them out you will do more detriment than good. A positive attitude, communication and setting examples are the only way to ensure that your child has a healthy relationship with food and exercise. By doing so now, you’re truly

shaping how they will react to both in the future as adults.

We all want what is best for our children. Encouraging them to do their personal best, providing mutual cooperation, tender-loving care and participating ourselves to encourage their success will shape their lives in ways beyond measure. Please send me your weight loss success stories so we can share them with readers next month. Your success can be an inspiration to others.

In the meantime, remember to pack healthy fruits, veggies and proteins in your child’s lunch box, work together to come up with new opportunities to fix healthy meals and enjoy a happy dinner hour and special time to listen to your children talk about school, their classes and friends. Having your child go to bed nourished and loved is bound to produce a more productive student now and a healthier adult in the future.

OFFICE MANAGER Karen Ring karen@indyschild.com ON THE COVER Journie Talley, Age 11 Lucia Talley, Age 4 COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Angela R. Talley

Indy’s Child 921 E. 86th Street, Suite 130 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317.722.8500 (p) 317.722.8510 (f ) indyschild@indyschild.com Copyright: Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2009 by Indy’s Child Inc. and Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC.All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.indyschild.com.

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news you can use Kid's Health Day Helps Improve Children and Family Health Kid’s Health Day, a free event being held on August 21, aims to help parents through various activities, exhibitors and mini-seminars, improve the health of their children and families. The event is designed to inform parents about health and education resources in the community that encourage the long-term health and wellness of children.

March of Dimes Mom-of-the-Year Awards The March of Dimes will be hosting their annual Mom-of-the-Year Awards on Saturday, August 21st at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, networking and a silent auction, followed by dinner and the awards program at 7:30 p.m. Approximately 400 people will come together to honor all that mothers do for our world. The evening serves to recognize 10 finalists for Mom-of-the-Year chosen by an esteemed panel of mothers from our community. One of these 10 finalists will then be chosen as Mom-of-the-Year. Also being recognized is Honoree Mom, Dijuana Lewis, Executive Vice President, President and CEO, Comprehensive Health Solutions Business Unit for WellPoint, Inc., who will be celebrated for her achievements as a Mom and Business Leader. This event will afford attendees the opportunity to network and celebrate the toughest, most rewarding job in the world. It will also increase awareness of the March of Dimes’ commitment to Indiana and the prevention of birth defects, infant mortality and premature birth. For more information on this year’s event, please contact Tim Arndt, March of Dimes, tarndt@marchofdimes.com.

Sponsored by Lakeshore Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center and LearningRx Brain Training and Learning Center, the day will provide activities for children including a bounce house and craft projects, free dyslexia screenings, and nervous system scans. Parents can participate in any of the numerous mini-seminars, such as:

1. Healthy Eating presented by Lakeshore Chiropractic 2. ADHD and Dyslexia-Signs, Symptoms and Solutions presented by LearningRx 3. Fit Kids presented My Gym Children’s Fitness 4. Applied Behavioral Analysis-Verbal Behavior Center for Autism

Additional exhibitors include Art with a Heart, Edible Arrangements, Fire Safety demonstrations with the Lawrence Fire Department, and Healthy Snacking by Sam’s Club.

Kid’s Health Day will be held August 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kroger Plaza at 79th and Fall Creek. For updated information on the speakers, visit www.indyevents.net.

The first 100 kids will receive a special gift!

Pat hs to QUALIT Y Assists Families In Search of Quali t y Child Care Paths to QUALITY™, Indiana's statewide quality rating system was developed to help ensure the children of Indiana receive better quality child care. Paths to QUALITY also provides families with a way to make informed choices when choosing

child care. Many providers have voluntarily joined to improve the quality of care they provide children. Is your child care provider on Paths to QUALITY? Look for the Paths to QUALITY decal providers exhibit to show their level of achievement. Look for

the sign campaign this fall. Providers achieving a Level 2 and above (4 is the highest) will be displaying new signage. It's all for better child care and brighter futures for the children of Indiana.

Little Drummer Girls and Boys Get Ready to March

ONE PRICE. 2,394 HOURS OF EXPLORATION.

Come participate in an action packed family fun time at the “Come Feel the Music” Festival on Thursday, August 12. While the world’s top marching brass and percussionists play their hearts out inside Lucas Oil Stadium, your youngsters can tune in to music festivities and interactive stations outside stadium gates. This “event within an event” coincides with the 2010 Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium, the pinnacle of the annual Drum Corps International Tour, a series of 115 live competitive drum corps events occurring across the nation. Drum corps musicians play everything from trumpets and baritones to snare and bass drums. Performances include stunning choreography by color guards as they maneuver vividly colored flags. More than 40 groups will participate from 15 different countries showing families what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication and proving that music truly is felt around the world.

This first ever music festival will give the family a chance to ‘feel’ the music with hands-on opportunities including a chance to play different instruments, take free mini music lessons, participate in drum circles or be blown away by marching ensembles from the comfort of a stadium seat. There is no need to worry if your little gal or guy may be too shy to participate because the opportunities to watch top performers are endless. The United States Army’s Hellcats will make you stand at attention and Al Chez, trumpet player from the “Late Show with David Letterman,” is sure to tickle the air with some sassy sounds. There will be appearances by drum legend Vic Firth and local celebrities such as the Indiana Pacers’ Boomer. Other surprises will include Indy’s own Rhythm Discovery Center and the Indianapolis City Ballet!

ha! i can’t wait, take me there!... how many minutes is that??...

Membership.

It’s worth more than the price of admission.

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childrensmuseum.org

There will even be face painting, prize contests and giveaways along with educational opportunities about musical instruments and history. And for those young adults (or even Mom or Dad) who are serious about music, there will be more than 30 displays and exhibits by music manufacturers including: Yamaha, Zildjian, Evans, Remo, Pearl, and the US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, just to name a few.

You will no doubt like the price tag, as well. Tickets are affordably priced at $10 for adults and children under 12 years of age get in free. If you enjoy what you see on Thursday, the marching music competition and performances will continue through Saturday, August 14 with ticket prices starting at $25. For more information www.visitindy.com.

Traders Point Charity Horse Show Returns August 14 Come join us at the Traders Point Charity Horse Show located in Zionsville on Wild Air Farms on Saturday August 14th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—a great way to treat your kids 12 and under to a variety of free, fun festivities. Free horse rides, bounce houses, face painting, air brush tattoos, caricatures and Radio Disney from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be rocking to your favorite tunes. Walk through the Country Fair to grab something delicious for lunch or shop for fun, unique items.

All proceeds go to Riley Childrens Foundation. For more information visit www.traderspoint.org.

Students Starting 6th through 12th Grades: New Vaccine Required The Indiana State Health Department recently issued a new vaccination requirement for students entering 6th through 12th grade starting in the upcoming school year. In the Fall of 2010, all students entering the 6th through 12th grades will be required to receive one dose of the Tdap vaccine, which helps protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, and they will need to provide proof of vaccination before school entry.

Informed parents are an important step in protecting pre-teens and teens against vaccine preventable disease. Parents can contact their child’s school nurse with questions about the new requirement for Tdap, and if necessary they should schedule an appointment to have your student vaccinated. When at the appointment, parents should ask health care providers about other vaccines recommended for the pre-teen and teenage age group, including any vaccines that were missed or not available when they were younger.

"Indiana is below the national average in terms of Tdap vaccination rates for adolescents. We really have to get our numbers up." said school nurse Deb Robarge, whose own college-age son developed whooping cough a few years ago, although he had been vaccinated against it as a child. “Most young children are vaccinated against pertussis and many other diseases.

But that protection can wear off in five to 10 years.” (Information provided by Nichole Bobo, RN, MSN with the National Association of School Nurses. For more information visit www.nasn.org.)

Girl Scout Night with Indiana Fever and Ceramic Dreams (Indy’s Child regrets that an error in our July 2010 Arts and Enrichment column inadvertently listed several classes attributed to the Indianapolis Art Center—the classes were actually available at Ceramic Dreams.)

The Indiana Fever and Ceramic Dreams are offering Girl Scouts a SPECIAL PACKAGE! As a member of the Girl Scouts, you, along with your family and friends, are invited to participate in a Lucas Oil Family Night presented by the Indianapolis Star with the Indiana Fever! You will also have the opportunity to participate in a pregame painting party with Ceramic Dreams from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with registration beginning at 3 p.m. By purchasing tickets through this offer, you will receive: a free family night voucher which includes a free hotdog, chips, drink, t-shirt and the opportunity to shoot a free throw on the main court after the game. You will also receive your group’s name in lights on the scoreboard prior to tipoff, an Indiana Fever/Ceramic Dreams patch, a piece of pottery to paint and take home with you the same day (set-up, paint and clean-up included!) plus a Ceramic Dreams goodie bag. You can get all of this for just $20 (lower bowl) or $15 (club level). To purchase tickets simply e-mail Jackie Magnuson at jmagnuson@ feverbasketball.com or call 317-917-2839. Make sure to mention you read about it in Indy’s Child!

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profile: indiana mother's milk bank

Indiana Mother's Milk Bank Hosts First Annual Cutest Baby Contest at the Indiana State Fair Promoting Breastfeeding and Education Throughout Indiana Barrel, cold water, and fans to give breastfeeding moms a chance to relax and nurse in comfort. The Lactation Stations will be open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm during the fair’s 17-day run from Friday, August 6, to Sunday, August 22. Volunteers from all over Indiana come to help staff the locations, making sure moms and families are comfortable and help promote breastfeeding and milk banking.

“IMM B provides a vital ser vice to the communit y throughout Indiana and the Midwest. IMM B’s work not only supports the efforts to promote breastfeeding throughout the state, but also enhances them with projects like the Lactation Station at the Indiana State Fair,” said Tina Cardarelli, Indiana State Breastfeeding Coordinator.

This year, IMMB and March of Dimes are partnering to bring the f irst annual Cutest Baby Contest to the Lactation Station at the Indiana State Fair. IMM B and MOD will be accepting applications during all 17 days of the fair, with an entr y fee of $20 and limit of the f irst 200 applicants. The f inal application deadline is Wednesday, August 25, 2010. Beginning in September, the babies’ pictures will be posted online and each family will gather donations from friends and family members. The baby with the most donations will be the Grand Prize Winner! All donations will help IMMB and MOD improve the health of Indiana’s infants and children.

The Indiana Mothers’ Milk Bank (IMMB), one of only 10 nonprof it organizations of its kind in the country, has a lot to celebrate. In addition to reaching the f ive-year milestone in sharing the gift of mothers’ milk here in Indiana and throughout the Midwest this month, it recently moved into a much larger off ice at 4755 Kingsway Drive, Suite 120, in Indianapolis.

IMMB collects human milk donations from screened donors, then pasteurizes, analyzes, and distributes to neonatal intensive care units throughout Indiana and the Midwest. IMMB follows the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) in order to ensure safe and proper handling of human milk. To date, IMMB has distributed over 200,000 ounces of pasteurized donor human milk for premature or ill infants in need.

This year, IMMB is also celebrating five years of providing Lactation Stations at fairs, community events, and expos throughout Indiana. Debuted in 2006 at the Indiana State Fair, the Lactation Station’s goal is to provide a comfortable, clean place for breastfeeding women to relax and gather information about a variety of women and infant health issues. Starting with one station in 2006, IMMB now operates three stations throughout the fairgrounds and partners with organizations such as March of Dimes (MOD), Medela, Indiana WIC, Bebe Paluzza – Indy Baby Expo, Ameda, and St. Vincent Health to provide a wealth of information and support.

IMMB and partnering organizations support Indiana law, which allows a woman to breastfeed her child anywhere the law allows her to be, whether she is in public or private.

During the hot August weather, the Lactation Station provides rocking chairs, generously donated by Cracker

To become a human milk donor, contact IMMB at milkdonor@immb. org or call 317-536-1670. For more information, email info@immb.org or visit immilkbank.org.

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The Grand Prize Winner will receive a photo shoot

by Pritchett Photography (tpritchettphotography.com), recognition in Indy’s Child magazine and a great prize pack! More details will be provided at the Lactation Station during the fair. For more information, please contact CutestBabyContest@ immb.org.

IM M B is excited for the 2010 Indiana State Fair Lactation Station and hopes to provide this vital ser vice to over 1,500 moms and fam ilies. Come visit one of our locations to learn more about the benef its of breastfeeding, human m ilk bank ing, or a range of women and infant health issues. The location of each Lactation Station is detailed on the map of the Indiana State Fair program. If you would like to volunteer, please contact IMM B at StateFairVolunteer@ immb.org.

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family fun in indy

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Are a Parent's Dream Local Dining Hot Spots Cater to Kids

Close your eyes. Imagine sitting in a comfy chair at a freshly cleaned table with your family. A magician making balloon animals entertaining the kids, and you enjoy it yourself—especially since someone else is doing all the work and cleanup. Just when you start to wonder what this magical place is and whether or not you are dreaming, a waitress approaches the table with spill-proof cups and a couple of kids’ meals. “Is this really happening?” you wonder, “Are there really child-friendly restaurants that make it easy for me that the kids actually like?”

Sit back and enjoy—your search is finally over. You are no longer limited to a fast food drive-through with a huge mess in the car.

And get this, you can actually help them think about what they want to be when they grow up in the process! Here are some examples:

For the future economist Does Sally save every penny she finds? No problem! Some restaurants in the capital city help keep a few bucks in your wallet, as well.

Grindstone Charley’s, with two locations in Indianapolis, offers discounted meals for children, as well as entertainment every Wednesday night. Plus, Sally gets her own custom made animal balloon to take home.

Many other Hoosier restaurants are now offering food and entertainment complimentary for children, helping to rank these restaurants at the top of the kid-friendly restaurant charts.

Monday: McAlisters–Kids can enjoy the sandwiches and salads in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Tuesday: Fazolli’s–Does your child love breadsticks? At Fazolli’s, breadsticks are free, and on Tuesdays kids meals are free, too.

A craft corner and coloring sheets are also available from 5:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday: A 2 Z Italian Café–Spaghetti for free? At A 2 Z Italian Café kids eat free on Wednesday.

Thursday: Captain D’s–Love food from under the sea? At Captain D’s, kids eat free on Thursday.

Sunday: Scotty’s Brewhouse–Free food and entertainment. At Scotty’s, kids can watch sporting events on television, color or play corn hole.

For the future star athlete Do you live with a mini Shaq, A-Rod or Manning? Many family-friendly sports restaurants in the capital city will appeal to your aspiring athlete. With entertainment such as cornhole and large televisions displaying sporting events, Scotty’s Brewhouse is great for kids with a competitive side. Discounts for students making the honor roll and kids eat free days are also available.

Taking the family to a sporting event doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, either. The Indianapolis Indian’s offer great discounts on snacks that kids can eat while watching the game. Souvenir Sunday giveaways include everything from whiffle bats to bobbleheads, magnets, t-shirts, flip flops, baseball caps and baseball card sets. On Mondays, fans can purchase hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jack, popcorn and potato chips for just $1 each.

For the future farmer Does Billy love tractors, cows and working in the yard? Indianapolis has many kidfriendly restaurants where visitors can learn about farming and even meet with farmers.

At Trader’s Point Creamery, families can take a stroll through the dairy farms and milking parlor, watch the production of dairy products through the Creamery window or visit the calves and chickens. Plus, once the tour is over, kids will love to eat at the Dairy Bar and Restaurant serving homemade ice cream, yogurt and cheesy sandwiches. Visiting Trader’s Point Creamery is an udderly mooving experience. · Want to meet a farmer? Every Wednesday the City Market hosts the Farmers’ Market from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Kids can walk around, meet over 50 producers, and pick out their own vegetables, cheeses and sweets.

For the future chef Does your little chef always want to help frost cupcakes or prepare spaghetti? In Indianapolis, there are many restaurants that allow kids to watch while their meal is being prepared. Buca de Beppo, Naked Tchopstix and Cold Stone Creamery are among the top kid-friendly. At Buca de Beppo, an Italianstyle restaurant, guests can sit at the table in the kitchen and watch how a restaurant’s kitchen operates. Your aspiring chef will enjoy the upbeat atmosphere and learn some cooking tips.

At Cold Stone Creamery, kids can watch their own ice cream being created. Pick your ice cream. Pick your mix-ins. Watch. What’s more fun than that?

Ever wonder how sushi is made? The mystery is solved at Naked Tchopstix, where kids and parents can watch as sushi is rolled, with yummy options including the popular fruitsushi dubbed “Mango Tango.” Try it—it’s delicious! (For a sweeter mix, swap out the jalapeno for cream cheese…yum!)

For the future nutritionist So you’re blessed to have a healthy eater who actually enjoys veggies and whole grains? Lucky you, your healthy eater is no doubt destined to become a nutritionist.

Fortunately, there are kid-friendly restaurants in Indianapolis that offer lunch and dinner for the most health conscious child and those whom we wish were! At Petite Chou, kids can eat organic French-style breakfast, lunch or dinner. There are even a number of items that are gluten-free, which is appealing to those who may have wheat allergies or special dietary needs. And you can dine outside at this pet-friendly restaurant to add another form of entertainment.

Yes parents, the answer to one of life’s biggest questions has finally surfaced —there ARE kid-friendly restaurants and they are in your own backyard. As an added bonus, they can even provide a learning experience that could help them make a future career choice.

Amanda

Uhles is a senior at Indiana University studying journalism. As the Communications Intern at the ICVA she works to promote the city of Indianapolis to residents and visitors.

In her free time, she enjoys running along the canal and exploring the many Indianapolis malls.

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museum note

Preschool Fun for Everyone New Preschool—At The Children's Museum of Indianapolis!

August is here, which means it is back-to-school time. With all the big kids heading off to classes, you may be wondering how to keep your little ones occupied. Look no further than The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which offers two preschool options for your child: a brand-new Preschool program or stand-alone preschool classes.

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

The Children’s Museum Preschool The Children’s Museum Preschool offers a program tied to children’s curiosity and guided by licensed, caring teachers using a curriculum backed by Indiana’s early-learning guidelines. Children take an active role in the learning process, making discoveries together in small groups in specially designed classrooms and exploring the museum’s 11 interactive galleries.

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

The program starts Aug. 31 and runs until Dec. 11 (with Thanksgiving week off ). There are three attendance options for parents to choose from, including three-, two-, or oneday-a-week sessions. Classes are held from 9 a.m. to noon each day. The three-day-a-week session is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; the two-a-day-week session is on Tuesdays and Thursdays; or a single day session is on Wednesdays or Fridays.

Tuition for the semester is discounted for museum members, so this is a good time to renew or purchase a year-long membership, which provides additional museum discounts and benef its.

Stand-Alone Preschool Classes If individual classes are a better option for your child instead of a longer preschool program, The Children’s Museum offers stand-alone classes for children ages 2 to 5.

For the 2-year-olds there are Playscape Toddlers classes and for children 3 to 5 there are Playscape Preschool classes. ????? INFINITI INDY CHILD AD

1/18/10

1:50 PM

Playscape Toddlers classes and Playscape Preschool classes are $12 for youth members and $15 for youth nonmembers. Some of the single-day classes are offered more than once, while others are offered only one time. Preregistration is required for all classes.

