Indys' Child // 05.2009

Indy’sChild

Happy 100th

Indianapolis Motor Speedway INDYSCHILD.COM 1

INDYSCHILD.COM 3

K12 gets kids thinking big.

It’s what happens when they realize that math is everywhere.

That “¾ time” can create a waltz. That four beats per measure rocks! That math makes music.

That’s thanks to K12 and our award-winning curriculum, individualized to bring learning alive, one child at a time. Every subject is delivered online, with hands-on activities, plus books and support from expert teachers.

when kids get into learning, learning gets into them.

Options include: • Full-time, tuition-free public schooling in many states • An accredited online private school available worldwide • Over 150 individual courses including foreign languages, AP® and electives available for direct purchase We’re America’s largest online curriculum provider for grades K through 12. Because we give every student a chance to think big. Learn more at K12.com.

Interested in a full-time public school option? The K¹² program is available through the Hoosier Academies, tuition-free public charter school programs authorized by Ball State University for grades K-11, that offer state-certified teachers, an active school community, and a unique blend of traditional, brick-and-mortar schooling and online learning.

Enroll now for the 2009-2010 school year! Visit www.K12.com/ha to learn more about our program or to enroll, or for a complete list of upcoming events in your area.

www.K12.com/ha | 866.912.3348

ACADEMIES

She focuses on the moment Children are only little for a while. Enjoy this special time with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created a college savings plan for their future. Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan offers a range of benefits, including: • Federal tax advantages and a special tax credit for Indiana taxpayers* • Easy enrollment and online account management • More ways to save with Upromise® rewards** and UgiftSM — Give College Savings

You focus on her future. Enroll today. Visit www.cc529.com

* Indiana taxpayers are eligible for a state income tax credit of 20% of contributions to their CollegeChoice 529 account, up to $1,000 credit per year. Please note that this credit may be subject to recapture from the account owner in certain circumstances, such as a rollover to another state’s 529 plan or a non-qualified withdrawal. ** Upromise rewards is an optional online service offered by Upromise, Inc., is separate from the CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan, and is not affiliated with the State of Indiana. Specific terms and conditions apply. Participating companies, contribution levels, terms and conditions subject to change without notice.

For more information about the CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan, call 1.866.485.9415 or visit www. collegechoicedirect.com to obtain a Disclosure Statement, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing. Upromise Investments, Inc., Distributor and Underwriter.

If you are not an Indiana taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program.

CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan (the Plan) is administered by the Indiana Education Savings Authority. Upromise Investments, Inc. serves as the Program Manager and Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides investment advisory services and recordkeeping and administrative services. Upromise Investments, Inc. and Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, including effecting transactions and marketing and distribution of the Plan. Dodge & Cox; Frontegra Asset Management, Inc.; The Vanguard Group, Inc.; and Western Asset serve as Investment Managers for the Plan. The Plan’s portfolios, although they invest in mutual funds are not mutual funds. Units of the Portfolios are municipal securities and the value of units will vary with market conditions.

Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in the Plan. © 2008 Indiana Education Savings Authority and Upromise Investments, Inc. Upromise, the Upromise logo and Ugift are registered service marks of Upromise, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Used with permission.

IN2046 0908

*

MAY 2009

*

table of contents

RESOURCES

22

Special needs directory

24

shopping guide

39

summer camp guide

42

Enrichment Directory

18

31

summer camps for children with special needs

in this issue

NEWS & SHOPPING

54

may family fun blooming in indy

date night on a dime

46

Education directory

60

calendar

71

party & entertainment directory

71

classifieds

Health & Wellness

around town

commentary & parenting

08

20

15

07

16

Preparing for Summer Vacation

Star Wars™: The Clone Wars

Reflections on Spring Vacation

Pre-Summer Preparedness

SPECIal needs awareness

news you can use one chic mama

SPECIal needs awareness

26

10 - 12

Autism Family Resource Center

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: Dan Zanes

Age Specific Topics, Events & Book Suggestions

pediatric health

AGES & STAGES

35

13

Teens & tweens

The Indianapolis Zoo: Komodo Dragon Exhibit

Making Sense of Your Teen Daughter’s Transformation

53

42

14

Summer and Your Child With Asthma

pediatric health

ask the staff The 17 Essential Qualities Of A Team Player by John C Maxwell

profile

profile

Do Your Children Live in a Healthy Home? ught “G e t C a th: g” Mon R ea din ou ok a re y W hat bo reading? currently

publisher’s note

21

24

M AY Is

museum notes

arts & enrichment

my parent, my mentor

The Impact of Sports

Mentoring With Discretion

50

28

profile

Just the right camp

The Chase 500 Festival

Why one size doesn’t fit all

55

34

Plan A Great Vacation for Less

Why Twitter?

58

44

Wallet Friendly Family Entertainment

Last Day of School Checklist, To Kindergarten or Not, Book Report Issues

growing up online

travel story

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster

family fun in indy

dear teacher

52 American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by John Meacham

Uncommon by Tony Dungy

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Mothers Need Time Outs, Too by Susan Callahan, Anne Nolan, & Katrin Schuman

When You Can’t Do Debt Alone

Tips for What You Can Do to Regain Control of Your Debt

56

from the mayor’s desk

Indy Parks Summer Programs 6 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Indy’sChild

Co mm e n ta ry

*

Publisher’s Note

Reflections on Spring Vacation Making the Most of Time With Family

Founding Publisher Barbara S. Wynne Publisher/President Mary Wynne Cox Executive Vice President Richard A. Dickinson Executive Editor Lynette L. Rowland CFO Debbie Klineman Art Direction & DESIGN Heather Lipe Marketing Coordinator Rachel Wynn Assistant of business development Josie Fine On the cover Drake Biggs and Ally Biggs cover outfits provided by One Step Ahead®

This year, our grandchildren had different spring break weeks so we shared time with them in waves. The college gang came first and proved that juniors and seniors really have reached a responsible stage—that was really most welcome.

My husband and I kept waiting for them to leave for more adult entertainment and much to our surprise they were happy to hang out with us.

They joined us for meals and actually enjoyed conversations with us. They kept the house clean and yes, they slept late, but we were happy they stay put at our house. It was a great week and we are so proud of their thoughtfulness.

Our youngest grandchildren spent eight days with us. Meg, Jane and Lucy (pictured) are 10, 8 and 5, respectively. They prefer to stay busy and are so

creative with their art projects that you haven’t the slightest idea what is trash or a treasure.

Meg is certain to be a wardrobe mistress on Broadway or a character actress. Everyday she created a new character role—complete with a fashion statement. You could safely say that Meg acted out all of her characters.

Jane is the textbook middle child and always tries to please and makes few waves.

She marvels at Meg and is always part of her audience.

Whatever Meg wants to do, Jane follows suit.

At age five, Lucy wants to be noticed and get her share of attention and knows exactly how to do it. We found the best way to keep Lucy busy was to import friends her own age to join in preschool activities.

Our friends, Judy and Fran Brennan, have a daughter-inlaw, Tina, who was exactly our daughter-in-law Sue Wynne’s age, with three daughters close to the ages of our grandkids. The odd-oneout problems were solved and busy and happy hands created rare sand castles. They got along so well that the days included picnics and lots of swimming on the beach.

One evening we watched the movie Marley and Me. We’re all dog lovers so the plot was both hilarious and sad. My grandchildren saw me laugh and openly cry. It was a movie with huge emotional swings.

It brought back the joy of the 11 wonderful years that we spent with our last Bernese mountain dog, Beau. Perhaps Marley and Me also shows the circle of life and the stages we go through as we age.

It was Easter weekend and déjà vu all over again. When Ivan Baron was 12 years old, I was chairman of the Tennis National Boys 12 and under i ndoor Nat ion a l Championships at the Indianapolis Racquet Club.

Today he is the Director of the National Boys and Girls 12 and under Championships in Boca Raton, Florida. Our grandson, JT Wynne is a participant.

What a joy for a grandmother to watch such an event!

To complete the joy of Easter, two grandsons came to celebrate their 22nd and 23rd birthdays, so we had extra coaches and cheerleaders. To make things perfect, we had visitors from London with their six-year-old son, Tom. In a sense, the Easter Bunny really did come to our house and everyone had a joyous time.

I am looking forward to seeing our Indy’s Child families at the many wonderful activities during the month of May. Please think ahead and put June 7th on your calendars and come see me between 11 am and 3 pm at Court Party—A USTA Block Party where we have fun activities for the whole family. I always look forward to watching each one of you do something special.

I’ll be there with my crazy tennis hat and holding court at the Quick Start Tennis courts.

Have a wonderful Month of May!

cover Photography Shawna Schaub Photography In the publisher’s note last month the Website for Three Cups was incorrect.The correct Website is www.3cupsbook.com

Indy’s Child 1901 Broad Ripple Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46220 317.722.8500 (p) 317.722.8510 (f ) indyschild@indyschild.com

www.indyschild.com Copyright: Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly.

Copyright 2008 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.

Free general admission!

• What FREE gets you at the IMA Learn what else is free at the IMA at imamuseum.org

• Gallery Tours (daily at 1 pm) • Garden Walks (Saturdays and Sundays through September, weather permitting) • Drop-in Art Making with Star(lite), noon-4 pm, May 9, 16, 23, 30 INDYSCHILD.COM 7

NEWS & SHOPPIN G

*

news you can use

NEWS you can use Summer Arts CAmps at the Indianapolis Art Center The Indianapolis Art Center offers half-day art camps for youth ages 6-12 and full-day art camps for youth ages 8-12. Each session is led by a professional artist/instructor and assistant in a variety of art activities such as painting, drawing, ceramics, papermaking, fabric dyeing and sculpture. We also have camps for pre-schoolers ages 4-5.

This summer campers will focus on sculpture in conjunction with the Art Center’s exhibition A Life in Art: Works by George Rickey. The exhibition features 40 works in various media by George Rickey, internationally known for his kinetic sculptures. Registration is going on now for weeklong camps beginning June 1.

Seven Year Old Girl with Half of a Heart and Local Media Stars “Dance For Your Heart” This year’s “Heart of Gold Ball 2009” will include a dance performance by seven-year-old Naomi Babcock. Naomi only has half of a heart and every bit of it goes into her ballet dancing. She is a student at the Jacobs School of Music pre-college ballet program at IU in Bloomington. Naomi underwent three sugeries in the first two years of her life to reroute blood through the right side of her heart.

Also, a “Dancing with the Media Stars” competition will feature Raphael Sanchez of RTV6, Angela Ganote of FOX 59 Morning Show and Kelly Vaughn of the “Bernie & Kelly” Show on B105.7. This year’s focus is curing coronary heart disease in children, infant congenital heart birth defects and creating healthy lifestyles to support the cure and to decrease risk of additional heart disease. Obesity is a growing epidemic in children with the number way to combat it [obesity] being through exercise. That’s why we’re “Dancing for your Heart,” the theme of this year’s gala. Event is May 9, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium Downtown Indianapolis.

Brooke’s Place Offers Help for Grieving Children Children and adults grieve differently, but some adults are surprised to see just how different a child’s grief looks.

And while adults may have difficulty stopping the intense feelings of grief, children may be just the opposite.

Children mourn in what has been called “griefbursts,” where they express intense emotion – sobbing, screaming or hitting – and 10 minutes later; they are laughing and playing with friends. “Brooke’s Place is a safe place that validates how they’re feeling,” says Kelley Romweber, president of the nonprofit organization. “Children who come to us for support see that others are going through the same thing and that helps in a young person’s grief.”

provides support and services to grieving children and families in Central Indiana. The organization offers two essential programs for support and provides a safe place to grieve and help heal. The Peer Support Groups allow children grieving over the death of a loved one to share their experience with peers who can help them cope with their sadness. Support groups, offered at no cost to families, meet twice a month with trained staff and volunteer facilitators who understand the grieving process. The Brooke’s Place Counseling Program provides a safe and confidential place for children, adolescents and adults to share their personal experience.

They receive professional support and compassion to help them cope with loss. Counseling services are offered on a sliding scale fee and open to any issue regarding grief and loss. Issues may include but are not limited to death, anticipatory grief, divorce, trauma, incarceration of loved one, and changes in the home.

Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People is a nonprofit program that has been around for 10 years and For more information contact Brooke’s Place, www.BrookesPlace.Org or 317-705-9650.

8 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

NEWS & SHOPPIN G

*

news you can use

Ovar’Coming Together’s 4th Annual Bag Event Helps Raise Awareness and Funds for the Fight Against Ovarian Cancer Did you know that the signs of ovarian cancer often go unnoticed because they are so subtle, persistent and increase over a period of time? Did you know that one of every 55 women of all races and any age can get it? Did you know that a pap smear doesn’t even screen for it and that even if you have had your ovaries removed you can still develop a type of ovarian cancer called peritoneal cancer with the same symptoms? Unusual fatigue, bloating, abdominal swelling, a feeling of fullness, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, pelvic pain, cramps, menstrual disorders, backaches, appetite loss and more. Pretty general symptoms in the grand scheme of things. Take action if your symptoms persist or are unusual for you or have no cause. Ask for a vaginal ultrasound, a combination pelvic/rectal exam and a CA 125 blood test. Ask for referral to a gynecologic oncologist if tests return unusual.

This information comes from Ovar’coming Together, an Indianapolis-based organization committed to creating awareness, resources and support to women.

The fourth annual Bag Event is a fun ladies luncheon and opportunity to Snag a Bag. 300-plus designer bags (donated and gently used) will be available at a silent auction at a fraction of the retail price. Valet is available with a VIP early viewing and Penthouse tour at 10:30-11:30 a.m. and the lunch and auction at 111:30 p.m. at the Conrad Hotel in Indianapolis, IN. Lunch and auction tickets are $125, VIP tickets are $275. All proceeds go to Ovar’coming Together. For more information visit www.ovariancancerIN.org to purchase tickets or call 317-9256643. Downtown Indianapolis. The 24th Annual Heart of Gold Ball is a premier, white tie gala. Contact Jeannine.Templeman@heart.org for more information.

Nick Jonas of Jonas Brothers Fame Launches Creativity Contest for Kids with Diabetes Nick Jonas invites kids and teens with diabetes to enter the Bayer “Express Your Simple Win Creativity Contest” online for a chance to meet Nick in person.

Jonas, who has diabetes, encourages other young people with diabetes to share their creativity and their own personal Simple Wins (their favorite things to do) in a video contest at www.NicksSimpleWins.com.

Each month one winner will be selected and entered into a Grand Prize drawing to be one of three people (and your guest) to meet Nick in person. Contest open to eligible U.S. residents between ages 6-18 who have been diagnosed with diabetes. All winners will be required to provide a letter from a physician confirming winner’s diagnosis. Grand Prize winners will be notified on or about October 30, 2009.

INDYSCHILD.COM 9

9

{ AGES

&

Age Specific • topics

Initiating Solid Foods What’s the Right Age? Ask any parent, and chances are you will get a different answer every time as to when to start a baby on solid foods. Some mothers argue that by the time their babies were 3 months old, they needed more than just breast milk or formula. Other mothers are skittish about starting solid foods due to fears of allergies, reactions, or choking.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until a baby is six months old before starting solid foods, especially if the mother is breastfeeding. Other pediatricians and nurse practitioners agree that anytime after four months of age is an appropriate starting point. Starting a baby on solids before four months of age probably isn’t a wise choice, since a baby’s tongue-thrust reflex will inevitably cause the infant to spit the food back out. That reflex fades at around the four-month mark.

“Most pediatricians recommend rice cereal for the baby’s first solid food, since rice is a very hypoallergenic food and very few people are allergic to it,” says pediatric nurse practitioner Eileen M. Bens, RN, CPNP. “However, barley and oatmeal cereals are options as well, and all of these cereals should be mixed with breast milk or formula.”

you start fruits and vegetables, only initiate one new food each week.

The next big debate after starting your baby on cereal, is what else to initiate, and when? Nutritionally speaking, strained fruits or vegetables are both good choices, but there are differing opinions on which to start first. “Some pediatricians will argue that starting fruit first will allow your baby to have a more pleasant eating experience, others say to start them on vegetables first, because if you start a baby on fruits he won’t want to ever eat vegetables,” says Bens. The choice is up to the parent. Once

At around 9 months old, a baby is probably ready for table food within reason. Cheerios, fruit puffs, soft fruit cut into tiny pieces, and other soft foods are good options. However, there are some foods to avoid. “Since the biggest concerns are centered on food allergies, it’s wise to avoid eggs, citrus fruits, chocolate, honey, and fish until the child is at least a year old,” says Bens. “And a child really shouldn’t eat peanut butter until age three.”

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t have the time or energy to whip up homemade baby food either. “Most pediatricians don’t prefer homemade baby food over jarred,” or vice versa, says Bens.

Once a child has reached the toddler years, remember that variety is the spice of life. “The more healthy selections you provide for the entire family, the better the likelihood your child will grow to be a healthy eater,” notes Bens.

Book Suggestion: Hungry Monkey: A Food-Loving Father’s Quest to Raise and Adventurous Eater by Matthew Amster-Burton. $15.64 from Amazon.com.

Event Suggestion: Baby and/or Toddler Storytime at all local IMCPL branches. Find out storytimes and events for your little ones by visiting www.imcpl.org/events/ and doing a search of your local branch for details.

Hundreds of events every month!

Hamilton County Sports Complex

Health and Safety Fair Sponsored by Riverview Hospital Saturday, May 16, 2009, 1-4 p.m.

Hamilton County Sports Complex 9625 E. 150th St., Noblesville (Corner of North Point Blvd. and E. 150th St.)

Come on out for some family fun at the Hamilton County Sports Complex!

Indoor activities will include facility tours and exhibitions by tenants including karate, dance, gymnastics, golf, parkour, basketball, and hockey (outdoor).

Don’t miss out on the free basketball and Wii competitions throughout the day! Free child identification cards will also be available, sponsored by Riverview Hospital.

Outdoor activities will feature the Radio Disney Fun Patrol, a rock climbing wall, a bounce house and other fun offerings including kid-friendly wellness information from Riverview Hospital, face painting from Hug-a-Bug, information on Internet safety, arts of all sorts, and much more.

Drawings will be held throughout the day, so stop by for your chance to win one of the great prizes from businesses located in the Hamilton County Sports Complex.

10 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Hamilton County Sports Complex businesses:

Additional Health and Safety Fair activities/information:

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

A Plus Gymnastics Adamson’s Karate Cookie Cutters ParMasters Golf/Links Cafe Pink Slipper Dance Stroller Fit VYPE Sports Magazine Carmel Academy of Music Basketball Classes Indoor and Outdoor Basketball Courts Outdoor Hockey Walking Trail Zumba

Bob Block Fitness Child ID Cards Children’s Books Create-a-Meal Himsel Chiropractic Hug-a-Bug The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Monart School of Art Noble Roman’s Pizza Party Animal Balloons Primrose Preschool School of Noblesville Radio Disney Fun Patrol Riverview Hospital

STAGES } books • events

Five Outdoor Toys to Get Kids Moving

Ways to Ward Off Childhood Obesity

Bounce around.

Just about anything that includes t he word “bounce” means getting kids active. OneStepAhead sells a Clear-View Jelly Bean Jumper perfect for jumping fun. Trampolines (www.trampoline.com) and pogo sticks (www.pogostickusa.com) are also a great way to bounce your way fit.

Hop along.

Nothing beats a workout like a sack race. Pick up a recycled burlap bag from vermontcountrystore.com or colorful ones from alextoys.com Chutes away. We all remember parachute play in gym class. Grab a parachute, balls and get together as a family to work your arms and legs with this classic favorite. www. alextoys.com and www.peadvantage.net

sell fantastic parachutes at affordable rates, as does www.pacificplaytents.com.

Scoot along.

For the grade school crowd, the Pulse Kick ‘N Go is a lot of fun (www.pulsekickngo. com) while the little ones can get moving

with the Kettler Lightning HeightAdjustable Scooter. (www.tricyclekids. com)

Slides & Sports. Good, old-fashioned playground play is a surefire way to work up a sweat. Slides, jungle gym, swings,

tetherball, and more. Just do a quick search for playground equipment or visit local retailer Recreation Unlimited for basketball goals, playsets and more at www.recreationunltd.com.

{ 4-7 }

Everyone knows that the best way to ward off the obesity bug is to get moving. Fitness, combined with healthy eating, is the number one way to avoid becoming overweight. Thankfully, there are plenty of toys out there to keep kids active.

Music and Movement.

Grab the newest line of the Zune.

Now available with playlists, podcasts, channels and more from Exercise TV to Yoga Today, kids young and old will find great fun with the new Zune Fitness.

Birthday Parties Celebrate your child’s birthday party at the world’s largest children’s museum!

Party Includes: H Private use of the birthday party room for 1.5 hours H Admission to the museum for up to 20 guests H Twenty Carousel ride tickets H Gift for the birthday child

H A themed birthday cake from Taylor’s Bakery (Serves 20) H Free gift registry in our award-winning Museum Store H Family friendly food prices H Themed party ware

To schedule your party or for more information, please contact the Museum at (317) 334-4000 or birthdayparty@ChildrensMuseum.org

INDYSCHILD.COM 11

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

*

ages & stages

{ AGES

&

Age Specific •

STAGES }

topics •

books • events

Avoiding Summer Brain Drain Local Camps Offer Educational Options When the school year ends, most children leave behind more than textbooks and broken crayons. Educators across the country agree that a phenomenon called “summer learning loss” not only exists, but it poses a problem for virtually every school-age child.

Studies show that upon returning to school in the fall, test scores are, on average, at least one month lower compared to how they fared the previous spring.

Because children lose as much as 25% of what they learned during the school year over the summer months, it’s important to keep kids active.

One of the reasons students lose so much of what they learned is because the lessons weren’t embedded into their memories enough. If a student simply memorizes

A program that teaches independence skills for children with cerebral palsy and other motor delays.

For more information visit www.thejacksoncenter.org or call 317.888.8720.

Now Enrolling!

12 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

information they need for a test, but doesn’t fully understand the information they learned, that lesson is the first to go.

One way to combat summer “brain drain” is to get your child involved in educational activities or camps during the summer months. That way, the child will be learning and retaining information, but still have fun. A child’s learning skills are like muscles. The more they use them, the stronger they will be. If you use those muscles in a “fun” way, it will encourage a stronger love of learning for your children.

Options like Mad Science and Camp Invention, learning-based programs that offers science-related summer camps and activities and is available in Indiana, offer children hands-on learning that feels more like fun.

Even if camp is not in your family’s budget this summer, parents have plenty of options that can be done at home that will help your child retain what she learned and have fun, too. Reading is a vital skill for school-age children. Experts say that by encouraging your kids to read simply for pleasure, without the pressures of exams or book reports, you will increase their ability to retain information and use their learning skills.

Make education a family event. Take your children to the library and allow them to choose a book that catches their attention.

Set up a time when the TV is turned off, and the family is reading together, even if everyone has their own

separate books. Or read to your children!

Even older children like their parents to read with them.

Activities to consider: Mad Science of North Indiana, 317-388-0988. Camp Invention: http://www.invent.org/

Book Suggestion: The McGrawHill Big Book of Science Activities. $12.89 from Amazon.com EVENT Suggestion: Download a copy of the Indy Parks Fun Guides at IndyParks. org. This year they have it sorted by four locations to make it easier to find what you’re looking for— and there is PLENTY to find!

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

*

teens & tweens

Making Sense of Your Teen Daughter’s Transformation How to Encourage Individuality Within Age-Appropriate Boundaries

Magenta hair streaks, skinny body-hugging tank tops, jeans’ waistbands that ride too low, sexy videos, and pop diva gossip—the trappings that used to belong to only older teen girls is now alive and flourishing in the early adolescent group as well. If you feel like your pre or young teen daughter is 13 going on 19, you’re not alone. More and more parents are waking up to find their preteen daughters at the bathroom mirror brushing on mascara and humming suggestive lyrics from the latest hit song.

The basic part of this transformation is normal. Most girls begin to mature physically before boys (and are maturing earlier than ever due in part to the growth hormones in animal products). These girls naturally become increasingly absorbed in themselves, their developing figures and their looks in general. As their world expands through outside activities, their relationships with friends become increasingly important and fitting in with peers becomes a priority.

But these days, following the crowd through popular fashion may include such things as body piercings. And singing

along to the radio menu involves a more sexually charged vocabulary than was encountered in generations past. There’s no doubt about it, today’s media-saturated preteens are exposed to (and want to expose) much more than most parents are comfortable with.

What can parents do to tame these cultural influences and provide appropriate guidelines for their physically maturing daughters? Realize your power and use it. The outside world may be feeding your kids something you don’t like, but you are feeding them, too. You have a strong influence over what your children wear and listen to and watch—and how they perceive it.

hair? Perm and color.) These questions have easier answers than “Why do I feel shy?” or “Why doesn’t my dad visit more often?”

Help your daughter become familiar with and value her inner self so that she can feel confident there as well. Without burdening her with financial or marital problems, act as a model and share simple examples of your own feelings, questions, struggles and joys. Help her build confidence, value her inner strengths, and foster her spiritual and emotional life. Introduce her to the miracles and potential that lie within her.

Without denying your children access to radio, television, and print advertising, there are steps you can take to balance out the sometimes-frightening messages that they are bombarded with on a daily basis:

Set limits. Your daughter may be able to surf the net, ride her bike to the mall, and “nuke” her dinner without your help, but you are still the parent. Talk with her about appropriate dress, make-up and music. Set rules about what will and won’t be tolerated in your house: “Shirts that show navels do not go to school.” “Eye shadow is for school dances only.” “Songs with graphic lyrics won’t be played in this house.”

Focus inward. The world of “looks” holds much of its appeal because it is concrete and offers easy solutions to visible problems. (Got a pimple? Dry it up. Lifeless

Balance the media messages with your own. Give your daughter a strong moral base to counter what she’s picking up from movies and TV. She’s

getting constant tips on how to be “hot.”

She needs guidance from you on how to grow up healthy and safe. Model morality and appropriate behavior, and talk to her about your spiritual values. Don’t feed the problem. Using sexual innuendo and renting R-rated movies with young teens encourages feelings and behaviors they aren’t yet ready to handle.

Keep it simple. Half-hour lectures usually get tuned out, so make your comments brief and directed to the situation at hand. When you see an advertisement or television show in which a young teen is dressed in sexually suggestive clothing, be specific rather than moralizing. “That girl is dressed way beyond her age; some guys will take that as a message that she wants to have sex,” will be heard more clearly than, “Kids today look like trash.” The first comment will educate your daughter about your morals and the reality of the situation.

The second will be taken as a criticism and encourage her to reject whatever you have just said.

Combine forces. Discuss your concerns with other parents and make a

decision to uphold certain policies that you agree upon. If Jaclyn isn’t allowed to wear lipstick until she’s in high school, then it’s not as hard for her best friend to accept the same limitation. If your young teen’s school doesn’t already have an appropriate school dress code or restrictions on bringing Ipods and cell phones to school, talk to administrators about setting limits. If enough parents are concerned, policies can be made or changed.

The best use of “parent power” involves providing thoughtful input based on your own strong set of values, and consistently enforcing limits, while keeping communications open at the same time.

The goal is to provide a solid, safe base for your daughter to grow from. While she may balk at your “old-fashioned” ideas, she will also feel protected by them.

Communicate that your policies are based on your concern for her, not on an arbitrary or blanket dislike of the adolescent world.

Lisa Schab is a licensed

clinical social worker in Libertyville, Illinois, and the stepmother of two, ages 25 and 29. She can be reached at 847782-1722.

INDYSCHILD.COM 13

Make a BIG Splash!

A 50,000 Sq. Ft. Tropical Explosion of Indoor Water Fun!

Buy 1 Night, Get 1 Night FREE, Plus Kids Eat FREE!* Limited offer, subject to availability, restrictions apply.

Call (317) 872-9790

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

*

my parent, my mentor

Mentoring with Discretion

Strategies for Disseminating Information Discretion in speech is more important than eloquence. ­— English proverb I am a volunteer tutor in my community.

Once a week, I head down and work with my student on their academics. We are building a nice relationship as we go and I figure a half hour a week is a small contribution that might just make a difference.

For reservations, call (317) 872-9790 or visit CaribbeanCoveWaterPark.com Holiday Inn North at the Pyramids • 3850 DePauw Boulevard • Indianapolis, IN 46268

This week, the educator in charge and I had a chat. But here is the problem. The child was there in the hallway with us as we talked. I was practically crawling up the wall, eager to know the pertinent information, but feeling very uncomfortable with people passing, the classroom door open and this young child at the listen. It was awkward, to say the least.

As we began our study session, I had a knot in my stomach and my student was antsy, which was not typical for either of us. For me, I felt uncomfortable. Not to mention, every instance of teachers or parents or coaches criticizing me in public was nibbling at my mind. We did the best we could and I have been thinking about it ever since.

I have decided I will talk with the child and tell them I won’t have chats with the educator in the hallway ever again. We can correspond by notes or email.

