JUNE 2015
Family Living At Its Best HATS OFF A SALUTE TO STUDENTS' SUCCESS — ON ALL GRADE LEVELS
150+
WAYS TO KICK START YOUR SUMMER
BBQ, BREWS &
BASEBALL *
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Family Living At Its Best
OUR SALUTE TO DADS
NortheastOhioParent.com
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Family Living At Its Best
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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JUNE NortheastOhioParent.com
features
inside
OFF T O CAMP? What to pack page 27
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departments
STUDENTS REACH NEW HEIGHTS
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We highlight area students who have overcome challenges this school year.
WORTH NOTING
7 things to consider before heading to the beach. Also, a fun Fourth of July treat.
by Marie Elium
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LOVE OF THE GAME
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by Denise Koeth
Father’s Day options for all budgets and interests - detailed by dads.
Celebrate America’s pastime and see how local families bring baseball home
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DADS DISH
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By Mason Goodman
COMMUNITY FOCUS: LAKEWOOD A hip community that’s diverse and unique in its people and area amenities. Plus: Family Night at Melt pg. 38
Special Needs
18 SUMMER FUN GUIDE
We provide family-friendly summer destinations around the region.
Music and art therapies provides kids with special needs opportunities for fun and learning.
39 FAMILY CALENDAR Enjoy warm weather activities. Also, celebrate Dad with these family-friendly events.
45 Education Summer reading is upon us — here’s some tips to get kids excited about books this season.
50 Teen Talk
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage’s seventh annual “Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out” essay contest winner
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EDITORIAL SUGGESTIONS: editor@northeastohioparent.com CALENDAR LISTING SUBMISSIONS: calendar@northeastohioparent.com
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EDITOR’S
note
BASEBALL, FAMILY and FUN “For the love of gear,” I laugh, exasperated with my son Anton’s fascination with striped pants and a jersey with his name on it. My oldest son Noel, who plays tournament baseball and was dubbed by our little family as “Baseball Noel,” has a little brother who is equally passionate about the game. Last summer, Anton often was seen sporting full baseball gear at his brother’s tournaments. This June, however, he won’t need to wait on the sidelines because he now wears number 10 (for his favorite Cleveland Indians player Yan Gomes) on his own tournament team uniform. My sons’ love of baseball didn’t start with me; it came from my husband. Between the backyard baseball games and the trips to Major League ballparks, the boys have caught this American pastime fever. This father and son tradition runs deep not only within our family, but with others in Northeast Ohio, as well. In this issue, we pay homage to everything baseball, just for the fans in your life. (pg. 15) We also salute dads around the region, and — instead of a tie this year — want to help you find the perfect gift for Father’s Day, even if that means more ways to spend time with the family. (pg. 32) Of course, we haven’t forgotten other family members; we include a list of the region’s family-friendly hot (or cool) spots for this summer season. As the school year ends, it’s time to reflect on accomplishments made during the year. Local districts and parents sent in some great, inspirational stories of their students. (pg. 10). Finally, it’s not always easy to be a parent, but my husband — who does so much for the boys and me — helps me understand every day that there’s no other team better than ours.
VOL. NO. 2 • ISSUE NO. 6
June 2015 Northeast Ohio Parent is a property of Mitchell Media LLC PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011 • NortheastOhioParent.com / NEOhioParent
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PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioparent.com 330-714-7712 EDITORIAL:
EDITOR - Angela Gartner
angela@northeastohioparent.com 216-536-1914 MANAGING EDITOR - Denise Koeth
denise@northeastohioparent.com EDITORIAL SUGGESTIONS:
editor@northeastohioparent.com CALENDAR LISTING SUBMISSIONS:
calendar@northeastohioparent.com CONTRIBUTORS:
Marie Elium, Nichole Smith, Mason Goodman, Sara Barry, PRODUCTION DESIGN : graphics@northeastohioparent.com ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER:
Sherry Lundberg sherry@northeastohioparent.com ADVERTISING SALES:
Chris Geer, 330-614-8471 chris@northeastohioparent.com Janyse Heidy, 330-671-3886 jaynse@northeastohioparent.com Tarah King, 216-403-3961 tarah@northeastohioparent.com Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michelle@northeastohioparent.com
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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WORTH
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SURF & SAND SMARTS From sandcastles to swimming, there’s nothing like a summer day at the beach. If you’re just popping down for a quick swim to cool off, go minimal — a bathing suit and towel should do it. But if you’re going for the day, planning can make or break the trip. Here are seven things to consider for your best beach day.
Plan for parking. Do you need to get there early to get a spot? Will you need to pay? You don’t want to show up at the beach with a carload of kids and find that you’ll have to schlep your stuff five blocks or start to pull into the parking lot only to find you have no cash.
Potty preparedness. If you’re going to be at the beach all day, everyone will need to “go” at some point. Have a plan for if you need to go to the bathroom. Does everyone go? Is there another adult to watch kids who don’t need the potty? Do you have rules — everyone out of the water, for example — while adults are limited? If you have kids in diapers, make sure you have plastic bags to tie up dirty diapers.
Prepare for the sun. Put on sunscreen before you leave. You’ll want to reapply after swimming or after a few hours, but getting that first coating on before everyone is sandy is a good starting point. It also makes it less likely that you’ll forget in the chaos of setting up when the kids are begging to go in the water. Don’t forget to put the sunscreen in your bag after applying at home.
Sara Barry is a freelance writer from Massachusetts. She grew up at the beach and spends as much time as she can there every year.
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Sit and play. There are lots of great beach toys out there. Bring enough to keep it fun without getting overloaded. Having a bucket and a shovel for each young child reduces fights. Older kids may want boogie boards, skim boards, or masks and snorkels. Games like paddleball or Frisbee are fun and don’t take up a lot of room.
Feed the troops. Even if there is a snack bar at the beach, it may be cheaper and easier to pack lunch. But set expectations for your kids. Letting kids know “We’re bringing a lunch and drinks, but we can all get an ice cream in the afternoon” can cut back on repeated requests. Also, bring an extra sandwich in case somebody is extra hungry or a sandwich falls in the sand (it happens).
Get it onto the beach. That’s a lot of stuff, right? If you go to the beach often, a beach buggy make sense. If you get there once a summer, it’s probably not worth it. Instead, divide and conquer. If you want children to carry things, make sure you have kid-sized bundles. Maybe each kid carries his own towel and bucket — it teaches responsibility.
Consider staying late. Some of the most pleasant hours at the beach happen in the late afternoon or early evening when the crowds are leaving. You might save yourself some time sitting in traffic, too. Just make sure you have enough snacks or a dinner plan.
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Take a deep breath of that fresh air and enjoy: You’re a beach pro now!
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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WORTH
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FOUR STAR DESSERT HHHH Celebrate July Fourth with a festive treat. Add color and crunch to your cones with a dip in red, white or blue melted Candy Melts candy and a variety of patriotic sprinkles. Simply melt the candy in a microwave safe bowl, then dip cones until coated. Dry the cones in a rack (available online). Then add ice cream and enjoy! — FAMILY FEATURES PLAN YOUR FOURTH OF JULY!
Visit NortheastOhioParent.com for events
‘Beach Bags’ Pack in Learning, Fun for Free With two new sets of free materials – Beach Bags and Camp INFOhio – parents now have more fun ways to keep their children learning at home this summer. The Beach Bags for kindergarten through third grade feature stories and activities, so children can practice reading skills while learning about careers and helping the environment. The 2015 Beach Bags are:
Explore the World of Work: Police Officer the World of Work: President n Explore the World of Work: Veterinarian n Where Does the Garbage Go? n
n Explore
Camp INFOhio is centered on topics related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math). Kids can try their hands at everything from conducting science experiments with items they find in their kitchens to designing their own roller coasters. To print these free materials or learn more, visit education.ohio.gov. June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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STUDENTS REACH NEW HEIGHTS Northeast Ohio students have shown strength and overcome challenges. by Marie Elium
These students, running the gamut from preschool to high school graduates, are just a few out of hundreds who have overcome challenges this school year. Parents and schools shared the following students’ stories of continued strength in triumphing over adversity and their pathways to success.
Senior Sarah Leonard LAWRENCE SCHOOL, SAGAMORE HILLS
Tony was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder that affects bone marrow. He received a successful MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL, cord blood transplant from a child on a national registry MENTOR, — an almost perfect match, said his mother. He has SEVENTH GRADE been homeschooled this year, but will be returning to Memorial Middle School in the fall as an eighth grader. Tony loves to play basketball and is building up his strength to return to the court. He also is a big Cavaliers fan and hopes to someday meet his favorite player, LeBron James. He made that special request through the Make a Wish Foundation.
Tony Daher
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It has been an extraordinary journey for Sarah, who will be attending High Point University next fall. While learning how to manage her attention deficit disorder, this once shy girl became a four-time class president, a National Honor Society honoree, excelled in numerous musical and theatrical roles on the stage, and was accepted to each college she applied to with scholarship offers.
Zayne Hammoudeh GREENWOOD EARLY LEARNING CENTER (GREEN LOCAL SCHOOLS), PRESCHOOLER
Zayne, 5, had a different preschool experience than his peers. He was born with an orthopedic condition called pelvic femoral focal deficiency, which primarily affects the bones of his pelvis and legs. At preschool, Zayne’s main goal was to learn to walk, all while progressing in his academics. He underwent a painful surgery and, yet, 19 days after the procedure, he begged to go back to preschool. He re-entered his classroom in a wheelchair. He progressed in therapy from walker to crutches to free walking again. Zayne is a class leader and a role model. He has joined gymnastics and may someday compete on a Special Olympics gymnastics team. He will enter kindergarten next fall without the need of an adult to assist his mobility in the classrooms or hallways.
Collin Kiousis MEDINA HIGH SCHOOL, MEDINA
Collin is a very active senior at Medina High School. He plays the string bass in the orchestra, is a member of the Encore crew, has run cross country, played soccer and lacrosse. However, last fall, his life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei carcinoma/colon cancer. His supporters organized a 5K and 1-Mile Run to Fight Cancer in November 2014 and his fellow students continue to support him. Collin continues his fight and the battling Bees of Medina will be with him every step of the way. Collin’s ultimate goal is for no one else to be dealt the hand that he has been dealt.
Senior
Senior Randy McMullen THEODORE ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL, KENT
Joey Harvey JULIE BILLIART SCHOOL, LYNDHURST, EIGHTH GRADE
Joey, a student on the autism spectrum, has used his organizational tools to help him succeed this year. His planner helps him keep track of homework assignments and organize the materials that he needs to take home each evening; as a result, he has become more independent. Through persistence, hard work with his reading teacher and the use of electronic books, Joey achieved his independent reading goal in the third quarter, a big accomplishment that he had not met the previous quarters. Joey reads frequently at school, but really struggles to understand what he reads. He had fallen into a pattern of taking quizzes and not passing them and felt defeated as a reader. Many teachers worked with Joey to come up with a strategy of reading shorter electronic books to chip away at his reading points and make steady progress each week so that he could achieve success. Joey earned 4th place overall out of 20 participants in the Geo Bee, in which he has been a participant each year since fifth grade, when he became eligible. He has worked hard and will be attending Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in the fall. He is kind and has a great sense of humor.