To register your child or for more information on The Children’s Museum Preschool, Playscape Toddlers, or Playscape Preschool classes, please visit www.childrensmuseum. org or call (317) 334-4000.

Christina Morse is a Public Relations Intern for The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

To register your child or for more information on The Children’s Museum Preschool, Playscape Toddlers, or Playscape Preschool classes, please visit www.childrensmuseum.org or call (317) 334-4000.

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pediatric health

The Basics of Backpack Safety Back Care Now Means Fewer Problems in the Future

Children have to carry textbooks, folders, notebooks and various other supplies to school every day, so their backpacks can quickly become heavy. As a parent, how do you know if your child’s backpack is worn properly and light enough to prevent back pains, tingling arms and aching shoulders? Here are some tips:

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A good backpack will be lightweight and have two wide, padded straps. The straps should be tightened so the backpack is snug against the child’s back.

This will prevent muscle strain and the child being pulled backward.

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Remind your child to always fit the two padded straps over his or her shoulders to help minimize back pain by distributing the weight of the bag over both shoulders. Research has shown that children who carry their backpack over one shoulder may lean to one side, causing the spine to curve, which may cause pain and discomfort (The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), 2009). If your child’s backpack has a waist strap, have your child wear it to also help distribute the weight of the backpack.

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When your child carries a backpack, make sure it does not weigh more than 15 percent of his or her body weight. For example, if your child weighs 100 pounds, his loaded backpack should not weigh more than 15 pounds. If the backpack is too heavy, let him or her know that it is okay to carry a book or lunchbox in their arms to help lighten the load. If the backpack is too heavy, you might want to consider a backpack with wheels, if your school allows this (i.e.: Zuca.com)

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Teach your child how to pack a backpack correctly. When you put books and other large or heavy items into the backpack, put them closest to the child’s back. To help ensure that items do not move around in the backpack while being carried, put small items into containers or use soft items, like a tee shirt or small hand towel, for packing support. Shifting items in a bag could cause a child to lose his or her balance and fall.

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Double check that all items in the child’s bag are absolutely necessary to take to school. Encourage your child to take out heavy items they do not need to limit the stress on their bodies.

Talk about and practice these tips so that you know your child is wearing a backpack properly and lightly every day. Your efforts can help prevent back problems now and in the future for your children and can also spur young ones to develop other habits for healthy, safe days at school.

Visit http://www.aota.org/Practitioners/Awareness/ School-Backpack-Awareness.aspx for more helpful tips on backpack safety.

Rosy Sandoval and Donna Suttles are Riley Safety Store Education Associates.

14 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

HE A LTH & W ELLNESS

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pediatric health

How Important is Childhood Dental Care?

Early Intervention Key to Orthodontic Success them—and possibly prevent or lessen the severity of future problems or procedures,” says Ronald R. Hathaway, DDS, MS, medical director of the Craniofacial Center at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

While people typically associate orthodontic visits with teenagers, kids should see an orthodontist well before their teenage years. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends being evaluated by an orthodontist by age seven.

Between the ages of eight and 12, orthodontists are better able to influence or correct jaw growth and development. After age 12, it’s more difficult to correct certain conditions.

“Like with most medical and dental conditions, the earlier that problems are detected, the greater the likelihood of being able to treat

For example, if a child with tooth crowding receives early intervention, then space can often be made in the mouth before all of the adult teeth come in. And by expanding an upper or lower jaw in a young child, an orthodontist may also be able to prevent future extractions.

In addition to guiding jaw growth, early orthodontic intervention can lower the risk of trauma with protruding teeth, prevent future orthodontic work, as well as help fix bad childhood habits, such as thumb or finger sucking, sucking on a pacifier, fingernail biting, and mouth breathing.

Wide scope of orthodontics Orthodontists treat a number of inherited mouth problems as well, including tooth size and jaw size, both which often lead to crowding of teeth or spacing of teeth. Other inherited problems include overbites, underbites, extra or missing teeth, and irregularities of the jaws, teeth and face.

In addition to those common problems, orthodontists treat problems caused by accidents, dental disease or the premature loss of either the primary or permanent teeth.

Signs of teeth trouble

Some common signs of teeth trouble include:

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Crooked teeth

Gaps between the teeth Overlapped teeth Early or late loss of primary teeth

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Difficulty in chewing or biting Finger or thumb sucking habits beyond age 5 Speech difficulty Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth Protruding teeth Teeth that don't meet in a normal matter, or don't meet at all

Additionally, parents can do two quick “at home” assessments to determine if a child may be in need of an orthodontic evaluation: your child to bite all the way 1. Ask down, keeping the lips open.

Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50 percent of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? If you see any of these conditions, an orthodontist should evaluate your child.

at the alignment of your 2. Look child's jaw. Does the jaw shift off center when your child bites down? If you see any malalignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem.

One of the most valuable things early orthodontic work can do is help build confidence. “It’s important not to underestimate the importance of how a child sees him or herself,” Dr. Hathaway says. “A child’s teeth and smile can be a big part of that.”

Ronald R. Hathaway, DDS, MS, medical director of the Craniofacial Center at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent. Located in the ZionsvilleWest Carmel area, the center provides orthodontic, cleft lip and palate, orthognathic surgery, and craniofacial surgery. Call (317) 3441370 for an appointment.

INDYSCHILD.COM 15

NE WS & SHO PPING

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the green parent

Green Clean Options Plus Web Tools Allow You To Chart Conservation Success Green Cleaning Options For Hard-to- won’t damage it, but it is very heat sensitive. Polyester carpets are usually solution dyed so they are resistant to Remove Odors bleaching, fading and soil dye reactions. It is not resistant Anyone that has ever struggled with a stubborn stain to oily stains, and in fact an oily spill or spot left without or stinky odor source knows the frustration of trying proper cleaning can oxidize and even chemically bond products and cleaning methods that don’t work, or only with and become part of the fiber—treat a polyester carpet temporarily mask the problem. Many people approach as soon as possible before a stain sets. household cleaning with dread, and with good reason— between harsh chemicals and products that don’t work, For wood floors: Minimize water and liquids on stain and odor removal can be incredibly frustrating, and the floor. Natural wood floors expand and contract due to even dangerous. moisture. So wipe up spills ASAP, and definitely do not leave large amounts of liquids on the wood, as this will First, consumers need to consider the safety of the make it swell and possibly cause the floor to crack. products they’re using. Then, they need to understand the nuances of cleaning different surfaces and stain/odor Don’t clean your floor with just water or any cleaner that sources, which will empower them to clean green and requires you to use a lot of liquid; water/liquids are not effectively. For parents with small children, there is the your floor’s friend and cause the wood and the finish to additional concern—babies and toddlers spend more time deteriorate. closer to the ground or on it, and therefore are more likely to come into contact with harmful cleaning chemicals.

Do use neutral pH cleaners made specifically for wood floors Every surface you clean offers different challenges – We have some tips for the most common household flooring For Concrete: Concrete is porous. Yes, this very hard materials: material is porous with lots of bubbles for liquid to hide and dry up in. If your concrete has not been sealed (or For carpet: Determine what kind of carpet you are the seal has come off ), liquids will definitely penetrate the cleaning. (Nylon, polyester, olefin or wool) The best surface and dry in the concrete. method of cleaning will depend on the type of carpet you will be cleaning. The wrong carpet cleaning method Do not paint over or seal concrete before you get rid of could ruin your carpet! the spilled liquid. Painting or sealing the concrete will not prevent the liquid from biodegrading (and throwing off Regardless of what the carpet is made of, ALWAYS do a odor!). You are just going to have to strip the seal off and colorfast test on a hidden spot with your cleaning product. get to the liquid once you find it has not worked.

Regardless of whether or not it is a solution dyed or acid dyed carpet, the quality of the dye job is always a factor Get something like a push broom and use this after as to whether the dye will hold. You don’t want a bleach applying the cleaning agent. Why? To get as much of the spot in the center of your living room carpet. product deep into the concrete as possible. Remember, no cleaning agent can work unless it can come in physical Wool carpets stain easily and are the most sensitive contact with the odor/stain source. carpets to clean. They should never be treated with hot Quincy Yu, is a fun-loving dog owner, and a former water. Nylon carpets are usually acid dyed so it can have high-tech executive who is passionate about children, problems with bleaching, fading and urine reactions, but pets and cleaning her house. She is also President and Coresponds well to most professional cleaning methods and Founder of SeaYu Enterprises, makers of Clean+Green.

For more cleaning tips and green inspiration, visit treatments. Olefin carpets are usually solution dyed so Quincy’s blog at http://www.odorandstainremover.com/ they are resistant to fading—most chemical and bleaches wordpress/

16 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Web Tools Allow You To Chart Conservation Success Now you will find more tools online to help you conserve energy as part of the Live Energy Smart initiative. The online Home Energy Inspector is a set of interactive web-based tools and reference materials developed to help you save energy, money and time. You can use the Home Energy Inspector in an estimator mode or establish an account that will incorporate your billing information.

Within the Home Energy Inspector, you can build a virtual model of your house to see how it uses energy. To begin, you’ll choose questions you would like answered. Those may include: Why are my energy costs this month different from costs last month or last year?

Where are my energy dollars going? Choosing those questions leads to an input screen where you’ll build your home’s profile. This will take five to 10 minutes to complete. You’ll be asked for information about the style of your home—such as whether it’s a ranch, multistory or condominium—and what types of appliances, lighting systems and HVAC equipment exist. You’ll also be asked about your home’s temperature settings.

After all of your data is collected, you’ll be offered low-cost solutions to reduce your energy consumption. Soon you can also track your progress as you continue to make changes to your home. If you create an account for the Home Energy Inspector, you will be offered an energy efficiency kit that contains:

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Four compact fluorescent lights Two low-flow shower heads Three faucet aerators One refrigerator thermometer One hot water thermometer

Also included within the Home Energy Inspector is an area for kids, instructor guides for teachers, an energy library resource center, an interactive home that shows how much energy certain electronics use and information on the fundamentals of electricity.

To start identifying areas for savings, go to IPLpower.com.

INDYSCHILD.COM 17

g n w r g s a n p n to e r d l i h C ng Our

Feedi e W e r A

?

Y T I S E B O

Startling Statistics Demand Action Americans are growing heavier and less healthy at alarming rates. Obesity and its effects are quickly gaining on smoking as the number one preventable cause of death in the country. Worse, the problem is not just affecting adults. In the last thirty years, the problem has grown to epidemic proportions for our nation’s children, as well.

No one can deny that childhood obesity in America is a problem that can no longer be ignored. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, results from the 20072008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an average of 17% of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese. Health officials are increasingly alarmed because the numbers are on the rise. Among pre-school age children 2-5 years of age, obesity has doubled (from 5 to 10.4%) over the past thirty years and tripled (from 6.5 to 19.6%) among 6-11 year olds. Among adolescents aged 12-19, obesity incidence has nearly quadrupled, increasing from 5 to 18.1% during the same period.

18 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Obesity Defined There is a difference between being overweight and being obese. Body mass index (BMI) is the most common measure used to determine overweight and obesity. BMI is a measure of weight in relation to height that is used to determine weight status.

Children (2-19 years of age) may be considered extremely overweight if they have a BMI greater than or equal to the 95th percentile, based on gender and age specific charts. If the BMI is equal to or greater than the 85th percentile, the child is considered overweight.

Unfortunately, however, being overweight can often lead to obesity. Obese children and adolescents

are more likely to become obese as adults. For example, one study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 80% of children who were overweight at aged 10– 15 years were obese adults by age 25. Another study found that 25% of obese adults were overweight as children.

What Are The Risks?

In Indiana, childhood obesity is unquestionably a major problem. In 2008, Indiana was ranked the tenth most obese state in the nation. These children may be facing serious health problems not just later in life but in their immediate future.

“We have seen an increase in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in children over the past 15 years, mostly due to increases in rates of childhood obesity,” says Dr. Andrew C. Riggs, Director of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes of Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent. Along with Type 2 diabetes, these children are also at risk for other obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, early sexual maturation, asthma and respiratory disorders and skin infections. In addition, because obese children are often ridiculed and demeaned by their peers, many of these children are also facing psychological effects of obesity including low self-esteem and depression that can stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“Twenty years ago it was extremely rare to diagnose these disorders in children,” says Dr. Riggs. “Now it is much more common.”

Are we feeding our kids to obesity?

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, there are many contributing factors to the obesity problem of our children. While it’s true that some children may be genetically predisposed to being overweight, the majority of childhood obesity cases are caused by behavioral and environmental factors.

Behavioral Factors Behavioral factors such as a high-calorie food supply and minimal physical activity can lead to energy imbalance, thereby leading to obesity.

The Indiana Healthy Weight Initiative, as part of Governor Mitch Daniel’s “INShape Indiana” project, recommends increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and decreasing consumption of highenergy foods and sugar-sweetened beverages.

In fact, one recent study conducted by Harvard University found that drinking just one 12-ounce can of sugared soda a day for one year could pack on as much as 15 extra pounds. “We’ve seen so many kids who are drinking over half of their daily calories,” says Heather Cupp, Dietician and Program Coordinator of the P.O.W.E.R. (Pediatric OverWeight Education and Research) for Families program at Riley Hospital for Children. “Because the drinks are so high in calories yet lacking in

solid sustenance, they provide a temporary burst of energy and feeling of fullness that leaves one dissatisfied later.”

Frequently dining out is another behavioral factor that can lead to overeating. It’s no secret that restaurants offer proportions that encourage gluttony, piling high the cheaper more fattening ingredients such as pasta and sauces and offering “super-sized” and larger portions. People believe they are getting more for their money, but in reality, they are simply overindulging.

“Over the last 30 years, value meals, super-sized products, and all you-can-eat buffets have distorted what we see as adequate portion,” states Dr. David Creel head of the St. Vincent’s/Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital L.I.F.E (Lifetime Individual Fitness & Eating) for Kids program. “Sometimes we buy larger sizes because it is a ‘bargain.’ After all, we can spend 30 cents more and get a candy bar almost twice the size of the regular.”

Leading a sedentary lifestyle is increasingly becoming a factor in the obesity dilemma.

Children spend an inordinate amount of time staring at screens. From video games and television to computers and telephones, kids are logging several hours every week developing their handeye coordination, but little else. Several studies have found a positive association between the time spent with media, especially viewing television, and increased prevalence of obesity in children. One study in particular revealed that youth ages 8-18 spend an average 7 ½ hours a day on with media.

That’s 7 ½ hours that displaces time they could be spending in physical activities.

Unfortunately, over half of that 7 ½ hours is spent watching television, not only keeping kids sedentary, but also exposing them to a barrage of food advertisements that influence them to make unhealthy food choices. Each year, billions of dollars are spent on youth-based marketing. In fact, one recent study noted that 85% of children tested actually preferred the taste of products that advertised using popular cartoon characters, regardless of the product.

Environmental Factors Family life shapes the way children view food, health and physical activity, and is mainly instrumental in shaping a child’s lifestyle. Parents are the role models and children usually develop similar eating habits. “Teaching children about being physically active and how to make smart food choices are habits they will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” says Jenni Kerrigan of the American Dairy Council of Indiana. “With childhood obesity reaching an all-time high, making healthy choices [at home] is vital for our future’s health.”

Schools, childcares and community environments can also affect a child’s weight. For example, living in an area where healthy food options are not readily available or where it is either not safe or not feasible (no sidewalks, no parks, etc.) to get out and exercise can lead to more sedentary and unhealthy choices. In addition, taunting and ostracizing overweight individuals by peers and

other members of the community will naturally lead to more unhealthy habits. “Sadly, when these kids begin feeling hopeless, it often leads to more eating,” says Dr. Creel. “They will also tend to gravitate to other kids with similar eating habits, looking for acceptance, and that only compounds the problem.”

Finding Nutrition Solutions Families do not have to battle the childhood obesity problem alone. Fortunately for parents and children, there are many resources available on local as well as national levels to both combat and prevent this growing epidemic.

In Indianapolis, both Mayor Greg Ballard and Governor Mitchell Daniels are highly active in the fight against obesity. The INShape Indiana initiative (in.gov/inshape/), created by Governor Daniels, encourages Hoosiers to live a healthier lifestyle by eating better, moving more and avoiding tobacco.

The nutrition portion of the program encourages following the MyPyramid.gov guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure a well rounded diet. In addition, The Indiana Healthy Weight Initiative (inhealthyweight.org) provides information on nutrition-related legislation, assessment tools, strategies and additional resources to aid Hoosiers in making easy, healthy choices at school, work and in their communities.

Indy Fit Kids (indyfitkids.com), available through Cardinal Fitness Centers downtown, at Eagle Creek and in Castleton, is a place for kids ages

INDYSCHILD.COM 19

5-15 to “get healthy by making better selfesteem, fitness, eating and mental choices.”

Programs are individually designed and focus on exercise and making nutritional food choices. Individual in-home programs are also available.

Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital L.I.F.E for Kids is a holistic healthy lifestyle program for children and adolescents.

Integrating counseling and education from a multi-disciplinary team does not just promote weight loss, but rather healthy habits for life. Lori Walton, Pediatric Weight Management Coordinator for the program, recommends getting kids to eat healthier by making healthier versions of foods they already like. “Using reduced fat ingredients, adding diced vegetables, and minimizing oil and butter in recipes can produce healthy burgers and fries, pizza, Chinese, Mexican and Italian restaurant favorites,” says Walton, who is currently working on a soon-to-be-published cookbook, “Menu Makeovers.” She also finds that presentation is important and recommends serving healthy foods in fun ways, such as arranging bitesized pieces on party platters. “Kids will choose chips and cookies over fruits and vegetables almost every time,” she says. “Keeping fresh fruits and vegetables already washed, cut up and ready to grab for snacking greatly increases the likelihood that they will be eaten.” More information on the L.I.F.E. program is available at peytonmanning. stvincent.org.

20 INDY’S CHILD * August 2010

The P.O.W.E.R. for Families program at Riley Hospital for Children strives to take a proactive role in the prevention and treatment of youth obesity. The program not only offers tertiary-care based weight management for youth, but physician education and empowerment and community initiatives as well, such as an upcoming Health Fair to be held in September. “P.O.W.E.R. is well rounded and includes an on-staff psychologist, physical therapist, physician and dietician,” says dietician Heather Cupp. “We are there to offer support, education and treatment on many levels.”

On the national level, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (www.fitness.gov) has a mission to “engage, educate and empower all Americans across the lifespan to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.” The Council is made up of 25 volunteer citizens who advise the President through the Secretary of Health and America and promote healthy lifestyles through fitness, sports and nutrition programs and initiatives that engage Americans of all ages. Tips, guidelines and numerous resources are available on the Web site.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a plethora of resources, research and information for parents and children striving to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Rather than dieting, a balance of nutrition and exercise is recommended, as well as encouraging healthy eating habits by providing plenty of vegetables, fruits, and wholegrain products, limiting sugar and fat intake and serving smaller portions. More information

is available at www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/ children/.

