Cincinnati Parent // 08.2011 by Midwest Parenting Publications

AUGUST 2011

[ FREE]

Conquering

Childhood Obesity Local initiatives on the growing epidemic

[ cincinnatiparent.com ]

After-School Activities Choosing the right options for your child

Cincy on a Budget

Saving on School Lunches

+ Our Arts &

Enrichment Guide

BACK to SCHOOL

Getting back into the groove

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AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 3

contents 12

AUGUST 2011 26

visit us online at cincinnatiparent.com

features 12 28

Back to School

in every issue

Getting Back into the Groove

05 11 32

Publisher’s Note Reader’s Recipe Online Buzz

After-School Activites

Choosing the Right Options for Your Child

around town

Conquering Childhood Obesity

Community Spotlight

Local News, Events and More

Cincy on a Budget

Saving on School Lunches

Local Initiatives on the Growing Epidemic

parenting

resources

Mommy Magic

Unplugging Yourself From Reality

18 31 45 46

Dear Teacher

Your Questions of Teachers-Answered

Education + Childcare Guide Arts + Enrichment Guide Birthday Party Guide Marketplace

health

calendars

Pediatric Health

School Athletes

36 43 47

Daily Events Ongoing Events Fun + Wacky

ADDRESS: 9435 Waterstone Blvd., Suite 140 | Cincinnati, OH 45249 PHONE: 513.444.2015 | FAX: 513.444.2099 EMAIL: info@cincinnatiparent.com 4 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

ON THE COVER Cover Models: Egan, Graham and Timmy Photographer: Karen Maugans with Greenleaf Photo Studio Special Thanks To: First Student Transportation

in every issue [ publisher’s note ] [ ask the staff ] what was your favorite subject when you were in school?

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT Mary Wynne Cox | publisher@cincinnatiparent.com | i loved speech and debate!

Festival Season has Arrived Upcoming fairs and festivals in the tri-state area

It’s August and that means it’s festival time in the Tri-state area. Before the school bell rings and the busy back-to-school season begins, enjoy the last lazy days of summer vacation and be sure to take advantage of the many festivals taking place this month. A favorite among many is the Hamilton County Fair at the Fairgrounds. It takes place on August 9-14. Carnival rides, food, games, artwork, lion and tiger demonstrations, horse demonstrations, a tractor pull, a cow milking exhibit and more will entertain the entire family. Another popular festival is the Glier’s Goettafest at Newport on the Levee taking place August 5-7. There is plenty of live music and cloggers throughout the festival. The Riverfront Levee offers festival goers with a beautiful view and plenty of space to walk around. The St. Mary Funfest will take place at St. Mary Church on August 19-21. The festival offers unlimited rides for one price, all of the carnival food offerings from funnel cakes to ice cream, and many varied and unusual games for all ages. If you’re looking for a fun carnival atmosphere, this is a great event. A Taste of Blue Ash is the premier event for the city of Blue Ash. There is something for every one, tasty treats for your taste buds, great music and entertainment, rides and more! The free event takes place August 26-28. There is lots of musical acts performing all weekend including Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon and the Blue Ash Idol Winners. If you’re looking for a truly traditional German festival, don’t miss the German Society of Cincinnati Oktoberfest taking place August 26-28 at Germania Park. The event offers German music, food and the always popular tug-o-war competition and parade on Saturday, August 27. Don’t forget to take your sunscreen and your appetite (calories don’t count at festivals). Wishing all of our Cincinnati Parent readers a wonderful August!

MANAGING EDITOR Megan Kirschner | megan@cincinnatiparent.com | art class

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Katie Pfierman | katie@cincinnatiparent.com | art and math

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Heather Lipe | heather@cincinnatiparent.com | art and desktop publishing

SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jennica Zalewski | jennica@cincinnatiparent.com | math

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jenny Swain | jenny@cincinnatiparent.com | french!

BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns | roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com | science of any kind

EVENTS COORDINATOR & PUBLIC RELATIONS Wendy Cox | wendy@cincinnatiparent.com | recess!

