Chicago Parent September 2014

School crush crushed

SEPTEMBER 2014

| FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

The unexpected soft side of

Chicago Bears’ Martellus Bennett CP_Cover_September_2014.indd 9

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British School of Chicago Lincoln Park • South Loop (Fall 2015)

Learning they will love.

Early Years Open House: September 27, 9:00am-12:00pm Explore admission for your 3-5 year old by joining us at our open house! Your child can sing a song, make a masterpiece and move to the music in a session with our Early Years staff. These 20 minute sessions include art, music, dance and storytelling, and will give you a glimpse into the lives of our students. You can also hear from our principal and go on a mini-tour of the school.

Register for a session on our website or by contacting our admissions office as space is limited.

www.britishschoolofchicago.org

admissionsbsc@wclschools.org

773-506-2097

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contents IN THIS ISSUE

15

15

GOOD TO GO

16

BEST IN CHI

24

GOOD SENSE EATING

26

WELL PLAYED

35

PARENT PANEL

Apple picking with the kids, a visit to Joe’s Seafood and a fun way to swap your stuff Three classes for new moms’ busy days Is saturated fat no longer a villian?

Head to foot fun for families

School crush crushed 77

67 THINGS TO DO FOR FREE

Find these and more in our award-winning calendar

SEPTEMBER 2014 | VOLUME 30 | NO. 9

ON THE COVER

FEATURES

39

FROM FIRST DOWNS TO FIRST SMILES Chicago Bears’ Martellus Bennett’s journey to fatherhood

47

School crush crushed

IN PURSUIT OF PASSION

SEPTEMBER 2014

Cover family:

| FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

Sending the kids back to school opens the doors for Chicago parents to reinvent themselves

Photography:

RARE BREED 51 AChicagoland families describe life

The unexpected soft side of

Chicago Bears’ Martellus Bennett

with kids who have a rare condition

NEEDS 57 SPECIAL OF SPECIAL NEEDS How small gestures help in a big way

59 What to do with the fruits of your

67

things to do for free

Thomas Kubik of TK Photography, Chicago

Design: Claire Innes

Coming this month

PARENTS

APPLES TO APPLES

Martellus Bennett and daughter, Jett

GOING PLACES Available beginning Sept. 8

labor ChicagoParent.com September 2014 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE SPONSORED

Leaves say goodbye with a color show In September, many trees’ leaves begin turning from green to yellow, orange, and red. But why?

It’s because the trees are done with their leaves and are getting ready to let them fall. The trees have stopped making a chemical called chlorophyll, which helps them make food from sunlight and also makes their leaves green. When the green goes away, it reveals the underlying color, made by the same pigments that make daffodils yellow and pumpkins orange.

Red is a little different. The existing red pigment in some leaves is the same one as in red apples and grapes and pink flowers like peonies. Other trees, such as sugar maples and red oaks, start making that red pigment in fall.

Why would trees go to the trouble of turning leaves red when they are about to let them go? Scientists haven’t figured that out yet. But red and orange leaves make the woods at The Morton Arboretum especially beautiful in autumn.

Soon, there will be big piles of fallen leaves to play in.

Meanwhile, the trees are slowing down and getting ready to doze through the winter. In spring, they will produce a whole new set of leaves that will be bright green.

Find more adventures in nature at The Morton Arboretum.

Check out our award-winning Children’s Garden!

THE MORTON ARBORETUM 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL mortonarb.org • 630-768-0074

Say no to overscheduling As I sat outside dance class recently, a 12-year-old girl burst out of one of the other dance studios in tears, visibly shaking. Her private dance instructor followed, encouraging her, telling her to go home and just go to bed.

Through her sobs, the dancer said she couldn’t. She had an acting lesson early the next morning, another TAMARA L. dance class, a play performance in O’SHAUGHNESSY the afternoon and a dance show that night. It broke my heart seeing her near collapse.

Her mom told the instructor she knew her daughter was over-extended, but she blamed the girl for doing it to herself. She likes to be busy, she said.

Don’t most kids?

Sometimes as parents, we have to be the “bad” guy, the one to say no to one more “must do” on their ever growing list of interests.

It’s hard, I know. I am as guilty as anyone of saying yess Share with us too often to my kids’ many requests when I know it would ld on Facebook be best for my family if I said How do you help your kids no. keep their schedules under Like all parents, I want to control? give my kids opportunities I never had growing up. I wantt them to discover their passions. ns.

I just don’t want them on the verge of exhaustion and to miss iss out on the fun of just being a kid.

It’s a balance all of us have to achieve—even when it comes to all that is asked of us as parents. Many of us say yes to requests even when we know we don’t have the time or energy to add it to our days. No is not a word I say very often.

The pressure ramps up now that school is back in session. Afterschool music lessons, extracurricular clubs and sports are all being dangled like candy on a string in front of our kids. The immediate gratification is tempting, but this fall I will try to demonstrate more restraint before just saying yes. How about you?

I hope the school year gets off to a great start for all of you.

CONNECT WITH US #mortonarboretum

8 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

ChicagoChildrensMuseum.org AT NAVY PIER • Open daily at 10 am ChicagoParent.com September 2014 9

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CONTRIBUTORS

Our favorite fall weekend escape Fun for all

EDITOR Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR Liz DeCarlo

My favorite autumn outing by far is a weekend trip to our cottage in New Buffalo, Mich., for some apple and pumpkin pickin’, skeet shootin’, and fire pittin’.

Meredith Sinclair

My favorite fall weekend escape is the Chicago Botanic Garden for the foliage and the model trains all decked out for Halloween!

Emily Paster

Plentiful apple varieties, hay rides, a cow train and mini zip line make All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock our favorite fall destination.

Cortney Fries

Need ideas for a new family fall favorite? Don’t miss the fall issue of Going Places, which is filled with hundreds of places to spend a fun-filled autumn day. Our award-winning magazine is available beginning Sept. 8.

Copies go quickly so don’t hesitate.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR Graham Johnston DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Jackie

McGoey

ART DIRECTOR Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNER Jaquinete Baldwin,

Sky Hatter

INTERN Kristina Lazzara CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cathy Cassani Adams, Megan Murray Elsener, Sara R. Fisher, Cortney Fries, Linda Marsicano, Gillian Marchenko, Christine Palumbo, Emily Paster, Meredith Sinclair, Marianne Walsh DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Walter Burden, Dawn Engelhardt, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner, Adrienne Smith CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES

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Philip Soell

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Debbie Becker

CIRCULATION MANAGER Kathy Hansen

Does your child have trouble listening, focusing in school, anxious, fidgety or easily distracted?

Celebrations

DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Alan Majeski

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Carolyn Jacobs

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Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2014 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

10 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Ready to

Learn. Ready to Grow. Ready to Discover.

Little GEMS International Pre-School in Lincoln Park is the place where your child can learn and explore, grow and develop, and enjoy discovering the world.

As part of GEMS Education’s global network of award-winning schools, children at Little GEMS International Pre-School receive an early start on a world-class education in structured and safe learning environments. We may be the new kid in Chicago, but GEMS Education has been the world’s foremost provider of private education for children from birth through Grade 12 for over fifty years. www.lgipreschool-chicago.com

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ON THE WEB

Behind the scenes, blogs and so much more Marty Bennett describes himself on the football field as a violent player who is focused on winning a championship, but our hearts melted watching him sing a song he made up while cuddling his sweet little baby on a couch filled with giant Teddy bears.

We think you’ll love our behind-the-scenes video peek into the home Siggi and Marty have created for their family.

We spent the morning with them just before training camp and were not surprised at all to find out how much Marty loves the two women in his life.

Keep tabs on the family with Marty’s blog, Living the L #JettLife, at ChicagoParent.com.

> Don’t forget your download. You can now read each issue of Chicago Parent on your iPad or iPhone.

BLOG EXCERPT: SARA KUTLIROFF

Chicago super mom hangs up her cape I’m a really good mom. I’m not tooting my own horn or saying I’m better than you, I just realize after nearly 18 years on this gig, I’ve gotten quite decent at managing the lives of six people, making kick-butt meals and handling my own little business on the side. Some have even called me Super Mom on occasion. To this, I shrug, tighten my cape and drive on. ... I have given as much as I can give.

Why must we moms berate ourselves into providing fun at every turn?

Read Sara Kutliroff’s full blog, Stretching My Limits, at ChicagoParent.com/community.

Inspire imagination.

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Just starting out?

Planning a family?

Experiencing female changes and issues?

It might be time to visit an Obstetrician/Gynecologist.

Introducing Serena N. Vance, DO NEW to the Joliet area, Dr. Vance completed her residency training at Summa Health Systems at Akron City Hospital in Ohio after earning a medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.

Her office is located in the Presence Medical Group offices adjacent to Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center.

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14 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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is fun to the core

A

pples don’t just keep the doctor away—they can also make for a day full of family fun! Apple picking is already a treasured tradition for many Chicago families, but if you don’t have a spot to call your own, check out one of these local farms—all a doable hour’s drive from the city.

Pick. at Garden Patch Farms: Fall produce includes more than 60 varieties of apples and pears, but they’re not the only thing on the menu at this family-owned Homer Glen farm. Pick a peck of peppers (or potatoes), and be sure to stop to feed the hens that lay fresh eggs daily. $5 to enter fields.

Kuipers Family Farm: Pick your own apples on the weekends in Maple Park ($9 per person),

Good to go

APPLE PICKING

choosing from more than a dozen varieties this month alone. The Orchard Shop sells additional fruit, plus doughnuts, pies and fudge. And if you’re looking for family fun, there’s pony rides, a petting zoo, a corn maze and pig races ($8.75 weekdays; $11.75 weekends).

Apple Holler: It’s right there in the name: this place just over the border in Wisconsin is all about the apples. The 30,000 trees are specially grown so you don’t need a ladder to find the best fruit. Plus you’ll see goats climbing on the Golden Goat Bridge, ride pedal carts and laugh at scarecrows in the Farm Park. Prices vary.

Elizabeth Diffin

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 15

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BEST IN CHI SPONSORED

Quality: A Critical Component for the First Five Years New scientific research into brain development shows that how you engage with a baby from infancy through the first five years of life shapes a child’s ability to be successful throughout school and life. That’s why parents need to make quality an important decision-making factor when selecting an early learning and development provider.

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Illinois has launched ExceleRate Illinois, a new quality rating and improvement system that helps parents find programs that actively emphasize quality. To learn more about how this program can help you make the best choice for your child, please visit our website at www.excelerateillinois.com/cpad.

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Three classes for new

moms’ busy days

SARA R. FISHER

There’s something about fall that puts me in the planning mood. September brings schedules and some modicum of stability. But when you have a newborn, schedules are out of your control, right?

And while showing up every week to a class sounds compelling, sometimes it just doesn’t happen. So here are some classes that are short, sweet and catered to your not-quite-so-scheduled life.

1

The Sod Room 1454 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor; sodroom.com This South Loop play space has classes for newborns to toddlers. Try infant massage to help bond with baby, improve sleep and reduce colic. You can even learn how to respond to newborn cues, which sounds nothing short of a miracle. It also has a Baby Sign and Play class (12:15 p.m. Thursdays starting Sept. 11) and a WeeGroove circle time (4 p.m. Mondays starting Sept.

8). Bonus: There’s a weekly Milk & Cookies breastfeeding drop-in clinic with a certified lactation consultant where you can meet other moms.

2

J Baby juf.org/jbabychicago A new offering from Chicago’s Jewish community plays to newbie parents looking to connect with each other. Geared toward interfaith couples, classes like JMemory Workshop help parents create their child’s first memory book ($65 per participant for

four sessions). Plus, JBaby also has playgroups for parents and babies held in Chicago’s hottest play space spots for an hour each.

Starts Sept. 17 at $36 for six sessions.

3

Monica + Andy 2038 N. Halsted St.; monicaandandy.com Chicago’s hippest new baby boutique offers dropin classes ($10 a class) for all temperaments. Try yoga (baby, todder and even adult), musical outings like Tunes with Tim and a special Little Miss Ann concert on Sept. 27. There’s even an eco-friendly art class for when your baby is ready to move on from playing with your makeup brushes.

16 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

Joe’s Seafood treats kids like VIPs

W

henever we take our kids to an upscale restaurant, we opt for an early reservation at 5 or 5:30 p.m. Usually, the venue is pretty low key and not yet busy—but not so at Joe’s Seafood downtown where the place was already buzzing and lively with locals, tourists and an after-work cocktail crowd.

I was a bit nervous my children might interrupt the vibe—until the gracious and friendly host warmly greeted them and started quizzing them about their coloring skills. Then out came the Joe’s Kids Club packet containing pictures, word puzzles and jokes (How did the starfish pay for his burger? With a

sand dollar!) that kept the girls laughing and happily occupied until the first courses arrived.

But my favorite thing (other than my gigantic wedge salad and petit filet) was the grown-up kids’ menu option for my first-graders who have just discovered the delicious joy that is steak. For $16.95 children can opt for a 6 oz. petit filet mignon with

a choice of sides including mashed potatoes, French fries, broccolini and sliced apple.

The meal also comes with a beverage and brownie sundae.

For the same price, seafoodloving little ones can switch out the filet for the colossal lump crab cake. For $8.95 there are selections such as fried shrimp, grilled cheese and baked chicken tenders.

Since my 6-year-olds’

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GOOD TO GO

Swap meet Free event recycles, entertains and gives ves back to the community

T

BY DANIELLE BRAFF

wo women have turned child growth spurts into big business. After having three children each, Maggie Pawelko and Angelika Babich—friends since high school—know what it’s like to accumulate tons of clothing, most of which is worn only a handful of times before it’s outgrown.

So they started getting together with friends to swap their gently used clothing. Before long, they had a better idea.

“We said, ‘Why don’t we help even more people,’” says Babich, a former hair stylist from Mount Prospect.

So Swapadventure was born in October 2013.

Parents attend events at locations ranging from Party Time Palace in Des Plaines to Xtreme Trampolines in Buffalo Grove, for free.

Their only entry fee is a bag of gently used clothing (or strollers, puzzles, etc.).

Pawelko, a former accountant, also from Mount Prospect, and Babich organize everything for the first hour of the event while the children play and the adults hang out.

Then it’s go time.

There’s no limit to how much people can take home, and everything is free.

Pawelko says it’s all about reusing, recycling, saving money and having fun.

Whatever is left over after an event is donated to shelters.

Nikki Baugh, a Palatine mother of two girls ages 3 and 4, has gone to nine of Swapadventure’s events.

“I have brought my daughters’ clothes they’ve outgrown, packages of diapers we no longer needed, toys my kids no longer play with and books that just aren’t favorites anymore,” Baugh says. And she

Watch for upcoming events at sswapadventure.com.

can’t get over the loot she’s dragged home, including party dresses, a new package of wall stickers, like-new furry boots, toys, books, a lamp and a tricycle.

Babich and Pawelko know that if the kids aren’t having fun, it’ll be difficult for the parents to browse, so they usually stock their events with princesses, child-friendly locations that come with climbing areas, and food.

Maricris Calica, a mom to two daughters, loves the entertainment.

“The kids have bounced in bouncy houses, sat in train rides and played in arcade games, all free,” she says.

“Swapadventure not only hosts their events in kidfriendly and fun spaces, but they have local vendors stay to do face painting and glitter tattoos for the kids. On top of that, a Swapadventure princess is always around for photos and hugs—one thing my princess daughters look forward to.”

Calica’s family has even

sta started a new tradition: A Swapbag. Anytime they get Sw new items for the home, they ne let go of something they don’t need anymore. That way, they’re always ready for their next event.

The best part about Swapadventure for Joanne Palomeno, a mom of two, is how much the group serves entire communities—and everyone gets helped for free.

Local venues benefit because families discover the new places, and the businesses can bring in new customers. The clothing gets recycled, and there are also free raffles.

“What I loved most about the events are how everyone works together,” says Palomeno, who has walked away with diapers, formula, a Lalaloopsy doll, trucks and Ralph Lauren clothing.

So far, Babich and Pawelko have hosted more than 15 events, the majority of which have been in the northwest suburbs, but they plan on more around the state and then expand nationwide.

Danielle Braff is a frequent contributor and mom of two sweet little girls.

18 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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8/14/14 5:26 PM

THREE TO SEE

Three mostly undiscovered gems

E

ntertaining kids can often be costly, but Chicago has lowcost (and even free!) hidden treasures that keep young ones enjoying themselves for hours.

Here are three that are still off the radar of many parents: Merryman Park at 3736 N. Marshfield Ave., Chicago, debuted an entirely renovated new playground last summer and it seems just the local neighborhood families have discovered it. Trees offer shade for parents while children play on a gigantic dome climbing structure complete with ropes, swings and balance beams.

Stop by one of the many Chicago Park District Tot Spots that may not have the bells and whistles of the privately owned indoor play spaces, but for a few bucks, give toddlers a change of

1

scenery and some new toys to experience on a rainy day. Bonus: They are rarely crowded.

Nickel City in Northbrook doesn’t believe in quarters or tokens—the venue offers games like skee ball for only a nickel. Better yet, more than 30 old school arcade games, such as Ms. Pacman, are completely free. 555 Waukegan Road, nickelcitygames.com.

Linda Marsicano

3

2

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 19

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8/14/14 5:25 PM

At Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago, our mission is simple: deliver world-class care to children who need it most – whether their families can afford it or not.

For over 85 years we’ve specialized in helping children affected by spinal cord injury; orthopaedic conditions, including sports injuries; and cleft lip and palate. And while expertise, dedication and generosity make it all possible, ultimately we believe our hospital is fueled by love. That love is what helped the Shriners network of 22 care facilities treat over 121,000 children last year alone, helping them at every step as they made the journey from patients back to kids.

Do You Know a Child Who Needs Expert Specialty Care?

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago 2211 N Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707

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633 W Addison | Chicago | 60613 | Phone: 312 458 9865 | pediatricresources.com | Fax: 312 284 4776 20 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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8/15/14 11:32 AM

THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

Work with the unexpected

Letting go can be difficult. It is a practice I’ve been working on for awhile now.

It started when I realized that acquiring knowledge about life isn’t enough; we need to practice what we know. Knowledge and practice are dramatically different things. You may know the right thing to do, but do you do it? You may know what’s best for you, but do you choose it?

I practice with little things (staying calm if I am late). I practice with big things (breathing through bad or scary news, practicing self-compassion if I have failed or made a mistake).

Although it’s far from perfect, this has resulted in a strengthening of my ability to handle the unexpected in a more intentional way.

Which means it was time to get packing for New York. But I also had to acknowledge the part of me that’s uncomfortable with change.

So off I go on this adventure, and what do you know, I get a headache the first night. It had the potential to create some serious self-pity.

But I practiced being present. I had a few tears, but I also took some Advil and drank a lot of water, I took a few naps, I walked, I moved—we even kept some of our plans.

Then, about 12 hours later, the headache was gone. I felt relief. I also felt excitement because I handled it. I couldn’t force the headache to go away, but I could decide how to relate to it, I could decide not to label it bad or unfair.

Obviously, this practice is not about New York or headaches, it’s about everything. It’s about recognizing our ability to make choices about how we feel, and releasing the constant need for control (because as much as we try, we cannot control life).

Life on the outside is unpredictable—things happen, plans get altered.

But on the inside, we get to choose our way of being, we can practice acceptance.

We can accept and work with the unexpected rather than push against it.

Cathy Adams is an author, the host of Zen Parenting radio and the mom of three girls.

Need to know

My husband surprised me with a trip to New York. It usually would necessitate a lot of pre-planning, but my kids happened to be going to be with my parents, events were easily canceled, and things just seemed to be in alignment.

The next step was getting my thoughts and feelings in alignment. I was so grateful for this loving gesture and the CATHY CASSANI opportunity for a getaway, but I had a big ADAMS list of things I planned to get done and now everything needed to be put on hold. I had to release my need for control and ease into spontaneity.

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 21

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8/14/14 5:24 PM

MOM OF THE MONTH to anyone. People will always tell you to enjoy every second. No, don’t enjoy every second of it because not every second is great. It’s OK to recognize that 80 percent of the time you love it, and it’s OK to want to really sleep in or watch your favorite show. Whatever you do as a parent is the right thing. ...We do a lot of disservice to each other as moms by holding each other to this unattainable standard. There’s not one way to parent. Moms just really need to say “I hear you, this is hard work.” We need to stick up for each other instead of critiquing each other.

How would you hope your kids describe you as a mom?