The American Heart Association is very involved in fighting childhood obesity in Indiana and across the U.S. Earlier this year, the AHA announced an aggressive 10-year impact goal to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent. “To accomplish this goal, much of our work will be preventative, including with our youngest generation, helping and encouraging them to develop healthy eating, activity and other lifestyle habits that will help them avoid obesity and the many long-term health risks associated with it,” says AHA Communications Director Tim Harms.

The AHA is fighting this battle on many fronts including encouraging kids to get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day, and encouraging healthy eating habits. “We’re also involved at the state and federal level on a variety of legislative issues that affect kids’ health,” says Harms. “For example, this fall Congress will be working on the re-authorization of the Child Nutrition Act, which was originally passed in 1965 and requires reauthorization every five years.

The American Heart Association is encouraging Congress to strengthen the law by implementing changes including restricting the junk food sold in cafeterias, snack shops and vending machines by including the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act, strengthening local wellness policies that establish the nutrition and physical activity goals of school districts by

including the NEW Schools Act and the HELP Schools Act, and increasing funding for the school meal programs to help improve nutrition standards.”

Information on these activities and much more is available at www.heart.org.

Combating youth-based marketing will be a hardfought battle, but fortunately, many children’s programs and networks are taking up the challenge.

Sesame Street, for example has stepped up their health education content in the last couple of years.

Even Cookie Monster is learning to eat healthier snacks. In addition, popular children’s networks the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon are increasing programming that encourages kids to get moving and eat healthy food.

In the end, controlling your home environment by not bringing unhealthy foods into the house and spending more time moving rather than sitting idle are key to getting kids to choose a healthier lifestyle. Choose farmer’s markets (find local markets at farmersmarketonline.com, localharvest. org or indianafarmdirect.com) instead of ice cream shops opt for a family walk over family movie night.

In addition, we have to work together as a society including healthcare workers, schools, government, religious organizations and neighborhoods in order to truly impact the childhood obesity epidemic.

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

INDYSCHILD.COM 21

A ro u n d tow n

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arts & enrichment

Making the Investment in After School Activities Local Options Provide a Creative Outlet for Varying Interests

Programs abound for parents looking for extracurricular activities for their child albeit before and afterschool or evenings. Parents are left to decide which program will best f it their schedule, pocketbook and keep their child interested while they are not in school.

Find a balance before you book According to a national survey of nearly 30,000 households conducted for the Afterschool Alliance and sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, the number of children left alone after school has risen to 15.1 million, 800,000 more than were left alone in 2004. In the United States, 8.4 million children now participate in afterschool programs, which have grown in popularity over the last five years.

22 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Tried and true programming from The Boys and Girls Club Inc., At-Your-School (AYS) programs, Indy Parks and YMCA programs are in high demand as they provide onsite afterschool care or transportation to and from schools to their facility. These programs require monthly tuitions and membership fees that outweigh the thought of children home alone.

The gap between the time schools let out at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. and the time most full-time employed parents get home at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. add up to 15 to 25 hours a week. That is a lot of time that can be spent getting exercise, making friends, learning new skills, helping others and staying busy.

In 1980, AYS started with fewer than 10 children and today they offer 45 programs to more than 1500 kids in the Indianapolis area. Their programs include kindergarten wrap-around programs for half-day students, before and after school programs as well as summer Camp AYS. After receiving grants and funding from The PeyBack Foundation and Lilly Endowment Inc, they are able to provide a sliding fee scale and scholarships for their programs.

The Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville offers programs for children Kindergarten through 12 years old and provide a funfilled diversified curriculum and transportation from school to their facility. The core programs engage youth in activities with adults, peers, and family members that encourage self-

Arts & Enrichment Guide Dance

Indianapolis School of Ballet 502 N. Capitol #B, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Contact: Cathy Strauss Phone: 317-955-7525 Email: school@indyballet.org www.indyballet.org

A premier dance institution, the Indianapolis School of Ballet offers professional, year-round instruction for ages 4 to adult, great performances, legendary guest master teachers, and diverse repertoire in state-of-theart facilities in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.

Experience the joy and artistry of dance, health and fitness benefits, and a nurturing atmosphere at ISB!

Sports

Geist Sports Academy

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

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

you know how each activity contributes to your child’s overall growth and development. You can learn more about Kindermusik classes by browsing our site or calling our office.

Music

JCC

Kindermusik by Musical Beginnings

606 S. Union Street, Westfield, IN 46074 Kim Bemis 317-867-3077 kimusik@musicalbeginnings.com www.musicalbeginnings.com

Music & Instrument Performance Locations in Hamilton, Boone & Northern Marion Counties

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

www.JCCindy.org The JCC welcomes families and individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. More than three generations have grown up in the JCC’s early childhood education and camp programs. Thousands walk through the JCC’s doors each week to work out in the modern fitness center, participate in leagues and exercise classes,

swim, enjoy family programs and so much more. The JCC – Good for life!

The Sewing Specialist

8930 Sassafrass Ct., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Contact: Susan Maul Phone: 317-872-7828 Email: suesew7@aol.com

Learn to sew your own clothes! Sewing instruction for children, teens, and adults with after school, evening, and Saturday sessions available. Small classes. Sewing machines and tools provided. Over 20 years of classes with over 700 students enrolled. Don't let sewing be a lost art- come and sew!

add your enrichment listing here!

Contact Erin at Erin@indyschild.com

Kindermusik is a music and movement program for children, ages 0-7. You’ll play, listen and dance to music that will impact your child in profound ways. That’s because every song, story and two-step has a carefully chosen purpose in this creative curriculum - one that’s designed to stimulate and strengthen the vital neural wiring taking place in your child’s mind right now. A Kindermusik educator will guide you every step of the way so

INDYSCHILD.COM 23

esteem and skill development. The Boys & Girls Club is a “Kids” Club. They recognize that children need variety and flexibility as well as structure; therefore, they give children the freedom to choose from a list of planned activities.

Indy Parks programs offered through the Office of School Outreach are developmental in nature. Their activities focus on seven core areas of service, which complement education and life long learning. These seven areas include Academic Assistance & Achievement, Prevention Strategies & Education, Leisure Education & Activities, Recreation Participation, Character Education, Environmental Education, and Community Collaboration. For more information about Indy Parks afterschool programs visit www.indyparks.org The YMCA partners with schools all over the city. By visiting www.indymca.org you can search for your school district and enroll your child online for kindergarten, plus before and afterschool programs and Generation Y. YMCA programs provide a resource-rich environment and introduce children to activities that build on what they learned during the school day. The staff follows curriculum guidelines provided by the YMCA of USA and pair this with the Indiana State Standards without duplicating the classroom. They also utilized After School KidzLit, a literacy resource.

Time for family Even without knowing how many schedules are being juggled or the priority spiritual growth and community outreach have in your home, fitting in extracurricular activities for your children has to be handled with care and without jeopardizing your family’s mission. Mom and Dad should have their own activities, as well. This keeps the family wellrounded, parents energized for teaching opportunities, encourages time management and keeps children humble and respectful of others. When little sister has attended 50 baseball games, her older brother shouldn’t be excused from her ballet gala to watch the latest episode of Phineas and Ferb. Supporting each other and their interests will foster a team spirit not found on any field or studio.

What a fine line we walk when it comes to exploring the possibilities for our children.

When they do not know where their passion lies, we dabble and explore in programs and activities in order to spark an interest and keep them busy.

Nikki Keever is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three living in Noblesville, Indiana.

24 INDY’S CHILD * August 2010

Afterschool and Club Activities There literally is something for everyone when it comes to hobbies and interests for children.

Finding the right match for your schedule and budget is the trick.

At Dana Mannix Gymnastics they have classes for 18 months through high school. “We have tumbling classes that are taken often by high school cheerleaders and even offer birthday parties. We are focused on recreation for kids as much as the team, our philosophy is that everyone can do gymnastics, not just the top one percent,” said Mackenzie Mannix, manager. “Even for those who aren’t going to the Olympics, being a gymnast teaches many life lessons. The recreational program builds confidence and every week they probably learn a new skill, develop more flexibility and meet new friends. We start sessions beginning with the new school year with a fall session beginning August 15. Registration is open now. Visit the Web site for the full schedule and call in to register.”

At the Indy Dance Academy, which opened a year ago in the Kona Jack’s Daddy Jack’s Plaza, they now teach 475 students a wide variety of dance styles. “We serve children from age one to adult. The one to three-year-old Mommy & Me and adult classes like jazz contemporary, tap and ballet and our adult core conditioning are very popular. Our ballet, jazz, lyrical and tumbling classes are also available. We welcome boys to dance for 50 percent off because it’s important

for boys’ movement and it aids in sports,” said Kristen Tod, business director. “Hip hop is one of our most popular classes in which anyone from age five to 99 can participate. What sets us apart from other studios is that we provide a place for everyone to dance, a safe environment with appropriate age, dress and approach.

We do not cut those interested in our competitive team.

We love having kids come here to their safe haven to do what they love and to just be with another new set of friends.”

Indianapolis Children’s Choir (ICC) offers performing choirs for fourth through 12th grade. These are the choirs most are familiar with and are hired for functions.

“Our parents are dedicated beyond belief; many drive for many miles for many years to bring their children to ICC. Parents see a value in the high artistic level that is a standard of ICC’s method of teaching and they sacrifice for it. They see a value in the opportunities that ICC offers – the civic engagement that our kids are asked to sing at, the concert season in which the kids become a part of the touring opportunities both national and international,” said Laura Neidig, marketing director.

“The kids like being in the professional choirs because it becomes a second family to them. Both the preparatory choirs (grades first through third) and performing choirs run on a school calendar year. Parents can call now for choirs that are currently being formed for the first semester.”

ICC was founded in 1986 by the current artistic director Henry Leck and went from serving 200 singers to serving nearly 2,000 students. Many believe this elite group of artists is tough to get into and expensive. “I am

trying to break the stereotype ICC might have and let parents know if a child can sing in tune, they are in. It’s not as expensive as people think either. The most expensive choirs are about 410 dollars for the year,” said Neidig.

Meridian Music offers private lessons on almost every instrument and Harmony Road classes for toddlers and preschoolers. “Parents seem to like the fact that our teachers tend to be patient, caring and fun to work with. They seem to enjoy the Harmony Road classes because they are a part of the learning process because they are required to be involved in the class and at home,” said Hillary Blake, director of education. “Parents are often surprised at how much their children can actually learn at the keyboard at such a young age and they like the fact that we offer recital opportunities throughout the school year.”

The Harmony Road series is for three to four year old children interested in piano or music in general.

“I think this class is popular because it gives students who are usually considered too young to begin piano lessons an opportunity to learn in a fun and relaxed environment with parental support,” said Blake. Harmony Road classes begin in September and private lessons are available year-round.

IUPUI Music Academy also offers The Harmony Road curriculum. The Academy provides the kind of education one would expect to find in a conservatory setting: highly qualified and dedicated faculty, frequent performance opportunities, sequential curriculum and pre-professional training.

Yet, regardless of the arts activity you select, great care is given to all students – personal attention

and the kind of nurturing and encouragement that make learning the arts a positive experience. Classes are taught for ages three and up on the campus of IUPUI at The Center for Young Children, BethEl Zedeck (71st and Spring Mill Road) and St. Richard's School (33 E. 33rd St.).

As social pressure and stress begins to build, beware of the homework demon. Your child will need more time with his studies—balancing schoolwork with other activities is very important.

Middle School: If you haven’t done so already, steer your child away from TV. Get them engaged

in activities that reinforce learning. Academic performance can be improved by encouraging your preteen to join clubs like the Girl/Boy Scouts, language clubs, chess clubs and so on. As a rule, 16 to 20 hours a week of extra activity should be more than enough, but look for signs of burnout.

What is too much for your child?

According to the Child Development Institute, it’s common for parents to be a little confused when it comes to deciding how much is too much with reference to afterschool activities.

Kindergarten through Grade 2: You child’s afterschool life should be simple and carefree. One or two classes per week are enough at the beginning of their interest for the activity. Even now, the child is still too young to worry about winning and losing.

After the rigors of a full day at school, he needs a healthy outlet for pent up energy which can include play dates at the park.

In recent years, organized sports programs have reached to younger athletes and created ways for them to participate in traditional sports, only five-year-old-friendly. Flag football programs are flourishing and tee ball, even for three-year-olds, is popular where these sports weren’t introduced until later years.

Grade 3 through Grade 5: Socialization takes center stage. Team sports are a good choice to develop motor skills; painting and drawing are good, too. Let them explore areas of interest, but keep enough time for family activities, as well.

INDYSCHILD.COM 25

26 INDY’S CHILD * August 2010

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

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mommy magic

Using Economic Situations As Teachable Moments Teaching the Value of Money and Giving

For a while, “disposable” living was made pretty easy for us moms and many of us gave little thought to saying “yes” to all the “affordable” items in the $1 bins at Target, Wal-Mart or wherever we were doing errands that day.

As a mom of three children, I have to admit, one good thing about being in a challenging economic time is actually saying “No” to my kids and meaning it! Let’s face it, times are tough for majority of people right now, especially if you have kids—not to mention multiple kids.

For a while, “disposable” living was made pretty easy for us moms and many of us gave little thought to saying “yes” to all the “affordable” items in the $1 bins at Target, Wal-Mart or wherever we were doing errands that day. After all, it was only a couple of bucks. The problem with that mentality, over time, is twofold. First, saying yes all the time to “stuff ” is not a great learning tool for our children. Secondly, and as important, a few bucks each time adds up. No huge surprise there, but when everybody has the newest and latest

video game, cell phone, iPod and so on it is easy for a parent to get caught up in the “Yes” game. It is, however, NOT a game, but a reality—the reality of teaching our children what is important and how to identify it and define its place in the family unit.

With that, I see our current economic climate as an opportunity for moms to get back, refocus or even define for the first time, their family’s core values. What we as moms will find in this process is that our family doesn’t need or miss all of the material belongings. Instead, by saying “No” to our children will only open discussion for what, as a family, we truly value—each other!

to brainstorm and put pen to paper and make a plan together!

Some ideas to help you get

stared include:

1. Teaching Your Kids that Money Does NOT Grow on Trees Teaching Moments: Instilling Work Ethic in Kids Tips: Selling Lemonade or Snow Cones, Annual Family Garage or Room Sale, Earning an Allowance, etc.

2. Teaching Your Kids to Define Core Values Teaching Moments: Defining (with your kids) Your Family Core Values

Tips: If traveling and sharing new If you are looking for ways to redefine experiences are defined as a family core your family’s core values, now is the value through this process, then redefining perfect time. Start by sitting down, it will be a cinch! Consider discovering carve out some time with your kids

your own city or state by planning a we play more board games as a family family “StayCation” next vacation. now, we have movie nights or bingo nights. We go on family bike rides or have picnics in our yard. Saying 3. Teaching Your “No” to stuff only gave us license to Kids the Importance say “Yes” to slowing down and really of Giving Back Teaching Moments: Selecting a Family enjoying each other as a family.

“Cause” To Support Regardless of your kids ages, it is never Tips: Discuss and research, as a family, too early to sit down and communicate what cause(s) mean something to your as a family. After all, making a family family. Select one to focus on and plan, listing your core values and support as a family. Plug into the cause working together to stay on track and its scheduled events that support only keeps a family close and on the your family’s core values (i.e. Annual same page. Rather than looking at our current economic climate as a stretch, Run/Walk, Food Drive, Auction.) use it as a learning opportunity for We did this very thing last Spring. We your kids and your family. It will only decide, as a family, to stop accumulating make your family unit stronger, more more “stuff ” and enjoy each other by aware and confident in the long run. having more family experiences. With Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach that, we had a family garage sale. Each for Moms and author of “Mommy Magic: of my kids helped sort through their Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity” Visit www. items and decided what to sell. After Mommy-Magic.com for more purging 10 years of toys and kids clothes information. Become a Fan of that had somehow stacked itself up in Mommy Magic on FaceBook! our “bonus” room, we vowed to stop purchasing stuff and spend that time “doing things” together. For instance,

INDYSCHILD.COM 27

A ro u n d tow n

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profile: the indiana state fair

A Summertime of Fun at the Indiana State Fair Fair Celebrates Hoosier Pork Industry with "Year of Pigs" Presented by Indiana Pork Farmers

It’s a Hoosier tradition: Salivating over the sweet smell of deepfried candy bars wafting through the warm summer air, chowing down on roasted corn-on-the-cob near the Midway and catching a big-name concert at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand with family and friends. They’re all part of the state’s longest-running tradition, the Indiana State Fair, August 6-22.

This summer, fairgoers can really “pig out” because it’s the “Year of the Pigs” presented by Indiana Pork Farmers. The “World’s Largest Male Hog” resides in the Swine Barn. There’s also a backyard BBQ contest set for August 18 at the Ellison Baker y Home & Family Arts Building, which will also play host to a pigthemed cake contest. Want to go hog wild?

The fair will put swine shouters’ skills to the test in a hog-calling contest August 18, while the American Diabetes Association will dish up its “Celebrity Kiss a Pig Contest” August 19.

Still like a kiss, but don’t want to pucker up to a pig? Legendar y rock act KISS will perform August 9th at the Grandstand. Countr y

28 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

It’s a Hoosier tradition: Salivating over the sweet smell of deep-fried candy bars wafting through the warm summer air, chowing down on roasted corn-on-the-cob near the Midway and catching a big-name concert at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand with family and friends. They’re all part of the state’s longest-running tradition, the Indiana State Fair, August 6-22. superstar Rascal Flatts takes the stage August 7th with Chris Tomlin and TobyMac to follow on August 11th, Keith Urban on August 14th, Selena Gomez on August 15th, comedian Jeff Dunham on August 18th and Sugarland on August 20th.

Families have long loved coming out to the State Fair for the Midway games and rides. This year, the fair is working hard to save fairgoers money by offering a new $25 admission-midway combo pass. Through August 8th, fairgoers can swing by their local Walmart and get the combo pass, which offers admission to the fair and a wristband for the Midway—a savings of $ 8 off the regular price.

And then there’s the jaw-dropping, taste buds-tantalizing food that’s made the Indiana State Fair so famous. On August 10th and 17th, the fair will offer “ $2 Taste of the Fair,” where fairgoers can buy $ 2 ser vings at concessionaires throughout the fairgrounds.

Visitors even receive $ 2 admission with a voucher printed from www.turkeyhill. com/indianastatefair.

And that’s just the tip of the pig roast. There are great new exhibits like “Br idges to Japan,” “God Bless America,” a Habitat for Humanity Home build, Welde’s Big Bear Show, DockDogs, Hedrick’s Racing Pigs (of course) and so much more!

So take a day—or two or three—and visit the Indiana State Fair. You’re sure to have a full summertime of fun.

INDYSCHILD.COM 29

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

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ask a teen

I Wish That...

Teens Reveal What They Really Wish Parents Did—With a Few Surprising Answers Parents—Do you want to know them to do their own, personal best, without what your teens secretly wish you did and bringing up anyone else’s achievements. didn’t do but are too afraid to tell you?