OFFICE MANAGER Karen Ring | karen@cincinnatiparent.com | creative writing RETRACTION Cincinnati Parent apologizes for the omission of author Jamie Lober’s name on the Birthday Party Basics feature in our July 2011 issue. Copyright

Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2011 by 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.

Mary Wynne Cox Publisher & President

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 5

around town

[ community spotlight ]

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to Open Outpatient Location in Green Township

Community Spotlight Great Outdoor Weekend, September 24th and 25th, 2011 The Great Outdoor Weekend is an action packed weekend, filled with nature oriented activities. Throughout the Tri-state area, you can find exciting FREE activities. Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, learn to fly-fish, learn to kayak, the sky is the limit during the weekend of September 24th and September 25th.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has purchased land to build an outpatient pediatric facility in the western Cincinnati area. The Cincinnati Children’s Green Township facility will feature pediatric subspecialty clinics, therapies, urgent care, and laboratory and radiology services. The 60,000 plus square-foot facility will be built on 8.3 acres of land that is located off Harrison Ave., 1.9 miles south of the I-74 exit 11 (Harrison-Rybolt Road). Construction on the new building will begin by October 1, 2011. The building will open in early 2013. Cincinnati Children’s currently has 10 outpatient locations.

Speaking of the sky, the Cincinnati Observatory will be providing tours through their historical observatories along with celestial observations. There are several activities to choose from. To decide on Great Outdoor Weekend activities for your family, please visit our website at www.cincygreatoutdoorweekend.org.

tdoor Weekend e Great Ou h t t a n u F

AUGUST = National Sandwich Month, Chidren’s Eye Health Month, Golf Month, Get Ready for Kindergarten Month, Orange & Papaya Month, What Will Your Legacy Be Month...

New Sesame Street series to premiere on PBS Kids Season 42 of the award-winning preschool series, Sesame Street, will premiere on PBS Kids on Monday, September 26 (check your local listings). As recent studies show that U.S school children are falling behind in math and science scores, the educational TV show is putting a spotlight back on a STEM (science, technology and math) curriculum with “Let’s Find Out!” as the thread linking all of the segments. The new season also boasts an entirely new celebrity guest line-up including: Saturday Night Live’s Andy Samberg, actors Hugh Jackman, Mila Kunis, Zac Efron, Seth Rogan, television host Conan O’Brien and Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara, to name a few.

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Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for You and Your Little One Now Shalom Family and the Mayerson JCC have a great new way for parents and babies to get connected to one another and the Jewish community. Presenting Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for you and your Little One, private interactive playgroups that take place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. These playgroups are FREE and feature the popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun. Play dates always include a snack and take place from 2-3 p.m. at The Gymboree in Mason. Dates and times are subject to change, please check the Web site for updates. RSVP at www. myshalomfamily.org. Sensory Sunday is a partnership between Shalom Family, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation for families in the Jewish Community with children 10 and under, and the Mayerson JCC. Open to families in the Jewish community with children 18 months and younger in which at least one parent is Jewish.

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[ mommy magic ]

Mommy Magic

parenting

As a mom, there are always 100 things to do and the list never gets shorter. There will always be laundry to do, errands to run, rooms to clean up, dinner to make. It is an important job we do to keep our families moving forward and on track. It can however, run you down.

Unplugging yourself from reality

Consider taking some time each week to “unplug” and make a deliberate attempt to: Mary Susan Buhner marysusan@mommy-magic.com

I recently returned home from my oldest daughter’s class trip to Williamsburg, Va. As I was packing for our trip, I realized that I had never been away with my oldest daughter by herself for five days. I was excited for that opportunity to enjoy her, her friends, and to get to know the other moms and dads on the trip. It was a 14 hour bus ride there and back to Virginia. We all met at the school parking lot at 5:30 a.m. ready to pull out on the open road. The kids were excited, the parents exhausted already, but nonetheless, we were on our way. After the excitement simmered down on the bus, I realized that I felt weird. I was doing nothing. Just sitting there on a bus staring out the window. Nothing to do, but sit. As a mom, you know how rare it is to sit in silence and do nothing. I felt weird doing it. There was an unspoken courtesy that the adults did not talk on their cell phones (after all, we could hear everything someone was saying) and we had all literally “unplugged” for the road trip.