I think I want my kids to remember me being there for them. I think most working moms worry about that. The thing that I panicked about for a long time is are they going to know that I’m mom. I want them to know that even though Mommy is working, I’m there if they need me. And that I’ll listen.

Now that you are a mom, how is it changing the way you do your job?

(She got her start in children’s museums.) ... What little kids want and need is not really all that different than what every single person wants and needs. We all want to be engaged, we all want to do something fun on the weekend. We’re trying to create things that a family can go do all together.

The starry-eyed mom Sarah Cole

{M.O.M}

Wife, Annie (pictured left); twins, Bobby and Betty, 23 months Naperville Vice President of Visitor Experience at Adler Planetarium What is the biggest challenge raising twins?

I have not always been the most organized person, and you’ve got to be organized with twins. They don’t leave a lot of room for mistakes. We learned really early to stick to schedules. Now we are machines when we go out. We learned the hard way. I think the other thing, it’s so easy to forget, even though they are twins, that they are still just two kids and trying to remember they are individuals.

>>

What is the best advice you’d give to other moms expecting multiples?

I’m so new at this, I don’t feel like I’m equipped to give advice

Describe your perfect weekend.

My perfect weekends are just low key. ...Being about to go somewhere with very little expectation, other than we’re just going to have fun together. Also having a lovely perfect weekend when the weather is just right, the kids are both healthy, it all kind of clicks.

Teaching your kids about children with special needs It’s likely that your child may have a classmate or family member with autism or other special need. My twin niece and nephew have autism and another nephew has Williams syndrome.

It’s important to me that my daughters not treat them differently because of their disabilities. I’ve taught them that no two people are the same. Some children are born disabled or become disabled from an accident or illness, and that it’s not contagious. Most importantly, kids with disabilities are just like other kids in that they want friends. Teach kids to be a friend to all!

Demika Caldwell Caldwell is a Chicago mom of two, author and businesswoman. She is a regular contributor at 30secondmom.com.

22 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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8/14/14 5:24 PM

PLUGGED-IN PARENT

Computers in the classroom, yes or no?

Q

My daughter says all of her middle school friends get better grades because they take notes on their laptops and she wants one.

Could this be true?

Walk into many middle schools, and chances are, you’ll find students are taking notes on a computer. While the students may be SHARON MILLER CINDRICH better able to efficiently capture the lecture word-for-word due to stealthy typing skills, there is no guarantee they are grasping the content.

A

ties and interactive computer games, leaving almost no time for notes to be taken. Ask the teacher if a computer would be helpful and if she notices a difference in the performance of students who use a computer in class.

Record and transcribe. Several apps can turn your child’s mobile phone into a digital recorder. Recording a classroom lecture and typing it at home allows your child to reinforce material triple fold—by hearing it once in class, again at home, and then typing it on the computer. Try a recording app like Easy Voice Recorder Pro for Android ($3.99, Google Play,) or iTalk Recorder Premium for the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad ($1.99, iTunes).

Giving computer note notes a try? If you decide to get her a computer for school notes, make sure to enstudent courage your stu to print notes out later for review, rev use them as a guide study gu even and eve read th them loud to out lo reinforce reinfo content. the co

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Several recent studies, in fact, show that students who took traditional handwritten notes scored equally as well on tests as those who took notes on their computers when exam questions were fact-based. On other, more conceptual questions, computer note takers actually scored lower.

Researchers suspect that while students are able to capture more of a classroom lecture verbatim by recording the content—double the notes in some cases—they are more engaged in the transcription process than the classroom content.

Most parents will do anything they can to encourage their child to take notes at all—even if it means investing in gadgets and software. Before you buy a laptop to improve your child’s grades,, consider these alternatives tives first.

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For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com ChicagoParent.com September 2014 23

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8/15/14 12:53 PM

Four tips to get kids talking about their day Your children are back in school, and you want to hear all about it. “What is your teacher like?” “Have you made any new friends?” Your kids, however, are a bit less eager to share.

If you’ve ever tried to start a conversation with your kids by asking “How was your day?” and received frustratingly short replies like “fine” or “good,” you’re not alone. Many children have difficulty summarizing an entire day’s worth of activities. There are things you can do to encourage your child to open up:

1

Using a mix of specific questions and statements such as “Was recess fun today? Tell me about the game you played” can help kids focus on a specific aspect of their day and may get a discussion started.

2

Talking about your day will make a conversation interactive. It is important to model the type of communication you are trying to establish with your kids by sharing your interests, friends, challenges and joys.

3

Listening without criticizing encourages kids to share their experiences. Remember that tone of voice and pointed questions (“Why didn’t you just speak up?”) can be perceived as judgmental and may make kids clam up. Instead, you might encourage your child to figure out solutions by asking something like, “What do you want to do about this?”

4

Letting your kids decide when to talk about their day may inspire longer discussions. As parents, we often want to have the conversation as soon as kids get home from school. Dinner time or at bedtime when many children vie for that extra 10 minutes of awake time may be good alternatives.

The start of the school year is a bustling time! Be patient and keep talking – eventually your kids will join in.

Sylvia Barsotti is the editor of Parenting Content at Highlights for Children. For more thoughts on parenting from Highlights, visit blog. highlights.com.

These tips are provided as part of a partnership between Highlights for Children and Chicago Parent.

24 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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8/15/14 11:33 AM

GOOD SENSE EATING

Fat fib? Is saturated

fat no longer a villain?

Like most parents today, Luke and Natalie Weber watch the saturated fat in their own diet as carefully as that of their young daughters. “We stick to lean meats and an overall wholesome diet,” says Luke. “The girls love cheese, but we don’t let them eat as much as they want.”

Their interest was piqued recently by the new book, The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, CHRISTINE Meat & Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet. In it, PALUMBO author Nina Teicholz writes that the low fat diet message we heard starting back in the 1970s had the unintended consequence of Americans becoming overweight.

She also writes that the original evidence was flawed.

Ancel Keys was the American physiologist who embarked upon the famous 1950s Seven Countries study. The result was a hypothesis that became the foundation for a body of science implicating fat as a major risk factor for heart disease.

According to Teicholz, Keys cherry-picked his data, leaving out countries like France, Sweden and West Germany that had high fat diets but low rates of heart disease. Instead, he studied the Greek island of Crete during Lent when 60 percent of the population abstained from meat, fish, eggs, cheese and butter.

Today, fingers are pointing toward carbs.

Recent research suggests that refined carbohydrates, such as those in processed snacks and sugary drinks, increase the small, sticky fat particles that appear linked to heart disease.

Not yet convinced What do the mainstream health and medical groups say about this? For now, they hold the line on saturated fat. Keep in mind that Keys, who followed a low fat, plant-based diet, lived to 100.

Natalie Weber hopes that if the dietary consensus changed and some saturated fat is okayed, her doctors would update their nutrition advice.

“Our girls are only 3 and 4. I’d rather they have butter than something artificial,” she says.

While the scientific community re-examines the evidence, my recommendations are: Follow the Mediterranean Diet. It’s time-tested to provide the right balance of nutrients from a variety of foods.

Focus on polyunsaturated fats and eat more fish, both lean and fatty. The omega-3 fats found in fish are more protective than those in fish oil supplements. Be aware that low fat diets actually lower good HDL cholesterol in women.

Eat more real food in lieu of overly processed stuff.

For example, a steak salad at lunch can satisfy and keep you from snacking all afternoon and evening.

Tart Cherry Chia Pudding Prep: 35 minutes Cook: 5 minutes Yield: 2 servings Ingredients 1 cup tart cherries, frozen 1 cup coconut milk ¼ cup of chia seeds ¼ cup tart cherry juice 1 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon Optional: tart dried cherries, dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs

Instructions 1. In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds, cherry juice and coconut milk. Allow this to soak for at least 30 minutes or until the chia seeds have absorbed most of the liquid, creating a thick gel.

2. In a food processor or high-speed blender, pour the chia seed mixture into the blender with all remaining ingredients and blend until creamy.

3. Pour in the bowl/glass/cup you’re serving in.

4. Optional: Garnish with a sprinkling of chocolate chips on top or additional tart cherries, fresh, frozen or dried.

Nutrients per serving: 380 calories, 25 g carbohydrate (11 g sugar), 7 g protein, 31 g fat (22 g saturated), 9 g fiber, 25 mg sodium, 486 mg potassium, 15% DV vitamin A and calcium, 35% DV iron.

Photo and recipe used with permission from McKel Hill of nutritionstripped.com.

Christine Palumbo, RDN, FAND, is a nutritionist in Naperville who would rather eat a little bit of real butter, full fat cheese or ice cream than a substitute. Find her at ChristinePalumbo Nutrition on Facebook, @PalumboRD on Twitter and Chris@ ChristinePalumbo.com.

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 25

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8/14/14 5:23 PM

You belong at Latin

Every student brings a unique perspective to a learning community. Learn about how Latin values those perspectives and how we make every learner feel at home. Visit us.

Open House

for grades 5-12

Sunday, October 26 59 W. North Blvd. | Chicago Program starts at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

Register at: latinschool.org/visitus

26 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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8/14/14 5:23 PM

WELL PLAYED

HEAD to foot fun 1

Play with your brain

MEREDITH SINCLAIR

This summer I bought a game of Solitaire Chess for my kiddos to keep them entertained and challenged. It turned out to be just as entertaining and challenging for my husband and me. Not being a chess player, at all, I quickly picked up the moves and learned the basics with the beginner cards, while my boys rocked the game with more advanced cards.

Simply select a challenge card and slide

it under the clear board. Then place the chess pieces on top of the coordinating pictures on the board. Using the moves allowed in traditional chess, capture each piece on the board until there is only one piece remaining. Each move must capture a piece. This would be great when you want your kids to give their phones a rest. $19.99, Marbles the Brain Store, marblesthebrainstore.com

2

Play with your beauty

As busy moms, we can easily get stuck in the same old skin care/anti-aging beauty routine rut. I recently discovered a major multi-tasker called NeriumAD that’s nature-based and fights everything from fine lines and wrinkles to discoloration and enlarged pores with both a day and nighttime formula. It’s also fab for hands, neck, decolletage, arms, and even elbows and knees. You only need a little each day, making the price a little easier to swallow.

You’re worth it. $110 for the NeriumAD Age-Defying Treatment, $165 for the NeriumAD Night & Day Combo Pack, mynerium.com

3

Play with your family

All the fun doesn’t have to end just because school is back in session. Autumn is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the last of the beautiful days. Light up those early autumn nights and blow your kids’ minds by installing one of these Night Riderz ziplines in your backyard. This bright new zipline lights up the seat with rotating LED lights. The Night Riderz kit includes detailed instructions on where and how to set up a zipline and a 100-foot steel cable, fully assembled trolley, LED seat and rope (with more than 50 LED lights total), and hardware. You’ll want to ride this thing as much as your kids.

Recommended for kids 8 and up. $199.99, slackersline.com

4

Play with your style

Back-to-school shoes are a staple on most parents’ “to-get” list. But our kids aren’t the only ones who could use a new pair of kickers for all that school day running around. I was recently sent a pair of Dr. Scholl’s shoes to test out. Although I was a wee bit skeptical about how stylish they’d actually be, I was very pleasantly surprised. Not only is the new Dr. Scholl’s line amazingly comfortable and able to stay that way for miles and miles of walking, they now come in all sorts of fun designs and styles as well.

I promise, you’ll be pleasantly surprised as well.

Justify Oxford in blue, $69.99, and Maylee sneaker in red yarn dye dot, $64.95, drscholls shoes.com ChicagoParent.com September 2014 27

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8/14/14 5:22 PM

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Science is about asking questions.

Being asked a question that you don’t know the answer to can be awkward–I’ve been there.

But here’s a little secret: scientists don’t always have all of the answers, and you don’t have to either.

The fun with science is in the exploring. Go ahead and encourage your child to be curious and ask questions, you’ll have fun in the process.

Keep looking up!

@AdlerPrez

Try this at home!

Use your home or neighborhood to help your children ask and answer their own questions.

Which chair in the house has the longest legs?

What is the largest number of cups we could fit in the cupboard? Which tree at the park is the largest around the trunk? No matter their age, invite your child to question and gather the tools needed to find answers.

Remember to help them become comfortable trying more than one approach. Can we fit a larger number of cups if they are arranged differently?

How many arm’s length “hugs” around is the tree?

Does a different part of the trunk give a different number? Exploring a variety of possible solutions is just what engineers and scientists do!

Looking for more fun ways to do science at home?

adlerplanetarium.org/Science4Everyone

(Good for up to 6 people)

5 Miles South of I-55 on Weber (exit 283) or 5 miles North of I-80 (exit 130N)

17250 Weber Rd, Lockport 60441 815.741.2693 GP

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Kids 2 and Under Free. Not valid with school tours, groups, & any other offer

28 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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8/15/14 1:52 PM

CRAFT

Melted crayons

on canvas

Create your own vibrant artwork from your favorite colored crayons STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

B

ack-to-school means backto-school supply shopping.

Who doesn’t remember the joy of fresh pencils, crayons and markers? Pick up an extra box of crayons and a canvas to create a colorful and unique masterpiece to get in the mindset for the new school year.

Directions

1

Select your favorite crayons and decide what color pattern you’d prefer, whether it’s a rainbow or all shades of blue and green.

Lay out your crayon pattern along the edge of the canvas. For a 10-inch by 10-inch canvas, a box of 64 crayons will do the trick. But

2

determine what size canvas you prefer and make sure you have enough crayons for your color choices.

Using a hot glue gun, attach crayon by crayon along the top edge of the canvas. You can line up the labels evenly, take off the wrappers, or make a pattern of your liking as you glue the crayons onto the canvas.

Allow time for the crayons to securely dry and attach to the canvas.

Set up an area for the crayon melting. It works well to tilt the canvas up against a wall during the melting portion. Using either newspaper, wax paper or scratch paper, cover the areas both behind and below the canvas.

Using a blow dryer on the warm setting, heat the

3 4 5

6

Materials Box of crayons (64 count) Canvas Hot glue gun and glue crayons and allow them to drip and run as desired. Use the blow dryer to encourage the crayons to continue bleeding down the entire canvas. It’s helpful to angle your blow dryer down to encourage the melting from splattering.

Let dry completely. If desired, you can remove the crayons from the top portion or it looks great to keep them as is, too. Hang your bright masterpiece and enjoy the new w school year!

Blow dryer Wax paper or newspaper

7

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 29

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8/15/14 3:24 PM

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30 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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8/15/14 3:57 PM

FAILING WITH GUSTO

Danny in charge

Despite this unnerving progression towards senility, one twinkling instant in time from my early years as a mom remains bright.

My first son, Danny, was not yet 2. We were downtown in our cramped condo with two babies. After a long work day, I came home to find not a scoop of formula left. Aggravated, I prepared to head out to the nearest Walgreens. It was a dark and snowy winter night in Chicago, and I muttered unhappily while bundling up.

It was then I spotted Danny tugging at his coat, advising: “I go too!”

We walked toward the elevator and Danny ran ahead to press the down button. Once inside, he also knew which button delivered us directly to the lobby.

It was practically a blizzard outside, but my little boy forged ahead with brazen confidence while grabbing my hand to lead the way.

Covered in snow, Danny

pushed through the rotating doors at Walgreens with surprising strength.

I was still dusting myself off as he hustled over to the baby aisle, locating the correct container in seconds for his infant brother.

“I find it, Mommy! I find it!”

Danny insisted on carrying the plastic bag home. Then there came the moment that defined my child forever in my heart.

Danny looked up at me and smiled the most dazzling smile I have ever seen.

The kid had been harboring a secret wish to be 40 years old from the time he was born, and he finally had his crack at adulthood.

When he was 3, Danny’s preschool teachers never kept track in games because Danny always knew whose turn it was. At 4, he was anxious for income and drew up a marketing plan for his lemonade stand.

By 5, he peppered us with questions on investment banking.

Recently, a friend shared a story about her son, now grown. The boy had a history of putting neighbors into heart failure.

The kid liked climbing onto roofs.

And then jumping off them.

My friend laughed

heartily at the recollection and finally delivered the punch line.

Because now?

That boy is paratrooper for the U.S. Army.

As parents, we pretend we have some huge say into who our kids become. Hearing that story and remembering my own Alex P. Keaton, I understand kids are born with personality traits as pre-determined and fixed as their fingerprints.

Danny? He is always going to want to be in charge.

One day, I will actually let him.

And I cannot wait to see that brilliant smile once again.

Talk back

There are sweet moments parents wish to retain forever. Yet trying to locate a scrap of paper and pen in the middle of bath time is not always feasible. Funny expressions and mispronunciations are priceless nuggets of childhood, gone in a blink.

“I won’t ever forget this,” parents tell themselves.

MARIANNE The sad truth? Most moms and WALSH dads leak brains. Somewhere between expecting a baby and surviving four seasons of tee-ball, I forgot not only precious memories, but also my phone number, age, and where I last put the car keys.

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 31

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8/14/14 5:17 PM

VOICE: SAMANTHA SORDYL

Great expectations Why I choose to dress up for school conferences

M

y first school conference didn’t go so well.

My husband was out of town, so I was going in alone. And I was pretty tired and looking it. Ponytail. Glasses. Big comfy sweater. The baby had been awake a lot the night before the meeting. But this was a kindergarten conference. How big of a deal could it be? I was on time.

The baby had a sitter. I couldn’t screw this up.

I was wrong. The teacher launched right into academics—test scores, reading levels and assessments. I wanted insight into my 5-year-old kid as a student.

I wasn’t as interested in the numbers, but they seemed to be important. That really surprised me. My son is taking standardized tests?

I sunk into my chair. What was all of this? It was overwhelming. I sat there uncomfortable, and I listened.

And then, I started to feel beat out of a race to see who could represent my son better. I felt I lost that day because I stayed quiet. I felt unprepared to bring forth the gusto I needed and to offer the questions I had because I was unprepared, and on the most basic level I was uncomfortable and underdressed.

You want to be looking your best and thinking straight as an arrow, so

you’re not caught off guard. The two so often go hand-in-hand. You want to be perceived as more than the parent. You want to be impressive; you want to look professional.

What I learned most of all that day is to be ready for anything at school. Be ready in the moment to say you don’t understand. Be ready to share your goals for your child as your teacher shares hers. Be ready to ask the right questions. You need to be on the same page as your child’s teacher. Your child’s success at school depends upon your discussions with his teacher and his performance.

Had I done a few things differently, I could have gone home that day feeling reassured that we understood each other and my child instead of confused.

I dress up for all conferences

Be ready in the moment to say you don’t understand. Be ready to share your goals for your child as your teacher shares hers. now—and for the first day of school. It’s usually a casual dress, because it’s easy.

I’ll put on lipstick, because it stands out.

And I might wear jewelry. That’s the baseline. I want the teachers to know I take this as seriously as they do. I want my son’s teachers and principal to care about him a lot and to take notice of our family’s commitment to school.

To kick things off, I want to give a great first impression.

Samantha Sordyl is a Chicago mom of three.

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32 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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VOICE: CORTNEY FRIES

Gratitude for grandparents Mom realizes she needs to share her thanks before it’s too late

“I

want to thank you for always being there for me, listening without judging and supporting me through more than you ever had to,” I read to my grandma. “You changed my life with the time and energy you invested in me.”

Our arms were wrapped around each other and tears were in our eyes. I was reading her a gratitude letter, detailing exactly why I was thankful for the precious gift she has been in my life.

While I have told Gram that I love her and have given her countless sentimental cards, I wanted her to know exactly what she had done to make such a huge impact on me.

She smiled when I told her how awesome it was to have her pick me up from school in her red Corvette.

We laughed thinking about the time I had tried her favorite oysters—she had made me stand over the sink, just in case. Gram grinned at the silly songs she used to sing and blushed when I mentioned her fondness for Chuck Woolery and “Love Connection.”

All of these memories seemed to bring back a sparkle in her that had been dormant for some time.

I wanted to do something special for her, but hadn’t realized how wonderful it would be for me, too. I told Gram that she and Grandpa transformed my life when they took me in as a teenager.

My grandpa, her husband of almost 60 years, passed away in the snow before last Christmas. After giving a eulogy at his memorial service, it struck me that there were so many things I wanted to thank Gram for while she was still with us. A few months later, my husband and I took a Zen Parenting Radio Virtual Relationship Retreat. Gratitude was a primary focus. Two women participating in the retreat recommended a “gratitude visit,” an exercise developed

by Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, founding father of positive psychology.

