Cincinnati Parent // 04.2010

Cincinnati Flower Show:

Small Wonders

Children’s Weekend

My Child Has AUTISM — Now What?

Women’s Health:

Miscarriage

Coping with Loss and Healing April 2010 * CINCINNATIPARENT.com

PA THW AYS NEW CONCERT SERIES!

SUN MATINEES, 3 PM with multimedia post-concert discussions from the stage, moderated by hosts from 90.9 WGUC ROMAN HOLIDAY APR 25, 2010 Paavo Järvi conductor Isabelle van Keulen viola

Lisa Lawson Mom and community volunteer

MOZART FESTIVAL: AMADEUS! NOV 21, 2010 Robert Porco conductor, vocalists, May Festival Chorus RUSSIAN FORTUNES JAN 2 3 , 2 0 1 1 Hugh Wolff conductor Viviane Hagner violin

Allen Lawson Sophomore at Walnut Hills High School

“My son and I discover new things every time we attend concerts. It’s a fun way for us to spend time together, and these are unique learning experiences that he’ll remember the rest of his life. We’re definitely going to check out the new Pathways series. It’s a little shorter, in the afternoon, and has that interactive element that sounds different and fun—plus the discounted price makes it easy.”

WHAT IS PATHWAYS?

• Shortened programs: only 90 minutes • Lower ticket prices: $5 children/from $10 adults • Multimedia post-concert discussions that are interactive, educational, engaging and fun! Featuring Music Director Paavo Järvi, CSO musicians and YOU.

513.381.3300 l cincinnatisymphony.org

Media Partner:

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table of contents 12

* NEWS & SHOPPING

News You Can Use: Local Performances and Lots of Gold

06

* Health & Wellness

women’s health: Miscarriage­—Coping With Loss and Healing

12

* Around Town

PROFILE: Small Wonders Children’s Weekend

07

Arts & enrichment: Finding the Right Niche

22

* Commentary & Parenting

PUBLISHer’s NOTE: Spring is Blooming in Cincinnati

05

Dear teacher: Your Questions of Teachers—Answered

09

* RESOURCES

childcare & education directory

10

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

21

arts & enrichment guide

22

Camp guide

23

calendar

25

classifieds

31

MISCARRIAGE

14

FAMILY FITNESS

18

aUTISM

Ask the Staff: April is National garden Month. (www.nationalgardenmonth.org)

What’s your favorite flower or plant?

Tulips, Hyacinths, Peonys...

Lilies, Hydrangeas and Magnolias

Tulips

K at i e Pfier

4 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

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Peonies

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Tulips and Hydrangeas

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Cincinnati

co mm enta ry & pa r ent i ng

PARENT Publisher & President of Sales & Business Development Mary Wynne Cox publisher@cincinnatiparent.com

Associate Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Lynette Rowland editor@cincinnatiparent.com

Art Direction & DESIGN Heather Lipe heather@cincinnatiparent.com

director of MARKETING & business development Katie Pfierman katie@cincinnatiparent.com

SALES AND Business Development Jennica Zalewski jennica@cincinnatiparent.com

Public Relations and Advertising Coordinator Erin Tulley erin@cincinnatiparent.com

ACCOUNTANT Roxanne Burns

S

Enjoy Your City!

*

Publisher’s Note

Spring is Blooming in Cincinnati

pring is finally here! After a long, cold and snowy winter, there are so many great ways to celebrate the beautiful spring weather in Cincinnati. As our flowers begin to bloom, birds chirp in the background, lawns and trees add beautiful color to our environment, our city comes alive with many great activities to mark this wonderful time of year.

I have dedicated this column to showcase some of the offerings going on in the tri-state area.

Cincinnati Parent is a proud sponsor of Small Wonders Weekend at the annual Cincinnati Flower Show at Symmes Township Park April 23rd – 25th. This event is focused on fun and family: where your children can imagine, explore and learn. Create memories with your children that will last a lifetime and enjoy a variety of free and unique activities that encourage kids to learn more about nature in their own back yard. Saturday is Fairy and Frogs Day and children are encouraged to come dressed in costume, make a fairy wand and receive a free sample of fairy dust to sprinkle in the garden. For more information, visit

www.cincyflowershow.com/exhibits. asp.

Cincinnati Zoo Bloom promises to be a palette of artistic color with a combination of more than one million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs and other spring bulbs exploding with color.

This spectacular event takes place at The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden from April 1 through April 30. For more information, call (513) 281-4700 or visit www.cincinnatizoo.org.

The 15th Annual Butterflies of Japan event, which takes place at the Krohn Conservatory, will feature cultural displays, fabulous events and “special guest” butterflies and insects brought over from Japan. The show colors and plantings will change three times during the show when a new “special guest” butterfly flies in. The event takes place from April 17 through June 20. For more information, call (513) 352-4080 or visit www.cincinnati-oh.gov/parks.

It’s that time of year again. Come celebrate the Reds opening game as we take on the St. Louis Cardinals at the Great American Ball Park on April 5 at 1:10 p.m. Hot dogs, Crackerjacks and lots

of cheering build great family memories.

For more information, call (513) 7657000 or visit www.reds.com.

Participate in the Wildflower Scavenger Hunt: Please don’t pick the flowers!

Instead, pick up a scavenger hunt and hike Miami Whitewater Forest’s beautiful trails. Bring your completed hunt back by 4 p.m. for a prize.

This event takes place at the Miami Whitewater Forest Visitor Center on April 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and is free. For more information, call (513) 521-7275 or visit www.greatparks.org.

Take part in Cincinnati Nature Center’s Family Wildflower Hike. Join their chief naturalist as he leads your family through an exploration of the world of flowers from the perspective of a bee. This event takes place on April 24 from 10 a.m. noon and admission is free. For more information, call (513) 831-1711 or visit cincynature.org.

Celebrate Easter weekend at Winton Woods. Learn to “Hop like a Bunny” and meet a special furry friend on April 2 at 2 p.m. (registration is required). On

roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com

April 3, be a part of their Egg Olympics.

Play a variety of egg-straordinary games with many team-building and individual challenges. Both events are free. For more information, call (513) 521-7275 or visit www.greatparks.org.

The above events are just a few of the many opportunities available to Cincinnati Parent readers. For more calendar events, please visit us online at www.cincinnatiparent.com.

DON’T FORGET! Subscribe to our weekly E-newsletter to win tickets to many Cincinnati area events! The E-ewsletter comes out every Thursday and highlights great events that will be occurring the following weekend. It is a great way to plan your weekend and sign up for an exciting contest. Prizes this month will include family fun packs to Sesame Street, Tom Sawyer at the Children’s Theatre, Cincinnati Museum Center passes, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and much more Happy Spring, Cincinnati!

-Mary Wynne

Cox

IT’S TIME

ON THE COVER Molly Price COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Lindy Christopher Photography

For the most important investment you will ever make.

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Cincinnati Parent 9435 Waterstone Blvd, Suite 140 Cincinnati, OH 45249 513.444.2015 (ph) 513.444.2099 (fx) info@cincinnatiparent.com

Copyright: Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2008 by Cincinnati Parent and Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.cincinnatiparent.com

● STARLAB, WORLD LANGUAGES, ORFF MUSIC ● T WO CERTIFIED TEACHERS PER CLASSROOM ● CHARAC TER EDUCATION PROGRAM ● SUMMER CAMP/CHILDCARE BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CINCINNATI’S ONLY INDEPENDENT, CATHOLIC, CO-ED, COLLEGE-PREP SCHOOL AGE 2 - GR 12 2161 GRANDIN ROAD, HYDE PARK

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Open House for PreK-Grade 8 Sunday, May 2, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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EXPLORE "SUMMER AT THE SUMMIT Camps meet June 7 - August 20.

Explore online our exciting and fun-filled theme-based Day Camp for children age 3 through Grade 3.

Themes include: Down on The Farm; Cooking with Kids; Space Exploration; A Bird of a Different Feather; and more. Half & full-day camps from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., before- and aftercare from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Also available is a full array of academic and enrichment classes for all ages.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 5

news & sh o ppi ng

*

news you can use

Local Performances and Lots of Gold News, Events and Info for Parents

Acting Up Young Performers Present Disney’s Mulan Jr. April 16-18 Complete with authentic Chinese dancing and even an avalanche, this production of Mulan will be marching its way to Northern Cincinnati on April 14, 15, and 16 brought by Acting Up, the young performers community theatre based in Mason.

There will be four shows of “Disney’s Mulan Jr.” at the Mason High School Theater, 6100 Mason Montgomery Road. This show will feature a cast of approximately 80 talented youngsters ages 6 to 18, hailing from all over the Cincinnati area.

Performances of “Disney’s Mulan, Jr.” will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 16; 2 p.m., (sign language interpreter will be provided) and 7 p.m., Saturday, April 17; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 18. Tickets are $10 each ($8 seniors) and are available online at www.ActingUp.com or at the box office starting one hour before the show. For more information call 513-494-6062 or visit www.actingup.com.

Cincinnati Parent Holds E-newsletter Contest to Send Two Kids to Chad OchoCinco Football Camp Want to send your son to a football camp— with an NFL player? Sign up for the Cincinnati

popular novel is fun for the whole family!

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati works in concert with educators to support and complement their existing curricula, both through the shows selected and the study guides created with the assistance of their Educational Advisory Board. These study guides are provided to educators and parents as a tool to assist learning before and after their visit, maximizing the theatre experience.

Visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com for complete details, to purchase tickets online and Each week our brand-new E-newsletter is download a study guide. packed full of useful information: Top 5-10 events every day of the weekend, weekly Children’s Repertory at EXCLUSIVE contest available ONLY to Clifton Performance E-newsletter subscribers, time-sensitive news Theatre Performing and information, book and product reviews Alice in Wonderland and much more. Sign up today at www. Join in and become a cast member of cincinnatiparent.com! the”Adventures of Alice In Wonderland” at Clifton Performance Theatre on Monday, Tom Sawyer: A River Adventure April 12 at 6 p.m. A curious young girl by the name of Alice Liddell begins the journey Floats into the Children’s of her young lifetime after falling deep Theatre of Cincinnati From the banks of the Ohio to the stage at into a rabbit hole. When she finally reaches the Taft Theatre, the Children’s Theatre of bottom, she is greeted by many strange and Cincinnati brings you the expanded version wondrous creatures. A cat who always grins, of the Tall Stacks festival favorite. This hand- a Caterpillar who teaches her the proper way clappin’, leg-stompin’ version of Mark Twain’s introducing herself and a Queen who can’t Parent E-newsletter at www.cincinnatiparent. com on the righthand side of the screen and we will be running a contest where two entries will be selected to send one child to summer camp with Chad OchoCinco. We will also be holding contests to win Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Tickets, Cincinnati Children’s Theatre Tickets for Tom Sawyer, Cincinnati Flower Show Tickets, Sesame Street Live Tickets, Lazer Kraze Tickets, Smuckers on Ice Tickets and even Ringling Brothers Tickets!

stop yelling “off with your head!” We will grow big and little, knock on many doors, swim out of our tears and enjoy tea with the Mad Hatter. For more information, visit cliftonperformancetheatre.com.

Girlfriends, Glamour and Gold Come join us for ladies night out at Cincinnati Museum Center’s newest exhibit, GOLD with Cincy Chic & Q102.GOLD will take you from the fires of the earth to the rings on our fingers. Come see what gold is all about. Join Holly Morgan with Q102 and enjoy friends, fun, cocktails & shopping with featured local boutiques and a stroll through the GOLD exhibit. Join us every second Wednesday of each month (April 14 this month) at the Cincinnati Museum Center Duke Energy Children’s Museum Lobby at 1301 Western Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45203. Special pricing of $10 for event and exhibit. First 100 people to buy a ticket online or by phone will receive a swag bag valued at more than $400! To make reservations with payment, call (513) 2877021. Brought to you by Q102 and Cincy Chic, an online publication for women in Greater Cincinnati.

© Todd Joyce Photography

It’s A Time Warp!

Spring Break 1301 Western Avenue

6 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

Cincinnati, OH 45203

(513) 287-7000

www.cincymuseum.org

A ROU N D TOW N

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profile: small wonders

Small Wonders Children’s Weekend

Cincinnati Flower Show Brings Interactive Experiences

Linkous of Waynesville, one of last year’s volunteers.

Small Wonders Children’s Weekend, the Cincinnati Flower Show’s popular annual event, is all about the interactive experience.

“The goal is to educate families about nature, the earth, recycling and more, and all in a fun, handson, but non “teachy’ way,” says Karri Perry of West Chester, Small Wonders committee chairwoman.

We want children to be really immersed in what they are most drawn to, whether that’s crafts, animals or planting.

And Usborne books will be on hand all weekend with a mini-bookstore featuring fairyand gardening-themed books and more.

Small Wonders is offering experiences you can’t get just anywhere, Perry says. We have potting, alpacas, recycling and cultures, all in one place, all fun and all hands-on.

interactive factor makes it more real, fun and meaningful.”

the fairies and frogs in attendance how to make fairy dust to sprinkle in their Small Wonders is hosted by PNC Bank, Costco home gardens.

Wholesale and Cincinnati Parent.

For example, during the India presentation, West Chester resident and Passport volunteer Sabitha Pandit will lead children in the art of creating Rangoli. Rangoli is described as a creative and spiritual start to the day, and in parts of India, it is tradition for family members to work together to make ornate designs using rice flour.

This year, in addition to Small Wonders favorites like apple pie school and baby animals, the Flower Show will launch its first ever Passport to Fun program — 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday — an international celebration exploring the customs, foods and holidays of our During the Japan session, Ginny Tom, a Passport friends around the world. volunteer, will share with children her experience in Origami, the traditional Japanese folk art of Children will work with Passport volunteers on paper folding. Children will make one of several a variety of activities, such as native crafts and simple Origami models. cooking authentic foods. As children travel from country to country, they will receive stamps in And of course many favorite Small Wonders their “passports.” activities will also be back.

And sure, kids could learn about world cultures and traditions in other ways, but at Small Wonders, “they’ll do, rather than just read,” says committee member Julie Enneking of West Chester. “The

Fairies and Frogs Day is Saturday, April 24. Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite fairy or frog costumes. Beverly Mussari, owner of the Gazebo Tea Garden in Blue Ash, will show

The folks from Granny’s Garden School in Loveland will help kids make toy gardens, which are baskets of fun incorporating small toys and plants.

Hamilton County Soil and Water will run this year’s potting program, helping children to plant and grow their own vegetables.

The Hamilton County Farm Bureau will return with a mini farm featuring ducks, chicks, rabbits and alpacas. “As farms continue to vanish, this program becomes even more important in educating children about our food, conservation and agriculture,” says Steve Knollman of Harrison, bureau president.

Make a Grass Man is perhaps best described as a homemade Chia pet project. “At home kids were able to watch the Grass Man’s hair magically sprout before their eyes!” says Cheri

It’s all about...

TGS_CinnParent1-3Horiz_4-10.indd 3

Friday, April 23 & Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP PARK: 11600 North Lebanon Road Symmes Township, OH 45140 Passport to Fun International Celebrations: Daily 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Discount tickets available online at www.cincyflowershow.com Tickets are $2 for children under 12 and $15 for adults

www.TheGardnerSchool.com

Discover

The Gardner School, an award-winning academically focused preschool for ages 6 weeks to Private Kindergarten.

SMALL WONDERS WEEKEND

The Gardner School of Blue Ash 9920 Carver Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 985-9444

Please join us for a Record-Breaking Summer at

Camp Gardner!

Call us for details.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 7

2/22/10 11:23:04 AM

Small Wonders Children’s Weekend April 23, 24, & 25 Fun interactive activities for PARENTS & CHILREN NEW THIS YEAR!!! Passport to FUN! International celebration Days

Create a mini-vacation of memories with your kids!