Randy, who was born with spina bifida, is a fifth year player for the Achievement Centers for Children Junior Wheelchair Cavaliers Basketball team, and was recently honored as a graduating senior. He was awarded his varsity basketball pin at an exhibition game at Kent Roosevelt High School playing against fellow students and staff. Randy’s father, Tom, says, “The socialization skills and camaraderie with his teammates, along with the support and encouragement from his Wheelchair Cavs coaches, has been so important for Randy.” Randy is the champion and current record holder for the state of Ohio in Wheelchair Shot Put, and is training to qualify for the U.S. team for the Parapan Games, which will be held in Toronto in August.
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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Dani Taraba BURTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, GEAUGA, SECOND GRADE
Dani, who has Down syndrome, is smart, independent and athletic. This was a breakthrough year for her. She is in a classroom with her peers and has an attentive aide, but Dani is fiercely independent and wants to do things on her own. One of her favorite phrases is, “I can do this,” — and she does. Dani had surgery on both feet this school year. Doctors predicted she’d need a wheelchair for three months. After six weeks she was back on her feet. This summer, Dani is training for the Special Olympics and plans to compete as a swimmer. Next fall, she’ll be a cheerleader for the youth football team. She has big goals and has every intention of achieving them.
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Abhibav Iyer THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT, PRE-KINDERGARTEN CLASS
Abhi participated in the Pre-K Preschool program, enrolling as a partnership with Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Center for Autism. Abhi has transitioned into a typical classroom, making social connections and academic strides that merit notice. He is very proud of his growth and achievements this year, as are his parents and teachers. He will turn 5 years old this summer and will attend the full-day kindergarten class in the fall, without support programming from Lerner.
Johnny Ania GRAND RIVER ACADEMY, AUSTINBURG, A COLLEGE PREP BOARDING SCHOOL, JUNIOR
From the first day he came to campus eight months ago — nervous and unsure — Johnny has taken advantage of the structure, support and activities afforded to him. Johnny has made the Headmaster’s List (High Honor Roll), gotten frequent nominations for and has been elected student of the week numerous times, has completed an internship in his chosen area of interest, has qualified for the county leadership program for next year, is a member of the National Quiz Team and Botany Team, is an admissions ambassador, and helps with the Grand River Academy’s community STEAM days. Johnny entered the school with a GPA of 2.3, but this year earned a perfect 4.0. He admits that although leaving home was hard, he feels proud of his accomplishments and knows this sacrifice has changed his life. Johnny has come out of his shell and has realized his potential. He has become more of a self-advocate and is much more confident.
Senior Mason Clutter,
OHIO VIRTUAL ACADEMY Mason Clutter, a member of the Ohio Virtual Academy Class of 2015 and an OHVA student since fifth grade, received his associate degree from Columbus State Community College approximately one month prior to receiving his high school diploma from OHVA. By taking a few high school classes during eighth grade and attending Ohio’s Post-Secondary Enrollment and College Credit Plus programs, Mason balanced college courses alongside his remaining OHVA high school classes. “Mason has been driven by his goal of becoming a doctor since he was a sophomore at OHVA,” says his mother, Shanna Cote. “We watched him create an ambitious plan and go on to earn a 4.0 college GPA for two straight semesters while still in his senior year of high school. Our family is so proud of Mason’s accomplishments, and now two of his younger siblings are embarking on a similar path at OHVA — earning college credit while completing high school.” He received a scholarship to Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he will continue his education in the Fall.
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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LOVE OF THE
Game How local families are passing down America's pastime By Denise Koeth
T
hough the details regarding first experiences may be different, one thing is true among all baseball lovers: once the sport leaves its indelible mark on a child, the love of the game is
there to stay. When Ray Danner was a young boy, his father introduced him to baseball the same way that he had learned about the sport — through a board game called All-Star Baseball, which featured real-life, historic players. In addition to demonstrating the rules and strategies of the sport, Danner’s father told stories about the players and how they had been important to baseball history. “From a young age, he would tell me about all these legends like Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron and how they compared to newer guys like Mike Schmidt and George Brett,” recalls Danner, of Cleveland Heights. “I was raised on the lore of baseball history. I loved learning about the modern era and how it played into history.” From there, he moved onto playing catch in the backyard, then to joining local baseball leagues. But what really hooked Danner was when his father took him to Municipal Stadium for the first time to watch the Indians play. “I’m sure everybody who loves baseball remembers their first game,” he says. “My dad took me to see the Indians play the Yankees. I remember walking through the stadium, the smell of hot dogs, the people everywhere — and how huge the environment seemed. We walked out through the tunnel and the sun was so bright and then I saw
this beautiful, green baseball diamond. I just fell in love.”
Forming Family Traditions Baseball lends itself to family bonding and building relationships, perhaps even more than other sports. It also has a way of transcending generations. “It’s the perfect sport for having a conversation with people you love for a couple hours because it’s so slow-paced and there are a lot of pauses in the game,” Danner notes. He says that while he isn’t going to force the tradition on his son, Morgan, who will turn 1 later this month, Danner hopes it’s something that will develop over time. “It’s part of the atmosphere at our house; we always have the games on the radio,” says Danner, who plays in a co-ed softball league with his wife, Diana, as well as in a vintage baseball league. He also volunteers as the director of communications for East Cleveland Baseball Charities and is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research. “I learned about baseball through the history and the stories — and I already do this with my son,” Danner adds. “Right now he doesn’t understand what I’m saying when I talk to him about baseball history, but maybe he’ll start to catch it like I did when I was a kid and start to understand and have an appreciation for the past, as well as the present.”
Ray Danner and his son, Morgan, enjoy a baseball game together.
ON DECK
More local dads share what baseball means to them — and their family traditions. NortheastOhioParent.com
June June 2015 2015 •• NortheastOhioParent.com NortheastOhioParent.com
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Play Ball! The bases are loaded when it comes to family-friendly baseball activities in Northeast Ohio. Check the list below for some fun local things to do this season: CLEVELAND INDIANS Always a staple of area baseball,
this year Progressive Field boasts even more family-friendly opportunities with the expansion of its Kids Clubhouse and the addition of its Family Deck (cleveland.indians.mlb.com). If your kids need to burn off some energy during an Indians game, visit these areas for playgrounds and a two-story slide, plus an interactive locker room (left), broadcast booth, pitching simulator and more.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEVELAND INDIANS
MINOR LEAGUE TEAMS For ballpark action to the west, east and south of downtown, check out the Lake Erie Crushers, Lake County Captains and Akron RubberDucks. Crushers fans ages 12 and younger can join the Stomper’s Kid’s Club for free, entitling them to a general admission ticket to all eight Sunday Kid’s Club games, access to the Kid Zone, pregame activities, giveaways and more. (lakeeriecrushers. com) Minor League Baseball teams the RubberDucks (akronrubberducks.com) and Captains (captainsbaseball. com) also offer kid-friendly amenities at their stadiums, Akron’s Canal Park and Eastlake’s Classic Park. Canal Park’s Fun Zone hosts inflatables and games, and every Sunday is the Akron Children’s Hospital Family
FUNday, when families can play catch on the field before the game and kids can run the bases afterward, according to Adam Liberman, director of public and media relations, who adds, “RubberDucks games are also priced for families with $5 general admission reserved seats, $2 hot dogs every game, and kids 3 and younger are free!” Brad Seymour, vice president and general manager of the Captains, says, “Whether it is the inflatables in the Fun Zone, running across the field during Skipper’s Fun Run in the middle of the game, or being up close to the players for photos and autographs, the intimate and interactive experience of visiting Classic Park allows families to enjoy themselves and let the kids explore in a safe and welcoming environment.”
BASEBALL HISTORY Located at League Park in Cleveland, the Baseball Heritage Museum (baseballheritagemuseum. org) showcases the stories, photographs, letters, programs, uniforms and other game-used treasured memorabilia detailing the important contributions from the Latin and Caribbean leagues, the Industrial and Barnstormer leagues and the Negro and Women’s leagues that helped shape the history of the great American pastime. Through Sept. 7, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage (maltzmuseum.org) features “Chasing Dreams: Baseball & Becoming American,” an exhibition that explores the central role the sport has played in the identity of minority communities. The familyfriendly multimedia exhibition begins with early baseball history and moves through how the sport has helped to shape identities. It
VINTAGE BASE BALL Get a unique look at the early days of base ball (yes, it was two words prior to the 1880s) by attending a vintage match featuring one of several Northeast Ohio teams, including the Akron Black Stockings, Cleveland Blues or Whiskey Island Shamrocks. The matches are played according to the rules and customs of the 19th Century, and players wear period reproduction uniforms. Visit vbba.org for more information and a list of registered teams.
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also looks at those who broke through societal barriers in the sport and touches on how baseball is part of our family and community life, according to Jeffery Allen, the Beachwood museum’s director of education. “Sport — or any team activity, including arts — is important in the development of a strong work ethic, empathy, persistence and cooperation,” he says. “In the case of the history of baseball, as told in this exhibition, it is less the story of a sport and more the story of our culture. Segregation and integration, the continued struggle for equality, immigration to the United States — these themes play out through the exhibition and lend context and meaning to our own lives.”
SOFTBALL OPTION
PLAYING THE GAME
The Akron Racers professional softball team (akronracers.org), part of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league, plays in the city’s historic Firestone Stadium. The team offers some unique experiences for young fans, including the “Racer for a Day” VIP package, which includes throwing the first pitch; and the “Field of Dreams” program, in which fans pair up with a Racers player or a member of the visiting team during player introductions and the National Anthem.
While there are countless parks, fields and facilities in Northeast Ohio for your family to get out on the diamond, one unique option for practice and skill-building is Baseball Batting Cages at Brecksville (brecksvillebatting.com), a year-round indoor batting facility that also provides independent instruction. The facility offers safe, affordable family fun, according to owner David Mansbery, who says that prices to hit have not been raised since the business opened in 1992. He adds the facility is the only one in the area to offer automated girls fastpitch softball. For children and adults who have a passion for playing baseball, equipment expenses can add up; one unique area business can help address the issue. A-1 Glove Repair & Sales (a1gloverepair.com), located in Parma, offers glove break-in and repairs, including relacing. Owner Gordon King, who played softball for nearly 30 years, started the business in 1999 and has been helping people keep their gloves longer ever since.
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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SUMMER
FUN
Northeast Ohio Parent has gathered this list of destinations guaranteed to make your family smile!