While I loved the idea, I was nervous. I worried the letter wouldn’t be poetic enough. Then I realized it

should sound authentic, the way that I talk to Gram every day.

I had heard it would take courage to read, and it did. I started crying as soon as sat down with her. But I am so incredibly glad I did it.

“I will keep this forever,” Grandma said, clutching the letter tight.

When she is feeling sad or alone, I hope she remembers just how important she is to me.

Whether it be your grandparents or the grandparents of your children, I highly recommend a gratitude visit. On Grandparents Day, Sept. 7, or any day, it is important to let them know how grateful we are for them.

When she is feeling sad or alone, I hope she remembers just how important she is to me.

How to conduct a “gratitude visit”

about your purpose. Make reading the letter a surprise.

5 Expect it to be a moving experience. Both people typically cry.

1 Think of a person who did something to change your life for the better. It should be a person you could meet face-to-face.

Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, creator of this exercise, says you will be happier and less depressed one month from your gratitude visit.

2 Write a one-page, detailed letter that explains why you are grateful. Be specific. Explain how they affected your life and how you think about them today.

For more information, check out his book, Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being

3 You can decorate or frame the letter, if you like, but the key is to visit the person and read it aloud to them.

4 When scheduling the visit, be vague

Cortney Fries is a freelance writer and Chicago mom to a 3and 5-year-old. She spends less time than she should making sure their home isn’t a total disaster.

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 33

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Conquering McDonald’s

“Land, Sea and Air Burger”

W

hen you’re a husband and Dad, there are a limited number of ways to be “naughty” without jeopardizing your family—most of them involve food. That’s where “Secret Menus” come in.

You may have heard rumblings about these things—off the books items at fast food chains only available upon request.

Most of the items on these Secret Menus are indulgent and fairly disgusting.

I decided to consume McDonald’s infamous “Land, Sea and Air Burger” featuring a McChicken stuffed in a McDouble stuffed in a Filet of Fish. It’ll run you about $6.50 with tax.

The McDonald’s I visited (in Naperville) didn’t know what I was talking about, but when I started asking for stacks of sandwiches, my money was green.

Full disclosure, I jettisoned two buns, leaving me with a four bun, three meat, many cheese gastrointestinal nightmare.

Getting it into my mouth was a bit of a chore. After a few bites it was mangled enough to stuff down my gullet.

And the taste? Well, unfortunately the Filet of Fish overpowers the whole affair, giving it a fishy, cheesy, mushiness throughout. Is it unpleasant? Not really. It’s a pile of McDonald’s sandwiches, what’s not to like?

But is it mushy, bland, and shameful? Oh, yes. Yes, it is.

The nutritional breakdown? Well, the “Land, Sea and Air” burger* provides its victim with: 1,140 calories (46% of a 2,500 calorie diet)

44g of fat (73% of one’s daily recommended fat) 15g of saturated fat (115% of saturated fat) 17g of sugar (164% of the new lowered recommended daily sugar) 2,240 mg of sodium (97% of one’s daily recommended sodium.)

In one minute I’d eaten all my sugar and saturated fat for a day and a half.

I’m just glad my wife and child didn’t see me defiling myself like that. * I’m neither a dietician nor a mathematician, so forgive me if my numbers are off.

34 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com DOSC-14061_CL_CPSeptAd.indd 1 CHIPAR0914_034.indd 1

8/15/14 8:58 AM 8/15/14 11:37 AM

REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

@

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

School just started and your child is head over heels in love with a classmate who doesn’t return the adoration. How do you help them?

Remind them they are young and their heart will be broken again, but they’ll also break some along the way. I’ve always found listening to Pink Floyd helps cushion the blow.

Jeff Mezydlo, Chicago

You listen, hug them and then share a few stories from your younger years when you were in the same boat. I still remember listening to my mom’s “boyfriend stories” when I had a crushed heart growing up!

Cherish Walsh, Streamwood

Luckily my son isn’t there yet, but when his time comes he can learn about rejection the same way I did, from old Pepé Le Pew cartoons. “I pierce you with the ack-ack of love, flowerpot.”

Ryan Salzwedel, Chicago

I remind my daughter he is missing out, and when he gets older, he’ll realize it. I also remind her she’s not allowed to date until 16, so “love” is a moot point. Of course, once she turns 16, I’ll have to come up with something new for unrequited love!

Rani Morrison, Oak Park

As much as we want to protect our kids from life’s realities, we can’t do it forever. Listen and acknowledge their feelings, encourage other relationships, give a big hug, and then take her out for ice cream. This too will pass, until the next time!

Lisa Cheruff, Skokie

I would help them by explaining that everyone is allowed to feel and experience their own emotions and it’s not always reciprocated back.

And that’s OK. I would then help them get together with someone that does want their friendship.

Tracie Guzolek, Chicago

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Show off your child’s photos. Please include the picture, first names of everyone in the p ictu ic ctu ture tur re, yo re, yyour you our ur cchilhil hil hi dren’s ages, your hometown and telephone number for verification purposes only.

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We keep all photos.

By sending us your child’s photo, you give us permission to run it now or in the future or to post it on ChicagoParent.com.

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Chicago Bears’ Martellus Bennett’s journey to fatherhood

From FIRST DOWNS to

FIRST smiles

BY JACKIE MCGOEY PHOTOS BY THOMAS KUBIK

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 39

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8/15/14 5:40 PM

T

he first glance of Martellus Bennett at his home—a gleaming glass cube—unloading bouquets of fresh-cut flowers from his car, is a far cry from how most people usually see the pro football tight end: clad in an orange and blue Chicago Bears uniform, exploding into defensive linemen on down blocks or hauling in game-winning touchdown passes.

Seeing the 6-foot-6, 265-pound new dad, covered in tattoos, singing sweet songs to his almost 6-month-old daughter as she falls asleep on his chest, provides a similar contrast. Yet, the whole scene seems so natural.

Parenthood is a role that Marty and Siggi, his wife of three years, have fallen into with grace since welcoming Austyn Jett Rose into the world in March.

“I think I was just built to be a dad,” Marty says.

Siggi agrees that her husband has adapted well to the demands of fatherhood, a credit to his own father.

“It was something that was implanted in him from a young age,” she says.

Marty, a self-described big kid who goes by nicknames Black Unicorn and Martysaurus Rex, is excited by the idea of having a builtin playmate.

“A lot of times I go and catch butterflies in my backyard by myself,” he says.

“Now I have someone else to catch butterflies with.”

Butterflies, unicorns and dinosaurs aside, as it is with any set of new parents, life changed for the young couple when curly-haired, blue-eyed Jett came along.

Marty has traded dance clubs for reading clubs. “Now I know everybody at Barnes and Noble,” he says. “They know what books we like and email me when they come in.”

And celebrity aside, the same concerns of countless other parents plague them as well.

“We’re not comfortable having her stay with anyone just yet,” Siggi says. “It’s hard being able to trust anyone with something so valuable

“A lot of times I go and catch butterflies in my backyard by myself.

Now I have someone else to catch butterflies with.” and something so sacred to you as your child.”

So for now, Jett, who makes the cutest third wheel ever, tags along with her parents to museums, dinner dates and even to the movies—a conscious choice Marty and Siggi made to keep their family unit tight.

“We’re good at spending time together and making it valuable and special for the three of us, and I think it’s

just a natural progression,” Siggi says. “We can’t even remember what life was like before her.”

And the couple—who, with Marty’s silly and fun-loving personality and Siggi’s calm and collected composure, perfectly complement each other—don’t want to.

“Our relationship (before

Jett) was awesome, but now I feel like it’s just one more person to be awesome with,” Marty says.

Marty and Siggi are both comfortable opening up their lives with Jett to their fans, much more so than others in the public eye, but none of it is done without thought.

Marty has carefully

40 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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cultivated his image and uses social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, as a way to not only connect with his fans but more importantly, to portray the most honest version of himself. “When you’re a public figure, your image is really controlled CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 41

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DO YOUR KIDS PLAY SPORTS? Motivating, Reassuring and Eye-Opening Insights from Successful Athletes

“A comprehensive compilation of topics and real-world examples—sure to benefit parents of young athletes looking for information to enhance their child’s sports experience.”

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Available at:

PlayingInTheRealWorld.com 42 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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MARTELLUS BENNETT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

by the media,” he says. “I believe in authenticity and social media is my only time to truly express myself. A lot of guys make up these brands and they make up these people and they try to act a certain way. It’s all a façade.”

Marty’s realness seems to resonate with people. Case in point, his more than 27,000 Instagram followers and more than 92,000 Twitter followers.

Marty’s monthly blog posts for ChicagoParent.com (Living the #JettLife) have also become a popular feature and a further extension of Marty’s reach to Chicago-area parents.

Marty’s posts are even spreading through the rest of the Chicago Bears roster.

“I get a lot of positive feedback from my teammates who are parents,” Marty says.

“I talked to Cutty (Jay Cutler, Bears quarterback) one day and he said, ‘You’re just an excellent writer so it doesn’t really matter what you write.’”

Writing is just one of Marty’s many interests. In addition to authoring several children’s books, he dabbles in film

making, toy art design and most recently, photography.

His jack-of-all-trades nature is a trait he hopes will rub off on Jett when she’s older, and being able to give her access to many different things and let her choose her own path is something Siggi says they’re blessed to be able to do.

“I don’t want to try to cater to one facet of her life,” Marty says.

“I want her to try to experience art, experience sports, experience movies.”

And if Jett ever wavers in believing she can do whatever she sets her mind to, she doesn’t need to look any farther than her own father for inspiration.

“I have to truly set the example and go achieve every single dream that I’ve ever had so that when she’s old enough I can say ‘Hey, I went and did it, there’s no reason to say that you can’t,’” Marty says.

While playing football at the professional level is one of the dreams Marty has brought to fruition, he says it’s a miniscule part of his life in the grand CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

What’s in a name?

Austyn Jett Rose Austyn: Chosen by Siggi. “I knew a lot of boys named Austin but I had never heard of a girl named Austyn and I thought it was kind of cool.”

Jett: Chosen by Marty. “I wanted to give her options. She’s probably gonna go through phases, so Austyn is her masculine name. Jett is the bad ass name and Rose is delicate.”

Rose: In part, inspired by Siggi’s obstetrician, Dr. Rosenberg.

“Both of her parents have pretty unique names, so one of our name concerns was giving her options,” Siggi says. “I’ve always hated Sigourney, so I’ve always gone by Siggi.”

“My name means Greek god so I’m happy with it, but people slaughter it, so I go by Marty most of the time,” Marty says.

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 43

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MARTELLUS BENNETT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

scheme of things. For him, it’s just a job.

“I play because I just love kicking ass, like stiff arming people and competing, and just being out there with the guys,” Marty says. “It’s a lot of fun.”

For him, football is just a job. And while tempers can often flare during the high contact sport—Marty was suspended in August from training camp and one pre-season game following a scuffle with rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller—that ultimately doesn’t define who Marty is as a father or a husband.

What defines Marty is his family. He says nothing else matters. And one day, after the roar of 60,000 screaming fans at Soldier Field dies down, Marty hopes to become a stay-at-home dad.

“To everybody else football is so huge, but people work all day and they never like to talk about their jobs, so when I come home to Jett and Sig, I’m just daddy and the husband,” Marty says. “I’m not Martellus Bennett, the tight end of the Chicago Bears.”

“Ultimately, life is about the journey, and nobody really wants to

Extra, extra Reader comments from Living the #JettLife on ChicagoParent. com I love reading your thoughts!

Great article bro! I know you’re inspiring parents to live in the “Now–”. Great job! :) Marty—great reflections. Glad to have a bird’s eye view of the bountiful blessing you call Jett.

Love, love, love—can’t wait to watch both of your journeys as parents! travel alone,” Marty says.

No matter the journey, you can be sure the Bennetts will be cherishing every moment along the way.

Together.

Read more from their interview and watch a behind-the-scenes video of their photoshoot at ChicagoParent.com.

44 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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tickets: online www.midwayvillage.com, museum store & at the gates | info: 815-397-9112 * Registered card carrying re-enactors are the ONLY guests admitted into the event in vintage military uniform.

Visitors to the event may ONLY dress in 1940s civilian costume and must make sure the Visitor sticker is worn prominently. tickets: online www.midwayvillage.com, museum store & at the gates | info: 815-397-9112 card carrying re-enactors are the ONLY guests admitted into the event in vintage military uniform. * Registered tickets: www.midwayvillage.com, museum store at the gates Visitors to theonline event may ONLY dress in 1940s civilian costume and must make sure the Visitor sticker&is worn prominently.

| info: 815-397-9112 Registered card carrying re-enactors are the ONLY guests admitted into the event in vintage military uniform. * Visitors to themuseum event may ONLY dress costume and must make sure the Visitor sticker is worn prominently. tickets: online www.midwayvillage.com, store & inat1940s thecivilian gates | info: 815-397-9112 ChicagoParent.com September 2014 45 Registered card carrying re-enactors are the ONLY guests admitted into the event in vintage military uniform. * Visitors to the event may ONLY dress in 1940s civilian costume and must make sure the Visitor sticker is worn prominently.

8/15/14 12:52 PM

Chicago Grammar School

Celebrating Student Achievement: 2014 CGS Honor Wall 1st Place 2014!

CGS Certamen Team wins Chicago Regional Junior High Division

US Kangaroo Math 2014 Winners - CGS students place 16th and 17th nationally!

National Latin Exam 2014 - CGS students receive Outstanding Achievement Awards

The CGS Class of 2014 will be attending North Side Prep, Jones College Prep and St. Ignatius in the Fall.

Best wishes for their continued academic success!

CGS Student wins Top Prize in UK Based 2014 Minimus Mythology Competition

Illinois Kangaroo Math 2014 Winners CGS students place in the Top 15 in the State

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46 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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8/15/14 11:35 AM

In pursuit of passion Sending the kids back to school opens door for Chicago parents to reinvent themselves

K

BY CORTNEY FRIES ids change their parents’ lives in countless, often unexpected, ways. While the constant responsibility and endless energy can be exhausting, children can shift your priorities and give you a renewed focus on what’s really important.

That’s what happened for these three parents, who reinvented themselves to do what they love.

Amy Renzulli

Family: Married with a daughter, 16, and son, 14 Previous career: Health care sales and marketing Current career: Owner, School of Rock-Oak Park How did you change your career and why?

My dad always told me there would be a point when I would want to do something on my own. Around the time of health care reform, I couldn’t find a place in a big company to flourish. When my kids started going to the Chicago School of Rock,

it was like a light bulb went off.

This opportunity just appeared in front of me. I hadn’t planned to open a franchise, but this uses all of my skills and passions.

What are some of the best parts of your reinvention?

I can completely express myself the way that I want to. I feel unleashed. My personal and professional life are much more fluid. I’m happy, energized and feel younger every day. I also sing in the adult performance program. I call it putting my mouth where my money is. If I’m going to set this up and offer these services, I should do it,

too. I’m having a ball.

What has been n the hardest part?

I’ve drifted aw way from my close friends. As happy as I am, that made me reeally sad. When you launch a bussiness, it’s kind of like having a baby. b You give birth to this big thing t and put everything you h have into it. After a year, you start getting back to yourself. I’m circcling back with them now.

What do you th hink your reinvention teaches your y children?

They can do w whatever they want to do. It teaaches them to be fearless.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

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How did you change your career and why?

I wanted a family and realized a pregnant belly in space was probably not the best idea.

After my first child was born, I worked part-time as a scientist.

It sounds great to take care of your child all day and work in the evenings, but, really, it is just exhausting. I stayed home as a full-time parent for eight years.

Reading to my children rekindled my love of writing. One day I started writing and couldn’t stop. In five years, I have written eight books and several stories.

How has your reinvention influenced your parenting?

It is important for us to teach

our children that they not only can, but need to be creative in addition to their base, core competencies. In the world our children are growing up into, the people doing well will be the ones bringing creativity to their jobs. You can’t just be an engineer—you’ve got to be an engineer who can create and think and take it to a higher level. Every kid has the capability to be creative, it’s just a matter of how much it’s fostered and encouraged.

What advice would you offer other families considering a change?

Each person in the family has a right to their own fulfillment.

You have to respect that, even if it’s inconvenient. You will have conflicting desires. You will want to do everything and you can’t. But when you build that respect into the family, the kids will flourish.

48 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Scott and Birgit Collins

Family: Married with two sons, ages 7 and 4 Previous careers: Both worked for Nestle Her current career: Lighting sales His future career: History teacher and coach

How did your paths change and why?

Birgit: After our youngest was hospitalized with pneumonia twice by the time he was 5 months old, I stayed home with the children. I absolutely loved everything about that year and a half, but at the time, I don’t know if I appreciated it. I’m a Type A personality and I started to feel bored. Now I’m the breadwinner. We both work hard, but have the flexibility to volunteer in our son’s class every week.

Scott is our “Mr. Mom.” Scott: My eyes opened up to the world around me when

I saw a friend who fought testicular cancer start coaching, something I always wanted to do. When you get married and have kids, you put yourself on the back burner. But I don’t want to be hitting retirement and not doing the things I wanted to do with my life.

What do you think your reinventions teach your sons?

Birgit: Mommy’s job is just as

important as Daddy’s. I feel like I get more respect now. The kids see me doing something for us and for myself. I’m in a better mood—I get a break, an outlet.

They are inspired by the things I do.

Scott: I hope it teaches them to be open and embrace change.

I want them to be adventurous.

If there’s something they want to do, I want them to go do it.

What advice would you offer other parents considering a change?

Birgit: Go with your gut. Don’t let people tell you what to do.

You know what’s best for your family.

Scott: Go for it. If you’re on the fence, at least try it part-time. You will be a happier person for following your passion.

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A rare breed Chicagoland families describe life with kids who have a rare condition

I

BY ELIZABETH DIFFIN magine hearing that your child has a disease—and not only a disease, but something you’ve never heard of in your life. What would already be terrible news immediately gets complicated with confusion, fear and ignorance.

That’s the case for nearly 30 million Americans— individuals who have been diagnosed with rare disorders.

While not all of these disorders are fatal, they usually impact health and long-term development. Plus, rare diseases— anything that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans—often touch children.

Fortunately, in the age of Facebook and other technological advancements, rare disease families have been able to find each other and share their experiences, something Mary Dunkle, the vice president of communications for the National Organization for Rare Disorders, calls “a total game-changer.”

It can be difficult to understand the exact challenges these families face. So we talked to three Chicagoland families to get a glimpse into their everyday lives.

Never Give Up On the day that her older brother Noah was diagnosed with a rare and terminal disease, Laine VanHoutan came marching into the dining room, chanting the words she had just heard from Dora the Explorer.

“Never give up! Never give in!”

Little did Laine know that those words would become her parents’ mantra as they

have grappled with seeing not one, but two, of their children fall victim to Late Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipfuscinosis—also known as Batten disease.

Laine, eight-and-a-half, doesn’t march or chant anymore. In fact, she is totally nonverbal and immobile, although her parents say they can tell when she’s trying to smile or laugh.

Her brother, Noah, 10, is the same, although he’s also lost his vision. Both of them were once happy, healthy kids, and now they aren’t expected to live past 12.

“That’s honestly the hardest part of this disease,” says mom Jen VanHoutan, “knowing that once upon a time, they were regular kids.”

Noah was about 3 when his parents noticed that their “early talker” started to mix up words or drop them out of sentences. Then there was the clumsiness, which Jen and her husband Tracy attributed to being a kid (and those pesky

rubber-soled shoes). That is, until Noah took a “strange fall” one December when the family was decorating for Christmas. By the time Tracy got to him, Noah had stopped breathing.

He went to the hospital by ambulance, but was released soon after. Exactly two weeks later, the same thing happened again, and this time, the doctors decided that both incidents had been seizures, although they weren’t sure why they had happened.

“To that point, there had never been a scarier moment in our lives,” Tracy says.

“That didn’t last too long.”

For the next 16 months, the VanHoutans met with three neurologists and tried six different medications, but Noah’s seizures kept getting worse. Eventually they went to Duke University Hospital. After two weeks, they returned to their home

in Downers Grove and put Noah on the ketogenic diet, which is often recommended for people who have seizures. And suddenly, Noah was a little better, brighteyed, talking.

“We were ecstatic,” Tracy says.