Enjoy a variety of FREE activities that encourage learning about nature, playing outside and caring for the Earth.

Plant a Basket Garden Make, Bake, and Eat an Apple Pie Pot your own Flower Meet Farm Animals Learn to Grow Your Own Veggies Make a Grass Man Don’t Miss Fairies and Frogs Day, (SAT)

General Admission $20 at the gate $15 in advance

$2 KIDS

COMM E N TA RY & PA R E N T I N G

Your Questions of Teachers—Answered The International Baccalaureate Program Question: My seventh-grader is very bright with an IQ of 148. Fortunately, he has been in a full-time gifted program in both elementary and middle school. He will get all A’s in a subject like math and then get an occasional D or even an F. When I ask him about this, his reply is always: “Don’t worry about it,” said with preadolescent overtones.

I would like for him to go to a high school with an International Baccalaureate program as opposed to the regular high school that has been graded an “F” and is in a high crime area. The problem is that the occasional D or F really pulls down some of his grades. Any ideas? – Stumped Answer: The requirements for admission to IB programs at the high-school level are determined by the schools themselves. You can find out right away whether your son is on the right track with his current grades and classes to be admitted to the IB program in the high school. Just ask at the school. If your son needs better grades, he has next year to earn them.

Your son might find it very motivating to learn more about the International Baccalaureate program. Have him visit its Web site at www.ibo. org. Find out also if it would be possible for him to observe an IB class in action. More than lectures or threats, seeing this stimulating program in action

Parent & Child

could make him want to do what is necessary to be part of it.

We are extremely enthusiastic about the IB program, which actually consists of three programs. There is the primary years program (ages 3-12), the middle years program (ages 11-15) and the diploma program (ages 16-19). The IB program is a challenging international program used in 125 countries. It is designed to help students develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in our rapidly globalizing world.

The special advantage of the high-school level IB program is that it exposes students to college work thus easing the transition between high school and college. Taking part in this program is a great big plus in the increasingly difficult challenge of being admitted to many colleges.

Tips on Avoiding Homework Battles Question: Can you give me some tips on avoiding the nightly homework battle with my second-grader? – Seeking Peace Answer: Most homework battles occur over the time it is to be started. This needs to be set in stone. A contract between parent and child can resolve most

Preschool

homework battles. We‘ll be happy to send you a contract. Or you can find one on our Web site under the “Skill Builders” section in Resources. If you decide to use a contract, have very few terms at first.

Beyond using a homework contract, make it a point to give help only when it is requested. You don’t want to have homework battles harm the relationship between you and your child. Try to settle this issue now before it becomes a running battle over the years.

*

dear teacher

other hand, if your child demonstrates few of the traits on this checklist, he or she might need some strategies to build more satisfying relationships with other children. If your child has attended a preschool program, how well he or she has handled the social aspects should give you a good idea of how well the child will handle kindergarten.

Social Skills Checklist The child usually: 1. Approaches others positively.

Necessary Social Skills for Kindergarten

2. Expresses wishes and preferences clearly.

Question: How can I be sure that my rather shy preschooler has the social skills needed to enter kindergarten? – Need to Know

4. Is not easily intimidated by bullies.

Answer: Keep in mind that some children are simply shyer than others. Every child is not going to be a “social butterfly.” And it can be counterproductive to push such children into social situations that make them uncomfortable. Unless your child’s shyness is preventing him or her from enjoying being with other children, his or her shyness is not likely to be a problem in kindergarten.

Many skills are important in determining if your child is ready for kindergarten. The ability to get along with others is certainly one of them. Here is an ERIC digest checklist that will let you observe how well your child is doing in forming social skills. If your child exhibits most of the traits on this checklist, he or she is not likely to need any special help when the child encounters occasional difficulties. On the

3. Asserts own rights and needs appropriately; gives reasons for actions and positions.

5. Expresses frustrations and anger effectively without escalating disagreements or harming others.

6. Gains access to ongoing groups at play and work.

7. Makes relevant contributions to ongoing activities.

8. Takes turns fairly easily.

9. Shows interest in others.

10. Negotiates and compromises with others appropriately.

11. Does not draw inappropriate attention to self.

12. Interacts nonverbally (smiles, waves, nods) with other children Parents should send questions to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or ask them on the columnists’ Web site at www. dearteacher.com.

Grades K-8

Are you seeking a school that considers education , not a race? a

journey

Waldorf Education:

Inspired Learning Offering a developmentally appropriate, experiential approach to education which ignites and inspires life-long learning.

A Waldorf education prepares children for our changing world by enabling each student to fully develop their capacities in an environment that cultivates freedom to act and think.

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE April 17, 2010 10 am - 1 pm

Classroom Observation Mornings

Monthly, every third Tuesday; 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Call to arrange a campus tour (513) 541-0220 ext. 103

Visit the Magic Meadow Store!

Unique toys, crafts and gifts, located on campus.

See www.chca-oh.org for details.

5555 Little Flower Ave. . Cincinnati, OH 45239 (513) 541-0220 ext. 103 www.cinciwaldorf.org CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 9

Childcare & Education Directory Adult Education

Great Oaks Career Campuses 3254 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45040 Jon Weidlich 513-771-8840 weidlicj@greatoaks.com www.greatoaks.com Great Oaks offers career programs for high school students and adults at four campuses in southwest Ohio. Adult programs are designed to prepare adults for good careers typically in one year or less.

(513)281-7999 www.thenewschool.cc Grades: 3 year-olds through 6th Grade Enrollment: 150 Founded on Montessori principles in 1970, our wooded playgrounds, home-cooked meals and family-like setting in North Avondale’s Mitchell Mansion provide a stimulating and nurturing environment for learning. We value diversity and create a caring and supportive community. Our graduates excel academically, but more importantly are empowered as citizens of our global community. (Accredited by AMS and ISACS).

(513)398-6928 www.montacademy.org Grades: 9 months – 5 years Enrollment: 150 Montessori Early Childhood Program! Exceptionally low ratios in a nurturing environment! Our 2-acre campus provides bike and cart paths. Separate play areas for toddlers and preschoolers. Spanish and Music classes offered! Full-time and Part-time available. AMS Affiliate

Childcare/Preschool

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center

Montessori

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

The New School Montessori 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229

Summit Country Day School 2161 Grandin Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513)871-4700 www.summitcds.org Montessori Age 2 - Grade 12 Enrollment: 1100 The state-of-the-art Lower School is home to the Montessori Program where children ages 2 to 6 receive a world-class academic and enrichment curriculum. Multiple programs include a new Montessori Toddler Program for 2 yr. olds and full and half-day programs for ages 3-6. Before- and aftercare, and holiday care available.

The Child’s Place 4936 Old Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason, OH 45040

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

The Compass School 9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249 Contact: Laura Carr Phone: 513-683-8833 Fax: 513-683-8456 Email: CompassLC@yahoo.com www.TheCompassSchool.com

express

YOURSELF!

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Acting

CLASSES

• Toddlers, Children, Teens & Adults!

• Classes now available at five locations: Baker Hunt Arts and Culture Center (Covington), Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Madisonville Arts Center, Mayerson JCC & Playhouse in the Park

For registration and information call 513/421.3888 or visit

www.cincyplay.com

10 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

R E SOURC E S

Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding Reggio-Inspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children. Degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. Call today for your personal tour.

Enrollment: 496 Academic excellence in the Ursuline tradition for boys and girls in preschool through 8th grade. Whole-child development, family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, Montessori or Traditional preschool options, small class size, individual attention, outstanding high school preparation

Summit Country Day School The Gardner School of Blue Ash 9920 Carver Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-985-9444 www.TheGardnerSchool.com ages 6 weeks - Pre-K This award-winning, academically focused preschool has recently opened in the Blue Ash Community. You want the best for your child, and so do we. With our nationally-recognized curriculum taught by our degreed teaching faculty, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment for learning readiness where your child can prepare for academic achievement and lifelong success.

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

Villa Madonna Academy Goddard School Grades: Ages 6 weeks to 8 years To learn more about The Goddard School® in you neighborhood, call 1-800-GODDARD or visit online at www.goddardschool.com.

The Goddard School provides the foundation to encourage your child’s lifelong love of learning. Whether gently holding your infant, encouraging your toddler to share, or providing your preschooler with a variety of enriching activities, caring teachers support your child’s healthy development from 6 weeks to 6 years, and up to 8 years for after-school enrichment.

2500 Amsterdam Road, Villa Hills, KY 41017 (859)331-6333 admissions@villamadonna.net Non-Public K-8 and 9-12 A Catholic, private, co-ed K-12 school offering 7:1 ratio in the full-day kindergarten program, foreign language, music, art and enrichment classes for K-8; strong college-prep high school curriculum with 16 AP courses; 12 high school varsity sports.

Outstanding fine arts program for grades K-12.

Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Nursery School

Special Needs

5950 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213 (513)631-0170 www.prpc.org Grades: 2 1/2 - 5 years, Parent/Child classes birth to 32 months Enrollment: 65 Professionally qualified teachers provide active, expressive, childcentered learning experiences at this 3-star award-winning program.

Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 day AM or PM sessions. Excellent ratios, degreed teachers and spacious, sunny, classrooms await your preschooler.

Parent and child classes also available for babies and toddlers.

Non-public

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

St. Ursula Villa 3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513)871-7218 Preschool – 8th grade

*

childcare & education directory

Springer School and Center 2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513)871-6080 Learning Disabilities/Special Needs 1st - 8th grade Enrollment: 206 For almost 40 years, Springer School & Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Today, Springer teaches learning strategies to 206 day-school students, provides info and referral services to the community, and offers programs for students, parents, and teachers. Springer School & Center is the only resource in the region dedicated entirely to learning disabilities. For more info, call (513)871-6080 or go to www.springer-ld.org.

Virtual/Distance

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

Your Listing Here! Contact Erin at Erin@CincinnatiParent.com

Linden Grove School, Specialized Learning for the Whole Child 4122 Myrtle Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45236 (513)984-2215 www.lindengroveschool.org Special Needs Grades: Kindergarten - 8th grade We provide a unique environment that focuses on serving children who are on the autism spectrum, have ADD/ ADHD, learning disabilities, and communication disorders.

Linden Grove provides a quality school environment to children who aren’t “fitting in” their current school’s program and thus are not learning and developing to their full potential.

Working in partnership with families is a vital component in creating an integrated K-8 learning environment that combines academics, social skills and therapies in order to help the whole child achieve academically and socially.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 11

Miscarriage Women’s Health:

u

ther For Yo

Toge Worki ng

rage on this For extended coveLisa Cooney on story, tune into on April 1, 2010.

News 5 Today

As couples and single parents are thrown into the world of unexpected loss, they are expected to hold themselves or each other up and navigate the torrential storm of losing their child.

Once a miracle

It’s difficult to imagine discussing death when within the mother’s womb, dreams and promises are growing. Inception of a new life began maybe days or weeks before a mother may show concern for her unborn child. Her intuition, physical changes or unexpected concerns from her doctor will plant a seed of fear and anxiety. After a visit to her doctor, the mother may have to wait weeks for blood test results to see if her “levels” are decreasing. Blood-based hCG tests are ordered only when they need more information about what is going on in a particular patient’s pregnancy, such as for a woman having vaginal bleeding in pregnancy or other miscarriage symptoms.

A mother waits, unsure of what is happening. Days or weeks go by and she wonders if she should dream with optimism or hold on and prepare for loss.

Let’s hope expectant parents did their homework and are under the care of a physician and nursing staff that is well-equipped to answer questions, show compassion and be the first face that genuinely shows concern to mothers and couples when they deliver the news that they have lost their baby.

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), about 50 percent of miscarriages require a dilation and curettage (D and C). It is a surgical procedure often performed after a first trimester miscarriage.

Dilation means to open up the cervix; curettage means to remove the contents of the uterus. Curettage may be performed by scraping the uterine wall with a curette instrument or by a suction curettage or vacuum aspiration, using a vacuum-type instrument.

“Couples get very little follow up screening by their obstetrician or primary care doctor. It would be nice if there was more follow up that would also follow up with emotional well-being. Seventy percent of depression hits within the first month after a miscarriage,” said Anne Eisenmann MA, IMFT, LCDC3 marriage and family therapist.

Ask your doctor these questions if you have a high-risk pregnancy: What happens to the fetus after a miscarriage and D and C procedure? What are the options for funeral and burial? How can I connect with other mothers 12 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

who’ve had a miscarriage? What is my partner or husband supposed to do?

“You may not get answers of why or what happened. That’s when there is a definite need for a support system of family, friends or church community with the caveat that they can be helpful or less helpful as they say, “You already have one you can have more,” or “You’re young. You can try again.” It’s a very sad thing, very scary and needs to be acknowledged,” said Eisenmann.

Finding answers

Unfortunately, miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss, according to the ACOG. Studies reveal that anywhere from ten to 25 percent of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage, and most miscarriages occur during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.

Little is known of what causes miscarriages and what can be done to prevent them. The cloak of silence our society puts over the topic makes it even more difficult for women and families to get the information and help they need when they go through this surprisingly common experience.

“One of the hardest things for couples or single parents to deal with is how our society rarely talks about infant death,” said Dr. Sue B. Davis, clinical psychologist. “Friends, family and co-workers apologize, but never speak of it again. Often the loss goes unrecognized without society’s accepted rituals of a funeral, burial and mourning period. Often these rituals are denied or overlooked and the entire event is then minimized making it more complicated to offer support for the bereaved.”

Seek professional help

Now what? As difficult as each day may be for those who’ve experienced a miscarriage, getting in front of someone to process the loss and discuss the steps to healing is the first step.

“Those who’ve suffered a miscarriage sit in front of me in shock, confusion and despair. Their sense of control is shattered and life is no longer predictable,” said Davis. “The death of a baby hits harder and last longer than anyone anticipates.”

All the while, mothers are dealing with a whirlwind of physical and emotional changes. Unsure of what each day holds. Fathers are often ill-equipped to help, don’t how to grieve or if they are allowed to. “Couples are often stunned and it causes marital

issues. Husbands are apprehensive to bring up the loss because she’ll cry then he stuffs down his pain,” said Davis. “I feel it’s important to mention that fathers are grieving too. To only ask how she’s doing is unfair and it’s important to recognize both by saying, “I’m sorry for your loss.” to the father as well.”

It’s a long road

“Depression and miscarriages normally go hand in hand.

Men have a more difficult time expressing feelings and are less able to help their partner through this because they are structured to be able to fix and this fix takes holding, caring for and being able to tolerate her feelings,” said Eisenmann.

“Depression associated with postpartum and that following a miscarriage hits across all lines of society, through socioeconomic lines affecting almost anyone. Exhaustion and energy levels and hormone levels go through the roof. Women are not sure if what they’re feeling is normal or beyond their realm of experience. Low level of energy and irritability is equally dangerous affecting her quality of life then affecting the relationship with her partner and children.”

Some options

At Middle Town Hospital, they are attentive to needs of women who have lost a child and work together with social workers and psychiatrists to help mothers understand what is next. The HEAL (Help Endure a Loss) program is so important for families who have lost an infant and gives them a place for grieving that can be an important aspect of their healing process. Atrium Medical Center’s HEAL program holds an annual HEAL Remembrance and Interment Service for early pregnancy loss in memory of those babies who were born too tiny and gone too soon.

The memorial is located at Woodside Cemetery and Arboretum, 1401 Woodside Blvd., Middletown. A brief program is conducted at the memorial site then followed by a dove release.

There is no right thing to say. There is no right thing to do.

The only way to heal from a miscarriage is with time and love. As cliché as that sounds, recognizing that grieving takes on many different forms, regardless of the circumstance, mothers, parents and those that love them need to have patience.