I was surprised how fast time passed doing nothing. I also started to admit to myself that I liked it. For the first several hours I had an internal struggle with myself. I should be reading, I should be working, I should be doing something, but the subtle hum of the bus seemed to keep me in a relaxed catatonic state. It was peaceful, it was quiet, it was wonderful. Ahhhh, the art of doing nothing. I think I was starting to like it. By mid morning, parents started to chat and kids started to wiggle. We played games, talked, and I had the time to really be interested in those around me. I discovered I was not only more relaxed, but more curious about others. For several years I had passed these parents in the school hallways saying, “Hi” or “Nice to see you.” Now I was getting to actually know them, their families, their lives. By the afternoon, I felt liberated to be “unplugged” and was truly enjoying the opportunity to connect with others. Granted, being away from home and sitting on a bus gave me the chance to actually do nothing, but it

also made me realize how important it is to embrace it in my daily life as well. As I am writing my column, I am back to reality. My dogs are barking at the mailman pulling up, my youngest wants a popsicle and my older two are bickering over a hairbrush. As I sit here in the midst of the chaos, I recall the feeling of sitting on that bus looking out the window just doing nothing. As a mom, there are always 100 things to do and the list never gets shorter. There will always be laundry to do, errands to run, rooms to clean up, dinner to make. It is an important job we do to keep our families moving forward and on track. It can however, run you down. Consider taking some time each week to “unplug” and make a deliberate attempt to connect with your neighbors, friends, and family. Sit and chat, have an ice cold lemonade and actually taste it when you drink it. Enjoy a few moments of doing nothing. It is a foreign art for most moms, but I do believe it is an important one for us to sustain ourselves in today’s busy world.

...connect with your neighbors, friends, and family. ...sit and chat, have an ice cold lemonade and actually taste it when you drink it. ...play with and talk to your kids. ...be interested in those around you. ...enjoy a few moments of doing nothing. It is a foreign art for most moms, but I do believe it is an important one for us to sustain ourselves in today’s busy world.

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[ readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipe ]

in every issue

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 11

Written by Brooke Reynolds

BACK to SCHOOL

Getting back into the groove

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etting back into school-time routines can be hard – and not just on the kids. As the head of the house, executing and maintaining those routines is your job. Here are some tips to help you and the kids stay on your game.

Bedtime routine:

papers you need to sign or teacher

You’ll have a manic morning without one

correspondence you should read, and write

Set a bedtime early enough to ensure everyone gets eight hours of sleep. Then aim to get in bed 30 minutes before that. If a student is groggy at school, they won’t be as productive. Try not to cut into the designated sleeping hours to buy more time in during the day.

•

Pick out clothes the night before. Give your child two or three preselected outfits to choose from. This way, he or she won’t dillydally in their closet only to pick an outfit that looks like it belongs in Lady Gaga’s wardrobe.

important dates on the calendar. Check up on their grades and homework schedules at this time, too •

Pack lunches or pass out lunch money if

tomorrow’s lunch menu seems palatable. Always keep an extra day’s worth of lunch money in their backpack in case you forget this step.

•

Plan breakfast. Make it quick and easy, and

prepare what you can the night before. •

Have the kids bathe at night to save time in

the morning. Have the kids arrange their launch pads and pack their backpacks. See if there are any

•

Do the same thing each night right before bed to help them wind down...A child is most successful at staying on task when he or she knows what’s coming.

Do the same thing each night right before bed to

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AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 13

help them wind down: read a book or listen to

habit to start at a young age.

music, pray together and talk about the next day’s plans. A child is most successful at staying on task when he or she knows what’s coming. Julie Guilfoyle, LISW, of Counseling 4 Us, said this is also a good time to ask your kids open-ended questions that get them to talk about their school experiences. It’s good to have that heart-to-heart communication line open, and it’ll reveal whether the child is experiencing troubles or anxieties at school.

Morning routine: It’ll start everyone’s day off right •

Get yourself up earlier than the rest of the

They’ve already showered, so have the kids put on their clothes first thing out of bed. The longer they stay in their pajamas, the lazier they’ll be.