Here are ten things that I discovered while Teens don’t like not having enough interviewing my peers. independence. Many teens want more freedom. “Sometimes I wish they would let Teens don’t like constant pressure to me be a little more independent,” says Julia T. be perfect. “When I do one thing wrong, Parents sometimes fail to notice that their teens it’s like the world is coming to an end,” Matt don’t need their constant intervention in their C. says. Emily R says, “My dad gets upset lives anymore. In high school, teens may have a over the pettiest things.” Many teens feel that large circle of friends and may be dating. Parents their parents are constantly criticizing them. need to lay down good boundaries for social time Academics are often a huge factor in this. “The and for family time and it can be okay with teens constant pressure to get A’s in every class is if the two are blended. But if your teen proves horrible!” Natalie G. says. “I wish that they herself responsible, too much hovering is a turncould just understand that I’m not going to off. Teens often assume that they have a right to be perfect in everything. There are going to independence, but this right should be earned be some classes that are hard for me.” Parents with responsibility. should not raise their expectations so high that their teen can’t possibly meet them. Expecting Teens don’t like when their parents a 4.0 GPA, for example, can only damage the become too involved in their social lives. relationship between parent and teen.

“My mom, to a certain extent, is very controlling in my social life,” Emily observes. Matt also says Teens don’t like comparison between of his mom, “I hate when she comes over to my them and their friends. Natalie also relates, friend’s house to make sure everything’s okay.”

“When they compare me to friends, especially in While it is important that parents make sure their school, it makes me feel really sad.” Parents can teen is safe and following the rules with their avoid hurting their teens by gently encouraging friends, it is also important that parents are not overly demanding and controlling. If friends are

3.

1.

4.

2.

30 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

constantly taking a teen away from her family, her parents should set limits on her social time.

5. Teens don’t like to be embarrassed.

8. Teens like family time. Ray N. says, “I like

it when we all go out to eat, and it’s nice to see my parents go out on dates. It’s good to have family time.” Even if they complain and whine about missing their favorite T.V. show or an outing with a friend, family time is essential for keeping teens connected with the rest of the family.

Some ways teens are embarrassed by their parents are small and seemingly insignificant.

“I hate when my mom tries to lick her finger and get something off my face,” Matt complains.

However, being embarrassed in a ‘small way’ can also potentially subject the teens to ridicule by Teens like it when parents try to divide their peers and low self esteem. Remember what time equally between siblings. Busy teens it felt like when you were a teenager. enjoy getting one on one time with parents. “My younger brothers are often attention hogs and I Teens like their parents’ enforcing of think its nice when my parents intentionally stop the rules. “I secretly like it that my parents and talk to me,” Megan K. says. discipline me,” Damon A. says. Teens do realize that the way their parents keep them in check, Teens like it when their parents even if it seems obnoxious and unnecessary at the encourage their dreams. “My parents are big time, usually works out for their benefit. supporters of what I’m interested in,” Ellen W. says. “If I’m excited about something, it’s awesome Teens like it when their parents, rather that they are too.” Parents should make an attempt than criticizing them, show them affection. to invest in their teen’s interests. Then the teens “I like it when they give me lots of hugs, and the may be more inclined to invest their time in such teeniest compliment can have me brimming with things as piano lessons and athletics. joy, even though I won’t show it,” Emily admits.

Katie Kortepeter is a 15-yearIt always helps the parent/teen relationship when a old. She lives in Indianapolis parent decides to, instead of constantly criticizing and enjoys acting, writing, and her teen, give him a compliment or a hug. tormenting her younger brothers.

9.

6.

10.

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A ROUND TOW N

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indy parks

Indy Parks Hands You the Natural Wonders of Our World Local Parks Provide a Plethora of Earth-Friendly Education Face your fears at the “Amazing Arachnids” class and check out the Conservatory’s resident spiders up close and personal. Or take a “Tree ID Hike” with your family and start gathering for your leaf collection. The Sunken Garden's graceful historic fountains, paved walkways and benches throughout the landscape make it a gorgeous and relaxing retreat from city life.

Hooray for Holliday Park One of Indianapolis' oldest parks, Holliday Park is nestled The gardens are planted with three different along the banks of the White River with 95 acres of seasonal displays a year. woodland and trails, an arboretum, native prairie and nature center. Keep your binoculars handy—bird watchers Surprising Southeastway Park have spotted more than 200 species while hiking the trails It’s a “bugg y ride” with Indy Parks at that wind through the forest. Keep your eyes on the ground, Southeastway Park’s 18th Annual Bug Fest too—deer, fox, beaver and rabbits call this place home. The on August 29. Check out the Insect Café, “Naturalist on the Loose” class mixes kids and nature to Cricket Spitting, Monarch Tagging, Butterf ly foster a great time for exploring. There’s no telling what Tent and Bug Man Bill and join the swarms surprises await around the bend in the trail. of people getting their Doctor of Bugology degrees by visiting 10 or more buggy stations.

Have some family fun exploring 80 acres of Mysteries at Eagle Creek Indy Parks’ naturalists don’t just tell you the names of forest, a pond and wetland, open f ields, a creepy crawly insects or the name of that big leafy tree— prairie and Buck Creek. It’s why we always they take you on a hike and show you. At Eagle Creek f ind fun surprises at Southeastway Park.

Park’s Ornithology Center, you will set off on a Sunday morning bird walk, paddle along Eagle Creek in a canoe Ready for a road less travelled? with a naturalist and enjoy the wildlife. Or simply grab a bucket of worms and a pole to learn the right way to f ish.

Indy Parks has 12 more natural The Earth Discovery Center is a treasure trove of nature resource areas kept in their games and displays, and there are some friendly critter cages original wild state. Grab your too, waiting just for you. hiking boots and butterfly net and At Indy Parks, an environmental educational “EDventure” is at your f ingertips. Without leaving Marion County, you can explore the world and empower your kids to become the next Daniel Boone. It’s a true nature experience in an urban environment, with a lifetime of memories courtesy of Mother Earth.

Plant your feet in Garfield Conservatory The Garf ield Conservatory and Sunken Garden is minutes away from downtown, but seems like a different “greener” world with over 10,000 square feet of tropical plants from around the world. With four f ish ponds and a splendid waterfall, it’s the perfect setting for naturalists to offer workshops and demonstrations to perfect your green thumb.

become one with nature at Indy Parks. For more information about all the programs and activities available at Indy Parks, check out our Fun Guide by visiting www. indyparks.org or call 327-PARK.

INDYSCHILD.COM 31

INDYSCHILD.COM 33

d l i h E xceptional C Back-to-school butterflies will soon invade the bellies of many a kid. It’s natural for this time of transition to create anxiety for students. For kids with autism, however, this transition can stir more than a passing case of the jitters.

“The transition for our children with autism going from their home environment can be one of the biggest challenges that each child and family living with autism goes through each year,” says Jane Grimes, community development director for the Applied Behavior Center

Easing the Back to School Jitters Helping Your Child with Autism Get Back into the Swing of School

for Autism in Indianapolis and founder and president of Hamilton County Autism Support Group.

There are many things families can do to help ease this transition, not the least of which is plan, plan and plan some more. Following are a few tips from area experts on how to best plan for a smooth transition.

Connect with your child’s teacher of record. Touch base with your child’s teacher of record within two weeks of school starting. “Be proactive in this area, do not wait for them to contact you the day before,” says Grimes. Also, if you did not have a solid IEP transition meeting from the previous school year, plan to do this for the following year.

34 INDY’S CHILD * August 2010

AUTISM FE ATURE

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exceptional child

gym, picnic on the grounds, take a walk Write a What-You-Need-To- jungle around the building. recommends Take thewithbusautism for awho spin.willGrimes children be taking the bus Know-About-My-Child-Withto school for the first time request a practice round Have your child give this Autism note.

Visit the classroom before the first typed document to his teachers. Spend time day of school. Go into the classroom and on the bus. If that is not possible, then run the bus creating this document so faculty and staff have do something fun with limited demands. Bring route yourself and possibly bring your neighbor quick information on what your child needs, likes and fears. For instance, does he like to be at the front of the line or is he afraid of fire drills and loud noise? “This is your 5-minute reading that a teacher, sub, recess aid or cafeteria worker can read and get a good sense of some basic understanding of quick things to think about and accommodate to help with the transitions, but also help with the flow of the daily schedule,” she says.

a snack or favorite activity. Mary Rosswurm, executive director of Little Star Center in Carmel, says parents should keep in mind that this is a very busy time for teachers, but many will take the time to meet your child a few days in advance of the first day of school. Take the opportunity to introduce your child to his teacher. Perhaps he can even help the teacher set up the classroom for a few minutes so he can get acquainted with the room’s layout and find his seat. Be sure to visit any rooms that house special classes like art, music or physical education, even Instead of talking about how the cafeteria. If your child will be changing everything is going to be fine and fun, Carl classes, walk the new schedule with your child.

Sundberg, founder and executive director of Behavior Analysis Center for Autism in Fishers, says to demonstrate that message instead. Rely A mock on the consequences of the actions, the cause day will let your child experience what his and effect. “A child will understand going to typical entrance to the school will be, what his school and having a good time or meeting homeroom looks like, the route he will take to the teacher and playing a game. Those are the the lunchroom, and other routine occurrences. things that really make a difference,” he says.

Whether or Per not your child takes medication, it’s a good idea Sundberg’s advice on the value of less talk and for the nurse in the building to be aware that more action, do something fun at the school your child has autism. so when the child sees the school he won’t see it with a negative connotation. Play on the

More action, less talk for kids who are less verbal.

Run through a typical school day in a short period of time.

Play on the school’s playground.

36 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Stop by the nurse’s office.

story line: These are the places you will go and these are the people you will meet. Give this book to your child a couple weeks in advance of the first day of school. For older students who change classrooms throughout the day, be sure to include an easy-to-read daily schedule.

kid along if he will be riding the bus, too. Also be sure to give the bus driver the same quick facts “Routines will document on your child that you will be giving be changing, so it would be a good idea to start the school. practicing before hand,” says Sundberg. If your child will need to wake up earlier and get around Kyle Mitchell, special more quickly, then phase in the new routine a education teacher and a board certified behavior couple weeks before the first day of school. The analyst at the Applied Behavior Center for Autism, same goes for altered bedtime routines. says one of the reasons the transition from summer to school is difficult for some kids with autism is because they are moving from a reinforcement-rich environment to a demand environment. In other The older your child with autism gets, the more words, they are moving from a time when they support he may need during the transition. were able to swim, ride bikes and play computer Communication with school may become less games to spending five of seven days doing math while expectations of him become higher. Higher worksheets and spelling assignments. As such, he functioning kids with autism are susceptible for a recommends parents incorporate demand tasks challenging transition because peers and teachers into the child’s day a couple weeks in advance of can’t always “see” the disorder. the start of school. For instance, if your child likes to draw in his free time, then consider working “If on a color by numbers activity or make a game you really anticipate or experience significant out of a math worksheet such as the first to finish difficulties, it may be wise to seek the help the sheet wins. of a behavior specialist to assist. It can be very tricky,” says Sundberg. Centers like Include pictures of the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism are teachers, school rooms or other locations so your available to come out and meet your child, child can flip through the book and get familiar come up with a transition plan, discuss it with with what’s to come. The book can have a simple your family, then help you through the process.

Change routines early.

Phase in demand tasks.

Expect the transition to affect older kids as it does with younger children.

Seek help of a behavior specialist.

Create a story book.

Special Needs Community Calendar

Ask to have the same special education Though it is not required by law, some teacher. schools allow special education teachers to keep their same students for multiple years. This may give your child some year-to-year consistency. Again, it is not required of schools, but it never hurts to ask.

Create a good lunchtime environment.

Because of the noise, smells and low-structure of school lunchtime, it is often a very confusing time for children with autism. Your child may need a quiet place to eat or do better eating in a small group or with a peer buddy.

Know thy combination. Lockers can be stressful.

Rosswurm suggests children get the combination to their locker and practice. She also recommends asking the teacher that is closest to the locker if your child can stop by and see them if they have a problem opening it.

Review your child’s summer vacation Going over what your child did over with him. summer break will help him better answer the inevitable question - What did you do over summer vacation? - and ease some anxiety.

Carrie Bishop is a freelance writer and mother of two young sons whose daily antics inspire her work and her life.

Contact her at freelancewritercarrie@ gmail.com.

Check out what’s happening in Indianapolis this month for the special needs community...

Cost: Free Where: The Monon When: Aug. 18, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

What: Hamilton County Center, Carmel Autism Support Group’s Contact: Mary Rice Where: Easter Seals Annual Family Picnic at mrice@isd.k12.in.us Cost: Free Crossroads 4740 Kingsway When: Sat., Aug. 14, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Cool Creek Park, Westfield Cost: Side dish, salad, dessert or drinks to share.

Chicken is provided.

Contact: Beth Schweigel at bethschweigel@hcasg.org

Contact: Melissa Fitch at 317.466.2001 x2420 What: Easter Seals’ Crossroads’ Parents Night Out When: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Friday of the month at various locations.

Where: Various locations Cost: Free

What: Cookie Cutters and Little Star Center are partnering for a hair cutting event for kids with autism

Contact: Anna Marie House at 317.466.2006

When: Sun., Aug. 8, noon - 4 p.m.

What: Easter Seals’ Crossroads Grandparents’ Support Group

Where: Cookie Cutters at 4335 W. 106th St. (106th and Michigan)

When: Aug. 11, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Cost: $8.95 hair cut per child, appointment required Contact: Amanda Ryan of Little Star Center at 317.249.2242 What: Easter Seals Crossroads’ Teen Night Out When: Aug. 20

Where: Easter Seals Crossroads 4740 Kingsway Dr., Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Diane Quillico 317.882.1914, Linda Knoderer 317.816.1381 What: Easter Seals’ Crossroads Parents’ Support Group

Dr., Indianapolis Cost: Free Contact: Erica O’Neil or Katy Messuri at 317.466.1000

What: Plane Pull Challenge to benefit Special Olympics Indiana When: Sat., Aug., 28, 9 a.m.

What: Pajama Party with Biscuit the Dog by Outreach Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Where: Indianapolis International Airport Cost: $1,000 in pledges per team

When: Thurs., Aug. 19, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Contact: Scott Furnish at sfurnish@soindiana.org

Where:Indiana School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, Raney South, 1200 E. 42nd St., Indianapolis

What: Runway Run to benefit Special Olympics Indiana

Cost: Free Contact: Mary Rice at mrice@isd.k12.in.us What: Outreach Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children’s Baby Sign Class for children with special needs When: Mon. Aug. 2, 9 and 16 Where: Indiana School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, Raney South, 1200 E. 42nd St., Indianapolis

When: Sat., Aug., 28, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Indianapolis International Airport Cost: $25 per person Contact: Scott Furnish at sfurnish@soindiana.org

Know of an upcoming event benefitting Indianapolis’ special needs community?

Email Carrie Bishop at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com.

INDYSCHILD.COM 37

Today about 172,000 students receive special education services in the state of Indiana alone. It’s a large number, and one that is no doubt growing. The high statistic is due, in part, to medical and technological advancements, greater public awareness of disorders, high rates of poverty and high-risk pregnancies, among other reasons. Of course, this just speaks to why more kids are diagnosed with varying disabilities.

The number itself represents a step forward in education brought on by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, both of which work to ensure an appropriate education for children with special needs throughout the nation. In Indiana, Article 7 is part of the Indiana Administrative Code and is the state’s special education law that builds onto IDEA. Though the road to special education has been paved, the road is not always easy. If you suspect your child may be eligible for special education services, there is a def ined process families must go through in order to obtain these services. It begins with contacting your child’s school and hopefully ends with your child receiving a free appropriate public education.

38 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Contact your local school district.

Whether your child will, without doubt, require special education services or you just suspect that he or she may, contact your local school as early into your child’s academic career as possible. Ask to speak with the person in charge of special education or the principal.

Do an intervention. Federal law requires students go through an intervention process prior to receiving a full-blown evaluation for special education. Called Response to Instruction, the intent is to catch struggling students early and provide them the instruction they need. Throughout the process, the student’s progress is monitored and measured in order to shape his or her instruction and inform future academic decisions. The process does not replace the need for a comprehensive evaluation.

“Response to Instruction is based on good quality core instruction and the collection of data to see if it’s making a difference,” says Anne Davis, coordinator of special education for Indiana’s Department of Education.

Instead of automatically assuming a child has a learning disability, an assigned intervention team will look at the child’s specif ic situation and see if changes in his or her environment or programming will make the difference.

After all, not ever y child who is struggling has a learning disability. Sometimes the child’s circumstances are at fault.

Schedule an evaluation. If the interventions put in place are not working, then it’s time to get a more comprehensive

evaluation to determine the type of learning disability your child may be battling. Under Article 7, your school is required to evaluate any child who may need special education services. The school is also required to obtain parental consent before conducting the initial evaluation.

For various reasons, including a disagreement over the school’s evaluation, some parents obtain an independent educational evaluation.

Independent educational evaluations may include evaluation of the child’s academic or cognitive skills, neurological functioning, adapted physical education, sensory needs and more.

Parents can present the private evaluations to their school district, though they don’t have to accept it. Private evaluators will often help the parents communicate the evaluation results to the school, be it via written statements, attending meetings with the parents, etc.

Determine eligibilit y for special education. Upon completion of the evaluation, a student may be found eligible for special education and related services in one or more of 13 disability categories: cognitive disability, hearing impairment (including deafness), speech or language impairment, visual impairment (including blindness), emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairment, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment, specific learning disability,

deaf-blindness or multiple disabilities. Note that special education services are available for children ages 3 to 22.

Create an Individualized Education Program. Once your child is deemed eligible for special education services, it is time to create his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Essentially an IEP, according to Article 7, is a written document developed by parents and school personnel that describes how the student will participate in the general education curriculum and any special education or related services to be provided.

The document is updated at least once a year.

Parents should know that while they don’t have to drive the IEP process, it is well within their rights to do so. You can call an IEP meeting whenever you want one and you can bring whomever you want to the meeting.

Not eligible for special education? You have options.

Not ever y ch i ld who goes through this process is considered eligible for specia l educat ion th roug h a n IEP. Those children may, however, qualif y for ser v ices through a Sect ion 504 plan. Children considered for a Section 504 pla n must have a subst a nt ia l lim itation in one major life activit y.

This plan creates accommodations that a regular classroom teacher must do to accommodate students.

For instance, a child with ADHD may not require special education services, but can receive essential accommodations under the Section 504 plan. Examples may include receiving extended time for taking tests, testing in a separate room, modification in homework, etc.

Another option is to seek out a private school that may better serve your child with special needs. Worthmore Academy in Indianapolis is one school that serves ch i ldren w ith lear n ing d if ferences.

Kids who attend this non-prof it school typically have dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and have average to above-average intelligence.

Brenda Jackson, Worthmore Academy’s founder and director, says her goal is to get the children back to their home schools and working at grade level. She is proud to say that this past May she received three graduation announcements from former students.

More resources. Navigating through special education law can be confusing. In addition to your local school district, other resources are available to help. The Indiana Resource Center for Families with Special Needs or IN*SOURCE is an invaluable organization that can help walk families through the special education process. Visit their website at www.insource.org. About Special Kids also offers a one-day training

session on the laws and process of special education. Visit www.aboutspecialkids.org for details. For Article 7 in laymen’s terms, visit www.in.gov and search “Navigating the Course.” Finally, www.wrightslaw.com is a great resource for information about special education law, education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.