Nikki Keever is a freelance writer living in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband and three children.

SUPPORT GROUP

For more organizations in your area, visit http://www.mhaswoh.org

Reach Out to Grieving Parents

Peer support led by parents who have lost a child due to miscarriage, still birth or newborn death.

Every 3rd Tuesday, 7:30 pm Christ Hospital 2139 Auburn Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45219 Contact for room location and directions: Carole Bonno: 513-922-8883

Grieving Parent Support Group

Coping with Loss and Healing

Tri Health Grief Support For parents who have experienced any kind of pregnancy loss or have had a baby die within the first month. Share experiences and discuss feelings that accompany the grieving process.

Every 4th Wednesday, 7:30 - 9:00 pm Kemper Room Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church 5950 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45213 Call MaryBeth Cooper or Susan Thomas: 513-872-1163

Mending Hearts

“

You may not get answers of why or what happened. That’s when there is a

definite need for a support system of family, friends or church community with the caveat that they can be helpful or less helpful as they say, “You already have one you can have more,” or “You’re young. You can try again.” It’s a very sad

”

thing, very scary and needs to be acknowledged, said Eisenmann.

University Hospital Support available to parents who have experienced stillbirth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or neonatal death of a child.

Every 2nd Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Room at back of Cafeteria University Hospital 234 Goodman St. Cincinnati, OH 45219 Contact: Sally Wessendorf: 513-584-7037

Child Loss Support Group

Companions on a Journey Grief Support, Inc. An ongoing grief support group that offers

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most beautiful things we can experience. At The Christ Hospital Birthing Center, we’re making it even more so with state-of-the-art technology to care for mother and baby in the comfort of our all-private birthing suites, and more: •

Feng shui & hydrotherapy birthing suites

•

Staff with average of 15 years’ experience

•

Interactive TV system with on-demand movies

•

Expanded Level II Special Care Nursery

•

Internet access

•

Room-service style nutrition services

support, understanding, a listening ear, and a helping hand to any parent who grieves the death of a child at any age. It truly helps to know that your are not alone.

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Please call ahead before attending.

Hospitality Room St. Maximilian- Kolbe Parish 5720 Hamilton-Mason Road Liberty Township, OH 45011 Contacts: Sheila Munafo-Kanoza, 513870-9108 or Linda Sullivan: 513-755-9433

Healing Hearts Support Group

For parents who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, still birth, neonatal death, SIDS, & early childhood death.

Every 1st Tuesday, 7:00 pm McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital 110 North Polar Street Oxford, Ohio Call for more information: 513-524-5420

Perinatal and Neonatal Loss Support Group Companiions on a Journey Grief Support, Inc. An ongoing support group that offers support, understanding, a listening ear, and a helping hand to those who have suffered the death of a child either through miscarriage or through the first year of life.

Every 3rd Tuesday, (summer times may vary) 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Please call ahead before attending.

Hospitality Room St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish 5720 Hamilton-Mason Road Liberty Township, OH 45011 Call Sheila Munafo-Kanoza: 513-8709108 or Linda Sullivan: 513-755-9433 www.companionsonajourney.org

For more information on our childbirth services, classes or to schedule a tour, please call us at

513.585.1000

Take a virtual tour of our Birthing Center at TheChristHospital.com/women.

SM

Caring Above All.

2139 Auburn Avenue | Cincinnati, OH 45219

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 13

Family Fitness You Can Afford

Fitness Together Creates Bonds... and Saves Money

Finding that you’ve grown a regular crop of couch potatoes over the winter? Wondering why it’s so hard to motivate your family to get out of the house? Looking for a solution to a little extra flab yourself? It might be time to get fit.

Studies have shown that regular exercise can improve heart health and curb excessive weight gain. People – of all ages – who are physically f it tend to be happier, more productive, and experience a better overall sense of wellbeing. So, what’s keeping you and your family from getting f it?

Motivation can be one problem; f inances can be another. In today’s economy, a tight budget and braces to pay for can preclude expensive tennis lessons and club soccer fees. No doubt, family exercise is an important investment, but is there a way to be both physically and f iscally f it?

ON SalE NOW!

Tickets: Box Office 800-745-3000 • outlets ticketmaster.com

TickETS STarT aT $12!

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You bet there is! The following are ways that your family can exercise and spend time together – all in a budgetfriendly way.

*

Take a hike. Sunshine, fresh air, and some exercise are easy to come by if you explore local hiking and walking trails. Pack water bottles and some trail mix as well as a small f irst aid kit. Check with your local county parks and recreation department for more details on the paths that are available to you. You’ll be pleasantly surprised what the great outdoors has in store.

*

Hit the road. Bicycling is a great family-friendly activit y. Prepare your children with helmets and a review of bicycle safety. When possible, stick to off icial bike paths and make sure to tote along water bottles and a cell phone or phone card in case of emergencies. Don’t have a bike? Check out Freecycle.org and other sites that help people get rid of used stuff without paying someone to haul it away. You’d be surprised the grabs you’ll f ind!

*

Get a Wii bit of exercise . Believe it or not, there are several Wii games that provide a fair workout. While you might think you need more than one balance board, many activities, like yoga, can be done without it. Don’t have one? Check out your local librar y or ask to start a WiiFit community program. Many now provide f itness activities and/or Wii game nights.

*

Jump right in. Swimming is an economical way

to exercise as a family, particularly when you purchase a season’s pass to the pool, or if you live near a beach or lake. Review water safety with older children and obtain swimming lessons for those who aren’t yet water safe. Not only is swimming good exercise, but it’s also a valuable life skill. Can’t afford the pool? Check out local

gyms and recreation centers to f ind out when they have “free swim” days.

RESOURCES

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Following is a list of books and websites for information on family fitness:

Get ready to play. Craigslist, thrift stores and yard sales are great places to acquire gently used sporting equipment. Browse the selection of new and used items at stores like Play It Again Sports. Outf it your family with bats, balls and mitts and join another family for a game of softball. Install a basketball hoop in the driveway for easy pick up games. Keep a soccer ball and Frisbee in the car at all times so that no matter where you are, you can run around and get the heart pumping.

Web Resources: www.kidshealth.org www.gameskidsplay.net www.thetrailmaster.com

*

Walk down memory lane . Remember the days of Capture the Flag and Freeze Tag? Parents today still remember what it was to play f ield games until dusk instead of texting or playing video games indoors. Think about the different outdoor games you once played and pass that legacy on to your children. In case you forgot some of them, check out a book on outdoor games, such as The Kids Summer Games Book, to refresh your memor y and maybe learn some new ones. Pick up a copy of Let’s Go Outside: Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature by Jennifer Ward.

With a little creative thinking, you and your family can break a sweat and have some family fun all at the same time.

Jessica Fisher is a wife, mother, and freelance writer, making her home in San Diego. She regularly writes about family fun, frugality, and the pursuit of a clean house at www. lifeasmom.com and shares budget-friendly recipes at www. goodcheapeats.com

www.backpacking.net/kids.html www.fitness.gov/funfit/kidsinaction.html

Books: The Kids Summer Games Book: Official Book of Games to Play by Jane Drake The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Camping and Hiking by Michael Mouland Parents’ Guide to Hiking and Camping by Alice Cary Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies and Young Children by Jennifer Aist Hiking with Kids: Taking Those First Steps with Young Hikers by Robin Tawney Nichols Let’s Go Outside: Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature by Jennifer Ward

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Kentucky Railway Museum

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136 South Main Street New Haven, KY 40051

June 5 & 6 June 12 & 13

25 minute ride with a full size Thomas TM the Tank Engine Meeting Sir Topham Hatt Storytelling, Live Music, Build with Mega Bloks® and Much More!

For tickets and information, visit www.ticketweb.com/dowt or call 866.468.7630

Mention code CINPAR10 and receive $2.00 off!

Ask any mother – the care you get while you’re expecting makes a difference. You can trust the experienced OB/GYN staff at Group Health Associates to provide the support and care you need at this important time in your life. Choose your personal doctor from 10 qualified physicians in six conveniently located offices.

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All major insurance plans accepted ———————— Mammography, X-ray, ultrasound, pharmacy and therapies at most offices

Hundreds of women trust Group Health Associates for OB/GYN care – you can too!

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Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up. Advance purchase is recommended.

Ticket sales are final. Events are rain or shine.

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APR. 29 - MAY 2 Thu. APR. 29 7:00 PM*

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For Group Information, Call Angie Dwyer at 1-877-275-821 TICKET PRICES: $13.50 & $18.50

Limited number of Circus CelebritySM, Front Row and VIP seats available. Call for details. (Service charges, facility and ha

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10 REASONS WHY YOU HAVE TO SEE ZING ZANG ZOOM THIS YEAR! SM

1) Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® is fun for the whole family for about the price of a movie ticket.

2) ZING ZANG ZOOM features traditional circus acts integrated with unbelievable illusions in a way never seen before.

3) There is no other place in the world where a magical Zingmaster performs more illusions of this magnitude in a 360 degree setting.

4) Each time the magical words ZING ZANG ZOOM are said, something surprising and unbelievable happens.

5) See an elephant that paints, meet the performers up close to get autographs, and learn how to be a clown at the All Access Pre-show an hour before showtime – FREE with your ticket!

6) Two acrobatic troupes combine to create a-one-of-a-kind quadruple swing act that has 14 acrobats jumping, flipping and twisting as they crisscross the arena.

7) Until now, two women have never blasted out of a double-barreled cannon at 65 miles per hour with up to 9 g’s of force.

8) ZING ZANG ZOOM is the only place where you can see almost 100,000 pounds of pachyderms perform.

9) There is no other place where you can see 390 tiger teeth at once.

10) Ringling Bros.® comes every year, but ZING ZANG ZOOM is only in town now and then it disappears.

And if these ten reasons aren’t enough, The Greatest Show On Earth ® is the only entertainment option that allows you to create a lifetime of memories for your family!

My Child Has AUTISM — Now What?

Finding the Support and Resources for Your Child and Family

If you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism. Not one is the same.

That’s how Janet Seid, support chair of the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, describes the disorder. To be fair, she is not the only one to say so either. Just about any expert on Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) - therapist, parent or otherwise - will echo the very same words.

New statistics by the CDC show that, on a national level, autism affects one out of 110 children. The statistics are even narrower for boys. Though no hard numbers are available on the number of children in Ohio who are affected by autism, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center alone has served close to 3,000 kids with ASD over the past decade, which is much more than other chronic illnesses like juvenile arthritis or diabetes. Each year the hospital diagnoses over 100 children with autism.

For many, the journey toward a formal autism diagnosis is intense, emotional and difficult.

Yet once the diagnosis is made, families face the very real fact that they will be the ones determining their child’s treatment regimen, because with autism there is no clear path toward recovery. This responsibility leaves many parents feeling vulnerable.

Jenn Jordan, Q102 radio personality and mother of a son with ASD, says receiving the diagnosis of autism is devastating and scary. “It’s not so much the diagnosis that 18 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

is so frightening...but the prognosis when professionals are saying it’s lifelong, incurable and we don’t know if your child is going to get better. You just don’t know. They’ve got no direction to send you,” she says.

She’s not the first to feel this way and she won’t be the last. What should parents do once their child is diagnosed with autism?

My child has autism. Now what?

Many parents will, for better or worse, turn to the Internet to learn about autism.

Rather than blindly Googling for facts about the disorder, start the online search with reliable area resources.

Good resources include the Families with ASD website (familieswithasd.org), Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence website (ocali.org) and Cincinnati Children’s Special Needs Resource Directory (cincinnatichildrens.org).

Families with ASD publishes the annually updated Autism Yellow Pages, which is a listing of local, state and national autism resources and other information.

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence provides a wealth of information on its site, including an in-depth manual developed by Ohio parents of kids with ASD. The manual looks at autism from a parent’s perspective and covers issues from diagnosis to interventions to future planning. The Special Needs Resource Directory created by Cincinnati Children’s is an accumulation of local, regional and national resources

that provide information on specific disabilities, identifies strategies to help parents advocate for their child and more.

For instance, it can help on such practical matters as locating dentists equipped to provide care for children with ASD. Depending on where the child falls on the spectrum, another good early step for many families is to connect with the child’s school and find out what special education services he should receive. These programs start for kids as young as three. If the child is younger than three, contact Ohio’s Help Me Grow program to take advantage of state-funded early intervention services.

Creating a game plan.

Early intervention is key to helping children diagnosed with ASD. That is one thing experts tend to agree on.

As parents commence their journey to discover which meaningful activities should fill their child’s day, the term applied behavior analysis (ABA) will likely enter the discussion, as it is the only treatment currently approved by the Surgeon General.

In short, behavior analysis is the scientific study of behavior. ABA identifies a child’s deficit areas and uses his strengths and proven ABA principles to increase language, social, behavioral and academic skills.

“It’s a scientific method that influences how we teach a child. It’s not a teaching method.

It’s saying that using reinforcement we can

teach children socially acceptable behaviors,” says Amanda Tipkemper-Sparks, executive director for the non-profit Cincinnati Center for Autism, which treats children ages two to 17 who are on the spectrum.

“ABA at this point is the only treatment proven effective with working with children with autism. It’s data driven and that’s one of the reasons we do it,” she says.

“The way we work with kids is not just in a singular manner. ABA is not just one way of working with a kid. It provides a continuum for working with kids.”

Because children with autism are each unique, it’s important that whatever therapy or program parents choose, that they are individualized to their child.

“When looking for a program, you want to find a center that is going to tailor the teaching techniques to the individual child’s needs,” says Lori Watson, executive director of Applied Behavioral Services, a comprehensive treatment and training center for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

As parents research available therapies, Watson recommends they look at the interventions by going and visiting centers to see if it is an approach that will work for their child and family. She also recommends parents find out about the research backing the therapy and whether or not that research has been peer reviewed.

She also suggests parents look for centers that are thorough and provide written goals and priorities.

The treatment process should be documented to see if and how the goals are being mastered. Parents should also be informed on how to carry over the goals into the child’s home or other setting. “We want our children not only to show learning in one environment, but across all environments,” says Watson.

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment of autism, so not every parent will choose traditional means of intervention. Q102‘s Jordan is one parent who is taking a less studied approach.

Sure, in the beginning Jordan says she did everything the experts were telling her son to try - speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA, a gluten-free diet and more.

For three years, Jordan says they tried all kinds of things. “But it was two years ago before we found the therapeutic approach we feel is helping him. It was a real crapshoot. If I would have paid more attention to what my gut was telling me, we would have found answers quicker.”

Jordan’s son is finding help with the Son-Rise Program. It’s a parent-led therapy rooted in the principle that autism is a relational, interactional disorder. Its methods are play-oriented and focus extensively on socialization and rapport building.

The Autism Treatment Center of America, the teaching center for the Son-Rise Program, is currently undergoing two studies that the group hopes will provide more conclusive evidence as to the effectiveness of the program.

Another alternative therapy some families are trying, in addition to their ABA or other ongoing treatment, is sensory integration. It is thought that this type of treatment will help with sensory processing issues that many kids with autism face.

The Sensory Center in Indianapolis is one of a handful of Sensory Centers in the United States.

Its short-term program combines elements of three sensory interventions: vestibular stimulation, phototherapy and auditory training. The ultimate goal is to help the patient be able to go about everyday activities like shopping at Wal-Mart or participating in gym class. “What our system does is help to integrate all that [sensory input] so they go in and it feels normal to them,” says Leslie Greenwald, owner of The Sensory Center in Indianapolis.

Greenwald adds, “We ask them not to stop any other therapies because once we knock down that sensory wall we find that that the things that people are trying to teach them come more easily. The focus and concentration comes in. Sleep becomes regulated. We really are a piece to the puzzle.” And early research provided by the center does show favorable results for a majority of patients.