GUIDE
MUSEUMS Akron Art Museum 1 S. High St., Akron 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum.org Canton Museum of Art 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton 330-453-7666, cantonart.org Children’s Museum of Cleveland 10730 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 216-791-7114, clevelandchildrensmuseum.org Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Walk, run, bounce, jump and roll through a 30-foot inflatable rainbow-striped tunnel – that has earned the affectionate nickname of “Rainbow Jumpy” – at the “Missing Links” exhibit. 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh 412-3225058, pittsburghkids.org/exhibits/ rainbow-jumpy
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Cleveland Museum of Art 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org Cleveland Museum of Natural History 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland 216-231-4600, cmnh.org Great Lakes Science Center Science comes alive in week-long day camps for kids in preschool through high school. Campers enjoy scientific exploration, cool experiments and fun. Featuring more than 66 camp themes and six camp locations in Northeast Ohio. 216-621-2400, greatscience.com McKinley Presidential Library & Museum 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton 330-455-7043, mckinleymuseum.org
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage Chasing Dreams: Baseball & Becoming American, on view through Sept. 7, explores how issues around culture, race and community have played out in our national pastime through the stories of athletes, scouts, vendors, team owners, broadcasters, journalists, novelists and fans. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org The Medina Toy & Train Museum 7 Public Square, Medina 330-764-4455, ormandys.com/museum.htm The Merry-Go-Round Museum 301 Jackson St., Sandusky 419-626-6111, merrygoroundmuseum.org Museum of Contemporary Art 11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 216-421-8671
SUMMER FUN SECTION
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton 330-456-8207, profootballhof.com
NATURE & SCIENCE CENTERS
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland 216-781-7625, rockhall.com
Akron Fossils & Science Center 2080 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley 330-665-3466, akronfossils. com
The Western Reserve Fire Museum 310 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland 216-664-6312, wrfmc.com
Brecksville Nature Center 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive, Brecksville 440-526-1012, clevelandmetroparks.com
HISTORICAL SITES & TOURS A Christmas Story House 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland 216-2984919, achristmasstoryhouse.com
CanalWay Center 4524 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga Heights 216-206-1000, clevelandmetroparks.com
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Office: 2325 Stine Road, Peninsula 800-468-4070, cvsr.com
Crown Point Ecology Center 3220 Ira Road, Bath 330-668-8992, crownpt.org
The Farm at Walnut Creek 4147 CR 114, Sugarcreek 330-8934200, thefarmatwalnutcreek.com
Garfield Park Nature Center 11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights 216-341-3152, clevelandmetroparks.com
Historic Sauder Village Explore Ohio’s historic past while visiting with costumed guides and working craftsmen, trying hands-on activities, meeting farm animals, riding the train or buggy and much more. Country Inn, campground, restaurant, bakery, shopping and special events, too! 22611 OH-2, Archbold 800-446-2541, saudervillage.org
The Holden Arboretum 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland 440-946-4400, holdenarb.org
Hale Farm & Village 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath 330-666-3711, halefarm.org Mapleside Farms 294 Pearl Road, Brunswick 330-225-5577, mapleside.com The Steamship Mather 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland 216-694-2000, glsc.org Tree Frog Canopy Tours 21899 Wally Road, Glenmont 740-599-2662, treefrogcanopytours.com Wildwood Cultural Center 7645 Little Mountain Road, Mentor 440-974-5720, cityofmentor.com June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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SUMMER FUN SECTION
Lake Erie Nature and Science Center 28728 Wolf Road, Cleveland 440-871-2900, lensc.org The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes 2600 S. Park Blvd., Cleveland 216-321-5935, shakerlakes.org Nature Education Building Buttermilk Falls Pkwy. Entrance, Mayfield Village 440-473-3370, clevelandmetroparks.com North Chagrin Nature Center Off Buttermilk Falls Pkwy., Willoughby Hills 440-473-3370, clevelandmetroparks.com
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland 216-861-4080, nauticaflats.com
Rocky River Nature Center (Cleveland Metroparks) 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted 440-734-6660, clevelandmetroparks.com
Lock 3 South Main Street, Akron lock3live.com
Wolf Creek Environmental Center 6100 Ridge Road, Sharon Center 330-722-9364, medinacountyparks.com Great Lakes Science Center 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland 216-694-2000, glsc.org
OUTDOOR MUSIC Blossom Music Center 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls 330-920-8040, theblossommusiccenter.com Cain Park - Evans Amphitheater 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights 216-371-3000, cainpark.com
Family Living At Its Best
Boulevard Beats Sit back, relax and enjoy Boulevard Beats, a summer concert series at Eton Chagrin Boulevard. Presented by Apex Dermatology. 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Saturday from May 30-Aug. 29. Bands will perform between Barnes and Noble and Trader Joe’s. 28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere 216-591-0544
Miller Nature Preserve 2739 Center Rd. Avon, 440-937-0764 metroparks.cc
Susan Hambley Nature Center 1473 Parschen Blvd., Brunswick 330-722-9364, medinacountyparks.com
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Cleveland Metroparks Edgewater Live & Euclid Beach LIve 216-635-3200, clevelandmetroparks.com
The Kent Stage 175 E. Main St., Kent 330-677-5005, thekentstage.com Music in the Park Crocker Park 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake 440-871-6880 Music Nights at First & Main Grab some chairs and a blanket and head over to the First & Main Green every Friday and Saturday in July and August for evenings of music, dancing and giveaways. Enjoy top bands as they perform lively cover music and originals. 7–9 p.m. First and Main Streets, Hudson, 330-653-9530, firstandmainhudson.com Nelson Ledges Quarry Park 12001 State Rt. 282, Nelson Ledge Road, Garrettsville 440-548-2716, nlqp.com
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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SUMMER FUN SECTION
ZOOS, AQUARIUMS & FARM PARKS African Safari Wildlife Park 267 S. Lightner Road, Port Clinton 419-732-3606, africansafariwildlifepark.com Akron Zoo Get nose-tonose with hundreds of rare and exotic animals from around the world. Visit the newest exhibits, “Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge,” for an up-close look at grizzly bears, river otters, red wolves and bald eagles! 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org Greater Cleveland Aquarium 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium. com Derthick’s Farm Enjoy “Family Fun on the Farm” each Saturday and Sunday through June 14. Bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoors for unique farm experience fun in northern Portage County. Admission is just $8 per person (3 and under free). Bring our ad and receive $2 off up to 5 people. 5182 State Route 82, Mantua derthickscornmaze.com The Farm at Walnut Creek 4147 County Road 114, Sugarcreek 330-893-4200, walnutcreekfarmohio.com Lake Metroparks Farmpark 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com
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WATER PARKS Castaway Bay 2001 Cleveland Road, Sandusky 419-627-2500, castawaybay.com Clay’s Park 13190 Patterson St. NW, North Lawrence 330-854-6691, clayspark.com Clear Water Park 12712 Hoover Ave. NW, Uniontown 330-877-9800, akroncantonjellystone.com Great Wolf Lodge 4600 Milan Road, Sandusky 419-609-6000, greatwolf.com Kalahari Water Park 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky 888-707-4155, kalahariresorts.com/ohio Monsoon Lagoon Water Park Family Fun Center for all ages with two tower water slides, a lazy river, a tree house, and a swim-up tiki bar for mom and dad. If you feel the need for speed, hop on over to the go-carts, then fire away on the bumper boats or enjoy a round of mini-golf. 1530 S. Danbury Road N., Port Clinton 419-732-6671, monsoonlagoonwater park.com Pioneer Waterland 10661 Kile Road, Chardon 440-285-5200, pioneerwaterland.com Soak City 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky 419-627-2350, cedarpoint.com Water Works Family Aquatic 2025 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls 330-971-8433, cfo.cityofcf.com
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Adventure Club Upgrade your child’s video games for real life adventure. Enroll them in Cleveland Metroparks Adventure Club - the only year-round club that allows them to feed a giraffe, hike, kayak, fish, play FootGolf, hand feed a chickadee, go on a hayride, meet Rangers and visit the Rainforest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. clevelandmetroparks.com/ adventure. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one of Northeast Ohio’s most visited year-round family attraction, Its home to more than 2,000 exotic animals representing 600 species. Penguins return for a limited time in 2015 in a special seasonal exhibit – Penguin Shores – through Sept. 30. clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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SUMMER FUN SECTION
Wildwater Kingdom 1100 Squires Road, Aurora 330-562-7131, wildwaterfun.com
AMUSEMENT PARKS Cedar Point 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky 419-627-2350, cedarpoint.com Memphis Kiddie Park 10340 Memphis Ave., Brooklyn 216-941-5995, memphiskiddiepark.com
PARKS, GARDENS & TRAILS Chippewa Lake, Krabill Shelter 7597 Ballash Road, Medina 330-722-9364, medinacountyparks.com Civic Center Park 8600 Munson Road, Mentor 440-974-5720, cityofmentor.com Cleveland Botanical Garden 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org Cleveland Cultural Gardens 750 E. 88th St, Cleveland culturalgardens.org
Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park Coventry Road & Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-556-0927 Cuyahoga Valley National Park 7104 Canal Road, Cleveland 216-524-1497, nps.gov Geauga Park District 440-286-9504, geaugaparkdistrict.org Hudson Springs Park 7095 Stow Road, Hudson 330-653-5201, hudson.oh.us Lake Metroparks Explore, hike and bike more than 50 miles of trails, plus fish, swim, kayak and paddleboard. Meet farm animals at the Farmpark and discover nature and wildlife at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Spend a night tent camping in the parks. See bald eagles soar overhead as you walk along the natural beach at Lake Erie Bluffs. lakemetroparks.com
Lorain County Metro Parks 440-458-5121, metroparks.cc Medina County Parks 330-836-5533, medinacountyparks.com Ohio & Erie Canal 330-860-0825, ohioanderiecanalway.com Portage Park District 330-297-7728, portageparkdistrict.org Preston’s H.O.P.E. Playground Park The Mandel JCC, 26001 South Woodland Road, Beachwood, prestonshope.com River Styx Park 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth 330-722-9364, medinacountyparks.com Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Enjoy familyfriendly exhibits, events, tours and activities to celebrate Stan Hywet’s 100th anniversary. Visit the Playgarden’s six fun-filled interactive, intergenerational experiences. Bring dad to the 58th Annual Father’s Day Car Show on June 21, and moms will love BLOOM!, 32 larger-than-life glass sculptures “planted” in the gardens. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron 330-315-3287, stanhywet.org Stark Parks 330-477-3552, starkparks.com Summit Metro Parks 330-867-5511, summitmetroparks.org
SPORTING EVENTS Cleveland Browns (pre-season) FirstEnergy Stadium, 440-891-5001, clevelandbrowns.com Akron Rubberducks Canal Park, Akron 330-253-5151, milb.com Cleveland Indians Progressive Field, 216-420-4487, cleveland.indians.mlb.com Lake County Captains Eastlake 440-975-8085, milb.com
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Lake Erie Crushers All Pro Freight Stadium, Avon 440-934-3636, lakeeriecrushers.com
Baseball Batting Cages The first of its kind in Northeast Ohio since 1992, this premier indoor batting cages and training facility features arm style pitching machines. Quality instruction is offered by topnotch instructors combining 75+ years teaching and coaching all positions. No tunnels here…the open floor plan allows the batter to see the flight of the ball. 7033 Mill Road, Brecksville 440-8385138, brecksvillebatting.com
SKATE PARKS INDOOR/OUTDOOR Mentor Skateland Roller Rink 5615 Andrews Road, Mentor-on-the-Lake 440-257-3387, mentorskateland.com Downview Sports Center 1617 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls cityofcf.com
POOLS, SWIMMING & SPLASH PARKS Beachwood Outdoor Pool South Woodland Road, Beachwood 216-831-0700, mandeljcc.org Supervised Wading Pools Lions Park, Linden Park, Indian Mountain Park, Quirk Cultural Center, Valley Vista and Oak Park, Cuyahoga Falls, cityofcf.com