But then I thought about us parents. I felt such compassion for that child, but how many times have we as parents commented to an adult about our children in front of them? I think most of us make a conscious effort not to do this, but in reality we continue. I started wondering how terrible that feels for a child, to be openly criticized and judged. And how easily we adults can fall into it. I mean, talk about being caught in a complicated web. It is our job to educate our children in everything; nutrition, academics, manners, organization, you name it. We have to give our kids lessons in everything they will need to become adults.

No wonder we fall into making proclamations, frustrations and admonishments in public. I mean, really. Where is the time to do it any other way?

Well, after watching my student’s discomfort and feeling my own, I started thinking, and I believe we can disseminate the information we need to our children in a way that makes us all comfortable. Take a look at the strategies below for great tips on mentoring our kids with discretion.

14 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Be Cool. One of the biggest barriers to discretion in child rearing is when we are angry, frustrated, tired or stressed. If you aren’t “calm, cool and collected,” then don’t say it.

If you are hot, don’t say it–save it. If you are too wound up to do it right, give yourself a time out if possible. “Excuse me; I need a minute to calm down.” Or tell your child, “We will address this later.” When you show control, not lose it, you will help your child feel a sense of control and calm and you will role model for them.

Use your face. My kids know my expressions. When they are doing something inappropriate, they get “the look” and sometimes a very stern, “I’m sorry?” That can be quickly interpreted as, “I’m sorry, are you sure you want to be doing or saying that?”

Or “I’m sorry are you sure you want the punishment that is headed your way?” The non-verbal messaging is very powerful and does not humiliate them in any way.

Mature Audiences only. You wouldn’t take your child to an inappropriate movie. Well, at least not intentionally—think long story involving me, my stepchildren and the movie, There’s Something About Mary.

Yikes. Anyway, your frustrations with your child are for mature audiences only. No need to discuss this in front of your child. Think of it as inappropriate material.

No one is perfect at their job, especially at the job they have to do 24/7 for the rest of their lives! Give yourself a break and try these tools.

See how they help you as you mentor your child. See how much trust you build with your child as these simple steps help you hone your discretion in mentoring.

Maria Murphy is a speaker, consultant and writer. Her book and blog column can be found at www.simplyputtogether.com.

Maria Murphy writes a monthly mentoring column for Tutor/Mentor Connection of Chicago, http/www. tutormentorconnection.org. Her column is distributed throughout mentoring agencies and schools of N/E Florida. She is also a columnist for My Nassau Sun, a subsidiary of the Jacksonville Times Union.

a ro u n d tow n

*

museum notes

Star Wars™: The Clone Wars

Pizza | Pasta | Calzones Sandwiches | Salads | Italian Dinners Dine In | Carryout | Delivery | Catering

Early or late... always think Puccini’s!

Exhibition Opens at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

This spring, a galaxy far, far away arrived at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis with the opening of Star Wars: The Clone Wars Exhibition. The visual exhibition features artwork, costumes and other pieces used in the concept and production for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the first-ever animated feature and television series from Lucasfilm Animation.

Children and families who visit The Children’s Museum will be able to visualize the characters, the stories and the worlds of Star Wars: The Clone Wars as they view concept designs and artwork from the series, as well as costumes, props, models and character art from the live-action feature films.

Animation scale models introduce visitors to The Clone Wars and the process by which its characters and worlds were created, designed and brought to life. A single scale model— known as a maquette—illuminates how a character concept can translate from an idea, to an actor, to a sculpture and finally to the screen.

Framed digital prints of original Clone Wars art and environments allow visitors a look into worlds beyond the stars. Life-sized flats of Anakin, Yoda, Ahsoka and other Star Wars characters stand in poses allowing children (and adults!) unique opportunities to pose for photos with their favorite Clone Wars characters.

In addition, props from the live-action feature films will be on display to illustrate how

physical designs were incorporated into the unique look of the animated series. In addition to lightsabers and costumes from the movies, a full-sized Jedi starfighter will be prominently displayed in the museum’s Welcome Center.

The animated Star Wars:The Clone Wars series covers an exciting era in the Star Wars saga, taking place between Episodes II and III. As the Clone Wars sweep through the galaxy, the heroic Jedi Knights struggle to maintain order and restore peace. Led by Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, the heroic forces of the Galactic Republic valiantly resist the evil Count Dooku and his sinister Separatist agents.

Episodes can be seen on Fridays at 9 p.m. on Cartoon Network.

The Star Wars: T he Clone Wars Exhibition will be at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis through January 31, 2010. For more information, visit www.ChildrensMuseum. org.

Jaclyn Falkenstein is the Public Relations Coordinator for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

79th & Sunnyside 823-0027 Geist Marina 842-2356 82nd & Dean 842-4028 86th & Ditch 875-9223 136th & Meridian 580-0087 116th & I-69 579-0572

Early Bird Special

5 off

$

your bill of $20 or more Mon - Fri, 4 to 5:45pm

Dine In or Carryout | Not valid with other offers | Expires 6-30-09

Late Night Carryout Special

25% off

carryout orders placed between 8-9pm, M-Th Not valid with other offers | Expires 6-30-09

See our full menu at puccinissmilingteeth.com INDYSCHILD.COM 15

NEWs & sh o ppi n g

*

one chic mama

pre-summer preparedness

1

one chic mama

1 double duty diaper bag You don’t think twice about buying a great handbag for yourself, but you really don’t want to shell out a bundle just for a diaper bag—unless that diaper bag can have a second life as a purse. That’s exactly what the folks behind Timi & Leslie bags had in mind when they created their chic and modern diaper bags. But don’t be fooled—although they look sleek and sophisticated, these quality made bags are well equipped for all baby’s needs. With a convertible strap, a waterproof lining, stroller straps, a bottle tote, a changing pad, a key fob and elasticized inner pockets, you’ll have everything you need within arm’s reach—both before and after diapers. Find Timi & Leslie bags at www.Giggle.com for $150 - $300.

2 be hospital ready Whether you’re heading to the hospital to have your first baby or your third, Karen Neuberger has created collection that can make your stay in the hospital a little more comfortable. The KN Hospitalwear Nursing Gown ($52) is a lovely pullover gown that gives you coverage while learning how to nurse your newborn. Another comforting item in the KN Hospitalwear Collection is the Double Plush Robe ($96). Machine washable and made to withstand multiple washings, it comes in a handful of soft shades.You may not think to bring warm socks that have grippers on the bottom but the KN Hospitalwear Collection knew to include them. These warm chenille booties ($15) will keep you sure-footed on slippery hospital floors. Find these treats at www.KarenNeuburger.com and make it an extra special Mother’s Day.

2

3 BE PREPARED As a parent, we’re required to think through every outing and be prepared for any situation. One situation that we’re not always sure how to prepare for is when a child vomits. It can easily ruin a flight, a theme park outing or a car trip. The YakPack is a clean up kit that was created just for situations like this and helps parents deal with sickness efficiently. The YakPack includes: • Motion sickness bag and lap pad.

• Vomit absorbent/odor neutralizer, scoop and scraper.

• Antimicrobial wipes, heavy-duty dry cloth and non-latex gloves.

• Biohazard bag for disposal.

3

• Clear zipper bag for storage.

Turn an unpleasant situation into one that won’t ruin your day. Stash a YakPack in your car or your carry-on and you’ll be prepared for the unexpected. YakPacks are just $8 at www.YakPack.com.

4 Makeup for everyone Do you know the correct way to apply concealer? How about how to shape your eyebrows?

If not you may want to pick up a copy of Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro. Bobbi Brown has spent years working as a makeup artist and really knows her stuff. She brings us her tips and tricks in an easy-to-use manual that has advice for everyone from teens to women in their golden years.

Bobbi understands that real women have real issues and she offers easy solutions to help us look our best every day. Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual is available for $32 at Bobbi Brown makeup counters and at www.Amazon.com

4

5

5 CELEBRATE MOTHERHOOD While motherhood doesn’t define you, it is a huge part of your life and you want the world to know. PeaceLoveMom.com creates accessories that let you express yourself in myriad ways. Are you a Happy Mom? Why not show it off with a tee, a baseball cap, jewelry or a tote bag. Or if you prefer, a subtler reminder of your status: keep a Lucky Mom pad tucked away in your purse. It’s perfect for jotting down your to-do lists while sitting the carpool line. From $8.95 - $100 at PeaceLoveMom.com.

Mary Michele Little is a mother of two, wife, entrepreneur and blogger who lives in Raleigh, N.C. Read more of her tips at www.onechicmama.com.

16 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

IndIanapolIs TennIs CHaMpIonsHIps

july 18-26, 2009 IndIanapolIs TennIs CenTer

olyMpus us open serIes sTarTs In IndIanapolIs For TICKETS or addITIonal InFo Call:

800-622-loVe or vISIT uS aT

www.TennIsIndy.CoM TennIs. CoMMunITy. CHarITy.

All-Inclusive Summer Camps for children with Special Needs Flourishing Programs Encourage Kids to Savor the Summer Fun School is almost over for the year. Let freedom ring! Can you remember that pure, raw feeling of utter joy as you faced week upon week of summer break just ahead? I sure do. Talk about the weight of the world being lifted off your shoulders. Of course, the pure joy was not solely based on the fact that finals were a thing of the past but because excitement was a sure thing of the future. For me, that excitement came packaged as phenomenal camp experiences. My mother always made sure I had a couple camps booked. I think they helped shaped my life.

For kids with special needs, summer camps and programs can, without a doubt, be lifechanging experiences if chosen wisely. “Kids with disabilities deserve the same opportunities as all children,” says Sara Beanblossom, director of Central Indiana Programs for VSA arts of Indiana (VSAI), which for 30 years has led the movement to make the arts accessible to people with disabilities. This summer VSAI is offering a week long early childhood arts camp that is based on the book Who Makes the Sun Rise by local artist, author and VSAI founding member Lois Templeton.

Beanblossom believes that kids with special needs don’t necessarily need to look exclusively at special needs summer programs, which is a point many local experts agree with.

Jane Scott, director of family support for About Special Kids, Inc., says there are many options for parents in regard to summer 18 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

programs for children with special needs. She says there are opportunities “specifically for certain disabilities, a variety of disabilities and those that include children with special needs into a camp [or] program for all children. It all depends upon the goal that the parent has for the child at camp.” If there is a specific skill the child needs to have addressed or they need social interaction, for instance, then Scott says a typical child camp may be a good choice.

Scott speaks from personal experience, too. As a parent of a child with a physical disability, she took her son to both kinds of camps and says he gained more from an experience that was geared toward all kids that was still able to provide special support to make it work for him.

Here are a few rules of thumb experts offer parents who are looking at summer programs for their special needs child: Tailor the program to your child. “Parents should locate a program that involves activities that not only interest their child, but will also provide opportunities for growth and development,” says Debbie Laird, executive director of Agapé Therapeutic Riding Resources, Inc. in Cicero, Indiana. One of the 10 largest therapeutic riding centers in the country, Agapé is an experiential equestrian program for those who have disabling conditions or are at risk. Its Summer Adventure Program is being offered to children with special needs eight years and older. Dr. Robert

Melillo, author of Disconnected Kids, feels similarly. “You really have to look at what the specific child’s condition is and get something that is tailored toward that,” he says. “To get the most out of [summer camp] tailor it toward the child’s weaknesses. Many people will say look at a child’s strengths and tailor to the strengths. We say look at weaknesses and tailor to that.” His philosophy stems from brain balance, meaning to exercise or stimulate the weaker or lesser-developed side of the brain in kids with neurobehavioral disorders in order to achieve a more balanced brain.

As an example, he says that the typical child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Asperger’s syndrome is brilliant but lacks social skills. “If you send them to a camp that focuses on computers, then they will never learn social skills because they will be with the same type of kids. The child will love being there but it will not help their problem.” Instead, he says parents should choose a summer program that will help train their child so when they go to school the next year they will engage better. He adds, “It still needs to be fun and not something that pushes the child too hard so the child will develop skills and have fun at the same time.” Melillo is a world-renowned neurologist, professor and researcher in childhood neurological disorders and founder of Brain Balance Centers, which is looking to develop a center in Indiana. Visit the campgrounds or facility. There is no better way to get a feel for a camp than by visiting it.

And bring your child if possible. It will be a good opportunity to see firsthand if the camp is able to handle your child’s needs and to point out changes they may need to make to accommodate your child. If you are unable to visit the site, speak with the director and staff and ask for references from other families who have attended. Investigate the experience and background of staff. The camp staff will have direct access to and influence on your child throughout the camper’s participation, so you had better be comfortable with them.

Find out if the camp has conducted background checks and appropriately screened its employees. Agapé’s Laird adds that parents may want to call facilities and ask for references or visit the facility before committing to a particular program. Understand where the staff trained. In addition to the employees, it’s a good idea to understand the kind of supervision the camp itself has.

Is the camp accredited? The American Camp Association’s CampParents.org is a good authority on camp accreditation. The site will also give you a listing of special needs camps. Understand staff-to-student ratio.

The program should obviously be staffed well enough to ensure that safety is not an issue.

Beyond that, it is believed that mainstream camps should have one counselor to every six campers and that a special needs camp should have a ratio closer to one counselor to three campers or better.

h e a lt h & w e lln e ss Learn if the program has experience with your child’s disability. Is the camp equipped to meet your child’s needs? How does the camp deal with behavioral problems? Do the counselors have first-hand experience working with the demands your child’s disability will have? Check into onsite healthcare. What can the camp do for your child in terms of administering medications?

Some camps won’t allow medications because they don’t want the responsibility. If your child is dealing with medications then the program should have a registered nurse on staff and auxiliary staff they are affiliated with should the need arise to call on more help. Discuss dietary needs in advance. Many children who have special needs also have special diets because they may be sensitive or allergic to certain foods. It is essential the camp is visibly able to handle and cater to individual dietary needs and that they take dietary needs seriously. Be involved. VSAI’s Beanblossom says that it is important to be aware of your child’s comfort level and provide the support they need to join the activities, yet “be sure to give them enough room to grow and explore.” Agapé takes a similar approach by allowing parents to volunteer with their child, leave their child with staff or observe activities from a distance.

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

*

special needs awareness

LEARN MORE. There’s always more to know — thank goodness for the 24/7 convenience of the Internet. Following are a few websites that will help you explore opportunities going on in the Indianapolis area this summer for kids with special needs. For a list of a variety of camps for children with special needs visit: http://www.InSource.org/pdf/SumCamp2009.pdf.

Remember that many camps offer a variety of programs so just ask. You may also visit:

• American Camp Association: www.CampParents.org • Discover Camp website: www.

NCPAD.org/get/discover • About Special Kids, Inc.: www.

AboutSpecialKids.org • American Camp Association: www.CampParents.org • Indiana Department of Education: www.DOE.in.gov/ exceptional/speced/docs/ Summer_Camp_List_2009.pdf • The Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities: www.in.gov/gpcpd/ • VSA arts of Indiana: www.

VSArts.org/ • Agapé Therapeutic Riding Resources, Inc.: www.

AgapeRiding.org • In Source For Families with Special Needs: www.InSource.org • Anderson Woods: www.

AndersonWoods.org

• CampAbility, Camp R.O.C.K.S., Life Skills Camps, P.A.L.S. Club: www.EasterSealsCrossroads.org • Camp About Face, Camp Hi-Lite, Camp Little Red Door, Camp Riley, Hear Indiana: www.BradWoods.org • Camp Brave Eagle: www.

IHTC.org/camp/index.html • Camp Crosley YMCA: www.

CampCrosley.org • Camp Delafield: www.

DyslexiaIndiana.org • Camp Dellwood: www.

GirlScoutsIndiana.org • Camp Eeze-The-Wheeze: www.Indiana.edu • Camp Isanogel: www.Hillcroft.org • Camp Millhouse: www.

CampMillhouse.org • Camp Red Cedar: www.AWUSA.com/redcedar.html • Camp Reyoad: www.Impact2818.com • Champ Camp: www.ChampCamp.org

• CYO Camp Rancho Framasa: www CampRanchoFramasa.org • Handy Camp: www.ldminc.org • Happy Hollow Asthma Camp: www.HappyHollowCamp.net • Hoosier Burn Camp: www.HoosierBurnCamp.org * Indiana Creek Baptist Camp: www.CampIndianCreek.com • IN Deaf Camps: www.INDeafCamps.org • Jameson Camp: www.Jamesoncamp.org • KIDDS Kamp: www.Indiana.edu • MDA Summer Camp: www.MDA.org/clinics/camp • Noble of Indiana Summer Camp: www.NobleOf Indiana.org • National Camps for the Blind: www.ChristianRecord.org • Timber Ridge Camp: www.TRCamp.org • Tourette Syndrome Camp USA: www.TouretteCamp.com

Is Your Child on Medication for ADHD? But Still Having Problems?

If 6-17 years old, they may qualify for a research study on an investigational drug for ADHD to be added to their existing medication.

Sean, age 13

What does our 96% success rate mean to Sean?

It means being able to live with autism and overcome a variety of behavioral challenges. It means communicating with gestures, sign language, and words instead of physical and emotional outbursts. And it means enjoying activities that were once very challenging. For more than 40 years, Damar has served thousands of children and adults, with 96% achieving more independent lives. And Sean is just one shining, smiling example.

Study Includes: Medical evaluation, physical exam, and study drug at no cost. Monetary compensation is available.

For volunteer or donor opportunities, please visit damar.org

Call Us Today: 317-229-6202

6067 Decatur Boulevard Indianapolis, IN 46241 317.856.5201 26176.DAM 2009 Print_INDCH_7.375X6.125 4C.indd 1

To find out more, contact our staff at Goldpoint Clinical Research.

3/23/09 12:11:56 PM

INDYSCHILD.COM 19

h e a lt h & w e lln e ss

*

special needs awareness

Preparing for Vacation

How to Make Summer Travel Truly All-Inclusive it might offer them to families who ask. For example, many theme parks allow children with disabilities to avoid long lines. For high-volume destinations (such as Walt Disney World), you can even get disability-specific guidebooks.

Take a practice run. Taking a plane or train? Visit the airport or train station in advance, and ask to tour a train or plane. Discuss how to handle bathroom trips and meals. Practice the trip via visualization or storytelling.

Vacation planning can frustrate anyone. By the time you schedule travel, arrange accommodations, choose activities and pack, you’re almost too tired to hit the road.

For parents of a child with special needs, these challenges can be especially daunting, and they’re accompanied by worries of complications that lie ahead. Will our destination accommodate our child’s special needs? Will we be able to go everywhere we want? How will our child react to the new environment, extra stimulation and inevitable delays?

Too often, such concerns make the challenges of travel seem to outweigh the rewards. It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning and insider knowledge, you can avoid unneeded stress, and everyone can have a great vacation.

Be prepared. The more work you do before leaving, the more fun you’ll have on vacation.

Begin by researching your destination—visit its website and search Google for blogs or feedback from recent visitors. Call the destination and ask about disability-friendly services. Even if the destination doesn’t advertise special programs,

Read up and communicate. Know your rights. Read up on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Then help your destinations and transporters know what special accommodations, seating or meals you’ll need. Let them know of possible behavior issues, and how they can help you if something comes up.

Seek consistency. Vacations are about new experiences, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon structure. In fact, carving out a little consistency in the midst of new surroundings can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a disaster. Keep bedtime and wake-up routines as close to normal as possible.

Pay close attention at meals, making sure diets

aren’t too radically altered. Hold to family rules.

New sights, sounds and smells will surround your children; a little consistency will help them enjoy the vacation even more.

Plan for the unexpected. No matter how well you plan, something will go wrong.

Prepare for it. Pack a backpack with snacks, small activities, sensory items and a change of clothes. Carry a photo ID or photo of your child in the event your family gets separated.

Identify calming techniques or detours you can use to withstand long waits or long distances.

Put together a “fun bag” that’s available only during vacations—it can make difficult times or waiting something to look forward to rather than dread.

Have fun. Remember: Vacations are about making family memories—not about riding every ride or seeing every site. Relax. Take the pressure off yourself and your child by planning ahead. Have a great time. And don’t forget your camera.

Diane

Lamond is the Director of Residential Services at Damar Services, Inc.

Boring weekend forecast?

Sign up for the FREE IndysChild.com weekly E-newsletter today!



 





 



 



 

 

  20 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

* EXCLUSIVE subscriber contests EVERY week. * Local news, coupons & information. * Freebies, Parenting Tips, Books Reviews & More! * Top 15 Events FREE or low-cost weekend events.

Go to IndysChild.com and sign up in the “Subscribe” box on the right to get your FREE weekly E-newsletter!

Do you have news or events you want considered for our newsletter? Just add your events under “Calendar of Events” on IndysChild.com or send press release and photos to us at pr@indyschild.com.

h e a lt h & w e lln e ss

*

special needs awareness

Autism Family Resource Center New public facility at Easter Seals Crossroads

DETAILS ON THE CENTER...

The Autism Family Resource Center is located on the third floor of Easter Seals Crossroads in Indianapolis.

4740 Kingsway Drive (E. 52nd St. & Keystone Ave. vicinity)

877-330-3300 eastersealscrossroads.org

Hours for the Resource Center: Mon. and Weds. : 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tues., Thurs., Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

This facility is free and open to the public.

Easter Seals Crossroads has served individuals with disabilities, including individuals with autism, every day for over 70 years. However, because of the ever-increasing incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this central Indiana disability services agency has initiated a massive, concerted effort to gear up its autism programs.

On a national level, Easter Seals and the Autism Society of America have formed a partnership to provide hope, help and answers for families living with autism. In Central Indiana, Easter Seals Crossroads works closely with the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University, the Autism Society of Indiana and many other autism interest groups.

Over the past few years, several needs have been expressed repeatedly by the families of children living with autism. These needs were heard by the community and Easter Seals Crossroads, and one result is that the Autism Family Resource Center at Easter Seals Crossroads opened its doors in January 2009.

Bottom line: the Autism Family Support Center offers free information and resources to the families of children—and adult children—with autism, as well as to the professionals who serve them. In addition, the

Autism Family Resource Center is open to the public, not just those consumers and families already served

by Easter Seals Crossroads.

Designed to assist families who are dealing with an ASD diagnosis, this community resource offers over 900 books, videotapes and DVDs that can be loaned to families. The wide-range of materials includes information on education and schools, transition and employment, communication tools, sensory issues, Asperger’s syndrome and other diagnoses, intervention and treatment, socialization, behavioral support, children’s books, biographies and general

reference tools. In addition, some of these resources are available in Spanish.

This facility was designed to create a welcoming environment that accommodates a variety of user needs. Comfortable club chairs grace the reading nook, library tables and chairs invite small group discussions, and two private computer cubbies provide free Internet access as well as the ability to create effective, personalized visual schedules with software such as Boardmaker. The small conference room hosts a round table for eight and the large conference room holds 20-30 people, depending on setup.

Loving Care Pediatric Homecare Homecare is is committed committed to to preserving preserving every every child’s child’s right right to to receive receive the the highest highest level level of of nursing nursing care care in in the the comfort comfort of of their their own own home. home.

We work in collaboration with insurance and managed care companies, and we accept HMOs, PPOs, Medicaid and Medicaid-Waiver.

Call Patty at 866-241-8202 Or visit www.lovingcareagency.com

Camp Delafield

• Youth camp for ages 7-14

• One-on-one Orton-Gillingham

tutoring

• Daily small groups focused on written

expression, mathematics, and art

• Afternoons filled with field trips,

swimming, and non-competitive sports Session I: 6/1-6/26 Session II: 7/6-7/31 Scholarships are available.

2511 E. 46th St. Suite O-2 Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-545-5451 www.dyslexiaindiana.org

INDYSCHILD.COM 21

RESOURCES

*

special needs directory

Special Needs DIRECTORY

Specialist for the Autism Family Support Center at Easter Seals Crossroads.

6067 Decatur Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46241 317-856-5201 info@damar.org www.damar.org With 750 employees and 1,500 volunteers, Damar Services provides residential and community-based treatment, education and other support services to more than 700 children and adults facing the intellectual, developmental and severe behavioral challenges associated with mental retardation and autism. Ninety-six percent of those we proudly serve live more independent lives.

Dyslexia Institute of Indiana

Super Summer Sessions Begin June 16th And Run Through August 4th!

Call today to register!

YOUNG CHEFS® ACADEMY 317-571-0770 12955 Old Meridian Street Carmel, Indiana 46032 www.YoungChefsAcademy.com

2511 E. 46th Street, Suite O2, Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-545-5451 x228 vmills@dyslexiaindiana.org www.dyslexiaindiana.org DII offers direct educational services to individuals with dyslexia and training and support for family members, parents, and educators. Remedial tutoring services are available for individuals with difficulties in reading, spelling, writing, language comprehension, oral expressive language, and math. Camp Delafield is a four-week summer day camp focused on reaching the whole child through academics and activities that build and encourage motivation, self-esteem, and social skills.

22 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

8838 Ash Road, Indianapolis, IN 46234 317-502-1398 freshperspectives1@ comcast.net www.freshperspectives1.com During June 2009 Fresh Perspectives will provide weekly social skills groups at New Joy Lutheran Church, Westfield, or Speedway United Methodist Church. These fun lessons benefit students who do not readily pick up the unwritten rules of society.

Contact Lisa Elliott at 372-5508 or Denise Hubble at 502-1398 or freshperspectives1@comcast.net.

Midwest Academy of Indiana

801 Congressional Boulevard, Carmel, IN 46032 Dr. Edy Stoughton, Head of School 317-843-9500 estoughton@ MidwestAcademyofIndiana MidwestAcademyofIndiana.org Midwest Academy of Indiana is a unique and very special school where students who struggle in traditional school settings find success and experience a fresh beginning through classes of 10-1 and a skilled and dedicated teaching staff. Mentoring relationships, community service, and a personalized curriculum provide success for students with learning differences, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, and school anxiety.

O’Malley Therapy Solutions

11319 East Lakeshore Drive, Carmel, IN 46033 Alison OMalley 317-371-9232 comalley@indy.rr.com

Brownsburg, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis North, Zionsville (317) 338-GROW www.rehab.stvincent.org Family-Centered, Advanced Pediatric Therapy Care…Close to Home.

Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Licensed Pediatric Specialists. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (317) 338-GROW (4769) or check out our website at www.rehab.stvincent. org>>Specialty Services.

Want to satisfy: Your athlete?

Your artist?

Your scholar?

This summer choose

Camp Cathedral Enrichment Athletics Academics — We’ve got all types of programs for campers in Grades K-12!

To register, visit gocathedral.com or call (317) 968-7413 and look forward to a great summer!

C

HEDR AT

L

4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205

Fresh Perspectives

St. Vincent Pediatric Therapies

A

Easter Seals Crossroads

Offering comprehensive disability services for people of all ages. Early Intervention, Autism Services, PT, OT, Speech Therapy, Feeding/Swallowing issues, Augmentative Communication, Assistive Technology, Multi-sensory Therapy Rooms, Summer Camps, Life/Social Skills Groups, Deaf Community Services, Autism Family Resource Center

www.otstoys.com We offer a full line of wonderful toys and supplies selected specifically for children with special needs. Check us out for the best in sensory products! We also bring educational workshops to the special needs community. Owner, Alison O’Malley just coordinated our 2nd Indiana Autism Expo plus many other special needs events.

g

Katy Wise, MSW, serves as Resource

Damar Services, Inc.

317-466-1000 sclapp@ eastersealscrossroads.org www.eastersealscrossroads.org

hin

The Autism Family Resource Center is located on the third floor of Easter Seals Crossroads, 4740 Kingsway Drive (E. 52nd St. & Keystone Ave. vicinity) in Indianapolis. Hours for the Resource Center are Monday and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This facility is free and open to the public.

Epworth Forest Conference Center 8580. E. Wesley Lane, North Webster, IN 46555 Matt Poorman Program Manager 574-834-2212/1-888-MAT-2818 mpoorman@impact2818.com www.reyoad.com CAMP REYOAD is a week long camp program for developmentally disabled persons ages 16-66. Campers experience God’s amazing love for them, while enjoying exciting activities that they may only get the opportunity to experience while at camp.

Programs are strategically planned to accommodate the various ages and abilities of campers. Five especially trained nurses are on site as well to assure each camper’s medical needs.

Gr

ug

For general information, call the Resource Center Specialist at 317-479-3231 or 877-330-3300 (toll free). For meeting date information in regards to support groups and educational sessions, please visit www.eastersealscrossroads.org and view the calendar of events under Autism Family Resource Center.

Camp Reyoad

CAMP

(Continued from previous page) Perhaps of most importance is that the Resource Center provides families the ability to connect with each other and exchange ideas and concerns through either person-to-person or support group opportunities.

Current support groups include TACA (Talk about Curing Autism), Aprende Conmigo (Latino group) and a Grandparents Support Group. Plans call for the creation of more support groups, such as one for siblings, in the near future.

ow

i n g , Le a r ni ng

a ,L

h e a lt h & w e lln e ss

*

pediatric health

Do Your Children Live in a Healthy Home?

How Your Home Can Affect Your Children’s Health

Some of the most serious health problems for children begin inside the home.