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

INDYSCHILD.COM 39

What Special Education Teachers Want Parents to Know Understand exactly what is in your child’s Individualized Education Program or IEP. Do not assume the school is correctly implementing your child’s IEP. It is imperative that the IEP team, including you and your child’s special education teacher, be on the same page.

No one knows your child better than you.

If there is something you know that sets your child off or works well for your child, please communicate it to the special education teacher. For fears of your child in particular, be sure to convey to the teacher what you’ve done that works well to ease your child’s reaction or anxiety or ask the teacher for his or her ideas on how to deal with the situation. This will allow the teacher to address the unique need instead of always avoiding it.

Provide feedback.

Please let the teacher know if something he or she is doing is working well or not at all.

Know your child’s disability.

For instance, the child may be classif ied as having an emotional disturbance. Know and communicate to the teacher what specif ically the child is diagnosed with having.

Know your rights.

The law requires that your child get an appropriate education. Learn what this means for your child.

Be aware of transition services.

Once your child turns 14, the IEP team should begin discussing your child’s post-graduation life. If his hope is to go on to college, then the IEP curriculum must be set up in order to achieve this goal. If his intention is to learn a trade and get a job after high school, then the curriculum needs to lead him down that path.

Connect with others in similar circumstances.

Get involved in organizations that support and advocate for your child’s disability or join support groups with families who are dealing with the same issues you face. These groups will provide invaluable information and emotional support as your family goes through the special education process. They will also be able to provide general information on issues such as Medicaid or specialneeds trusts that your special education teacher may not be able to.

Things take time.

Special education is a process. Evaluations, diagnoses, placements, IEPS, paperwork and the rest of it takes time because educators, parents and others involved want to make the right decision for your child. Be patient, but be persistent and involved.

The buck does not necessarily stop with the school’s word.

If you disagree with a school decision, such as whether or not your child qualif ies for special education services, there is a due process for parents to dispute the f indings.

Visit and bookmark www.WrightsLaw.org.

It is an invaluable resource for information about special education law, education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.

40 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Special Needs Guide Applied behavior center

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

www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org 6060 Castleway West Drive Indianapolis, IN 46250-1970 (317) 849-5437 The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected

by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior.

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

The Arc of Indiana

Brain Balance Achievement Center Indianapolis

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

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

Autism Parent Care, LLC 395 S 9th St Noblesville, Indianapolis, IN 46020 Contact: Dr. Jane Yip Phone: 317-503-1296 Email: aileda88@hotmail.com www.developmentalphysiopsychologydisorders.com Offering one to one intervention to children and adults with autism. Academic subjects and ABA included. Insurance Billable.

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

Cornerstone Autism Center is an intensive day treatment clinic dedicated to maximizing the potential of children with autism. Utilizing the science-based approach of Applied Behavior

INDYSCHILD.COM 41

Special Needs Guide - Continued Analysis (ABA), trained therapists work 1:1 with the children to improve language skills, address their academic and social needs and reduce any maladaptive behavior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

42 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Worthmore Academy 3535 Kessler Blvd. East, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Contact: Brenda J. Jackson/ Founder & Director Phone: 877-700-6516 Website: http://www.worthmoreacademy.org Private full-time alternative school for children with specific learning disabilities (Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum. Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS...) K-12th grade. 3:1 student:teacher ratio focusing on academic, social and emotional skills. A place where kids can feel "worth more!"

Verbal Behavior Center for Autism 9830 Bauer Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46280 Sabrina Shannon, Clinic Administrator 317-848-4774 sshannon@vbca.org www.vbca.org

The Verbal Behavior Center for Autism (VBCA) is an intensive treatment center that provides therapeutic services to children and families impacted by autism. The VBCA uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with emphasis on Verbal Behavior.

YOUR LISTING HERE!!!

Contact Erin at Erin@IndysChild.com to have your listing added to one of our directories!

When I sent my firstborn off to school 10 years ago, I was ill-prepared for the realities of school life. I thought I’ d just send him off to school with a tearful goodbye and that was that. I had underestimated how managing my two son’s school lives (managing, not helicopter parenting) would consume such a chunk of my time.

for Back to School

Great Ideas to Make the Most of the School Year

Each day, I’ d review a list of questions. Is today the day they take in money for lunch for the cafeteria or pack a lunch? What’s the deadline for filling out the paperwork and getting the money for the field trip? What time do I have to pick up my son from the after-school activity. I have to buy WHAT for the science fair?

But through the years—and now with both sons in high school—I’ve learned a lot, not only through my own experience, but from other seasoned parents who taught me the key to surviving the school years is to adhere to the adage, “work smarter, not harder.”

Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years that should help you glide through the upcoming school year: 1.

2.

Organized parents are always seen with their organizers. Whether you utilize electronics or paper to organize yourself, maintain an organizer in which you keep all of your appointments and phone numbers with you at all times. Record dates as soon as you’re made aware of them. Very important phone numbers to keep: your child’s school numbers, the bus transportation phone number and the numbers of your child’s friends’ parents who might have to help you in a pinch.

Avoid vacations that run up into the week before school. That’s the week you want to train your children to start waking up early again and getting back into routines. It’s harder for the kids to go back to school if they are on a trip right before school starts.

the mistake of buying unnecessary 3. Avoid school supplies by checking with your

require an ice pack in the morning. Make sure the kids put the ice pack back into the freezer when they get home from school and empty the wrappers and food bits out of the lunchbox to clean it for the next day. extra ice packs for lunch boxes. In 6. Buy a pinch, you can pack a plastic storage bag with ice cubes. Ask your child to brainstorm about what healthy food they’d like to bring to school for lunches.

7.

8.

child’s school to determine what is needed. Consider saving money by buying school supplies in bulk and splitting the cost with a friend whose child needs the same supplies. There are usually a few items you’ll always need on hand throughout the year (lined paper and pencils), so stock up on them when they are on sale.

4.

5.

Cell phones have become a common school supply, though many school districts are limiting their use during the school day. They are useful in keeping in touch on important matters because my sons call or text during lunch to let me know they need something for the following day or that a club meeting has been cancelled. If you’re not keen on buying them their own cell phone, consider a pre-paid phone. Make sure you know the phone carrier’s costs— my sons once racked up a few hundred dollars through unnecessary text messaging and Internet access.

Organize everything your child needs to take to school the night before (older children can do this on their own). Pack their lunchbox with non-perishables the night before and add the items that

9.

10.

11.

Keep a day’s worth of extra school lunch money stashed in the backpack for those times when your child rushes out the door and forgets his lunch money.

Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. This is often required not only for school, but for participation in sports and Scouting. If you are applying for exemptions at your child’s school, get your paperwork organized in time. NOTE: New guidelines have been updated for 7th-12th grade students. Visit http:// www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/ idc/immunize/immindex1.aspx for a complete schedule and requirements for the upcoming year.

If your child’s schooling involves a commute by car or bus, plan to carry snacks and cold water in the car or pack extra in the backpack for bus trips, if permitted. You may want to freeze bottles of water; they’ll thaw out and provide cold refreshments by the end of the day.

If you’re the type of parent who likes to give teachers and the bus drivers gifts at holiday time or at the end of the year, consider buying items as you see them and can afford them. Pack them away in the closet until needed rather than making a mad rush for gifts at the last minute.

Most school districts now have Internet sites that allow you to see your child’s academic progress in real time. I can set my school district’s site up to send

me emails every time my sons’ grades dip below a certain level. It’s been an invaluable tool in keeping abreast of their academic performance. the PTA or other school groups and 12. Join prepare to get involved in your child’s school. Nothing will keep you more connected to your child and the school more than volunteering. Get to know your child’s teachers. Take advantages of opportunities, such as open houses, to know what materials your child is using at school for learning. child is starting a new school, visit 13. Iftheyourchild’s school with him once before the year begins so he will feel more comfortable on the first day of school or in a new school setting. to school for the 14. Iffirstyourtime,childplanis togoing have him spend a lot of “down time” after school—perhaps at the playground—to help deal with some of the transition stress he may feel. up emergency contacts on your 15. Line child’s behalf just in case the school has trouble getting in touch with you. car pools whenever possible, 16. Organize especially given the escalating fuel costs that have hit every family budget. of the most challenging aspects 17. One of the school year is having nutritious, delicious meals ready by the end of the day. If you don’t already have one, invest in a slow cooker. It’s a parent’s best friend in the kitchen. Consider making oatmeal in the slow cooker the night before so your family wakes up to a hot-cooked breakfast in the morning (this is especially helpful if your family is on different work/school shifts and everyone needs to help themselves). The slow cooker also can be used to prepare dinner and cuts down on the end-of-theday frustration of what to do for dinner on those rush days. You can also ensure healthy dinners by making large portions

of food and freezing it for later use. sure school personnel are aware of 18. Make any special needs your child may have. sure you read at least a half hour 19. Make each day with your younger child. It’s also fun to read the same books your middle or high school child may be reading. with your child about drugs, 20. Review alcohol, bullies, peer pressure, guns, strangers and not picking up needles or allowing another child’s blood to get near your child’s cuts. Review sex education with older children. to be sensitive to your child’s feelings 21. Try around test times—be aware of how you have felt when you were under pressure at work. Feed your child well and give him plenty of support and opportunities for rest. to know your child’s friends and their 22. Get families. Open your home to gatherings, such as parties and sleep-overs. your child’s homework with him.

23. Review Ensure that homework comes before play, TV, computers or video games, but allow for some down time between when your child comes home from school and has to do homework. Set up a quiet place to study and provide reference materials. your child’s education with 24. Augment family field trips and home projects.

Schools are cutting back more and more on the extras due to budget constraints, so you may have to take up the slack with art, music and physical education.

25. Celebrate your child’s accomplishments.

Carol Brzozowski is a former editor who has made journalism and freelance writing her passion. She can be contacted at brzozowski.carol@gmail.com.

INDYSCHILD.COM 43

Open House Guide International School of Indiana Lower School: 200 W. 49th Street Upper School: 4330 North Michig, Indianapolis, IN 46208 Contact: Wagner Phone: 317.923.1951 Website: http://www.isind.org Open House Dates: Lower School - 200 W. 49th Street, Indianapolis (Classes in Action) Tuesday, October 19, 2010: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 30, 2010: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Upper School - 4330 N. Mich ISI is for Indiana-based students and families who see the future involving global competition and collaboration. ISI develops independent thinkers with a distinctive edge by facilitating the International Baccalaureate curriculum and language dexterity, within a multicultural setting at all levels of the school.

Primrose School at Anson 6484 Central Blvd. Whitestown, Zionsville, IN 46075 Phone: 317-769-4990 Website: http://www.primroseanson.com Open House Dates: Please call or visit our website for event dates/times The Primrose School at Anson is a top quality infant through Kindergarten facility. Our school is located on the West side of Zionsville at the intersection of state road 334 and county road 650 E. just off Interstate 65. We offer programs for children from six weeks to twelve years of age. Visit our website at www.primroseanson.com or call us at 317-7694990. Classes are f illing up so call today!

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

44 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Website: http://www.primrosebridgewater.com Open House Dates: Monthly events and daily private tours. Call today for more information.

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

Primrose School of Carmel 780 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317.577.9480 Website: http://www.PrimroseCarmel.com Open House Dates: Tours Given Daily from 9 am - 4 pm (Call to schedule other times) Primrose provides a safe and nurturing environment where children are happy, engaged, and continually preparing for a brighter tomorrow. We have programs for Infants through a fullday Kindergarten, as well as a before and after school program for elementary school children.

Call us to find out more or schedule a time to visit. We look forward to meeting you!

Primrose School at Gray Eagle 12290 Olio Road, Fishers, IN 46037 Phone: 317.577.9480 Website: http://www.PrimroseGrayEagle.com Open House Dates: Tours Given Daily 9-4 or call to schedule a visit Primrose provides a safe and nurturing environment where children are happy, engaged, and continually preparing for a brighter tomorrow. We have programs for Infants through a full-day Kindergarten, as well as a before and after school program for elementary school children. Call us to find out more or schedule a time to visit. We look forward to meeting you!

Primrose School of Noblesville 15707 North Point Blvd. Noblesville, IN 46060 Phone Number: 317-773-4900 Web site: www.PrimroseNoblesville.com Open House Dates: Stop in for a tour or call for an appointment

Primrose School at WestClay 13096 Moultrie Street, Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317-873-0123 Website: http://www.primrosewestclay.com Open House Dates: Monthly events and private tours daily. Call today for more information.

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

Acorn Montessori School 620 Kinzer Avenue, Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317-846-1669 Website: http://www.acornmontessorischool.com Open House Dates: 10:30 a.m., First Wednesday of the month

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

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

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

Meridian Montessori 5158 N. Kenwood Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-804-1784 http://www.MeridianMontessori.com Open House Dates: We welcome visitors to our Children's House many times throughout the year. Please contact us to arrange a visit.

Montessori Garden Academy 4141 S. East Street, Indianapolis, In 46227 Phone: 317-782-9990 Website: http://www.montessorigardenacademy.org Open House Dates: Sunday August 8th: 2:00- 4:00 pm, Sunday August 8th: 2:00- 4:00 pm, Sunday September 12th: 2:00- 4:00 pm, Sunday October 17th: 2:00- 4:00 pm

INDYSCHILD.COM 45

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

*

dear teacher

Ready for the Start of a New School Year?

Advice from Teachers to Make Education Easier

Unfortunately, there are a great number of children who aren’t ready to take this step. Many countries delay reading instruction until children are 7.

Expecting all entering kindergartners to read is not reasonable and sets children up for an early failure in school.

Do Combined Classes Truly Work for Most Students?

Question: With cut-backs occurring in the amount of dollars spent on education in our state, my third grader is going to be in a combined class with second graders.

He was specially selected for this class. It will only have 24 students while the regular third grade will have 30 students. I’m wondering about how well he’ll be able to achieve in this class. Divided Class

Answer: The research seems to show that children achieve at about the same levels in combined classes as in single grade classes. This may be because the children, like your son, are often selected for these classes because of their ability to work independently, motivate themselves, behave appropriately, and interact agreeably with others.

Some benefits to combined classes may include a greater development of social skills, more cooperation between classmates, and enhanced leadership skills for the older students. Younger students can benefit from having older students to model.

Parents are often concerned about the amount of individual time their children will receive from the teacher. This is usually the same as in a single grade class as it is based primarily on class size. Furthermore, combined classes are usually smaller.

Parents: Everyone always talks about getting kids ready to go back to school. Now is the time to think about areas that presented continuous problems last year. Consider your answers to these questions:

1.

Was homework a constant battle in your home?

2. Was

every morning a picture of total pandemonium in getting the children off to school?

3. Did extracurricular activities cause academic or family problems?

The success of a combined class depends greatly on the ability of individual teachers to handle this type of class. It is obviously more work with two curriculums to be covered.

The most successful teachers combine the teaching of as many subjects as possible with extension assignments for the upper grade. At this level, it works especially well with language arts and math.

Social studies and science are often taught separately except for common themes.

In a well-thought out program involving the careful selection of students and teachers, combined classes can work well. This is not to say the picture is completely rosy. When teachers teach in a back and forth fashion, each level may not receive sufficient instructional time to learn a subject. When children are not selected carefully, the classes may have students with extremely different academic needs and quite disruptive behavior.

4. Were before- or after-school arrangements satisfactory?

5. Was money for lunch, supplies, and school trips handled satisfactorily for everyone?

6. Did TV viewing interfere with school work or family life?

7.

Were your children reluctant to talk about what was happening at school?

Decide now before school starts, what problem or problems truly interfered with the overall happiness and functioning of your family life. Be sure to ask your children what areas were trouble spots. Work together to resolve these problems.

Major School Illnesses

Question: What are the main illnesses causing children to miss school? How can they be prevented? – Health Conscious Answer: Large groups of children are breeding grounds for the organisms that cause illnesses.

After the first few years of school, children’s immunity improves. Here are the top illnesses that keep kids home from school: Colds – young children have 6 to 10 a year

No matter how prepared children and parents are for the new school year, it is often a stressful time with children anxious about the new transitions that they face. Try to clear your own schedule so it will be easier to help your children at this time. Postpone business trips, volunteer meetings, and extra projects as much as possible. It’s also helpful to freeze a few easy dinners so meal preparation does not add to household tension at this time.

Stomach flu – second most common ailment Ear infection – most common before 5 years of age Pink eye – can be highly contagious

Pushing Reading Too Soon

Question: Where we live, it has now become the norm that children must know how to read simple stories when they enter kindergarten. Is this expectation a reasonable one? - Questioning Answer: Reading is much like walking and talking. Every child will have his or her own timetable. Of course, early instruction will result in some learning to read.

46 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Sore throat – only a small number are the result of strep throat The single best way to prevent illnesses is to have children wash their hands frequently.

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

Childcare & Education Directory Child Care East

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

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

M eridian K essler Wee Folk Child Care

Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Indianapolis

48 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

317-926-3640 Ages: 4 weeks+ Quality in-home child care serving caring families for 20 years. (CPR, 1st aid certified, and state licensed). Two meals and one snack provided daily along with baby food and regular formula. We provide quality learning through play in a non-smoking Christian environment. Preschool program providing Kindergarten prep is available. $130/week.

7:15-5:30 M-F.

North

Peanut Butter and Jelly Childcare 2421 Butterfield Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46220 Mrs. Hatcher 317-205-9211 peanut_jelly@att.net http://www. peanutbutterjelly.info Low flexible rates vary with age. CCDF accepted; monthly specials. $50.00 registration fee. Drop in services available, Parent’s Night Out. Please call for more information!

7 DAYS A WEEK 24 HOURS A DAY Home Childcare

Field trips to the Children’s Museum, The Indianapolis Zoo, Chuck E. Cheese’s, Monkey Joe’s, Snapperz and more!

Ages 4 weeks through 4 years old Peanut Butter and Jelly Childcare offers a “home away from home” within a learning enviornment, and our professional caregivers provide quality care that kids deserve while also being allowed to be kids. Licensed, CPR certified, first aid, universal precautions, drug and criminal checks. Daily hot home cooked meals. Daily progress reports, kindergarten prep.

SeekingSitters 1950 E. Greyhound Pass, Ste 18-301, Carmel, IN 46033 Kristin Slade 317-985-9505 kristins@seekingsitters www.seekingsitters.com Agency SeekingSitters Indianapolis North is the solution for all of your childcare needs.

We are an on-demand service for families seeking babysitters. Whether your need is last minute, one-time, part-time, or full-time, we can solve your childcare dilemma. Visit SeekingSitters.com for more information and to sign up!

Northwest

Shining Stars Home Childcare 4851 Rocky Knob Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46254 Erin Bonnell 317-222-6156 ebonnell@ shiningstarshomechildcare.c shiningstarshomechildcare.com NOW ENROLLING!!

Shining Stars Home Child Care is now accepting applications for children, infants through school age. Licensed Home Child Care Provider with 10+ years of experience working with children: in child care settings and more recently as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a part of Paths to Quality which assists child care centers in implementing educational requirements for young children. I am CPR/First aid certified, trained in Universal Precautions, as well as Safe Sleep Practices. Hours are 7 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Full time, Part time, Hourly and Before/After School rates available. CCDF is accepted.