Dogwood Park Pool & Sprayground 241 7th St. NE, North Canton 330-499-2052, northcantonohio.gov
Silver Creek, Summit Metro Parks Lake 975 Treaty Line Road, Akron 330-867-5511, summitmetroparks.org
Eagle Park Splash Pad 14730 Springdale Ave., Middlefield 855-209-8469, middlefieldohio.com
Sprayground at Richmond Heights Community Park 27285 Highland Road, Richmond Heights
Falls River Square Interactive Fountains 2nd St., Cuyahoga Falls 330-971-8142
Spray Park at Quarry Park Quarry Park South – South Euclid 216-381-7674
Gemini Center Sprayground 21225 Lorain Road, Fairview Park 440-356-4444
Walsh SprayPark 7221 Bellflower Road, Mentor 440-974-5720, cityofmentor.com
Hinckley Spillway Swim 4101 Fulton Pkwy., Cleveland 440-331-8635, clevelandmetroparks.com
BEACHES
Indian Hills Spray Park 1941 Sagamore Drive, Euclid 216-289-8114
Headlands Beach State Park 9601 Headlands Road, Mentor 440-466-8400, parks.ohiodnr.gov/headlandsbeach
Knights Field Park Sprayground 701 Rebecca St., Wooster 330-262-8468, woosteroh.com
Huntington Beach 4101 Fulton Pkwy., Cleveland 440-331-8635, clevelandmetroparks.com
Luke Easter Park and Pool MLK Jr. Blvd. and Ramona Ave., Cleveland 216-664-3189
Edgewater Beach 4101 Fulton Pkwy., Cleveland 440-331-8635, clevelandmetroparks.com
Lyndhurst Brainard Sprayground Brainard Park, 1840 Brainard Road, Lyndhurst 440-442-5844 Morton Park Splash Pad W. 223rd St. and Morton Ave, Fairview Park 440-356-4444 Munroe Falls, Summit Metro Parks Lake 975 Treaty Line Road, Akron 330-867-5511, summitmetroparks.org Orlando Spray Park 30100 Twin Lakes Drive, Wickliffe 440-943-7100
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Beach 301 Huntington Beach Drive, Fairport Harbor, fairportharbor.org
INDOOR/OUTDOOR FUN
Adventure Zone 5600 Lake Road, Geneva-on-the-Lake 440-466-4447, adventurezonefun.com Airport Go-Karts 16208 Brookpark Road, Cleveland 216-265-075, airportgokarts.com
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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SUMMER FUN SECTION
Bricks 4 Kidz Camps are a high-energy, fast paced setting where kids build, discover and test the limits of their imagination. Themes include LEGO City, Minecraft, Clash of Clans, Classic Arcade Brick Adventures, Bricks 4 God, Ninja Training and more. Many locations including Avon Lake, Bay Village, Lakewood, North Royalton and Rocky River. 25651 Detroit, Westlake, 440-8920900, bricks4kidz.com/westlake Chip’s Clubhouse 214 5th Ave., Chardon 440-285-3456, chipsclubhouse.com Firefly’s Mini Golf 200 Southpark Center, Strongsville 440-846-4569, fireflysminigolf.com Cafe O’Play More than a huge indoor playground for kids, Cafe O’Play is designed to build community, host unique events and offer a comfortable oasis for adults. A diversified destination indoor play cafe combining recreation, entertainment and physically active play in a 9,000-square-foot facility. 911 Graham Road, Suite 27, Stow, 330-928-7517, cafeoplay.com
Fun-N-Stuff Amusement Park 661 E. Highland Road, Macedonia 800-467-0820, fun-n-stuff.com The Golf Dome 8198 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls 440-543-1211, thegolfdome.com Lake County Speedway Go Karts 500 Fairport Nursery Road, Painesville 440-354-3505, lakecountyspeedway.com Rinky Dink Family Fun Center 2390 Medina Road, Medina 330-239-1567, rinkydinkminigolf.com Sluggers & Putters 333 Lafayette Drive, Canal Fulton 330-854-6999, sluggers-putters.com
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Family Living At Its Best
Sweeties Golfland 6770 Brookpark Road, Cleveland 216-472-1340, sweetiesgolfland.com Swings-N-Things 8501 Stearns Road, Olmsted Township 440-235-4420, swings-n-things.com
CANOEING, & FISHING
Crooked River Adventures 100 Stow St., Kent 330-541-7467, kent. edu/crookedriver/index.cfm Grand River Canoe Livery 3825 Fobes Road, Rock Creek 1-800-Me-Canoe, grandrivercanoe.com Lake Erie - Rocky River Great Lakes Kayaking 14th and Broadway, Lorain 440-244-5370, visitloraincounty.com/ directory/great-lakes-kayaking Jellystone Park 12712 Hoover Ave., Uniontown 330-877-9800, akroncantonjellystone.com/campin No fishing license required: Chapin Forest Reservation 9938 Chillicothe Road (Rt. 306), Kirtland 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks. com/select-park/chapin.shtml Concord Woods Nature Park 11211 Spear Road, Concord Township 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks.com/ select-park/concord-woods.shtml River Road Park 5808 River Road, Madison Twp. 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks.com/ select-park/river-road.shtml#home
DRIVE-IN THEATERS Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre 33395 Lorain Road, North Ridgeville 440-327-9595, autoramadrivein.com Blue Sky Drive-In Theater 959 Broad St., Wadsworth 330-334-1809, blueskydrive-in.com Magic City Drive-In Theater 5602 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Barberton 330-825-4333, magiccitydrive-in.com Mayfield Road Drive-In Theater 2100 SR 322, Chardon 440-286-7173, funflick.com/Mayfield
Midway Twin Drive-In Theater SR-89 – half-mile Mile east of Kent, west of Ravenna 330-296-9829, funflick.com/midway
SUMMER READING Akron-Summit County Public Library akronlibrary.org Cuyahoga County Public Library cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/SummerReading.aspx Lakewood Public Library lakewoodpubliclibrarysr.evanced.info/ Medina County District Library MCDL wants to make reading fun while helping students avoid the “summer slide” in school skills. Our summer reading celebration, “Every Reader, Every Day,” makes reading a part of every child’s day. Children read at least 20 minutes every day, track it and earn prizes along the way. mcdl.info/summerreading.
Mentor Public LIbrary mentorpl.org/kids/srp2015/ Westlake Porter Public Library westlakelibrary.org Lodi Station Save hundreds of dollars shopping your favorite brands during our holiday weekend sidewalk sales for Father’s Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Hop aboard the Lodi Station Outlets Express trains running seven days a week, weather permitting, plus attend exciting character meet-n-greets all summer long. 9911 Avon Lake Road, Burbank 330-948-9929, lodistation.com
Packing for Camp: The Essentials
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by American Camp Association
day at camp can be filled with endless possibilities: swimming, hiking, playing sports — the list goes on and on. With all of these different activities (not to mention changes in weather), it is important to pack the right materials for your child. It’s a good idea for you and your camper to plan ahead and pack light. Your child will be living out of a duffel bag, trunk or suitcase for the duration of his or her camp experience. With limited space, packing light ensures your camper can keep track of personal belongings and can handle his or her own luggage at camp. With the clock to camp ticking down, the American Camp Association (ACA) is here to help you organize and pack all the essentials for a fun-filled experience. Most camps will provide an in-depth packing list to
campers and their parents. Carefully review this list to ensure your camper has everything needed for his or her summer.
CLOTHES AND SUN PROTECTION Some essential items to remember are headgear to protect campers from the sun, as well as eyeglasses, sunglasses and swimming goggles. Pack a variety of clothing including tshirts, swimsuits, shorts, jackets, long pants, and raincoats for cooler or rainy days.
DON’T FORGET THE PILLOW Don’t forget bed and bath needs such as towels, toiletries and pillows. Check with the camp to see what kind of bedding is required, as some camps provide sheets, blankets, etc. Your camper also may require a sleeping bag. June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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HEADING OUT ON FOOT Appropriate footwear is one of the most crucial items to pack for your child. Your camper may be hiking, spelunking, running or heading to the beach or pool while at camp, so be sure to consider what types of footwear he or she will need. ACA recommends families consider packing boots, tennis shoes, sandals and lots of socks. And remember that this footwear should be broken in before the start of camp, as sore feet can definitely hinder your camper’s experience.
EXTRAS TO BRING Additional items to pack may include books and magazines, flashlights, batteries, Frisbees or other toys, a water bottle and writing materials.
UNPLUGGED FOR CAMP? Many camps discourage campers from bringing electronic devices such as cell phones, mp3 players and tablets. Some camps do allow campers to bring cell phones, but insist that campers keep the device either in their cabin or another designated location such as the camp office. Be sure to check camp policies before sending these devices to camp with your child.
FINAL DECISIONS Remember to label everything you send with your camper. Most camps will ask you to label each item, including clothing, personal items and toiletries, to ensure your child’s belongings can be distinguished from those of his or her fellow campers. ACA recommends your family prepare for camp together. Decisions about camp, including what to pack, should be made by both you and your child. When your child participates in the decisionmaking process, he or she is more likely to have a positive experience at camp. For individual and special questions, contact your camp director. For more expert advice on what to pack, visit ACA’s parent resource at campparents. org or visit www.acacamps.org. Printed with permission of the American Camp Association. ©2015 American Camping Association, Inc.
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SPECIAL
needs
A Different Approach
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Creative arts therapies benefit all ages and abilities by Marie Elium
Thursdays are music therapy days for the Kornblut sisters. When school ends, their grandfather, Taub Kornblut, picks them up from Cleveland’s Monarch Center for Autism and drives them to The Music Settlement for music therapy. Then the fun begins. For 45 minutes the girls — Ali, 12, and Catie, 10 — play instruments, listen to music, follow beats or take turns reading music stories with their therapists. The girls have been attending The Music Settlement program for several years and every ses-
Parents work with the therapist on goals, making an effort to support school education plans. “We use our expertise and research to lead us to what might be appropriate,” Kaplan notes.
grandparents. Ali usually speaks in one- or two-word phrases. Catie Kornblut at music therapy with therapist Anna Reed, She’s learning to communicate The Music Settlement. Photo by Joan Sparks with an iPad. Both Kornblut and his wife, Joan, say she’s laid back, quiet music or vibrations from music can and very bright. She watches Sesame benefit from music therapy, says Ronna Street videos and loves to lounge on the Kaplan, Forest City Enterprises Chair of couch. Music Therapy, The Music Settlement. Younger sister Catie is more sociable There are many benefits. Music afand likes to talk and repeat what people fects the brain in a multi-sensory fashsay to her. She loves to sing, Joan says, ion; music is not only heard, it also is adding with a laugh, “Even when she felt. Instruments have textures. Clients yells, it’s on key.” can move to music. Therapy can reduce pain, calm someone who is agitated ALL AGES, ABILITIES and develop reasoning skills through Creative arts therapies can help adapted lessons and simple song and stimulate and foster brain development, lyric writing, Kaplan explains. build physical dexterity and social skills and promote a wide range of other ART THERAPY skills. Pleasant, non-threatening and Like other creative therapies, art relaxing, the therapies can be a tool therapy, too, can cultivate a variety of for young and old alike, according to skills in children or adults with special therapists. needs. Anyone at any age who responds to CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
sion is different, yet carefully crafted to meet specific pre-set goals. The music therapists largely take their cues from the girls. Some days music comes from iPads; other times the therapists play an instrument and give a lesson based on ability. Generally, a teacher, physician or other therapist refers clients. Parents can call and ask for an assessment. Each class is custom-tailored to the child. Therapy is aimed at strengthening social, cognitive, physical, speech and other challenges — that’s the professional take on the sessions, but from a kid’s perspective, Thursdays are fun-filled afternoons spent with caring (and musical) adults. Ali and Catie, both of whom have special needs, are being raised by their June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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Ali Kornblut with therapist Ronna Kaplan at The Music Settlement. Photo by Joan Sparks
“It gives (them) an opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings regardless of their ability to use words,” says Shannon Scott-Miller, executive director of the Art Therapy Studio in Shaker Heights. “With children with different types of special needs, going in creatively lets them choose what they can create and they take control of the media. Our goal is to work in self-expression.”