The sheer number of treatments, from the wellresearched to fad treatments, make it all the more difficult for families to feel confident in their choice for therapy at first.

Notably, the National Autism Center recently published its National Standards Project in an effort to help parents and others affected by autism better understand the effectiveness of ASD treatments.

It details established, emerging, unestablished and ineffective/harmful treatments. It is a must-read for parents commencing their journey with a child diagnosed with autism and can be found online at nationalautismcenter.org. It will help parents understand which services they are looking into have been well researched and which have not.

Patty Manning, medical director of The Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, has worked with many families affected by autism and offers some hope and perspective to parents new to the autism community, “[Parents] will make the decision that is right for their child. It may be like someone else’s, but it won’t be the same,” she says. “Families need to respect and appreciate the uniqueness of that child. Each child’s therapeutic path is individualized, but I trust families will understand that and make the right decision.”

Living with autism.

A diagnosis of autism does not exempt anyone from experiencing the everyday tasks and joys of life. There are groceries to be bought, teeth to get cleaned, hair to be cut and movies to be watched.

“It’s not so much the diagnosis that is so frightening... but the prognosis when professionals are saying it’s lifelong, incurable and we don’t know if your child is going to get better. You just don’t know. They’ve got no direction to send you...”

So how do parents go about typical activities? The best scenario is to learn which businesses are friendly toward kids with ASD and learn to tell when the child is up for whatever task is on the to-do list.

Take haircuts, for instance. “We have a lot ad. ad that mag 2010 OL.pdf 3/14/10 3:45:43 of families come in specifically because PM we work well with kids, including kids with autism. Also the atmosphere is very kid friendly.

Our stylists are very patient. Whether the child

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enjoys get t ing the ha ircut or doesn’t, we are w i l l ing to work w ith them to get it done a s qu ick ly a s possible,” says Ch r ist ie Fosset, v ice president of operat ions for Cook ie Cut ter s.

W h i le Cook ie Cut ter s doesn’t requ ire it s st yl ist s to undergo speci f ic t ra in ing on how to ser ve k id s who fa l l on the spect r u m, Fosset says the k idd ie sa lon ha s been for t unate over the year s to have st yl ist s in each of it s stores who con nect wel l w ith these k id s and their parent s.

Parent s can a lways ca l l their nearby sa lon and a sk them to recom mend a st yl ist who m ay be a good f it for

20 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

their ch i ld, wh ich is a good idea for any ser v ice in wh ich the ch i ld w i l l be par t icipat ing.

Appl ied Behav iora l Ser v ices’ Wat son a lso recom mend s t a k ing a long object s that are rein forcing to the ch i ld to m a ke whatever the t a sk or ex per ience is more plea sant. Br ing ing a long a t i mer so the ch i ld k nows when he w i l l be leav ing is another st rateg y.

Consider v isit ing a locat ion for a s few a s t wo m inutes and work ing up to a more rea sonable t i me for accompl ish ing the t a sk at hand. Many parent s w i l l act out a mock dent a l v isit or ha ircut or create pict ure book s of the event in advance of the rea l th ing.

Of course, ever yday life is not just about getting a haircut or visiting the dentist, kids with autism also deser ve some playtime and will benef it socially from getting involved in activities with their peers.

The Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati is a good place to start looking for autismfriendly events in the area. For instance, AMC movie theaters will frequently run sensory-friendly f ilms and those dates can be found on society’s online community calendar. Another fun spot that caters to kids with special needs is the bounce house Pump It Up, which puts on a sensory night for kids of all special needs the last Tuesday of each month.

For more structured play, like joining a gymnastics program or yoga class, parents may be surprised at how many facilities are now offering programs for special needs kids. Premier Tumbling and Dance in Loveland is one that now offers a music movement and basic tumbling class once a week for special needs kids, including those on the autism spectrum.

The main thing to remember is that each kid is unique and will respond to activities in their own way. Some will enjoy and benefit from moving and bouncing and others will enjoy and benefit from something more calming and centering. “It’s a matter of going out there and seeing what works for them,” says Cincinnati Center for Autism’s Tipkemper-Sparks.

Community matters.

Support groups for mom and dad.

Just as experts agree that early intervention is critical, they all also agree that families should seek support.

“They need to ask as many questions as they have in their minds and don’t feel like they have to be alone in this. Reach out to professionals, but really reach out to other families, because those families understand and there’s a lot that are very willing to help,” says Tipkemper-Sparks The Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati is trying to help families do just that through a new program called ASD Neighbor. Slated to roll out next year, the program is currently looking for volunteers across greater Cincinnati to become a supportive neighbor to others affected by autism. The organization intends to train these volunteers and provide them with toolkits that will then allow them to connect and help families in need in their area.

“I think this program is going to be really useful and it’s not only for the person whose child was just diagnosed. What if your child [with autism] were in preschool and didn’t know what kindergarten would be like and you wanted to talk to another person who has been through it? We would hook you up with another parent of a school-aged kid to say this is what will be coming down the pike,” says the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati’s Seid.

Another great way to connect with area families living with autism is to participate in the Walk

Now for Autism Speaks at Coney Island this May 22. Proceeds go to Autism Speaks, an international organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected with autism. Of note, Autism Speaks has given Cincinnati Children’s $1.4 million to support a number of research activities including the Autism Treatment Network grant, a genetics study, and studies on sleep and nutritional issues in children with autism.

Q102‘s Jordan advocates for the event. “What I really love about the day is it is the one place where children are 100 percent accepted by everybody. There isn’t anything your child can do to shock anybody there. It’s just a feeling of love and support from the community.

This is just a start.

Autism is a real disability. Getting your mind wrapped around an autism diagnosis will take time, emotion and energy—but keep treading.

“It’s such a process. You talk to parents, you go through the whole process – you’re angry, then in denial and the you come to terms with it...If you give up hope on these kids, they will prove you wrong all of the time. I’ve put limitations on my son and he’s exceeded my expectations every time. Never put limitations on our kids, these kids will prove you wrong every time,” says The Sensory Center’s Greenwald.

Carrie Bishop is a regular

contributor to Cincinnati Parent and mother to two young sons who inspire her work and her life.

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special needs guide

Special Needs Guide Cincinnati Speech Services

3301 Westbourne Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45248 Contact: Sharon Olthaus, SLP/Owner 513-451-1551 www.cincinnatispeech.com

Our highly experienced therapists focus on the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with speech, language, and pragmatic disorders, as well as fine motor, sensory issues, self-help skills and visual/perceptual difficulties.

Summertime enrichment programs also available. Call today to learn more.

Linden Grove School, Specialized Learning for the Whole Child

4122 Myrtle Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45236 (513)984-2215 www.lindengroveschool.org Special Needs Grades: Kindergarten - 8th grade We provide a unique environment that focuses on serving children who are on the autism spectrum, have ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, and communication disorders. Linden Grove provides a quality school environment to children who aren’t “fitting in” their current school’s program and thus are not learning and developing to their full potential. Working in partnership with families is a vital component in creating an integrated K-8 learning environment that combines academics, social skills and therapies in order to help the whole child achieve academically and socially.

Springer School and Center 2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513)871-6080 Learning Disabilities/Special Needs 1st - 8th grade Enrollment: 206 For almost 40 years, Springer School & Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Today, Springer teaches learning strategies to 206 day-school students, provides info and referral services to the community, and offers programs for students, parents, and teachers. Springer School & Center is the only resource in the region dedicated entirely to learning disabilities. For more info, call (513)871-6080 or go to www.springer-ld.org.

© Todd Joyce Photography

Catch Some Fun!

Spring Break 1301 Western Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45203

(513) 287-7000

www.cincymuseum.org

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 21

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arts & enrichment

RESOURCES

Finding the Right Niche

Unique Sports Expand Horizons for All Ages In addition, kids involved in the city-based Cincinnati Amateur Hockey Association get to meet new kids from across the city and build friendships. The seasons are long enough, too, that families build a bond with one another.

As far as getting started, Wright says it’s as simple as showing up and joining in. He starts students right away. “Someone I just started last week will do the same drills as people 14 or 15 years into fencing. The more you do it, the better you get.”

Of course, an action-minded kid will be more concerned about playtime than safety and relationship building. To that, Geyer says, “Multiple lines get to play. So from the very best to the least gifted you are playing every game. You get in and get a chance to participate.”

Another niche sport that may not be niche for long is lacrosse, and it’s taking hold of our youth in a big way.

“It’s the fastest growing sport in America. In the last seven to 10 years, it’s been almost unstoppable—the growth,” says Brian Cross, president and varsity coach of Milford Lacross Club and a lifelong lacrosse athlete.

Another niche sport that may catch kids’ eyes—often from the silver screen—is fencing—and it is worth a If your kid likes getting physical, a great release may look. Described as a physical chess, fencing develops be to play the fast-action sport of hockey. Unlike what agility, reaction speed, strength and respect for many may perceive the sport to be like, youth hockey authority. is a safe, well-protected sport. “When you are at the younger ages, there isn’t even any hitting or checking. “It’s a physical game of chess. You have to think about Unlike the professional stuff on TV, if for some reason what you’re doing and, just like chess, have to be a you start a fight, you are suspended,” says Jim Geyer, couple moves ahead of your opponent,” says fencing president of Cincinnati Amateur Hockey Association. master Ed Wright, a member of the 1976 US Olympic Foil Team and instructor at Cincinnati Fencing Club.

Geyer’s association is another reason hockey may be an appealing option. The organization has been “I tell all my students or the parents if your child can around since the mid ‘80s and has done a nice job walk, I can teach you fencing,” he says. He has even of pulling the hockey community together and worked with kids with Asperger’s Disorder or an centralizing the sport.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and believes fencing has helped these kids tremendously.

“When you take a look at the size of the organization, one of the reasons we are so successful is with He mentions one student in particular who deals with every team we form there are at least four people mental and physical developmental challenges. “He volunteering.” He says that every year the association couldn’t catch a ball two feet away if I threw it at has about 200 volunteers, which is about one for every him. We worked together for eight years and I took three athletes. “There are so many people working to him to national championship a couple times where make it work.” he competed.”

Within the last three years, Brian expects the community has added at least seven to 10 new teams within existing leagues. He attributes the popularity to heightened exposure in the media and to the fact that more colleges are picking the game up for both men and women athletes.

The opportunities that are available to our kids are amazing. When I was growing up, sports were pretty much limited to football, basketball, track, golf and swimming, along with a few others.

Today, it seems, kids can get physical in just about any sport of choice.

Cincinnati offers great opportunities for kids to get active in a recreational or competitive sport outside of the activities that traditionally come to mind. I’m talking lacrosse, fencing, hockey, you name it, it is likely available. There are so many opportunities that your child can surely find the right niche sport for his or her personality or strengths.

He also feels the sheer newness of the sport is part of the appeal to area youth. Kids are finding that their parents are asking them about the game and its rules, to which kids are responding well. Consider that parents of lacrosse athletes may or may not be aware that their budding star had a bad game. This gives kids the freedom to learn the sport on their own terms and sometimes with less pressure from home.

“A kid doesn’t need to be a star athlete,” says Cross.

“It really attracts all sizes, shapes, levels and abilities because there are positions for every kid, and the beauty of it is they can be free to play all different positions.” That said, as kids move up into junior high or high school, they will likely get into a more concentrated position.

The bottom line, be it lacrosse, hockey, fencing or any other emerging or niche sport, is that it gives kids more opportunity to get involved in an athletic activity. And it’s that opportunity that gets our kids active and engaged.

Carrie

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

Summer Art Camps

513-793-6784 www.madscience.org/cincinnati 22 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

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arts & enrichment guide

Mus ic Baldwin Music Education Center 3799 Hyde Park Ave/Hyde Park, Cincinnati, OH 45209 Contact: Rachel Kramer Phone: 351-1109 Fax: 351-3934 Email: rkmlb1@earthlink.net

Keyboard-based group music programs for ages 6-months to 4-years. Piano classes ages 5 and up. Specially designed curriculum taught by trained, degreed music educators.

Family discounts, convenient location.

Musik Kids 322 Wyoming Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45215 Mary Rekers, Program Director 513-771-7675 mtrekers@gmail.com

www.thecenterforthearts.org

The Center for the Arts, Wyoming - north central Cincinnati

Sing, move, play instruments, and share music with your whole family! These carefully designed, joyful music classes will inspire you and your child for a lifetime of music. Classes for infants and young children; group piano starting at age 6.

Contact Mary Rekers, Program Director: 513-771-7675.

Piano Lessons In Your Home 5513-860-3540 cincinnati@pianolessonsinyourhome.com

Piano, Voice and Guitar Lessons in Your Home -Learn to play piano, guitar or receive voice lessons in the comfort of your home. PLYH offers highly qualified teachers, flexible schedules, optional recitals, and a lending library. Serving students ages 4 to adult from Lebanon, Ohio to Northern Kentucky.

West chester academy of music 8374 Princeton Glendale Rd, West Chester, OH 45069 (513)829-2345

www.wcaom.com

Quality private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, cello, clarinet, saxophone, flute, drums, harp, trumpet and steel drums. Also offers nationally acclaimed Music for Young Children, a group keyboard curriculum for ages 5 and up, and Music Pups, a music and movement class for birth to 4. Call for FREE trial class.

Theater

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati & ArtReach 2106 Florence Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206 Krista Katona-Pille 513-569-8080

Professional MainStage productions at the Taft Theatre.

Individual tickets $7 per student; one free chaperone per 15 students. FREE study guides available. ArtReach is Cincinnati’s oldest in-school touring theater. Visiting schools and libraries with fairy tales, history shows and stories based on classic literature. WorkShops bring your curriculum to life.

Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park P.O. Box 6537, Cincinnati, OH 45206-0537 Mark Lutwak 513-345-2242 mark.lutwak@cincyplay.com

http://cincyplay.com

EXPRESS YOURSELF! Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park offers acting and drama classes for toddlers, children, teens and adults at multiple locations. Call 513/421.3888 for information and registration or visit www.cincyplay.com.

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Day Camps

Children’s Dance, Music and Art (Ages 4-8): Weekly themes with Friday performances. Jazz/Musical Theater (Ages 8-18), Ballet I/II (Ages 9-12) and Intensive Performance Workshop (Ages 11-25): Outstanding technical and artistic training with bi-weekly performances. Please visit web site for details.

Dates and themes: June 7-11 Rodeo Roundup; June 14-18 Treasure Island; June 21-25 Sky’s the Limit; June 28-July 2 Medieval Madness; July 5-9 Holiday Happenings; July 12-16 Gross Me Out; July 19-23 It’s a Jungle Out There!; July 26-30 Around the World in 5 Days; August 2-6 Survivor Fun Factor; August 9-13 Music Mania; August 16-20 Splish Splash.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are the cornerstones of all YMCA summer camps. At Camp Creekwood traditional day camps include swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, service learning, science, literature, free time and more.

Field trip or a fun activity weekly! Other sports and specialty summer programs are available. For information on YMCA camps, please visit www.myy.org

Blue Ash YMCA

Camp at the J

Ballet Theatre Midwest 3738 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513)520-2334 Co-ed: Day AND Residential www.ballettheatremidwest.com Ages 4 - 25 Various Workshops; June 14 - July 30

513-791-5000 www.myy.org Coed: Day Hamilton County Vouchers accepted, Scholarship assistance is available.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 5 to 12 (Must have finished Kindergarten) Cost: $135/week for YMCA members and $175/week for non-members $10 per camp due at time of registration When parents register a child for both a day camp and a half-day specialty program, they can save $40.

Registration is required. Registration forms are available by calling 513791-5000 or at the Blue Ash YMCA. Drop off starting at 6:30 am, pick up until 6pm.

Pre Camp: $25/week for YMCA members and $35/ week for non-members.