Please contact me for more information, to answer any questions, and to request an application packet. Feel free to request a face-to-face meeting in order for us to get

to know each other and to see where the children will be playing and learning. I look forward to helping your child shine!

Schools

Brownsburg

Maria Montessori International Academy 431 E. Northfield Dr., Brownsburg, IN 317-852-3900 mariamontessori-intl.org Ages: 12 months to 6 years Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language. Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now

accepting applications for all ages toddlers, Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Carmel

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

Carmel Montessori School is located on the beautiful campus at St. Christopher’s Church on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 10 years headteaching experience. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available.

Clay Montessori Peggy White 463 East Main St. Carmel 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850 Ages: 3-6 Call for more information. (Affiliated with Fisher’s Montessori). Morning, afternoon and full-day programs.

Gymboree Play & Music 12524 N. Gray Rd, Carmel, IN 46033 Phone: 317-574-9626 carmelin@gymboreeclasses.com Gymboree offers unique Play & Learn, Music or Art events & parties. These events are lead by our professional teachers in our clean, creative and colorful environment.

We can also bring the event to you with our mobile program. Ages birth - 5 years.

MINDS-IN-MOTION ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT CENTER 879 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 Patricia Acker 317-571-8752 packer@mimlearning.com www.mimlearning.com Election of program determines cost. Please call for list of programs/fees.

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

Minds-in-Motion is an Advanced Development program designed to stimulate

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

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

themontessorilearningcenter.com

Ages: Grades 1-3 The Montessori Learning Center Elementary program focuses on developing the whole child through interaction with an interdisciplinary curriculum. Our program specifically meets the needs of each child and is aligned with Indiana State Standards.

Primrose School at WestClay 13096 Moultrie Street 317-848-0123 Julie Bowman jbowman@primrosewestclay.com primrosewestclay.com

Our programs are offered to students ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We offer before and after school programs, including transportation.

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

Carmel -Zionsville

Maria Montessori International Academy 4370 Weston Point Dr. Zionsville 317-769-2220 mariamontessori-intl.org Ages: 3 months to 6 years old Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best,

where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language.

The lead teachers possess bachelor degree and certification in Montessori Education.

Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages starting 3 months to 6 years located in Stonegate, Zionsville, IN.

Central

paramount School of Excellence 3020 Nowland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46201 800.778.9334 info@paramountschool.org http://paramountschool.org Charter: Preschool - Middle School Cost: FREE Opens August 16 K-8 Grade Uniforms/Dress Code: Yes Before/After School Care: Yes Open House Dates: Back to School Night Thursday, September 2, 6:00 p.m.

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PSoE is a kindergarten through 8th grade urban charter school with innovative technology and state-of-the-art educational practices. PSoE offers a unique vision for developing students as caring young adults that respect themselves, their environment and learn as independent thinkers. Through intuitive curricular design, robotics, wind turbines and green practices, students will receive a solid foundation for real world problem solving.

East

Auntie Mame’s Child Development 3120 N. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218 Shalonda Murray 317-547-3551 Smurray@amcdc.org Cost depends on Age. Hours/Dates: 6am to 6-pm Field Trips: Zoo, Museums, Park, Swiming, and etc Ages/Grades: 4 months to 12 year old All religions welcome Before/After School Care: Yes we are open doing school hours Open House Dates: May 21, 2010 at 6:00 pm The mission of Auntie Mame’s Child Development Center is to provide high quality, culturally responsive early education and school age programs that equip children to become engaged learners, strong leaders and successful adults.

50 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

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

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

Fishers

317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850 Ages: 3-9 A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary.

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

Primrose School at Gray Eagle Mindy Smith 12290 Olio Road (Olio Road between 116th street and 126th street) Fishers 317-577-9480 mindy@ primrosegrayeagle.com Ages: Infants thru full day kindergarten. Before/ after care available.

At Primrose School at Gray Eagle we offer much more than a daycare experience. Our exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum prepares your child for academic success while fully integrating character development creating a well-rounded young individual.

Our safe, secure environment will provide you with peace-of-mind, knowing that your child is safe, happy and growing everyday!

Full Time: $220 - $320 per week depending on age. Visit PrimroseGrayEagle.com for more information.

Fishers Montessori Peggy White 12806 Ford Rd and 131st and Allisonville Rd. Fishers

The Tot Spot Preschool, LLC Geist Overlook, Fishers, IN 46037, Fishers, IN 46037

Phone: 317-849-3235 Email: the.tot.spot@hotmail.com Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Contact for information Hours/Dates: MondayFriday 7 a.m. to 6:00 Ages/Grades: 6 weeks to school age Before/After School Care: Yes/Thorpe Creek Open House Dates: YOU ARE WELCOME EVERY DAY!

Geist

My Backyard Fine Arts Preschool at Geist Sports Academy 11960 East 62nd Street Indianapolis 317-823-7734 geistsportsacademy.com Ages: 2 year-Pre K (5 year) NOW ENROLLING! Children will discover their unique selves and learn about the world around them through exploring the visual arts, creative movement and music appreciation. 9-11:45 a.m. M-Fri; MWF 9-1:30pm.

M eridian St. Michigan R d.

Maria Montessori International Academy 7507 N. Michigan Road Indianapolis 317-291-5557 mariamontessori-intl.org

Ages: 3 months to 9 years old Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language.

The lead teachers possess bachelor degree and certification in Montessori Education.

Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages starting 3 months to 6 years located in Zionsville, IN.

Multiple L ocations

Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives: ICPC

Multiple Locations in Indianapolis Area For schools, see below.

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

Indianapolis Area Preschool and Kindergarten Cooperatives Cooperative Preschools: great for your child, great for

you! Children and parents learn and grow together in the classroom with caring, experienced teachers. Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives (ICPC) member schools are: Apple House: 6121 E. County Rd 100 S, Avon, 797-5925 Butler: 2411 Indianapolis Ave, Indy, 226-4287 Downey: 111 S. Downey Rd, Indy, 359-5304 Edgewood: 4040 E. Thompson Rd, Indy, 767-7730 Fishers Point: 9959 E. 126th St, Fishers, 767-4312 Geist Orchard: 7879 N. 700 West, McCordsville, 336-7008 Meridian Hills Nursery School and Kindergarten: 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indy, 255-0831 Meridian Street: 5500 N. Meridian St, Indy, 7673003 Northeast Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten: 5805 E. 56th St, Indy, 5929790 Parkview: 4550 central Ave, Indy, 3800628 Speedway: 3000 N. High School Rd, Indy, 356-2804 Willowcreek: 8170 Hague Rd, Indy, 578-5488

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

Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child’s total growth. Our theme-based hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child’s sense of self-worth, independence and

growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our wellqualified and loving staff.

The Early Learning Center 5249 David St, Indianapolis, IN 46226 Jenny Collins 317-423-8215 jennifercollins@msdlt.k12.in.us http://elc.ltschools.org Public School Operating Hours: 6:30 AM 6:00 PM Monday - Friday Ages/Grades: 6 weeks to Pre-Kindergarten Multiple Locations/ Northeast Indianapolis Locations: Amy Beverland 11660 Fox Rd, Brook Park 5249 David St, Mary Castle 8510 E 82nd St, Winding Ridge 11845 E 46th St. Every aspect of our centers - from the buildings themselves to the programs and curriculum - has been purposefully designed by the highly qualified staff according to “best practice” research in early learning to meet and respect the development and learning needs of the young child, ages 6 weeks-6 years.

Noblesville

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:30am-6pm, until 5:30 on Fridays.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts’ Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love!

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool Christy Whaley 5500 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis 317-253-0472 cwhaley@msumc.org msumc.org Ages: Nursery School and Preschool The Children’s Day In Nursery School is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values. It is designed to offer children 9 months to 3 years a positive and developmentally appropriate

North

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

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experience in the care of experienced caregivers. Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. CDI Preschool program provides a quality developmentally appropriate education for 3, 4 and 5 year olds. Program includes weekly Christian Life Skills, First Steps in Music (ICC) and Book Club. 3’s: T & Th, 4/5’s MWF. 9-2:30 pm.

Summer Camp available.

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

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

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing

52 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

John Drake or Kelly Belt 9111 N. Haverstick Rd. Indianapolis 317-575-6508 jdrake@churchatthecrossing.org churchatthecrossing.org Ages: 12mos - Pre-K 5’s Our Mothers Day Out (12-35mos) 9:152:30 and Preschool (3yrs-PreK’s) programs provide relaxed, playful, secure environments that nurture creativity and encourage the exploration of God’s world, a wide variety of learning materials, & friendships, with readiness activities woven through each study unit. Need longer hours? Try our childcare ministry, The Neighborhood designed for 2-PreK 6:30-6pm M-F. Call for information and to schedule tours.

Fairview Early Childhood Program Melissa Peterson 4609 N. Capital Ave. Indianapolis 317-253-4990 mpeterson@ fairviewpresbyterian.org fairviewpresbyterian.org Ages: 12 mo-5 yrs. (or up to Kindergarten) Fairview ECP has a developmental, experienced based curriculum in a warm and inclusive environment. Curriculum is designed to promote positive social behavior, respect for diversity, positive self-concept, independence, creativity and critical thinking skills. Come and visit us!

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

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

No financial aid currently available.

We accept students with highfunctioning autism, including Asperger’s Syndrome, who are able to work in a small group setting. Uniforms/Dress Code: Yes Before/After School Care: After school care available from 3:30 - 5:30pm.

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

Very small classes. Beautiful campus. A place to belong.

International School of Indiana Cathy Blitzer, Director 4330 N. Michigan Road Indianapolis 317-923-1951 isind.org Ages: 3 years old-12th grade ISI is founded on the belief that an introduction to a second language, exposure to different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds and an International Baccalaureate-driven curriculum all work together to foster critical and independent thought. $12,860 pre-k through 8th grade and $13.600 for High School. Financial aid available for qualifiers.

Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Phone: 317-255-0831 Website: Http://www. meridianhillscoop.org Category of School: Private Independent Type of School: Preschool/ Kindergarten Location of School: North Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: $48 - $233/month. Financial aid available on a limited basis.

Field Trips: Ages three through Kindergarten go on

field trips periodically.

Ages 2, 3, 4 and Kindergarten.

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

montessori Centres Lynne Boone, Director 563 Westfield Blvd. W. Dr. Indianapolis 317-257-2224 montessoricentres@sbcglobal.net Ages: 2 1/2-3rd grade Stressing peace and respect for all, we’ve worked with children to develop criticalthinking and time-management skills since 1966. Montessori-certified lead teachers serve children aged 2 1/2-3rd grade. Our classroom structure and materials allow children to be self-directed and self-paced.

Our well-rounded curriculum includes French and Spanish, art, and computer labs. True Montessori environment serving children at all levels from gifted to special needs. Pre/K: 8:30-11:30 or 8:30-3:15.

The Orchard School 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260

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

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

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

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

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

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

Orchard's diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited.

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

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

Before- and after-school care offered.

Visit web site for a complete admissions calendar.

Park Tudor School’s exceptional educators and extraordinary opportunities prepare students to become confident and resourceful lifelong learners. The school community creates an inspiring college-preparatory learning environment for highly motivated young people. Two-year Global Scholars program for juniors and seniors; 19 AP classes; full-day kindergarten; Spanish beginning at age 3.

St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Bobbi Main-Jackson, Dir. 317-844-3399 mainb@stlukesumc.com stlukesumc.com Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid: Available upon request Labor Day-Memorial Day 9am-1pm with Summer Programs available Preschool 3 yrs (by Sept 1 of school year)-5 yrs, Parents’ Day Out 10 mos (by Sept 1 of school year)-3 yrs Tours available upon request.

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

Parents’ Day Out is a structured play experience that provides parents some time for themselves on a regular basis on M, Th, F. We provide

a warm and loving Christian environment in which children can learn and grow. Tours available upon request. Visitors welcome.

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

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

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

Independent Episcopal day school offering a community filled with academic rigor, faith based ecumenism and long-standing traditions. Its mission is to instill knowledge and values for a lifetime through the implementation of five Pillars for Success: Faith, Classic Curriculum, Leadership, Civic Responsibility, and Global Readiness.

Pre-Kindergarten (3) through Grade 8.

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

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

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

2 yrs. 8 mos. - 8th grade At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners.

Art, music, Spanish, PE and technology are taught at all levels. Extensive field trips, athletics, child care, financial aid, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered.

Northeast

Indianapolis Jr. Academy 2910 East 62nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Phone: 317-251-0560 Email: ijacademy@comcast.net Website: www.ijacademy.org Private Independent: Preschool - Middle School Religious Affiliation: Christian - Protestant/Other Cost/Tuition/Financial Aid:

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egistration Fees - $250 Preschool Registration - $125 Tuition: $3,515 Pre-School - $5,750 Hours/Dates: 8:00am 3:30pm Mon-Thurs 8:00am - 12:30pm Fridays Before/After School Care: 7:00am-8:00am Mon-Friday, 3:30pm-6:00pm Mon-Thurs 12:30pm-5:30pm Fridays Founded in 1963, Indianapolis Jr. Academy provides a well-rounded educational program with emphasis on spiritual, mental, physical, and social development.

Our teachers are dedicated Christians who desire to prepare children academically and socially in an accepting environment where Christian principles are modeled and taught. The teachers enjoy enhancing the curriculum with thematic units, hands-on activities, and field trips to interesting places in our area. We currently offer grades Pre-K to 8th, along with a 3-year old Pre-School program.

Northwest

International Montessori School, Inc. 2150 West 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Ranee Dhadialla 317-575-8733 rkd1948@sbcglobal.net intlmontessori.com Please call for more

54 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

information on tuition 9 AM - 12 Noon or 9 AM - 3 PM with options for 7-9 AM, 3-6 PM Field Trips: Yes 3 - 9 years Before/After School Care: Yes Call to schedule a tour A unique & warm place for children ages 3-9 years providing quality Montessori Education including exposure to diverse cultures, languages, art, music and more..

Now enrolling for Summer and Fall 2010!

South

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

Serving toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners and 1st-4th graders, MGA builds children's selfconfidence and nurtures their natural curiosity. It's different from traditional child care and early education because children "learn by doing" to achieve a sense of pride and independence. Early on, children learn to cooperate with each other and resolve their own conflicts respectfully.

Rather than a "cookie cutter" approach, MGA’s caring teachers and individualized attention enable each child to reach his or her highest potential. Early childhood is a precious window of time when kids are most receptive to learning. Help build a strong foundation for your child or grandchild by investing in a rich learning environment now.

West

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

After care 3 pm - 6pm Imagine having a choice to decide what is the best school option for your child, regardles of where you live. By choosing Imagine Life Sciences Academy West, you provide your child with a challenging education rich in math, arts, science and technology, with teachers who use innovative teaching techniques that prepare students for success.

The Children’s House 2404 W. 62nd St. (near Michigan Rd.), Indianapolis, IN 46268 Susan Catania or Mary Sexson 317-253-3033 childrenshouse08@ gmail.com2404 W. 62nd St. (near Michigan Rd.), Indianapolis, IN 46268 Susan Catania or Mary Sexson 317-253-3033 childrenshouse08@gmail.com thechildrenshouseindianapolis. com Ages/Grades: 2 1/2 years - 14 years of age The Children’s House offers a Montessori preschool. The four areas of our preschool are practical life, sensorial, math and language. The Montessori preschool is available on a nine or twelve month calendar. The elementary level is an ungraded, continuous-progress school where children discover and pursue their unique talents and needs. Each child is

provided with an individual learning experience based on the assumption that children are naturally inquisitive and want to learn. The Children’s House has helped shape the lives of hundreds of Indianapolis Children since its founding under a Lilly Endowment grant in 1971.

Westfield

Montessori School of Westfield, Inc. 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield Mary Lyman, Directress 317-867-0158 montessoriwestfield@gmail.com Ages/Grades: Toddler15 months to 3 years; Ages 3-Kindergarten; Elementary 1: Grade 1-3; Elementary 2: Grade 4-8 Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child.

YOUR LISTING HERE! Contact Erin at Indy's Child Erin@IndysChild.com

r e so u rc e s

fun & wacky calendar

August 2010

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Kiss and ma k e Up Day

27 pp

Na ti

Na ti

Poet's Day

Celebration Idea: Try your hand at poetry writing! Research different types of poems (acrostic, haiku, limerick, etc.) and create your own

26

National Dog Day!

21

National Radio Day

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Waffle Day

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19 r t h day M

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Toasted Marshmallow Day

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Celebration Idea: Try to do something with your opposite hand today: write, throw a ball, eat, brush your teeth...

he

Celebration Idea: We can't think of a better way to celebrate than by making some fresh squeezed lemonade!!!

the first photograph of earth from the moon was taken.

Middle Children´s Day!

na

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Dream Day

Celebration Idea: This holiday celebrates the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior's "I have a dream" speech.

Talk about your dreams together as a family.

y da

Le m on a y Ju i c e D

On this day in 1966,

Nationa l Th rif t Sh o p Da y

Cupca ke D ay

International Left-Handers Day

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Nationa l M u s t a rd Da y

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Celebration Idea: Make an amusement park by cutting pictures out of magazines. Line up chairs and pretend you're riding a roller coaster.

22

Be an Angel Day

day

12

7

Wiggle Your Toes Day

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Roller Coaster Day!

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S'M ores Play in Day! the sand

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National Relaxation Day.

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the U.S. Dollar was created.

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Celebration Idea: If it's okay with mom, incorporate chocolate chips into every meal today!

Chocolate chip pancakes, anyone???

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IN

On this day in 1786,

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Saturday 6

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5 r t h day N

m s t r o n g !!

Celebration Idea: Make gifts for your family members. Draw a picture of your family. Make a family crest. Have a family party!

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Friday

Ar

National Ice Cream SANDWICH Watermelon Day! Day!

Family Day!

Chocolate Chip Day

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Wednesday Thursday

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Tuesday

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Monday

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Sunday

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LIKE this calendar?

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

Celebration Idea: Make (or buy) some trail mix and go on a hike!

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

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Sunday 1

A Grand Night For Singing Carmel Community Playhouse. 4299 Clay Terrace Boulevard, Suite 140, Carmel.

Holliday Park: Family Creek Stomping

Tuesday 3

GenCon Indy Game Teaching Event

Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures will discuss the 12-week afterschool program, which first includes a comprehensive assessment of all areas of a child's brain and body function. Then, by integrating physical and cognitive exercises with dietary change, Brain Balance Achievement Centers are able to correct the child's underlying brain imbalance, improve function and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors. To register for a parent lecture, please call 317-843-9200 and ask for Julie Peterson. Brain Balance Center of Indianapolis.

9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis. 317-8439200.

Mayfair Games is looking for a few good volunteers for its booth at GenCon Indy. For additional information regarding the Mayfair Games Volunteer program, please contact Bill Fogarty at: 813.707.6659. Phone 813.707.8791. billf@mayfairgames.com. 6:00 p.m.

- 9:00 p.m. Free; but must pre-register. Indianapolis Convention Center. 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis.

813.707.6659.

Cookin' Up Cartoons!