Here are some reasons why a healthy home for children is important: • Children’s bodies are still growing.

• In relation to their size, children eat more food, drink more water and breathe more air than adults.

• Children are most likely to play and crawl on the ground or floor of the home and put their fingers or things they find into their mouths.

• Children count on adults to be responsible for their safety and to make the home setting safe for them.

Is your home a healthy home? Does anyone in your home suffer from allergies or asthma?

Look for mold, carbon monoxide, dust, cleaning products and tobacco smoke—all can contribute to allergies and asthma. Is mold present in your home? Mold produces spores or tiny flecks that float in the air, and

when you breathe, the spores get into your lungs and can cause health problems.

Keep your home safe. Properly label and store poisons out of reach of children.

Are your children being poisoned by lead in your home? Was your home built before 1978? Many homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. Paint chips, peeling and deteriorated surfaces and lead dust are common exposures to lead for children.

Install smoke detectors.

It’s important to put smoke detectors on every floor outside every sleeping area and in every bedroom. Also install carbon monoxide detectors on every f loor. Inspect your detectors monthly.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control offers these tips for a healthy home:

Keep your home well ventilated.

Ventilate your bathrooms and kitchens and cycle fresh air throughout your house to reduce contaminants from concentrating in the home.

Keep your home dry. Repair roof leaks, check drainage systems, and inspect interior plumbing to prevent water from entering your home.

Keep your home clean. Control and reduce clutter, create smooth and cleanable surfaces, eliminate dust and contaminants, and use wet-cleaning methods.

Keep your home pest-free. Prevent pests from entering into your home by sealing cracks and openings throughout the home and storing food in pest-resistant containers.

and window areas clean by wet-cleaning the surface areas. Test your home for radon, a dangerous gas that can enter homes through soil, crawlspaces and foundation cracks.

Keep your home well maintained.

Routine inspections, cleanings and repairs of your home will help keep your home well maintained and help prevent bigger and more costly problems.

Visit the Riley Safety Store to learn about healthy and safe homes, and to obtain lowcost products to help make your home safer and healthier for all children. Call the Riley Safety Store at 317-274-6565 for more information.

For more information visit: www.hud.gov/ offices/lead/healthyhomes/index.cfm

Keep your home contaminant-free.

If you live in a house that was built before 1978, fix deteriorated paint and keep floors

S *H *O *P *P *I *N *G Guide





Children’s Store ages 0 ~ 12

Clothes Safe Toys Books & Gifts ∞

Organic Clothes & Toys for Infants & Toddlers ∞

TraceyClean Eco-friendly Baby Wipes & Cleaning Products

Northview Mall 1742 E 86th Street 317-225-4792

www.wildchildindy.com 24 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Re a d y G o S e t

,LLC

O r i g i n a l A r t F o r C h i l d re n Murals and Paintings

Call today or visit us online!

317-691-2134 R e a d y G o S e t A r t. c o m

Article was prepared by Dr. Karen Bruner Stroup, Director, Community Education

INDYSCHILD.COM 25

A ROUND TOWN

*

profile: the indianapolis symphony orchestra

Dan Zane’s Letter to Families

Why Now is the Most Important Time to Sing

Hello Friends and Neighbors in Indianapolis, It’s with great pleasure and anticipation that we’ve tuned our instruments and warmed up our voices for you. Please join us in the festivities on May 31st at Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indy. Since our gathering will be a musical one I have some musings on the subject.

When my daughter was born I spent quite some time trying to decide which song she would first hear when she came home from the hospital. The first song in her life. What record would I play for her? I had been playing guitar and singing since I was eight years old and yet it never occurred to me that I could sing her that first song myself. Although we ended up listening to some great recorded music that day (The Melodians, a Jamaican rock steady vocal trio—just fantastic), lately I’ve been considering the place where the recordings end and the soulful homemade singing and playing can begin.

Yes, these days I have a vision of a new and improved America. A singing, dancing, freewheeling, shaking, all-inclusive America. Someone once asked me “Dan, how can we sing Cock-a-doodle-doo when there are all these crazy things happening in the world?” That’s just it! That’s why we sing! It restores our spirit, gives us hope for the future and gives us a sense of life’s best possibilities. When we make music together, we share our stories. We welcome each other into our lives. We give our children new ideas for social living and in return they show us how to dance like bears, or birds or ice cream cones. And we have fun—unbelievable fun.

I love being in the world of families because these are the people (from lack of sleep, perhaps) who seem most likely to step into the unknown, and spontaneous casual music making is, for most people, the unknown. The first time family and friends sing together in any capacity, new traditions are made, bonds are created, spirits are lifted, and the world suddenly becomes a more musical and peaceful place.

Think of our performance as a house party or family reunion, or neighborhood block party. Some of us have instruments but everyone has a voice or dancing feet or clapping hands.

When the house lights go up and we all head on down the road, let’s be sure to make it a musical one!

Love,

Dan

Dan Zane and Friends, Noggin Network regulars and 2006 Grammy winners, will be performing their rollicking, homespun family program at the Hilbert Circle Theatre on Sunday, May 31 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Don’t miss this concert featuring a mix of blues, pop and multicultural folk songs from Dan and his band, described by The Los Angeles Times as a “dance party hootenanny for the 21st century.”

08307 INFINITI INDY CHILD AD_F

A Fun, New Idea!

“Indy’s Premier Nanny Agency” ✦ Summer Nannies ✦ Babysitting Services

Schools, Pools, Neighborhoods, Birthdays, etc.

We Deliver:

12/5/08

2:52 PM

Page 1

2009 Infiniti QX56 AWD with DVD

Model No. 86519

Starting at

$60,715

317-656-9730 ®

✦ Part-time/Full-time Nannies ✦ Overnight Care/Weekend Care ✦ Mother’s Helpers

317-519-7302

www.PremierSitters.com 26 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

IN & OUTDOOR MOVIES visit: www.funflicks.com

DREYER & REINBOLD INFINITI INDIANAPOLIS

DreyerReinboldInfiniti.com

9370 Whitley Dr. (West of Keystone on 96th St., 2 blocks, left on Whitley Dr.) 317-573-0222 • 1-800-837-0222

GREENWOOD

1301 US Highway 31 S (2 Miles South of the Greenwood Park Mall) 317-885-4800 • 1-800-315-2288

“We visit 2 or 3 times a month” – ⁄⁄-Year Member, Noblesville

Membership at The Children’s Museum –

It’s Worth MORE Than the Price of Admission.

ChildrensMuseum.org

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis - Membership Print • 2009 Indy’s Child [ 4.875 x 6.125 ] Beltrame Leffler Advertising (317) 916-9930

O N T H E P R O W L M AY 2 3 – L A B O R D AY Presented by

indianapoliszoo.com

The Indianapolis Zoo

Positively Amazing!

A Leader in Conservation INDYSCHILD.COM 27

PA RENTIN G

*

summer camps

Just the Right Camp

Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All When I was thirteen, and a city boy, my mother declared that I was both lazy and obnoxious—she said I was in the “back-talk” stage—and that I should be sent away to camp. So I was sent to an all-boys canoeing camp, which I absolutely loved.

It was one of the great experiences of my life. I returned home physically stronger and more confident than I had been two months earlier (and probably still as obnoxious).

A few years ago, when my son, Will, was twelve, I felt it was time for him to go to a sleep-over camp. Looking at my gentle and quiet son on the edge of adolescence, I had what I thought was the typical father’s reaction. I thought he ought to be more independent, that he needed to get away from our overprotective hovering, and he could benefit from more outdoor activities so that he could get stronger. Also, he needed to get away from his video games and his laptop computer for a month. (Well, he didn’t think he did, but I sure thought so!)

Naturally, I wanted to pick a camp that would give my son the same incredible experience that camp had been for me. I recognized that

he was not quite as athletic and outgoing as I had been at his age (and not nearly as contrary), so I chose a camp for him that had many of the same elements mine had had: all-boys, campfires, canoeing and kayaking, waterfront activities, etc., but which also had the things my son adored which I was never good at: arts, woodworking and dramatics.

We visited the camp at the end of the summer a year before he was to attend. He had a great time playing Ultimate Frisbee® with a bunch of boys and counselors. He said he liked it. So off he went.

He attended the all-boys camp for two summers, and I was very proud of him for doing it. He took risks and attempted things he had never done before, including kayaking and performing in skits in front of the entire camp. He received an art prize at the end of the second season. However, it was unmistakably clear that he wasn’t really comfortable there. He didn’t love it. As kind as the camp staff were, as friendly as the other boys had been, the camp wasn’t really a fit for him. When I picked him up on the last day of the second year of camp, here was my son, stronger, more confident, and

Swimming is not only fun… It’s a necessity!

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Small Class Size & Warm Water

CALL TODAY!

773-7399

15550 Stony Creek Way • Noblesville

28 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

more challenging than he had ever been. He looked me in the eye and delivered the news: “Dad,” he said, “I don’t want to come back here. This is your kind of camp, not mine.

I’m not like you.”

Ouch—that hurt. My intentions had been so good! Because his mother and I wanted him to have a camp experience that he loved, we renewed the search. This past summer we sent him to an arts camp that had ceramics, theatre, wood-working, glass-blowing, and lights, set and sound design, among other offerings He called us at the end of the first week to report happily that he had gotten a part in “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and that he was taking a stand-up comedy seminar. On the wood lathe he produced a beautiful martial arts fighting stick, with which he still practices daily. He wants to go back next year for the full eight weeks.

(Did I mention that he also had a girlfriend at camp?)

The other day I asked Will: “I know you loved your arts camp much better than the canoe camp, but do you feel you got something out of the canoe camp experience?” “No, Dad,”

Will said. “I wish I’d had had those two years to go to the arts camp.” Still casting about, I asked him whether they had had campfires at his arts camp. In an exasperated “duh” tone of voice, he proclaimed, “DA-AAD, it’s not that kind of camp!”

There is a parenting lesson in here somewhere, and I’m searching for it. Was it wrong to send him to the kind of camp I had loved? Is it essential that a child love every camp experience? Can you predict what a thirteen-year-old will love? (I think not.) Is there some value in a son attempting to do the things his dad wants him to try, and thereby discharge some unconscious obligation to his father and better define his own identity? I hope so, because that’s what happened in this family.

Michael Thompson, PhD, is a psychologist, camp consultant, and the coauthor of eight books, including Raising Cain and It’s a Boy. Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association; © 2006 American Camping Association, Inc.

Central Indiana’s only Early College High School for Academically Gifted & Motivated Students!

Todd Academy 317-636-3100

www.ToddAcademy.com

e for Enroll onlin9 Fall 200

Now Located In Historic Lockerbie • Small class size • Individualized Curriculum • Accelerated Pace • Amazing & Affordable!

• Dual enrollment with IUPUI

*Special “Shadowing” opportunities* 1 week summer camp with enrollment Discount Code: st004

Summer Junior Golf Camp

TECH CAMPS

Ages 7 –14

1775 East 96th Street - (317) 582-1850 Shortee’s week long golf camps offer a safe and fun way for kids to learn and practice the game of golf. Instruction will focus on long game, short game, and putting. Each student will learn proper golf etiquette, safety, rules and course maintenance. The first 60 minutes will focus on the FUNdamentals of golf including games and contests. The remainder of time will be spent playing the par three course. The size of each week long camp is limited.

Little Linkers Golf Camp Ages 4 - 6 For additional information and camp enrollment forms go to www.shorteesgolf.net or call us at 582-1850

internalDrive.com

1-888-709-TECH (8324)

America’s #1 Tech Camp for ages 7-18 held at:

Purdue Northwestern Ohio State Columbia Stanford MIT & more!

Game Design 3D Modeling Web Design Indy's child 3.09:Indy's child-2.09

Filmmaking Programming Robotics & more!

REGISTER TODAY! Save with Code IN22

4/1/09

8:00 PM

Page 1

Not just another summer camp…

Summer Festival

Summer lessons begin June 1, 2009

For kids who love music!

JUNE 15 - 20, 2009

(317) 278-4139 musacad@iupui.edu www.musicacademy.iupui.edu

For children entering grades 4-8

317.940.9640 www.icchoir.org HENRY LECK, FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR RUTH DWYER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

Summer 2009

Summer Programs

June 1 - August 7 Classes for Children Ages 3-18 Many New Offerings!

• • • • • • • •

Academic Enrichment Computer Classes Sports and Dance Camps Summer Theater Program Outdoor Leadership Camp Gifted and Talented Programs High School Classes for Credit Passport to Adventure Programs

Call 415-2794 for a brochure or visit our web site at www.parktudor.org.

SPONSORED BY

• Harmony Road Camps • Piano Camps • Guitar Camps • Rock Band Camp • Musical Theatre Camp Contact Hillary Blake, Director of Education

317.575.9588 or visit our website: www.meridianmusic.com

Park Tudor School • 7200 N. College Ave. • Indianapolis, IN 46240

INDYSCHILD.COM 29

JCC membership

ON SALE!

For a

r e m m su like no other!

For JCC Members Only!

Day Camps Water Park Family Activities Fitness Center Gymnasiums And more!

THE INDIANA ACADEMY

FOR SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND HUMANITIES

D AY C A M P S Spend a week with us examining the ins and outs of computers, exploring and building structures, and becoming a mad scientist!

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT CAMPS ON SITE IN FISHERS Earn a semester credit in Java Programming in two weeks!

Scho

larshi for Indy’s Child May 09 issue Availab ps le!

(Resident Camp focus) 6.125w x 4.875h Sign up now! Go to www.bsu.edu/academy/summercamps/ for details!

RESIDENTIAL CAMPS

Experience hands-on learning in Cinema Science and Biomedicine with our expert instructors, on a college campus!

VIA DISTANCE LEARNING Earn credit in Japanese and Western Civilization in just eight weeks!

Open to everyone.

Something for everyone.

Offer good until May 31, 2009 Applies to new members only.

May not be combined with any other offers or discounts.

www.JCCindy.org IndysChildSummerAd.indd 1

FLAT ROCK RIVER YMCA CAMP

4/14/2009 10:39:33 AM

SUMMER DAY CAMP Flat Rock River YMCA Camp

“The Friendship Camp”

Kamp Kaleidoscope

❋ Weekly Trips ❋ Swimming ❋ Games ❋ Experienced Staff ❋ Early & late care included

Summer Resident Camp for boys & girls ages 7-16. Register Your Child Today!

Arts & Crafts, Alpine Tower, Archery, Basketball, Canoeing, Dance, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Outdoor Skills, Riflery, Rock Climbing, Rocketry, Swimming and so much more!

One & two-week overnight sessions; First session begins June 7.

Three-night “mini-camp” also available for ages 7-9 Come for one session or up to eight weeks of summer fun!

Full Accreditation by the American Camp Association

Register by Friday, May 15 & receive $100 off each week of camp!

One week of camp = Save $100!; Two weeks = Save $200! ... Up to eight weeks per child!

Mail this page with your registration to receive your discount. (forms & info at www.flatrockymca.org) Discount may be used for each child in your household!

www.flatrockymca.org or 765.525.6730 (888.828.9622)

Our beautiful campgrounds are conveniently located just southeast of Indianapolis at the Ruth Lilly YMCA Outdoor Center: 6981 W. County Rd. 650 N, St. Paul, IN 47272

30 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Camps for kids entering grades 1–8

Register by the DAY, WEEK or MORE! Ministry of Trinity Wesleyan Church

❋

849-9551

❋

9709 Allisonville Rd (at 96th St)

May Family Fun

New Exhibits and Outdoor Favorites Make Indianapolis a Garden of Family Entertainment

A

fter a long winter, spring is finally in the air. If your family is like mine, everyone is itching to get outside and enjoy

the sunshine, warm weather and all the great attractions that make Indianapolis so special. So are we, so we’ve compiled a few ideas.

From outdoor festivals to visiting dragons, the fun awaits just outside your door.

Dragons of Komodo descend on Indianapolis Zoo Families can glimpse the world’s largest lizards this summer during the Indianapolis Zoo’s special exhibit, “Dragons of Komodo,” open from May 23 through Labor Day. Growing up to 10 feet long and weighing more than 150 pounds, the Komodo dragon is a native of islands in central Indonesia. The t wo v i s it i n g dragons are on loan from the Denver Zoo. For details, visit www.IndyZoo.org.

Enjoy art outdoors at the Broad Ripple Art Fair Celebrating its 39th year, the Broad Ripple Art Fair brings together more than 225 artists from the U.S. and Canada.

Included will be a children’s creative area, gourmet food courts, booths from local cultural organizations and live entertainment. Marsh Kids’ World features a Prizm Creativity Tent, the WFYI Kids’ Stage and more.

The Art Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at the Indianapolis Art Center’s 12-acre ARTSPARK and the North Side Optimist Opti-Park, located at 67th Street and College Avenue in the Broad Ripple Village

Cultural District. Free parking and shuttle buses are available at Broad Ripple Park, Broad Ripple High School and Glendale Mall. Tickets at the gate are $15 for adults, $2 for children aged three to 12 and free for children under three.

Discounted adult tickets ($12) are available in advance. For details, contact the Indianapolis Art Center at (317) 255-2464 or w w w.

IndplsArtCenter.org.

History and nature combine at Fort Harrison State Park World War II Days at Fort Harrison State Park will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 and 17 at the new Visitor’s Center. Featured events include weapons demonstrations, a simulated grenade toss for kids, an indoor display honoring veterans and a tactile battle re-enactment Saturday at 2 p.m.

Fort Harrison State Park was once the home of Fort Benjamin Harrison, a major U.S. Army installation from 1904 to 1995. During WWII, Fort Harrison had several specialized training schools for the U.S. Army and was a POW camp that once held German and Italian prisoners.

family events in May—and all year long. Here is just a sample.

• Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road, hosts a Sunday Afternoon Hike from 2 to 3 p.m. May 10. Visitors take a relaxing stroll, discovering what’s new in the park and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Children’s puppeteer Diane Breier brings nature to life with Puppets in the Park from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16. The program is designed for families with children aged two to six. Family Friday Night, from 7 to 8 p.m. May 29, features a campfire program. These events require a $3 registration.

Family Fun Day Sunday, May 24, is the perfect antidote for cabin fever. Families can pick up a self-guided scavenger hunt or nature discovery backpack and then explore the park. This free program runs from one to 5 p.m.

For more details about Holiday Park, call (317) 327-7180 or visit www.

HollidayPark.org.

Admission to World War II Days is free, but the park entrance fee ($5 per car for Indiana residents) does apply. For details, call (317) 591-0122.

• Garfield Conservatory & Sunken Garden, on the near south side, offers programs for preschoolers and older. Jungle Tales, for ages two to five with an adult, focus on the rainforest with nature-related stories, activities and crafts.

The next session is 10 a.m. May 12 and costs $2. Older children (ages 6 to 12) can join the Junior Gardener Club, which meets monthly, for a fun-filled garden lesson and activity; next session is 11 a.m. May 9. Pre-registration is required for both by calling (317) 327-7580.

Local parks promote family fun Indianapolis is fortunate to have several wonderful local parks, and many host special

Fam i l ies can enjoy Fam i ly Planting Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30.

A ll ages are invited to help plant annuals i n t he Ch i ld ren’s G a rden beh i nd t he

In addition to World War II Days, park visitors can take a hike, f ish (license required), visit the nature history center and have a picnic.

INDYSCHILD.COM 31

fe at u r e

*

may family fun blooming in indy

Conser vator y. For more details, visit www.garf ieldgardensconservatory.org.

Rev up for some family fun with the Indianapolis 500 Festival Searching for some family fun this month?

The Indianapolis 500 Festival will celebrate “Laps, Legends & Legacy: Honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway” with events to thrill even the youngest race fans throughout the month of May. For information about all 500 Festival events, visit www.500festival.com.

• K ids’ Day — Enjoy K ids’ Day, Indiana’s largest f ree outdoor festiva l for children, from noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 17, on Monument Circle. In honor of the theme “Everyday Heroes,” cost umed cr imef ig hter s Bat m a n a nd Robi n will perform three times on the south steps (at noon, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.).

Kids’ Day also boasts loads of family fun, including mini car racing, arts and crafts, 500 Festival Princesses, games, face painting, clowns and visits from local mascots.

Dozens of exhibitors will f i l l Monument Circle and surrounding streets with food, fun, games and prizes.

• Rook ie Run — Little racers can compete in their own foot race at the 15th annual Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, May

• Community Day — It’s all access all day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20.

Get an up-close, insider’s view of the raceway: lap the track in your family car, tour IRL car transport trailers, visit Pit Lane, get autographs from Pro Series drivers and past champions, tour suites and the off icial timing and scoring area in the pagoda, see a huge LEGO replica of the entire Speedway, enjoy live music and more.

Gsinoms Blos Jennie DeVoe

17, at the corner of Ohio and Meridian streets. Children, ages three to 12, can participate in the non-competitive run, in which all competitors receive a goodie bag, runner’s bib with the number 1 and a f inisher’s medal. Onsite registration begins at 11 a.m. and costs $10. Preregister online at www.500Festival.com for just $5.

an and Mike Millig ovel h Steam S

Tickets are $7 and include admission to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum; children 6 and younger are free.

June 6, 11am – 7pm

Military Park, Downtown Indianapolis LIMITED 1,000 VIP Tickets: $50 Adults 21+: $22 in advance $25 at the gate Designated Drivers: $10 Ages 6 – 20: $5 5 & under: FREE! Tickets sold in advance at Marsh Supermarkets, participating Indiana wineries or online at:

VintageIndiana.com Wine samples included with the purchase of an adult ticket. ID required. Some food not included.

• Parade — Kick off race weekend with the pageantry of the IPL 500 Festival Parade in the streets of downtown Indianapolis at noon Saturday, May 23. More t h a n 3 0 0,0 0 0 spectators are expected to enjoy the larger-than-life f loats, costumed characters, m a rch i n g ba nd s, nat iona l ly k now n celebrities and the traditional appearance by the 33 Indianapolis 500 starting drivers.

Reser ved chair and bleacher seats are available. For details, call the Festival Ticket Hotline at (317) 614-6400 or visit www.500Festival.com/tickets/.

• Character Breakfast — Children can dine with some of their favorite characters before their parade appearance during the 500 Festival Character Breakfast Saturday, May 23 at Jillian’s, located at 141 S. Meridian Street. Cost of the event is $25 per person and includes a breakfast buffet, a $10 Jillian’s game card and one reserved bleacher seat to the parade.

Children aged two and you n g e r are free. For tickets, cal l (317) 614 6400.

32 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

fe at u r e

*

may family fun blooming in indy

Ascend to new heights at Conner Prairie’s 1859 Balloon Voyage Discover Indiana’s aviation history at Conner Prairie’s newest exhibition, “1859 Balloon Voyage,” opening June 6. The $2.2 million adventure details the August 1859 launch of a manned balloon that would, for the f irst time, demonstrate the viabilit y of cross country air transportation and carry the f irst airmail delivery by the U.S. Postal Ser vice. The giant, gas-f il led bal loon launched from Lafayette, bound for New York City, but when winds blew the wrong direction, it landed near Crawfordsville. A train f inally delivered the mail, but the venture was still deemed a success by the U.S. Postal Service.

In the renovated Clowes Com mon, families can immerse themselves in the recreated 1859 Lafayette town square on the day aviation pioneer John Wise began his historic journey. Hands-on exhibits help families experience the science and technology of ballooning.

For an additional fee, families can take to the sky onboard a tethered, helium-f illed balloon. The 10- to 15-minute balloon ride will carr y up to 20 guests 350 feet above the prairie in a secure, enclosed structure with a gondola viewing area.

Other new experiences at Conner Prairie this year include: • Science Saturdays, held the second Saturday of each month through October, provide hands-on learning opportunities for families to connect modern science concepts to historical sc ient i f ic proce s se s. Topics include ballooning and aviation, alter native energ y and medicinal science.

• History Science Theater introduces guests to a burgeoning 19th-centur y scientist who will recreate the environment where discover y and fascination f irst took place by experimenting with electricity.

In honor of Wabash, Indiana, which became the f irst electrically lit city in the world in 1880, the scientist will explore the basics of electricity and encourage audience participation in his theories and experiments.

• New carpenter shop and fresh storylines debut in 1836 Prairietown.

INDYSCHILD.COM 33

co mm e n ta ry & pa r e n t i n g

w Ulsd! o l l o F i e!

Tweepl indysch

Hey tter.com/ twi

*

growing up online

Why Twitter?

New Microblogging Forum Catching on Like Wildfire

Birds do it. Celebrities do it. Even politicians, businesses and school districts do it. Does your neighbor do it? Or the mom you met at playgroup? Or your best friend from high school? Should you do it? Should you let your kids?

“It,” is, of course, twittering—the new, super-condensed form of social networking. Also known as microblogging, twittering means sending short messages—no more than 140 characters—about what

you are doing/thinking/feeling right this very moment. The brevity of the form forces people to be succinct—and often witty. Although one tweet can seem insignificant and even silly, over time, they accumulate into interesting, quirky self-portraits.

Twitter has been around since 2006, but it reached a tipping point earlier this year when news commentators noted that members of Congress were twittering through a speech by President Obama.

Although similar services are offered by over one hundred websites, Twitter dominates. The popularity of the site has even spawned new vocabulary including twirt (flirting on Twitter) and twitch (a Twitter typo), tweeple (people who twitter) and the list goes on.

Interestingly, this is one place where parents—so far—don’t need to worry much about teens.

Twitter actually expects its users to be over 18, and the service seems most popular with twenty somethings. In fact, Twitter is becoming a big component of what commentators have dubbed Mom 3.0. A recent report from BSM Media found that two-thirds of moms use five or more forms of technology—including Twitter— to stay in touch with their families and manage their households.

Is Twittering the next big thing or an incredible waste of time?

Like so many of the possibilities online, it depends. Many people— including young parents—are finding that Twitter offers a quick, flexible, responsive and fun way to communicate on their own terms. Unlike a phone call, you don’t have to drop everything to talk. And, unlike e-mail, there’s no pressure to reply. Perhaps that’s why new moms, in particular, are flocking to Twitter. Here’s some of what they find appealing:

Creating community.

Over time, twittering produces a sense of connectedness that’s hard to understand unless you do it. For people who are working or parenting at home, the ebb and flow of tweets is like what used to happen in the village square, around the water cooler or over the back fence. Knowing tiny details about the lives of other people can transform strangers into acquaintances and, even, friends.

Getting up close. Twitter offers new insight into people who interest you. Following someone produces unexpected, random insights—what snacks a celebrity 34 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

eats, what books a favorite author is reading or even when a neighbor is making her delicious morning muffins.

Staying in the know. Although newspapers and other traditional media may be faltering, certain kinds of news travels very fast through Twitter. For example, the first word that a plane had crashed into the Hudson came from Twitter. Also, some forwardthinking organizations—including schools—are twittering to keep members informed.

Getting answers. People who develop a healthy following of like-minded peers can post questions and get answers within minutes.

Even if you don’t have a following, search. Twitter lets you instantly locate people who share an interest in, say, toilet training. All you do is search and follow.

Remembering more. Some parents use Twitter to record the fly-by details of family life. After a while, they have a searchable diary of the cute (and maybe not-so-cute) things their kids said and did.

Getting started on Twitter is almost absurdly easy. Just go to Twitter. com and “Join the Conversation” by providing name, e-mail address and a user name with password. If you ask Twitter to compare its records to your e-mail account, it will tell you which of your friends are using the service. You can also “search people” to find authors, media personalities, politicians and other people of interest. (A starter list of moms who tweet is at http://Tinyurl.com/5psroq).

To get a feel for how Twitter works, follow a few people for a day or two or check out Twittervision.com, a mesmerizing site that posts random tweets from around the world. Although you can check for updates on the Twitter website, most people use one of the many mobile apps such as Tweetdeck and Twitterfeed that send messages to your desktop or cell phone. (Before signing up for mobile service, be sure to check the number of messages your cell phone plan permits.

If you follow a lot of people or a few people who tweet a lot, it’s easy to exceed your free limit.)

When you’re ready to send your own tweets, you’ll need to recruit followers. Start with friends you know in real life. Remember that the default setting on Twitter allows anyone to see what you write as soon as you press send. (And they do mean anyone. When I signed up for an account, I had a follower whose name I didn’t recognize within 48 hours—and I hadn’t even posted anything yet!) Fortunately, Twitter lets you see a complete list of followers, so you can block people or restrict the distribution of your tweets. To narrow your network, go to settings and click “protect my updates.”

Much of Twitter’s charm is its spontaneity. Yet, like any other social network, it’s important to think before posting. One mom, for example, vented about how her two year old wouldn’t say in bed.

One of her followers became alarmed and, before she knew it, police were at her door asking to see the child. As your network grows, you’ll want to be more careful about revealing identifying information.

Some successful Twitter enthusiasts actually run two accounts—one for family and close friends and another for loose-tie acquaintances.

Can you and your family have good lives without Twitter? Absolutely.

Can Twitter make good lives even better? The only way to know is to spread your wings and try.