Post Camp: Ages 5-12 (Must have completed Kindergarten) Cost: $25/week for YMCA members and $35/week for non-members

8485 Ridge Road (at Ronald Reagan Highway), Amberley Village, OH 45236 513-722-7249 daycamp@mayersonjcc.org www.JointheJ.org Day: Co-ed June 14 – August 20, 2010 Ages/Grades: Ages 18 months – grade 8

Multi-faceted day camp programs. The broad variety of age-appropriate activities includes: sports, art and crafts, horseback riding, hiking, nature, drama, dance, science, outdoor cooking, field trips, music, golf, archery, and indoor/outdoor swimming. Full-day and half-day camps; travel camps. Sessions are 6 weeks, 3 weeks & 1 week.

Camp Stepping Stone 5650 Given Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Mary Hunter Ellis 513-831-4660 info@steppingstonescenter.org

www.steppingstonescenter.org Coed: Day Basic Category: Special Needs Financial Aid Offered 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday June 14, 2010 - August 13, 2010 (9 weeks) Ages/Grades: ages 5 through 22 Cost: $45 per day

Activities Include: Arts, Crafts, Water Activities. Sports, Outdoor Exploration, Swimming, Music and Games Nine Individual Themed weeks, campers assigned to units by age and disability, planned activities appropriate to camper ability, nurses on duty, campers enjoy nature while surrounded by acres of wooded grounds.

Campbell County YMCA Camps 1437 South Ft. Thomas Ave, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075, 859-781-1814 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 5 to 10 Cost: $110 members/$140 nonmembers per week per child; also, $25 child or $40 family registration fee Registration is required. Registration forms are available by calling 859-781-1814, visiting www. myy.org , or at the branch.

Extended care is available for any family Monday through Friday.

Ages: 5 to 16 Pre camp: 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Post camp: 4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Pre camp: $25 per week/child for YMCA members and $35 per week/child for nonmembers Post camp: $20 week/child for YMCA members and $30 per week/child for nonmembers

Pre AND post camp: $40 per week/child for YMCA members and $50 per week/ child for non-Members (May 31st – June 4): School’s Out (NO PROGRAM OFFERED ON MONDAY, MAY 31ST); (June 7-June June 11): Wild Wild West; (June 14-June 18): Games Galore; (June 21-June 25): Holiday Happenings; (June 28-July 2): Around the World in 5 Days; (July 5-July 9): Survivor - Outwit, Outlast, Olympics; (July 12-July 16): Hollywood Bound; (July 19-July 23): Operation Y Spy; (July 28-July 30): Splish Splash; (August 2-August 6): Treasure Island; (August 9-August 13): It’s a Jungle Out There All Campbell County YMCA traditional day camps provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Includes swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, service learning, science, literature, free time and more. Other preschool, sports and specialty summer programs are available.

Carl H. Lindner YMCA Summer Camps 1425B Linn Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214 513-241-9622 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with FREE extended care offered from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 5 to 13 Cost: $175/week and a $5 deposit per week Registration forms are available by calling or stopping by the branch.

(June 1 – 4): Mystery Week; (June 7 – 11): Character Crazy; (June 14 – 18): Scooby Doo, Where are You?; (June 21-25): Super Sports Fan; (June 28 – July 2): Journey to the Jungle; (July 5 – July 9): Star Spangled; (July 12 – 16): Splish Splash; (July 19 – July 23): Olympics; (July 26 – July 30): Survivor; (Aug 2 – Aug 6): Mystical Magic; (Aug 9 – Aug 13): YMCA’s Got Talent.

Sports Camps offered in addition to traditional camp. For information, call the branch or visit www.myy.org.

Cincinnati Children’s Choir Festival Cincinnati Children’s Choir Preparatory Department CollegeConservatory, Cincinnati, OH 45221 513-556-0338 choir@cincinnatichoir.org www.cincinnatichoir.org Coed: Day: Arts Financial aid is available 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday and Saturday, 1 - 5 p.m.

July 26 - 31, 2010 Ages 9 (third grade) - 15 (tenth grade) $195.00 All students must be teacherrecommended or auditioned and have unchanged voices.

APR. 29 - MAY 2

Thu. APR. 29

7:00 PM

OPENING NIGHT TICKETS $11!* Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

APR. 30

MAY 1 11:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM

MAY 2 12 NOON 4:00 PM

7:00 PM

*(Excludes Circus CelebritySM, Front Row and VIP seats. No double discounts. Limit 6 per customer.)

TICKET PRICES: $13.50 - $18.50 - $25 VIP $35 Front Row - $70 Circus Celebrity

Limited number of Circus Celebrity, Front Row, and VIP seats available. Call or go online for details.

(Service charges, facility and handling fees may apply.)

The festival consists of sessions in vocal artistry, sight singing, musicianship through movement, music theory, choral artistry and music history/world music.

Young singers interested in enjoying and developing their musicianship skills will gather for an exciting week as they attend inspiring, interactive sessions on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. The week will culminate with a closing concert shared by the Festival Choir and members of the Cincinnati Children’s Choir.

Cincinnati Country Day School 6905 Given Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 (513)979-0365 Co-ed June 15 – August 7 18 months – Adult

Academic, arts, athletic, and adult programs

are offered weekly. Day camps are offered weekly and monthly for students 18 months through entering grade 6 with either a traditional or Montessori focus. Prices vary per program and camp session selected.

Cincinnati Junior Academy Adventure Camp 3798 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220 513-751-1255 bertarobs@hotmail.com www.cincinnatiacademy.org Coed: Day June 7 - July 23, 2010 Register early before all spaces are filled.

If you are looking for a safe place where your child can be learning and having fun this summer, then your search is over. It’s THE CINCINNATI JUNIOR ACADEMY ADVENTURE CAMP! Activities and programs include sporting activities, foreign languages, computer, music, crafts and weekly field trips. Camp Adventure also offers a daycare option for the summer holidays. During the school year, we offer Before and After Care services.For more information call 513-751-1255 or 513-3044899 or e-mail bertarobs@hotmail.com.

Cincinnati Nature Center 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150 Amy Johnson/Registrar 513-531-1711 ajohnson@cincynature.org www.cincynature.org Coed: Day Financial aid is available Hours vary depending on camp.

June through August Ages 3 - 16 Cost varies depending on camp.

Our plethera of camps offer activities for every child from 3-16 including: exploring, hiking, art, creeking, photography, challenges, learning, games, songs, crafts and new summer friendships!

Cincy Nature Camps are a fun way for kids to actively challenge their minds and bodies and apply their creativity and imaginations in a natural outdoor setting. Camps offer exciting and unique activities that expose children to new outdoor adventurers in a safe and friendly environment. What will your child discover this summer?

Clermont Family YMCA Summer Camps 2075 James E. Sauls Sr. Dr., Batavia, OH 45103 513-724-9622 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm

Pre/Post Camp Ages: 5-15 PreCamp 6:30-9:00am Post Camp 4:00-6:00pm Pre OR Post Camp: $25/week YMCA Member, $40/week Program Participant Financial assistance to participate is available to those who qualify Ages/Grades: 5-12 (Must have completed Kindergarten) Cost: $112/week for YMCA members; $140/week for non-members Registration is required. Please call the Clermont Family YMCA about registration information or visit www.myy.org (May 31- June 4) School’s Finally Out; (June 7-June11) Junkyard Inventions; (June 14-June 18) Survivor; (June 21-June 25) Journey to the Jungle; (June 28-July 2) Holiday Hullabaloo; (July 5-Juy 9) Believe it or Not; (July 12- July 16) Music Mania; (July 19- July 23) Around the World in 5 Days; (July 26-July 30) Alien Invaders; (August 2-August 6) Splish Splash; (August 9-August 13) Show Business All Clermont Family YMCA summer camps provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Daily activities include swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, service learning, science, literature, free time and more.

camp guide

Day are campers divided into groups with activities appropriate to age interests and needs. Pre/Post camp, preschool, teen and sports camps also available.

Clippard Family YMCA 8920 Cheviot Rd, Cincinnnati, OH 45247 513-923-4466 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available/Hamilton County vouchers are accepted Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: Grades 3-9

Pre Camp 6:30 am-9:00 am Post Camp 4:00-6:00 pm Cost: Pre or Post Camp $27.00/week for YMCA members and $32/week for nonmembers Pre and Post Camp $48.00/week for YMCA members and $63/week for non- members Financial assistance to participate is available to those who qualify Ages/Grades: grades K to 5 Cost: $142 members/$173 non-members per week Registration forms are available by calling or stopping by the branch (June 7-11) School’s finally Out; (June 1418) It’s a jungle out there!!; (June 21-25) Around the World in 5 Days; (June 28July2) Star Spangled; (July 5-9) Gross Me Out; (July 12-16) Wacky Water; (July 1923) Holiday Happenings; (July 26-30) Mystical Magic; (Aug 2-6) Show Business; (Aug 9-13) Flashback; (Aug 16-20) Discovery; (Aug 23-27) Survivor Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In Clippard Family YMCA traditional day camps, each week provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and post care, preschol camps and sports camps also available.

Day Camp Allyn 1414 Lake Allyn Road, Batavia, OH 45103 Mary Hunter Ellis 513-831-4660 info@steppingstonescenter.org www.steppingstonescenter.org Coed: Day Basic Category: Special Needs Financial Aid Offered 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday June 14, 2010 - August 13, 2010 (9 weeks) Ages/Grades: 5 through 22 Cost: $45 per day

Emphasis on safety in a fun filled environment! Enrollment options- Monday through Friday, Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday Activities Include: Arts, Crafts, Water Activities, Sports, Outdoor Exploration, Swimming, Music and Games. Nine individually themed weeks, campers assigned to units according to age and disability, planned activities according to camper ability, nurses on duty, campers enjoy nature surrounded by acres of wooded grounds.

Drake Science Center 2060 Sherman Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45212 Pam Bowers, Director 513-396-5578 pbowers@drakeplanetarium.og www.drakeplanetarium.org Academic/Pre-college Special Needs Camps Offered: Special needs camps offered during everyday camps 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1- 4 p.m.

June 14 - August 6 Ages 4 - 13

activities include working with Legos, K’nex, or other manipulatives. Our campers apply math and science skills in a fun, interactive environment where they develop CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 23

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camp guide 513-661-1105 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarships are available Hours: 9: 00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 6 to 12 Cost: $119 for members/$149 for non-members per week Register by calling the GambleNippert YMCA at 513-661-1105 or stopping by the branch.

critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Come let your imagination soar in our hands-on Camps! Featuring our popular Lego Camps: Robotics, Architecture, Crazy Contraptions, and Young Builders.

New this year are Rocketry, Robot World, Total Science & Anything That Moves.

Plus, Space Camp is back! Discounts for Drake Planetarium Members, multiple weeks, and siblings .

Five Seasons Sports Club 11790 Snider Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249 Rosemary McNamara 513-469-1400, Ext. 121 513-469-1422 rmcnamara@ fiveseasonssportsclub.com www.fiveseasonssportsclub. com/cincinnati Basic Category: Sports Hours: 9 am-5 pm June 7-August 20 Ages/Grades: 3-12 Cost: $200/week (Full Week) $115/week (Half Day AM) $155/ week (Half Day PM)

offered at additional cost.

(June 1- June 4) Discovery; (June 7-11) Gross Me Out; (June 14-18) Games Galore; (June 21-25) Operation Y Spy; (June 28-July 2) Holiday Happenings; (July 5-9) Junkyard Inventions; (July 1216) It’s a Jungle Out There; (July 19-23) Wild ‘N Crazy Kids; (July 26-30) – Y Arts Adventures; (Aug 2-6) Mystical Magic; (Aug 9-13) Survivor Fun Factor In Gamble-Nippert’s traditional day camps, each week provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and post camp options and sports camps also available. For information on all YMCA summer camps, please visit www.myy.org Gorman Heritage Farm

Full payment for the week of camp is due on Monday morning of the week the child is attending.

Activities Include: Tennis, Swimming, Fitness, Arts & Crafts, Weekly On-site field trips/special eventsCamp Five Seasons is back for another year of fun, friends, and organized activities for youngsters ages 3-12. We will continue to offer outstanding programs with experienced counselors in a comfortable and fun environment, utilizing our 125,000 square foot facility on 22 acres of wooded property.

Gamble Nippert YMCA Summer Camps 3159 Montana Ave, Cincinnnati, OH 45211

10052 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241 Mike Roman, Camp Director (513)563-6663 camp@gormanfarm.org www.gormanfarm.org Coed: Day Animals Special Needs Camps Offered: Special needs camps offered during everyday camps Financial aid is available 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

June 7 - August 13.

Ages 4 - 15. $160-$215/week for main camps, themed camps

Activities Included: Animal chores, animal grooming, garden activities, cooking activities, arts and crafts, hiking, pond explorations, science activities, camp songs and games, fort building, scavenger hunts, puppet shows and more!

Farm campers love the hands-on animal, garden, food, and nature-based experiences they participate in at camp. Gorman Heritage Farm’s talented and dedicated camp staff are recruited nationally. Camp counselors are selected based on their experience with children, passion and creativity for teaching, and knowledge of agriculture and the environment.

Kenton County YMCA Camp Independence 10987 Marshall Road, Taylor Mill, KY 41015 859-781-1814 or (between June 1 and Aug 14) 859www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: ages 5 to 11 Registration fee $25 child/$40 family; Camp is $100/week for YMCA members; and $120/week for non-members Registration forms are available every Saturday at the Kenton County YMCA from April 10 to May 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Forms will also be available at the Kenton County YMCA on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in May. Parents can also stop by or call the Campbell County YMCA.

Pre and Post Camp Options: Morning (Pre Camp): 6:30AM-8:45AM, Cost: $25/ week member and $35/week non-member; Afternoon (Post Camp): 4:15PM-6:00PM, Cost: $20/week member and $30/week non-member; Morning and Afternoon Care (Pre and Post Camp),Cost: $40/week

Your Summer Camp Destination Camp Campbell Gard

Banana Boating Horseback Riding The Zipline Sports & Archery Mountain Biking Nature Center Arts & Crafts Much More

Camp gives kids ages 5-17 a safe environment to connect with positive role models, explore skills and interests, make new friends, and have fun!

Conveniently located just 35 minutes north of Downtown Cincinnati

Camp fills quickly! Sign up today!

Call for a free brochure at 513-867-0600 Visit our web site at www.ccgymca.org 24 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

member and $50/week non-member (May 31st – June 4): School’s Out (NO PROGRAM WILL BE OFFERED ON MAY 31ST); (June 7-June June 11): Wild Wild West; (June 14-June 18): Games Galore; (June 21-June 25): Holiday Happenings; (June 28-July 2): Around the World in 5 Days; (July 5-July 9): Survivor: Outwit, Outlast, Olympics; (July 12-July 16): Hollywood Bound; (July 19-July 23): Operation Y Spy; (July 28-July 30): Splish Splash; (August 2-August 6): Treasure Island; (August 9-August 13): It’s a Jungle Out There Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In Kenton County’s traditional day camps, each week will provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun.

M.E. Lyons YMCA Summer Camps 8108 Clough Pike, Cincinnnati, OH 45244 513-474-1400 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

AGES: 5-13 (must have completed Kindergarten) Pre Camp: 6:30am-9:00 am, Post Camp: 4:00pm- 6:00 pm Pre OR Post Camp ONLY: $25 YMCA Members, $40 Program Participant FEES: (all are based on weekly) Cost: $112/week for YMCA members and $168/week for non-members; $10 deposit due at registration Registration: Registration forms are available by calling or stopping by the branch

(June 7-11) Super Sports Fan; (June 1418) Gross Me Out; (June 21-June 25) Character Crazy; (June 28-July2) Holiday Happenings; (July 5-July 9) Shiver Me Timbers; (July 12-July 16) Mystery Week; (July 19-July 23) It Is a Jungle Out There; (July 26-30) Back to the Future; (Aug 2-6) Wild ‘N Crazy Kids; (Aug 9-13) Music Mania; (Aug 16-20) Best of Summer Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In M.E. Lyons YMCA traditional day camps, each week will provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and post care, Counselor-In-Training/Camp Volunteer Program, specialty, sports and arts camps also available.