Holliday Park is home to wetlands, ponds and seeps teeming with plants and wildlife. Come get down and dirty discovering the unique creatures that love these soggy sloppy places. Dress for the weather and wear old clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting muddy.

2:00-3:00 pm. $5/person. Holliday Park Nature Center.

6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www.hollidaypark. org. 317-327-7180.

Children ages 6 and up are invited to bring their pencils and erasers for this workshop about cartooning and animation presented by Cartoon Express. Call 275-4350 to register. East 38th Street Library. 5420 E. 38th St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4350.

Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty $10-$79. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www.nba.com/fever. 317-917-2500.

Tri Indy Utilizing the picturesque canal of Downtown Indianapolis and the streets traversing the city's cultural and historic landmarks, Tri Indy will once again offer participants a challenging and memorable course. Tri Indy will consist of an Olympic Distance (1500 meter swim, 40K bike and 10K run) a Sprint Distance (500 meter swim, 20K bike, 5K run) and a Short distance Duathlon (2 mile run, 20K bike and 5K run) There is also a relay division for the Olympic distance triathlon (2 or 3 person). $60. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.tuxbro.com. 317-733-3300.

Monday 2

Summer Showtime: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Wednesday 4

Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures

Community Tuesday at White River State Park The first Tuesday of every month means discounts at all of your favorite attractions: Eiteljorg, NCAA, Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum and White River Gardens.

Visit Website for details. All Day. Discount Tuesday. See Website for details or call. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.inwhiteriver. org. 800-665-9065.

Target, the first Thursday of each month The Children's Museum opens free of charge from 4-8 p.m. 4-8 p.m.

Free. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum.org.

(317) 334-3322.

Friday 6

A Fish Called Wanda (1988) Watch movies under the stars. $9; $5 members; $7 students; FREE ages 6 & under. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum. org. 317-923-1331.

Summer Showtime: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Back to School Bash

FREE. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

The Monon Center East. 1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel. www.carmelclayparks.com. 317-848-7275.

Thursday 5

Concerts on the Canal Series: Everett Greene FREE; Reserved seating: $45 for table of 8 & $40 members; single. Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis. www.indianahistory.org. 317-232-1882.

Holliday Park Summer Concert Series: Living Proof (Motown and R&B)

Gen Con Zombie Walk FREE. Indiana Convention Center. 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis. www.iccrd.com. 317-262-3400.

Indiana Fever vs.

Atlanta Dream $10-$79. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www.nba.com/fever. 317-917-2500.

Summer Nights Sunset Barbeques

Grab a picnic and enjoy a free evening of family entertainment! Sponsored by Friends of Holliday Park and Indy Parks. 7:00 pm. Free. Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www. hollidaypark.org. 317-327-7180.

Target Free Family Night Playfit: Ready For School, Ready For Fun! Join us as we celebrate the start of a wonderful school year with active games, health screenings, immunizations, and school safety information.

Sponsored generously by

$30 adults; $19 ages 7 - 10; $10 ages 4 - 6. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www. imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

FREE. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

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First Friday Evening at WonderLab Enjoy Indiana's top 25 hands-on science museum at a discount price! General admission drops to just $3 per person after 5 pm, and WonderLab is open extended evening hours until 8:30 pm. Pizza and juice will be available on site to purchase. See WonderLab's website or FaceBook page for information on possible special activities. 5:00 - 8:30 pm. Members: Free. NonMembers: $3 per person. WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington. www.wonderlab.org. 812-337-1337 ext. 25.

Saturday 7 Birthday Bash!

Families and children of all ages are invited to celebrate College Avenue's 10th birthday with music, origami crafts (1 p.m.), magic show (2 p.m.), door prizes and refreshments.

This event is co-sponsored by the Indiana Regional Origami Network. College Avenue Library. 4180 N. College Ave, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4320.

Circle the City Fun Run Registration Fee. Hilbert Circle Theatre.

45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www. indianapolissymphony.org. 317-262-1100.

Taste of Downtown Easley Winery hosts a wine, food, and art festival on College Ave in downtown Indianapolis. Festival bands include Toy Factory, Tastes Like Chicken, and The Tides. $5 admission ticket in advance for 6 tasting tickets, good for food or wine, $8 day of event. Additional tasting tickets may be purchased.

7-15 participating restaurants. $5 admission ticket in advance for 6 tasting tickets. Easley Winery. 205 N. College Ave., Indianapolis. www.easleywinery.com.

317-636-4516.

Sunday 8

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Indiana Summerfest Free. Military Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. jkleine@bbbsci.org.

Fiddler on the Roof In the spirit of tradition, the JCC is bringing Fiddler on the Roof to life (to life, lechayim!) on Sunday, August 8, 6:30-9:30 pm at 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis.

The public is invited to dress in the garb of the era and come over to the JCC for an interactive viewing of the film. With the advent of Wii, 3D movies and phone apps, the trend toward interactive entertainment cannot be denied.

What better way to watch a movie than to take part in it? Fiddler lovers of all ages are invited to sing, dance, munch on popcorn and enjoy this timeless movie until the sun sets. $10 general public / $5 JCC members. Jewish Community Center. 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis. www.jccindy.org.

(317) 251-9467.

Monday 9

Indianapolis Indians vs. Norfolk Tides $ 9- $14. Victor y Field. 501 W. Mar yland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-2693545.

Preschool Potpourri For children ages 2-5 & their caregivers. For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

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

317-844-3363.

Tuesday 10

Indianapolis Indians vs. Norfolk Tides $9- $14. Victor y Field. 501 W. Mar yland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Video Games LIve $15-$45. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www.consecofieldhouse.com.

317-917-2500.

Market Research for Starting Your Small Business FR EE. Central Librar y. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-1099.

Resume Help: Beginner Resume FREE. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

Down Syndrome Indiana D.A.D.S. Meeting Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome, or D.A.D.S. is a Down Syndrome Indiana group of fathers with children who happen to have Down syndrome. We hesitate to call our self a “support group,” even though we do, in many ways, support each other.

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

You won't find us in a church basement drinking warm coffee and whining about having children with Down syndrome. Instead, you'll find us out in the community coaching our kid's sports teams, participating in our children's IEPs, volunteering at local Down syndrome fund raising events, and even sponsoring fund raising events of our own. Join us for dinner on us, to discuss the unique challenges and joys of fathering an individual with Down syndrome. For more information about D.A.D.S contact Ray Glowner at: rayglowner@sbcglobal.net.

The D.A.D.S. facebook group is located at: www. facebook.com/group.php?gid=110288739806. 6:308:30 P.M. Free. Loon Lake Lodge. 6880 E 82nd St, Indianapolis. www.dadsnational.org.

Wednesday 11

Behind You Are There: We Thought It Was an Auto Shop Dan Shockley, director of interpretation, and Jane Hedeen, coordinator of school and educator programs, will relate how a "simple" photograph of an auto shop turned into a research adventure involving plumbing, tinning, murder, the circus and Indiana politics of the 1920s. 12 Noon. Freewith admission to the Indiana Experience. Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis. www.indianahistory.org.

(317) 232-1878.

Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures will discuss the 12-week afterschool program, which first includes a comprehensive assessment of all areas of a child's brain and body function. Then, by integrating physical and cognitive exercises with dietary change, Brain Balance Achievement Centers

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are able to correct the child's underlying brain imbalance, improve function and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors. To register for a parent lecture, please call 317-843-9200 and ask for Julie Peterson.

Brain Balance Center of Indianapolis. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis. 317-843-9200.

Indianapolis Indians vs. Norfolk Tides $9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Internet Job Search FREE. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

Page Turners Book Discussion Group The Commoner by John Schwartz. 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Book Talk Room.

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

Greenwood La Leche League Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children are invited to the Greenwood La Leche League monthly meeting Wednesday, October 14, at 9:30 a.m., held at the Methodist Medical Plaza, 8830 South Meridian Street (use Community Room entrance on the south side of the building). Discussion topics include the advantages of breastfeeding, the family and the breastfed baby, the art of breastfeeding and avoiding difficulties, and nutrition and weaning. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers with questions are encouraged to attend. La Leche League offers mother-to-mother support and information about breastfeeding. A lending library of books on childbirth, breastfeeding, parenting, and nutrition will be available. 9:30-11:00 a.m. Free. Methodist Medical Plaza, Community Room. 8830 South Meridian Street, Greenwood. www.llli.org. (317) 784-8286.

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

Children are welcome with volunteers available to care for children while mothers converse. 1011:30am. Free. Center for Inquiry. 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis. www.mommymoon.org.

317-654-8684.

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Thursday 12

Indianapolis Indians vs. Norfolk Tides $9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Concerts on the Canal Series: Tom Wright "Radio Nights"

Justin Bieber - Concert $31.50-$51.50. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www.consecofieldhouse.com.

317-917-2500.

$10-$79. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www.nba.com/fever. 317-917-2500.

Children ages 6-12 are invited to enjoy a fun-filled time in the Children's Garden. There will be a different topic each month. Registration required. 11am-12pm.

Free. Garfield Park Conservatory. 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. www.garfieldgardensconservatory. org. 317-327-7580.

Indianapolis Indians vs. Syracuse Chiefs

Traders Point Charity Horse Show Kids Day

$9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Come join us at the Traders Point Charity Horse Show located in Zionsville on Wild Air Farms from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—a great way to treat your kids 12 and under to a variety of free, fun festivities. Free horse rides, bounce houses, face painting, air brush tattoos, caricatures and Radio Disney from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be rocking to your favorite tunes. Walk through the Country Fair to grab something delicious for lunch or shop for fun, unique items. All proceeds go to Riley Childrens Foundation. For more information visit www.traderspoint.org.

Friday 13

Indiana Fever vs.

Phoenix Mercury

Watch movies under the stars. $9; $5 members; $7 students; FREE ages 6 & under. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www. imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

Indianapolis School of Ballet Performance at DCI Championships

Summer Nights Sunset Barbeques $30 adults; $19 ages 7 - 10; $10 ages 4 – 6. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

Meteor Shower

Lucas Oil Stadium. 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. www.lucasoilstadium.com. 317-262-3452.

Come have fun, participate in games and conversation with special guest speakers at each meeting. 7 pm to midnight. $7, $5 for members and $3 for kids under age 13. Bradfort Place Clubhouse. 5810 Bradston Way, Indianapolis. www.indymensa.org. 317-876-7336.

Tuesday 17

Are you Savvy yet? A SAVI Introduction FREE. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

(open to dancers across central Indiana). Indianapolis School of Ballet. 502 N Capitol Avenue, Suite B, Indianapolis.

Monday 16

Captain Max's Splash Magic Experience

DIY Monday

Learn how to turn ordinary items into artwork. August item: Design Your Own Maze. All materials will be provided. For more information, call Young Adult Services at 814-3983. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Young Adult Lounge. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317-814-3983.

Indianapolis Indians vs. Syracuse Chiefs $9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Jammie Time

Join Captain Max for a fun-filled family event of magic, water, audience participation, rolling laughter, and gold coins. That's right, each child attending will receive an autographed photo of Captain Max and a genuine artificial gold pirate coin. Promises to be “the most fun kids can have with water” without getting wet!

This program is free and open to all ages. Registration is not required. Children are encouraged to dress like pirates. Fishers Public Library. 5 Municipal Dr, Fishers. www.hepl.lib.in.us. 317-579-0300.

Wednesday 18 Drop-In Read Aloud

Children & caregivers are invited to join us for a fun, informal read-aloud as a member of the Children's staff shares a few stories. Check at the Children's & Youth Services desk for location. 10:00 & 11:00 a.m. Carmel Clay Public Library-Children's & Youth Services Desk.

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

Indianapolis Indians vs. Syracuse Chiefs

Holistic Solutions to ADD/ADHD

$9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

The IMA offers free, 30-minute tours for families with children of all ages on the second and fourth Saturday

Swashbuckling adventure awaits you! Make yer own treasure chest, listen to pirate tales...and walk the plank if ye dare! For children ages 4 through 9. Registration required. Free. Noblesville Library. One Library Plaza, Noblesville. www.hepl.lib.in.us. 317-773-1384.

Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures will discuss the 12-week afterschool program, which first includes a comprehensive assessment of all areas of a child's brain and body function. Then, by integrating physical and cognitive exercises with dietary change, Brain Balance Achievement Centers are able to correct the child's underlying brain imbalance, improve function and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors. To register for a parent lecture, please call 317-843-9200 and ask for Julie Peterson. Brain Balance Center of Indianapolis. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis.

317-843-9200.

Saturday 14

Free Public Family Tours

Yo Ho Ho Pirate Party

Free. Military Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. 317-327-3611.

Indianapolis African Festival

Nutcracker Auditions

American Mensa Meeting (Central Indiana Chapter)

For young children & their caregivers. Explore the exciting and adventurous undersea world in this funfilled program. Free tickets are required and will be available beginning Monday, August 9, online or at the Children's & Youth Services desk. 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

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

Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures

$9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Gather near Kendall Buster's Stratum Pier in 100 Acres to observe the Perseids Meteor Shower. This shower, one of the best to observe, produces up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. The thin crescent moon will rotate early, setting the stage for a potentially spectacular show. Bring a blanket, chair or telescope to enhance your stargazing experience. Park at the 38th Street Loop. Event will be cancelled in case of extreme cloudiness or rain-check imamuseum.org for updates.

11:30 pm. FREE. Indianapolis Museum of Art- 100 Acres: Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum.org.

(317) 920-1331.

Under the Sea

Sunday 15

Indianapolis Indians vs. Syracuse Chiefs

58 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317-8443363.

Junior Gardener Club

Stand By Me (1986)

FREE; Reserved seating: $45 for table of 8 & $40 members; single. Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis. www.indianahistory.org. 317232-1882.

of each month. 1:30 and 2:30 pm. FREE. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis. imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

For young children & their caregivers. Join us for stories, rhymes and songs - and remember to wear your jammies! For more information, call the Children's &

Questioning whether medicine is the only solution to attention and hyperactivity issues? This lecture is designed for parents, teachers, or curious adults and will enlighten you to holistic methods of dealing with sensory integration issues like ADD/ADHD. It will be an informative and inspiring evening, providing a detailed road map of nutritional and dietary recommendations,

r e so u rc e s neurological testing, exercise, and treatments designed to build on the strengths of these highly-gifted individuals. Visit www.WeCreateWellness.com for more information. Optimal Wellness Center. 4545 Northwestern Drive Suite A, Zionsville. www.

WeCreateWellness.com.

317.870.7220.

One Stroke Painting Flowers in a Gallery Learn to blend, shade and highlight with one stroke and leave with a finished project. This class will be taught by Marilyn Tentler, a level II OSCI Donna Dewberry One Stroke Instructor. There is a $25 fee for this class which covers all materials and is payable at the time of class.

Class size is limited to a minimum of six and a maximum of twelve students. Fishers Public Library. 5 Municipal Dr, Fishers. www.hepl.lib.in.us. 317-579-0300.

Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib. in.us. 317-844-3363.

Teen Gaming Night - Wii Join us for movies on the big screen and free munchies!

No registration is required, but you must be between the ages of 12 and 19. Free. Noblesville Library. One Library Plaza, Noblesville. www.hepl.lib.in.us. 317773-1384.

Youth Night at College Avenue

Swashbuckling adventure awaits you! Make yer own treasure chest, listen to pirate tales...and walk the plank if ye dare! For children ages 4 through 9. Registration required. Fishers Public Library. 5 Municipal Dr, Fishers. www.hepl.lib.in.us. 317-579-0300.

Children and teens ages 10 - 19 are invited for fun activities and snacks. Contact the branch for program details. College Avenue Library. 4180 N. College Ave, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4320.

Southside Mothers and More Chapter Meetings MOMS Club of Southport, IN Business Meeting The MOMS Club of Southport, IN is a non-profit based support group for stay at home moms. Our chapter services moms in the Franklin and Perry Twps.

The business meeting is held monthly to go over any pending business and present the next month's calendar of events. Children are welcome to attend with their moms and sometimes there is a scheduled speaker.

10:00am. free. Southport Baptist Church.

Thursday 19

Book Discussion Thursday Like to talk about books but don't have a lot of time?

Then drop by and let us know what you've been reading. August's Discussion: Brilliant Biographies.

For more information, call Young Adult Services at 814-3983. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Young Adult Lounge. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317-814-3983.

Extreme MotherDaughter Book Club For girls in grades 6-8 with their mothers. This is more than just a mere book discussion group, it's an experience! Join us for dessert and a fun hour of spirited discussion as well as a fun activity! In August, we will discuss The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. Registration is required at the Young Adult desk or at 814-3983.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Program Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib. in.us. 317-814-3983.

Indianapolis Southside Mothers and More is a nonprofit organization that cares for the caregiver. Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month. If you would like more information on our group send an e-mail to our membership chairperson Faith at mothersandmore39@comcast.net. 7-9pm. Methodist Medical Plaza. 8830 S. Meridian St, Indianapolis. mothersandmore39.home.comcast.net. (317) 862-3525.

Friday 20

Drop-In Craft at College Avenue During Library Hours. Children of all ages are invited to make a craft to help decorate the branch or to take home. College Avenue Library. 4180 N. College Ave, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4320.

Benjamin Harrison's 177th Birthday Celebration Free birthday cake and free tours through the museum.

12 noon - 6 p.m. Free. President Benjamin Harrison Home. 1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis. www.pbhh. org. 317.631.1888.

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of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www. imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

11am to 3pm. FREE. Cool Creek Park. 2000 E 151st ST, Carmel. 317-770-4400.

Storytime Express: Bunny Tales

Kid's Blast: Family Health Fair

For young children & their caregivers. Join us for a story and craft - just what your family needs to begin your library visit! For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10:00 - 10:20 a.m. & 11:00 - 11:20 a.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www. carmel.lib.in.us. 317-844-3363.

Join the Optimal Wellness Center in celebrating healthy living for the entire family! Our back-to-school health fair features a few of our favorite kid-friendly local businesses, free health screenings, fun yoga and fitness classes for the whole family, yummy snacks, games, prizes and more! Mom and Dad are invited to participate in a healthy cooking class on kid-friendly foods. You won't want to miss this day of fun and healthy habits! For more information, visit www.

WeCreateWellness.com. $25 cooking class | $5 kids yoga class | FREE health screenings. Optimal Wellness Center. 4545 Northwestern Drive Suite A, Zionsville. www.WeCreateWellness.com. 317.870.7220.

Summer Nights Sunset Barbeques $30 adults; $19 ages 7 - 10; $10 ages 4 - 6. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

Saturday 21

Family Storytime - Guinea Pigs Yo Ho Ho Pirate Party

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For young children & their caregivers. Bring the whole family to share literature through stories, rhymes and songs. For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10:00 - 10:30 & 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib. in.us. 317-844-3363.