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing about families and the Internet for over fifteen years. She is the mother of three computer-savvy kids. Other Growing Up Online columns appear on her website www.Growing-UpOnline.com.

a ro u n d tow n

*

the indianapolis zoo

On the Prowl This Summer

Dragons of Komodo Exhibit Comes to Indianapolis Zoo This summer, the Indianapolis Zoo is offering another blockbuster exhibit with “Dragons of Komodo” presented

by Citizens Energy Group. The exhibit, opening Saturday, May 23, will feature two Komodo Dragons on the prowl through Labor Day.

they weren’t alone. Each lizard had its own crate and flew underneath a passenger plane. The Zoo’s van received a police escort onto the tarmac to meet the plane. As passengers

Komodo Dragons are the largest lizard in the world, and can grow up to 10 feet long. In the wild, they can only be found on a small island chain in Indonesia. As a top predator in the food chain, these fierce lizards can swim, climb trees, and take down animals more than twice their own size. It’s no wonder they are considered just as intriguing as they are dangerous.

As a temporary exhibit, the Komodo Dragons come to the Indianapolis Zoo on loan from the Denver Zoo. It may surprise some people, but zoos and aquariums share animals often.

Two primary missions among institutions are education and animal conservation. By sharing animals, facilities can bring animals to a new audience with a smaller number of animals in captivity.

The two Komodo’s, Dipsner and Hudo, are here in Indianapolis and adjusting well to their new summer home in the Midwest.

They arrived safely several weeks early to offer both staff and animals plenty of time to adjust to the new exhibit and each other. These animals were born from the same clutch in 2003, making them brothers. Of the two, Dipsner is the shortest measuring in at seven feet. Hudo is already eight feet in length. They are named after cities in Indonesia.

Later this month, the animals can be found in a new exhibit space in the Plains Biome. The indoor holding area was an existing facility that has been renovated to accommodate the Komodo Dragons. The two separate outdoor yards are brand new and offer great views of the animals. The floor of the exhibit space is actually several feet off the ground so the kids can see the animal at their level. One side of the exhibit will even have a tunnel up next to the large glass window for an even more unique view.

“Dragons of Komodo” Exhibit at the Indianapolis Zoo from May 23 - Labor Day

Have you ever wondered how animals are transported across the country? Getting the Komodo Dragons to Indianapolis took an unusual approach. They came on an airplane, but

watched from above, the two crates were removed from the plane. The van was then escorted back off the runway before the plane continued on to the terminal. Can you imagine what the passengers must have been thinking?

As dangerous as it may seem, don’t be afraid to see these living dragons up close. They are a rare treat to see on the prowl in person. A daily chat will take place at the exhibit each day and Naturalists will often be available to share information about Komodo artifacts.

ADVANTAGE

THERAPY INC. Physical therapy for children with disabilities, attention deficit disorder, autism and sensory integration deficits.

Specializes in physical therapy combined with craniosacral therapy, EEG Biofeedback and coordination with biomedical clinic, vision specialist, nutritionist and psychologist.

2900 E. 96th Street, Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46240

317-573-4445

Summer Reading Program Take advantage of summer to improve your child's reading, spelling and communication skills!

Suzanne M. Foley, M.S., CCC-A at Innovative Therapy Center specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children with auditory processing and reading disorders. Multi-sensory treatment programs are utilized in individualized programs.

Contact us now for summer programs!

317-573-4445

hear@innovativetherapycenter.com 2900 E. 96th Street, Ste B., Indpls 46240

www.innovativetherapycenter.com INDYSCHILD.COM 35

R

I

L

E

Y

C

H

I

L

D

They faced adversity. They fought. They conquered. They hoped.

They decided they would not let their injuries or illnesses define the way they live. They used their experience to encourage and inspire others. They are Riley Champions.

Congratulations to our inaugural class of Riley Champions. Visit RileyKids.org to learn more about their stories and to nominate a Riley Champion.

R

E

N

N

’

S

F

O

U

N

D

A

T

I

O

N

Alexis Allen, 14 Noblesville Spina Bifida

Tim Courtney, 18 Muncie Burn Unit

Sarah Camino, 11 Fort Wayne Juvenile Arthritis

Jodi Camino, 8 Fort Wayne Kidney Disease

Jordan Wilkison, 15 Evansville area DiGeorge Syndrome and Dandy-Walker Syndrome

RileyKids.org Sheila Fraser, 15 South Bend Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)

WHAT’S HOTTER THAN A HOOSIER SUMMER?

ORCHARD SUMMER CAMPS

Now in our 20th year, Orchard Summer Camps have what your camper is looking for.

For more information or to see an online catalog, log on to www.orchard.org or call Chris Carlyle at 317-713-5702

What’s so great about Traders Point Christian Academy Summer Camps?

Come see for yourself!

Call 317-769-2450 or visit www.tpcs.org for summer camp details.

Location: I-65N and SR 334 (Zionsville Exit 130) ALSO: Now enrolling twos through high school for the ’09–’10 academic year.

38 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

R e so u rc e s

Day Co-ed

A Plus Gymnastics Summer Camp

9625 E 150th St Suite 104, Noblesville, IN 46060 317-773-7266 customerservice@aplusgymnastics.com www.aplusgymnastics.com Activities Included: Gymnastics, Arts and Crafts, Games, Parachute, Moonwalk, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Crazy Hair Day, Water Day and lot of fun A fun outlet for your childs energy! An exciting camp for all abilities. Registration forms found at www.aplusgymnastics.com.

Animal Camp at Silly Safari Station

Alligator Aaron, Director 12104 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46259 317-862-9003 alligatoraaron@sillysafaris.com Activities Included: Hands on positive human-animal interaction. Public speaking.

At Animal Camp, every activity revolves around exotic and domestic animals. It is the only place where campers can have real hands on experiences with the exotic animals they see on TV. At the end, the campers star in their very own Silly Safari Live Animal Show at a cookout for family.

BounceZone Summer Camps

14701 Cumberland Road, Suite 500, Noblesville, IN 46060 317-770-8480 fishers@gobouncezone.com www.gobouncezone.com Activities Included: Bouncing on 9 Inflatable Toys, Doing Crafts, Inside and Outside Games, Themed weeks, Lunch provided on Monday and Friday, Snacks provided everyday Both Day and 1/2 day campers will have a Fun and Active Summer. Themed weeks will keep their attention and we will keep them moving. Come one week, one day, or all Summer long. Let them have fun in a clean, fun and safe environment. Limit enrollment, Call today Camp Cathedral

5225 East 56th Street, Bryan Banschbach 317-968-7413 bbanschbach@ca-

thedral-irish.org www.gocathedral.com Activities Included: DayTrips, Enrichment Camps (art, English, fantasy, math, music, SAT prep, science, service, theatre, etc), Sports Camps (basketball, baseball, cheerleading, football, golf, lacrosse, paintball, rock climbing, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, wrestling What is Camp Cathedral? A place where campers have the opportunity to grow intellectually, physically, creatively, and socially. A place where campers are welcome regardless of the school they attend during the academic school year. A place to have FUN, LEARN something new and MAKE FRIENDS! Character Counts Summer Camp

Elaine Scaife 2902 Cold Spring Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46222 317-926-0358 elaine_scaife@yahoo.com www.indynewlight.org Activities Included: Character Education, Financial Literacy, Real World Business Bazarr, Skating, Swimming, Arts & Crafts, Bowling, Laser Tag, Circus, Indy Parks, Indiana Museum of Art, Football, etc.

Our program is for families who are seeking quality summer enrichment and fun. It is age appropriate, challenging, educational, and and offers unique opportunities for children to improve their character and behavior, boost their self-esteem, and increase their life skills knowledge in a structured setting through our Character Education program.

Chinese Language and Culture Summer Camp at IUPUI

Confucius Institute, IUPUI, 425 University Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Nick Brasovan 317-278-7900 nbrasova@iupui.edu confucius.iupui.edu Activities Included: Chinese language, calligraphy, song and dance, martial arts, games and crafts.

The Confucius Institute in Indianapolis proudly presents the Chinese Language and Culture Summer Camp at IUPUI. The camp provides the opportunity to learn Chinese languahe and culture in a fun-focused atmosphere.

Most instructors come from YatSen University, Guangdong, China,

and teaching assistants come from the IUPUI School of Education.

Beth-El Zedeck Presents: “Hangin’ in Hawaii” Summer camp 2009

600 W. 70th St. Joanie Waldman 317-259-6854 jwaldman@bez613.org Activities Included: Weekly creative themes, arts and crafts, water fun at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Aquatic Complex for 3’s, 4’s and 5’s. Water play for 12 months +, 18 months + and 2+. Music/Creative Movement, Entertainment, Field Trip Fridays for 4’s and 5’s.

Our Summer Program recognizes that children learn through play.

Play fosters total development and should be interwoven in everything children do. During camp, children will experiment and explore by using all five senses. Our campers will thrive on creativity, exploration, discovery, spontaneity and lots of love. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Early Childhood Arts Camp for Children with Disabilities

1505 N. Delaware St Sara Beanblossom 317-974-4123 sbeanblossom@vsai.org www.vsai.org Activities Included: Join us for a week of fun and creativity based on the book “Who Makes the Sun Rise” by Lois Templeton Program is designed to increase early learning skills in children with disabilities through interactive, process oriented arts activities.

The camp is an opportunity for children to: Participate in Ceramics, Painting/Drawing, and Movement activities; Explore creativity; Increase vocabulary; and Develop motor skills and social skills.

Flip Zone Summer Camp

880 Andico Rd, Plainfield Stephanie Strout 317-838-0667 flip@theflipzone.com www.theflipzone.com Activities Included: Enjoy a week of fun learning fundamental gymnastic and tumbling skills.

At the Flip Zone we promote teamwork, build self-esteem, and foster confidence. Our summer camp will build strong, healthy, and flexible kids.

Freetown Village Summer Day Camp

4601 N. Emerson Avenue (St. Alban’s Church) Marriam A. Umar 317-631-1870 marriam@freetownvillage.org www.freetownvillage.org Activities Included: Structured learning environment highlighting history, manners/etiquette, culture & the arts. Crafts, theater, math/reading, leadership development, hands on activities, field trips, team building, health & nutrition.

Nine (9) weekly sessions designed to allow campers to make learning fun! Our Summer Camp fosters discovery and personal growth.

Children will learn about themselves and their community while developing a stronger sense of purpose. Each week ends with a showcase, highlighting the week’s activities.

Indianapolis Children’s Choir Summer Choral Festival

4600 Sunset Ave. 317-940-9640 info@icchoir.org www.icchoir.org Activities Included: Mass choir rehearsals, Solfege classes, small group education/instruction, snacks, Kodaly classes The Indianapolis Children’s Choir Summer Festival brings young people who like to sing to the Butler University campus for a wonderful week of music-making and fun. It’s a great way for music-loving kids to learn, laugh, and sing together in a vigorous, fast-paced enjoyable way. The week culminates in an unforgettable experience on the magnificent Clowes Memorial Hall concert stage.

IUPUI Sport Complex Summer Day Camp

901 West New York Street Matt Reiswerg 317-274-3364 daycamps@iupui.edu www.sportcomplexcamps.iupui.edu Activities Included: Variety of sports, games, and academic electives Children will learn, grow, and have fun at Indianapolis’ leading summer camp. With 22 years of experience, the IUPUI Sport Complex Summer Day Camp offers sports, activities, and academic electives in a fun non-competitive environment.

*

camp guide

JA BizCamp

7435 N. Keystone Ave 317-252-5900 x505 kelsey@jaindy.org www.jaindy.org Activities Included: Morning sessions include an interactive small group approach to business concepts. Afternoon sessions highlight experiential learning opportunities within the JA BizTown venue.

A fun, exciting, and educational business camp that explores entrepreneurship, financial literacy, philanthropy, and work-readiness skills through daily business related simulations in the popular JA BizTown venue. Prior JA experience is not required.

JCC Summer Camp

6701 Hoover Rd. 317-251-9467 aatlas@JCCindy.org www.JCCindy.org Activities Included: Summer fun with cook-outs, games, daily swimming and ARC swim lessons in the JCC’s water park, team sports, arts & crafts, music, nature exploration, field trips, Israeli culture with counselors from Israel!

For more than 90 years, children have spent their summers exploring, playing, creating and growing at JCC summer camps. Shlichim, Israeli counselors, bring special talents and share Israeli culture with our campers. All campers swim daily in the JCC’s very own water park and participate in Red Cross certified swim lessons.

Kamp Kaleidoscope

9709 Allisonville Road 317 849-9551 childcare@trinitywesleyan.com Activities Included: Loads of fun & adventures in a Christian evironment. Flexible Registration means you only pay for the days you come! By the Day, by the Week, or All Summer!

Safe environment. Offsite Trips & Activities included! We run our own bus, so we have the flexibility to enjoy a variety of local activities & events! Experienced Staff - Creative Program - Frequent Trips - A Caring Place - Swimming - Sports - Games. Early & Late care included! Ministry of Trinity Wesleyan Church Let’s Get Cooking

Reynaldo De La Rosa, MD 12955 Old Meridian St., INDYSCHILD.COM 39

R e so u rc e s

*

camp guide

Carmel, IN 46032 317-571-0770 carmellin@youngchefsacademy.com www.youngchefsacademy.com Activities Included: Cooking, food preparation, meal etiquette.

Young Chefs Academy is a cooking school for kids. This is more than just peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We teach children the joy of cooking in a kid friendly and cafe environment. Summer camp’s theme changes every week.

Get ready to have some fun! To reserve your spot, e-mail carmelin@ youngchefsacademy.com Maria Montessori International Academy

Indianapolis, Brownsburg, Carmel, Zionsville 317-291-5557 vivian@indymontessori.org mariamontessori-intl.org Activities Included: Swimming, Reading, Math, Science Introduction to Montessori, Soccer with Indiana Soccer Academy, Drum Dialogues by Lawrence Clark, Clayworks with Mr. Jeremy South, Paper Making Workshop with Laura Friesen, Japanese Culture Exploration, Japanese Calligraphy by Musician and Calligrapher Garret Uyeno, Quilting and

40 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Composition: Exploring the Pieces for a Creative Process by Carol Tharp Perrin, Back to the Basics/ Montessori.

Master Mike’s TaeKwonDo Summer Camp

7910 Township Line Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 Mike Marienthal 317-253-6949 mastermike@yahoo.com www.mastermike.com Activities Included: Self defense, abduction avoidance, children will learn basic self defense techniques.

Advanced students in martial arts of all kinds are welcome.

Children will also engage in light free sparring and equipment is provided.

Master Mike’s 11th annual summer camp has over the years grown in size and popularity on the north side of Indianapolis. Beginners and advanced students alike are welcome. Students will be introduced to TaeKwonDo and its’ many hand and foot techniques. Students will learn self defense and their practical application for real life encounters.

Riviera Club Summer Day Camps

5640 N. Illinois St Therese Love

317-255-5471 tlove@rivi.org www.rivi.org Activities Included: Various sport camps such as tennis, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics, cheerleading, kickball along with traditional day camp activities such as games, swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, pottery and more.

Full and half day preschool camps with themes for children ages 3-5 and Full and half day camps for children ages 6-12. Our Splash Camps are for water lovers, offering a variety of aquatic activities such as diving, swimming, canoeing, exploring scuba and tons of water fun. Recreation Camps offer a full day of tradition summer camp activities. All full day camper receive swim lessons. For a little more, campers may elect to have tennis instruction too.

77 South Girls School Rd Suite 210 Indianapolis ,In 46231 317-247-7664 sylvan1802@choiceonemail.com http://tutoring.sylvanlearning. com/centers/46231/index.cfm Sylvan Learning Center South 8729 U.S. Highway 31 south Indianapolis,In 46227 317-888-0438 sylvan1801@choiceonemail.com http://tutoring.sylvanlearning. com/centers/46227/index.cfm Activities Included: Hands on, computer time, games, token reward Grade appropriate reading, math, writing programs. SAT/ACT mini camps and test taking strategies. Programs run 1 to 7 weeks in length.

Sylvan Learning Centers

Theatre Camp

8450 Westfield Blvd. Ste 210, Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-257-6703 sylvan1800@choiceonemail.com http://tutoring.sylvanlearning. com/centers/46240/index.cfm Sylvan Learning Center- West

7435 N. Keystone Ave. 317-251-5100 info@indycti.org www.indycti.org Activities Included: Creative Drama - explore characters in classic story Story On Stage - explore/create characters and scenery for a performance From Story To Stage -create full

production through writing, designing and performing

Explore the different areas (writing, drawing, painting, building, and acting) of theatre in the development of a production based on a classic story - journey through creativity while learning life skills.

Todd Academy Summer Camp

302 N. East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Sharon Todd 317-636-3100 director@toddacademy.com www.toddacademy.com Activities Included: Each camp is crafted to focus on a different theme. Camps will encourage creative learning, utilizing games to develop socialization skills, logic and strategy processes. Creativity, writing skills are strengthened Nine individual camps: Strategy Camp, Wordsmith Camp, Website Design Camp, Video Game Camp, CCG Camp, Dungeons and Dragons Camp. Each camp has a game component, a learning component, socializing and fun. The camps are designed to strengthen logic, writing, strategy, life skills, creativity, etymology, computer and people or socializations skills.

Residential Co-ed

R e so u rc e s Camp Little Red Door

1801 N. Meridian St Michele Perrin 317-925-5595 mperrin@littlereddoor.org www.littlereddoor.org Activities Included: Hiking, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts, challenge course, games.

Camp Little Red Door is open to children diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 8-18. Children are able to enjoy the camp experience with 24 hour medical staff on hand to address any needs and provide care. Camp facilities and grounds are wheelchair accessible. Campers participate in a wide range of activities.

CYO Camp Rancho Framasa

Inclusive recreational residential summer camp. ACA accredited.

Established in 1946. United Way agency. Owned by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and southern Indiana. Offers 3 day and 6 day sessions.

Offering traditional, teen and trip and travel programs.

GERI Summer Camps

100 N. University St. BRNG 5108A, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 Stacey Folyer, Admin Asst 765-494-7243 geri@purdue.edu www.purdue.edu/geri Activities Included: Swimming, basketball, bowling, scavenger hunts, game tournaments, field trips GERI Summer Camps offer academic programs designed to stimulate your imagination and expand your abilities.

2230 N. Clay Lick Road, Nashville, IN 47448 888-988-2839 x 22 info@campranchoframasa.org iD Tech Camps 60 Prestigious Universiwww.campranchoframasa.org ties Nationwide Activities Included: Swim1-888-709-TECH ( 8324) ming, horseback riding, www.internalDrive.com arts and crafts, high ropes Create digital movies, websites, course, drama, outdoor video games, robots and more! iD cooking, camping out, Tech Camps provides weeklong firebuilding, games, sports, day and overnight summer proarchery, canoeing, campgrams for ages 7-18 at 60 universicraft, all camp games ties nationwide, 08305 VT_INDY CHILD AD 12/11/08 10:58 AM including Page 1 Purdue. and evening campfires.

Teen programs include: iD Gam-

ing Academy, iD Film Academy, iD Programming Academy. www. internalDrive.com or 1-888-709TECH ( 8324) Code: IN22

elements of basketball in regard to shooting, passing, rebounding, dribbling, teamwork, and defense.

Residential, All Girls

Day, All Girls

Hoosier Tennis Camp for Girls

Dance Camp

15 Harbourtown Center, Noblesville 46062 & 9625 150th St, Noblesville 46060 317-877-7465 & 317-776-2282 Michele Stewart pink_slipper@verizon.net www.pinkslipperdancestudio.com Activities Included: Dance, crafts, snacks, pictures, movies Angelina Ballerina, Care Bear Picnic, My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, Swan Lake, HSM3, Hawaiian Princess, Pop Star University of Indianapolis Girls’ Basketball Grade School Day camp

1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227 Jen Conely (317) 788-3540 conelyj@uindy.edu www.athletics.uindy.edu The UIndy coaching staff, along with current and former UIndy women’s basketball players, will emphasize the basic fundamentals as well as the more technical

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47408 Lin Loring 812-855-4791 lloring@indiana.edu www.hoosiersportscamps.com Activities Included: Tennis, swimming, bowling, tours of campus, movies, other evening activities The camp is housed in a sorority house on the beautiful IU campus.

Head coach Lin Loring, two time NCAA National Coach of the Year, directs the camp with a staff of five college coaches and many Division I student-athletes.

Day and Residential, All Girls

University of Indianapolis Girls’ Basketball Overnight/ Commuter Camp

1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227 Jen Conely (317) 788-3540 conelyj@uindy.edu www.athletics.uindy.edu

*

camp guide

The UIndy coaching staff, along with current and former UIndy women’s basketball players, will emphasize the basic fundamentals as well as the more technical elements of basketball in regard to shooting, passing, rebounding, dribbling, teamwork, and defense.

Day and Residential, Co-ed Camp Crosley YMCA

165 EMS T2 Lane, North Webster, IN 46555 Mark Battig 574-834-2331 mark@campcrosley.org www.campcrosley.org Activities Included: Minibike, waterskiing, wakeboarding, horseback riding, sailing, scuba, kayaking, arts and crafts, high/low ropes, drama, soccer, frisbee, archery, riflery.

Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Tippecanoe in Indiana, Camp Crosley has been a place for children to experience a powerful, positive, and life-changing adventure. For over 94 years children at Crosley learn to ‘live for others’ through intentional programming and a values centered focus.

Check our web site www.campcrosley.org.

Does your child have a learning problem?

Your child may have 20/20 eyesight and have a hidden vision problem affecting the ability to learn up to potential.

Are any of these signs present?

• Number and letter reversal, such as “b” and “d” • Difficulty copying from the board • Sloppy handwriting • Loss of place when reading

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s

Summer Camp Series showing your personality | creating lasting friendships | experiencing new adventures

• Frequent careless errors • Eyestrain, headaches, poor concentration and attention span • Restlessness, unable to stay on task

Camps are nine, one-week sessions and include art, theater, science, autism, sports, nature, preschool and a full day variety for children ages 3-15 years.

If yes, call today!

At the Vision Therapy Center we can diagnose and successfully treat hidden vision problems that often interfere with learning.

June 1 - July 31, 2009 ($75-$175/week)

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Download a copy of our Summer Camp Series guide online at www.carmelclayparks.com

Dr. Cynthia Jay Frischmann Optometrist 7118 North Shadeland Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46250

915.1515

www.visiontherapyofindiana.com

1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel, IN 46032 | 317.848.7275 | www.carmelclayparks.com INDYSCHILD.COM 41

a ro u n d tow n

*

arts & enrichment

The Impact of Sports

How Summer Sports Boost Physical and Mental Fitness

Video games are the best way to maintain, even enhance, mental agility during summer break, or so says your 14 year old.You may even agree with him to a degree.Yet, your better judgment tells you that gaming isn’t the best way to waste away summer days. Be sure of this: your gut is leading you in the right direction.

Charles H. Hillman, associate professor with the Departments of Kinesiology & Community Health, Psychology, and Internal Medicine at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, is studied on the subject of kids and exercise and likely agrees that more time spent doing physical fitness is what many children need this summer. “In this day and age, screen time has become the major issue in the health of our children. Children spend their lives in front of screens. While there may be benefits to that, there certainly are detriments to that sort of lifestyle. We are programmed to move. We have been programmed to move throughout our entire ancestry. The conveniences we’ve created are wrecking havoc on our lives. We are moving less than ever before and taking in more calories than ever before and that is problematic,” says Hillman. His work looks

r e so u rc e s

*

at how physical activity relates to cognitive process involved in attention, working memory and processing speed.

It’s an important topic that should command attention from parents, educators and the government. His research is revealing there is a direct link between physical fitness and cognitive development. It appears that physically fit children have increased attention and academic performance, in addition to the myriad of other health benefits they gain from physical activity. To be sure, however, Hillman is quick not to demonize video games and feels some may even have their place. In fact, next on his agenda is to look at Nintendo’s Wii Fit to see if it has similar effects on mental process, as does other means of exercise like running on a treadmill. But that is yet to come. Let’s not digress; what you and I are facing today is how to keep our kids’ minds and bodies active during summer break.

Diving Into Summer Sports If you have young children then getting them active in summer sports is as easy as signing up. Look to places like the YMCA,

Jewish Community Center ( JCC), IUPUI Sport Complex, Parks and Recreation, or ask other parents for recommendations.

For preschoolers, Kyle Mills, director of athletics at the JCC, recommends “any sport where the kids are having a great time and learning simultaneously.” He likes general sports camps so kids aren’t concentrating on one specific sport at such a young age.

The JCC is a good example of what parents should look for in a general summer camp program. They offer something called Tiny Tot Athletics that gets kids involved in all types of physical activities including soccer, basketball, even obstacle courses.

Mills says that the purpose of athletics at this age is to improve hand-eye and foot-eye coordination, learn the concept of working as a team, listening and understanding direction, and simply having fun.

Mills also recommends that elementary-aged kids follow a similar path to gain exposure to all types of activities. For teens, it is Mills’ experience that their opinion has more merit with parents, which in many cases, it should. “If they don’t like baseball, they won’t even think about playing and the

parents should respect that,” he says. Matt Reiswerg, sports marketing manager for the IUPUI Sport Complex, which is embarking on its 23rd annual Summer Day Camp, believes getting kids involved in sports at a young age is important because it leads them into a lifetime of health and wellness.

He points to swimming as an example of a sport that can be started very early in life and continued well into a person’s 80s or 90s.

Imagine what lifelong involvement in a sport like swimming or tennis can contribute to a person’s physical and cognitive well-being.

General sports programs abound in Central Indiana and they’re eager to work with your child. So, if your kid defends his supposed right to extra screen time this summer, let him know that science shows physical fitness builds brain and brawn. Perhaps allow him to use the Internet to sign up for a summer sport. Then shut it down. He can better prepare his mind for the next academic year by playing not gaming.

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

enrichment directory

Arts & Sports

Health & Fitness

Music & Instrument Performance

JCC

Nu Creation Fitness Personal Training Studio

Meridian Music

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!

42 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

5501 E. 71st Street, Suite 5, Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-259-0138 nucreationfitness@yahoo.com www.NuCreationFitness.com Nu Creation Fitness, LLC is a private personal training studio that offers one-on-one and group training to men and women of all ages. $100 off of any one-on-one training package with the mention of this ad! Also seeking Certified Personal Trainers with clientele.

12725 Old Meridian Street, Carmel, IN 46032 Hillary Blake, Director of Education 317-575-9588 hblake@meridianmusic.com www.meridianmusic.com Meridian Music offers private lessons on almost every intrument.

Harmony Road courses are also offered for children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years.

June 7th

11am-3pm $5 OR $20 Per Family Children Under Two - Free!

A USTA Block Party

Kids Carnival Games Prizes Barbara S. Wynne Tennis Center at North Central High School 1805 East 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240 259-5377 www.tennisprogram.com

Great Food Tennis Activities for Adults & Kids

Benefitting Indianapolis Junior Tennis Development Fund and Scholarships

co mm e n ta ry & pa r e n t i n g

*

dear teacher

Last Day of School Checklist Parents: It definitely makes life easier for your children, yourself and the school if you take the time now to tie up all the loose ends required to end this school year successfully. In this way, the next school year can begin without having to do anything related to the past year. The following tasks need to be completed before the last day of school: • Make sure that you have talked with your children’s teachers about any special needs that need to be addressed over the summer. For example, not working on grade level in any subject requires some type of intervention during the summer.

• If it is possible and you want to check out textbooks that your children used this past year or will be using next year, now is the time to do so. It is especially helpful to go back and review work in areas where your children had problems.

• Find out the dates of any special programs that the school will be offering during the summer. Some elementary schools have weekly library programs as well as sport programs.

• Sign up for remedial summer programs, if needed, or enrichment programs, if offered.

• Plans for special needs students with IEPs for the next school year must be in place.

• Documents need to be secured if children are going to be transferring to another school.

To Kindergarten or Not

Book Report Issues

QUESTION: I hope my input can help parents debating whether or not to

QUESTION: What do you think of a teacher who assigns the making of a pop-up book for a fifth grade book report? My all-thumbs son required so much help that it was my report. The month before he had to complete a report based on a board game. —Tired of Doing Book Reports

send young children to kindergarten. I see the results of let ting young kids enter early every day. By sixth grade, they really stand out like the proverbial sore thumb. They are usually at least one year below grade level in reading (and sometimes math), disorganized, immaturely behaved, and socially out of place. On top of all of that, they are often much smaller than most of the other kids. These traits result in very low self-esteem and usually, poor performance. Many times the boys don’t catch up with their peers until they’re at least fifteen, if at all, before graduation from high school. Of course, this impacts their plans for their futures, as well.

I remember telling my own son that because he was a big kid, much would be expected of him because people would think he was older than he was. By waiting the extra year, he would become of the biggest and most mature in his class, able to meet those expectations.

This would potentially help him to be bet ter at sports, get his driver’s license earlier than most of his classmates, and even have the girls liking him sooner. He did well academically in spite of minor learning disabilities, played sports, and overall had a very enjoyable school experience.