•

Aim to leave 15 minutes earlier than you normally would. It’s nice to have that extra padding of time if needed, but it’s also smart to teach the kids about the importance of showing up a little early. Arriving to school early makes for a calmer start to their morning, rather than a rushed and stressful jog to their class before the bell. It’s also safer to leave earlier so that you’re not inclined to drive like a maniac in an attempt to get the kids to school on time.

•

family to have your coffee in peace. Then get yourself completely dressed and ready for the day so that you can concentrate solely on the Get yourself up earlier than the rest of the family to have your coffee in peace. Then get yourself completely dressed and ready for the day so that you can concentrate solely on the kids when they wake up.

kids when they wake up. •

Encourage them to wake up to their own alarm

clocks. This doesn’t mean you won’t end up dragging them out of bed – it’s just a good

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After-school routine: You’ll teach the kids what’s important Give them a half-hour to change into play clothes and grab a healthy snack before they start their homework. The snack will keep them

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Do homework at a regular time and in the same place each day, and give each child his own work space. Keeping these things consistent will improve your child’s grades, study habits and comprehension.

•

FIND MORE ON THE WEB For more great tips on preparing for Back-to-School, visit our Web site at

CincinnatiParent.com

from wanting naps and will help them focus on studying. Stand firm on blocking out a time after school

•

for academics, said Dan Mathis, owner and director of Huntington Learning Center in West Chester. “Even if they don’t have any homework or if they completed it at school, use that time to talk about the assignments, check their work, work ahead on bigger projects or read.” It’s best for kids to get their homework out of

•

the way first so that the lessons will be fresh in their minds. They’re also more alert in the afternoon than at night. And if they struggle with an assignment, there’s more time to work through it.

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Reward the kids with short homework breaks between subjects. It will help to keep them focused when the work is broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

•

Parents teach best by example, so show your kids the value of routines. Familiarize them with the habitual happenings, and they’ll be able to concentrate easier, with fewer fits about what’s expected of them. Routines can sometimes have a bad reputation as being boring and rigid, but they don’t have to be miserable to stick to. When you adhere to them, routines can actually provide more free time for the pleasurable, spontaneous stuff. Allow the routines to be the family’s gateway to fun!

When you adhere to them, routines can actually provide more free time for the pleasurable, spontaneous stuff. Allow the routines to be the family’s gateway to fun!

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 17

education +childcare resources

[ childcare ]

Child Care/Preschool Chai Tots Early Childhood Center

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. 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, (513)234-0600, www.chaitots.com, Grades: 6 weeks - 6 years, Enrollment: 40

Community Montessori School Community Montessori School is a quality Montessori preschool and kindergarten that respects children and provides an environment that is supportive for children to learn not only important academic skills, but also social skills and self-motivation. Children grow and learn at their own pace with gentle guidance from a teacher. 9035 Cincinnati Dayton Rd, West Chester, OH 45069, Contact: Jamie Minniear, Phone: 513-777-0808, Email: communitymontessori1@gmail.com, www.CMontessori.com, Grades: KPreschool/Kindergarten, Ages 3-6

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

The Gardner School of Blue Ash 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. 9920 Carver Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242, 513-985-9444, www. TheGardnerSchool.com, Ages 6 weeks - Pre-K

Kinder Garden School Together with interaction of child, staff and family, we develop the complete child. In our Kinder Garden, we provide formative encouragement and knowledge with hands-on staff taking a personal interest in family and holistic education decisions for the child. Kinder Garden School is devoted to growing a child’s wish to flourish and learn by cultivating curiosity and problem-solving proficiency in a full supportive, fertile, fun setting. ENLIGHTENMENT IS OUR MISSION. Blue Ash - 10969 Reed Hartman Highway, Blue Ash, OH 45242, Contact: Tami Lanham, Phone: 513-791-4300, Email: tami@kindergardenschool.com. West Chester - 5900 West Chester Road, Ste. C, West Chester, OHIO 45069, Contact: Trudi Simpson, Phone: 513-874-3100, Email: trudi@kindergardenschool.com, www.kindergardenschool. com, Grades: 6 weeks through kindergarten, Enrollment: Please call or email. 18 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Nursery School