But two weeks later, on St. Patrick’s Day 2009, they received the phone call that would change their lives forever. “[The doctor] keeps telling us he’s sorry and to let him know what he can do,” Tracy says. “We go and look it up, and that’s when it hits you.”

Noah, just weeks shy of his fifth birthday at the time, had Batten disease, a progressive, neurological condition that causes mental impairment, seizures, and loss of sight and motor skills.

It occurs in an estimated 2 to 4 of every 100,000 births in the United States. It is also genetic.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

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RARE DISEASE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

The genetic link is why Tracy and Jen decided to have their other two children, twins Laine and Emily, tested for the disease. But since the girls had shown none of Noah’s symptoms and were on-target developmentally, they never thought the test would come back positive.

On Aug. 17, five months to the day of Noah’s diagnosis, the VanHoutans found out that Laine, just 3, also had the disease.

“Going through it with Noah was hard,” Tracy says. “But then building up and being sure everything was OK, and then going through that with Laine again? That was a huge punch to the gut.”

But they remembered their determined little girl marching around the table and decided they would not give in.

“For every problem, there’s a solution, and we don’t ever feel like there isn’t one,” Tracy says.

That belief led to Tracy and

his father-in-law getting on a plane to Germany to attend an international research conference on Batten disease.

It allowed him to meet with doctors and researchers, to speak to advocacy groups, and to testify before the Food and Drug Administration on the need for clinical trials. And after a neighborhood garage sale brought in $9,000 in a single weekend, it brought about the formation of Noah’s Hope, an organization

that helps raise awareness and funds for Batten disease.

“We felt that without hope, we could just spiral into this pit of despair,” Tracy says.

Noah’s Hope also works to tell Noah and Laine’s stories, since they can no longer speak for themselves, and encourages parents to tell their children’s stories to neighbors and friends, as well as legislators.

“Somebody’s got to be a voice,” Jen says. “Everyone has

a story.”

Some recent setbacks in the clinical trial process mean that there still is not a cure for Batten disease. But the VanHoutans are absolutely confident there will be one soon—albeit too late for Noah or Laine.

A pillow that reads “hope,” sold as a fundraiser for their organization, sits in the VanHoutans’ dining room, near the table Laine once marched around. It speaks not only to their organization’s name, but to Tracy and Jen’s hopes for their children.

“I hope they’re not in pain,” Tracy says, a single tear running down his cheek. “I hope they still have dreams when they sleep. I hope in those dreams, they’re able to do all the things they used to be able to do. And I hope they know how much they mean to us and how hard we tried to save them.”

Noah (left) and Laine, both age 3, before diagnosis.

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Welcome to Holland When Bailey Nelson thinks about the future for her daughter, Brinkley, she has an unusual goal: Driving a car.

“It’s a hard balance to be realistic about it, but I also don’t want to hold her back from anything,” Bailey says. “We try and let her do whatever she’s interested in, and just see where that takes her.”

When Brinkley, now 3, was born, she showed no evidence of anything abnormal, although her parents thought she looked “like an old man.” But when she wasn’t meeting developmental milestones at around six months, Bailey and Andrew took her to a geneticist. And just a few weeks shy of Brinkley’s first birthday, they finally received a diagnosis.

“It was scary,” Bailey says. “It’s shocking to know that it really could happen to you.”

Brinkley has Williams syndrome, a chromosomal deletion

that affects 20,000-30,000 people in the United States. The Nelsons were handed a brochure (“it looked like it was from the 1990s,” Bailey says) and a few technical printouts about a disease they had never heard of. When they got home and started browsing the internet, they realized that Brinkley’s “old man” features were actually a sign of the disorder—those with

Williams syndrome tend to have “elfin” facial features.

In addition to developmental challenges, people with Williams syndrome often have heart problems that require surgery, and they’re frequently described as having “highly social personalities.” The Nelsons say that in Brinkley’s case, it more often manifests as being a “child of extremes.” They worry that her

sweet personality could be a target as she grows, so they’re teaching her about appropriate social interactions now.

Since Williams syndrome is so rare, there’s not a lot of information about what they can expect as Brinkley grows. It also means that the smallest accomplishment—whether riding a bike, playing soccer, or even crawling—is that much of a bigger deal to her parents.

Bailey likens their life with Brinkley to a poem she read after her daughter’s diagnosis.

The poem tells the story of a family that plans an amazing trip to France and gets on the airplane, only to hear the announcement upon landing, “Welcome to Holland.” And although it’s not at all what was planned for, they come to realize that Holland has great things to offer, too.

“The biggest thing I can say is stay positive,” Andrew says.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

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RARE DISEASE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53

“It’s easier said than done, but go with the attitude of ‘it could be worse, and it’s going to get better.’ That’s basically our attitude toward the whole thing.”

Although Williams syndrome is a genetic condition and there is a chance that their second child, a boy due in August, could have it, the Nelsons decided not to test for it. After all, they’ve become used to their “new normal” in the years since Brinkley was diagnosed.

“For us, it would be like testing if he has brown eyes or green eyes,” Bailey says. “It doesn’t really matter until he’s here anyway.”

For the past two years, the Nelsons have organized the Rockford Walk for Williams as a way to raise awareness and funding, and also to bring together the families who are affected by the condition.

But Bailey and Andrew have another reason behind setting up such an event, and it’s much

“I have the good story.

He might have challenges down the road, so I don’t want to be naïve to that, but at the end of the day, we live in the now.”

—Katie Thorstenson more personal.

“I want her to know that she’s special,” Bailey says. “It makes her different, and I think being different is awesome.”

“The Good Story” Katie Thorstenson’s happiest moments are when all four members of her family are

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under the same roof. That’s because not so long ago, she wasn’t sure if that would ever be the case again, as her younger son, Drew, struggled for his life at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Drew, now 2, has Noonan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 1,000-2,500 births and impacts multiple body systems, including the

heart. When he was just two months old, he went in for a routine echocardiogram and the radiologist saw fluid surrounding his lungs. Drew was admitted to the hospital and spent the next 93 days there—including seven days on ECMO, a heart and lung machine.

“The doctors had pulled me into a room and told me it might be time to accept this,” Katie says. “He wasn’t going to make it.”

But remarkably, Drew pulled through and was able to return to their Wauconda home when he was nearly five months old.

Katie was 12 weeks pregnant with Drew when she and her husband, Scott, found out something was “drastically wrong” with the baby. It took seven more weeks to find out exactly what that was.

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Individuals with Noonan syndrome tend to have certain facial features, such as wide-set eyes and low-set ears, but the largest indication in Drew’s case still is his small stature. He’s not on any height charts, and strangers rarely realize that he’s already 2.

Once you see his wicked golf swing (his parents think he’s the next Tiger) or watch him wrestle with his big brother, it’s clear that he’s a pretty typical toddler. And Katie hopes that continues to be the case as he gets older.

“My big fear with this whole thing is that I don’t want it to define him,” she says. “Maybe he just wants to be like every other kid.”

But although things now look positive for Drew, his parents

don’t want to forget that dark time when they thought they might lose their son.

“We made the choice of having kids, and this was something out of our control that we were dealt,” Scott says.

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You really have to lean on each other in those instances when the outcome may not be in your favor.”

They’re supporting other families with Noonan syndrome, both through the 5K race they started and Katie’s work on the board of the Noonan Syndrome Foundation. Their message?

Fight for your child. You never know what you can accomplish until you’re forced to do it.

“I have the good story,” Katie says. “He might have challenges down the road, so I don’t want to be naïve to that, but at the end of the day, we live in the now.”

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10 SPECIAL NEEDS of special needs parents How small gestures help in big ways

A

BY GILLIAN MARCHENKO

s a mom to two little girls who have Down syndrome, I need parents of typically developing kids to know something.

I have needs.

And yes, they may be a bit special because I have “children with special needs.”

Parental support from others in this crazy business of raising kids is essential in a mother’s or father’s life. So it can be painful when support falls flat, or if it doesn’t show up at all.

Here are 10 special needs of special needs parents:

1

We need you to bring it up. Ask us our stories.

Ask questions. We prefer that you ask about our kids directly, rather than avoiding the topic. A smile or friendly “Hello!” is an easy icebreaker.

2

We need our kids to have friends. If your child wants to have a play date with my kid, encourage it. Call me and say, “How can we make this work?”

3

We need you to share your concerns. If you are concerned about something regarding my child, tell me

about it. I may not have an answer, but I will appreciate the conversation. Just know we don’t always need your advice. Talk to us about a new therapy or diet you’ve heard about. Just be aware that we’ve probably already heard of it/tried it.

4

We need you to make an effort. Effort goes a long way. Educate yourself about my child’s special need. For instance, learning simple signs so that you can better communicate with a child who is deaf (and uses sign language) would be appreciated.

5

We need you to prepare your kids to hang out with our kids. If you know you will be spending time with my child, talk to your kids about it beforehand.

Talk about behaviors and ways your child can play with my child. Need ideas?

Ask!

6

We need you to be considerate. Consider the age of the child with special needs. If it is a new baby or a younger kid, I may not be ready to talk yet. But that doesn’t mean I won’t ever want to talk about it.

Follow my lead. I’ll let you know.

7

We need your tangible help. Offer to bring over a meal or help at a doctor’s visit.

Or hang out with my child with special needs so I can take my other kids to a matinee.

8

We need you to treat us like your other friends.

Talk about other things with me besides my child with special needs. Believe

it or not, I may just want to gossip about Angelina and Brad and their globetrotting kids.

9

We need validation.

Don’t dismiss my concerns by saying “oh, my typical child does that,” or my favorite, “well, then my kid must have a disability, too, because he/she does XYZ.” When I open up about a struggle, I want validation, not to be blown off.

10

We need invitations.

Don’t assume I’m too busy. Ask me out to eat or to a movie. I may not be able to get away as easily as other friends who don’t have kids with special needs, but I’ll go if I can, and if I can’t, your invitation will make my day. And ask me again!

Gillian Marchenko is a writer, speaker and advocate for her two daughters with Down syndrome. She lives in Chicago with her husband and four children.

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 57

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Apples to apples

What to do with the fruits of your labor

A

BY EMILY PASTER

pple picking is a favorite activity for many Chicago families at this time of year. Oldfashioned family fun, apple picking connects kids to our agrarian past when children helped in the fields and apples were not found year-round in the grocery store, but harvested when ready and saved in cold storage until the next fall.

Snap a few photos of the kids amidst the foliage, indulge in the traditional post-apple picking snack of doughnuts and cider and congratulate yourself on good memories made.

If your kids are anything like mine, they do not want to stop picking apples after the first half-bushel.

Between the required sibling competition to pick the most apples and the desire to find that elusive perfect specimen, we

inevitably come home from the orchard with at least 20 pounds of apples.

That’s a lot even for a home food preservation junkie like me. Fortunately, apples are very sturdy and will last for months in the refrigerator. But those apples may be taking up valuable refrigerator real estate.

So what can you do with your bumper crop of apples? Here are some ideas.

There are, of course, all the traditional apple desserts like quick breads, cakes, pies and crisps. But do not forget that apples can be used in savory dishes as well.

SautĂŠ apples with onions and serve alongside pork.

Chicken a la Normande is a traditional French dish of chicken topped with apples and onion cooked in a cream sauce. You can try adding diced apples to squash soup or sweeten your favorite salads with fresh apple slices. Spritz cut apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.

If you really have an overabundance of apples, apple sauce and apple butter are your best friends. Both recipes start with a large quantity of apples and cook down until all you are left

Apples work in des serts like quick breads, cakes, pies and crisps.

But do not forget that apples can be used in savory dishes as well. with are a few jars.

Apple sauce and butter can both be safely canned to be shelf-stable using a boiling water bath. But if that is too intimidating, both will last for months in the refrigerator to grace your Thanksgiving table or to give as holiday gifts.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

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APPLES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59

Emily Paster writes about fitting ambitious food into family life on her blog West of the Loop. Currently at work on her first cookbook, she is also the founder of the Chicago Food Swap.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Apple butter does not contain any actual butter, but rather is a fruit spread with a creamy, butter-like texture that comes from condensing the fruit’s natural sugars.

While you can make apple butter on the stove, a slow cooker is the easiest way to do it. I like to prop open the lid of my slow cooker with a plastic chopstick or the handle of a wooden spoon to aid evaporation and thicken the apple butter.

6 pounds of apples (about 12 large), peeled, cored and diced ¾ cup granulated sugar ¾ cup brown sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. each ground cloves and ginger Pinch of salt

Combine all the ingredients in a seven-quart slow cooker.

Set slow cooker to low, with the lid slightly ajar, and cook for 10 hours until the apple butter is thick and dark. Puree the apple butter with an immersion blender—or carefully transfer to a food processor in batches—to eliminate any remaining chunks of fruit.

Serve with cheese, spooned into yogurt or as a spread on toast.

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Easy Apple Turnovers Scared of pie crust? Cheat and make apple turnovers using frozen puff pastry. I guarantee that no one will complain. I recommend an all-butter puff pastry, such as DuFour, for best results. It is more expensive than puff pastry containing shortening, but well worth the price tag. Around the holidays, Trader Joe’s also sells a reasonably priced all-butter puff pastry.

Makes two large turnovers 3 apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced 3 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon Pinch of salt 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice One sheet all-butter puff pastry, thawed in the refrigerator 1 egg, beaten with a teaspoon of water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the apple slices and lemon juice and toss to coat with the butter.

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, salt and cinnamon and add the mixture to the pan with the apples. Stir to combine.

Sauté over medium heat until the apples are soft and the liquid syrupy, about five minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Carefully unroll the puff pastry onto a well-floured board. Gently roll out the pastry with a well-floured rolling pin until thin and square-shaped.

Cut the puff pastry into four equal pieces and transfer two to the lined baking sheet.

Divide the sautéed apples in half and place each half in the middle of one of the pieces of puff pastry on the baking sheet.

Carefully top the apples with the remaining pieces of puff pastry and firmly crimp the edges together to seal.

Brush the tops of each turnover with the beaten egg and cut three slashes in the top to vent.

Bake for 22-25 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack before serving.

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ChicagoParent.com September 2014 61

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High School Choice // special advertising section Chicago School GPS

“Hidden Gems” A Public & Private

CHICAGO High School Fair

Sunday, Sept. 28 • 2-5pm Middle School Parents and Students can learn: • Navigating the high school admissions process • Entrance test tips & strategies • Private school scholarships

Middle School Students can attend: • Peer to peer info session Q&A with current HS students • Admission essay “how-to” session for middle schoolers • Executive Functioning skills for high school success

St. Benedict Preparatory High School 3900 N. Leavitt, Chicago $15/family via pre-paid online registration $25/family @ door • need-based fee waivers available Pre-register & be entered to win RAFFLE PRIZES!

RSVP

www.chischoolgps.com See our list of participating schools online!

info@chischoolgps.com/312.324.GPS4(4774) 62 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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High School Choice Why you need a safety net in your high school search special advertising section //

By Shannan Younger

A

pplying to high schools in Chicago can be a very stressful experience for students and families. Often, families are familiar with a few of the more well-known high schools and set their hearts on attending one of them, but the low acceptance rates mean that cannot be a reality for everyone.

While families can certainly aim for some schools, they should structure their search so that, in addition to those schools, their children also apply to schools where they are likely be accepted. Those schools are often known as safety nets, but in reality, they can be much more than that and can be schools where

students not only learn but thrive.

“Independent school admission is usually fairly selective, it can be competitive and there’s never a ‘sure thing’ in terms of acceptance,” explains Colin Lord, director of Enrollment Management at the Latin School of Chicago.

Rachel Spiro of the Wolcott School in Chicago says she cautions families against getting their heart set on just one school during the high school admissions process because families “really don’t have that much control over the situation.”

Focusing on schools’ reputation alone may mean missing a school that would be a great fit.

“It is natural to want to be accepted into a highly selec-

tive program and limited supply can increase demand,” explains Lisa Payton of the Chicago Waldorf School.

Parents and students need to look at the bigger picture and keep an open mind throughout the high school search and selection process.

“See what’s out there,” Spiro recommends. “A family may be pleasantly surprised by the notion of something that’s not typical but a little more interesting.”

Lord echoes that sentiment.

“As a family delves deeper into the process, it may discover that a school they had applied to may not be the best fit for the student after all. Casting a wide net and having options is critical.”

Not focusing in on numbers and statistics is important.

“Encourage your student to look beyond acceptance statistics to see the program that is the best fit,” says Payton.

She suggests that families consider factors like mission, educational philosophy and the school’s ability to meet the individual student’s needs.

Parents need to help their student see the wide variety of options available. “The worst thing families can do is to curtail their child’s options,” says Francis W. Parker’s Admissions and Financial Aid Director, Karen Fisher.

Considering a child’s needs is particularly important when they have complex learning disabilities.

For some students, the best continued on page 64

You Are Invited to Our Upcoming Reception

Please be our guest at the Brehm School & OPTIONS Reception in Evanston, hosted by Fred and Tina Chapekis. The reception will be April 29th at the Evanston Golf Club in the Terrace Room. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, and soft drinks will be offered and will include presentations. You are encouraged to invite guests to learn more about Brehm School and OPTIONS Transitions to Independence.

When | April 29, 2014 | 7:00 pm Where | Evanston Golf Club | 4401 W. Dempster St. | Skokie

www.brehm.org | www.experienceoptions.org RSVP to Erin Camfield by email or 618.457.0371 x1802 *Dress is Business Casual

Brehm and OPTIONS empower students with complex learning disabilities and differences to recognize and optimize their potentials throughout their lifetime.

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 63

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High School Choice // special advertising section Safety Net

continued from page 63 school for students might not even be in Chicago as is the case with Brehm Preparatory School, a private boarding school in Carbondale that serves grades sixth-12th.

Though it offers rolling admissions, many students start looking at Brehm up to a year and a half ahead of time, says Charity Finley, director of communications.

At Brehm, testing isn’t the most important indicator of selection, more emphasis is put on questionnaires and the screening process to make sure of a perfect fit, she says.

Parents are often unaware of the hundreds of high school options available to their children in Chicago.

“There are a lot more options than what many parents think. In their consciousness, there are four or five options, but in reality there

photo courtesy of brehm preparatory school

are a lot of choices,” says Grace Sawin of ChiSchoolGPS. ChiSchoolGPS hosts a Hidden Gems High School Fair in September to help families

discover some of the less popular but excellent options.

“Unfortunately, parents do not research enough into the particular schools to

which their kids are applying,” Horton says. “They tend to go by reputation but they don’t look into the teaching styles of that school, the curriculum, they’ve not looked at the colleges they want their child to go to see if that particular high school will prepare them for college life.”

Applying to a wide variety of schools is more likely to give families options. “You want kids to get into several schools and have a choice of places to attend. You don’t want them to have just one letter,” says Kate Anderson of Beacon Academy in Evanston.

Having a choice is especially important when it comes to adolescents.

Anderson says kids may set their hearts on one school on one day, but it’s entirely likely that they will change their minds in a matter of days or weeks, let alone the months that span the application process. “Allow kids to go through

Presented by the Francis W. Parker School

Saturday, September 27 • 9 am – 4 pm Looking to the future, the Francis W. Parker School introduces the Chicago Education Festival. Join leading innovators in a discussion around big ideas that will shape education and impact children of all ages.

Learn more at edfestchi.com.

How is Parker Expanding Learning today and tomorrow?

Middle School Open House, Grades 6–8 Saturday, October 25 | 1 pm Upper School Open House, Grades 9–12 Saturday, November 22 | 10 am Application Deadline: Monday, December 1 More online at fwparker.org Francis W. Parker School | 330 W. Webster Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 | 773.353.3000 | www.fwparker.org

64 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // stages,” Anderson suggests.

Many parents worry that colleges are looking only at students from specific high schools, but Spiro says that is not always true.

“Colleges are often excited by students who take more risk than go along a straight line,” she says.

Parents need to remember that there has never been a perfect school, regardless of what a school’s reputation may be.

“You will find things that you love at schools and things that don’t work as well,” says Fraser Coffeen, Middle and Upper School Division head of Roycemore School in Evanston.

If your teen does not get into his/ her dream school, do not despair and keep perspective.

“It is important for parents to acknowledge, but not wallow in, any disappointment with their child.

Praise the excellent efforts the child put forth in the process,” says Fisher.

“Point out to the student that they should not take the process or its outcomes too personally. Schools make admission decisions for many reasons and though it feels personal

to the student, it might just be that there were too many boys or girls in that particular applicant pool.”

Teens will often take their cues from their parents’ reactions.