I also have had a couple of experiences with sixth grade boys who, after struggling through sixth grade with C’s and D’s repeated that grade so that they wouldn’t struggle for the rest of their school careers. It was a good decision in those cases, as both went on to have very successful high school and college experiences. —Sixth Grade Teacher

• Finalize enrollment details of any special classes that your children will be in during the next school year, such as gifted and talented classes.

• All library books and textbooks need to be returned and any fines should be paid.

• All projects that students want to keep need to be taken home.

• The phone numbers and email addresses of friends that your children wish to see over the summer should be obtained if they don’t already have them.

• Find out the dates when next year’s extracurricular activities begin as well as their tryout dates. Many activities start before school is in session.

• Make it a point to thank teachers who have truly helped your children during the school year. Notes from children are especially appreciated.

Answer: Most decisions about whether or not to send a young child to kindergarten seem to be based on personal stories like yours. The only problem with this is that such experiences are limited to one or just a few young children.

Parents need to remember that there are many younger children within every kindergarten class and every other class in school who are doing well academically, socially, and emotionally. We just don’t hear as much about these success stories. As far as retention goes, research does not show any benefits for most children.

Answer: You can’t say the assignments were not creative. The idea behind such assignments is to give children who are not writers the opportunity to shine.

You can tell the teacher why you were unhappy about these assignments and ask that a few more choices be offered so that the book reports could be done by the children—not their parents.

Parents should send questions to Dear Teacher, in care of this publication, PO Box 395, Carmel, IN 46082-0395 or dearteacher@dearteacher.com.

PARENTS: As writers of the Dear Teacher Column, we enjoy answering all the questions that we have received from you over the years. Unfortunately, in our column, we can only answer a few of your questions each month. As teachers, we understand there are more topics that you want to discuss; the solution that we came up with is to launch our own educational Web site – www.dearteacher.com where you can find out more about topics that interest you. In addition, by logging in, you can ask questions or add your own comments.

Cooper’s Water Conditioning • Water

Softeners • Drinking Water Systems •1 2 Months No Interest, NO Money Down •B uy Like Rent, NO money down

Eliminate: Hard Water Spots on Dishes

Dry Skin

Bad Tasting Water

Bad Smelling Water

Buildup in Appliances

Clothes and Towels Looking Gray and Stiff

Rust

Call Today for a FREE water Analysis!

44 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

873-1749 or 870-7773 Family owned since 1980

LEARNING TIME PRESCHOOL • Full and Part-time Preschool • Full Day Kindergarten

Now enrolling for all age groups Learning Time West • 8750 Zionsville Rd. • 471-8750 Learning Time North • 91 West 91st St. • 575-9191 Learning Time Geist • 9910 Geist Crossing Dr. • 842-9910

We’ve been educating the youngest children of Indianapolis for over 100 years.

On the job experience.

Play is a child’s job.

Now enrolling at these locations: Downtown

21st & Senate 575 N. Pennsylvania State Center

North/Northeast 3522 N. Central

Northwest/West

283-3838 226-5487 233-1776 926-1203

56th & Guion 291-8048 Hendricks County/Avon 271-2603

At Day Nursery, we offer a play-based environment that is designed to provide learning experiences for young children which help develop the skills necessary for future success. Our program is nationally accredited and our curriculum is in line with the Indiana Department of Education Foundations to the Academic Standards.

 CCDF child care vouchers welcome!  We offer tuition assistance scholarships for

qualifying families

Early care and education for children from 6 weeks through 6 years

All locations are open to the public.

 Monthly health screenings  Nutritious meals and snacks

Save $30!

For more information call the center near you or visit our website

Offer expires September 30, 2009

www.daynursery.org

Bring this coupon when you enroll and we’ll waive the enrollment fee.

This coupon has no cash value.

IC

INDYSCHILD.COM 45

r e so u rc e s

*

education directory

EDUCATION Directory

Brownsburg

Maria Montessori International Academy

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

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

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

Carmel

Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc.

Emily & Scott Rudicel 1402 W. Main St. Carmel 317-580-0699 info@carmelmontessori.com www.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 head-teaching 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.

Kindergarten Connection 14350 Oakridge Road Jennifer McRoberts 317-843-1125 Kindergartenconnection@hotmail.com www.Kindergartenconnectiononline.com Ages/Grades: Pre-Kindergarten classes: must be 4 by September 1, 2009. Kindergarten Enrichment classes: open to kindergarten aged children Kindergarten Connection provides each child with stimulating and challenging activities which utilize a variety of learning styles. Kindergarten Connection incorporates a multi-modality approach to learning using visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic activities. The skills taught are: pre-reading, reading, math, basic phonics, computer, writing/printing, 46 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

social. Kindergarten Connection has a maximum teacher/student ratio of 1:5.

The Montessori Learning Center

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

www.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.

Carmel - Zionsville

Maria Montessori International Academy

6857 West Stonegate Drive Zionsville 317-769-2220 www.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

IUPUI Center for Young Children

Beth Jeglum, Director 321 Limestone Indianapolis 317-274-3508 bjeglum@iupui.edu childcare.iupui.edu Ages: 2-5 year olds

NAEYC Accredited; State Licensed.

Spanish at age 2. Located on the IUPUI campus, the Center for Young Children offers a hands-on approach to learning and play that helps children develop to their full potential. The 30,000-squarefoot facility was designed to foster the development of young children. $162$221 per week. 6:30-6 M-F. Call today for a tour!

Planned Achievement Strategies

P.O. Box 44333, Indianapolis, IN 46244 Julia Peterson 317-444-9160 braund@metacognitivestrategyinstruct

www.metacognitivestrategyinstruction.com Ages/Grades: Students struggling with reading comprehension in elementary school thru college.

Help your child excel in reading! A highly effective approach to reading comprehension is available. Your child can reach and exceed grade level. Your child learns to plan, monitor and self-evaluate her or his reading improvement. Most of all, your child will enjoy reading! Surprising results in as little as eight weeks.

Todd Academy, Inc.

302 N. East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Sharon Todd 317-636-3100 director@toddacademy.com www.toddacademy.com Ages/Grades: Age 10 or 5th grade thru -grade 12

Todd Academy serves gifted middle and high school students who are seeking a learning challenge. Classes are designed to be fun while motivating the student to stretch academically. Working with the IUPUI SPAN program allows students to take college classes when they are ready for more challenging educational opportunities.

Fishers

Fishers Montessori

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

A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary.

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

Primrose School at Gray Eagle

Mindy Smith 12290 Olio Road (Olio Road between 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 wellrounded young individual. Our safe, secure environment will provide you with peaceof-mind, knowing that your child is safe, happy and growing everyday! Full Time: $220 - $320 per week depending on age.

Visit www.PrimroseGrayEagle.com for more information.

Geist

My Backyard Fine Arts Preschool at Geist Sports Academy

11960 East 62nd Street

Indianapolis 317-823-7734 www.geistsportsacademy.com Ages: 2 year-Pre K (5 year) NOW ENROLLING FOR 2008-2009.

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.

Meridian St. Michigan Rd.

Maria Montessori International Academy

7507 N. Michigan Road Indianapolis 317-291-5557 www.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 Stonegate, Zionsville, IN.

Multiple Locations

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, 3367008 Meridian Hills Nursery School and Kindergarten: 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indy, 255-0831 Meridian Street: 5500 N. Meridian St, Indy, 767-3003 Northeast Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten: 5805 E. 56th St, Indy, 592-9790 Parkview: 4550 central Ave, Indy, 380-0628 Speedway: 3000 N. High School Rd, Indy, 356-2804 Willowcreek: 8170 Hague Rd, Indy, 578-5488

Indy Foreign Language Academy

Jenna Porter 11495 N Pennsylvania St, Ste 270 317-566-8200 jporter@indyfla.com www.indyfla.com Ages/Grades: ages 3+

IFLA offers private and group language classes for kids of all ages. Learn Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese and other exciting languages in a fun, hands-on environment. Daytime, afterschool and weekend programs available, including “Spanish for the Family”. Downtown and Carmel locations; classes can also be held at your home.

North

Arthur M. Glick JCC

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

Our loving caregivers and teachers demonstrate by example and encourage children to behave according to these values as the children are learning, playing and socializing with one another. The JCC embraces a learning-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.

Beginnings Preschool and Parents’ Day Out

First Baptist Church of Indianapolis 8600 N College Carol Mann 317-574-6454 cmann@fbcindy.org www.fbcindy.org Ages/Grades: 6 months - Preschool

Beginnings is designed to provide secure, loving care for young children and to offer parents a consistent time to care for themselves. Offering flexibility for days of choice, Beginnings strives to meet the physical, spiritual, social and emotional needs of children from six months through age five. Openings available now.

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 and Kindergarten (5 full-day program 8:50 am to 3:00 pm) OPTIONS FOR ALL: Flexible early drop off at 7

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts’ Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical

r e so u rc e s development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love!

Bureau of Jewish Education

Elaine Fairfield, E.C. Director 6711 Hoover Rd. Indianapolis 317-255-3124 efairfield@bjeindy.org Ages: 2 years to Kindergarten

The BJE offers Preschool, Jr. Kindergarten and Full Day Kindergarten programs for ages 2 - 6. Special area teachers for: Music, Library, Creative Movement, Swim, Gym, Hebrew and Art. Our developmental program encourages your child through curiosity, exploration and active participation. Extended days and morning care are offered.

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool

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

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.

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 of Second Presbyterian Church

7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Regina Covey for Registration; Director Susan Stewart for Curriculum 317-252-5517 rcovey@secondchurch.org Ages/Grades: 7 months to 5 years

Fairview Early Childhood Program

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

Children’s Circle 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.

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!

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing

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

International School of Indiana

John Drake or Kelly Belt 9111 N. Haverstick Rd. Indianapolis 317-575-6508 jdrake@churchatthecrossing.org www.churchatthecrossing.org Ages: 12mos - Pre-K 5’s

Denise Wagner, CFRE 4330 N. Michigan Road Indianapolis 317-923-1951 ext. 316 www.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

Our Mothers Day Out (12-35mos) 9:15-2:30 and Preschool (3yrs-PreK’s)

ethnic backgrounds and an International Baccalaureate-driven curriculum all work together to foster critical and independent thought. $12,250 pre-k through 8th grade and $12,960 for High School. Financial aid available for qualifiers.

Monday-Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm.

Tuition varies with phonics and math programs.

education directory

Northside Montessori School

1224 E. 52nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 Judy Edwards 317-251-2979 judithe9@aol.com Ages/Grades: primary 3 to 6 year olds elementary1st through 6th grade

KinderCare-Woodfield Crossing

Meagan Koeneman 8485 Woodfield Crossing Indianapolis 317-257-3911 070739@klcorp.com www.kindercare.com/070739 Ages: 6wks - 12 years

*

Located in Broad Ripple area. NMS provides an environment with dedicated teachers to meet each child’s curiosities and natural love of learning. Call for an appointment to visit us to fully appreciate Montessori in action!

Park Tudor School

David Amstutz 7200 N. College Ave. Indianapolis 317-415-2700 info@parktudor.org Ages: Preschool (age 3) - Grade 12

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 critical-thinking 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 selfdirected and self-paced. Our wellrounded 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.

An independent school for students in preschool through grade 12, Park Tudor School’s mission is to provide the highest quality, well-rounded college preparatory education within an atmosphere that is responsive to the needs of the child and parents. Call for more information on Open House dates. College prep; Global Scholars program; 21 AP classes; Spanish beginning at age 3. Pre/Jr K (1/2 day) $8,750; Senior K-5th - $14,590; 6-12th - $15,470. Financial aid available.

Contact Reba Cooper at 317/4152776.

INFANT • TODDLER • PRESCHOOL • PRE-K • KINDERGARTEN • AFTER-SCHOOL

At The Goddard School ... ®

Summer is full of fun and learning.

CALL TODAY! The exceptional summer program at The Goddard School® includes: • • • • •

AVON BROWNSBURG CARMEL CARMEL CARMEL FISHERS

Science and Nature Arts and Crafts Drama Computers and Technology Literature and Language

8547 E. US Hwy. 36 1065 Patrick Pl. 160 Medical Dr. 14777 Oak Rd. 10445 Commerce Dr. 11437 Fishers Point Blvd.

317-272-1337 317-852-5644 317-705-0875 317-569-0599 317-415-0408 317-594-4400

• • • • •

Cooking Music and Movement Sports and Games Manners Special Visitors

FISHERS GREENWOOD INDIANAPOLIS LAWRENCE NOBLESVILLE ZIONSVILLE

12818 E. 116th St. 5044 Bancroft Ln. 7909 McFarland Ln. 10925 Cork Pl. 2291 Greenfield Ave. 1640 W. Oak St.

317-842-6888 317-884-1850 317-888-4998 317-826-7522 317-770-7225 317-733-8855

The Goddard Schools® are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. © Goddard Systems Inc. 2008

www.goddardschool.com INDYSCHILD.COM 47

r e so u rc e s

*

education directory

St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs

Bobbi Main-Jackson, Dir. 100 West 86th Street Indianapolis 317-844-3399 mainb@stlukesumc.com www.stlukesumc.com Ages: Preschool 3 yrs (by Sept 1)-5 yrs, Parents’ Day Out 10 mos (by Sept 1)-3 yrs.

Developmentally appropriate play-based curriculum provided in which children grow socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Readiness skills, motor development and music incorporated into curriculum. Parents’ Day Out is a structured play experience in a warm and loving environment for parents of young children to have time for themselves. Open registration for 2009-10 Feb 9 @ 9:30 am.

Tours available. Hours are 9-1.

Sycamore School

Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions 1750 W. 64th Street Indianapolis 317-202-2500 skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org Ages: 2 years 8 months - 8th grade.

At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners. Art, music, Spanish, PE and computer technology are taught at all levels. Field trips, athletics, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered. Admission testing required. Scheduled parent tours most Wednesdays throughout the school

year. Private tours may be arranged. $4,900-$13,155 (08-09). Financial assistance available. Please contact dridings@sycamoreschool.org The Orchard School

Kristen Hein, Director of Admissions 615 W. 64th St. Indianapolis 317-713-5705 khein@orchard.org www.orchard.org Ages: Preschool 3/4 through Grade 8

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

Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through wellrounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship.

Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited. Call to schedule a personal tour, and check our Web site for the date and time of our annual Open House. 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. Before/after care available.

Northeast

Indianapolis Jr. Academy

Crystal Willis 2910 E. 62nd. St. Indianapolis 317-251-0560

ijacademy@comcast.net www.ijacademy.com Ages: Preschool - 8th Grade 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. Offering grades Pre-K-8th and 3’s Pre-School program M-Th 8:15-3, Fri 8:15-2:30 with before/after care. Admission is subject to review

by School Board. We participate in the Educational CHOICE Charitable Trust Program, call for rates.

West

The Children’s House

2404 W. 62nd St. (near Michigan Rd.), Indianapolis, IN 46268 Susan Catania or Louise Brannon 317-253-3033 childrenshouse@sbcglobal.net 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 Chil-

dren’s House has helped shape the lives of hundreds of Indianapolis Children since its founding under a Lilly Endowment grant in 1971.

CHILD CARE Meridian Kessler Wee Folk Child Care

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

Montessori School of Westfield, Inc.

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

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

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church

Nancy Hebel 9101 West 10th Street Indianapolis 317-271-9100 nhebel@ourshepherd.org Ages: 3 years-8th Grade

Enrollment begins for the public in February. Call the school office to set up a time to visit or come to one of our open houses. Check out our view book on our Web site. Visiting Our Shepherd Lutheran School is the most important homework you can do for your child. Scholarships are available for those that qualify. Financial aid and extended care is available.

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 nonsmoking Christian environment. Preschool program providing Kindergarten prep is available. $130/week. 7:15-5:30 M-F.

Multiple Locations

A Nanny Referral, Solutions Home Staffing

We come to you!

Machelle Hartford 317-319-0027 m@SolutionsHomeStaffing.com www.SolutionsHomeStaffing.com Nannies for all schedules and needs. We place professional nannies

who have been meticulously screened for experience, background and character.

Allow your children to learn, play, and rest at their own pace, in the comfort of their own home. We place permanent nannies for full-time and part-time; and shortterm nannies for new mother’s, summer care, vacation and sick child/ parent care.

All nannies have a minimum of three years, full-charge nanny experience.

Bringing Hope to Your Child’s Education

Professional Nannies All Schedules and needs

Grades 5 through 12

317-843-9500 • Permanent full-time, part-time • Vacation or overnights • Short-Term • New Mother’s Helper

(317) 319 . 0027

Specializing in: • ADHD • Learning Disabilities

S!"#$%!&'

• Asperger’s Syndrome • School Anxiety

801 Congressional Blvd.

Carmel, IN 46032

( ! ) * + ' $, - - % & .

www.SolutionsHomeStaffing.com

www.MidwestAcademyofIndiana.org

QUALITY CHILD CARE

Licensed Early Childhood Education Center (serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years) • Weekly Field Trips Font style: • Survival Challenges handwriting dakota Team Building • “Tasty Tuesday” weekly cooking • Swim Lessons

Now offering full and part time Summer Camp June 1-August 14 Indpls: 2944 E. 56th (1 1⁄2 miles east of Keystone Ave.) 257-9127 48 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Midwest Academy offers a personalized teaching approach where students can find success through small class sizes and individualized instruction geard to their learning needs. Skilled, caring teachers committed to studentsʼ success and close partnerships with families make Midwest Academy a unique learning environment.

at IU Natatorium

• State of the Art Security System • Nutritious Meals & Snacks • Excellent Teachers

849-9551

• Enrolled in Summer Reading

9709 Allisonville Rd. Castleton

Program through Marion County Public Library

Family owned for 24 years

www.pollypanda.com

❋ ❋

558-1130

116th & Allisonville Fishers

Age-Appropriate Academic Programs... 2 yrs - Kindergarten (Full Day) Loving Christian Environment - Caring Staff Ministry of Trinity Wesleyan Church

Serving Families for 29 Years

Montessori Infant-Toddler Program for Children Ages 3 months to 3 years.

FREE OPPORTUNITY! A Unique Mommy & Me Montessori For ages 16 months to 3.5 years Fridays: April 24—May 15, 9:45 a.m. -11:15 a.m. at the Zionsville Library

Call 769.2220

www.mariamontessori-intl.org

New Montessori Zionsville/Carmel Location Opening Summer 2009 Location: Off Michigan Road next to Altum’s Nursery and behind Stone Creek Restuarant

Now accepting applications for Summer and Fall - Call 769-2220

Is your 3–6 years old child doing this kind of work in Day Care?

If not, come visit us.

Austin age 4

Infants, Toddlers, Pre-K, Kindergarten & Elementary •

• Private Violin Lessons and Art Programs • Superb Montessori trained teachers with Bachelor Degrees • Bachelor Degree Teacher Assistants • Spanish Immersion • Orff Suzuki Music • Academic Excellence in a fun, relaxed yet challenging environment

THREE LOCATIONS

Sophia age 5

See the p Cam Summer is Issue th Guide in on all the s il a t S for de G CAMP EXCITIN ontessori Maria M l Academy iona Internat offer this has to !!!

Summer

BROWNSBURG 431 E. Northfiled Drive (Across from Bill Estes Ford) Brownsburg, IN 46112 317-852-3900 INDIANAPOLIS 7507 N. Michigan Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-291-5557 ZIONSVILLE/CARMEL 4370 Weston Pointe Drive Zionsville, IN 46077 317-769.2220

a ro u n d tow n

*

profile: chase 500 festival

Chase 500 Festival

Largest Free Outdoor Festival for Children Returns

Each year, the 500 Festival presents nearly 50 different events and programs, many of which are geared directly towards children. Between hosting the state’s largest free outdoor festival for children and teaching students about the importance of the motorsports industry in Indiana, the 500 Festival has definitely catered to children in such meaningful ways.

With over 30,000 people in attendance, the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day has become the state’s largest free outdoor festival specif ically for children. Taking place on Sunday, May 17, this year’s Kids’ Day will showcase “Everyday Heroes” in our community and our state with the help of the world’s greatest costumed crime f ighting duo, Batman and Robin. Kids will learn about the importance of ever yday heroes like parents, teachers, f iref ighters, and police off icers through choreographed performances on the steps of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. Families will have the opportunity to meet local mascots and clowns, race mini cars, bounce in giant inf latables and create arts and crafts.

Kids can also make sashes with the newly crowned 500 Festival Queen and the 500 Festival Princesses. Dozens of exhibitors will f ill Monument Circle with food, fun, and educational games.

50 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

In the midst of the Kids’ Day activities, the 2009 Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run will allow kids ages 3-12 to participate in a kid-sized version of the nation’s largest ha lf-marathon, the OneA mer ica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. In this noncompetitive fun-run, everyone goes home a winner! All 3,000 participants will share the same No. 1 bib number, and everyone will receive a f inisher’s medal and a goodie bag. Children can be registered in advance at www.500festival.com for $5, or on site for $10.

If those events are not enough, come experience what it’s like to be a real Indianapolis 500 ® racecar driver at the American Family Insurance Community Day. Each year, close to 8,000 people attend Community Day, which is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway® on the Wednesday prior to the Indianapolis 500®.

Attendees will receive free admission to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, have the opportunity to drive a lap around the Speedway in their own vehicle, visit Pit Lane, and tour the suites as well as the off icial timing and scoring area in the Pagoda. A Community Day fan favorite is the driver autograph session, where Indianapolis 500® drivers can interact with the fans. Kids can bounce in the Kids’ Zone, get airbrushed tattoos

and even race remote control cars. Families can even watch their favor ite media personalities compete in the Media Pit Stop Competition, where each media team acts as a pit crew to raise up to $5,000 for their selected charity. Tickets to the American Family Insurance Community Day are $7 per person, and children 6 years and under are free.

Over the years, the IPL 500 Festival Parade has become one of the nation’s signature events. More than 300,000 people will line the streets of downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, May 23 at noon to enjoy this spectacular event. The Parade features all thirty-three Indianapolis 500® drivers, the thirty-three 500 Festival Princesses, f loats, marching bands, giant balloons, specialty units, costumed characters and even nationally known celebrities. The parade itself is a free event, but tickets may be purchased for bleacher, chair or VIP seating. Tickets for TV and VIP Reserved Seats are $30, Reserved Chair Seats are $17 and Reser ved Bleacher Seats are $13.50. All 500 Festival Parade tickets may be purchased by calling the 500 Festival Ticket Hotline at (317) 6146400, by visiting one of 15 AAA Hoosier Motor Club locations around Indianapolis, or by visiting w w w.500Festival.com.

Before the parade, families have the

opportunity to eat breakfast at Jillian’s and meet costumed characters “SpongeBob SquarePants” and Pablo and Tyrone from “The Backyardigans”. Tickets are $25, and children 2 years and under are free.

The 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500® team up each year to present the 500 Festiva l and Indianapolis 500® Education Program. In 2009, 18,505 fourth-grade students from across Indiana will participate in this program that teaches kids about the historical, social, and economic signif icance of the 500 Festival, the Indianapolis 500® and the thriving motorsports industr y of Indiana. The program provides a complimentary Indiana Academic Standard-compliant curriculum to fourth-grade teachers from schools and communities across Indiana in subjects including Indiana history, social studies, health, language arts, science, physical education and math. The classroom lessons are followed by an optional study trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway® in April or May. Students apply the lessons they learned in the classroom with on-site programming and experiences designed to further educate them on the signif icance of the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500’s® heritage and place in Indiana’s rich history.

advertisement

CHILD’S PLAY:

IT’S ALL IN A DAY’S WORK In Choosing a Preschool, Experts Recommend Child-Centered Play

W

ith so much information about preschools available to parents, it can be difficult to choose the right program. One approach to evaluating a school that can help parents choose is the level of emphasis on learning through play. For young children, play is the natural way to learn, according to the experts.

In fact, research studies confirm that children who are allowed to play function better later in life, both socially and academically.

“Young children who learn through play are more prepared to make their own decisions, advocate for themselves and use creativity to solve problems as they grow,” says Dr. Kyle Pruett, a Yale University child psychiatrist and advisor to The Goddard School®.

Dr. Pruett points out that play helps children learn to solve problems, promotes flexibility and motivation, teaches regulation of emotions and builds resilience and confidence. Play is also essential to the development of children’s brains, triggering trillions of neural connections that form the basis of healthy cognitive function and mastery of their physical world.

Playing alone and with others not only builds brain development, it also helps children develop social skills and a sense of ethics.

The most effective play is free of

evaluation and correction (after all, throwing a ball shouldn’t be “right” or “wrong”), while promoting autonomy.

As parents themselves, the on-site owners of The Goddard School® recognize and support Dr. Pruett’s assertion and create an environment in their school where children are encouraged to explore learning centers for imaginative play, creative art, science, blocks, puzzles, math and quiet reading. Each of these centers provides opportunities for children to discover independently and confidently.

Whether gently holding infants, encouraging toddlers to share or providing preschoolers with a wide-range of enriching activities, teachers at The Goddard School® understand each child’s needs. The Education Director, at each school, works with the teachers to offer children the opportunity to develop their natural curiosity, creativity and develop their lifelong love of learning.

To supplement Goddard’s comprehensive core curriculum, a variety of enrichment programs are provided at no additional cost.

These enrichments, including yoga, manners, sign language, fitness and Spanish, develop the whole child by encouraging children’s imagination. The enrichment programs are written and designed specifically for preschool children using age-appropriate equipment and activities.

Each Goddard School offers open communication with families in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Parents are welcome to visit their children throughout the day. A Daily Activity Report is prepared for every child each day. Teachers emphasize learning activities, care-taking information and, most importantly, a ‘Memorable Moment’ which highlights a special part of each child’s day.

Choosing the right school means children will make friends, discover that learning is fun and feel safe every day. Goddard’s year round program provides consistency for children, while the choice of either a half or full-day schedule offers flexibility for families. To learn more about The Goddard School®, please call 1-800-GODDARD or visit on the web at: www.goddardschool.com.

Co mm e n ta ry

*

mark’s “what does it mean?”

When You Can’t Do Debt Alone

Tips on What You Can Do to Regain Control of Your Debt Debt counseling, debt management, debt settlement, bankruptcy—so many options, so little time.You don’t know where to turn. What you do know is you need help.

If you go to one of these companies, what will that do to your credit report? How much does it cost? Are you better off dealing with your creditors by yourself?

I, along with the other attorneys in my four bankruptcy law offices, hear questions about debt management and about debt settlement every working day. As part of filing bankruptcy, we send all of our clients to a credit-counseling course, hoping they can avoid future mistakes and pitfalls. But bankruptcy is the last resort. If, after going over all the options, it turns out that a different form of help is more appropriate, we refer the clients to the proper organizations.

Best of all, there’s no charge for that analysis of the situation.

As a board-certified consumer bankruptcy specialist in Indiana, I help clients find solutions. Sometimes bankruptcy is not the best choice in a given situation, so it’s important for me to refer people to places they can get the help they need.

Let’s talk first about debt management.

For profit or not-for-profit?

The first thing to find out about any company or agency is whether it is a for-profit or a not-for-profit operation. (To qualify as a not-for-profit company for tax purposes, a company must provide consumer education as part of its mission.) The typical for-profit will work with you only if you have $5000 or more in unsecured debt, will work only with unsecured debt, and only with specific creditors. For-profits typically don’t offer counseling or consumer education programs.

They will typically not address such issues as being behind on utilities, insurance, mortgage or rent, nor will they explore alternatives to the debt management services they offer. You want a company that will provide services regardless of employment status, ability to pay, or the debt size, and that’s probably going to be a not-for-profit company.

Negotiation with Creditors Many company websites and advertisements imply their company has a special “in” with credit card companies and that they know how to get those creditors to reduce interest rates and penalties and extend the repayment period.

What you need to understand, though, is that major creditors have already made their decision about what compromises they are prepared to make, no matter who negotiates with them. Two and one-half percent of your total balance is the least amount most credit card companies are willing to accept. What is always true is that the monthly payment must be enough to cover finance charges plus some of the principal. Remember, debt management company fees will be in addition to those amounts.

Fees and Charges Indiana law permits debt management companies to charge an initial set-up fee, plus up to 15% of each payment. Not-for-profit companies will usually have fees substantially lower than for-profits. At Momentive Consumer Credit Counseling Service (www.Momentive.org), 52 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

the oldest and largest of the not-for-profit credit counseling companies in Indiana, monthly fees are capped at $25, and there is never more than a $50 set-up cost. No matter where you go for debt management help, though, the important thing to remember is that you’ll be paying your debts in full. Only the terms of payment and perhaps the interest rate that can be altered.

Credit Reporting No debt management company can control what credit bureaus do, nor do these companies typically send reports to the bureaus. (Debt management will not, in and of itself, change your credit report, because your debts are still there.) However, the credit report might have a note saying “slow pay” or “paying as agreed”, since the credit card companies will have notified the credit bureaus of your debt-paying status.