Iibada Dance Company Auditions Iilada, a local children's African and Modern dance Company, will be holding auditions for dancers ages 7-21. Dancers selected will be in a production called “Broadway in Black�. Iibada's 20th year anniversary celebration. Previous dance experience such a ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop or gymnastic is a plus but not a requirement. If you are fast learner and love to dance, come in your dance attire or comfortable clothing and give it your best try! For more information about Iibada Dance Company or the auditions, Please call Sabra Logan, Director at 250-7647 Website - iibadadance. org. Fall Creek Academy School. 2540 N. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Indians vs. Louisville Bats $9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Jukebox Saturday Go back to the times of Poodle Skirts and slicked back hair. The event will take place at Cool Creek Park from

Kid's Health Day Kid's Health Day is designed to inform parents about health and education resources in the community that encourage the long-term health and wellness of children. Sponsored by Lakeshore Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center and LearningRx Brain Training and Learning Center, the day will provide activities for children including a bounce house and craft projects, free dyslexia screenings, and nervous system scans. Additional exhibitors include Art with a Heart, Edible Arrangements, Fire Safety demonstrations with the Lawrence Fire Department, and Healthy Snacking

by Sam's Club. Kid's Health Day will be held August 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kroger Plaza at 79th and Fall Creek. For updated information on the speakers, visit www.indyevents.net. The first 100 kids will receive a special gift. Kroger Plaza. 79th and Fall Creek, Indianapolis.

Mom of the Year Awards Approximately 400 people will come together to honor all that mothers do for our world. We will assemble to recognize 10 finalist's for Mom of the Year chosen by an esteemed panel of mothers from our community whom themselves are working to improve and enhance our communities for our children. We will award the Mom of the Year to one of the 10 finalists. We will also recognize a Honoree Mom, Dijuana Lewis, for her achievements as a Mom and Business Leader. This event will afford attendees the opportunity to network and celebrate the toughest most rewarding job in the world; along with their families and colleagues. All in a social setting, that will increase awareness of the March of Dimes' commitment to Indiana and to the prevention of birth defects, infant mortality and premature birth.

For more information on this year's event please contact

Government Mule

Paramore - Concert $36-$99. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com.

Storytime Express: Bunny Tales For young children & their caregivers. Join us for a story and craft - just what your family needs to begin your library visit! For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10:00 - 10:20 a.m. & 11:00 - 11:20 a.m. Carmel Clay Public Library

$29.50-$89. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com.

LA Confidential (1997) Watch movies under the stars. $9; $5 members; $7 students; FREE ages 6 & under. Indianapolis Museum

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Tim Arndt, March of Dimes, tarndt@marchofdimes. com. Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. 350 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis.

Local authors will be here to discuss and sign their latest books, Ambush Creek, by Phil Dunlap & The Scorpion Trail, by Larry Sweazy. 1:00. Mudsock Books & Curiosity Shoppe. 11850 Allisonville Rd, Fishers.

317-579-9822.

encourage families to set the dinner table with naturally nutrient-rich milk and will be making a stop in Indianapolis on August 23! This year, the tour is traveling coast-to-coast to celebrate those special moments that families share around the dinner table. We'll encourage moms to build strong families by showing them that serving milk at dinnertime is an easy, and affordable, way to help ensure their family gets the nutrition they need. Indianapolis City Market. 222 E. Market St., Indianapolis. www. indycm.com. 317-634-9266.

Wild Wild West Day

Craft-a-Story

Phil Dunlap/Larry Sweazy Book Discussion & Signing

Special Children's Storytime Event featuring the wild west.

Get your gear and head on in. RSVP mudsockbooks@att. net or call 579-9822. 10:30. $3.00. Mudsock Books & Curiosity Shoppe. 11850 Allisonville Rd, Fishers.

317-579-9822.

Sunday 22

Indiana Fever vs.

Minnesota Lynx

$10-$79. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www.nba.com/fever. 317-9172500.

Indianapolis Indians vs. Louisville Bats $9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Make a "Jungle in a Jar" Terrarium Learn about the soil and plants of the jungle as you create a living "jungle" in a terrarium to take home!

Activity available while supplies last. 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm (drop-in format). MEMBER FEE: $3 per kit NON-MEMBER FEE: $4 per kit, plus museum a. WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington. www.wonderlab.org. 812-337-1337.

Monday 23

2010 Milk Mustache Mobile “Milk the Moment” Tour The 2010 Milk Mustache Mobile “Milk the Moment” Tour has taken to America's streets to

Discover the 5 basic elements of art. For children, ages 4 through 6. Registration required. Free.

Noblesville Library. One Library Plaza, Noblesville. www.hepl.lib.in.us. 317-7731384.

Crosby, Stills & Nash $39.50-$99. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www. livenation.com.

Indianapolis Indians vs.

Louisville Bats $9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-2693545.

Preschool Potpourri For children ages 2-5 & their caregivers. For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317-844-3363.

Retro Style Movie Night For children in grades 1 & 2. Come join us to see what movie watching was like before DVD players and VCRs! For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 4:00 - 4:45 or 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317-844-3363.

Tuesday 24

Hanson with Special Guest Rooney - Concert

$28 advance, $30 door. Old National Center (Formerly Murat). 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com/murat. 317231-0000.

Library Kids Adventures For students in grades 3-5. Stories, crafts, games, friends and fun! For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel. lib.in.us. 317-844-3363.

Wednesday 25 Books for Lunch

Bring your lunch and join other book lovers to chat about books. Noon - 1:00 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Book Talk Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us.

Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures will discuss the 12-week afterschool program, which first includes a comprehensive assessment of all areas of a child's brain and body function. Then, by integrating physical and cognitive exercises with dietary change, Brain Balance Achievement Centers are able to correct the child's underlying brain imbalance, improve function and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors. To register for a parent lecture, please call 317-843-9200 and ask for Julie Peterson. Brain Balance Center of Indianapolis. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis. 317-843-9200.

Drop-In Play Date For young children & their caregivers. Bring your babies, toddlers and preschoolers for this fun, informal outing. Choose your favorite activities. For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317-844-3363.

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Book Talk Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel. lib.in.us.

Teen Gaming Night - Wii We're bringing out the Wii, bring your friends and come game. We've got Guitar Hero, Sports and more.

Fishers Public Library. 5 Municipal Dr, Fishers. www. hepl.lib.in.us. 317-579-0300.

Women's Health Series: Living and Feeling Well This special lecture from our Women's Health Series is focused on the hottest issues in women's health. We invite you to join us as we discuss common conditions that impact the health and wellness of women in today's society. This month we will talk about cholesterol, blood pressure, migraines/headaches, stress, weight loss and pH balance. This is a MUST attend event for women interested in holistic and natural answers to health. Visit www.WeCreateWellness.com for more information. Optimal Wellness Center. 4545 Northwestern Drive Suite A, Zionsville. www.

WeCreateWellness.com. 317.870.7220.

Thursday 26

Concerts on the Canal Series: Orquesta Bravo!

FREE; Reserved seating: $45 for table of 8 & $40 members; single. Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St, Indianapolis. www.indianahistory.org. 317-232-1882.

Indianapolis Indians vs.

Toledo Mud Hens $9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Movie Night at the Library Join us for an evening featuring an award-winning movie. Registration is not required. You are welcome to bring drinks and snacks. (Note: This movie is Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested.). Free. Noblesville Library. One Library Plaza, Noblesville. www.hepl.lib. in.us. 317-773-1384.

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

Summer Babies Black Crowes - Concert

For children birth - 24 months & their caregivers. For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10:30 - 10:50 a.m., 11:30 - 11:50 a.m.; 12:30 - 12:50 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www. carmel.lib.in.us. 317-844-3363.

Friday 27

4th Annual Zups BBQ for Kids

$29.50-$49.50. Old National Center (Formerly Murat).

502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www.livenation. com/murat. 317-231-0000.

Internet Job Search FREE. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

Mystery Book Group 60 INDY’S CHILD * AUGUST 2010

FREE. Monument Circle. 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. 317-264-2700.

r e so u rc e s Holliday Park Family Friday Night: Nature Stories Tired of spending your Friday night in front of the TV? Come out to Holliday Park to share in an adventure that is fun for the whole family! We will start with time around the campfire and focus on the topic of the evening. Roasting sticks and s'mores will be provided, you are welcome to bring hot dogs and make a meal of it. 6:30-8:00 pm. $5/person. Holliday Park Nature Center. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www. hollidaypark.org. 317-327-7180.

Indianapolis Indians vs.

Toledo Mud Hens $9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) Watch movies under the stars. $9; $5 members; $7 students; FREE ages 6 & under. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www. imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

Research Basics (Homeschool Edition) For students in grades 4-5 & their caregivers. Meet at the Children's & Youth Services desk This program covers researching strategies to use for print and electronic resources, including encyclopedias, magazines, books, online databases and Internet resources. One parent or adult caregiver per child is requested to attend.

Registration is required, and begins on August 18 for all August sessions, online, in person, or by calling 8443363. 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. Carmel Clay Public LibraryChildren's & Youth Services Desk. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317-844-3363.

registration is required. For more information, call the Children's Reference Desk at 844-3363. 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317-844-3363.

meditation helps to relieve tension and stress, as well as optimize concentration and mental health. Visit www.WeCreateWellness.com for more information.

Optimal Wellness Center. 4545 Northwestern Drive Suite A, Zionsville. www.WeCreateWellness.com.

317.870.7220.

Free Public Family Tours The IMA offers free, 30-minute tours for families with children of all ages on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. 1:30 and 2:30 pm. FREE. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis. imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

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

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

Free. Center for Inquiry. 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis. www.mommymoon.org. 317-654-8684.

Girls Night Out Massage, Hand Treatments, Foot Treatments, Chair Massage, Facial Massage, Brow Wax, Food & Fun. Bring a friend and come hang with the girls. 6-9PM. Choose 3 services for $30. Eden's Pathway. 5496 Emerson Way, Indianapolis. www.edenspathway.com.

317.205.9377.

Sunday 29 Dig In - A Taste of Indiana

White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www. digindiana.org/index.html.

WonderLab's Dollar Day Enjoy the award-winning WonderLab Museum at the most affordable general admission price of the year. 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Members: Free | Non-Members: $1 per person. WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington. www.wonderlab.org. 812-337-1337.

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Family Films For young children & their caregivers. Good Night, Gorilla; Seven Blind Mice; Wild About Books. For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. & 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room.

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

317-844-3363.

Indianapolis Indians vs.

Columbus Clippers $9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Research Basics

Monday 30 Family Films

For young children & their caregivers. Good Night, Gorilla; Seven Blind Mice; Wild About Books. For more information, call the Children's & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. & 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.;. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room.

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

317-844-3363.

IHS Author Series - Murder in Their Hearts In 1825, a jury of white men convicted their peers for the murder of Native Americans. Come learn more about this event in this intriguing exchange with author David Murphy. 12 Noon.

FREE. Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis. www.indianahistory. org. (317) 232-1878.

For students in grades 4-5 & their caregivers. This program covers researching strategies to use for print and electronic resources, including encyclopedias, magazines, books, online databases and Internet resources. One parent or adult caregiver per child is requested to attend. Registration is required, and begins on August 18 for all August sessions, online, in person, or by calling 844-3363. 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library-Children's & Youth Services Desk. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317844-3363.

Walk to Washington Rally FREE. Monument Circle. 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www.walktowashington.org.

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Red Bull Indianapolis GP Summer Nights Sunset Barbeques

Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. www.brickyard.com. 317-492-6700.

Indianapolis Indians vs.

Columbus Clippers

$30 adults; $19 ages 7 - 10; $10 ages 4 - 6. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

The Art of Meditation

$9-$14. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Saturday 28

4th Annual “Support Our Troops� Event FREE* & open to the public! *Donations benefit the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund. Join us for food, fun & fireworks. Fun includes live music, Silent Auction, bounce house, carnival, dunk tank, face painting, rock climbing wall, Black Hawk helicopter & MORE!! Go to www.eastindysertoma.org or call Harlan, 873-2136, for details.

Camp Sertoma. ocated at German Church Road and Brookville Road, Indianapolis.

Things-ThatGo Rodeo For all ages. Carmel Elementary School Parking Lot (just south of the library patron parking lot) The Carmel Clay Public Library invites you to get up close to a fire truck, ambulance, police car, school bus, dump truck, front end loader, garbage truck, and - new this year bubble truck! This event is fun for all ages! No

Meditation is for everyone! Learn more about the art of meditation and how to maximize your benefits from incorporating it into your wellness lifestyle. Meditation is a heightened sense of awareness, accomplished by using concentration, inner focus and total mind/ body relaxation. Combating the many stresses that we encounter daily,

Mother-Daughter Book Club For girls in grades 4-5 & their mothers. August Book: A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban Registration is required and begins Monday, August 2, online, in person, or by calling 844-3363. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us. 317-844-3363.

Tuesday 31

Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures Brain Balance Achievement Center parent lectures will discuss the 12-week afterschool program, which first includes a comprehensive assessment of all areas of a child's brain and body function. Then, by integrating physical and cognitive exercises with dietary change, Brain Balance Achievement Centers are able to correct the child's underlying brain imbalance, improve function and reduce/eliminate negative behaviors. To register for a parent lecture, please call 317-843-9200 and ask for Julie Peterson. Brain Balance Center of Indianapolis. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis. 317-843-9200.

Train - Concert $29.50-$89. White River State Park.

801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.livenation.com.

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38th & Meridian Farmers' Market Family Night Occurring Each Thursday Through Thursday, October 21, 2010. We will be hosting a Family Night with live music, games, crafts, face painting, and a bounce house. Animalia a local animals protection organization will bring exotic animals' petting Zoo. Also, you will get a chance to ride the newest invention in electric vehicles for kids and adults the Trikke. Bring your entire family as it will have something for everybody. Do not miss this special night of fun for your family and neighbors.

4 - 6 : 3 0 PM . F R EE . N o r t h United Methodist Church. 3808 N Mer idian St, Indianapolis. www.myhomegreenpages.com/ Prof ile.aspx?id=7105. 317 924 2612.

Thursday. We will be hosting a Family Night with live music, games, and a bounce house. Animalia a local animals protection organization will bring exotic animals' petting Zoo. Also, you will get a chance to ride the newest invention in electric vehicles for kids and adults the Trikke Bring your entire family as it will have something for everybody. Do not miss this special night of fun for your family and neighbors. 2:30 - 6:30. Free.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church park ing lot. 8115 Oak landon R d , I n d i a n a p o l i s . w w w. thinklocalf irstindy.com/?page_ id=772. 317-517-0484.

Gen Con Game Fair Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, August 05, 2010 Through Tuesday, August 10, 2010. Indiana Convention Center. 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis. www. iccrd.com. 317-262-3400.

Abundant Life Church Farmers' Market Family Night Occurring Each Thursday Through Thursday, September 09, 2010.

Come to the Abundant Life Church Family Night every second Thursday. We will be hosting a Family Night with live music, games, crafts, face painting, and a bounce house. Animalia a local animals protection organization will bring exotic animals' petting Zoo. Also, you will get a chance to ride the newest invention in electric vehicles for kids and adults the Trikke. Bring your entire family as it will have something for everybody. Do not miss this special night of fun for your family and neighbors. 4-7PM. FREE. Abundant Life Church. 7606 East 82nd Street IN 46256, Indianapolis. www. thinklocalf irstindy.com/?page_id=691. 3175859162.

Indiana State Fair Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, August 06, 2010 Through Sunday, August 22, 2010. Come enjoy food, fun, entertainment and more at the annual Indiana State Fair. Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. w w w.in.gov/statefair.

317-927-7500.

Devour Downtown Occur r ing Daily Beg inning Monday, August 02, 2010 Through Sunday, August 15, 2010. Downtown Restaurants. www. devourdowntown.org. 317-673-4211.

Drum Corps Int'l World Championships Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, August 12, 2010 Through Sunday, August 15, 2010. Free. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www.in.gov/whiteriver. 317-2332434.

Meet with Director of Paramount School of Excellence Occurring Every Tue & Thu Through Saturday, April 23, 2011.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-6, speak with Tommy Reddicks, the director of Paramount School of Excellence.

Discuss options for your children and what we can do to benefit you and your family. 3pm-6pm. FREE. Spades Library. 1801 Nowland Avenue, Indianapolis. www.paramountschool. org. 800-778-9334.

Motorcycles on Meridian eSychro 12th FINA World Junior Synchronized Swimming Championships 2010 Occurring Daily Beginning Wednesday, August 11, 2010 Through Sunday, August 15, 2010. $12 adults, $6 students. IUPUI Natatorium.

901 W. New York St, Indianapolis. www.iunat.iupui.edu. 317-2743518.

Family Night at the Geist Farmers' Market Occurring Each Thursday Through Thursday, September 02, 2010. Come to the Geist Farmers' Market Family Night every f irst 62 INDY’S CHILD * August 2010

Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, August 27, 2010 Through Saturday, August 28, 2010. FREE. Monument Circle. 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www.brickyard.com. 317492-6455.

Preschool Registration Ongoing Every Mon, Wed & Fri Beginning Friday, July 16, 2010. Blessed Beginnings Preschool will mirror Warren Towship Schools and their new schedule beginning in August 2010. Children from 3-5 years old are invited to register.

Classes are from 9:00-11:30 2 - 3 days a week. Please call

894-3454 for more information. 9:00-11:30. $70-$90. Blessed Beginnings Preschool. 219 N Muessing Street, Indianapolis. www.blessedpreschool.com. 3178943454.

Rock Stars, Cars, and Guitars Occurring Daily Through Sunday, September 12, 2010. From Chuck Berry to the Beatles, from Glam Rock to Groove, rock 'n' roll has shaped American pop culture, and rock performers have dazzled us with their sounds and styles.

In Rock Stars, Cars, and Guitars, the hottest new exhibit from The C h i l d r e n' s Museum, children and families can immerse themselves in the music! Go into the Studio, experience the Concert Stage, and enjoy star-gazing as you check out some of rock 'n' roll's coolest costumes, "sixstrings," and rides, including memorabilia from Elvis Presley, The Beatles, KISS, Van Halen, U2, and more! Rock stars, Cars & Guitars is presented Church Brother Collision Repair and supported by Coca Cola. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free with museum admission. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www.childrensmuseum.org.

(317) 334-3322.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, August 06, 2010 Through Saturday, August 07, 2010. Heartland Actors Repertory Theatre (HART) announces its third annual Shakespeare on the Canal production, The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Performances are August 6th and 7th at 8:00PM at the amphitheater in White River State Park. Admission is free. White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.

Understanding the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (part 1) Ongoing Each Saturday Beginning Saturday, July 17, 2010.

For parents and professionals working and living with a child and/or children diagnosed with autism or are somewhere on the spectrum. This is an ongoing series of seminar to help disseminate state-of-the art scientific information on autism so that parents and professionals can keep current with advances of treatment and continuing insights into this perplexing disorder that is becoming disturbingly widespread in the community.

2-5 pm. $25.00. Purple House. S 9th St, Noblesville. www.

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Kids table & chair rentals delivered to your home or event location!

Kids table & chair rentals delivered to your home or event location!

(317) 446-7750 tabletopsfortots.com * Parties * Family Events * Play Dates * Neighborhood Events *

WANTED CHILDREN FOR LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT STUDY

Children who do and do not stutter between the ages of 3 years and 5 years 11 months are being recruited for a research study on speech-language development and stuttering at IU. PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE $50 AS WELL AS FREE SPEECH-LANGUAGE TESTING.

To learn more, please visit our Web site www.indiana.edu/~spdislab or contact Dr. Julie Anderson at (812) 856-1240 or judander@indiana.edu

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