Although not the norm, school officials say that some parents yell and pester staff and others place inappropriate phone calls, none of which help their chances of admission or benefits their child. “In the end, parents who model appropriate responses for their children will feel better and so will their kids,” Fisher says.

“Wherever they go, they will still be happy and still do well provided the parent has the child’s best interest at heart,” says Michael Horton, headmaster at the British School in Chicago.

Parents can remind teens that their high school experience is not just about the school but also about the effort from the student. “High school is what you will make of it. Be at a school that allows your child to get the most out of it,” says Coffeen.

Sawin sums it up well. “Chicago is great because you can really find a school that fits your child.”

High School Choice What do I need to do?

Public and Private High School Search timeline Early work • Sixth grade: Visit one or two “high interest” schools to determine requirements for admission and enter seventh grade with a goal • Seventh grade: Attend open houses, concentrate on schoolwork (standardized tests and school grades). Solidify relationships from potential recommendation providers • Sixth- to eighth-grade families should attend the Hidden Gems High School Fair in late September to help widen the net of schools for consideration.

Eighth grade • Early fall: Attend open houses, write essays and gather recommendations (if required) • Late fall: Apply by deadline • Winter: Take entrance exams (complete parochial and charter applications) • Spring: High school notifications arrive Source: ChiSchoolGPS

622 Davis Street n Evanston, IL n beaconacademychicago.org

Discover Roycemore…

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PERSONAL, ENGAGED COLLEGE PREP Admissions Open House Tuesday, October 7, 8:30-10 AM Call Amanda at 847-866-6055 or visit roycemoreschool.org 1200 Davis Street in Evanston Age 3–Grade 12

Bringing together independent school best practices and challenging academics with the independence, freedom, and studentcentered methods of Montessori for students in grades 9-12.

Now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 school year ChicagoParent.com September 2014 65

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High School Choice // special advertising section Beacon Academy 622 Davis, Evanston (224) 999-1177 beaconacademychicago.org Beacon Academy brings together independent school best practices and challenging academics with the independence, freedom, and student-centered methods of Montessori. Beacon inspires selfmotivation and celebrates cultural and socioeconomic diversity.

At Beacon, students master the skills, knowledge, and habits of mind necessary to offer the world their intelligence, confidence, and compassion.

Brehm Preparatory School 950 S. Brehm Ave., Carbondale (618) 457-0371 Brehm.org Brehm School is an internationally known family-style boarding school for boys and girls, grades 6-12 with complex learning disabilities. Brehm offers a unique holistic program that individually addresses each student’s academic, emotional and social needs. The curriculum is collegepreparatory, with emphasis placed on teaching students to become independent learners and to devel-

op self-advocacy skills. Brehm has the ability to empower students to recognize and achieve their full potential and is the only boarding school in the world to offer the Arrowsmith Program.

British School of Chicago 814 W. Eastman, Chicago (773) 506-2097 britishschoolofchicago.org admissionsbsc@wclschools.org The British School of Chicago prepares students for college with small discussion-based classes and differentiated learning.

Students gain a global perspective through the IB Diploma while gaining experience with our rich and varied extra-curricular program including our well-respected music and arts program. Contact us for complete details on our Information Evening.

Chicago Waldorf School 1300 W. Loyola Ave., Chicago (773) 465-2371 chicagowaldorf.org Chicago Waldorf School’s progressive curriculum integrates creative arts with academics in vigorous ways to create students with capacities and confidence to meet

PHOTO COURTESY OFLYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE CHICAGO

the future. Our approach meets distinct stages of child development by focusing not only on what children learn but how they learn.

Tour our school to see why we are the fastest growing educational movement in the world.

Chicago School GPS Chischoolgps.com Chicago’s premiere school consultants, we offer skilled assistance to help families navigate their pre-

school through high school search, from traditional to gifted to special education . We offer insights into public (including neighborhood, selective enrollment, magnet & charter schools) and private (independent & parochial) options. Services include: individual family consultations, group presentations, application assistance and review, and postacceptance follow-up.

66 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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High School Choice

Oui special advertising section //

“

”

are the world.

We are the Lycée Français de Chicago - the premier international high school in the heart of Chicago.

Education experts recommend the International Baccalaureate degree over other high school honors programs for students who want to succeed on a global scale. Multi-language acquisition, an international student body and trips abroad prepare Lycée students to become global citizens.

Lycée Français de Chicago offers the best in French and American education to create a one-of-a-kind, rigorous, academic high school program that emphasizes critical thinking, adaptability and creative learning.

And when our students graduate, they proudly exclaim

“Attention Monde, j’arrive!”

LyceeChicago.org Serving preschool through grade 12 • 613 W. Bittersweet Place • Chicago, IL 60613 • 773 665 0066 • admissions@lyceechicago.org

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 67

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High School Choice // special advertising section Francis W. Parker School Serving Junior Kindergarten through 12 Grade 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago (773) 797-5107 fwparker.org Parker is a school where inspired teachers, dynamic curriculum and a diverse community of learners thrive. Instilling a passion for learning and developing the capacity for independent inquiry are central to a Parker education.

Our discussion-based courses encourage a love of learning that has proven to last a lifetime. There is no better preparation for college. Register for a Group Tour or Open House event at fwparker.org.

Latin School of Chicago 59 W. North Blvd., Chicago (312) 582-6000 latinschool.org For 125 years, Latin School has set standards for academic excellence in Chicago. While our approach has evolved, our goals have remained the same: to provide students with exceptional opportunities in an environment that fosters a love of learning. Serving 1,127 students in Pre K – 12 from 60 plus neighbor-

hoods, Latin is a close community where every student is known and valued.

Lycée Français de Chicago 613 W Bittersweet Pl, Chicago (773) 665-0066 Lyceechicago.org Lycée Français de Chicago offers the best in French and American education to create a one-ofa-kind, rigorous, High School International Baccalaureate program that emphasizes critical thinking, adaptability and creative learning. Multi-language acquisition, an international student body and trips abroad prepare Lycée students to become global citizens.

Roycemore School 1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org Students, teachers, administrators and parents form a high school community that reflects Roycemore’s core values of respect for others, appreciation of differences, and a commitment to academic excellence in a challenging but non-competitive environment. An annual project between

photo courtesy of beacon academy

semesters allows students to create part of their own curriculum.

Qualified students may take classes at Northwestern University.

Wolcott School 524 N. Wolcott Ave., Chicago (312) 610-4900 wolcottschool.org rspiro@wolcottschool.org Wolcott School offers an exemplary high school program for students with learning differ-

ences, tailored to the strengths and aspirations of each student. Employing best practices, our expert faculty is dedicated to helping students gain self-awareness, confidence and resilience as well as the academic, social and communication skills to flourish in college and beyond. Open Houses: Sunday, October 26 at 2PM & Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30PM.

Making theGrade Chicago Parent’s annual resource guide for Chicago area schools.

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For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com 68 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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advertising directory //

Fall Fun

Adler Planetarium

Highlights

Mt. Prospect Park District

Odyssey Fun World

Cosmic Wonder Show 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 922-STAR alderplanetarium.org

Halloween Puzzles & Crafts & more Highlignts.com/imagine

Fishing Derby 9-13 Howlin’ Halloween Saturday, October 18 11am-3pm 1000 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect Mppd.org

Corn Maize, Pumpkin Patch and Hay Rides And More in Tinley Park Tinley Park & Naperville locations (708) 429-3800 odysseyfunworld.com

Apple Holler 5006 S. Sylvania Avenue Sturtevant, WI 53177 (262) 884-7100 appleholler.com

Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University Kids Fare Fall Performances: September 27 & November 8 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston (847) 467-4000 pickstaiger.org

Butterprint Farm Pumpkin Patch Family Fun for Everyone!

24936 S. 80th Ave., Monee (708) 534-8801 butterprintfarm.com

Chicago Children’s Museum Located at Navy Pier Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn Fall Fun Fest 2014 Sun Sept 28th 10am - 2pm Fall Fest 5100 E. Museum Dr., Oak Lawn (708) 423-6709 cmoaklawn.org

Jonamac Orchard Pick-your-own orchard opens Labor Day week end 19412 Shabonna Rd, Malta (815) 825-2158 Jonamacorchard.com for calendar of events

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6923 kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Midway Village Museum World War II Days September 20 & 21 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford (815) 397-9112 midwayvillage.com

The Morton Arboretum Take it outside this fall and enjoy the extraordinary color of trees from 40 different countries.

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle (630) 968-0074 mortonarb.org

Naper Settlement Ocktoberfest, Oct. 3 & 4 All Hallows Eve, Oct. 17 & 18 NOW OPEN The Early Leaning Playscape 523 S. Webster, Naperville (630) 420-6010 Napersettlement.org

National Wildlife Federation Hike & Seek Event September 27th Bemis Woods South, Western Springs hikeandseek.org/chicagoparent

Oakbrook Terrace Park District

Pump It Up Party Not So Scary Jump Chgo Loc Thurs, Oct 23 5:30-7pm $12/child All Ages Open Jump Chicago (312) 664-PUMP Orland Park (708) 479-2220 pumpitupparty

Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm Pumkin Fest 2012 17250 s. Weber Rd. Crest Hill (800) 304-FARM ourpumkinfarm.com

Skokie Park District

International Food Truck Festival & Family Fun 9-20 Halloween Hayride at the Lake View Nature Center 10-17 Halloween Carnival at the Fitness Center 10-18 Monster Bash at Heritage Center 10-30 1s325 Ardmore Ave, Villa Park (630) 627-6100 obtpd.org

9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org

Statesville Haunted Prison Rated #1 Adult Haunted House Open Thursdays thru Sundays @ 7p.m. Oct. 2th through Nov 1st.

17250 S. Weber Road, Crest Hill (877) SCARED2 statesville.org

Didier Farms 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd., Lincolnshire (847) 634-3291 didierfarms.com

Dolphin Swim Club Crystal Lake, Skokie (847) 854-1300 dolphinswimclub.com

Fiesta Familiar Don’t miss this family event by Hoy Advertising /Tribune Media Group with Chicago Parent as a media sponsor September 27 from 10am to 5pm Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago fiestafamiliar.com

Girls on the Run 5k November November 15, 2014 at Montrose Harbor Run! Cheer! Volunteer!

This family friendly event is open to the public. gotrchicago.org/gotrc5k ChicagoParent.com September 2014 69

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Special Needs Listings // advertising directory Advocate Children’s Hospital Pediatric Celiac Center

City Kids, Inc.

1675 West Dempster. Park Ridge (847) 723-7176 Advocatechildrenshospital.com/ ach/celiac

Physical, Occupational, Speech & Language Therapy Services 5669 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago (773) 467-5669 CityKidsInc.com

Assential Therapies

Dentistry for Kids

Golf Mill Professional Bldg.

241 Golf Mill Center, Suite 201, Niles (847) 699-9757 AssentialTherapies.com

Autism Society Illinois Hope. Possibilities. Options (630) 691-1270 Autismillinois.org

BrainShape

Dr. Cissy Furusho & Dr. Kirk Kollmann 4801 W. Peterson, Suite 410, Chicago (773) 790-4282 Dentistry4Kids.net

Dolphin Swim Club Crystal Lake, Skokie (847) 854-1300 dolphinswimclub.com

Learning Through Play Center for Child Development Our experienced licensed therapists help with speech, apraxia, feeding, social, or behavioral challenges.

633 W. Addison, Chicago (312) 458-9865 www.pediatricresources.org

Delivering world-class care to children who need it most – regardless of a family’s ability to pay 2211 N Oak Park Ave., Chicago (773) 385-KIDS (5437) shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/ Chicago

Lifestyles Academy

Sibsensations

Call for free “Shadow Day” to learn more about LifeStyles Academy 10300 W. 131st St. Palos Park (708) 480-2085 Lifestylesacademy.org

For sibs of kids with special needs Advocate Children’s Hospital Yacktman Children’s Pavilion 1675 Dempster, Park Ridge (847) 723-9484

Christopher J. Morin, DDS

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org

Center for Brain & Body Excellence 201 E. Ogden Ste 106, Hinsdale (630) 568-2723 brainshapecenter.com

Karate Can-Do! 2081 John’s Court, Glenview (847) 729-0001 www.karatecando.com

Pediatric Dentistry 811 W. Wellington, Chicago (773) 871-4964 BigSmilesChicago.com info@bigsmileschicago.com

Brehm Preparatory School

Kohl Children’s Museum

950 S. Brehm Ave., Carbondale (618) 457-0371 Brehm.org

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6923 kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Russell S. Pollina, D.D.S., PC

Chicago Blue Dolphins

Learning Disabilities Association of IL

Adapted aquatics instruction for children with special needs 2222 N. Elston Ave., Chicago (773) 342-7250 ChicagoBlueDolphins.com

2014 Fall Workshops Sept 6th & 13th, Oct 18th 10101 S. Roberts Rd. Suite 205, Palos Hills (708) 430-7532 LDAiL.com

Shriners Hospitals for Children— Chicago

Smiling Strings

Dentistry for Children, Adolescents, Special Needs Patients Mt. Prospect (847) 392-2457 Barrington (847) 382-1720 grins4kids.com

Special needs music classes-all ages Serving Chicago’s North Side for 20 years 5249-A N. Elston Ave., Chicago (773) 263-8816 SmilingStrings.com

Presence Health Care

Southwest Dental Group

St. Joseph Medical Center 333 N. Madison St., Joliet (866) PROVENA provenastjoe.com

At Southwest Dental we take special care of special needs 16600 South 107th Court Orland Park (708) 403-3355 drtentler.com

Treasured Smiles Specializing in Dentistry for Children & Adolescents 10313 W. Lincoln Hwy. Brookside Commons, Frankfort (815) 806-1600 drstevekuhn.com

Jerry Udelson, DDS Children’s Dentistry Where Kids Have Fun at the Dentist!

1129 S. Harlem, Forest Park (708) 386-5437, (708) FUN-KIDS little-teeth-big-smiles.com

UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children Coordinating Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs (800) 322-3722 Uic.edu/dscc

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advertising directory // A Fairytale Ballet

Highlights

Where imagination and dance live happily ever after!

Chicago – Lakeview and Evanston (773) 477-4488 Chicago – Wicker Park/Bucktown (773) 606-0318 AFairytaleBallet.com

Empowering kids to be creative, curious, Caring and confident.

Highlights.com/imagine

Adler Planetarium Cosmic Wonder Show 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 922-STAR alderplanetarium.org

Apollo Theater Million Dollar Quartet Smash-hit Musical!

2540 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago (773) 935-6100 appollotheater.org

Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston (847) 467-4000 pickstaiger.org

Karate Can-Do! 2081 John’s Court, Glenview (847) 729-0001 www.karatecando.com

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6923 kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Language & Music School 150 North Oak Park Ave. Oak Park (708) 524-5252 lmschool.com

Language Stars Fostering future generations of multilingual children 15 Locations around Chicagoland (866) 55-STARS (557-8277) languagestars.com

Arts Education Guide

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts and Fitness Associates We’ll help your child’s strength and confidence 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com

Naperville Suzuki School Enriching the lives of children through the study of music 32 Foxcroft Rd., Naperville (630) 420-9309 wsste.com

Old Town School of Folk Music Wiggleworms for newborns, babies and toddlers 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 909 W. Armitage, Chicago (773) 728-6000 oldtownschool.org

Smiling Strings Suzuki Violin/Cello, Keyboard, Guitar, Kindermusik Serving Chicago’s North Side for 20 years 5249-A N. Elston Ave., Chicago (773) 263-8816 SmilingStrings.com

The Second City Training Center Improv, Comedy Writing, Stand-Up & More 1608 N. Wells St., 4th Floor Chicago (312) 664-3959 secondcity.com/tc

Western Springs School of Talent Education Enriching the lives of children through the study of music 1106 Chestnut St., Western Springs (708) 246-9309 Western Springs & Naperville Suzuki | Lessons in Violin, Viola, Cello

Chicago Children’s Museum Located at Navy Pier Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Photo courtesy of the Fresh Beat Band

Chicago Playworks For Families and Young Audiences DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E. Balbo Dr., Chicago (312) 922-1999 theatreschool.depaul.edu

Dance Center Evanston 1934 Dempster St., Evanston (847) 328-6683

Disney on Ice Princesses and Heroes Sept 10-14 United Center Ticketmaster.com Disneyonice.com

Flamenco Fun with Ensemble Español Where your feet make music Northeastern Illinois University (773) 442-5916 www.ensembleespanol.org

The Fresh Beat Band Greatest Hits Live Sat. Nov. 29 1:30 and 5:30 Rosemont Theatre Ticketmaster.com

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Mary Macaroni

As seen on WGN, WTTW, and NBC Local!

Princess & Character Parties Magic • Clowning Guitar Sing-a-Longs Face Painting & Balloons!

Children’s Parties!

Corporate Events!

Award-winning magician with over 30 years experience!

All Birthday Shows include balloon animals and live rabbits!

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72 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Magic, balloons, cartoon voices, music, magic tatoos, and more!

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The Bus of Fun is fully insured.

Magic & Juggling Shows Balloon Animals and Puppets

Providing Quality, Professional Entertainment since 1991 Several Themed Characters available.

Video clips and party ideas are provided on the website.

www.IYQENT.com IYQ Entertainment

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Fall Special $10 Off

Mrs. Newberry's Traveling Tea Party

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Themes to choose from: • Disney Princess • Scooby Doo • TMNT • Sports • Strawberry Shortcake • Plain • World of Disney 5 in 1 Combo • 30’ Dual Lane Obstacle • Water Slides • Slip ‘n’ Slides

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74 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Photo by Jade Albert Photo by Jade Albert

Learn more at

autismspeaks.org/signs Some signs to look for:

No big smiles or otherLearn joyful more No babbling at by 12 months expressions by 6 months

No words by 16 months

autismspeaks.org/signs

Š 2012 Autism Speaks Inc. "Autism Speaks" and "It's time to listen" & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.

Some signs to look for:

No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months

No babbling by 12 months

No words by 16 months

Š 2012 Autism Speaks Inc. "Autism Speaks" and "It's time to listen" & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.

ChicagoParent.com September 2014 75

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We’re Here to Help Providing FREE Care Coordination for Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs

Us on Facebook Facebook.com/dscc.uic.edu

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For Information Call (800) 322-3722

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At Southwest Dental

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special needs.

Exceptional care and patient comfort go hand in hand at Southwest Dental Group. This gives special needs children and adults an experience they can feel good about - with the option of IV sedation for situational anxiety.

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(708) 403-3355 16600 South 107th Court Orland Park, IL

Dr. Tentler holds diplomate status in the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists.

Dr. Robert L. Tentler and Associates, General Dentistry

Dr. Bob Tentler

76 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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calendar SEPTEMBER

1

Swing your partner round and round! It’s time to dig out those overalls, because this old-fashioned Harvest Hoedown

includes an authentic square dance accompanied by some toe-tapping music. And once you’re tired out from all that promenading, there are potato-sack races, a wagon ride, tractors and farm animals.

Plus the farm chore obstacle course guarantees at least one afternoon free of complaining about taking out the garbage.

Free. Noon-4 p.m. Sept. 20.

Riverview Farmstead Preserve, 5220 Book Road, Naperville.

(815) 727-8700, fpdwc.org.

2

If you’ve ever wanted to live like the Boxcar Children, Fox River Trolley Museum’s Caboose Days are made for you. Families can take a ride on tthe newly repaired CTA freight locomottive or the big, red Illinois Central ccaboose. Pack a picnic lunch, and you can enjoy a full day of riding the rails.

All aboard, indeed! $8 all day; $4, $2 kids one ride. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 21 and 28. Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Ill. 31), South Elgin.

(847) 697-4676, foxtrolley.org.

3

This 75th birthday party is like nothing you’ve experienced, with “the best of Hyde Park Art Center” on hand to celebrate. The 75th Anniversary Block Party BBQ Bash showcases some of the unique art happening around our city, whether it’s a shaving cream fight or fortune telling. Plus, there are family-friendly art-making activities during the day and opportunities for adults to discover their inner artists at night. Free.

Noon-9 p.m. Sept. 13. Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago. (773) 324-5520, hydeparkart.org.

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CALENDAR SPANISH

MANDARIN

FRENCH

GERMAN

ITALIAN

I’m 4 and

learning to speak Spanish!