Shopping Questions In selecting a company to work with you, here are some important questions to ask about the company: 1. Are your counselors certified?

2. How long have you been in business?

3. Is your agency accredited? (An example of third party accreditation is the Council on Accreditation for Family and Children’s Services or COA) 4. Do you provide consumer education?

Then, ask about the arrangement: 1. Do I have to sign a contract? Can I get out of that contract? How? 2. What exactly are your fees? (How are you paid?)

3. When will you notify my creditors?

4. How long will it take for me to repay my debt?

5. What happens if, in a given month, I’m unable to make a payment?

So, what about all those commercials about getting your debt down to “a fraction of its size”, advising you to skip credit card payments for three months? They’re referring to debt settlement.

Debt settlement is totally different from debt management. In a debt management plan, you remember, you’re paying all your debt, just at a slower pace and with some concessions on interest rates and penalties.

With debt settlement, the company promises it will negotiate with each of your creditors to knock off part of your debt and to agree to receive a lump sum that might be as low as 40% to 50% of what you owe.

With debt settlement, you make payments to the debt settlement company. The company takes a fee, then puts the rest of the money in a trust account to pile up for, say, six months, at which time they’ll work out a deal with creditors for a reduced lump sum payment. I think you can already see what some of the problems are with this type of arrangement.

While the money is accumulating in your debt settlement account, the credit card company continues to pile up late charges and interest, making the situation even worse.

Too often it happens that, you the client have paid high fees to that debt settlement company without solving the problem. The debt remains on the credit report until the money is remitted to the creditors. From then on, the credit report shows “settled for less than the remaining balance.” Adding insult to injury is the fact that the amount you don’t pay under the debt settlement plan becomes taxable income to you. Expect to receive a form you’ll need to file with your taxes that year (and pay taxes on!)

Because, for Indy’s Child, I wanted to go into some depth on debt management, I decided to interview Kathy Perron, president of Momentive Consumer Credit Counseling Service. I asked her about the success rate of credit counseling and debt management.

Her answer was very revealing: “100% of people who follow through and commit to making changes in their lifestyle are successful.” Creditors are willing to work with people who are making a sincere effort to get out of debt, Perron explained, adding that in addition to asking questions of debt management or debt settlement companies before signing any agreements, there are two questions for debtors to ask themselves: What adjustments have I made (or am I willing to make) in my lifestyle?

Do I really know the difference between my “needs” and my “wants?”

I was reminded of one of those changing-alight-bulb jokes. You know the one. “How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but the light bulb must really want to change.”

All my years of working with people who are going through a financial crisis has taught me this: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for debt problems. Debt management, debt settlement, debt counseling, bankruptcy— each has its purpose in the right situation, and each is meant to help when you’ve reached the conclusion that you can’t do debt alone.

Mark Zuckerberg, one of only fifteen Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Specialists in the State of Indiana, has been counseling clients on financial management and debt management for almost twenty- five years, and has bankruptcy law offices in Indianapolis, Columbus, Bloomington, and Anderson.

The opinions in this column are not to be construed as advice in specific situations, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Indy’s Child. Questions and comments may be addressed to Mark Zuckerberg, c/o Indy’s Child. Mark may be contacted directly at 317687-0000.

h e a lt h & w e lln e ss

*

pediatric health

Summer and Your Child with Asthma

Your Actions Can Help Children Thrive During Summer Months Children with asthma don’t have to spend their summer break coughing, wheezing and being out of breath. Nor do they have to do less or limit activities. With the proper guidance and planning, children with asthma can play just as hard and just as much as others their age.

“A parent’s inclination may be to limit the activity of an asthmatic child because they’re afraid it will trigger an attack,” says Danette Fariss RRT, AEC, a school and community asthma coordinator with the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent. “But it doesn’t have to be that way. The more parents and children understand asthma, the better they can control it—and kids can live their lives and enjoy their summer, just like their peers.”

Parents can take a few key actions that will go a long way in helping children with asthma thrive during the summer months.

Learn your child’s triggers: Different seasons provoke different triggers. Learn which trigger factors affect your child during the summer. You may need a comprehensive physician evaluation to determine trigger factors. Once you’re aware of the key triggers, you can plan accordingly.

Keep your house cool: The summer heat is a big trigger for many children. High pollen counts also affect many children. And dust mites thrive when in more humid conditions. Fariss recommends keeping the humidity in your house below 50 percent. That may mean closing windows and running the air conditioner or a dehumidifier.

Get in the zone: Molds, pollens and weeds—all asthmatic triggers—are often more noticeable during the summer, affecting the quality of the air we breathe. You can keep abreast of “good” and “bad” air days through “Knozone Action Day” email alerts. When the air quality of the Central Indiana region poses and unhealthy risk for sensitive groups, such as asthmatics, Knozone encourages certain actions or precautions. “It’s helpful to know this information so you limit activity during certain hours, such as 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. when the sun is the hottest, or during rush hour when air pollution may be greater,” explains Fariss.

“I recommend washing the hands, arms and face as soon as you’re done. Sometimes it’s helpful to change your shirt as well,” Fariss says. “And parents should always have their child’s rescue medication readily available.”

Get back to the basics: Drinking plenty of fluids and eating right are good habits for any child, and particularly one with asthma. It’s also important to take medications as prescribed for full effectiveness.

Plan for the unexpected: Things will occur that you don’t expect—a dog or other pet being present, or a smoky environment—and the best way to deal with them is to plan ahead. “I tell patients to plan for the unexpected,” Fariss says.

“You should always have your rescue medication available, and take medication with you if you’re going away. Even if your child is feeling well now, something may change that affects how they feel.”

Packing for your child with asthma Wash after furry friends: Pet dander is another concern during summer, particularly with petting zoos and outdoor pets. But children don’t have to avoid touching or playing with animals. They simply need to wash afterwards.

Whether your family is heading to the beach or you’re getting ready to send your child off to summer camp, there are some things you can do to make it the most enjoyable experience possible for your child with asthma. Visit www.peytonmanning.stvincent.org/asthma for a list of medicine, equipment and records that should be on your summer packing list.

INDYSCHILD.COM 53

fe at u r e

*

mother’s day

Date Night on a Dime Great Ideas to Celebrate Mom

Make a statement.

Express yourself with a Photo Debit Card.

Just upload your favorite snapshot to make a personal statement every time you pay.

Take advantage of this photo opportunity and you’ll also enjoy Free Basic Checking* and Free ATMs Anywhere.** To create your own Photo Debit Card, go to IrwinUnion.com/photocard.

Just . 95

$4

regula rly $9 95 .

Use promo code DPPD7.

Avon | 10445 East US Highway 36 | 317.272.8682 Carmel | 751 City Center Drive | 317.581.5120 Franklin | 1073 W. Jefferson Street | 317.736.5963 Indianapolis | 300 North Meridian Street | 317.237.3316

© 2009 Irwin Union Bank.

Member FDIC. Irwin Union Bank & Trust and Irwin Union Bank, FSB are members of the Irwin Financial family of companies. Restrictions apply. A valid Irwin Union Bank personal checking account is required to order a Photo Debit Card. Standard Fee for Photo Debit Card is $9.95. To receive the $4.95 promotional price, the promo code must be entered at the time of purchase. The Photo Debit Card fee will be deducted immediately from your checking account once your Photo Debit Card image has been approved. Promo Price valid from 5/1/09 to 6/30/09.

May not be combined with other offers. Offer subject to change. *Free Checking available with a Free Basic checking account only. **Irwin Union Bank will rebate any ATM fees charged by other banks directly into your account on the following business day. In addition, Irwin Union Bank will waive the fees normally charged to its clients for using foreign ATMs. This service does not apply to clients maintaining accounts in Bartholomew County, IN.

54 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Pocketbooks have definitely been squeezed in recent months. Our economic boom of recent years has bottomed out. As a result, smart families are increasingly looking for ways to economize, limiting luxuries and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Many a parent may think that this means eliminating a night out on the town but still want to celebrate holidays like Mother’s Day.Yet, a strained economic system doesn’t mean that you need to forego all fun. In fact, while times are tight, parents need a special evening together all the more in order to decompress, rejuvenate the spirit and reconnect as a couple.

The following are ideas for inexpensive entertainments that are high on fun and low on price. Consider swapping babysitting with friends in order to secure cost-free childcare. It may not be caviar and champagne, but you and your honey can still swing a date night—on a dime. So, grab your adventurous spirit and let the good times roll.

Explore.Now that restaurants and dinner shows may be a little outside the budget, the great outdoors is just beckoning you to take a stroll at your favorite park, lake, or waterfront. Investigate the hiking and biking trails near you. While a big bouquet of flowers may be beyond your means, a picnic dinner at the botanical gardens is not. Explore the great outdoors and enjoy your local parks and waterways.

You will be surprised just how relaxing it can be.

Find a freebie. Visit your city’s website to learn about free upcoming events. Concerts in the park are ubiquitous throughout spring and summer.

Museums occasionally offer free admission days.

A visit to your local farmer’s market or swap meet with a limited amount of spending money can be a pleasant amusement. Sample the different products and enjoy the atmosphere. Free events may stretch your imagination and you might find that dueling banjos are entertaining after all.

Take a ride. If gas prices allow, take a drive down a scenic route in your own vehicle. The quiet, kid-free, interruption-free time will allow great conversation. Alternatively, give public transportation a whirl. Pack some snacks and take a train, trolley or ferry ride. Explore the city you live in and see all there is to see—without paying an entrance fee.

Book it. Bookstores offer a wealth of date night options. Check the calendar to see what special

events they are hosting. Usually these are free.

Otherwise, grab a cup of coffee and a few interesting new releases. Find a pair of chairs and browse your selections together. Better yet, find a book you’re both interested in, like a coffee table book of Florence, and turn the pages together or read aloud to one another.

Focus on cheap, but good eats. Dining doesn’t have to be elegant—or expensive—to be enjoyable. Visit your favorite diners and dives to see how low you can go in terms of price. Even fast food can be fun when the company is, too. A buck fifty will buy you a kosher hot dog and a soda at your local Costco. After noshing, you can window shop, walking hand in hand. Consider going out for part of a meal, such as drinks and appetizers or dessert and coffee. This gives you the experience of dining out without the big bill. For the uber-frugal, pack a picnic to take to the park or prepare something elegant at home for a fraction of the price. Grapes, strawberries, wine, cheese (or any of your favorites) are great options. Yes, people do still picnic.

Fly a Kite. Believe it or not there’s nothing more fun (or funny) than trying to fly a kite that you might not have done since you were a kid. Try your hand at kite flying or doing some of the things you used to love doing as a kid. And even if you can’t get the kite in the air, at least laughter is the best medicine.

Choose a good, frugal flick. Movie night is still within your grasp. Every town has a bargain movie theater. Check it out. You may have to wait a little longer to see the new releases, but patience is a virtue in hard economic times. Consider watching movies at home. Redbox rentals are a great budget-conscious alternative to higher priced movie stores. Better yet, your local library will loan you the movies free! Plan a few weeks in advance to secure your preferred titles. You can also go to your local drive-in theatre for great two-for-one movies. (See Tibbs Drive In ad in this issue for more details!)

To be sure, good times are not outdated, although a bustling economy might be. Remember that it’s the time spent together, not the ticket price that matters most. Make time for one another, talk, enjoy each other’s company, and you’ll find you’re richer than you thought you were.

Jessica Fisher is a happy wife, joyful mom, and

enthusiastic writer, making her home in San Diego.

She regularly writes about fun, frugality and the pursuit of a clean house at www.LifeAsMom.com.

a ro u n d tow n

*

travel story

Plan a Great Vacation for Less Using the Web to Save a Bundle on Summer Trips

Believe it or not, it’s still possible to have a great vacation without spending a lot of money. These tips will help you plan that much-needed getaway for a lot less.

Save on Airfare • Airlines list new specials on Monday nights, so check fares on Tuesdays.

• Taxes and fees can add a lot to so-called “low” fares. Use sites such as Kayak.com and LowestFare.com, which compare flight prices that include fees and taxes.

Package Deals • Packages are popular, but they don’t all add up to savings. Do some leg work and find out how much each component would cost on its own, then compare the prices.

Food Savings

• Consider flying alternate routes, adding stopovers or having a flexible schedule — they can all keep prices down.

• Sign up for email alerts from travel sites such as Travelocity.com or Farecompare.com. You’ll find out quickly when a fare changes.

• Choose restaurants where kids can eat for free. Mykidseatfree.com lets you search kid friendly establishments by state.

• Just where will a tank of gas take you? Find out with TripAdvisor.com’s “Tank of Gas” tool. Type in your zip code and how much gas you want to use — quarter tank, half tank or full tank — and you’ll get a list of destinations in your area.

• Find a national park within driving distance.

Nps.gov and discoveramerica.com give you the scoop on some nearby national treasures.

• For a themed trip, try Lonely Planet’s “Trips” guidebooks. They list itineraries for six different regions which are organized by interests, such as food or history. They even suggest a road trip music play list for the journey.

Hotel Discounts • Many hotels have rewards programs which award points for each stay. They can add up to free nights and other perks.

• Alumni associations sometimes have discounts for certain hotel properties (and sometimes car rentals.)

• If you belong to AAA, AARP or the military, ask the hotel about available discounts.

on WFYI 1

• Dealbase.com is a web site that does cost comparisons for you. It lists package deals from all over the world and shows you exactly how much you’ll save — or overpay.

• Get a hotel room with a refrigerator. Stop by a local grocery store and get drinks, snacks and sandwich makings. Pick up some picnic lunch food as well — picnics are a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy a meal.

Take a Road Trip

Weekdays at 6 am

• Restaurants.com sells discounted gift certificates. It’s possible to buy a $25 dollar gift certificate for only $10.

Other Money Savers • Set a daily spending allowance. Put each day’s cash in an envelope and take only that envelope with you that day. You can’t spend what you don’t have.

• Schedule museum visits on free or discount days.

• Instead of pricey souvenirs, look for local treasures. Budget Travel recommends chocolate covered macadamia nuts from a Hawaiian grocery store, or tea from a store in Britain.

• Use alternative transportation. Many cities have excellent mass transit systems that can save a bundle on car rentals. Look into renting bikes, riding a train and just walking.

Clear the calendar and get ready to have some fun. With these savings tips, a great vacation is within reach.

Courtesy of Family Features INDYSCHILD.COM 55

co mm e n ta ry & pa r e n t i n g

*

from the mayor’s desk

Indy Parks Summer Programs & Activities Abound Dive into Pools, Arts, Summer Day Camps and More

Indy Parks & Recreation plays a crucial role in the quality of life for families who live in Indianapolis, offering recreational and educational opportunities year-round in your neighborhoods. Indy Parks is one of the largest public providers of after-school programs in the city and continues its mentoring role into the summer months with swim teams, summer day camps and supervised play programs long after the last school bell rings.

Looking for safe, fun, and engaging summer activities for your children? Check out Indy Parks’ summer day camps for swimming, arts, nature, science, sports and recreation. All camps follow a set of high program standards and are accredited by the American Camp Association. Limited scholarships are offered based on f inancial need, and free summer lunch programs are available at selected sites for qualif ied applicants.

Their outdoor and indoor swimming pools are great options for cool, affordable exercise during the hot summer months. This summer you can experience enhancements

56 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

including new concession of fer ings and climbing wa l l s . I nd y Pa rk s also proudly sponsors the City Wide Youth Swim Team Program, which focuses on the fundamentals of swimming, f it ne s s and developing each swimmer’s skills while lifeguards serve as role models.

While you are out enjoying paddleboats at Lilly Lake, stick around for “Jazz on the Point” at Eagle Creek Park every Thursday at the marina. Live concerts in our parks feature ever ything from jazz and symphonic orchestras to big band and bluegrass. Looking for other options?

Spend summer evenings with you r f a m i l y watching stars i n t he sk y a nd on t he big screen.

Indy Pa rk s is ex pa nd ing it s sum mer Movies in the Park series in 2009 to bring more movies to more locations.

All m ov i e s begin at dusk and are family friendly features rated either “G” or “PG.” Join the fun at the Pirate Sand Adventure July 18 to August 16 at Garf ield Park Arts Center, where you’ll f ind master sand sculptors scaling and transforming 200 tons of sand into pirates, treasure maps, and creatures of the deep. Participants in the family workshop make their own coin creations to add to the giant treasure chest

of sand. Adults and children 12 and older in the master workshop become “apprentices” to the sand sculpting company and help build the pirate-themed masterpiece. For fee structures and workshop schedules, please call 317-327-PARK. The new Sum mer Fun Guides are available online at www.indyparks.org, at your neighborhood family center or by calling 327-PARK. The four unique guides specif ic to the four quadrants of Marion County highlight all the events, programs and activities planned in your neighborhood. I encourage you to take the time to familiarize yourself with linear trails that can connect you to other parts of the county. While you’re at it, explore Indy Parks’ 206 properties that include golf courses, playgrounds, aquatic facilities, family centers, and a Velodrome and BMX bike track. Most importantly, have FUN!

I N D I A N A P O L I S

A RT

C E N T E R

E V E N T

e at th d n a our h mics Try y the cera s o in studi wheel

May 16 & 17 Saturday 10 am-6 pm & Sunday 10 am-5 pm Featured works by Jacques Bachelier, Chad Chriscinske, Gayla Hodson, Herb Thomas.

Photos by David Hooper.

Come see Indy’s Child near Kids’ Stage & Creativity Tent

IndplsArtCenter.org Tickets at Marsh stores, Artsgarden, select Fifth Third Bank locations & Indianapolis Art Center Lot

s o f

act

for

iviti es kid s!! ™

a ro u n d tow n

*

around indy

Wallet-Friendly Family Entertainment

Indy Offers a Multitude of Affordable Venues and Special Events Get your engines started and take the kids on the road this month as the world’s most famous race track moves into full gear with the Centennial Celebration and find good old fashioned fun that is also affordable.

With the economy being so scary lately, most of us are looking for things to do that we can enjoy and still have some money left before the next payday. Our f irst budget buster is a semi-quick spin around the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where legends have been crowned. It’s a ‘bit slower’ than Indy Cars go, but it’s a lot cheaper at only $3.

Once you’re done, visit the Hall of Fame Museum to check out the cars that actually took the checkered flag in the Indianapolis 500 —also a minimal $3 admission charge.

58 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

M a ny event s at O’ Rei l ly R aceway Park offer discounts for children. New for 2009 is a discounted child reserved seat for both the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series for those six through 12. Children five and under are free in general admission sections. For the NHRA Mac Tools U. S. Nationals children 12 and under are free in general admission sections. For USAC races, children 12 and under are free in the general admission sections. During the “Pinks All Out” event, children 12 and under are free in general admission sections.

Those attending the VP Fuels E. T. Bracket races with children 12 and under will be able to bring them into the facility free. Children 12 and under are free during the Tuesday Night Street Legals. Advance Racing A s s o c i a t ion (A R A) will allow children 12 and under free in general admission. Super Chevy offers junior discounts for children 11 through 15 and children 10 and under are free. Goodguys Hot Rod

Nationals offers a child’s discount for those seven through 12 and children seven and under are free. Just keep in mind, that a paid adult must be present with the child for the discount to be valid.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) is always free. My four-year-old son loves to take his kiddie camera for tours of secret passageways on the 152-acre grounds that also include botanical gardens, a greenhouse, a restaurant, the Civic Theatre and nature trails. You can do the same at Garfield Park in the Sunken Gardens or venture inside for just $1 to explore the conservatory with more than 500 tropical plant varieties and a 15-foot waterfall. It features over 10,000 square feet of plants from the world’s tropics. Family Planting Day is free on Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All ages are invited to help plant annuals in the Children’s Garden and you just might pick up a few good gardening tips while you’re there.

The National Art Museum of Sport is always free and contains art ranging from paintings to poems that were inspired by sports and sports figures.

Pay attention to special free or discounted nights at various attractions. For example: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers Target Free Family Nights on the first Thursday of each month and there’s no charge 4 – 8 p.m. It also features four separate days throughout the year in which admission is free (during regular museum hours, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). They are: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, El Dia de los Niños (The Day of the Child), and Christmas Eve (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, which is home to the 23rd President of the United States, offers free tours and birthday cake on Benjamin Harrison’s birthday (August 20th). Community Tuesdays are held on the first Tuesday of the month now through November at the Indianapolis Zoo allowing visitors to pay half price on admission. The military also receives a 20% discount with military ID for four people. All active and retired members of the military are admitted free on Memorial Day and Veterans Day with military ID. On the 3rd Thursday of each month, the Indiana State Museum offers discounted admission from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy light snacks, a cash bar and an evening of mingling and fun. Admission to the galleries is $5.50, $5 senior citizens, $3.50 children.

Why not take a picnic lunch downtown to go for a walk along the beautiful one-and-a-half mile long Central Canal. If you like, you can always rent a pedal boat, bicycle of several varieties or go for a gondola ride (prices range between $10-$30).

When it comes to parking, meters are free on the weekends and some attractions offer free parking: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, Indiana Historical Society, President Benjamin Harrison Home, Crown Hill Cemetery, Garfield Park & Conservatory, Conner Prairie and more. Parking at Circle Centre mall in the heart of downtown is only $1.50 for three hours, and it’s only a couple of blocks over to White River State Park. There you can enjoy the zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions, Indiana State Museum, IMAX Theatre, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art (free parking there) or an Indians Game at Victory Field.

If you buy a White River State Park pass, you get one-time admission into the six attractions for 25% off regular adult and child prices. In addition, there are coupons good for discounts on Segway Tours, bicycle or pedal boat rentals and concerts at The Lawn. The 2009 passes are $42 for adults and $30 for children ages 3 to 12.

Indianapolis Indians baseball games provide a great sports value as families consider affordable entertainment options. In addition to regular ticket prices of only $9-$13, the Indians offer several regular promotions that help fans maximize their entertainment budget. Souvenir Sundays (giveaways will include calendars, whiffle bats, bobbleheads, magnets, reusable shopping bags, t-shirts, flip flops, baseball caps, baseball card sets and more). Mondays feature a dollar menu. Fans can purchase hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jack, popcorn and potato chips for just $1 each.

Tuesday is two for one night in purchasing tickets. Thursday is Ticketmaster family night.

Fans can purchase a package that includes four box seats, four hot dogs and sodas and four Indians souvenirs for just $52 in advance of game day. Friday gives you extra bang for your buck with fireworks night. Spectacular Saturday includes extra entertainment. And don’t forget the Indians’ Knot Hole Kids Club.

It’s an incredible value at $14. Members receive a pass that is good for admission (with paid adult) to all 72 home games, a member t-shirt and after each Sunday home game members get to come down on the field to run the bases.

And finally, visit www.VisitIndy.com for the latest hotel deals and bring the whole family downtown. Or, use the money you save to pay the babysitter so you can have that much deserved romantic night out on the town.

Kimberly Harms has four children (ages 4-23) and is the associate director of media relations at the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association.

You can find all of these events and more at www.Indy.org.

INDYSCHILD.COM 59

r e so u rc e s

may 2009

calendar

*

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

2

Fre e Boo Comic kD ay!

fre

ecom

Read a Road Map Day

(Not sure how?

Ask mom or dad!)

On this day in 1875, The first

kentucky derby took place.

18

31

00 dy 5

In

World No Tobacco Day 60 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

12

KITE Day

19

Circus Visit your relatives Day day

24

free story times & book clubs... look

day The First Stamp collection

through our calendar listings to find the date, time and location that best fits your schedule!

Eat What You Want Day!

]

7

offer

11

17

6 Many local libraries

National Weather Observance DaY.

10

s ’ r e h t o M ay D ]

5

4

3

National25 Tap Dance Day

Ringling Brother’s Circus opened on this day in 1884.

26

On this

14

TULIP DAY

Nationcael Dan Like aDay Chicken

20

21

sent the 1st photograph from space.

27 Did you know that you can get dozens of events straight to your email every week? Sign up for the Indy’s Child Newsletter FREE at

IndysChild.com

8

The American Red Cross Was founded on this day in 1881.

in 1929,

28

The first all-color, full-length talking picture, On With the Show!, debuted.

okd

ay.c

om

9 On this day in

1754, the first Newspaper Cartoon appeared in the usa.

was start ed.

13

On this day in 1990, the Hubble space telescope

No Socks Day

icbo

15

16 armed forces day

22

23

National Wig Out Day

buy a musical instrument day!

29

Hug Your30 Cat Day

calendar Friday 1 500 Festival Community Day 9 am - 6 pm. $7; FREE ages 6 and under.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. www.500festival. com. 317-927-3378.

Indianapolis Indians vs.

Rochester Red Wings 7: 15 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Tibetan Music and Sacred Dance Pageant In conjunction with the visit of six Tibetan Buddhist Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery.

Suggested donation: $15 ($10 students; kids FREE). RSVP requested. 7pm. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. 100 W. 86th St, Indianapolis. www.stlukesumc. com. 317-846-3404.

Orchard In Bloom Garden Show Also May 2, 3. A springtime institution in Indianapolis, this year’s anniversary event will show the fusion of art and nature and inspire participants to see the value of both in our lives and our world.

Families will love the entertainment and green activities in the children’s tent. FREE parking and shuttle service at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street.

Shuttles run continuously. orchardinbloom. org. 9-5 May 1 & 2, 12-5 May 3. $10 advance or $12 at gate (children 14 and under are

FREE). Holliday Park. Holliday Park64th and Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www.orchardinbloom.org.

Saturday 2 Antique Comic Book Roadshow

r e so u rc e s

Indianapolis Indians vs.

Rochester Red Wings 7 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Meet the Monks for Dinner and Conversation

Four course cooking demonstration and a Conversation on the Benefits of Healthy Foods. 2-4 pm. $20 per person. Prepay to Joy of Raphael.

Serendipity. 2 W. Main St., Carmel. www.joyofraphael.com.

2 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com. 317-2693545. franchisee_ schedule. aspx?id=370. 317-288-4337.

The Movers: Prairietown

Monon Mutt Strut in Broad Ripple Village

Ricky Skaggs at Kentucky Thunder

Cathedral HS Paws for a Cause club hosts a dog walk on the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple to raise money for local charities. Live music, dog washes, games, food, pets for adoption. 10 AM to 2 PM. $5 per dog. 10an. Monon Trail and Canterbury Park. Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis. www.cathedral-irish.org.

317-542-1481.

Warren Performing Arts Center. 9500 E. 16th St, Indianapolis. www.warrenpac. com. 317-532-6280.

A new family has arrived in Prairietown from the East. Will they put down roots here or continue on to Illinois? Who is advocating for them to stay? Who thinks they should go on to Illinois?

They need your help deciding. FREE with general admission. Conner Prairie.

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

Teen Advisory Group Rummage Sale

With Heart & Breath: This is Why We Sing

9 am - 1 pm. Avon-Washington Township Library. 498 N. State Road 267, Public Meeting Room A, Avon. www.avon.lib.in.us/. 317-272-4818 Ext. 222.

Concluding its 37th season that included everything from Brahms’ Requiem to Carmina Burana, Encore Vocal Arts returns to its roots with a concert featuring favorites chosen by the singers themselves. Performances are Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m., at Meridian Street United Methodist Church, 5500North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, and Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m., St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4217 Central Ave, Indianapolis. $20 general admission, $15 seniors (over age 55), and $10 studen. www.encorevocalarts.org. 317-5767676.

MOPS Indoor Garage Sale

In conjunction with the visit of six Tibetan Buddhist Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery. 6pm.

calendar

Indianapolis Indians vs.

Rochester Red Wings

Suggested donation: $15 ($10 students; kids FREE). RSVP requeste.

Indianapolis Peace Institute. 1201 Central Ave, Indianapolis. www. rangzen.org. 317-846-3404 x339.

Mind, Body and Soul

Individuals of all ages are invited as Matthew Fisher, an independent appraiser and formerly with Comic Carnival Stores, will judge the collectibility of comic book-related items and suggest their current market value. Attendees are asked to bring only one item for appraisal. 1-3pm. FREE. Irvington Library. 5625 E. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317275-4450.

*

Massive, multi-family garage sale at new hope presbyterian church. Our mops group is having an indoor garage sale at the corner of 126th & brook school rd in fishers (in the sanctuary) this saturday (may 3rd) from 8-2. Lots of clothes, furnishings, toys, books, baby stuff, house stuff & tons more. All kids clothes are $1 each. Hope to see you there & be sure to tell them that you saw it on indyschild.com. 8a-2p.

New Hope Presbyterian Church. 12250 Brook School Rd, Fishers.

317-000-0000.

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center Open House G a m e s , re l ay s , r i d e s , gymnastics, and lots of fun, with a special appearance by Elmo. 105pm. FREE. My Gym. 10290 E. 96th St., Fishers. www.my-gym.com/

TP Schools Garage Sale TP Schools is hosting a garage sale with over 75 people giving donations, we have something for everyone.There will be bargain basement prices all day long.

We will have furniture, housewares and tons and tons of clothes! All proceeds go towards supporting our Preschool3rd grade program. Our children excel in academics for the best price in town so we need your support of this sale.