Mad Science Multiple locations in the Tri-State area.

Eugene Wulsin/Owner 513-793-6784 MadSciCin@aol.com www.madscience.org/cincinnati Coed: Day Hours: vary depending on location.

Camps run the weeks of: June 14th & 21st, July 6th, 12th, 19th & 26th, August 2nd & 9th.

Ages 5-12 $10-$15/classroom hour.

Camp themes include: “Let’s Blow Stuff Up!”, “Crazy Chemworks”, “Scene of the Crime”, “Invisible Forces”, “Did You See That?!”, “Radical Reactions”, “3, 2, 1...Blast Off!”, “Science 101”, “EcoExplorers”, “Junior Engineers”.

Mercy HealthPlex Kids Camps 2010 (513)942-PLEX www.mercyhealthplex.com Day: Co-ed June - August Ages 3 - 14 Anderson: 7495 State Rd. Fairfield: 3050 Mack Rd. Western Hills: 3131 Queen City Ave.

Become an artist, chef, scientist, sports hero or just have fun in our interactive, educational and unique camps! Go on field trips, have fun in the gym, pools, classrooms, gymnastics center, tennis courts and more!

Full day and extended camps available.

Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA Summer Camps 9601 Winton Rd, Cincinnnati, OH 45231 513-521-7112 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarship assistance is available, Hamilton Co. childcare vouchers accepted Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: Pioneers Camp – kindergarten, Explorers Camp – ages 6 to 8, Voyagers Camp – ages 9 to 12 Camp Cost: $5 non-refundable deposit per week per child due at registration, $130/week for YMCA members and $160/ week for non-members Camp brochure is available online at www.myy.org or by calling or visiting the branch.

Pre/Post Camp Options (for ages 5 to 14): Pre Camp: 6:30-9:00 a.m., Deposit: $5 per week (nontransferable and nonrefundable), Cost: $22 per week; Post Camp: 4:00-6:00 p.m., Deposit: $5 per week (nontransferable and nonrefundable), Cost: $22 per week

(June 1-4) School’s Out for Summer; (June 7-11) Weird Science; (June 14-18) Games Galore; (June 21-25) A Day At The Museum; (June 28-July 2) Barnyard Bonanza; (July 5-9) Splish Splash; (July 1216) Mystical Magic; (July 19-23) Treasure Island; (July 26-30) Back to the Future; (Aug 2-6) YMCAs Got Talent; (Aug 9-13) Carnival Capers.

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In Powel Closely, Jr. YMCA traditional day camps, each week will provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Pre and post camp options, Preschool Programs, Specialty Programs, Campers in Leadership Training, Teen Camp, Youth Sports Programs and Overnight also available.

R.C. Durr YMCA Summer Camps 5874 Veterans Way, Burlington, KY 41005 859-534-5700 www.myy.org Coed: Day Scholarships are available. State childcare assistance is accepted.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 5 to 11 Cost: $125 members/$170 nonmembers per child per week and $25/ child or $50 family registration fee Registration: Registration forms are available by calling or stopping by the branch.

Pre/Post Camp Options (ages 3 to 15): Pre camp: 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Post camp: 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Cost - Pre OR post camp: $25 per week/child; Pre AND post camp: $40 per week/child

(May 24 – 28) School’s Finally Out; (June 1 – 4) Prorated Super Sports Fan; (June 7 – 11) Back to the Future; (June 14 – 18) Get a Clue; (June 21 – 25) Character Crazy; (June 28 – July 2) Holiday Happenings; (July 5 – 9) Walk like an Egyptian; (July 12-16) World of Discovery; (July 19 – 23) Shiver Me Timbers; (July 26 - 30) Splish Splash; (August 2 – 6) YMCA’s Got Talent; (August 9 – 13) Wacky Water Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In R.C. Durr YMCA traditional day camps, each week will provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun. Other specialty camps are available.

Richard E. Lindner YMCA 2039 Sherman Ave, Norwood, OH 45212 513-731-0115 http://www.myy.org Coed: Day Vouchers accepted and

scholarships are available Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 5 to 12 (must have graduated kindergarten) Cost: $119 members & $149 nonmembers per child per week.

Pre/Post Camp Options (ages 6 to 12): Pre Camp – 7 to 9 a.m. and Post Camp 4 to 6 p.m.

Registration: Registration forms are available by calling or stopping by the branch.

(May 31-June 4) Schools finally out; (June 7-June 11) Wild ‘N Crazy Kids; (June 14June 18) Sky’s The Limit; (June 21-June 25) Junkyard Inventions; (June 28 – July 2) It’s a Jungle Out There!; (July 5 – July 9) Splish Splash; (July 12 – July 16) Y Arts Adventures; (July 19 – July 23) Discovery; (July 26 – July 30) Gross Me Out; (Aug 2 – Aug 6) Music Mania; (Aug 9 – Aug 13) YMCAs Got Talent Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are cornerstones of all YMCA camps. In R.C. Durr YMCA traditional day camps, each week will provide opportunities to learn, make friends, and have fun.

SummerCare 2010: Adventures in Wonderland Ft. Wright Elementary School501 Farrell Dr, Ft Wright and Ocke, Florence, KY Cindy Pinto, Director 859-431-2075 cindy@childreninc.org www.childreninc.org Coed: Day Financial Aid Offered: Yes 7:00am-6:00pm June 7th - July 30th Ages 5-11 $128 per week, or $29 per day $15 Registration Fee per family $30 Activity Fee per child

Visitors- include Mad Science, Magician with a Mission, Out of Control Wildlife!

Field trips include swimming, picnic, Coney Island and Cincinnati Museum Center.SummerCare offers entertaining, exciting and educational Adventures in Wonderland.

Activities, visits and field trips support weekly themes such as: Down the Rabbit Hole, A Very Merry Unbirthday, Nonsense & Curiosity, Fractured Fairy Tales & Folklore, Playing by the Rules, Who in the World Am I?, In the Garden and Waking from a Dream.

YMCA Camp Loveland Phillips Park, Loveland, OH, 513-791-5000 www.myy.org Coed: Day Financial assistance (scholarship) is available for ALL YMCA summer programs.

9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 6 to 11 $165 for non-members/$109 members per week Registration required by calling the Blue Ash YMCA at 513-791-5000.

Activities Included: June 9 to 13 Pirate Party theme, June 16 to 20 - Medieval Madness, June 23 to 27 Survival Fun Factor, June 30 to July 3 - Star Spangled (no camp July 4), July 7 to 11 - Super Silly Mess Week, July 14 to 18 - Mystical Magic, July 21 to 25 - Holiday Happenings, July 28 to Aug 1 - Splish Splash, Aug 4-8 - Music Mania, Aug 11-15 - Gross Me Out! Each week will have a different theme as children ages 6 to 11 have fun, make new friends, and build character, self-esteem, and leadership skills. For Busy Parents: Optional Pre camp is 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. each camp day and Post camp is 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

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Thursday 1 Diary of a Wimpy Kid (ages 8-12)

Play Stinky Cheese Touch and Shake the Headphones Off, then make your own journal or comic strip.

Sign up begins March 18. 6:30 p.m. Boone Co. Main Library. 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl.org. (859)342-BOOK.

Home School Network of Greater Cincinnati

Please check our web site www.HSNcincy.com for helpful information concerning Home Education as well as meeting times and contact information. Home School Network of Greater Cincinnati. www.HSNcincy.com.

Friday 2 HOP LIKE A BUNNY

Did you know that rabbits can run up to 18 miles per hour? Join us to find out if you can hop, jump or flap as well as some of our native wildlife. You may even get to meet a special furry guest.

Recommended for children age four and up. 2 pm.

Winton Woods.

10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.greatparks. org. (513)521-7275.

The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi

This free-flowing comic brawl is a loose adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic children’s tale Rikki-TikkiTavi. Darzee, the diva tailor bird, is incensed when Rikki Tikki Tavi, a young mongoose, washes up in her pristine garden. Darzee and her friend, Chuchu, pull out all the stops in their attempt to run off the pesky mongoose until they see that Nag, a cobra and the garden despot, runs in fear at the sight of a mongoose on the loose. This comedy about sharing and cooperation has received numerous productions across the country. Award-winning playwright Y. York is known for her adaptations of contemporary children’s classics. Recommended for grades K-3.

9:45 a.m. $3 general admission. Krueger Auditorium.

4200 Clermont College Drive, Batavia OH.

Saturday 3 EGG OLYMPICS

This program is an egg-cellent choice. Kids and adults will play a variety of egg-straordinary games with many team-building and individual challenges.

2 pm. Winton Woods. 10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.greatparks.org. (513)521-7275.

26 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

Seventh Annual Health Expo

The Center for Closing the Health Gap in Greater Cincinnati will hold its Seventh Annual Health Expo at the Duke Energy Center on Saturday, April 3. Highlights include: • 11:00 a.m. ‘We’re in This Together’ Opening Faith Program • 12:00 p.m.

National Gospel Recording Artist, Yolanda Adams • 1:00 p.m. Line Dancing Showcase • 2:00 p.m. Men’s Health Symposium • 2:30 p.m. Childhood Obesity Symposium • 4:00 p.m. National R&B Recording Artist, Reggie Calloway • 5:00 p.m. 3rd Annual Do Right! Stompfest. 11AM- 5PM. Duke Energy Convention Center. 525 Elm Street, Cincinnati OH. www.duke-energycenter.com. 513-419-7300.

Sunday 4 VISIT CINCINNATIPARENT.COM AND CLICK ON “CALENDAR OF EVENTS” TO FIND OUT WHAT’S GOING ON TODAY!

Monday 5 2010 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade

Monday, April 5, 2010 is the 91st annual Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. The Merchants of Findlay Market continue the tradition of hosting this Parade that celebrates the beginning of spring AND of baseball season!

The Parade steps off from the Race Street entrance of the Market house at 10:30am this year. For complete details, visit www. findlaymarketparade.com.

Tuesday 6 Flower Power: Create and decorate fun flowers.

4:00-5:00 p.m. Bond Hill Branch.

Langdon Farm Rd, Bond Hill www.cincinnatilibrary.org. (513)369-4445.

Ages 5-7 Registration is required. 4:00 p.m. Wyoming Branch. 500 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatilibrary.org. (513)369-6014.

pm at the theatre. Since 2002, “the Covedale” has undergone an exciting transformation, from a venerable, 1940’s era movie house to one of the regions newest and most popular, landmark live theatres! So on Saturday, April 10, 2010, everyone will have a chance to tour the new facility and share in the excitement. The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts continues to grow into the region’s most compelling new theatrical venue. Come share the excitement of this “Miracle on Glenway”. For more information, call the Covedale at 513.241.6550.

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. 4990 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions. com. (513)241-6550.

LIVE ANIMALS!

Backyard Composting

It’s a night of silly stories and fun featuring our favorite feathered friend. 6:30 p.m. Boone Co. Main Library. 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl.org. (859)342-BOOK.

Wednesday 7 Kids’ Kaleidoscopes: Complete and decorate a colorful Kaleidoscope!

In today’s program, learn which animals are returning from their southern vacations and which animals are waking up. Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center. 2 p.m. Woodland Mound. 8250 Old Kellogg Rd. (513)521-7275. www.greatparks.org.

Thursday 8 NATURE STORIES: WEATHER

Settle into the early part of spring with a good book.

This month’s story will be all about the wonderful world of weather. Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre.

11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Sharon Woods. 11450 Lebanon Rd. www.greatparks.org.

(513)521-7275. www.greatparks.org.

Friday 9 Artreach Theater Presents “Hansel and Gretel”

Something mysterious is happening in the woods.

Follow our sleuths as they sing, dance, and discover the hidden truth about the gingerbread house. 7 p.m.

Boone Co. Main Library. 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl.org. (859)342-BOOK.

REPTILES 1740 OH.

Shake, Rattle and Roll (ages 2-5)

Get up and groove with stories, rhythm sticks and shaky eggs. Sign up begins March 23. 1 p.m. Boone Co. Main Library. 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl.org. (859)342-BOOK.

The Amazing Portable Circus Presents Magic Easter

The Pigeon Wants a Party

Kick off the spring with The Amazing Portable Circus at our studio. The Tuesday following easter sunday we will be holding a free magic show to the public to celebrate the holiday. Following the magic show will be balloon flowers and balloon bunnies for all who attend.

Please RSVP via phone at 513-921-5454. 6:30pm. Free.

Essex Studios. 501 Minnesota Street, Cincinnati Ohio. www.amazingportablecircus.com.

513-921-5454.

Live reptiles will be our guest today as we learn about this unique group of animals. Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center. 2 p.m.

Woodland Mound. 8250 Old Kellogg Rd. (513)5217275. www.greatparks.org.

Saturday 10 Amazing Raptors!

Come get up close and personal with some of our local birds of prey! Don’t forget your cameras.

Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center.

2 p.m. Woodland Mound. 8250 Old Kellogg Rd. www.greatparks.org.

(513)521-7275. www.greatparks.org.

Backstage Tours

The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Avenue will be hosting free Backstage Tours on Saturday, April 10, from 1:00 pm to 3:00

Composting is a great way to recycle yard and food waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden. Learn about the various types of compost systems, including ones suitable for apartments, how to maintain your system, what should and should not be composted, and how to use the finished product.

Reinforce what you learn by building a tasty “Compost Sundae” snack. This program is brought to you through a partnership with Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District. noon - 2 p.m.

Avon Woods Nature Preserve. 4235 Paddock Road, Cincinnati Ohio. Cher Mohring at 946-7737.

Be Healthy. Be Active!

With the goal to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues, the Junior League of Cincinnati’s Kids in the Kitchen presents Be Healthy. Be Active! Children age 12 and under and their families are invited to join us for this special event! For more information, go to www. jlcincinnati.org or call 513.871.9339. 10:00 AM 2:00 PM. University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Center. 2820 Bearcat Way, Cincinnati OH.

Catskill Puppet Theater: “Sister Rain & Brother Sun”

When Sister Rain becomes jealous of Brother Sun and stops watering the earth, Mother Nature and the audience must join forces to save the day!

Catskill Puppet Theater tells this nature-tale with beautiful hand-crafted puppets, colorful sets, and lively original music. 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. $5.

Raymond Walters College. 9555 Plainfield Rd., Blue Ash OH. www.rwc.uc.edu/alumni/ artcultural/artrageous.htm. (513) 745-5705.

Dancing for the Stars

Inspired by the hit ABC-TV show Dancing with the Stars, Dancing for the Stars will feature eight Cincinnati celebrities paired with some of the area’s finest professional dancers in a competition program, at which the audience will vote for their favorite celebrity dancer. The stars include: Helen Carroll (manager of community relations, Toyota), Cathy Crain (president, Cincinnati Opera; community volunteer); Terry Foster (community volunteer; RN, St. Elizabeth Health Care), Tanya O’Rourke (anchor, WCPO-TV9), Sean Rugless (CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce), “Rockin’” Ron Schumacher (on-air personality, 103.5 WGRRFM), Marvin Smith (owner & chef, Ollie’s Trolly),

R E SOURC E S and Donna Speigel (owner, The Snooty Fox). 6 9:30 p.m. $50 - Friend • $100 - Patron • $1, 000 - Corporate Table. Aronoff Center for the Arts Proctor & Gamble Hall. 650 Walnut St, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatiarts.org. (513)621-ARTS.