That goal involves far more than crayons and paper.
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Kids may work with clay and develop fine motor skills by molding the clay and shaping it. Sand can be manipulated in a similar way. Textured papers, fabric and other highly tactile materials all can be incorporated into an art therapy session. Drawing with crayons and pencils and painting often are incorporated into art therapy, but so, too, are paper making and sand sculpting. Scott-Miller says any child is a good candidate for art therapy if he or she shows an interest in art. While giving them a method to express themselves, art also helps stimulate brain development in people with physical and cognitive challenges. Around age 5 is a good time to bring a child in for an assessment, she notes. Art therapy also is used for adults with spinal cord and head injuries, as well as people with dementia; people of all ages receive therapy through the Art Therapy Studio. Some therapists work in Cleveland-area school systems, while others come to the center for classes, Scott-Miller explains. One 16-year-old client with cerebral palsy paints with watercolors using her foot. The therapist fashioned a strap on a ballet slipper that holds the brush, enabling her to create, Scott-Miller says. A common art therapy technique is to let a child tell his “story” through collages. Often the materials used are pre-cut images, words and pictures that help a child express himself. A therapist may make available pictures that are specific to the child’s interests or activities. “It’s very empowering to put (their story) on paper and have someone communicate. They own their art,” ScottMiller adds.
FACING CHALLENGES – AND SOARING Art and music therapy attempts to break through those barriers for children with special needs. Empowering someone to create may eventually filter into other aspects of their lives. In addition to physical and cognitive development, creative therapies help children with disabilities gain confidence, relax and express emotions. “It’s a huge thing, (the) ability to make choices,” ScottMiller notes.
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DADS DISH Father’s Day options for all budgets and interests — detailed by local dads By Mason Goodman
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or Father’s Day, most dads don’t seek, yearn or expect gifts. Instead, the holiday provides a time to reflect on the relationships with their own dads, children and grandchildren. Also, like many other holidays, it sets aside a specific day to spend time with those they love. The holiday means different things to different people. Josh Flagner, 33, of Medina, is a new dad to a daughter less than a year old. He likes the idea of Father’s Day, but thinks it’s important to concentrate on the non-retail side of the holiday. “Society has turned everything into a retail event over the last two decades,” he says. I believe the trick is to give the kinds of gifts that are important to your family — whether those gifts are ties, golf clubs or a great family lunch.” Greg Bellan, 38, of Twinsburg, has three elementary-aged sons. He loves Father’s Day, but not necessarily because of the attention he personally receives from the outside world. “I think Father’s Day is important, but not as a dad — as a son,” Bellan says. “While I’ve got a great relationship with my dad, it’s the one day of the year that’s really all about him and I make sure to tell him how much he means to me and my family. This also goes for my father-in-law and my wife’s grandfather, too.” Chuck Thomas, 37, of Mentor, doesn’t think Father’s day should be over-commercialized, either.
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“A Father obviously plays an extremely important role in a child’s life. To recognize dads on this day is to honor them and pay tribute to their roles.” “I do think Father’s Day is important,” he explains. “A Father obviously plays an extremely important role in a child’s life. To recognize dads on this day is to honor them and pay tribute to their roles. Honestly, gifts on Father’s Day don’t carry much weight with me. Just the fact of being a dad to wonderful kids is gift enough for me.” A PERFECT HOLIDAY
For moms and kids planning Father’s Day celebrations, these dads weighed in on what they think a perfect holiday would be like. One common theme seems to unite these dads: they don’t want a day away from their family as a respite; they want to be sharing moments with their family members and loved ones.
Thomas wants to start the day relaxing and then get outside and enjoy the warming spring weather in Northeast Ohio. “My dream Father’s Day would start with a family breakfast. Then I would take my kids to a park or a playground to have fun and laugh, and then end the day hopefully watching the Cavs win an NBA title.” Bellan also likes starting the holiday with a family meal and connecting his past relatives with future generations. “My older boys started their own tradition a couple of years ago where they bring me breakfast in bed,” he says. “Spending quality time with my boys and family is about all I could ask for. The fact that we get to have four generations together is super special for me.” Flagner has taken the guessing game and pickiness out of the gift expectations for the day. “Family, friends, golf and cigars, in any order. I’ve been taking my dad out golfing on Father’s Day for a while now. I’d love to continue that (tradition) with my daughter some day.” These Northeast Ohio dads are glad, but they don’t necessarily yearn for the public ceremony or gifts. Adds Flagner, “I don’t really want things. I’d like to spend time with family and take a good nap.”
GIFTS FOR DAD Cook it Up. A nice, low cost idea is to make dinner for Father’s Day. Whether it be steak, nachos or brownies, it’s easy to show dad you love him by recognizing his favorite dish and recreating it with him — or working in the kitchen yourself while he relaxes. Focus on health. Whether measuring the yards left to the pin on the golf course or logging the distance of runs, there’s a watch available. For watches that balance fashion and function, look for Casio G-Shock or Timex Weekender styles on Amazon.com.
While the dad — or dads — in your life may not feel a gift is necessary, many wives and kids still want to find that perfect token to show their appreciation. To relieve the stress of buying a gift for the “guy who has everything,” here are some ideas for the dads in your life:
Stylish Dad. Throwback, vintage t-shirts that commemorate special events or people in sports or culture never go out of style. Locally, there are many options. Check out GV Art and Design in Lakewood, CLE Clothing Co. downtown or Fresh Brewed Tees.
Father’s Day also happens to fall right in time for summer fun. A pair of shades is a functional and fashionable accessory perfect for dads; they’re great to protect eyes while driving, playing sports or lounging around.
Along with a good steak, dads love a good beer. Ohio offers many stores that carry local craft beers and imports — from Warehouse Beverage in South Euclid to Rozi's Wine House in Lakewood. However, these fancy drinks require the right glassware. Craft beer glassware has its own style categories: IPAs belong in one glass, stouts in another and pilsners require glasses shaped in an hourglass form. Local breweries and brew stores have many types of glasses, but many department stores carry sets like this one from Libbey, which provides an array of glass options packaged together. June June 2015 2015 •• NortheastOhioParent.com NortheastOhioParent.com
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COMMUNITY
focus
Photo courtesy of the city of Lakewood
LAKEWOOD EVENTS
June 6: Meet the Trucks Lakewood Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7: Taste of Lakewood at Madison Park June 20: Cleveland Shakespeare Festival June 25-June 27: Citywide Street Sale June 28-August 16: Sunday Summer Band Concert at Lakewood Park July 3-September 11: Lakewood Public Library Front Porch Concert Series July 4: Fourth of July Concert July 11: Lakewood Summer Meltdown and Street Festival August 1: Annual Lakewood Arts Fest October 17: Spooky Pooch Parade October 22: Lakewood Chocolate Walk December 5: Light Up Lakewood
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akewood gives off vibes of being a hip community that’s diverse and unique in its people and area amenities. The city, which is seated right next to Cleveland, isn’t overshadowed, but stands out as an up-and-coming place to call home. Unique living options in this walking and bike-friendly neighborhood, plus parks, recreational activities and events for the whole family, keep Northeast Ohioans coming back to this city — or making plans to move in.
Food and Shopping Within Reach
Whether you are looking to sit on the lakeside edge of town or traveling to its art district, in Lakewood, the distance to happening spots is short. Get to know Detroit and Madison avenues, where you can find an array of unique shops and restaurants. Lakewood visitors and residents enjoy diverse foods and American favorites. If your palate has wider tastes, try places such as India Garden (18405 Detroit Ave.) or Mexican restaurant Barrio (15527 Madison Ave.), or look for the future home of Voodoo Tuna Sushi Bar and Lounge, which plans to open on Detroit Avenue this summer. For some classic dishes, try Angelo’s Pizza (13715 Madison Ave.), a must-eat stop touted by some residents, or the Gray Dog Diner (13411 Detroit Ave.), where you can stop, sit and stay for breakfast or brunch. This summer, you might want to stop at some cool places such as The Gorilla (12102 Madison Ave.), which serves hotdogs, soft serve ice cream, and a variety of barbecued beef brisket sandwiches and sides. The Sweet Spot provides favorite and outside-the-box Gelato flavors (17806 Detroit Ave.), while Fear’s Confections (15208 Madison Ave.) provides an array of sweets, including roughly a dozen brownie flavors. You can try some of these restaurants and more at the Taste of Lakewood on June 7 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Madison Park. From cycling, skateboarding, art and gifts to unique apparel, Lakewood is home to shops that meet everyone’s needs. Patrons can visit Beat Cycles (15608 Detroit Ave.) or Spin Bike Shop (14515 Madison Ave.) to get a new ride to traverse the bike-friendly neighborhood. For action on four wheels, visit West Side Skates (14047 Madison) for an array of gear to test out in the Lakewood Skatepark.
Playtime in Lakewood Lakewood Summer Meltdown 5K
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The city’s family-friendly atmosphere is apparent in its wide array of offerings when it comes to parks and recreation. Visitors can go to the water’s edge on Edgewater Beach, which is managed by Cleveland Metroparks and offers fishing, a playground, a
picnic area and more. Also, cool off at pools in Lakewood Park (intersection of Belle and Lake avenues), which has a zero entry wading pool, or Madison Park (13201 Madison Ave.). Lakewood Park, a 31-acre lakefront area, is home to a swimming pool, as well as Kid’s Cove Playground, Lakewood Skatepark, Old Stone House museum and a bandshell, which offers free concerts and movie nights for kids during the summer. Five additional neighborhood parks offer families playgrounds and picnic spots.
Education and Support
While school’s out for the summer, learning doesn’t have to stop. Beck Center for the Arts (17801 Detroit Ave.) offers a variety of arts education for all ages. The center also holds an array of events, theater performances and art exhibits. Or, kids can try their hand at clay at Gina DeSantis Ceramics, who offers a variety of workshops, classes and camps just for kids. Lakewood’s two libraries (13229
Photo courtesy of the city of Lakewood
Educational Foundations
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f your child is looking for a school in Lakewood to attend this fall, there are plenty of options, including Lakewood City School District, as well as private schools Lakewood Lutheran and Lakewood Catholic. Lakewood City Schools offers a preschool/early childhood education program. Families with children up to age 8 can join the “Lakewood Family Room” program offered by the Lakewood Division of Early Childhood. Middle and high school students can participate in Westshore Young Leaders Network, which is a teen program that helps kids use team building, leadership, decision making and individual talents to help prevent alcohol and drug use among teens.
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COMMUNITY
focus
Lakewood
Madison Ave. and 15425 Detroit Ave., lakewoodpubliclibrary.org) also offer a variety of different programs. “Programs are offered for patrons of all ages and encourage parental and caregiver involvement, parent education, early literacy and learning, socialization and networking with other parents and caregivers,” says Julie Strunk, manager of children’s and
Photo courtesy of the city of Lakewood
youth services at the Lakewood Public Library. “Programs and activities are designed to ensure that children go to school ready and able to learn. Emphasis is also placed on designing programs to help school-age children succeed and continue to learn with age-appropriate independent and family activities.” The Lakewood Library’s summer reading program will be heating up this month. The theme, “Summer Club: Every Hero Has a Story,” helps kids read their way up to superhero status and win prizes, including tickets to a Cleveland Gladiators game, certificates, nameplates, free bowling games and more.