8 a.m.- Noon. FREE. Turning Point Family Center. 4501 N. Post Road, Indiananpolis. www.tmcamp.org. 317898-4420.

Elgarfest Sun. 9 am, 11 am, 4: 30 pm; Mon. 7: 30 pm. FREE. Monument Circle. 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www. cccindy.org. 317-636-4577.

Sunday 3

Monday 4

Hannah House Historic Tours

Call-a-Pacer!

Hear a Story!

1-4pm. $5, $3 children, FREE 5 and younger. Hannah House. 3801 Madison Ave., Indianapolis. www. thehannahmansion.org/. 317-787-8486.

Jarrett Jack reading Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying by Barbara Park. Children and families can hear a member of the Indiana Pacers read a popular story in children’s literature on

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Visit www.IndysChild.com and click on Calendar of Events.

Over 700 Events!

INDYSCHILD.COM 61

may r e so u rc e s

*

calendar

ongoing

the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library “Call-a-Story”telephone line at 275-4444.

Indianapolis Indians vs Scranton W-B Yankees

events

Annie Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, May 21, 2009 Through Friday, July 03, 2009. Leapin’ lizards have we got a show for you! The sun has come out and it shines on the lovable little orphan with tons of personality and red hair! Annie has a “Hard Knock Life” until, through a mix-up, she lands in the lap of luxury. Laugh as the “Little Girls” get the better of Miss Hannigan, and remember,“You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”

You can bet your bottom dollar the whole family will LOVE Annie.Tues/ Sat 6-8,Weekdays 11: 30-1, Sunday Matinee 12-1: 30, Sunday 5-7. Buffet included. $38-$51. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.beefandboards.com. 317-872-9664.

Broadway Across America Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Occurring Daily Beginning Tuesday, April 28, 2009 Through Sunday, May 03, 2009. Clowes Memorial Hall. 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis. www.

BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. 317-940-6444.

Cinderella - Marionette Production Occurring Daily Through Tuesday, May 05, 2009. Our new marionette production of Cinderella will be presented on a new stage with all new puppets. Come and experience the magic of puppetry! Buy tickets online now! FREE Popcorn. Times Vary. See www.peewinklespuppets.com for details. Tickets: $10, Under two: FREE. Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio. 25 E. Henry St., Indianapolis. www.peewinklespuppets.com. 317-283-7144.

7 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317269-3545.

School Age Extra: It’s a Fiesta Grab your sombrero and join in the fun as we have a fiesta in honor of Cinco de Mayo! We will enjoy folktales from south of the border and become human Mexican Jumping beans as we play some games and enjoy some activities.

We’ll wrap it all up with a snack and a silly craft.

Grades K-5th. 6: 30pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www.jcplin.org/.

317-535-6206.

Comic Book Heroes Occurring Daily Through Sunday, May 03, 2009. Find out about all kinds of comic books, the artists who create them and the amazing characters they feature — then take a moment to create your own! Featuring selections from the Max Simon Comic Book Collection, an impressive collection of nearly 20,000 comics. 10am-5pm. FREE with museum admission. The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis. www.ChildrensMuseum.org. (317) 334-3322.

Tales for Twos at Irvington Also May 18. Toddlers 2 years old and an adult are invited for stories and activities. 10: 30am.

FREE. Irvington Library. 5625 E. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4450.

Family Storytime at Pike Crowns by Regina Taylor Occurring Daily Through Saturday, May 02, 2009.Various Times. $34-$49.

Indiana Repertory Theatre. 140 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www. indianarep.com. 317-635-5252.

Dinners on the Deck Occurring Each Friday Beginning Friday, May 01, 2009 Through Saturday, October 31, 2009. What could be more fun than sitting outside with family and friends, enjoying a delicious, kid friendly, organic homemade meal, relaxing with a glass of wine or beer, and listening to live music? May begins the exciting summer season at Traders Point Farm. These popular dinners blend the flavors of our Summer Green Market’s fresh organic produce and our Chefs’ creative ideas. You won’t be able to resist the aroma of the grill while you are shopping at our Friday evening Green Market! The Green Market is open 4pm-8pm and Dinner on the Deck is served 5pm-8pm, rain or shine, eat in or out! Our Dairy Bar is also open until 8pm every Friday where you can enjoy the many flavors of organic ice cream, smoothies, milk shakes or a variety of delicious treats.Traders Point Creamery. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville. www. tpforganics.com. 317-733-1700.

European Design since 1985: Shaping the New Century Occurring Daily Through Sunday, June 21, 2009. FREE for IMA members. Museum Hours. $12 adults; $6 students 7-17 & college students; $10 seniors. Indianapolis Museum

Now Open 62 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Families with children of all ages are invited for stories and fun activities. 7pm. FREE. Pike Library. 6525 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis. www. imcpl.org. 317-275-4480.

Tuesday 5 Cinco De Mayo Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with the whole family as we learn about Mexico’s holiday.

Create souvenirs, enjoy music, sample a tasty treat and break a pi-ata. 6: 30-7: 30pm.

FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street,Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org. 317-878-9560.

Community Tuesday Discounts at all White River State Park attractions on the 1st Tue of each month: Eiteljorg, State Museum, NCAA, Zoo, White River Gardens, etc. 9 am. White River State Park. 801 W.Washington St., Indianapolis. www. inwhiteriver.org. 317-800-665-9056.

r e so u rc e s Indianapolis Indians vs Scranton W-B Yankees 7 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Indianapolis Farmers’ Market at the City Market

Ro Han Mem - Taiwanese Cultural Troupe

An outdoor market taking up an entire city block in the street between the City Market and the City-County Building.

10-1: 30pm. Indianapolis City Market.

222 E. Market St., Indianapolis. www. indycm.com. 317-634-9266.

Presented by: Butler University College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the Taiwanese-American Association of Indianapolis. THIS IS A FREE EVENT. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE IN PERSON AT THE CLOWES HALL BOX OFFICE. Groups of 10 or more contact chkao@iupui.edu. 7pm.

Clowes Memorial Hall. 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis. www.cloweshall.org.

317-940-6444.

Tuesday Night Street Legal Series Drag racing open to any licensed driver who meets the rules and regulations of the raceway. Gates open at 5 pm, racing at 5: 30 pm weather permitting.

O’Reilly Raceway Park. 10267 E Us Highway 136, Indianapolis. www. oreillyracewaypark.com. 317291-4090.

Wednesday 6 Indianapolis 500 Opening Day 9-6pm. Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. www. indianapolismotorspeedway.com. 317481-8500.

Thursday 7 Come learn about Indiana’s native wildflowers, get some wildflower seeds of your own to take home and plant, and decorate your own seed packet for your wildflower seeds. Grades k-6. 4-5pm.

FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin. www.jcplin.org. 317-738-2833.

Clarian Health and the Indiana Pacers FREE health screenings. 11 am 1: 30 pm. FREE. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www. consecofieldhouse.com. 317917-2500.

Indianapolis Indians vs Scranton W-B Yankees 11 am. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

James Coffey in Concert!

1 & 7 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

Preschoolers and their families are invited for a high-energy, imaginative and fun-filled musical ride with awardwinning family music artist James Coffey.

Hop on board his rockin’, rollin’, rhythm train. 7 pm. FREE. Lawrence Library.

7898 N. Hague Rd, Indianapolis. www. imcpl.org. 317-275-4460.

9: 30 - 11: 30 am. FREE. Central Library. 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

Target free Family Night Wants and Kneads: Massage and Wine 6-8pm. $10. Mass Ave Wine Shoppe. 878 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis. www. massavewine.com. 317-972-7966.

Friday 08 National Public Gardens Day at the IMA 1-5pm. FREE. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

Celebrate National Wildflower Week!

Indianapolis Indians vs Scranton W-B Yankees

Internet Job Search

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.

Exploring Space Day! Take one small step for man and learn more about discoveries related to space exploration and observation. Sponsored generously

by Target, the first Thursday of each

Pit Stop Party For children in grades K-5. Drop in for some race car fun and get geared up for the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 and the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For more information, call the Children’s & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 4: 00 - 5: 00 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us/. 317571-4292.

Indiana Paranormal Convention Come join us for a fun an exciting 3-day event. We will be having three days of seminars, workshops, celebrity guest speakers, local guest speakers, and various vendors from all over the United States. This event will also be a huge fundraiser for a very well known local children’s charity to help grant the wishes of children who suffer from life-threatening medical conditions. We welcome everyone from the paranormal community to come out, and if you have never attended a paranormal outing before we welcome you to come and join in on all of the fun and excitement. $40 for 3 day pass, $30 for one day or $75 for VIP. Kids 5 and u. Hendricks County Fairgrounds. 1900 E. Main St., Danville. indyparacon.com. For more information email info@indyparacon.com.

Saturday 09 2009 HANNAH HOUSE EXPERIENCE

*

calendar

3801 Madison Ave., Indianapolis. www. thehannahmansion.org/. 317-7878486.

2nd Annual Asian Festival Cultural entertainment, fashion show, art e x h i b i t , F R EE health screenings, good food, Asian merchandise vendor s, and m o r e. 1 1 - 5 p m .

F R EE . G a r f i e l d Park Ar t Center.

2 4 3 2 C o n s e r va t o r y Dr., Indianapolis. www. aaalliance.org. 317-258-0468.

6th Annual Hear Indiana’s Talk, Walk, Run 5k To support deaf and hard of hearing children who listen and speak during Better Hearing and Speech Month. 8 am-1pm. Timed $25, Untimed $23 under 13 FREE. Fort Harrison State Park. 6002 N Post Rd, Indianapolis. www.hearindiana.org. 317-828-0211.

FREETown Village Living History Museum Celebrates Moms In celebration and appreciation of mothers, Freetown Village Inc. is sponsoring a Mother Daughter Tea at the Tea Cozy, located in downtown Indianapolis. Mothers and daughters are invited to join others for an elegant afternoon of games, contests, tea history and etiquette, and a bit of nostalgia in this 1950s themed affair. Guests will enjoy a full menu of traditional tea items scones, jams and assorted teas - including finger sandwiches and desserts, followed by a fashion “church-hat”promenade.

The attire is business or dressy casual.

Hats are encouraged, but not required.

Call to RSVP. 3-5pm. $12.75 for kids 10 and under; $25 for adults, $20 for Freetown Village members. Freetown Village. www.Freetownvillage.org. 317631-1870.

Paranormal overnight investigation. 8 hours starting at 8 or 9 pm. $50 per person. RSVP required. Hannah House.

Glenns Valley Church’s Car Show and Consignment Yard Sale Vendor booths and a full-service concession stand will be available, along with live entertainment. Anyone interested in showing a car or selling at the sale can register at GVC from 1011am on Sundays and 6: 30-7: 30pm on Wednesdays. For more information regarding the event, or for registration for ms, please email perutr ip@ glennsvalleychurch.org. Glenns Valley Church is located on the southside of Indy, off of SR 37 South, between the lights at Wicker Road and County Line Road. All proceeds will go to support GVC’s mission trip to Peru in summer ‘09. 8: 00am - 2: 00pm. FREE. Glenns Valley Church.

8650 Bluff Road / SR 37 South, Indianapolis. www.glennsvalleychurch. org. 317-881-9684.

Mother’s Day Spa, Shopping and Comedy Explosion An afternoon of pampering, shopping, networking, and an evening of laughter with hand treatments, chair massages, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and more.

2-5pm. $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Morty’s Comedy Joint. 3625 E

MORE THAN A SUMMER CAMP

un.

MORE art. MORE indiv idualized attention. MORE f Early bird registration ends May 13. Call 317.255.2464 or www.IndplsArtCenter.org/camp INDYSCHILD.COM 63

may r e so u rc e s

*

calendar

ongoing

96th St, Indianapolis. www.spaclamation.com/ mothersday_promo.html. 317-375-7745.

Mother’s Day Tea

events

of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum.org. 317-9202659.

Fashion in Bloom Occurring Daily Through Sunday, October 25, 2009. Tue., Wed., Sat. 11 am - 5 pm; Thu., Fri. 11 am - 9 pm; Sun. noon-5. FREE. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum.org.

317-920-2659.

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, May 02, 2009 Through Sunday, May 10, 2009. Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County are looking for local women to work one day on a Hamilton County construction site in Noblesville during the nine-day event. Construction or home improvement experience is not necessary. Across all 50 states, more than 7,000 women volunteers are expected to build at more than 200 Habitat for Humanity construction sites. To volunteer as a team of 10-20 women or donate to this project, please call Carrie Petty of Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County at 317-896-9423 or visit www.hfhhc. org for more information. Habitat for Humanity. www.hfhhc.org.

First Friday Evening at WonderLab Occurring on the first Friday of each Month Through Thursday, December 31, 2009.The museum will be open from 9: 30 am, with reduced admission of just $3 per person after 5pm. Pizza and juice available to purchase in the evening. 5-8: 30pm. Reduced admission: $3/person after 5: 00 pm.

WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington. www.wonderlab.org. 812-337-1337 ext. 25.

Free community Breakfast

First Friday Family Movie Night

Girls Night Out

Ongoing on the first Friday of each Month. For ages 5-12; must be accompanied by an adult. 6-7: 30pm. FREE. Washington Park. 3130 E. 30th St, Indianapolis. www.indyparks.org. 317-327-PARK.

Ongoing on the fourth Saturday of each Month. Massage, Hand & Foot Treatments,Food & Fun. Bring a friend and come hang with the girls .

6-9PM. $30 includes everything. Eden’s Pathway. 2700 E. 55th Pl. STE. 5, Indianapolis. www.edenspathway.com. 317.205.9377.

First Women Build Event for Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County

Occurring on the first Saturday of each Month Through Sunday, August 02, 2009. Breakfast served to the community every first Saturday of the month (excluding November). Freewill offering accepted. 7am. FREE. Eden United Methodist Church. 2122 East Eden Rd., Greenfield. www. gbgm-umc.org/eden. 317-326-2212.

Home School Skates Ongoing on the first Friday of each Month. Great Family Music Mix $3.50/per person includes skates Immediate family of 6-10 $15.00 11 or more $1.00/per person additional Ask about our special pricing for immediate family groups of 6 or more. 1: 00 p.m.

- 3: 00 p.m. $3.50 per person, includes skate rental.

Skateland. 3902 N. Glen Arm Road, Indianapolis. www.skatelandindy.com. (317) 291-6795.

Indianapolis Farmers’ Market at the City Market Occurring Each Wednesday Beginning Wednesday, May 06, 2009 Through Wednesday, October 28, 2009. An outdoor market taking up an entire city block in the street between the City Market and the City-County Building. 10-1: 30pm. Indianapolis City Market. 222 E. Market St., Indianapolis. www. indycm.com. 317-634-9266.

1-3pm. $32; $28 members. Morris-Butler House Museum. 1204 N. Park Ave, Indianapolis. www. historiclandmarks.org. 317-636-5409.

Mother’s Day Tea and Book Signing Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea and Book Signing Saturday, May 9, 1pm Join us for tea and a special presentation by Indiana Historical Society’s Teresa Baer, author of ‘Finding Indiana Ancestors’ Cost: $25 adults, $15 for children under 12 To make a reservation, contact Linda at 317-638-7881. 1410 N. Delaware, Indianapolis.

317-638-7881.

Science Saturday: The Dirt on Plants “Mary, Mary, quite contrary. How does your garden grow?”More and more people are growing their own gardens these days: have you ever wondered how? Get your hands dirty and try out gardening. Why are there so many varieties of beans, tomatoes and apples? How do worms help plants? What is compost? With expert gardeners on hand in each of our historic gardens, you can plan your own summer gardens.

Be sure to stop by the 1816 Lenape Camp to learn about edible plants in the wild. FREE with general admission. Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www.connerprairie. org/. 317-776-6000.

Indianapolis 500 Qualifications $10. Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. www. indianapolismotorspeedway.com. 317-4818500.

Sunday 10 Journey Through Africa

Indianapolis Motor Speedway 100th Anniversary Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, May 01, 2009 Through Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. www.indianapolismotorspeedway. com. 317-481-8500.

Interpreting William presented by Duke Energy Occurring Daily Beginning Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Through Sunday, May 31, 2009. Various Times. $29-$49. Indiana Repertory Theatre. 140 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.irtlive.com.

317-635-5252.

64 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

Arts, Crafts and Culture of Africa. 2 pm. FREE. RSVP Req’d. Central Library. One Library Square, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317275-4100.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Conrad Indianapolis Families unite for another year of tradition at Conrad Indianapolis. Share your thanks, have a toast to the memories and celebrate the most important woman in your life at the annual Mother’s Day Brunch. The majestic setting of Conrad’s Vienna Ballroom, a lavish buffet presentation, and live jazz entertainment will add a touch of class to this special occasion. 11: 30 a.m. - 2: 30 a.m. $49 adults, $29 children

r e so u rc e s ages 3-10; $10 Special Valet Parking Ra. Conrad Indianapolis. 50 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. conradhotels.hilton. com/en/ch/groups/personalized/ INDCICI-MDB-20090509/index. jhtml. (1) 317 524 2574.

Mother’s Day Flower Jars at Nora Families and children of all ages are invited to decorate jars for planting flowers. Each jar will come with a packet of seeds. During Branch Hours.

FREE. Nora Library. 8625 Guilford Ave, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-2754470.

Indianapolis 500 Qualifications $10. Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. www. indianapolismotorspeedway.com. 317481-8500.

Indy Wine Trail Race Party noon - 6 pm. $20 in advance; $25 day of. Easley Winery. 205 N. College Ave., Indianapolis. www.easleywinery.com.

317-636-4516.

Nurses Appreciation Weekend Sat. 9 am - 6 pm; Sun. noon - 4 pm. $5. Easley Winery. 205 N. College Ave., Indianapolis. www.easleywinery.com.

317-636-4516.

Monday 11

Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org. 317-878-9560.

Stories to Start Your Week at Warren Preschoolers and an adult are invited for stories new and old from all over the world shared with humor, character voices and participation from those attending. 10: 30am. FREE. Warren Library. 9701 E. 21st St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4550.

ABC’s of Diabetes 5: 30 - 7: 30 pm. FREE, RSVP Required. Central Library. One Library Square, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4100.

Tuesday 12 James Taylor - Concert 8 pm. $79.50. Murat Theatre. 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www. murat.com. 317-231-0000.

The Rules of the Road Financial Workshop Why are some people more successful investors than others? Are they luckier?

Probably not. Do they know a “secret”?

Definitely not-because there are no real secrets to investing. But there are rules you can follow to work toward your goals. Learn the 10 rules every investor should know at this FREE workshop. Presenter: Blake Bartling.

6-7: 30pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org.

317-878-9560.

Wee Read Storytime at Warren Babies up to age 3 and an adult are invited for stories, songs and more.

Bubbles, toys and puppets come together to create a rich and friendly storytime.

Parents may visit with others while baby discovers the wonderful world of books.

10: 15am. FREE. Warren Library. 9701 E. 21st St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4550.

Wednesday 13

Tuesday Night at the Movies for Teens 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. 6-8pm. FREE. Hamilton East Library (Noblesville).

One Library Plaza, Noblesville. www. hepl.lib.in.us/. 317-770-3242.

We’re going to use items from nature to make fun and creative crafts to hang in your home and share with your friends and family. 5: 30-6: 30pm. $6. Raymond Park/Indy Island. 8575 E. Raymond St., Indianapolis. 317-327-PARK.

WonderLab’s Discovery Time Stop by for a special story, animal demonstration or hands-on science activity! Call 812-337-1337 ext. 2 to find out the topic this week.This program is intended for children, age 6 and younger, with their caregivers. Older siblings are welcome. 10: 30 am - 11: 00 am (dropin format). Included with museum admission. WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology. 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington. www. wonderlab.org. 812-337-1337.

Mike Dunleavy reading Horrible Harry and the Mud Gremlins by Suzy Kline. Children and families can hear a member of the Indiana Pacers read a popular story in children’s literature on the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library “Call-a-Story”telephone line at 275-4444.

Babies and toddlers up to 2 years old and an adult are invited for age-appropriate stories, songs and fingerplays. 11 am for Baby/Toddler and 4 pm for Preschoolers.

FREE. Haughville Library. 2121 W. Michigan St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl. org. 317-275-4420.

Family Wiibrary Family Wii night is a great way to spend some FREE fun time. 5-7pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library:Trafalgar

Children ages 2 - 5 and an adult are invited for stories, activities and a craft.

10: 30 am. FREE. Eagle Library. 3325 Lowry Rd, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4340.

Nursery Time is for ages newborn up to two years of age. A parent or caregiver is required to attend. Program consists of activities, fingerplays, songs and a craft.

Registration is required. 10-10: 30am.

FREE. Hamilton East Library (Fishers).

Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www.hepl. lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Tuesday Night Street Legal Series

Moms and More Meeting at Center for Inquiry

Drag racing open to any licensed driver who meets the rules and regulations of the raceway. Gates open at 5 pm, racing at 5: 30 pm weather permitting.

Snacks, conversation, light exercise, and reflection. 10-11: 30am. FREE. Center for Inquiry. 350 Canal Walk, Suite A,

Preschool Storytime at Eagle

Thursday 14 Battered Books Turn a tired old book into a work of Art. 4pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org. 317878-9560.

calendar

Gods, goddesses and giants struggle to be lords of the ring, but as Wagner’s mammoth music drama unfolds, the ring’s curse unleashes its vengeance.

From the opening sounds of the River Rhine’s rippling waters through the majestic “Entry of the Gods into Valhalla,”you’ll be swept away by Wagner’s magnificent music. 8pm on Friday, 2 pm on Sunday. Adults: $115, $98, $70, $30; Seniors/Students $109, $93, $66, $2. Clowes Memorial Hall.

4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis. www. cloweshall.org. 317-940-6444.

Baby Storytime at Nora Babies and an adult are invited for stories, music and fingerplays. 10: 30am.

FREE. Nora Library. 8625 Guilford Ave, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-2754470.

Goddess and Angel Weekend

5 pm. $15. Mass Ave Wine Shoppe. 878 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis. www. massavewine.com. 317-972-7966.

Retreat mission is to connect with your inner goddess or angel through a creative, playful and powerfully transforming workshop. Meditation, canvas painting, nature walk, yoga, goddess celebration and more. All weekend. Bradford Woods.

5040 State Rd. 67 N., Martinsville. www.goddessandangel.com.

Children’s Craft Classes

Jim Gaffigan

The Greenwood Parks and Recreation Department is offering craft classes for children ages 10 and up. The craft classes will be held at the Greenwood Community Center the second Thursday of every month from 6: 30pm-8: 30pm.

Please register one week in advance. Call 317-881-4545 to find out what craft is being offered each month and the cost.

6: 30pm-8: 30pm. Varies. Greenwood Parks and Recreation/ Greenwood Community Center. 100 Surina Way, Greenwood. www.greenwood.in.gov.

317-881-4545.

8 pm. $33-$40. Murat Theatre. 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. www. murat.com. 317-231-0000.

Italian Words and Wine

Saturday 16 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard presented

by ProLiance Energy 10 am. $10. Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. www.500festival.com. 317-927-3378.

American Girl Club

Nursery Time Call-a-Pacer!

Hear a Story!

Indianapolis. www.mommymoon.org.

317-654-8684.

Nature Crafts

Baby & Toddler/ Pre-K Storytime

Book Swap Cart Children’s Book Week. Own a book you’ve read five times? Swap that book for a new book from the book Swap Cart.The cart will be available all during Children’s Book Week. All day. FREE. Johnson County Public Library:Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org. 317-878-9560.

O’Reilly Raceway Park. 10267 E Us Highway 136, Indianapolis. www. oreillyracewaypark.com. 317-291-4090.

*

Children’s Craft Thursday Night at the Movies for Teens Join us for movies on the BIG SCREEN!! Snacks will be provided.

Registration is requested. 6-8: 30pm.

FREE. Hamilton East Library (Fishers).

Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www.hepl. lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Friday 15 Fall Out Boy - Concert 6: 30 pm. $36. White River State Park.

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

Indiana Bollywood Show Pepsi Coliseum. Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. 317-927-7500.

Das Rheingold in Concert

Children ages 7 - 13 are invited to bring their favorite dolls and tell stories, create projects and learn about their dolls. 11 am. FREE. Wayne Library. 198 S. Girls School Rd, Indianapolis. www.imcpl. org. 317-275-4530.

Health and Safety Fair Inside activities will include facility tours, demonstrations by tenants with the opportunity for the entire family to sample the various sports offered in the complex such as karate, dance, gymnastics, golf, parkour, basketball, outdoor hockey and stroller fit classes.

Don’t miss out on the FREE basketball and Wii competitions throughout the day. FREE child identification cards will also be available. Outside events will feature rock wall climbing, bounce house, Radio Disney as well as other exciting activities including kid-friendly wellness information from Riverview Hospital, face painting from Hug-aBug, information on internet safety, arts of all sorts and much more. Drawings will be held throughout the day, so INDYSCHILD.COM 65

may r e so u rc e s

*

calendar

ongoing

stop by to win one of the great prizes from local restaurants and businesses. 1-4pm. FREE. Hamilton County Sports Complex. 9625 E. 150th St, Noblesville. www.thesportscomplex. net/Hamilton_County_Sports_Complex/ Home.html. 317-773-5998.

events

Italian Words and Wine

Moms and More Meeting at Center for Inquiry

Occurring Each Thursday Beginning Thursday, May 07, 2009 Through Saturday, May 30, 2009. 5 pm. $15. Mass Ave Wine Shoppe. 878 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis. www.massavewine.com. 317-972-7966.

Ongoing on the second Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each Month.

Snacks, conversation, light exercise, and reflection. 10-11: 30am. FREE. Center for Inquiry. 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis. www.mommymoon.org.

317-654-8684.

Junior Gardener Club Ongoing on the second Saturday of each Month. 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.

MOMS Club of Fishers-West Occurring on the second Friday of each Month Through Sunday, May 31, 2009. We are a support group for Stay-at-Home Moms who live in Fishers West of I-69 and East of the White River. We provide a variety of activities weekly for moms and their children.Visit momscluboffisherswest.bravehost. com for more information. $20/year. Business Meeting. Fishers, Fishers. momscluboffisherswest.bravehost.com.

LEGO Castle Adventure Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Through Sunday, May 03, 2009. Builders of all ages are invited to explore, build and play in LEGOÆ Castle Adventure! In this exhibit, kids and their families are transported to a LEGO kingdom where they can become master castle builders, using one of the greatest building materials of all time - LEGO bricks.

In LEGO Castle Adventure, visitors can construct castles, learn about realworld castles and their building secrets and plan their ideal castle’s defenses.

Families can even explore the inside of a royal castle, test their fortress designs with a catapult, spot a dragon and climb a battlement wall. Produced by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in cooperation with LEGO Systems, Inc. LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2008 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved. 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.

Mass Ave Artful Tread Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, May 02, 2009 Through Sunday, May 31, 2009. FREE. Massachusetts Ave. Downtown NE Quad, Indianapolis. www. discovermassave.com.

Ongoing Annually each May 25. Child Shield USA offers $2,000 in FREE safety benefits to every parent in honor of National Missing Children’s Day, May 25, 2009. www.ChildShieldUSA/gick. 317-213-7578.

Rabbit Hole by David Lindsey-Abaire Occurring Daily Beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Through Sunday, May 10, 2009. Indiana Repertory Theatre. 140 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www. indianarep.com. 317-635-5252.

Southside Mothers and More Monthly Meeting Ongoing Each Thursday Beginning Thursday, April 23, 2009. The Southside chapter of Mothers and More will host its monthly meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Methodist Medical Plaza on SR 135 in Greenwood. Because a mother is more than any single role she plays at any given time, our group promotes the value of all the work mothers do and we address moms’ needs as individuals and members of society. In addition to regular play dates and mom’s only events, our monthly meetings provide moms with an opportunity to get together without kids, in an informal setting to enjoy a featured speaker and the company of other local moms. Email mothersandmore39.comcast.net for directions, featured speakers or more information. 7: 00 p.m. Methodist Medical Plaza. SR 135, Greenwood.

www.nursing2000inc.org Download a fun‐filled story and activity booklet!

66 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

2pm. FREE. Avon-Washington Township Library. 498 N. State Road 267, Children’s Programming Room A, Avon. www.avon.lib. in.us/. 317-272-4818 Ext. 222.

Indianapolis Indians vs Syracuse Chiefs 7 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317269-3545.

National Missing Children’s Day

Check out our website!

Hendricks County Parks & Recreation Presents: Animal Tails - Baby Animals!

Star Wars®: The Clone Wars Exhibition Occurring Daily Through Sunday, January 31, 2010.

This spring, a galaxy far, far away comes to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis when STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS Exhibition opens March 23.The visual exhibition features artwork, costumes and other pieces used in the concept and production for STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, the first-ever animated feature and television series from Lucasfilm Animation. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. FREE with museum admission. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www.ChildrensMuseum.org. 317334-3322.