“

Erin is 4 years old and learning to speak Spanish at Language Stars, where kids from 12 months to 10 years learn Spanish, Mandarin, French, German or Italian from native speaking teachers. There’s no grammar or rote memorization, just a lot of singing, arts and crafts and tons of fun.

It’s an immersive environment, where children experience other cultures and are exposed to native accents, learning naturally, the same way they learn their first language.

Learning foreign language at a young age is definitely the time to do it.”

– Language Stars parent

años y o 4 o g d ¡Ten ndien ! e r p a estoy ar español l a hab

Elilim El im Dutch utc ut ch h Fe F esttiv iva all Seee Se See S pptt. 27 27

3 | WEDNESDAY

6 | SATURDAY

MATINEE PERFORMANCE. Enjoy a performance of the Tempel Lipizzans set to classical music. The program follows the horses through varying stages of development and training. After the performance, take a self-guided tour through the stallion stable and visit foals in the pasture.

Riders, trainers and handlers will answer questions. $25, $15 kids 4-14. 1-3 p.m. Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth. (847) 623-7272, tempelfarms.com.

CHICAGO

4 | THURSDAY

OVER 9 of La 9% nguage

Sta

RECOM rs parents OUR PR MEND OGRAM !

Now enrolling for the Academic Year Try a FREE class today 12 Chicagoland locations

866-55-STARS (866-557-8277)

www.languagestars.com

NATURE STORY TIMES. Natureinspired stories, crafts and activities for kids 3-5 with adult. $1 per child.

10:30-11:15 a.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

THE FESTIVAL ON PRAIRIE AVENUE. Includes music, inflata-

bles, sports games, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, magic shows, historic tours, and arts and crafts. $7 donation, free kids 12 months and under; food costs extra. Noon-6 p.m.

Prairie Avenue at 18th Street. (312) 401-2688, pdnachicago.com.

VON STEUBEN PARADE.

Features floats, ethnic costumes and marching bands. 2 p.m. Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Lawrence Avenue. (630) 6533018, germanday.com.

HEARTS AND CRAFTS. Visitors

can make a different craft related to health and/or medicine. Free with admission. International Museum of

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the October issue is Aug. 25. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go.

Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 94.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

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Smiling Strings Suzuki Strings • Violin • Cello • Viola • String Bass Keyboard, Guitar, KidMusik (0-6 yrs.)

Serving Chicago’s North Side for 20 years September Classes Forming Now

Flamenco Flamenco Flamenco Children Flamenco Children

Where ?

Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music

Dance Classes for Dance Classes for

Building J Dance Studio Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue Chicago, IL 60625 773.442.5916 info@ensembleespanol.org

When?

Session I: September 9 – October 14 Session II: October 28 – December 2 Ages 4-6 Ages 7-12 Beginners Ages 7-12 Intermediate

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Class rates: $85 per session Adult classes also available In residence at Northeastern Illinois University

In residence at Northeastern Illinois University

SmilingStrings.com

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CALENDAR Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 642-6502, imss.org.

SUBURBS LINCOLNWOOD TOUCH A TRUCK. Explore fire trucks, police

cars, dump trucks and more. Includes kids’ activities, samples and goody bags. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Lincolnwood Town Center, 3333 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood. (847) 677-9740, lincolnwoodil.org.

A RIVER THRU HISTORY: THE DES PLAINES VALLEY RENDEZVOUS. Meet DuSable,

along with fur traders, craftsmen, pioneer musicians and entertainers, as they gather along the banks of the Des Plaines River. Includes craft demonstrations, a children’s trading post, live animals, storytelling, Native American and French games, a skillet toss, a fashion show, tomahawk throwing, archery and more. Enjoy frontier food like fry bread, kettle corn and root beer. $25 family (two

adults, up to four kids); $10, $5 senior and kids 6-17, free kids under 6. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Columbia Woods Forest Preserve, Willow Springs. ariverthruhistory.com TOUCH A TRUCK. Features fire trucks, dump trucks, police cars and other cool trucks. Bring a camera for photo ops. 10 a.m.-noon. Elk Grove Park District, 499 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. (847) 4379494, elkgroveparks.org.

ART IN THE PARK. Artthemed activities for children and adults include art booths, sidewalk chalk art competition and a Community Art Project Auction of Toddler Adirondack Chairs of Lisle. Food and drinks available for purchase. 1-5 p.m. Community Park Bandshell & Sea Lion Aquatic Park Parking Lot, 1825 Short St., Lisle.

(630) 964-3410, lisleparkdistrict.org.

ARTISTS AND AUTHORS AT FISCHER FARM. Enjoy fresh

air, explore the farm buildings, and connect with history. Fine arts, memorabilia and crafts for all ages will be on display and for sale. Plus fiction and non-fiction books for all ages and musical performances by the Elmhurst College Brass Quintet and the Elmhurst College Woodwind Ensemble along with a balloon artist and face painting for the kids. Picnic favorites will be available for purchase. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville.

(630) 766-7015, bensenvillepark district.org/pdcms/fischer-farm.

FULL MOON TRAM TOUR: NATURE AT NIGHT. Discover what

happens at the arboretum at night when no one is around. With the moon shining through the trees, a tram ride reveals a captivating symphony of sounds, mysterious spaces, and wildlife on the move. The evening will include a discussion of night ecology and stories of moon lore. $10, $8 members. 7-9:30 p.m.

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois

Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

PASSPORT EUROPE FESTIVAL.

Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Europe with culinary delights, authentic musical performances, impressive dancing demonstrations and more. Hike the trails and explore the arboretum’s collections of trees and plants native to central and northern Europe, some of the oldest collections on the arboretum grounds. Free with admission.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

TOUCH A TRUCK. Kids get the

chance to touch, feel and climb through a variety of trucks and vehicles. Truck types include fire trucks, tow trucks, bob cats, cement trucks, police cars, buses, army vehicles, ambulance and maybe even a helicopter. $1 donation. 10 a.m.-noon. Berens Park, 493 Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst.

(630) 993-8900, epd.org.

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CALENDAR BLOOMINGDALE SEPTEMBERFEST. Day kicks off

with a parade, then features events and entertainment in Old Town Park, including a car show, stage performances, and scholarship presentations. The fest also hosts a variety of food and craft vendors, and a Lions Club beer tent. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 201 S. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale. (630) 893-7000, villageofbloomingdale.org.

7 | SUNDAY CHICAGO CENTRAL AMERICAN PARADE. Celebrates Central

America’s independence, including Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Noon. Montrose Avenue from California to Kimball. cityofchicago. org/specialevents.

FOUR STAR BIKE & CHOW. Get to know the parks, architecture and other landmarks during Chicago’s longest-running annual ride and sample Chicago treats like pierogies, egg rolls and tacos along the way.

Four routes from 12-62 miles fit all types of riders. Registration includes entry into the post-ride festival with entertainment and purchase options for a full lunch and beer. $37, $32 members, $15 kids 17 and under.

7-9:30 a.m. start waves. UIC Circle Memorial Grove, Morgan and Taylor streets. (312) 427-3325 ext. 251, 4starbikeandchow.org.

FAMILY SUNDAYS. Includes 20-minute tours, story time in the Hull-House Museum library and book sales, and activities and crafts for families connected to monthly theme. $5 family. Noon-4 p.m. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 800 S. Halsted St. (312) 413-5353, hullhouse museum.org.

A erican In Am nd dia an C nter Ce er of Chic Ch icag ago An nnu nual al Powwow Po w Seee Se Se S pt. 13

SUBURBS LAKE COUNTY MARIPOSA FESTIVAL. This open-air festival

presents a celebration of nature, art and culture. More than 50 booths showcase handcrafted art and host games and activities for kids. A stage presents a variety of music and dancing and local restaurant vendors offer diverse food options. 1-4 p.m.

Downtown Waukegan at County and Clayton streets, Waukegan. waukeganpl.org.

A RIVER THRU HISTORY: THE DES PLAINES VALLEY RENDEZVOUS.

Willow Springs. See Sept. 6. Today’s times are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY BINGO!

KIDICAL MASS. Bike ride for

kids and their families is held the first Sunday of every month, rain or shine. 10 a.m. Audubon School, 3500 N. Hoyne Ave. (773) 534-5470, chicagokidicalmass.org.

Celebrate Grandparents’ Day with various family-friendly activities.

Check website for cost and time.

Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Road, Wilmette. (847) 8537666, wilmettehistory.org.

ILLINOIS MYCOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION MUSHROOM SHOW & SALE. The show

celebrates the richness of fall mushrooms in Illinois with a varied display of mushrooms foraged from area forests. Also includes an education area for children and mushroom-related items for sale. $20 parking. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN FAMILY SUNDAY.

Enjoy hands-on activities related to Japanese gardens and culture, and make a take-home project.

Different projects and activities are featured each week, including raking miniature dry gardens, trying chopsticks and practicing calligraphy. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

ARTISTS AND AUTHORS AT FISCHER FARM. Bensenville. See

Sept. 6. Today’s times are 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

CORNFEST FAMILY FUN DAY. Celebrate the beginning of fall

with an old-fashioned family picnic featuring burgers and hot dogs, roasted corn on the cob, homemade pies and taffy apples. Entertainment includes games, races and a fishing tournament for kids. Kids can use hammers, nails and paint to create a craft project in the giant woodpile.

Food and activities cost extra. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Graue Mill, 3800 York Road., Oak Brook. (630) 655-2090, grauemill.org.

PASSPORT EUROPE FESTIVAL.

Lisle. See Sept. 6.

RALLY DAY FUN FAIR. Includes a moon jump, dunk tank, balloons, games, prizes, face painting, hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn

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Come dance with us!

As featured on ABC 7, NBC 5, WGN-TV and WCIU-TV The Karate Can-Do! Foundation works hand-in-hand with North Shore Dojo, the area’s premier karate school, to provide personalized training to improve the lives of children who learn differently.

Come dance with us!

Sensei Jeff Kohn is the recipient of the 2011 United States Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Coach of the Year Award

Photo by Matt Glavin

CALENDAR

Director, Béa Rashid 1934 Dempster Street Director, Béa Rashid 1934 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60202 Evanston, IL 60202 847-328-6683 | www.DanceCenterEvanston.com 847-328-6683 www.DanceCenterEvanston.com

847.729.0001 • www.NorthShoreDojo.net 2081 John’s Court, Glenview Karate CAN-Do! is a registered 501(c)(3)

Language and Music Lessons For aLL ages!

Languages Currently Offered Polish French Italian

Spanish Russian German

Japanese Chinese and more!

Instruments Currently Offered Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Violin Voice Trumpet

Clarinet Saxophone and more!

Try out a class of your choice!

A trial lesson is only $28, and a second trial is just $10.

Sign up today!

Ask us about our “free promotrials”!!!

Celebrating our 20th Anniversary!!

Call us about our Parent & Tot/Preschool Spanish Classes!

The Language and Music School 150 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301 www.LMSCHOOL.com • 708-524-LALA 82 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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CALENDAR You see programs that help your You see programs that help your child learn teamwork and social skills; child learn teamwork and social skills; they see a they see a

Hiik H ke e & See eek ek See SSeepptt.

Se t. 2277

and live music. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 1420 S. Gables Blvd., Wheaton. (630) 665-1236, stmatthewucc.org.

Noon. 18th Street from Newberry Avenue to Wolcott. (312) 671-1620, cityofchicago.org/specialevents.

POWER UP! BOOT CAMP.

SCANDINAVIAN DAY FESTIVAL.

Festival celebrating the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Morning church service and entertainment throughout the day by ABBA Salute, Scandinavian dancers and singers. Cultural displays and Scandinavian food and vendors. $10, free kids under 12 free; free parking. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Vasa Park Route 31, South Elgin. (847) 6956720, scandinaviandayil.com.

MATINEE PERFORMANCE.

Wadsworth. See Sept. 3.

12 | FRIDAY CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT.

A weekend full of civil war demonstrations. Visit website for schedule.

Batavia Park District, 327 W. Wilson St., Batavia. (630) 879-5235, batavia parks.org.

13 | SATURDAY CHICAGO PILSEN MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE.

Celebrate Mexican Independence in the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood.

Mentors (10-12 grade students) work with 4th-6th graders to take them through a series of 45-minute sessions. Activities include fitness boot camp, yoga, interactive cardio classes, nutrition/physical activity games and races. The sessions on nutrition cover how to read food package labels, what are good energy foods, how to make smart food choices when eating at a restaurant and shopping, what constitutes a well-balanced meal, how to prepare a quick healthy snack and what you put in your body affects how you perform. Attendees will also be taught lessons on self-awareness, self-control and self-esteem. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Washington Park, 5531 S. King Drive. icecf.org.

SUBURBS ARCHAEOLOGICAL AWARENESS. Drop in at the

Powers-Walker House to see a stone grinder and other people demonstrating prehistoric skills. Examples of artifacts will be on display. Bring your own arrowheads or prehistoric tools for identification by professional archaeologists. Noon-4 p.m. Glacial Park Conservation Area, Lost Valley

The Little Gym The Little Gym

their greatest potential. Structured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing their greatest potential. Structured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing environment build confidence during each stage of childhood. environment build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Discover your kid's happy place with our Discover yourExperience kid's happy place with our Introductory Introductory Experience

The Little Gym of Chicago The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750 (773) 525-5750

$59 Kids Cleaning, Exam and Fluoride (13 & under) $79 Teen Cleaning, Exam and Xrays (14-17yr) $99 Adult Cleaning, Exam and Xrays (18+)

We offer a variety of services including cosmetics and implants.

We offer a variety of orthodontic treatments and consultations with our Orthodontist are always FREE. Kids are welcome at any age!

(Adults too!) $20 SCHOOL EXAMS

North Shore Center of Dental Health 9350 Waukegan Rd. Morton Grove, IL 60053 847.470.0850

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CALENDAR Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. (815) 678-4532, mccdistrict.org.

FALL INTO CERAMICS.

Halloween and Thanksgiving items will be available. Pick an unfinished ceramic item, paint it, and it will be fired in time for the holidays. Drop in for music and painting fun. There will be a fee for the ceramic items.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.

AMERICAN INDIAN CENTER OF CHICAGO ANNUAL POWWOW.

See Native American culture come alive as hundreds of dancers from around the country come together to sing and dance. Enjoy native foods and art in the marketplace and visit traditional villages and information booths. Watch dancers in their colorful regalia, and join in during intertribal songs. Sunday features a Hawaiian & Filipino Dance Exhibition. $15, $10 kids 12 and

Worl Wo rld Wa rld War IIII Day ays s SSeee SSeepptt. 200

under and seniors. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Elk Grove Village. aic-chicago.org.

GOODENOW GROVE FALL FEST. Includes pumpkin painting,

a petting zoo, live music, a climbing

wall, “America’s Children’s Museum on Wheels: StoryBus” and children’s activities. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Goodenow

Celebrations

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Open Jump Parents Night Out Field Trips and more!

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Pump It Up of Chicago

312.664.7867

Some of the programs we offer:

Pump It Up of Orland Park

pumpitupparty.com

708.479.2220

ChiCago Parent’s Party Planning guide

Coming in October For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

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CALENDAR

MAKE

— S I H T —

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For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com ChicagoParent.com September 2014 85

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CALENDAR

HASSLE-FREE BIRTHDAY PARTIES Hassle-free and convenient for parents

VOTED BEST PLACE TO WEAR OUT THE KIDS

Many themed packages available Fun and exciting for kids of all ages, 1 to adult

your yard by creating two different kinds of feeders. Kids 5 and up learn about the different diets of birds, and how they can provide a nice meal for our winged friends. Register

by Sept. 6. 12:30 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT.

No cleanup CALL NOW! Dates filling fast!

Call Alexis at

or email akniaz@windycityfieldhouse.com

BIRD FEEDERS. Attract birds to

Batavia. See Sept. 12.

Event staff plan and facilitate games

(773) 486-7416

Grove Forest Preserve, 27064 Dutton Road, Beecher. (815) 727-8700, reconnectwithnature.org.

Follow WCF Online

WindyCityFieldhouse.com/birthdays

DAIRY DAY. Learn about dairy farming in the early 1900s.

Try making butter, milk Maggie the Milking Cow, and see buildings that once housed a state-of-the-art dairy operation. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. St. James Farm, Winfield and Butterfield roads, Warrenville. dupageforest. com.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR REENNACTMENT. Soldiers give

Apply Online! www.lifestylesacademy.org 10300 W. 131st Street Palos Park, IL 60464 708-480-2085 LifeStyles Academy is an educational & vocational center for adults with various disabilities who have graduated from High School or Transition Programs. ◆ Vocational Training ◆ Computer & Culinary Skills ◆ Intellectual, Social and Physical Development ◆ Imparting Awareness and the Responsibility of Citizenship ◆ Inspiring Creativity and Appreciation in the Arts Call or email info@lifestylesacademy.org to schedule a Shadow Day and learn more about the program!

history lessons on camp life, military artillery and war time in the 1700s.

Hundreds of reenactors from the Northwest Territory Alliance assemble on the battlefield twice a day, firing cannons and muskets. $5 per car. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

14 | SUNDAY CHICAGO POWER UP! BOOT CAMP.

See Sept. 13. Today’s location is Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway St.

SUBURBS

North Chicago. (847) 968-3477, greenbeltculturalcenter.org.

AMERICAN INDIAN CENTER OF CHICAGO ANNUAL POWWOW. Elk

Grove Village. See Sept. 13. Today’s times are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

PIONEER DAY. Features reenactments, historical demonstrations, old-fashioned games and crafts, museum tours and a petting zoo. $10 to create a life-sized scarecrow with the Garden Club. 1-5 p.m. Elk Grove Historical Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. (847) 4393994, elkgroveparks.org.

ROCK THE BEACH FOR SYD ROCKS. Three action-packed hours

include music from five local high school bands, Syd Rocks necklace making, beach yoga and food trucks.

Proceeds benefit Syd Rocks to fund medical research for Langerhan’s Cell Histiocytosis, pediatric cancer and blood diseases. $35, $10 kids. 3-6 p.m. Gillson Beach, Lake Avenue at Lake Michigan, Wilmette. (847) 2261268, walkthebeach.sydrocks.com.

CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT.

Batavia. See Sept. 12.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR REENNACTMENT. Wheaton. See

Sept. 13.

18 | THURSDAY MATH MADNESS. A class for kids

15-24 months, with adult, that is full of numbers, size, shapes, patterns, matching and counting. $20 pair, $14 member pair. 9:30-10 a.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

NATURE STORY TIMES. River

Forest. See Sept. 4.

FIESTAS PATRIAS. Celebrate

Mexican and Central American Independence with live music and authentic food from Mexico, Honduras, Belize and Guatemala.

Plus, games and nature activities for kids. 2-7 p.m. Greenbelt Forest Preserve, 1215 Green Bay Road,

THIRD THURSDAY. A special time

once a month for families of kids with autism spectrum disorder, visual and mobility impairments to come play during a typically quieter time.

Specially trained staff will assist with art activities, and resource tables will

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CALENDAR enjoy Wonderland-themed activities including a dress-up picture booth, afternoon tea and snacks, and lots of fun entertainment. Each child receives a commemorative gift to take home. $28, $19 resident. 1-2:30 p.m. DuPage River Park, 808 Royce Road, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

provide information on issues and services. Free with museum admission. 5-7 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

20 | SATURDAY CHICAGO

NATIVE AMERICAN POW WOW. LINCOLN SQUARE APPLE FEST. This fest celebrating fall and

apples includes vendors selling a variety of items. Pick up a fresh-baked apple pie, a bushel of apples, hot apple cider, or an apple pizza. Also features the Kid Zone and live music.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. 4700 block of North Lincoln Avenue. lincolnsquare ravenswood.org.

SOUTH SIDE PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAIR. Neighborhood Parents

Network (NPN) and Hyde Park Neighborhood Club present a fair to provide families in and around Chicago’s South Side with access to public and private school options.

Meet representatives from numerous schools, as well as enrichment programs and family-friendly businesses from across the city. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. npnparents.org.

Mush Mu shro room m Sh S ho ow w & Salle See Se See Se Sept Sept pt. 7

ways to live a more environmentally friendly life. Event highlights include a 1 Mile Fun Run at 2:30 p.m. and a Bike Drive where you can donate old bikes, parts and accessories in any condition. 3-7 p.m. Fel-Pro RRR, 1520 Crystal Lake Ave., Cary. (815) 479-5779, mccdistrict.org.

WORLD WIDE DAY OF PLAY. Turn

off all things electronic, get off the couch and play. Kids make masks, move with a Zumba class and more.