Photo courtesy of the city of Lakewood
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Family Living At Its Best
BuzzWorthy
BUSINESSES BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The non-profit performing arts and arts education center has an array of programs for all ages, including two Little Movers Camps (ages 5-7), Kids-n-Tunes, Baby Sign-n-Sing (music and sign language class for birth through 18 months), Kids-n-Theater, Beginner Voice, Preschool Dance, Preballet, Kids-n-Art, Acting Adventures, and the popular Dalcroze (ages Photo courtesy of 3-8). The center also has Mark Horning a Youth Theater for ages 6-16. For people with special needs, the center offers creative art therapy programs. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org
spot” sensation without the guilt of those extra fat and calories. The shop boasts using all-natural ingredients, along with making gelato in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. Try the classic flavors, along with chocolate mint cayenne, pistachio and more. 17806 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, thesweetspotcleveland.com
Fred and Daisy’s
Mary Hargrave, Lakewood resident, chose to start a business doing what she loves — designing garments. She launched her business concept from her sewing room at home, but later found the perfect spot in the Wobblefoot Gallery on Mars Avenue. The educationalthemed clothing line is available for sizes 2t to 5t. After receiving requests for other garments, Hargrave decided to expand. She introduced her latest pieces with the new name Fred and Daisy’s. An online store will be up and running in a couple of months. In the meantime, email info@fredanddaisys. com or visit facebook.com/ fredanddaisys for information. Fred and Daisy’s
WESTLAKE BRICKS 4 KIDZ
The child enrichment program provides a fun, hands-on experience with LEGO bricks and other learning games while teaching building, architecture and engineering concepts. This educational program has a variety of different classes in Lakewood and surrounding cities to satisfy children’s imaginations at any age level, including building robots, space camp adventures inspired by NASA, Minecraft games, Pokemon and more. There are a variety of different camps for summer, preschool classes and after-school enrichment programs. bricks4kidz.com/westlake
PAISLEY MONKEY
A fun place for both kids and adults, the storefront in Lakewood provides unique toys, books and gifts. From pillows and storybook puzzles to hip kids’ shoes, shirts and retro pants, the shop is filled with interesting products you and your kids will love. Also, moms-to-be can find fashionable maternity clothing, diaper bags featuring colorful designs, bibs, and interactive and fun baby toys. Store hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. 14417 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-1091, paisleymonkey.com
THE SWEET SPOT
Looking for something sweet? This downtown shop specializes in “American Gelato,” which looks like ice cream but has less cream and more milk. The smoothness and flavors provide a “hit the June June2015 2015••NortheastOhioParent.com NortheastOhioParent.com
37 37
Family Night Out at
Melt
Lakewood eatery serves up gourmet grilled cheese and entertainment for all ages. By Angela Gartner
I
t’s Tuesday, and my husband and I are planning to eat at Melt Bar & Grilled in Lakewood, a restaurant we frequent on our rare date nights. However, this outing is a special occasion for us — we are bringing the kids. While Melt’s Lakewood spot is the original, the restaurant has locations across Ohio — including Cleveland Heights, Independence, Mentor and Columbus, also a new spot in Progressive Field in Cleveland— each of which serve the well-known monster grilled cheese sandwiches and other melted concoctions. The comfort food, along with the rock-n-roll decor, complete with menus printed on backs of vinyl record sleeves, creates a hip and vintage environment. My sons, Noel, 8, and Anton, 6, began to point at the various framed Cleveland Indians art on the wall as soon as we walked into the restaurant. It wasn’t long until they noticed the two classic arcade games sitting next to the restaurant’s front counter. The arcade games are a cross promotion from 16-Bit Bar and Arcade, located around the corner from Melt. We ended
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up being seated near the BurgerTime and Centipede games, each set to free play, making it difficult to get the boys to settle in to view Melt’s kid menu. At Melt, “Kids Eat for $2 Every Tuesday,” so we were in luck. (However, kids’ meals are still fairly priced on other days at $4, and include fries or a side salad or whole banana, along with a choice of soda, milk or chocolate milk.) Noel ordered the Half Kindergarten, which is the half version of Melt’s popular grilled cheese sandwich, while Anton knew he wanted the baked mac and cheese. Other choices I want to encourage for next time are the PB&J or Mini Melt Burgers. For the little ones, Melt also offers hand breaded chicken fingers. Next, it was the parents’ turn to order. The Parma, Italy has become my staple favorite at Melt. The chicken parmesan combined with garlic and thick bread feels like a homemade meal all wrapped into a sandwich. My husband, who’s favorite summertime sandwich, Firecracker Chicken, is not yet on the menu, decided to try the Lake Erie Monster. When dinner ended, it seemed like a
great time for my husband and I to relax and talk about our day. The boys were long gone by then. After trying their dishes, they headed straight back to the arcade games, which became a kids’ watering hole as others joined in the fun. While dessert isn’t something I often think about when I come to Melt, I decided to save some room and try the Fried Twinkies. I thought this would be a great family treat, but the joke was on me, as my boys decided to skip dessert to work out their hands at the arcade. The Fried Twinkie, on the other hand, was no joke. Cut into pieces and served with whipped cream and berry sauce, it was my pleasure to finish their portions. We got to-go containers for the kids and me, and then headed to their favorite spot, West Side Skates on Madison Avenue, to get new stickers for their skateboards and check out the latest gear. Heading home, I thought about how we can now add Melt to one of our family night out hotspots, as taking the kids wasn’t a problem. However, on the occasional date night, we can skip the games and head right to the bar to eat.
JUNE NortheastOhioParent.com
calendar
6/2
Music by the Lake. Enjoy free lake swimming beginning at 5 p.m. and a one-hour concert at 6:30 p.m. Munroe Falls Metro Park, Lake Area, 521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls, 330-865-8060, summitmetroparks.org
6/13
Summer Celebration. Free admission to the swim area today. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Munroe Falls Metro Park, Lake Area, 521. S. River Road, Munroe Falls, 330-865-8060, summitmetroparks.org
6/27 6/28
Beach Glass Festival. Come and see what beach glass artisans have created with the treasures they found on Lake Erie beaches. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Walnut Beach, Ashtabula Harbor, Bridge Street, Ashtabula, bridgestbula.com
Water Fun
Enjoy the weather by dipping your toes in the lake or river at these festivals!
PICK YOUR DAY MONDAYS
Mighty Movie Mondays.
Admission to all shows on Monday is only $5 and includes free popcorn. Kent Plaza Theatre, 140 Cherry St., University Plaza Shopping Center, Kent, 330-6734450, goldenstartheaters.com
TUESDAYS
Dinner with Dad. Give the kids
a fun evening out with your undivided attention. 10% discounts on dinner or desserts for dads flying solo with the kids. Cafe O’Play, 911 Graham Road, Stow, 330-928-7517, cafeoplay.com
Terrific Tuesdays. For all ages. Begins June 9 with Ice Cream Social Kick-Off Party. Noon-2 p.m. Firestone Park Branch Library, 1486 Aster Ave., Akron, firestoneparkbranch. akronlibrary.org Tremont Farmers’ Market. Find an assortment of local foods, live music and food demonstrations. 4-7 p.m. Lincoln Park, West 14th Street, Cleveland, tremontwest.org
THURSDAYS
The New Horizons Space Probe. Get your first close-up view of Pluto thanks to the New Horizons space probe. 7-8 p.m. Second and fourth Thursdays of June. Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center, 10610 Clay St., Montville, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org Tween Summer Reading Club: Unmask! Thursdays beginning June 11. a.m-noon. Peninsula Library & Historical Society, 6105 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 330657-2665, peninsulalibrary.org
Youngsters in the Yard: NatureConnect Storytime. Ages 1-6 come for songs, rhymes, dancing and short stories. 6:30 p.m. Firestone Park Branch Library, 1486 Aster Ave., Akron, firestoneparkbranch.akronlibrary. org Children’s Summer Entertainment Series. Each Thursday is new entertainment. 11 a.m.-noon. Boettler Park, Freda Hunter-Bates Pavilion, 5300 Massillon Road, North Canton, cityofgreen.org
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Twinsburg Farmers’ Market. Thursdays beginning June 11. 3-6 p.m. 2695 Creekside Commons, Twinsburg, 440-227-1305, mytwinsburg.com
Mosaic Madness. Young and old alike, add your artistic touch to Liberty Park by creating a 5-foottall mosaic sculpture. Materials provided. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, 330-963-8722, summitmetroparks.org
FRIDAYS
Noontime Concert. Second Friday of each month. Noon-1 p.m. French Creek Nature Center & Arts Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Village of Sheffield, metroparks.com
Barberton Parks & Recreation Annual Day of Play. Food, games, fun and inflatables at one of Barberton’s four parks: Tuscora, Avilee Webb, Edgewood, or Lake Anna. Noon-3 p.m. cityofbarberton.com
SATURDAYS
Shaker Square Market. A gathering place for families, foodies, farmers, artists, seniors and chefs. 8 a.m.-noon. 13209 Shaker Square, Cleveland, northunionfarmersmarket.org
Shells, Scales and Slime! Drop by and admire some of the elusive critters that roam the parks. 10 a.m-2 p.m. Garfield Park Recreation Building Lounge, 7967 Mentor Ave., Mentor, cityofmentor.com
SUNDAYS
“Small Ball” Sundays. Bring the little ones to explore the Chasing Dreams exhibition and create a baseball-themed craft. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org Chagrin Falls Market. Enjoy fresh produce on a lazy Sunday morning. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Band Stand Triangle Park, N. Main St., Chagrin Falls, northunionfarmersmarket.org Adoption Open House for Save Ohio Strays. Pets are all ready for their fur-ever homes, altered and up to date on shots. 1-3 p.m. Wadsworth Petco, 1052 Williams Reserve Blvd., Wadsworth, 440567-3585, saveohiostrays.org
THROUGH 6/14
Family Fun on the Farm. Enjoy the outdoors and a unique farm experience in northern Portage County each Saturday and Sunday, presented by Derthick’s Farm and area Farm Bureaus. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Derthick’s Farm, 5182 State Route 82, Mantua, derthickscornmaze.com
THROUGH 9/7
Beyond Rubik’s Cube. A multi-sensory experience that celebrates the world’s best-selling puzzle toy. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., 216-694-2000, glsc.org
6/18, 6/23 Wump Mucket Puppets Three free family-friendly puppet shows of silliness and songs. June 18: 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Ellet Branch Library, 2470 E. Market St., Akron. June 23: 1 p.m. Fairlawn Branch Library, 3101 Smith Road, Akron. wumpmucketpuppets.com
DAY BY DAY 6/2 Bird Hike. Bring a bird book and binoculars for this easy Level 1 hike. 7:30-9 a.m. Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road, Avon, metroparks.cc