Cincinnati OH. www.cliftonperformancetheatre. com. 513-861-SHOW (7469).

Japanese/English Storytime

Rock Band Out Loud

Be part of a traditional Japanese story told in two languages! Songs, games and a simple origami craft. 10:30 a.m. Boone Co. Main Library. 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl.org. (859)342-BOOK.

Linton Music’s Peanut Butter and Jam Sessions Present Madcap Music!

The Madcap Puppets join the Peanut Butter and Jam musicians to tell exciting stories set to chamber music. You won’t want to miss the musical magic and fun! Children’s chamber music series for preschoolers (2-6 yr. olds) and their families. Interactive, Educational, and Fun! 10am and 11:30am. $4.00 per person or $12.00 for Flex-Book of 4 tickets good at any PB&J concert. Tickets available at the door or by calling 513.381.6868. Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Visit www.lintonmusic.org. 10am and 11:30am. $4 per person or $12 for flexbook of 4 tickets. Wyoming Center for the Arts. 322 Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming OH. www.lintonmusic.org.

(513) 381-6868.

Sunday 11 JUNGLE BOOK

Journey across the ocean to the land of India where creatures play and tell tales of old. Where a little boy Mowgli is raised by wolves, Shere, Khan the tiger fights to be Lord of the Jungle, and the bear Baloo teaches us the necesities of life! This musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic is performed by the Clifton Performance Theatre’s all-child cast. Tickets ($7/child, $10/adults, $8/ seniors) are available at CliftonPerformanceTheatre.com or by calling 513-861-7469. 2 pm. $7/child, $10/adults, $8/ seniors. Clifton Performance Theatre. 404 Ludlow Avenue,

Monday 12 Release your inner rock star with Playstation 3’s Rock Band. 6:30 a.m. Boone Co. Main Library.

1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl. org. (859)342-BOOK.

Workshop 4 “The Adventure’s of Alice In Wonderland”

Join in and become a cast member of the” Adventures of Alice In Wonderland” A curious young girl by the name of Alice Liddell begins the journey of her young life time after falling deep into a rabbit hole. When she finally reaches bottom she is greeted by many strange and wonderous creatures. A cat who always grins, a Catepillar who teaches her the proper way introducing herself and a Queen who can’t stop yelling “off with your head!”

We will grow big and little, knock on many doors, swim out of our tears and enjoy tea with the Mad Hatter. This production accomodates all ages and levels of experience.

The cast members will have oppurtunity to sing, dance and act as it is presented as a musical. 6 p.m. Clifton Performance Theatre. 404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.cliftonperformancetheatre.com.

513861-SHOW (7469).

Tuesday 13 JCC Center Stage Musical Theater Company presents “Tell Me a Story” (child actors)

Our JCC Center Stage youth performers have been rehearsing all winter. Now they are ready to entertain you. Bring the whole family and enjoy the show! Written

by Marlene Foreman Shmalo; Paul L. Rogers, musical director; Courtney Cummings, choreographer. Contact: Courtney Cummings, 513.761.7500, or ccummings@

mayersonjcc.org. 6 - 7pm. $5 at the door; Open to the public. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ.org. 513.761.7500.

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build one with us, only $4.00 per kit. Spend the afternoon - lunch and snacks will be available for purchase. Woodland Mound. 12 - 4 p.m. Woodland Mound. 8250 Old Kellogg Rd. (513)521-7275. www.greatparks.org.

Tom Sawyer: A River Adventure

Candy Bingo

Come to the library after school for Candy Bingo. Win fun prizes.

3:00-4:00 p.m. Avondale Branch.

3566 Reading Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

(513)369-4440.

April 16 - 24, 2010. From the banks of the Ohio to the stage at the Taft Theatre, we bring you the expanded version of our Tall Stacks festival favorite.

This hand-clappin’, leg-stompin’ version of Mark Twain’s popular novel is fun for the whole family!

Purchase tickets at 513.569.8080 x10 or www. thechildrenstheatre.com/tickets/ Taft Theatre 317 East Fifth Street Cincinnati.

Meditainment

Snake Jamboree

Join us for guided meditation under the stars at Drake Planetarium for a time to relax and rejuvenate with our Meditainment specialists.

7:00 pm. $7 in advance, $8 at the door. Drake Planetarium. 2020 Sherman Ave., Norwood OH. www.drakeplanetarium.org. (513)396-5578.

Spring Break Bash (ages 6-10)

Grab your friends for board games galore, stories, snacks and more. 2 p.m. Boone Co. Main Library. 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl.org. (859)342-BOOK.

Thursday 15 VISIT CINCINNATIPARENT.COM AND CLICK ON “CALENDAR OF EVENTS” TO FIND OUT WHAT’S GOING ON TODAY!

Friday 16 Kite Day

Celebrate National Kite Month with an open kite fly. Children and adults of all ages are welcome to show off their skills. Bring your kite to fly or

Register your three to five year old to learn all about snakes. We’ll meet a special guest, make a craft and play some slithery games. Woodland Mound ($4.00, 4/13). 10 a.m. Woodland Mound. 8250 Old Kellogg Rd. www.greatparks.org.

(513)521-7275. www.greatparks.org.

SPRING NIGHT BIKE

Celebrate spring with a night bike ride! Refreshments by a warm fire will be provided after our adventure.

You may choose to ride the 7.8 mile loop once or twice. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Helmets recommended. Miami Whitewater Forest ($5.00, 4/14). 7:30 p.m. Miami Whitewater Forest. 9001 Mt. Hope Rd, Harrison OH. www.greatparks. org. (513)521-7275.

What Parents Should Know About Reading and Comprehension Development

This seminar explains the cognitive processes involved in reading and comprehension development. In language parents can understand, we’ll take you through the current national research focused on the predictable path of successful readers.

Attend this seminar to: learn how a successful reader develops; know what research says about

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reading instruction that produces the best outcome; empower yourself with knowledge to give your child the best possible academic career. 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

FREE. Langsford Learning Acceleration Center.

9402 Towne Square Ave., Suite B, Blue Ash OH. www.LangsfordLearning.com. 513-531-7400.

Saturday 17 EVERYTHING FOR KIDS SALE!

The Northern Kentucky Mothers of Twins Club will hold their semi-annual children’s clothing, toy, & equipment sale on Saturday, April 17 at Notre Dame Academy, 1699 Hilton Drive, off Dixie Highway in Park Hills, KY from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Items for single & multiples. Open to the public not just for twins’ families! You can find baby and children’s clothing (Spring/Summer), shoes, baby furniture, equipment, toys, books, bedding and more - all in great shape and at great prices. Admission is only $1. Purchases are on a cash only basis; all sales are final. Please bring only an empty laundry basket to carry your purchases. We reserve the right to inspect all packages, backpacks, diaper bags, etc. at checkouwww.cincinnatiparent.com/ homeframe.lassot. For additional information about the sale, please call 859-640-5179 or visit www.nkmotc.com. Northern Kentucky Mothers of Twins Club serves the No KY and Southwestern Indiana counties. We meet on the Third Tuesday of the month at St. Joseph Church Hall in Crescent Springs, KY at 7:00 p.m. We are a support group for mothers (or guardians) of twins and multiples.

To obtain information about joining the Northern Kentucky Mothers of Twins Club, visit www. nkmotc.com. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Notre Dame Academy. 1699 Hilton Drive, Park Hills KY.

Gino DiMario Student Fundraiser

3 p.m. All events are free unless othewise noted.

College-Conservatory of Music. Werner Recital Hall, Cincinnati OH. www.ccm.uc.edu. 513-556-4183.

28 CINCINNATI PARENT * APRIL 2010

Linton Music’s Peanut Butter and Jam Sessions Present Madcap Music!

The Madcap Puppets join the Peanut Butter and Jam musicians to tell exciting stories set to chamber music. You won’t want to miss the musical magic and fun! Children’s chamber music series for preschoolers (2-6 yr. olds) and their families. Interactive, Educational, and Fun! 10am and 11:30am. $4.00 per person or $12.00 for Flex-Book of 4 tickets good at any PB&J concert. Tickets available at the door or by calling 513.381.6868. Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Visit www.lintonmusic. org. 10am and 11:30am. $4 per person or $12 for flexbook of 4 tickets. Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church. 6474 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.lintonmusic.org. (513) 381-6868.

Photographing Wildflowers

Bring your point-and-shoot digital camera on a quest to capture the beauty of spring woodland wildflowers. Our focus will be on composition, form lighting and learning to utilize your camera’s capabilities. Ages 16 and up. 1:00 - 2:30 pm. FREE. La Boiteaux Woods Nature Preserve.

5400 Lanius Lane, Cincinnati Ohio. www.Cincyparks. com. 542-2909.

SEVERE WEATHER IN OHIO

Blizzards, tornados and floods! Weather in Ohio has the ability to amaze and to devastate. Join the naturalist for a presentation all about severe weather events in Ohio and the science behind them. 2 p.m. Sharon Woods. 11450 Lebanon Rd. www.greatparks.org. (513)521-7275.

Sunday 18 WILDFLOWERS FOR BEGINNERS

Learn the basics of identifying wildflowers as well as the identity of several of our common spring bloomers. We will be hiking off-trail for portions of the hike so wear sturdy shoes. Winton Woods. 2 pm. Winton Woods.

10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.greatparks. org. (513)521-7275.

WIZARD OF OZ

Follow Clifton Performance Theatre’s all child cast down the yellow brick road to see the Wizard. Dorothy’s strange and beautiful journey becomes important to everyone she meets in this inspiring classic. Friends and foes sing our old favorite songs as we find our way back to a place where dreams do come true. Tickets ($7/child, $10/adults, $8/ seniors) are available at CliftonPerformanceTheatre.com or by calling 513-861-7469. 2 pm. $7/child, $10/adults, $8/ seniors. Clifton Performance Theatre. 404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.cliftonperformancetheatre. com. 513-861-SHOW (7469).

Monday 19 Family Fun Evening

Here Comes the Fire Truck! An evening of fire truck fun, presented by Cincinnati Firefighters, Ladder 24. 7:00-7:45 p.m. Covedale Branch. 4980 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatilibrary.org. (513)369-4460.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebration

The entire community is invited to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the State of Israel. Featuring Dganit Daddo, international singing star, she’ll delight you with a broad range of Jewish folk music & contemporary Israeli music! Also featuring an Israeli shuk (market) with 20 Israeli artists, Israeli food, and children’s activities. Contact: Elizabeth Woosley, 513.985.1539, ewoosley@jfedcin.org or visit the Cincinnati Jewish Federation’s website, www.jewishcincinnati. org. 5 - 8:30pm. Free; Open to the public. Mayerson Jewish Community Center. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.mayersonjcc.org. (513)761-7500.

Tuesday 20 Pizza Parlor

Watch a pro toss dough then try it yourself! Take your own mini-pizza home to bake. 6:30 p.m. Boone Co. Main Library. 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl.org. (859)342-BOOK.

Turn Off TV Week: Make an Earth Day Craft

4:00-5:00 p.m. Bond Hill Branch. 1740 Langdon Farm Rd, Bond Hill OH. www. cincinnatilibrary.org. (513)369-4445.

What Parents Should Know About Reading and Comprehension Development

This seminar explains the cognitive processes involved in reading and comprehension development. In language parents understand, we’ll take you throught the current national research focused on the predictable path of successful readers. Attend this seminar to: empower yourself with knowledge to give your child the best possible academic career; learn how a successful reader develops; know what research says about which reading instruction produces the best outcome; important benchmarks for developing readers; how successful readers can still struggle with comprehension. 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Free. Langsford Learning Acceleration Center.

9402 Towne Square Ave., Suite B, Blue Ash OH. www.

LangsfordLearning.com. 513-531-7400.

Wednesday 21 Mary Poppins — Broadway Across America

Tony Award-winning musical. Includes such songs as “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

Aronoff Center, Procter and Gamble Hall. 650 Walnut St. Cincinnati. $23-$85.50. $130 VIP Seating. 1-800-9822787. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com

Thursday 22 EARTH DAY KITE FLY

Celebrate National Kite Month and Earth Day with an open kite fly. Bring your own kite or purchase one to decorate and take home. Kites will be available for

R E SOURC E S purchase at $4.00 per kit. Snacks will be available for purchase. Winton Woods/Parcours Trail. 4 pm.

Winton Woods. 10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.greatparks.org. (513)521-7275.

Friday 23 Small Wonders Weekend at the Cincinnati Flower Show

Children can imagine, create, explore, and taste while they learn about the wonder of our earth.

Activities and special exhibits designed to delight the entire family (April 23, 24 and 25 only). The program target audience is children age 4-12 and their parents. Ticket prices for children will be only $2 to encourage parents to bring the family and spend the day. Check website. Discounts avail. www.cincyflowershow.com.

Saturday 24 Blue Ribbon 5K Race and Family Fun Walk

April is National Child Abuse Prevetention Month.

Avid runners, walkers and families are invited to join Family Nurturing Center for a family focused 5K race and fun walk. The race begins and ends at General Cable located in Highland Heights, KY traveling through NKU’s campus. Children 12 and under are free. On line registraton at www.familynurture. org. All proceeds benefit Family Nurturing Center’s child abuse education, prevention and treatment services. Registration 8:00 am; Race begins at 9:00 am. $25 preregistered, includes tshirt. 5K Race begins/ends at General Cable. 4 Tesseneer Drive, Highland Heights KY. www.familynurture.org.

859-525-3200.

Fishing Fun

Bring your small fry out for a morning of fishing fun.

You are welcome to bring your own equipment or use a cane pole from the Nature Center. Bait and training are provided; a fishing license is NOT required.

Meet at the north end of the lake. 10 a.m. - noon. free. Burnet Woods - Trailside Nature Center. 3251 Brookline, Cincinnati Ohio. www.cincyparks. com. 751-3679.

Linton Music’s Peanut Butter and Jam Sessions Present Madcap Music!

Madcap Music! - The Madcap Puppets join the Peanut Butter and Jam musicians to tell exciting stories set to chamber music. You won’t want to miss the musical magic and fun! Children’s chamber music series for preschoolers (2-6 yr. olds) and their families.

Interactive, Educational, and Fun! 10am and 11:30am. $4.00 per person or $12.00 for Flex-Book of 4 tickets good at any PB&J concert. Tickets available at the door or by calling 513.381.6868. Free Graeter’s cookies at every concert! Visit www.lintonmusic.org. 10am and 11:30am. $4 per person or $12 for flexbook of 4 tickets. Mason United Methodist Church. 6315 S. Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason, Mason OH. www.lintonmusic.org. (513) 381-6868.

Sunday 25

Monday 26 Look at the Stars: Join us as we star gaze with a telescope!

The program will continue rain or shine. 6:00 p.m. West End Branch. 805 Ezzard Charles Dr. 513)369-6026. www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

Tuesday 27

Wednesday 28

All ages will enjoy this free-flowing comic brawl - a loose adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic children’s tale Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Contact: Register in advance through the Mayerson JCC, 513.761.7500, ccummings@mayersonjcc.org or www.JointheJ. org. 1 - 2:30pm. $5; Open to the public. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati OH. 513.761.7500.

Children’s Repertory of Clifton Performance Theatre is performing PETER PAN, a Kathryn Schultz Miller’s

calendar

previous experience needed and all ages welcome. Along with lessons we also have team, which allows the diver to compete and practice at a more competitive level. Cinci Elite Diving is dedicated to helping kids grow into self suff icient and responsible athletes and people. At Cinci Elite, we combine new ideas with old traditions. Our goal is to bring a new outlook on diving clubs that shows a commitment to the divers and their futures beyond our club. We teach our divers that mistakes happen and not every practice will be their best, so the important thing is to acknowledge it and persevere. We believe in a positive atmosphere and encourage our children to remain positive no matter how their practice has been. Our practices are ran through motivation and encouragement.