Free with admission. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

SUBURBS FARM HERITAGE FESTIVAL.

Features hundreds of tractors, cars, engines and other farm machinery.

Daily highlights include a tractor parade, sheep herding demonstrations, live music, scarecrow making, wagon and barrel train rides, and a petting zoo. $10, $5 kids 4-17 and seniors 55+, free kids 3 and under.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lakewood Forest Preserve, Route 176, west of Fairfield Road, Wauconda. (847) 968-3400, lcfpd.org/farmheritage.

NATURE NIGHTS: HARVEST HIKE. Bring a picnic dinner and

enjoy an evening in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden. Discover different types of plants used for food, learn about composting and putting a garden to bed for the winter, and harvest some veggies to take home. $25 per child; $20 member child. 5-7:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

FAMILY HONEYBEE HIKE. Families

OUTDOOR FEST: A CELEBRATION OF GREEN, HEALTHY LIVING. Enjoy a pick-up

game of basketball or bags, plus food, local brews and live music. Exhibitors present everything from the latest in outdoor recreation equipment to

with kids 2 and older learn all about honeybees, their favorite flowers and how honey is made. Hike includes a viewing of arboretum beehives and sampling honey. Hikes are 45 minutes. $6, $5 members. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois

Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Experience Native American dancing, cultural demonstrations, birds of prey exhibit, children’s games and crafts, special presentations and more. Grand entries at 1 and 7 p.m.

Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. $10, $7 kids 3-12 and seniors, free kids under 3. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.com.

TIE DYE FAMILY ART CLASS.

HAPPY BEE-DAY! Celebrate the

Children’s Garden’s birthday with a buzzing good time. Make a bee mask, meet a real beekeeper and check out some hives. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

ILLINOIS TOLLWAY’S ANNUAL FAMILY SAFETY FAIR.

Kids have fun with traveling exhibits provided by DuPage Children’s Museum and participate in activities like K-9 demonstrations and coloring stations, while they learn about important topics including fire safety, disaster preparedness, bicycle safety and pet safety. Child safety seat inspections, seat belt safety and impaired driving demonstrations will also be provided free of cost. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Illinois Tollway Headquarters, 2700 Odgen Ave., Downers Grove. illinoistollway.com.

Learn about this history of tie-dye and create your own masterpiece.

Each student will be provided a shirt to dye and may bring an extra article of clothing to dye. Register by Sept.

16. $18, $15 members. 1-2:30 p.m.

Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

WORLD WAR II DAYS. Includes

realistic battles complete with tanks, artillery, armored vehicles and pyrotechnic displays. Battle shows held 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. There are displays and encampments. $14, $7 kids 3-17, free for WWII veterans.

Two day pass $18, $9 kids 3-17. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

21 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

INTERNATIONAL TRUCK FESTIVAL AND FAMILY FUN.

Includes music, food, entertainment and more. Plus, a children’s entertainer and a band. 1-5 p.m.

Oakbrook Terrace Park District, 1 South 325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 627-6100, obtpd.org.

OPEN HOUSE. Includes music, dancing, games, face painting and family fun. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Florence G. Heller JCC, 524 W. Melrose Ave. (773) 871-6780, gojcc.org.

SUBURBS

MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY.

FARM HERITAGE FESTIVAL.

Moms, grandmas and kids 3-7

Wauconda. See Sept. 20.

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RUN! CHEER! VOLUNTEER! at the Girls on the Run 5k - Saturday, November 15 at Montrose Harbor

On November 15, 3,000 girls, boys, parents, coaches and community runners will take part in a 3.1 mile, non-competitive run celebrating health, confidence and strength. This event is family-friendly and open to the public.

All runners are welcome to participate in cheers, face painting, and tiara decorating, in addition to a great post-5k festival featuring food, games and giveaways.

Raise funds and win prizes!

Check out www.gotrchicago.org for details.

Visit gotrchicago.org/gotrc5k or call 773-342-1250 for more information or to register. National Sponsors:

Girls on the Run–Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running, the innovative program combines training for a 5k event with interactive lessons that encourage positive social, emotional, mental and physical development. Over the past 15 years, Girls on the Run-Chicago has served more than 35,000 girls across six Chicagoland counties. This year, more than 1,000 coaches will mentor 8,000 girls, empowering them with the confidence and character they need to become strong, healthy women.

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CALENDAR

Pils Pi lsen en Mexic exiic ex ca an n Inde In depe pen nd de den en nce ce Da ay Pa Para arade rade ra de Seee Se Sept pt. 13 13

MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN FAMILY SUNDAY. Glencoe. See

Sept. 7.

SHERMERFEST. Includes collectible and antique car show, children’s activities, hot dogs, soup and home-made sweets. Village Green, 1776 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 498-3404, northbrookhistory.org/ shermerfest.htm.

ANIMAL OLYMPICS. Test your human abilities against frogs, fish and other animals at this family drop-in program. 1-3 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

FAMILY HONEYBEE HIKE. Lisle.

See Sept. 20.

HAPPY BEE-DAY! Lisle. See Sept.

20.

See Sept. 20. Today’s times are 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sat, Oct. 18 11am-3pm* Lions Rec. Center

23 | TUESDAY COLOR ME FALL. Kids 2-4, with adult, use fall colors such as orange, red, yellow, brown and green in leaf printings and pine cone paintings that help celebrate the season. $23 pair, $17 member pair. 9:30-10:15 a.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

25 | THURSDAY MOM AND SON WAGON RIDE.

Wagon rides and dinner are provided, followed by campfire time with s’mores for dessert. Registration required. $13, $10 resident. 6-8 p.m. Batavia Park District, 327 W. Wilson St., Batavia. (630) 879-5235, bataviaparks.org.

NATIVE AMERICAN POW WOW.

Naperville. See Sept. 20. Today’s times 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

MT. PROSPECT PARK DISTRICT’S

WORLD WAR II DAYS. Rockford.

411 S. Maple St. Mt. Prospect $5 per child (payable at door) *last ticket sale at 2:15pm Adults Free

Live Entertainment • Kiddie Characters • Train Ride Halloween Hayride • Games • Face Painting • Crafts Moonwalk • Pumpkin Patch • Trick or Treat Bag • Harvest Market Concessions Available for Purchase!

For kids ages 3-8 yrs • All children must be accompanied by an adult • Strollers permitted In the event of rain, activities move indoors • Don’t forget to wear your costume!

Call 847-632-9333 or visit www.mppd.org for more info!

Howlin’ Halloween Fest sponsored in part by:

&

OIL SPILL SIMULATION. Students learn how we cleaned up after the

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CALENDAR 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and observe how these clean-up techniques work in the natural environment. Register by Sept. 20. $10, $5 members. 6:30-8 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

26 | FRIDAY SCHOOL’S OUT CAMP: KIDS DESIGN ENGINEERING. Kids

in grades 1-5 learn about pneumatic power and use some cool tools to design and build a project that will move across land, air or water—all powered by a balloon. $85, $70 member. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

27 | SATURDAY CHICAGO FIESTA FAMILIAR. Event brings family entertainment and

interactive pavilions with hands-on activities at Lincoln Park Zoo. Enjoy projects in the fields of art, health, gardening, science and music for the whole family. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive.

(312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

SUBURBS BLOCKTOBERFEST. Features family events including an obstacle course, bounce house, dunk tank (weather permitting), games, vendors, raffles, music performances and food. $15 Kids’ Pavilion wristbands.

Noon-10 p.m. St. Leonard School, 3322 S. Clarence, Berwyn. (708) 749-3666, stleonardschool.org.

Register now for the fall preschool session.

Preschool begins on September 3 for 3 year olds and 4 year olds and September 4 for the 3 & 4 year old combo class.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL & FAMILY FUN

Saturday, September 20 1 pm- 5 pm • Heritage Park Featuring a variety of food trucks, children’s entertainment, music & more!

Seee Seept p . 14 14

CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF LEARNING ANNIVERSARY EVENT.

Kids enjoy fun games, activities and special crafts, including decorating their own party hat. Plus, kids receive a special goody bag. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lakeshore Learning Store, various locations. (847) 705-5052, lakeshore learning.com.

Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois

The Oakbrook Terrace Park District has lots of fall fun for everyone!

PRESCHOOL

Pio one on ee er D er Da ay

Has your child been diagnosed or do you suspect that your child has a learning disability?

For information contact:

LDA of Illinois 10101 S. Roberts Road, Suite 205, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Phone: 708.430.7532 email: ldaofil@ameritech.net

NORTHBROOK AUTUMNFEST. Celebrate the season

with a family event that includes entertainment, magic, a petting zoo, I-Spy hayride, games and face painting, inflatables, bonfire with s’mores, golf games, and the finals of

Northbrook’s Talent Showdown. 2-6 p.m. Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., Northbrook. (847) 291-2995, nbparks.org.

ELIM DUTCH FESTIVAL. All proceeds benefit children and adults

SUMMER PARTY

Pediatric Dental Associates is inviting the community to say one last good-bye to summer! Please bring your family and friends for a fun-filled day with many activities, hot-dogs and refreshments!

WHERE: Crystal Lake Office (event will take place in the rear parking lot - rain or shine) 690 N. Illinois Route 31, Suite D Crystal Lake, IL 60012 WHEN: September 28th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

CONTACT: 815-459-2727 with any questions ADMISSION: Free

www.ldail.com

MONSTER BASH AT Heritage Center Thursday, October 30 5:30 pm-6:15 pm (age 2-4 with adult) 6:30 pm-7:15 pm (age 5-7) $15 R/$20 NR Have a ghostly good time playing games & making crafts in celebration of Halloween.

HALLOWEEN HAYRIDE AT THE LAKE VIEW NATURE CENTER Friday, October 17 5:30 pm-7 pm or 7 pm-8:30 pm $3 R/$4 NR

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL AT THE FITNESS CENTER Saturday, October 18 2 pm-5 pm • Free

Oakbrook Terrace Park District 1S325 Ardmore Ave. • Villa Park, IL 60181 (630) 627-6100 • www.obtpd.org

2014 Fall Workshops September 6 - The Latest Issues Impacting Students with learning Disabilities September 13 - Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities October 18 - Practical Strategies for Differentiation of Instruction and Collaboration for Student with Learning Disabilities February 18-25 - International Conference

MEET & GREET/ PHOTOS WITH ANNA AND ELSA!

FACE PAINTING

FIRE TRUCKS

TRAIN RIDES

DJ, MUSIC AND INTERACTIVE GAMES

We can’t wait to see you!

Bring your family and friends!

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CALENDAR with disabilities. The day begins with a home-cooked pannekoeke (pancake) breakfast, and then the Dutch Village shops will be open to indulge in Dutch pastries, see the crafts and gift items, or sit and enjoy entertainment. Kids enjoy the petting zoo, magic show, kids carnival, and other entertainment—and someone might catch a glimpse of Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa Claus). 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Elim Christian Services, 13020 S. Central Ave., Palos Heights. (708) 389-0555, elimcs.org.

CHILYMPICS. A day of chili, live music, a beer garden and fun for the whole family. This International Chili Society-sanctioned, home-style chili competition attracts competitors from throughout Chicagoland.

Chili offered for sale. Noon.-4 p.m.

Fishel Park, Grove Street west of Main Street, Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

FATHER/SON CAMPOUT. Boys 3

and up, with adult, play yard games, cook dinner over the campfire, go on a wagon ride and enjoy s’mores. On Sunday morning, a light breakfast will be served. Bring tents and sleeping bags. $29, $19 resident. 4:30 p.m.-9 a.m. Seager Park Pavilion, 1163 Plank Road, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

GET ENERGIZED AT DCM!

Scientists from Argonne National Laboratories help kids explore solar power. See what it takes to go, slow and stop as leading experts demonstrate and experiment with this important renewable energy source. Free with admission. 1-5 p.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

HIKE & SEEK. Event combines

a nature hike and scavenger hunt for some fresh fall air and fun. The one-to-two-mile hike has interactive “Stop & Study” nature stations with live animals, naturalists and engaging learning activities. Every kid 3-12 is given a Hike & Seek Guidebook to direct their path and will receive an Honorary Junior Naturalist badge from Ranger Rick at the end of the

nature walk. $12, $7 kids. Noon-3 p.m. Bemis Woods South, Grove 7, 11500 Ogden Ave., Western Springs. nwf.org/hike-and-seek.aspx.

The Western Springs school of Talent Education and Naperville Suzuki School present our annual

MIKE SUPER. Magic show for all

ages. $35, $18 kids 18 and under.

8 p.m. Fermilab, Kirk Road at Pine Street, Batavia. (630) 840-2787, fnal. gov/culture.

CERAMIC WORKSHOPS. Join Richard Cohen in a one-day workshop to create fun and exciting projects. Today’s project is a trinket box. $35. 1-4 p.m. Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield. (847) 945-0650, deerfieldparks.org.

28 | SUNDAY

FALL OPEN HOUSE Western Springs

Naperville

Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

1106 Chestnut St., Western Springs, IL 60558 Sunday, October 19, 2014 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

32 Foxcroft Suite 110, Naperville, IL 60565

CHICAGO RSVP to our open house for a chance to win a raffle prize!

HARVEST CELEBRATION.

Features hayrides, pumpkins, treats and entertainment. Whole Foods provides a kid-friendly cooking demonstration as well as complimentary refreshments including cider, cinnamon rolls and apples. 1-4 p.m. Willye B. White Park, 1610 W. Howard St. hellohoward.org.

SUBURBS

info@wsste.com • 708.246.9309 • wsste.com Specialists in Suzuki Music Education violin | viola | cello

Space Available in Early Childhood & Toddler

PUBLIC TOUR. Explore the sculpture park with trained docents.

1-2 p.m. Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, McCormick Boulevard between Dempster and Touhy avenues, Skokie.

(847) 679-4265, sculpturepark.org.

30 | TUESDAY BUILD A TRAIN. Kids 4-6, with

adult, engage in experiences that focus on trains and draw on math, science and engineering concepts. $23 pair, $17 member pair. 4-5 p.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

WEEKDAY NATURE WALK.

Join in a casual guided hike to explore nature along the trails. 1-2 p.m.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest.

(708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

Parent/Child · Toddler · Early Childhood 3-6 · Elementary · Middle School

Ignite a sense of discovery and a passion for learning Understand how the learning process at Chiaravalle Montessori is designed to connect how and what children learn.

425 Dempster, Evanston, IL 847.864.2190 www.chiaravalle.org

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SUMMER 2014

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CALENDAR

September’s gone to the dogs

T

3748 West Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 GatewayMontessoriSchool.org Phone: 773-539-3025 • Email: info@GatewayMontessoriSchool.org

he dog days of summer may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean Fido has to be left out in the cold. These three events aim to be true family affairs—all the way down to your furriest member.

Mutt Strut: Enjoy a 1½mile walk with your pup, then a family block party that includes kids’ activities like music, a bouncy house, face painters and costumed characters. There are dog-focused events, too—a Doggy Fitness Course, K9 cake-eating contest, dog wash and nail trims. And for those who don’t already have a best friend waiting at home?

Meet some adoptable Chicago Canine Rescue dogs. $35; $70 couple/ family; $75 VIP; free kids and dogs. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sept. 13. Lakeview along Newport Avenue (between Southport and Lakewood), Chicago. (312) 371-7827, chicagocaninerescue.com.

Tails on the Trails: Morton Arboretum usually is a canine-free zone— except for one day of the year. Families can explore the 16 miles of trails, then check out some doggie demonstrations and local

vendors of pet-friendly products like clothing and homemade treats. You might even get the chance to “Smooch a Pooch” for a $1 donation. At the last event, there were more than 1,500 pups in attendance, so make sure your dog is social—and upto-date on all vaccinations. $5 per dog with admission.

7 a.m.-sunset. Sept. 13.

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle.

(630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Barkapalooza: Come early for a blessing of the animals, followed by a family walkathon to raise money for the West Suburban Humane Society.

Be sure to check out the PAL’s KidZone, which includes a pet parade, “Paw-casso” dog paintings and a kitty coloring contest, and a fun scavenger hunt throughout the park.

There is food, shopping, and groups galore, plus dog agility and police dog demos. $15 registration

by Sept. 20, $20 starting Sept. 21, free kids 12 and under. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept.

28. Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle. wshs-dg.org/barkapalooza.

Elizabeth Diffin

Nurturing the potential within each child Parent-Child Program: For parents with children up to 18 months.

Children’s House: For children 3 to 6 years old.

Community: For children 15 months to 3 years old.

Elementary: For children 6-12 years old.

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ONGOING EVENTS

The Ultimate Guide to Family Fun!

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FAIRS & FESTS AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS. Festival highlighting African

culture features dancing, music, art and entertainment. Visit website for schedule. Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

Washington Park, 51st and Cottage Grove, Chicago. (773) 955-2787, africanfestivalchicago.com.

FREE

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eight stage areas with performances of folk music and storytelling, as well as workshops and kids’ activities.

Plus a Barn Dance and Ghost Stories Sunday night. $20, $15 teens and seniors, free kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Island Park, routes 25 and 38, Geneva.

(630) 897-3655, foxvalleyfolk.com.

TASTE OF POLONIA. Features four

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Fall edition coming soon!

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For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

stages of music (Polish, American, Dance and Club music), Polish cuisine, arts and crafts, game arcades, and a Kid’s World featuring activities and entertainment. $7, free kids 12 and under. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 29; noon10 p.m. Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Copernicus Center, Lawrence and Milwaukee avenues, Chicago. (773) 777-8898, topchicago.org.

FRANKFORT FALL FESTIVAL.

Features artisans, entertainment, carnival and a parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. Check website for schedule.

Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Kansas Street, Frankfort. (815) 469-3356, frankfort fallfestival.info.

SANDWICH FAIR. Features carnival,

livestock judging, arts and crafts, horse shows, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, farm zoo, exhibits, kids’ entertainment, live music and food stands. Sept. 3-7. Visit the website for schedule. $9, $5 kids 6-12, free kids 5 and under. Sandwich Fairgrounds, Sandwich. (815) 7862159, sandwichfair.com.

FALL FEST AND CARNIVAL.

Includes carnival rides, games for kids, cash raffle, bingo, food vendors, and more. Also features performances. Wristbands are required for rides. Check website for schedule.

Sept. 4-7. St. Cletus Church, 600 W.

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ONGOING EVENTS 55th St., La Grange. (708) 352-6209, stcletusparish.com.

ROCK THE BLOCK. Includes live music, food and drink vendors, and kids’ activities. 4-10 p.m. Sept. 5; noon-10 p.m. Sept. 6. Elmhurst City Centre, 2 City Centre, Elmhurst. (630) 993-1600, elmhurstcitycentre.com.

GERMAN-AMERICAN FEST.

Celebrate German Day and the von Steuben parade at the GermanAmerican Festival. Enjoy German food, beverages, dance and music.

The parade is at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Extra costs for food and booths. 5-11 p.m. Sept. 5; noon-11 p.m. Sept.

6; noon-10 p.m. Sept. 7. Lincoln Avenue between Leland and Western avenues, Chicago. (630) 653-3018, germanday.com.

FESTIVAL OF THE VINE.

Features food, flower markets, kids’ activities, arts and crafts show, live music and entertainment. Cost for food and wine. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept.

5-6; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7. Route

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38 and North Fourth Street, Geneva.

(630) 232-6060, genevachamber. com/festival_of_vine.php.

WEST END ART FESTIVAL. Features an

eclectic blend of artists from throughout the U.S., art activities, children’s events, and musical entertainment. Prominent local chefs display their culinary talents with live cooking demonstrations of The Art of Food; local musical groups demonstrate performance art. Check website for cost and schedule. Sept. 5-7.

Stone Avenue Station, Burlington Avenue at Brainard, La Grange. lgba.com.

DOWNTOWN DOWNERS GROVE ART FESTIVAL. Features

artwork in a variety of mediums and price points, as well as live music great food and fun art activities for kids. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 6-7.

Main Street and Burlington Avenue, Downers Grove. (847) 926-4300, downersgroveartfestival.com.

HOMER HARVEST DAYS.

Features demonstrations of farm activities and old-time handmade items,

old-fashioned entertainment, live animal exhibits, pony rides, antique tractors, hayrides, food, children’s activities, vendors, live music, and other amusements and diversions from a simpler and more rural era. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 6; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept.

7. Trantina Farm, 15800 W. 151st.

St., Homer Glen. (708) 301-0632, homerharvestdays.org.