6/3
Cleveland Museum of Art Presents: Art to Go. A world of great art comes to you! See and touch amazing works of art up to 4,000 years old. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-4414, kentfreelibrary.org
6/4
Beginning Birders. All ages may join us to learn birding basics and explore summer species in the park. Binoculars are recommended. Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org
6/4-6
Greek Fest. Carrying on the 30-year tradition of the Canton
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Family Living At Its Best
Summerfest with an all-new, family-oriented festival. St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 251 25th St. NW, Canton, 330-454-7278, cantongreekfest. com Hot Air Balloon Festival. Free family event includes entertainment, carnival rides, crafts, fireworks, kiddie tractor pull and hot air balloon launches. Coshocton County Fairgrounds, 707 Kenilworth Ave., visitcoshocton.com
6/4-7
St. Ambrose Summer Festival. Enjoy your favorite festival foods and games for all ages, plus listen to great bands. St. Ambrose, 929 Pearl Road, Brunswick, 330-4607300, stambrose.us
6/6
Kids Day of Play. A full day of free family fun on the Square! Take part in a fitness challenge; dance, groove and sing along with Radio Disney; get your face painted; and jump and play with Romp & Stomp. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Medina Square, 2 Public Square, Medina
Family Fun Day. Family-focused event with pony rides, petting zoo, equine entertainment, food and more. $20 per vehicle. Pegasus Farm, 7490 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-935-2300, pegasusfarm.org Natural Windchime Workshop. Make your own wind chime with natural materials. For ages 7 to adult. $25 (members) $40 (non-members). 2-4 p.m. Cleveland Botanical Gardens, 11010 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org 30th Annual Kids Are Number One Run. Bring the entire family for a day of fun. 8-11:30 a.m. Akron Children’s Hospital, One Perkins Square, Akron, akronchildrens.org
6/7
Taste of Lakewood. Outdoor day-long food and music festival that celebrates what Lakewood is known for: tremendously good food. 1-7 p.m. Madison Park, 13201 Madison Ave., Lakewood, tasteoflakewood.com
6/9
Crocker Kids “Frozen” Party. A fun, free event for kids ages 2-9. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com
6/10
Balloon Creations by Swifty the Clown. Fun-filled evening with Ohio’s premier balloon artist. 7-8 p.m. Bay Village Library, 502 Cahoon Road, Bay Village, 440871-6392, cuyahogalibrary.org
CELEBRATE
JUNE
Dad
6/10
FATHER’S DAY EVENTS 6/13
Father Daughter Hackday. Celebrate Father’s Day by learning to code and build a real web project with your dad, daughter, grandpa, uncle or friend. Ages 9 and older. $50/couple. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. LeanDog, 1151 N. Marginal Road, Cleveland, herideasinmotion.com Father and Son Best Ball. Competitive best ball competition just for fathers and sons. $5 per player. Tee times start at 9 a.m. Black Brook Golf Course, 8900 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor, 440974-5720, cityofmentor.com
6/21
Father’s Day Car Show. Celebrate Father’s Day at one of the oldest car shows in America showcasing more than 400 classic, antique and collector cars from 1925-1990. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org Archery for Father’s Day. Dads, uncles and granddads can bring a child, ages 9-17, to learn archery together. Equipment and instruction provided. Hampton Hills Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corners Road, Akron, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org
Father’s Day 5K. It’s time once again to get out and run with dad on Father’s Day weekend. Sign up as a father/son or father/daughter team and compete against other families. Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton, runtoyouracing.com Father’s Day Milkweed Giveaway. Stop by the West Woods Nature Center Lobby to pick up a free plant. Noon-3 p.m. The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org Woodland 5K. Trails surrounded by the beauty of the Arboretum’s gardens and natural areas. $17 entry fee. Holden Arboretum, Warren H. Coming Visitor Center, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 440-946-4400, holdenarb.org Wildwater Kingdom Adoption Event. Stop by the Rose’s Rescue table near the main gate and visit some precious pooches who need homes. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wildwater Kingdom Water Park, 1100 Squires Road, Aurora, rosesrescue.net, wildwaterfun.com Dad’s Day at the Akron Zoo. Half off admission for fathers and grandfathers. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org
calendar
Cool off with Summertime Family Movies. Bring a packed lunch if you’d like. 1 p.m. Tallmadge Branch Library, 90 Community Road, Tallmadge, 330633-4345, akronlibrary.org Ice Cream Social. Come socialize with friends, neighbors and library lovers while enjoying some ice cream. 12:30–2 p.m. Mogadore Branch Library, 144 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore, 330-6289228, akronlibrary.org
6/11
Movie in the Park – “Free Birds.” 9-11 p.m. Oakville Park, 5875 Oakville, Mayfield Heights, mayfieldheights.org Archery for Kids. Children 9-12, 50 inches or taller, can learn internationalstyle target archery. Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 AuroraHudson Road, Streetsboro, 330-8658065, summitmetroparks.org
6/12
ABC Walk with Me. Families are invited to join a naturalist to walk and learn nature’s alphabet. 10-11 a.m. Woodhollow, 2121 Barlow Road, Hudson, summitmetroparks.org Teen Coding 101. Learn the basic elements of HTML and JavaScript in this hands-on, interactive workshop for grades 6-12. 2-4 p.m. Parma Branch Library, 6996 Powers Blvd., Parma, 440-885-5362, cuyahogalibrary.org
6/12-14
Riverfront Irish Festival. Familyfriendly event featuring music and dance, traditional Irish and American fare, kids’ activities, and an Irish Mass. Free Admission. Falls River Square, 2085 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, riverfrontirishfest.com Cleveland Pizza Fest. Outdoor food and music festival featuring pizza shops from all over the North Coast, as well as pizza favorites throughout the state. $5 fee for ages 13 and older.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s presents
Crocker Kids!
Once a month, through September, Crocker Park in Westlake Ideal will be hosting fun, free, interactive activities for kids! for ages 2-9 Cleveland Clinic Children’s Presents Crocker Kids, a Northeast Ohio Parent Event is June 9th from 11am-12:30pm at Crocker Park. This month’s theme is “FROZEN.” Dress up as your favorite Frozen character and enjoy music provided by the Fish, arts and crafts, and so much more! Sponsored by Magnificat High School.
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6/10 Cool off with Summertime Family Movies. p.m. Tallmadge Branch Library, 90 Community Road, Tallmadge, 330-633-4345, akronlibrary.org
Ice Cream Social. Come socialize with friends, neighbors and library lovers while enjoying some ice cream. 12:30–2 p.m. Mogadore Branch Library, 144 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore, 330628-9228, akronlibrary.org
6/11
Movie in the Park – “Free Birds.” 9-11 p.m. Oakville Park, 5875 Oakville, Mayfield Heights, mayfieldheights.org Archery for Kids. Children 9-12, 50 inches or taller, can learn international-style target archery. Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 AuroraHudson Road, Streetsboro, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org
6/12
ABC Walk with Me. Families are invited to join a Naturalist to walk and learn nature’s alphabet. 1011 a.m. Woodhollow, 2121 Barlow Road, Hudson, summitmetroparks.org
6/12-14
Riverfront Irish Festival. Family-friendly event featuring music and dance, traditional Irish and American fare, kids’ activities, and an Irish Mass. Free Admission. Falls River Square, 2085 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, riverfrontirishfest.com Cleveland Pizza Fest. Outdoor food and music festival featuring pizza shops from all over the North Coast, as well as pizza favorites throughout the state. $5 fee for ages 13 and older. Cuyahoga Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland Road, Berea, 216-965-3478, clevelandpizzafest.com Strawberry Festival. Sponsored by the Bedford Historical Society. Entertainment, games, rides, crafters and car show. Bedford Public Square, Broadway SR 14 between Center Road and Monroe I-480E, bedfordohiohistory.org
6/13
Medina County Pizza Palooza. Help choose the best pizza pie in Medina County! For $8, get tickets to sample from each participating pie shop and cast your vote. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Medina Square, 2 Public Square, Medina, 330-952-0910 Parade the Circle. This fun, free celebration features the parade, presented by The Cleveland Museum of Art, and Circle Village, presented by University Circle Inc. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. University Circle, Wade Oval, Cleveland, 216-707-2483, clevelandart.org Run the Parcours. A combination of running, walking and other physical exercises. Sand Run Metro Park, Treaty Line Area, 995 Treaty Line Road, Akron, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks. org Rock the Block. Free street fair with music, food, local vendors, kids’ activities and more. Noon-8 p.m. Mayfield Road between South Green and Belvoir, South Euclid, serocktheblock.com Archery for Kids & Teens. Learn internationalstyle target archery. Equipment and instruction provided. 10:30 a.m.-noon (ages 9-12), 1-2 p.m. (ages 13-17). Hampton Hills Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corners Road, Akron, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org
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Family Living At Its Best
JUNE
calendar
Kids Safety Day. Ages 6 and up are invited for a hands-on day of fun and education on safety. Nickajack Farms. 2955 Manchester Ave. NW, North Lawrence, nickajackfarms.com
6/13-14
Working Dog Weekend. Discover the many roles that the versatile canine has played in our lives. Admission $6 adult, $4 ages 2-11. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks.com Sow and Grow Farm Festival. Farm demonstrations, dye pots, fiber arts, hands-on garden experiences. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 adults, $5 youth. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org
6/14
Beachwood Arts Council: Indian DiversityFEST. Local Asian-Indian dancers, singers, musicians and small plates for $5. 2-5 p.m. Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., 216-292-1970, public.beachwood.org
6/17-20
Alive Festival. Christian music festival and summer destination for people of all ages. Atwood Lake
Park, 9298 Atwood Lake Road, Mineral City, alive.org
6/18
Biking with the Bats. Bring your bike and enjoy a leisurely 10-mile ride with various stops to identify bats using a bat detector device. Mountain Run Station, 9280 Ravenna Road, Chardon, 440-2869516, geaugaparkdistrict.org
6/19
Extreme Recess. Mentor’s newest event for ages 3-10. $8 admission covers inflatables, foam pit, bubble mania, fire hose tug-o-war and more. 2-8 p.m. Civic Center Park, 8600 Munson Road, Mentor, cityofmentor.com
6/19-21
Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival. Featuring everything Duck Tape from fashions and sculptures to a crafting tent. Duck Tape Parade Saturday, June 20 at 10 a.m. Enjoy rides, games and food, too. Veterans Memorial Park, Avon, 866-818-1116, ducktapefestival.com
6/20
Taste of Twinsburg. Featuring local restaurants and businesses, celebrity tent, entertainment and kids zone, providing fun for the whole family.