513-312-8997. $70/1hr, $120/2hrs, $180/3hrs, $235/4hrs

Friday 30

Indoor Gardening: Create a windowsill garden.

4:00 p.m. Bond Hill Branch. 1740 Langdon Farm Rd, Bond Hill OH. www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

(513)369-4445.

JCC hosts “The Garden of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” presented

by Playhouse in the Park

PETER PAN

adaptation with all of our favorite music numbers. Join us on a journey to Neverland with this talented and inspiring all-child cast. Tickets ($7/child, $10/adults, $8/seniors) are available at CliftonPerformanceTheatre. com or by calling 513-861-7469. 2 pm. $7/child, $10/ adults, $8/seniors. Clifton Performance Theatre.

404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www. cliftonperformancetheatre.com.

513-861SHOW (7469).

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VISIT CINCINNATIPARENT.COM AND CLICK ON “CALENDAR OF EVENTS” TO FIND OUT WHAT’S GOING ON TODAY!

Thursday 29 CINCINNATI ELITE DIVING

Cinci Elite Diving offers affordable springboard diving lessons to children of all ages. No

Eco-Art

Through the use of hands-on projects, children will explore the concepts of over-packaging and reusing packaging materials with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful. 2:30 p.m. College Hill Branch.

1400 W. North Bend Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatilibrary.org. (513)369-6036.

Nature Sory Time with Imago

Imago is back at blue manatee! Join us for a monthly installment of nature stories, songs and other fun activities. This month’s theme: Mother Nature’s Little Helpers! Free, ages 2 and up. 10:30-11:30. free. Blue Manatee Bookstore. 3054 Madison Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.bluemanateebooks.com.

© Todd Joyce Photography

Grab A Glacier!

Spring Break 1301 Western Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45203

(513) 287-7000

www.cincymuseum.org

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 29

It’s back...

SHOESDAY TUESDAY Get details at Warm98.com

r eso u rces

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camp guide

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25)

Residential Camps

Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center 125 Aldersgate Camp Rd, Ravenna, KY 40472 Zach Hadden/ Assistant Progam Director 606-723-5018 aldersgatecamp@gmail.com http://www.aldersgatecamp.org Coed: Residential Religious - Traditional Financial Aid Offered June7-July31 Kindergarden-Adult $30-$250

Activities Include: Adventure, Horses, Water Skiing/Tubing, Music, Art, Dance, Drama, Sports, Archery, Backpacking, Worship, Crafts, Environmental Education, Creative Ministries, Creek Play, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Pool, Field GamesServing campers for over 45 years, Aldersgate Camp has been a place where campers come to get away from normal routines, expirience God, build community, and enjoy the beauty of creation and nature! Nestled in the hills of beautiful Appalachia, Aldersgate is devoted to transform lives through expiriences that campers will remember for life!

Allyn Residential Services 1414 Lake Allyn Road, Batavia, OH 45103 Mary Hunter Ellis 513-831-4660 info@steppingstonescenter.org www.steppingstonescenter.org Coed: Residential Basic Category: Special Needs Financial Aid Offered Check in and check out hours as confirmed to camper and determined by camp director.

Sessions: June 13-24, June 27-July 2, July 6 - 9, July 11-16, July 25 - 30, August 1 - 5, August 8 - 12 Ages/Grades: 8 years old and older $500 - $1400 depending on session selected

Camper safety emphasised..where special memories and friendships begin!Activities Include: Arts, Crafts, Water Activities, Sports, Outdoor Exploration, Swimming, Music, GamesThemed residential overnight sessions, camper independence encouraged, camper cabins with accessible showers, security alarms in sleeping areas, nurses available 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., evening activities, surrounded by nature on 46 wooded acres.

Easter Seals Camp KYSOC 1902 Easterday Road, Carrollton, KY 41008 Jim Ebert 502-732-5333/866-357-4712 (Toll Free) fun@chhs-kysoc.org www.cardinalhill.org; www.alpenglowadventures.org Coed: Residential: Special Needs Special Needs Camps Offered: Developmental Adult, Physical Adult, One to One, Learning Behavior Disorder, Developmental Youth, SCL Respite Financial aid is available 8:00-5:00, Monday - Friday May 30 - June 4, Developmental Adult and Physical Adult Age-18 and up; June 13-18, One to One (Age 6 and up), Learning Behavior Disorder (Age 6-18); June 20 -25 Developmental Youth (Age 6 and up), Physical Youth (Age 6 and up); Operation Purple Camp Jun Special Needs Camps $811; One to One $1,393; Traditional ($150); Operation Purple Camps (Free)

Nine Station High Challenge Course, 3-30 foot high climbing walls, 2-300 foot zip lines, 5-Station Low Elements Course, Fishing, Canoeing, Pontoon Boating, Indoor Heated Pool, Hay Rides.Easter Seals Camp KYSOC is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary. It has a large Dining Hall and 27 sleeping cabins situated on 124 acres of wooded and 12 acre lake property, 60 trained staff, all with thorough backgound checks, 10-days of staff training, CPR and First-Aid Certified, professional school cooks, Nurse 24/7, 2 minutes from hospital, a Facility of the Cardinal Hill Healthcare System.

Falcon Horse Lover Camp 4251 Delta Rd. SW, Carrolton, OH 44615 Emily Devey, Director 800-837-CAMP HorseCamp@FalconCamp.com www.FalconCamp.com All-Girl: Residential One week sessions June 20 - August 14 Girls ages 11 - 15 $950/wk For horse lovers only. Some experience necessary.

Daily mounted lessons, trail rides, fun rides, games, guest instructors, field trips, your “own horse”, parent demo, take home video, ground lessons, approx. 4 hours actual riding each day.For Horse Lover’s only! Eat, sleep and breathe horses in this special program designed to improve riding skills, teach horsemanship, horse health and care.Very limited enrollment ensures individual instruction and attention. Excellent instructors and horses. ACA accredited since 1959. References available. If you love horses, you’ll love this camp!

YMCA Camp Ernst 7615 Camp Ernst Rd., Burlington, KY 41005 859-586-6181 http://www.myYcamp.org Coed: Residential One week sessions: June 13 - Aug 21 Ages 6-15 Cost: $520 YMCA Members; $570 non members; $95 additional for the Western Ranch horseback program; plus the new Camp Ernst Adventure Trips and Experiences for Teens! (pricing varies)

Steeped in tradition and built on the YMCA character values of honesty, caring, responsibility and respect, Camp Ernst hosts campers who enjoy top notch counselors and making friends while doing a wide variety of activities including zipline, banana boat, 100 ft. waterslide, giant swing, horseback riding, the BLOB and much more!

R E SOURC E S

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classifieds

ONgoing EVENTS 2010 Cincinnati Flower Show

Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, April 17, 2010 Through Sunday, April 25, 2010.

Just 5 minutes from the I-275 Indian Hill/ Loveland/Madeira exit, the Flower Show is still in your backyard! Information at www. cincyflowershow.com.

Symmes Township Park. 11600 North Lebanon Road, Symmes Township OH. www.symmestownship.org.

American Girl Fashion Show

Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, April 23, 2010 Through Sunday, April 25, 2010. Six Toyota dealers from Cincinnati and northern Kentucky are sponsoring an American Girl Fashion Show April 23-25 at the Music Hall in downtown Cincinnati.

All the proceeds from this unique fashion show will go to the Aubrey Rose Foundation and its mission of assisting families caring for children with life-threatening illnesses. The American Girl Fashion Show is a fun-filled afternoon for girls, their families and favorite dolls. The young models provide an entertaining and educational look at how generations of American Girls have used clothing to express their own unique style and personality. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased by calling the Aubrey Rose Foundation at (513) 728-2680 or visiting www.aubreyrose. org. Admittance includes the performance, souvenirs and food. $35. Music Hall. 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatisymphony. org/home2.asp. 513-381-3300.

Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey presents Zing Zang Zoom

Occurring Daily Beginning Thursday, April 29, 2010 Through Sunday, May 02, 2010.

SCHEDULE Thursday, April 29: 7pm Friday, April 30: 7pm Saturday, May 1: 11am; 3pm; 7pm Sunday, May 2: 12pm; 4pm. 7 total performances. $13 and up. Ervin J. Nutter APR. 29 Center.

7:00 PM Thu. NIGHT OH. 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton G IN EN P O $11!* n.

TICKETS www.nuttercenter.com. 937-775-3498.

Su Sat.

Thursdays 4 pm at Clifton Performance Theatre, 404 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati. Ages 7-16. $15 walk in fee. Please call (513) 861-7469 or log on to www.CliftonPerformanceTheatre. com for more info. 7:30 p.m. $15 walk in fee. Clifton Performance Theatre. 404 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www. cliftonperformancetheatre.com.

513-861SHOW (7469).

Swim Lessons at The Beach Waterpark

Occurring Daily Through Sunday, June 13, 2010.

The number one Red Cross Safety Tip is: Learn to Swim. What better place to take Swimming Lessons than the Safest Waterpark in the Nation, The Beach. Beach Swim Lessons are progressive programs. Every level in the program is a building block with vital skills and development requirements for the next level. We want your children to progress and mature at their own rate.

We offer 5 levels of lessons that are Red Cross approved (Level 2 - 6). Each lesson is taught by 2 Red Cross certified lifeguards. See below for level descriptions. You may choose from 4 different 2010 sessions: June 14-18, June 21-25, July 12-16, July 19-23. Each session is Monday - Friday for one week. The lessons are one hour each morning (8:30 - 9:30 am). At the conclusion of each Swim Lesson, non-members may remain in the park and enjoy the facilities for the rest of the day. There is a limit of children per level. Swim Lessons fill up fast so register early to ensure your child gets in the class of his or her choice. 8:30am-9:30am Monday thru Friday. $49, for June sessions, $59 for July sessions. The Beach Waterpark. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason OHio. www. thebeachwaterpark.com.

513-398-SWIM (7946)- ask to speak to Jackie.

Tae Kwon Do

Ongoing Daily (except Sun & Thu). Acquire Self Discipline, Self Esteem, and Concentration while training in the Traditional Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do. Private Lessons are also Available. For more info Contact:. 12- $25 VIP 1pm PRMon, Wed; 0 - $18.50 4:15-6:10pm Tues, Fri; 6-7pm ICES: $13.5 Circus Celebrity TICKET $70 nt Row Mon; Wed; 9:30-10:30am Sat. $85/ $35 Fro7:30-8:30pm month. Ballet Tech Ohio. 7623 Old 3C Highway, Maineville OH. www.ballettechohio.org.

(513)683-6860.

M APR. 29 -

Fri.

Saturday LEGO Mania!

APR. 30

MAY 1 11:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM

MAY 2 12 NOON 4:00 PM

0 PM Occurring Each Saturday 7:0 Beginning Saturday, April 10, 2010 Through Saturday, April 17, 2010.

Would you like to dive into thousands of Legos to build your own unique creations? Then bring your friends and join us on Saturdays to construct Lego machines in our Lego Lab. You will build the wildest working contraptions imaginable. We will have some friendly competitions and put your creations to the test on challenge courses. Offered the 2nd and 3rd Saturdays each month. 10am-12 noon. $20 for one Saturday, $35 for both. 10% off for Planetarium Memb. Drake Planetarium.

2020 Sherman Ave., Norwood OH. www. drakeplanetarium.org. (513)396-5578. w and SM , Front Ro lebrity Circus Ce customer.) *(Excludes counts. Limit 6 per double dis

VIP seats.

No

Stay at home dads weekly playgroup

Ongoing Each Friday. This is a private group for at-home dads in Cincinnati. Sign up and register at cincinnatidads.ning.com/ to gain access to the announcements and regular updates. The weekly playgroup meets at various parks and attractions around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. cincinnatidads.ning.com/.

STREET TEAM - Hip Hop Dance Class

Occurring Each Thursday Beginning Thursday, April 15, 2010 Through Thursday, April 29, 2010. Come and dance! This electrifying class integrates hip hop and modern to get anyone moving. Appropriate for students with experience or without. Great exercise and guaranteed fun!

Eastern Hills Mothers of Twins or More Club Kids Spring Clothing and Equipment Sale!

Saturday, March 27th from 8am till 12noon - Half price sale @11am. Nagel Middle School - 1500 Nagel Road in Anderson. $1.00 door charge CASH ONLY - all sales are final.

AY 2

Row, rity, Front cus Celeb ine for details. ber of Cir onl Limited num ilable. Call or go g fees may apply.) dlin ts ava sea han VIP and and rges, facility (Service cha

The Amazing Portable Circus Presents Juggling Mondays

Occurring Each Monday Beginning Monday, April 19, 2010 Through Monday, September 20, 2010. Our Cincinnati based entertainment company will be offering a free juggling show to all at our studio in Cincinnati, Ohio. Please RSVP via phone at 513-921-5454. Check us out at amazingportablecircus.com. 7:30pm. free. Essex Studios. 501 Minnesota Street, Cincinnati Ohio. www.amazingportablecircus.com.

513921-5454.

THE HISTORY OF INVULNERABILITY

Next Birthday, have a

Music Pups® Party!

Singing, Dancing, Instruments, Bubbles, Parachutes, More!

West Chester Academy of Music www.wcaom.com

829-2345

Fun! Ages 1 to 5!

Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning Saturday, April 03, 2010 Through Sunday, May 02, 2010. The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will continue its Shelterhouse Theatre season with the world premiere of THE HISTORY OF INVULNERABILITY by David Bar Katz.

This remarkable new play about fantasy and reality in the 20th century begins previews in the Playhouse’s Thompson Shelterhouse Theatre April 3 and continues through May 2. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p. $45-$61. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati OH. www.cincyplay.com. (513)421-3888.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 31

APRIL 16-18 & 24, 2010

CHARGE BY PHONE AT

877-LYV-TIXS TICKETS $7-$20

SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH SELF-EXPRESSION 45 minute Interactive WorkShop, Grades K-12 Dramatic play is used to develop self-esteem.

ART ALIVE in collaboration with the Taft Museum of Art

YOU

a division of the children’s theatre of cincinnati

Gearing up for the summer?

Let us enhance your summertime program or camp with an interactive theater-arts WorkShop!

Three outstanding teaching artists lead a diverse selection of theater-focused, interactive WorkShops created to educate, entertain and enlighten Pre-K through 12th grade students.

Here’s just a sample of all we have to offer.

Please visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com or call 513-569-8080 ext. 21 for details.

WorkShop rates priced per student.

Multiple program discounts may apply.

45 Minute Interactive WorkShop, Grades K-8 The stimulation of visual arts and dynamics of theater exercises combine to prompt imagination, critical thinking and public speaking skills.

“ONCE UPON A TIME…”

45 Minute Interactive WorkShop, Grades 2-6 This fun and interactive WorkShop will bring new life to classic fairy tales.

THE ROUGH-FACED GIRL SPEAKS

45 Minute Interactive WorkShop, Grades 2-8 Students “travel” to an Algonquin village and experience Native American culture through story and song.

STOP BULLYING ME!

45 Minute Interactive WorkShop, Grades 3-8 Using dramatic role play, students will explore types of bullying, conflict management, self-respect and respect for others.

ADVENTURES WITH MARK TWAIN

45 Minute Interactive WorkShop, Grades 4-8 Experience the works, the life, and the times of the man often called the “father of American literature.”

THOUGHTS IN ACTION!

45 Minute Interactive WorkShop, Grades 4-8 Get ready to challenge your students’ ingenuity to create incredible inventions! This WorkShop focuses on teamwork, leadership and higherorder thinking skills.

And More!

www.thechildrenstheatre.com