FESTIVAL DE LA VILLITA.

Community cultural event celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. Highlights include food, music, carnival rides and kids’ entertainment. On Sunday, the festival is the end location of the 26th Street Parade, one of the largest celebrations of Hispanic culture in the Midwest. Carnival rides cost extra.

6-11 p.m. Sept. 12 (carnival only); noon-11 p.m. Sept. 13-14. 2600 S. Kostner, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

neighborhood restaurants (including special mac ‘n cheese dishes). $7 donation. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 13; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 14. Wells Street and North Avenue, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

ARTUMN. Features fine art displays and free kids’ art activities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sept. 14. Deer Park Town Center, 20530 Rand Road, Deer Park. (847) 726-8669, dwevents.org.

LAKEVIEW EAST FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS. Showcases more

than 150 juried artists. Also features two live music tents and a beer and wine garden, a landscape garden oasis, interactive children’s area, a mosaic mural making booth, live glass blowing and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 13; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept.

14. On Broadway, from Belmont Avenue to Roscoe Street, Chicago. lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com.

CRUSH IN OLD TOWN. Wine and

craft beer tasting tents, music, juried art, kids’ activities and the cuisine of

OKTOBERFEST. Features German food and beverages,

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Tel. (708) 448-6700 24 Hours www.just4kidds.com ChicagoParent.com September 2014 95

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ONGOING EVENTS authentic music, and activities for all. There are family activities on Saturday afternoon, including music, art and German language lessons.

Visit website for information. 5 p.m.midnight Sept. 19; noon-midnight Sept. 20; noon-6 p.m. Sept. 21.

Smith and Slade streets, Palatine. palatinerotary.com.

ART IN YOUR EYE. The festival features two art exhibits—The City Hall Exhibit and Student Legacy Exhibit—concerts, craft beer and wine tent, food, and live music and performances. Kids can visit the Picasso Tent or try chalkboard art on Saturday and Sunday. Check website for schedule.

Batavia Riverwalk, Island Avenue and Houston Street, Batavia. (630) 7613528, artinyoureye.com.

ART ON HARRISON. Includes art, music, food, dance and hands-on demonstrations for the whole family.

6-10 p.m. Sept. 19; noon-8 p.m.

Sept. 20. Harrison Street, Oak Park. oakparkartsdistrict.com/events/ art-on-harrison.

BERWYN OKTOBERFEST.

Includes an international food court, live bands, carnival and amusements, family pavilion, crafters, vendors and beer garden. 6-11 p.m. Sept.

19; noon-11 p.m. Sept. 20. Berwyn’s Depot District, Windsor and Stanley avenues, Berwyn. (708) 788-8100, berwynoktoberfest.com.

OAKTOBERFEST. Features music, seasonal food and kids’ root beer garden and zucchini races on Saturday. Food costs extra. 4-10 p.m. Sept. 19; noon-10 p.m. Sept.

20. Between Marion Street and Forest Boulevard, Oak Park. (708) 383-4145, downtownoakpark.net/ oaktoberfest.html.

DESIGN HARVEST FESTIVAL.

Features contemporary and sustainable design, original live music, unique vendors, hay rides and more. Family activities include a hay maze, face painting, scarecrow making and petting zoo (noon-4 p.m.). 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept.

20-21. Grand Avenue between Damen and Wood, Chicago. design-harvest.com.

LAKEVIEW FALL FIESTA. The taco gets the spotlight treatment at this fest in the heart of the Southport Corridor. In addition to tacos and music, features beer and taco pairings, Mexican wrestlers, a kids’ activity area and arts/crafts. $5. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 20; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 21. 3500 N. Southport, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicago events.com.

PARK FOREST ART FAIR.

Tall Grass Art Association presents the Annual Park Forest Art Fair, featuring fine art, kids’ art activity, food and music. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept.

20-21. 367 Artist Walk, Park Forest.

(708) 748-3377, tallgrassarts.org.

OKTOBERFEST CHICAGO AT ST. ALPHONSUS. Annual neighborhood

event features food, music and entertainment on three stages, arts and crafts, and activities for families and kids (Kinderfest held on Sunday). $5. 5-10 p.m. Sept. 26; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 27; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept.

28. St. Alphonsus Church, Southport

and Lincoln avenues, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

LONG GROVE APPLE FEST. Enjoy

the fall outdoor ambiance with free live music throughout the historic village. Get your apple fix on treats like brown bag apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, hot apple cider, caramel apple lattes and more. $5, free kids 12 and under. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 26-28. Old McHenry Road and Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0888, longgrove online.com.

HYDE PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL.

Features the finest in local jazz and national and international jazz artists; diverse performance venues; outdoor dance floor; food/ beverage vendors and picnic areas; artisan vendors; and activities for kids. 1 p.m.-midnight Sept. 27; 1-7 p.m. Sept. 28. Throughout Hyde Park neighborhood and Midway Plaisance, 59th Street, Chicago.

(773) 324-8614, hydeparkjazz festival.org.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY Pediatric dentistry

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ONGOING EVENTS EXHIBITS SOX VS. CUBS: THE CHICAGO CIVIL WARS. Through Sept. 28.

Exhibit highlights the longtime rivalry between these two storied teams through videos of each team’s supporters, interviews with former players, sports journalists and broadcasters, and fan souvenirs. Free with admission. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst.

(630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org.

HATS OFF TO DR. SEUSS!

Opens Sept. 19. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s second book, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, Dr. Seuss’s never-before-seen hat collection will be exhibited. Also features Dr. Seuss’s little-known Secret Art Collection, a series of works adapted from Ted Geisel’s original drawings, paintings and sculpture. Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 475-9620, drseussgallery.com.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY pediatric dentistry

Pediatric dentistry

Pediatric dentistry

We take the fear out of dentistry for your child.

• Shots and drilling are no longer necessary • Computer x-rays reduce your child’s exposure to radiation

Every Tooth Counts Pediatric Dental Center Carmella Barrett Perry, DDS Specialist in Dentistry for Infants, Children & Adolescents

• Flexible Hours • Insurance Accepted

Located 2 blocks from downtown Flossmoor 2711 Flossmoor Rd, Flossmoor, IL 60422

• We use smaller chairs and instruments • We welcome patients with special needs • Pleasant, comfortable surroundings

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708-633-8700 • www.kidsdds.net

4801 W. Peterson Ave • Chicago, IL 60646

773-790-4282

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ONGOING EVENTS DESTINATION SOLAR SYSTEM.

A live show that takes adventurous space explorers on an immersive tour of the Solar System, from sizzling solar flares on the sun to liquid methane lakes on Saturn’s moon, Titan. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

FUNKY TURNS 40: BLACK CHARACTER REVOLUTION EXHIBITION. Exhibit com-

memorates the 40th anniversaries of 1970’s Saturday morning cartoons that featured positive black characters for the first time in television history. Free with admission. DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago. (773) 947-0600, dusable museum.org.

THE MACHINE INSIDE: BIOMECHANICS. Exhibit explores

animals and plants as machines built for survival, complete with pumps, pipes, insulation, motors, springs and intelligence gathering devices.

Fu F unky unk y Tu urn rns 40 40:: Bllack B Blac k Ch har arac acte terr Re R evo volu luti tiion on Ex E xhi hibi biiti bi tion ti ion on S e this Se thhis paagge

Presented in English and Spanish.

Included in Discovery and All-Access passes. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 9229410, fieldmuseum.org.

STINGRAY TOUCH. Shedd staff members guide guests through the 15-minute touch experience, while providing interesting facts about stingrays. The outdoor exhibit also

allows visitors to see the cownose stingrays through various angles.

John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY special needs dentistry

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At Southwest Dental we take special care of

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Dr. Robert L. Tentler and Associates, General Dentistry

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ONGOING EVENTS SCIENCE + YOU. Exhibit features a child-sized laboratory where kids can explore how scientists impact health and wellness through hands-on, interactive machinery, processes and technology. A demonstration area of the exhibit allows guest scientists and educators to perform fun and interactive scientific experiments appropriate for young children. Free with admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

THINK. Explore some of the major

scientific and technical advances of the last 100 years. Free with admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

MODEL RAILROAD GARDEN: LANDMARKS OF AMERICA. The

Model Railroad Garden delights visitors of all ages with the sights and sounds of garden-scale trains traversing bridges and trestles, past miniature scenes of America’s best-loved landmarks and beautiful gardens

ORY

planted to scale. $6, $5 seniors, $4 kids 3-12, free kids under 3; $1 discount for members. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

OTHER EVENTS AWESOME APPLES. Learn about apple varieties in the Children’s Garden and make some fun apple print charms to take home. Weather permitting. Free with admission. 1-4 p.m. weekdays. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

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S.M.A.R.T. SERIES: EXPLORE, CREATE, LEARN IN THE S.M.A.R.T. CAFÉ. Start the day with

Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

books and activities that focus on healthy foods and lifestyles through art, math, science and literacy explorations. Sessions begin with a book followed by open-ended projects for all ages. Free tickets required with admission. 9:45-10:15 a.m. Tuesdays starting Sept. 16. DuPage Children’s

ORGANIC GARDEN. Kids can plant, weed, water and more in the garden, maintained by The Organic Gardener, a Glencoe-based organization. Activities include crafting seed packets, edible necklaces, and window greenhouses. 2-3 p.m.

Tuesdays and Saturdays. Westfield Old Orchard, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. (847) 674-7070, westfield.com/oldorchard.

ACORN EXPRESS ADVENTURES.

Families with kids 2 and up take an open-air tram ride adventure through the arboretum. Plus, make a craft and explore new topics each week. $5, $4 member, plus admission.

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TUTORING

Pediatric eye care Pediatric Ophthalmologists

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Tutor Services Individualized sessions to your child’s needs by a certified tutor.

Nanny Services We specialize in active role models who support your family’s lifestyle.

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Pediatric Therapy Services: Speech/Feeding Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Developmental Therapy Located in Niles, IL (in Golf Mill Mall) Call: (847) 699-9757 x0 for more info.

www.atmfc.com ChicagoParent.com September 2014 99

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ONGOING EVENTS

Autism Home Support Services is hosting a

S..M. S M.A M.A. A..R R..T. T. Se S eri ries es

Open House Career Fair

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September 20th 2014 10am- 3pm Multiple openings for part-time in-home therapists in the following areas: Lake County, Cook County, McHenry County and DuPage County Come meet the staff at AHSS. Get to know the company and everything AHSS has to offer.

Get a head start on the crowds and complete your application here: http://tinyurl.com/ AutismHomeNorthCareerFair

Refreshments will be provided.

WIN BIG! With every 2 applicants you bring along, you will have your name entered into a raffle for a chance to win multiple prizes!!

www.AutismHomeSupport.com

11-11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE.

Through Sept. 14. Free one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors and two hours of live music and dancing are presented as a part of the largest annual outdoor dancing series in the U.S. 6-7 p.m. dance lessons, 7:30-9:30 p.m. live music and dancing Friday-Saturday; 4-5 p.m. dance lessons, 5-7 p.m. live music and dancing Sunday. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 742-4007, chicago summerdance.org.

BUSY BEES. Make a bee mask and find out what all the buzz is about.

Free with admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

CRAFTS FOR KIDS. Kids 3 and up enjoy free crafts at all Lakeshore locations. Sept. 6: Owl Pencil Holder; Sept. 13: Build Your Name Apple; Sept. 20: Keep the Beat Den Den Drum. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.

Lakeshore Learning Store, various locations. lakeshorelearning.com.

OPEN GYM. Families with kids 18 months-5 years can explore a play space specially designed for little

hands, feet and bodies. Includes soft places to climb and explore, developmentally appropriate gross motor equipment, slides, tricycles, climbing structures and more. $10 family. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Florence G. Heller JCC, 524 W. Melrose Ave., Chicago. (773) 871-6780, gojcc.org.

WTTW KIDS GREAT FOOD FAN VAN. The WTTW Kids Great

Food Fan Van educates parents and children about proper nutrition in a fun, interactive, two-hour performance that includes stretching, dancing, singing, healthy food sampling, and one-on-one nutritional guidance and education. Each performance is led by Miss Lori of Miss Lori’s CAMPUS and WTTW’s Mr. Brandon.

Plus, an appearance and photo op with Arthur. Check website for schedule and locations. wttw.com/ greatfoodfanvan.

WTTW KIDS READERS ARE LEADERS TOUR. Features

movements and songs by Miss Lori of Miss Lori’s CAMPUS and dialogic reading by WTTW’s tour manager, Mr. Brandon. Plus, interactive games help create excitement about reading. Following every 60-minute show, WTTW gives each child a bag with special learning materials, resources for parents and caregivers, and a book. Check website for schedule and locations. wttw.com/ readersareleaders.

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BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!* FOR SELECT SUNDAY PERFORMANCES

BUY ONE ADULT TICKET AND GET A KID’S TICKET FREE (FREE TICKET FOR 17 AND UNDER / SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

TO REDEEM USE CODE ‘FAMILY’ WHEN ORDERING TICKETS.

© Disney

SUN. SEPTEMBER 7 AT 5PM SUN. OCTOBER 12 AT 6:30PM SUN. NOVEMBER 9 AT 6:30PM

FREE PARKING! In all official arena parking lots with ticket purchase. Visit unitedcenter.com for more information.

SEPT. 10 – 14

o’s L Now Chicag ongest Running Broadway Musical! ired by the Electr

Insp

UNITED CENTER

ifying True Story!

Wed. SEPT. 10 H 7:00 PM

APOLLO THEATER

CALL 773.935.6100

OPENING NIGHT TICKETS $12!*

Fri. SEPT. 12

7:00 PM

7:00 PM

Sat. SEPT. 13 11:30 AM 3:30 PM 7:00 PM

Sun. SEPT. 14 11:30 AM 3:30 PM 7:00 PM

*Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Excludes premium seats.

TICKETMASTER.COM

Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office

GROUPS CALL 312.977.1710 280008

MILLIONDOLLARQUARTETLIVE.COM

*Valid only for specified “Family Night” performances. Subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Cannot be combined with other offers and discounts. Regular ticketing and facility fees apply.

Thu. SEPT. 11

#RinglingBros

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PERFORMANCES

Disney Disn ey On Ic Ice e Pr Pres sen entts s Prin Pr ince ess sses es & Her eroe eroe o s Seee this pag Se agee

CIRQUE SHANGHAI. Through Sept.

1. Cirque Shanghai presents a new show, “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors,” at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, a 1,500seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier. Call for cost. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 595-7437, navypier.com.

BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION OF THAT’S WEIRD GRANDMA. The

new school year brings plenty of new stories—all conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed

by Barrel of Monkeys Company members. The line-up changes each week, so no two shows are ever the same. 8 p.m. Mondays. Sept.

8-Oct. 6. $12, $6 kids under 12. The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS PRINCESSES & HEROES. Join

Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves and Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s slithering spell to

reclaim his one true love; see Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleficent as she transforms herself into a firebreathing dragon in a race against time to rescue Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora; discover a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin; and watch as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana come true. Sept. 10-14. $13 and up.

United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. disneyonice.com.

WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL.

Features concerts presented in museums, parks, cultural centers and music stores. Visit website for schedule and information. Sept. 11-21.

Various locations, including Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. (312) 742-1938, world musicfestivalchicago.org.

BINGO’S BIRTHDAY. Opens Sept.

20. Kids are invited to Bingo the dog’s birthday, but no one can find Bingo, in this interactive performance just for the very young. Call for cost.

Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933

N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 529-2690 ext. 810, emeraldcity theatre.com.

Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

IMPROVISED DOUBLE DARE.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT. Live

children’s music concert performed by Bubbles Academy. Families can enjoy a fun and interactive performance with popular children’s songs. 10:3011 a.m. Tuesdays. Monica + Andy, 2038 N. Halsted, Chicago. (312) 600-8530, monicaandandy.com.

THEATRE HIKES. “Enchanted April” is based on Elizabeth von Arnim’s novel, and tells the story of four dissimilar women in 1920s England who leave their damp and rainy environments to go on a holiday to a secluded coastal castle in Italy.

Low-impact hike suitable for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs will take place Sept. 7. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, weatherappropriate clothing and bring a chair or blanket, water bottle and insect repellent. $20, $10 member; $10 kids, $5 kid member. 1-4 p.m. weekends. Morton Arboretum, 4100

Watch as two teams compete against each other in tests of trivia, physical challenges, and improvisation until one team gets to undergo the ultimate gauntlet of skill—the Obstacle Course. Based on the ‘80s/’90s Nickelodeon game show, “Double Dare.” $5. 7 p.m. Sundays.

ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 5498080, comedysportzchicago.com.

HOGWASH: AN IMPROVISED TALL TALE. Interactive kids’ show

where the kids help guide the story from scene to scene and song to song with talented improvisors. Kids create backdrop of the story and pick out the costumes. Recommended for families with kids 3-10. For tickets email shelby@bughousetheater.com.

Donations are welcome. 10:30 a.m.

Bughouse Theater, 2054 W. Irving Park, Chicago. bughousetheater.com.

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Fall Fun

September & October For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

Chicago Playworks for Families & Young Audiences Presents:

by Susan Nanus based on the book by Norton Juster directed by David Catlin

OCT 7 NOV 15, 2014

by Margaret Larlham directed by Ann Wakefield

JAN 13 – FEB 21, 2015

by Eric Pfeffinger directed by Ernie Nolan

APRIL 7– MAY 16, 2015

at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E Balbo Dr, Chicago | 312 922 1999 | theatre.depaul.edu

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20 museums +$0 =1 priceless day of family fun

I

f you’ve ever explored any of the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., you know some of our capital’s finest museums—the National History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, even the National Zoo—always offer

free admission. And for one day each September, that principle extends to other museums across the nation, which open their doors completely for free.

Museum Day Live! includes more than 20 Chicago-area museums, from the scientific

(Adler Planetarium) to the cultural (Swedish American Museum, National Hellenic Museum), from the artistic (Smart Museum) to the historical (DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago History Museum).

A full list of museums can be found on the website of Museum Day Live!

For families with young kids, a great choice is SciTech Hands on Museum in Aurora.

The museum features more than 200 interactive exhibits that focus on science and math. Kids can make a big bubble, ride a giant yo-yo and stand inside a tornado—not your ordinary “hands-off” museum activities.

If you have a budding doctor on your hands, check

out the International Museum of Surgical Sciences. The museum recently created a new exhibit called RX for Success that’s specifically designed for kids as young as 8. It includes hands-on activities, such as make your own blood and decode the disease games, and the ever-popular iPads, plus information on careers in health care to encourage young people to consider working in medicine.

In order to receive free admission, you must visit the website and download a ticket. Each ticket is good for two people (limit one per household)—and a full day of fun and free memories.

Elizabeth Diffin

Museum Day Live!

Sept. 27 smithsonianmag.com/ museumday

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Get Ready....Get Set....

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T:7”

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SMOKEYBEAR.COM ChicagoParent.com September 2014 107

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Science+You Through Nov. 2 Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview

Science+You=Fun

S

cience+You made its debut at Kohl Children’s Museum back in 2011. Since then it’s set up shop in international locales like Germany and Brazil and cities across the United States. Now the interactive exhibit returns home and gives kids some hands-on insight into the world of science.

The exhibit is set up like a real-life laboratory, complete with a pretend shower and handwashing station upon entry, as well as some adorable mini-lab coats that help kids really look the part (provided your little ones will actually wear them).

Inside, kids can mix and separate liquids and solids using scientific equipment, magnify ordinary objects with video microscopes and measure substances inside a glove box.

Don’t miss the test kitchen where kids can make a healthy soup and the human-sized puzzle that shows

kohlchildrensmuseum.org

how important nutrition, exercise and rest are for a growing body.

Science+You is being sponsored by the AbbVie Foundation, and a special demonstration on area allows guests scientists to perform experiments ts with visitors.

At the end of the experience, kids can an choose from a number of different magnets to makee collages of what they learned. It’s a helpful visual aid for parents to see what their children actually took in—and maybe even apply those lessons further at home. The museum’ss website even has some kid-friendly experiperiments to try on your own.

After all, you never know just how many years it will be until the globetrotting exhibit makes its return to the place where it all began.

Elizabeth Diffin

108 September 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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CO M

IN

presents:

G

SO

ON

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Play. Learn. Discover.

Saturday, September 27 | 10am- 5pm Lincoln Park Zoo

5 interactive pavilions with activities, music, giveaways and more!

Arts & Crafts

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