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Twinsburg Township Square, Corner of Routes 82 & 91, tasteoftwinsburg.com Relay for Life – Carnival for a Cure. Raise funds to help find a cure. Noon-midnight. Mayfield High School Stadium, 6116 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Heights, relayforlife.org/hillcrest Autism 5K & Walk. Let’s lace it, race it and face autism together. 9 a.m. Lock 3, Downtown Akron, 200 S. Main St., 330-940-1441, akronautism5kandwalk.org 28th Annual Clifton Arts & Musicfest. A true street festival located in a very attractive and
vibrant urban neighborhood setting. 9821 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-228-4383, cudell. com Tails at Twilight. Celebrate the new Rescue Village, mingle with adoptable animals and have dinner under the stars. Geauga Humane Society, Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road, Russell Twp., 440-338-4819, geaugahumane.org Woodland Mushrooms. Join a naturalist for a closer look into the fascinating world of fungi. Seiberling Nature Realm, Campfire Area, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, 330-865-8065,
summitmetroparks.org Big Wheel Relay. Teams of four will race to win prizes and raise money for programs and services at Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center. 2-5 p.m. Shaker Square, Cleveland, chsc.org
6/24
After Work Dog Hike. Adults and families can bring a fourlegged friend for a hike on the Hemlock loop trail. 7-8:30 p.m. Brecksville Reservation, Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive, Brecksville, 440-526-1012, clevelandmetroparks.com
6/25
Stroll the Square. Local dining, live music, pop-up gallery and fantastic shopping. 5-8:30 p.m. Public Square, Medina, mainstreetmedina.com Cleveland Orchestra Family Workshop. Hands-on musical fun and a preview of this year’s Cleveland Orchestra Star-Spangled Spectacular. 7-8 p.m. Garfield Heights Library, 5409 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, 216-475-8178, cuyahogalibrary.org Summer at Sims Concert. Music and munchies. 6-9 p.m. Sims Park, 23131 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid, cityofeuclid.com
6/25-27
Lakewood Citywide Street Sale. Brings residents and merchants together for three days of sales for those seeking bargains and to see what Lakewood has to offer. 14701 Detroit Ave., #LL10, Cleveland, 216-521-0655, lakewoodalive.com
6/26-28
Lorain International Festival. Ethnic cuisine, wonderful entertainment and shopping at cultural booths. Black River Landing, 421 Black River Lane, Lorain, loraininternational.com
6/27
Waterloo Arts Fest. An exciting mix of innovative art and music experiences for all ages, the hippest local art vendors, food trucks, and the Arts Alive program. Noon-7 p.m. Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District, 15605 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, waterlooarts.org Heart of Geauga Arts Jam. Experience the delights of artistic expression in all its forms with this afternoon and evening of fun and discovery. Chardon Square and Main Street, Chardon, 440537-3344, chardonartsjam.org
6/27-28
A Mommy Boutique Show. Enjoy a day out and shop this large event that will feature a variety of handmade artisan baby and children items! Strongsville Ehrnfelt Rec. Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville, bumptobows.com
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Family Living At Its Best
EDUCATION
corner
Bringing Summer Reading Joy to the Reluctant Reader By Nichole Smith
F
or two years, my son struggled with reading. His struggle stretched beyond the classroom and into the home. Nightly reading was a chore and at one point he let me know just how much he hated to read (it ranged from boring to hard to frustrating). By the time summer rolled around it was pretty clear that he wasn’t going to willingly joining the summer reading program at the local library. I felt heartbroken and wanted my little reluctant reader to have a great summer reading experience, so I made it my mission to make summertime reading a success.
Change the Attitude I wanted my son to have a positive attitude about reading. Whether he knew it or not, reading was in everything he did. To demonstrate, I brought him into the kitchen with me and made him an active participant in cooking and grocery shopping. I let him read the recipes and create the grocery lists. When we went shopping, he would read the lists. Reading in this manner didn’t seem like work to him and I was setting the stage to make reading fun.
Get Gaming Once I had established all the different ways we read, we tried gaming. My son loves video games. A couple of his favorites are Animal Crossing and Skylanders; both of which have a fair amount of reading involved. He was able to read the storylines on his own rather than the game reciting the passages to him. He was still gaming at his best, but now he is reading at his best, too.
would go to his room to read. A trip to the library was a different place to read but I wanted him to soak up some sunshine. His older brother would often climb one of our cherry trees with a book and spend the afternoon reading and snacking. His older sister would grab a blanket and spread out under our backyard trees with her books and art supplies and I fancy the back deck in my chair. We’ve done everything from creating forts from old sheets spread over the picnic table to pitching tents for a little summer reading ambiance.
Ditch the Clock Clock watching is a hard habit to break. So much of the school year was spent on timing how long he was reading that I threw the time tracking that comes with summer reading programs out the window. It didn’t matter to me how long he was reading, the most important thing is to enjoy it. There is so much joy in losing yourself in another world and sometimes that’s difficult to
Nichole Smith’s son reading one of his favorites.
do when you’re focused on how soon you can be done. Helping my son find the joy in summer reading wasn’t easy but it was well worth it. Today my son reads two grades above his current grade level. He loves large chapter books, graphic novels, and traditional comics. Nichole Smith is a freelance writer and blogger for Northeast Ohio Parent magazine. She lives in rural Northeast Ohio with her husband and four kids.
Fancy the Favorites It didn’t take long for my son to catch on to what I was up to. That’s when it was time for me to pull out all the stops. I began reading time with his favorite book characters, the Elephant and Piggie book series by Mo Willems and SkippyJon Jones books by Judy Schachner.
Change of Scenery There are many times when my son June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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EDUCATION
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Reading tips to practice over summer vacation By Michelle Foye MA CCC-SLP, Director of Speech Language and Learning Services, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center
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earning to read is hard work for children. Fortunately, research is now available that suggests how to give each child a good start in reading. Here are a few suggestions to help your child.
RHYMING: Read books with rhymes. Teach your child rhymes, short poems and songs. Play simple rhyming games, for example, “How many words can you make up that sound like the word ‘bat?’”
ALPHABET: Practice pointing and saying the letter names and sounds in your child’s name. Point out letters wherever you see them (labels, boxes, street signs, etc.).
READING: Let your child read to you even if they don’t say all the words correctly. Read to your child every day. Keep reading the same books — children need practice in reading comfortably and with expression using books they know.
COMPREHENSION: Talk with your child about what you are reading to them. Talk about new words that your child may not know. Talk about the story, characters, places and events that took place in the book. Ask what new information your child learned from the book. Encourage your child to try to read the book on his own.
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Family Living At Its Best
BETTER Dog Behavior Addressing problems through veterinary behaviorists and dog trainers By Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren, MS, DVM at One Health Organization
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f you want your dog to behave better in the future, there are many things that I learned while attending several veterinary continuing education courses at the Midwest Veterinary Conference in February that may be of help. While I am not an expert in dog behavior, I do know others who are (and those who claim to be). I’ve learned many people have dogs that display less than desirable behaviors, including: • Peeing or pooping in your home • Destroying furniture and even parts of the house when you’re not at home • Growling and barking at strangers or people living in your home • Snapping at, nipping or biting strangers or people living in your home These can be signs of anxiety and aggression, and sometimes there’s a medical reason for the behavior. But no matter the reason, anxiety and aggression are not good for anyone in the home — people or dogs. If your dog is exhibiting bad or even odd behavior, make an appointment with your veterinarian and then start the process to have a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist. There aren’t too many veterinary behaviorists in the country and we’re lucky to have a non-conforming resident of the American College of Veterinary Behavior (ACVB) in Northeast Ohio, Dr. Elizabeth Feltes of The Behavior Clinic located in Olmsted Falls. Feltes and her team have an extensive list of questions that can be presented to your veterinarian as they seek to determine whether a medical problem is leading to your dog’s behavior problem. If it is more than a medical problem, make an appointment with the team at The Behavior Clinic. The specially trained experts make
house calls (for an added fee), an option I strongly advise. They come armed with a list of questions to ask about your dog’s behavior. While the list is long, do your dog a huge favor and answer all the questions — this will help Dr. Feltes and her team to determine the next steps as quickly as possible. What about dog trainers? According to the ACVB, good trainers have knowledge of behavior, but not at the depth or breadth of a veterinary behaviorist. They may teach obedience training but not determine the root cause of a behavior problem or solve the behavior problem. The ACVB also warns that some training techniques are questionable and some are even inhumane. If you feel that a dog trainer is a good option for you and your dog, The Behavior Clinic has a list of appropriately credentialed dog trainers in Northeast Ohio who work closely with veterinarians. I strongly advise you choose a dog trainer on this list for best results. Keep in mind that if your dog’s behavior is not due to a medical issue, there are steps that people in the home must take. Listen to the advice given, and do as recommended. There are no quick fixes; behavior modification should be a huge part of the treatment regimen, and medication may or may not be recommended. Remember that sometimes, you’ll need to try a couple of things before you find the right “fix” for your dog’s problem. Dog behavior problems, especially those caused by a medical condition, reinforce our commitment to the Veterinary Payment Program for our One Health Family Members in Need. For more information about this program, email OHFM@OneHealth.org or visit OneHealth.org. June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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Maltz Museum’s 2015
Stop the Hate Essay Winner
Lea Kayali What can you do to help put an end to discrimination, intolerance and indifference in your community? That question was the core of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage’s seventh annual “Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out” essay contest, which encourages social responsibility while fostering an appreciation for people of differing religions, races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Lea is passionate about global affairs and human rights and relations. She is president of her school’s Model United Nations and a Student Group on Race Relations leader. She also runs a group called Project Support. Lea hopes to enter a career in International Relations.
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Nearly 3,000 students (from sixth through 12th grade) took the essay challenge and wrote their thoughts on how to end intolerance and indifference as part of the contest that awards $100,000 in scholarships annually. Lea Kayali, a senior at Shaker Heights High School, was named the 2015 grand prize winner, receiving a $40,000 four-year scholarship. Here is her award-winning essay:
I am Palestinian but I am not the enemy. This disclaimer is all but necessary when introducing myself. Unfortunately, I have been conditioned into prefacing “I am Palestinian” with “but I am not…” because I’ve come to understand that the word Palestinian is attached to a whole caravan of negative attributes. Put simply, I have been told, time and again, that I am the enemy. Even as a child, it’s impossible to be ignorant to this as an Arab-American in a post 9-11 world. I will never forget the time in 5th grade, when the girl sitting next to me, upon discovering that I was Arab, said incredulously, “Well, our people hate each other,” but that surprisingly, I “seemed pretty nice.” To my dismay, this scene was not an isolated incident but the first in a string of my interactions with discrimination. I’ve witnessed intolerance in the form of the kids who vandalized my friend’s house with anti-Arab slurs, spiteful social media posts, and more. I was amazed when someone told me to my face that all Palestinians were the singular, unforgiving “problem,” the antagonist of the world stage. Naturally, not all of my interactions with strangers result in a display of prejudice, but the scenarios I described are not obscurities. In addition to anti-Semitism, racism and homophobia, I believe that the blatant discrimination against Arabs and Muslims will soon be a scar on our nation’s history. In what often feels like an infinite storm of injustice, one word gives me hope in humanity: connection. To prevent the intolerance that’s all too prevalent in our society, I’ve taken a stand. This summer, I posted about my desire to counteract the hatred that accompanies the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, branding myself with the hashtag: #IStandWithPeace. Furthermore, I’ve given speeches about the conflict in classes, and I am a leader of my school’s 300-member human relations group. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve joined an Israeli Culture Club where I get the pleasure of learning more about Jewish-Israeli life. It’s encouraging that I’ve found solace with many of my Jewish friends who have also been touched by the war in Israel/Palestine, and have the insight to look past our ethnic boundaries. Priceless cultural-exchanges can be disguised as daily interactions. I’ve had people tell me that through me, they saw that their perception of Arabs was untrue. From these small connections I came to understand that to combat discrimination the best plan of action is interaction. My goal is to spread respect: one human connection at a time, for I believe that interpersonal relationships are the best way to promote peace. To turn Stalin’s famous quote on its head: a million people are a statistic, but one person’s story is a lesson. I have realized that it doesn’t take much to debunk these harmful stereotypes. Thus, I am passionately driven to continue my peace activism in the future. I am Palestinian but I am not the enemy and to stop the hate, I Stand With Peace.
June 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com
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