UFO Investigations of Indiana There is a lot to be said about UFO’s which have been written about in books, documented in television programs, and passed on through oral history. Join Dave Henninger, a field investigator and State Section Director of Indiana’s Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), as he discusses the different aspects of UFO investigation. Mr. Henninger will talk about field investigative work, natural occurring phenomenon (natural vs. manmade objects), recent Indiana UFO sightings and how to report a UFO; as well as becoming an investigator and joining MUFON. 2-3pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: White River Branch. 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood. www.jcplin.org. 317-885-1330.

Goddess and Angel Weekend Retreat mission is to connect with your inner goddess or angel through a creative, playful and powerfully transforming workshop. Meditation, canvas painting, nature walk, yoga, goddess celebration and more. All weekend. Bradford Woods. 5040 State Rd. 67 N., Martinsville. www.goddessandangel.com.

Broad Ripple Art Fair The Indianapolis Art Center’s largest fundraiser, the Fifth Third Bank Broad Ripple Art Fair brings in more than 225 fine arts and crafts artists from around the country. Because of using a new online method for artists to apply, the Art Center attracted a greater number of artists from outside Indiana for this year’s Art Fair. Of special interest to families is the Art Center’s Spin-a-Pot activity in the ceramics studio classrooms. For $5, Art Fairgoers, guided by Art Center faculty and students, will get a chance at the wheel to make their very own ceramic pot. $15 at the gate; $12 in advance. Indianapolis Art Center. 820 E. 67th St, Indianapolis. www.indplsartcenter.org.

317-255-2464.

r e so u rc e s

Sunday 17 Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run noon - 4 pm. Monument Circle.

1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www.500festival.com. 317-972-3378.

Holliday Park Creature Feature: Amphibians!

Plants, animals and insects, oh my! Join a Holliday Park naturalist as we take a look at some of Indiana’s most amazing creatures. We’ll spend our time inside and out, and may even be lucky enough to get up close and personal with some live amphibians. 2: 00-3: 00 PM. $3/ person. Holliday Park Nature Center.

6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www.hollidaypark.org. 3173277180.

Hometown Roots Concert Series Bluegrass Music. 2 pm. FREE. RSVP Req’d. Central Library.

One Library Square, Indianapolis. www.imcpl. org. 317-275-4100.

Indianapolis Indians vs Syracuse Chiefs

Of special interest to families is the Art Center’s Spin-a-Pot activity in the ceramics studio classrooms. For $5, Art Fairgoers, guided by Art Center faculty and students, will get a chance at the wheel to make their very own ceramic pot. $15 at the gate; $12 in advance.

Indianapolis Art Center. 820 E. 67th St, Indianapolis. www.indplsartcenter.org.

317-255-2464.

Initiatives are to educate kids from all backgrounds about life long fitness options and healthy choices.To help fight obesity in our youth by providing basic inexpensive options: running, biking and swimming for the kids. IUPUI Campus. www.kidsracingforkids.com.

Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis 2 pm. FREE: donations encouraged.

White River State Park. 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. www. in.gov/whiteriver. 202-9210.

Broad Ripple Art Fair The Indianapolis Art Center’s largest fundraiser, the Fifth Third Bank Broad Ripple Art Fair brings in more than 225 fine arts and crafts artists from around the country. Because of using a new online method for artists to apply, the Art Center attracted a greater number of artists from outside Indiana for this year’s Art Fair.

Families with children ages 1 - 10 are invited for a night of stories, songs and activities. 6: 30 pm. FREE. Wayne Library. 198 S. Girls School Rd, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-2754530.

Intermediate School Age Program Civil War Days One weekend only, Conner Prairie transforms into a Civil War battleground.

The historic areas become Union and Confederate Camps, the field is made into a battleground and the woods are converted into ideal hiding spots for soldiers. Reenactors from across the country bring the 1860s to life so you can discuss battle tactics with soldiers, march in their infantry, sit around their campfires and witness a battle complete with cannons, horses and guns. Sat. 10 am-5 pm & Sun. 11 am-5 pm. FREE with general admission. Conner Prairie.

13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www. connerprairie.org/. 317-7766000.

Indianapolis 500 Qualifications $10. Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. www.

2 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com.

317-269-3545.

Kids Racing for Kids Sprint Triathlon Series

Family Story Celebrations at Wayne

indianapolismotorspeedway.com. 317481-8500.

Monday 18 Indianapolis Indians vs Syracuse Chiefs 7 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

It’s Tulip Festival time. Children in grades 4 through 6 are invited to come learn about Holland and celebrate spring with our very own Tulip Festival. Please register, space is limited. 7-7: 45am on Monday, 10-10: 45am on Thursday.

FREE. Hamilton East Library (Fishers).

Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www.hepl. lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Tuesday 19 R-r-r-r-r-race in and make your own paper car with moving wheels.

Space is limited so register soon. 4-5: 15pm. FREE. Hamilton East Library (Noblesville). One Library Plaza, Noblesville. www.hepl.lib.in.us/. 317770-3242.

Chapter Challenge Book Club: A Little Monkey Business Join young detective Cam Jansen as she helps find some missing monkeys at the zoo while we read together David Adler’s Cam Jansen and the Mystery at the Monkey House. Have fun making a monkey craft to take with you and check out our other Cam Jansen mysteries.

Grades 1-3. 4: 30 pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www.jcplin.org/. 317-5356206.

Elton John and Billy Joel: Face 2 Face Tour 7: 30 pm. $53.50, $99.50; $179.50.

Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www.consecofieldhouse. com. 317-917-2500.

Family Game Night at Fountain Square Families are invited to create a fun family memory and help children learn about teamwork. 6-8pm. FREE. Flanner House Library. 2424 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Indianapolis. www.imcpl. org. 317-275-4370.

ABC’s of Diabetes 5: 30 - 7: 30 pm. FREE, RSVP Required. Central Library. One Library Square, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4100.

calendar

Thursday 21 Artist Talk: Eve Sussman

Tuesday Night Street Legal Series Drag racing open to any licensed driver who meets the rules and regulations of the raceway. Gates open at 5 pm, racing at 5: 30 pm weather permitting.

O’Reilly Raceway Park. 10267 E Us Highway 136, Indianapolis. www. oreillyracewaypark.com. 317-291-4090.

6: 30 pm. FREE. Indianapolis Museum of Art. 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.imamuseum.org. 317-923-1331.

Extreme MotherDaughter Book Club

You Work for the State, and We Work for You: Services for State Employees at ISL. 10 - 11 pm. FREE. Indiana State Library. 140 N. Senate Ave, Indianapolis. www.statelib.lib.in.us. 317-232-3675.

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 April, we will discuss The Schwa Was Here by Neal Schusterman. Registration is required at the Young Adult desk or by calling 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/. 317-571-4292.

Travel Club: India

Internet Job Search

This month the travel club visits India.

Come discover the secrets of one of the largest countries in the world. 4: 30 pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org. 317878-9560.

9: 20 - 11: 30pm. FREE. Central Library.

One Library Square, Indianapolis. www. imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

Wednesday 20 State Employee Services

Annual Race Party

Paws and Read Young children who are reluctant readers are invited to practice their reading skills by reading to a trained and patient therapy dog provided by Therapy Dogs International. Excludes 12/8 and 12/22.

7pm. FREE. Warren Library. 9701 E. 21st St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4550.

11 am. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

*

Indianapolis Indians vs Syracuse Chiefs

Wants and Kneads: Massage and Wine 6-8pm. $10. Mass Ave Wine Shoppe. 878 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis. www. massavewine.com. 317-972-7966.

Zoopolis 500 presented by the American Dairy Association Don’t miss the Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing as once again the Zoo celebrates the month of May with an exciting race to the fruit bowls among the giant Aldabra tortoises.There’s a prerace parade, milk mustaches (courtesy of long-time sponsor, the American Dairy Association), plus an autograph session with one of the popular IRL drivers who will drop the green flag. It’s action galore, beginning at 11am. This event is FREE for Zoo members and included with regular Zoo admission.

Indianapolis Zoo. 1200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis. www.indyzoo.com.

317-630-2001.

Spring Card Making Come make beautiful handmade greeting cards for a birthday, a party, or any other occasion! Supplies provided.

Teens and adults. 6: 30-8pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www.jcplin.org/. 317535-6206.

Preschool Storytime at East Washington Preschoolers ages 3 - 5 and an adult are invited for stories and fun activities. 1pm.

FREE. East Washington Library. 2822 E. Washington St, Indianapolis. www. imcpl.org. 317-275-4360.

Thursday Night at the Movies for Teens Join us for movies on the BIG SCREEN!! Snacks will be provided.

Registration is requested. 6-8: 30pm.

FREE. Hamilton East Library (Fishers).

Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www.hepl. lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Friday 22

Preschool Storytime at Franklin Road

Chickens in Charge: Prairie Tykes

Preschoolers ages 3 - 6 and an adult are invited for stories, songs and activities. 10: 15am. FREE. Franklin Road Library.

5550 S. Franklin Rd, Indianapolis. www. imcpl.org. 317-275-4380.

Explore the world of chickens. Make a chicken craft, meet a Conner Prairie chicken and do the chicken dance, too! For ages 2-5. All participants must be accompanied by an adult (at no charge). Reservations are required. Call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836. 9: 30-11 INDYSCHILD.COM 67

may r e so u rc e s

*

calendar

ongoing

or 12: 30-2pm. $10/youth ($9/member youth).

Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www.connerprairie.org/.

events

Target free Family Night Occurring on the first Tuesday of each Month Through Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Celebrating the Young Child’s World! Celebrate the resources that encourage environmental awareness and early learning at home, school and in the community. Sponsored generously by 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.

Thursday Night at the Movies for Teens Occurring Each Thursday Beginning Thursday, May 14, 2009 Through Thursday, May 28, 2009. Join us for movies on the BIG SCREEN!!

Snacks will be provided. Registration is requested. 6-8: 30pm. FREE. Hamilton East Library (Fishers). Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www.hepl. lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Friday Family Fun: Countdown to Summer $51. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www.beefandboards.com. 317-872-9664.

Tuesday Night Street Legal Series Occurring Each Tuesday Beginning Tuesday, May 05, 2009 Through Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Drag racing open to any licensed driver who meets the rules and regulations of the raceway. Gates open at 5 pm, racing at 5: 30 pm weather permitting. O’Reilly Raceway Park.

10267 E Us Highway 136, Indianapolis. www.oreillyracewaypark.com.

317-291-4090.

Twentieth Century - Play Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, May 01, 2009 Through Sunday, May 17, 2009. A comedy by Ken Ludwig. Thu. 7pm; Fri. & Sat. 8pm; Sun. 2pm. $28; $21 Thursday. Indianapolis Civic Theatre. 3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis. www.civictheatre.org. 317-924-6770.

Trader’s Point Creamery Weekend Fun Occurring Every Sun & Sat Beginning Saturday, April 25, 2009 Through Saturday, March 06, 2010. Join us for our new Family Sunday Brunch.

The adults will love our Brunch entrees which include a Farm Scramble, Eggs Benedict, Tortilla Egg Stack, Mimosas and more. The kids will go crazy over our kid-sized Belgian Waffles topped with gooey caramel apples, strawberries or chocolate chips, whipped cream and a dusting of powered sugar. Yummy kid-sized omelettes are also available! Wash it all down with our famous Hot Chocolate! Can’t make it Sunday? Bring the kids to our Saturday Farmers Market and stay for either our hearty Breakfast Buffet of our popular Lunch. Sunday Brunch: 9-12pm; Sat Buffet: 9-11: 30am; Sat Lunch: 12-3; Market 9-12pm. Traders Point Creamery. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville. www. traderspointcreamery. com. 317-733-1700.

Treasure Island Occurring Daily Through Sunday, May 17, 2009. You’ll want to be on deck for all suspense and excitement as young Jim Hawkins ventures into a world of cutthroat pirates - including the infamous Long John Silver - to find where the “X” marks the spot. Fresh from its world premiere, Treasure Island: A Musical Adventure is an allnew production of the classic tale with book and lyrics by guest director Marc Robin and actor Curt Dale Clark.Tues/Sat 6-8,Weekdays 11: 30-1, Sunday Matinee 12-1: 30, Sunday 5-7. Buffet included. $38-

Victorian Theatre by Candlelight: “The Victorian Vaudeville Variety Show” Occurring Daily Through Sunday, May 03, 2009. Friday and Saturday.

Sunday on May 3rd only. 8pm. $18; $15 members and seniors. President Benjamin Harrison Home.

1230 N. Delaware St, Indianapolis. www. presidentbenjaminharrison.org/.

317-631-1888.

Zoom! Sprints & Lap Races for kids pedal cars Ongoing Annually each May 16.

FAMILY Special Event/Wheeled Racers. We’ll set up a track for pedal cars, big wheels, trikes, and kettle cars. Borrow ours or bring your own, the races will last all day. Make a race car craft to race too. All Play Spaces OPEN. Bounce House, Award Ceremony, and More. $3 per child. Adults FREE. Rain or Shine. 11- 6. $3. The Play Connection. 10747 E US HWY 136, Indianapolis. www. theplayconnection.com. 3179184359.

Weekly events delivered to your email once a week — FREE!

Sign up for our newsletter at IndysChild.com 68 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

If you’ve got ants in your pants, waiting for the start of summer, then this program is for you!

We’ll be laughing our way through riddles and rhymes, reading some silly stories, and playing some games that are sure to get you ready for the end of school.We’ll wrap it all up with a movie and a craft. All ages. 4: 30 pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Clark Pleasant Branch.

530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www. jcplin.org/. 317-535-6206.

Saturday 23 500 Festival Costumed Character Breakfast 9: 30 am - 11 am. $25. Jillian’s. 141 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. www.500festival.com. 317614-6130.

Dragons of Komodo presented by Citizen’s Energy Group Grand opening of the Dragons of Komodo. 9 am - 6 pm. Included with admission. Indianapolis Zoo. 1200 W.Washington St, Indianapolis. www. indyzoo.com. 317-630-2001.

Dungeons and Dragons at the Library Be a Hero! Battle monsters! Come learn the basics of playing the classic role-playing fantasy game Dungeons and Dragons (4th Edition) and have a fun adventure. Teens of all experience levels are welcome. If you are an experienced D&D player and would be interested in being a Dungeon Master, please let us know! We will provide basic playing necessities, but feel FREE to bring some D&D playing accessories of your own if you have them. There will be food and drinks, too! Grades 6-12. 1-5pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin. www.jcplin. org. 317-738-2833.

IPL 500 Festival Parade noon - 1: 30 pm. Downtown Parade Route.

Throughout Downtown, Indianapolis. www.500festival.com. 317-614-6130.

Girls Night Out Massage, Hand & Foot Treatments,Food & Fun. Bring a friend and come hang with the girls .

6-9PM. $30 includes everything. Eden’s Pathway.

2700 E. 55th Pl. STE. 5, Indianapolis. www. edenspathway.com. 317.205.9377.

Moms and More Meeting at Center for Inquiry Snacks, conversation, light exercise, and reflection. 10-11: 30am. FREE. Center for

r e so u rc e s Inquiry. 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis. www.mommymoon.org.

317-654-8684.

Amazing Race Through Time Take part in this exciting family challenge!

Race other families or work at your own pace to complete 19th-century survival situations like fire starting, fence building and trap setting. Prizes will be awarded to those who complete the challenge.

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

Sunday 24

Families with children ages 1 - 10 are invited for a night of stories, songs and activities. 6: 30 pm. FREE. Wayne Library. 198 S. Girls School Rd, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-2754530.

Amazing Race Through Time Take part in this exciting family challenge! Race other families or work at your own pace to complete 19thcentury survival situations like fire starting, fence building and trap setting.

Prizes will be awarded to those who complete the challenge. FREE with general admission. Conner Prairie.

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

Indianapolis 500 1 pm. $20 - $150. Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

317-492-6700.

Tuesday 26 Chess Night

Wright Brothers in Concert The performance also includes Chef Odell Ward’s specially prepared buffet.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis. www. beefandboards.com. 317-872-9664.

Amazing Race Through Time Take part in this exciting family challenge! Race other families or work at your own pace to complete 19thcentury survival situations like fire starting, fence building and trap setting.

Prizes will be awarded to those who complete the challenge. FREE with general admission. Conner Prairie.

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

Monday 25 Stories to Start Your Week at Warren

6 pm. FREE. Avon-Washington Township Library. 498 N. State Road 267, Public Meeting Room A, Avon. www.avon.lib.in.us/. 317-272-4818 Ext. 222.

For young children and their caregivers.

Are You My Mother?, Leo the Late Bloomer, Planting a Rainbow. For more information, call the Children’s & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10: 00 - 10: 30 or 11: 00 - 11: 30 a.m. or 7: 00 7: 30 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us/. 317571-4292.

Groovin in the Garden at Easley Winery 5-7pm. FREE Admission. Easley Winery.

205 N. College Ave., Indianapolis. www. easleywinery.com. 317-636-4516.

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. 6-8pm. FREE. Hamilton East Library (Noblesville).

One Library Plaza, Noblesville. www. hepl.lib.in.us/. 317-770-3242.

Wednesday 27 Family Films For young children and their caregivers.

Are You My Mother?, Leo the Late Bloomer, Planting a Rainbow. For more information, call the Children’s & Youth Services desk at 844-3363. 10: 00 - 10: 30 or 11: 00 - 11: 30 a.m. Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib. in.us/. 317-571-4292.

Preschoolers ages 3 - 6 and an adult are invited for stories, songs and activities.

10: 15am. FREE. Franklin Road Library. 5550 S. Franklin Rd, Indianapolis. www. imcpl. org. 317275-4380.

Thursday 28 Indiana Fever vs Chicago (Preseason) 7 pm. Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. www. consecofieldhouse.com. 317-917-2500.

Papercraft Sculpture Paper Transformed. Choose and create a character. You provide the third dimension. Grades 6 and up. 4pm.

FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org. 317-8789560.

Family Wiibrary Family Wii night is a great way to spend some FREE fun time. 5-7pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library:Trafalgar Branch. 424 Tower Street, Trafalgar. www.jcplin.org. 317-878-9560.

Teen Gaming Night - Wii We’re bringing out the Wii, bring your friends and come game.We’ve got Guitar Hero, Sports and more. 6-8pm. FREE. Hamilton East Library (Fishers). Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www.hepl.lib. in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Nature Crafts Laughin on the Avenue 8 pm. $15 in advance. Madame Walker Theatre. 617 Indiana Ave., Indianapolis. www.walkertheatre.com. 317-236-2099.

ABC’s of Diabetes

Go Green with this fun, interactive workshop. In five sessions, you will learn dozens of strategies to reduce your household’s carbon footprint to save energy, money and the planet. By making simple changes to actions you take every day, you will dramatically reduce your environmental impact, shedding more than 5,000 lbs of CO2 emissions. Registration and $15.00

Family Story Celebrations at Wayne

Tuesday Night at the Movies for Teens

Living Green Workshop Series by Citizens Action Coalition Fund & The Carmel Green Initiative

We’re going to use items from nature to make fun and creative crafts to hang in your home and share with your friends and family. 5: 30-6: 30pm. $6. Raymond Park/Indy Island. 8575 E. Raymond St., Indianapolis. 317-327-PARK.

Indianapolis Farmers’ Market at the City Market An outdoor market taking up an entire city block in the street between the City Market and the City-County Building.

10-1: 30pm. Indianapolis City Market.

222 E. Market St., Indianapolis. www. indycm.com. 317-634-9266.

calendar

Preschool Storytime at Franklin Road

Family Films

Preschoolers and an adult are invited for stories new and old from all over the world shared with humor, character voices and participation from those attending. 10: 30am. FREE. Warren Library. 9701 E. 21st St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4550.

5: 30 - 7: 30 pm. FREE, RSVP Required. Central Library. One Library Square, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4100.

purchase of the workbook The Low Carbon Diet by David Gershon is required. Call 844-3362. Participation is limited so register early. 7: 00 p.m.

Carmel Clay Public Library Program Room. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel. www.carmel.lib.in.us/. 317-571-4292.

*

South Africa Join Heather Grantham as she shares the highlights of her 2008 vacation to South Africa. K+. 10am. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin. www.jcplin.org. 317-7382833.

Evening Stories at Glendale Preschoolers and an adult are invited for stories and activities. 7 pm. FREE. Glendale Library. 6101 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4410.

Thursday Night at the Movies for Teens Join us for movies on the BIG SCREEN!! Snacks will be provided.

Registration is requested. 6-8: 30pm.

FREE. Hamilton East Library (Fishers).

Five Municipal Dr., Fishers. www.hepl. lib.in.us/. 317-579-0300.

Friday 29 Friday Family Fun: Fantastic Toys Do you like playing with dolls? Trains?

Video games? Bring in your most favorite toy to tell everyone about it during storytime! Hear some great stories featuring some loveable toys and a few kids who don’t know how to share them. Create a new toy during craft time.

There will be time to play with some library toys too! All Ages. 2 pm. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Clark Pleasant Branch. 530 Tracy Rd., Ste. 250, New Whiteland. www.jcplin.org/. 317535-6206.

Grey Gardens: The Musical at Buck Creek Players Buck Creek Playhouse. 11150 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis. www. buckcreekplayers.com/wherearewe.htm.

317-862-2270.

Holliday Park Family Friday Nights: Campfire!

Fireside Chats with Hoosier History Live 11: 30 am (All days but 23rd). FREE. Central Library. One Library Square, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317275-4100.

Preschool Storytime at Glendale Preschoolers and an adult are invited for stories and acti. 10: 30 am. FREE. Glendale Library. 6101 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org.

317-275-4410.

Tired of spending your Friday night in front of the TV? Come out to Holliday Park and share in adventures that are fun for the whole family! This month, we’ll enjoy stories and s’mores around a campfire. Families are welcome to bring hot dogs to roast. 7: 00-8: 00 PM. $3/ person. Holliday Park Nature Center.

6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis. www.hollidaypark.org. 3173277180.

Indianapolis Indians vs Pawtucket Red Sox 7: 15 pm. $8-$13. Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www. indyindians.com. 317-269-3545.

INDYSCHILD.COM 69

Indys Child Ad:Layout 1 4/10/09 4:45 PM Page 1

r e so u rc e s

*

calendar

Jazz on the Avenue - Kenny Dodson 6-10 pm. $10. Madame Walker Theatre.

617 Indiana Ave., Indianapolis. www. walkertheatre.com. 317-236-2099.

South Africa

$

Join Heather Grantham as she shares the highlights of her 2008 vacation to South Africa. K+. 10am. FREE. Johnson County Public Library: Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin. www.jcplin.org. 317-738-2833.

50

Indianapolis Indians vs Pawtucket Red Sox Russian Nights: Music of the Czars $16-$68. Fri 8 pm; Sat 5: 30 pm. Hilbert Circle Theatre. 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www.indianapolissymphony.org. 317-2621100.

Saturday 30

Check out our new

‘FREE CARD’!

Alice in Wonderland

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (317)

876-7300

DINE OUT • SHOP HAVE FUN • SAVE MONEY!

A great value for the whole family with over $5,000 in savings on food, fun, movies, theatre & sports!

A great value...

Peer through the looking glass with Alice and experience her fantastic adventures as the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble interprets Lewis Carroll’s magical story, Alice in Wonderland through dance. This beautiful ballet will bring to life Alice’s magical wonderland filled with mischievous characters including the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and many forest creatures.

Don’t forget our “Mad Hatter Tea”where you can make a craft, have a souvenir picture taken with cast members and enjoy cake and punch.

Immediately following the 2: 00 pm show audience members will be invited onstage for an autograph session with the cast. 2 & 7: 30 pm. $20 adults; $15 Students up to 18.

Carmel High School, Dale E. Graham Auditorium. 520 W. Main St., Carmel. www.cidedance. org. 317-8467314.

Between Guitar and Flute With the Noteworthy Duo. 2 pm. FREE. Central Librar y. One Librar y Square, Indianapolis. www.imcpl.org. 317-275-4100.

Groovin in the Garden at Easley Winery If you are a school, church or non-profit organization and would like more information on ‘fundraising that pays’, please fill this out and mail or fax to: Fax: (317) 337-0340

Fundraising

2-5pm. FREE Admission. Easley Winery.

205 N. College Ave., Indianapolis. www. easleywinery.com. 317-636-4516.

Your Name Organization

7 pm. $8-$13.Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St, Indianapolis. www.indyindians.com. 317269-3545.

Lung Walk Join the American Lung Association in Indiana at The Monon Center for the annual Lung Walk on Saturday, May 30th, 2009. Hundreds of Hoosiers will be joining together to participate in the 5K walk which raises money to support the Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. (A one mile route is also available to participants with health constraints or young families.) The event begins at 9: 00 am and will include complimentary breakfast, FREE massages, entertainment for the kids, live music and more! There is no fee to register, but fundraising is strongly encouraged. You can participate as an individual or form a team! We will help you each step of the way to ensure your Lung Walk experience is a success. Participants will get FREE admission into Monon Center Outdoor Waterpark following the walk. 9 am. FREE but fundraising encouraged. The Monon Center. Central Park Dr. West, Carmel. www. carmelclayparks.com. 317-848-7275.

Naptown Roller Derby Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion. Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. 317-9277500.

Parenting Beyond Belief Seminar Dale McGowan presents this half-day seminar offering encouragement and practical solutions for secular parenting. Visit website to register. 9 am - 12: 30 pm. $30 per person or $50 per couple. Center for Inquiry. 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis. www. centerforinquiry.net/indy. 317-423-0710.

Number or Members Address City

ST

Phone

Fax

7920 Georgetown Rd., Ste. 500, E-Mail Indianapolis, IN 46268 70 INDY’S CHILD * MAY 2009

presentations and promotes healthy lifestyle choices for children and adults. We are opening our doors to the community for a fun, exciting, and educational event for the whole family. Come join us for FREE as we combine fun, hands-on activities, mini health programs, mascots from around Indianapolis, refreshments, and prizes into one fun-filled afternoon. Did I mention it’s FREE??. 10am3pm. FREE. Ruth Lilly Health Education Center. 2055 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis.

317-293-4019.

Zip

Hip Health Hooray!!

A healthy day for young hoosiers! The Ruth Lilly Health Education Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides inspiring health education through innovative

The Great Base Ball Match: Liberty Corner Some of the farmers around Liberty Corner have challenged the White River Base Ball Club to a base ball match at Zimmerman’s

RE so u rc e s field. Come out and cheer on the players or join in for a few innings. Word is that both teams can use a few more players. 1 pm. FREE with general admission. Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers. www.connerprairie. org/. 317-776-6000.

*

party

& entertainment directory

Party & Entertainment D ir e ctory

Sunday 31

ADVERTISE HERE!

Dan Zanes and Friends $20 - $28. 1: 30 and 4: 30 pm. Hilbert Circle Theatre. 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. www.indianapolissymphony.org.

317-639-4300.

Contact rachel@indyschild.com Celebrate your BIRTHDAY with us!

Sunday Coloring Sheets at Warren Children of all ages are invited to have fun coloring pictures of the season to take home that are worthy of the refrigerator. 1-5pm.

FREE. Warren Library. 9701 E. 21st St, Indianapolis. www.imcpl. org. 317-275-4550.

Looking to save some green?

More than 700 events — most are FREE.

www.IndysChild.com

HUGE Indoor Party Zone!

Rainbow playsets!

Now offeri ng Playhouses!

Pay & Pla y Goalrilla basketball goals!

Call for de tails!

Huge Rokenbok and Thomas the Tank Engine play areas!

317.773.3545 www.recreationunltd.com

r e so u rc e s

classifieds $50 and FREE Speech-Language Testing for Participants!

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 Indiana University.

*

classifieds

Summer Nannies Give your child a summer like you had...

Playing in his or her own backyard, one on one attention, and no waking up early! ~ Sitters ~ Weekend Nannies

~ Vacation ~ Travel Nannies

A Better Way Nanny Referral (317) 251-9533

1111 East 54th St, Ste 108 Indianapolis, IN 46220 www.abetterwaynanny.net

For more information, please visit our web site at www.indiana.edu/~spdislab or contact Dr. Julie Anderson at (812) 856-1240 or judander@indiana.edu.

Personal Care for your Aging Parents Certified in Home Health Aid, CPR, and CNA trained.

• Kid and Family DJ Services • Moonwalk Rentals • Inflatable Slide Rentals • Tumblebus Classes - Parties • School Life Skills Programs • Fun Concerts for Kids and Families • Mik by Himself or with the Bounce House Band

317-577-5799

www.jumpforjoyfun.com www.mikthemusicman.com

BUBBLES THE CLOWN N’ COMPANY 317-773-1449 or at dlawallen16@sbcglobal.net

We offer non-medical services including: Assist to and from appointments, Light housekeeping Errands Meal assist Bathing and Personal hygiene

Helpers for a Day! We offer Deep/Spring/Fall/ Move-in-Move-out/ Monthly/Weekly Cleanings!

Tell us what your needs are, we can help!

Also available for summer, weekends and evenings.

Kimberly Roberts, Home Health Care Professional roberts_k@sbcglobal.net 317-569-8559 OR 317-615-0142

INDYSCHILD.COM 71