Professionally qualified teachers provide active, expressive, child-centered 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. 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

Skidaddles Skidaddles offers convenient and reliable care that is available without reservation. Drop-in days, evenings, and weekends whenever you need childcare. Whether you need care for a few hours or all day, part-time, or full-time with flexibility, we can accomodate all your childcare needs! Feel confident knowing your children are having fun and learning while being cared for by well qualified staff in a safe and clean environment. 5939 Deerfield Blvd., Suite 104, Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Tiffany Sams, President, Phone: 513-204-3482, Email: info@skidaddles.com, www.skidaddles.com, Grades: 18 months - 12 years, Enrollment: New registrations are always welcome. Register once and use both locations - Mason, OH and Florence, KY!

Montessori The Child’s Place

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 4936 Old Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason, OH 45040, (513)398-6928, www.montacademy.org, Grades: 6 weeks through 4 years, Enrollment: 150

Central Montessori Academy At C.M.A., children learn at their pace, building self-esteem while being taught as individuals. The result: motivated & self-disciplined lifelonglearners who are students of life just as much as they are of academics. We are also excited to announce that construction is soon to begin on our new Natural Playground and Outdoor Learning Environment, and it is scheduled to be complete in mid-August - just in time for the first day of school! 1904 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231, Contact: Laura Saylor, Phone: 513-742-5800, Fax: 513-742-5870, Email: info@centralmontessoriacademy. com, Grades: Infancy through Sixth Grade, Enrollment: 110

Country Hills Montessori Providing half day programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational enviornment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas and Erlanger KY. Visit chmschools.com for all location addresses & phones. 4400 Glen Este Withamsville, Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner, Phone: 513-752-1066, Email: sschreiberchm@yahoo.com, Grades: 3 - K

GUIDE

Montessori Academy of Cincinnati 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. 8293 Duke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, (513)398-7773, www.montacademy.org, Grades: 3 years – 8th grade, Enrollment: 300

Montessori Center Room A child-focused, warm & inviting 40-year-old program for children ages 3-6 years old. Before and after care available. Musikgarten is offered weekly. AMS affiliated. Call for a personal tour. 2505 Riverside Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45202, Phone: 513-321-3282, Fax: 513-321-4982, Email: mcr1966@fuse.net, www. montessoricenterroom.com, Grades: 3 - 6 years old, Enrollment: 50

The New School Montessori 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). 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, (513)281-7999, www.thenewschool.cc, Grades: 3 year-olds through 6th Grade, Enrollment: 150, OPEN HOUSE DATES: Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 2-4PM, Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 2-4PM

Non-Public

Cincinnati Christian Schools Non-denominational Christian school system on two campuses located in Fairfield. Bible-based curriculum used in all classes. 7474 Morris Road, Fairfield, OH 45011, Contact: Mark Phair Public Relations Director, Phone: (513) 892-8500 ex. 119, Email: mphair@cincinnatichristian.org, www. cincinnatichristian.org, Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade, Enrollment: 650

Cincinnati Country Day School 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. 6905 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243, Phone: (513)979-0220, www.countryday.net, Grades: Early Childhood (18 months); 12th grade, Enrollment: 800

Cincinnati Waldorf School The Cincinnati Waldorf School has offered Waldorf education in Cincinnati for nearly 40 years! We offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential approach to education to inspire life-long learning and enable each student to fully develop their capacities. We are pleased to offer the greater Cincinnati area the gift of Waldorf Education! 5555 Little Flower Ave,

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Cincinnati, OH 45239, Contact: Karen Crick, CWS Enrollment Director, Phone: 513541-0220 ext 103, Email: kcrick@cinciwaldorf.org, www.cinciwaldorf.org, Grades: Nursery through Grade 8; Parent & Child Programming also available!, Enrollment: 220 (+)

Covington Latin School Covington Latin School is a classical, co-educational, Catholic, accelerated, college preparatory high school. The School’s commitment to acceleration allows advanced fifth, sixth and seventh grade students the opportunity to begin a more challenging and rewarding secondary educational experience. 21 E. 11th Street, Covington, KY 41011, Contact: Carl Goodmonson, Director of Admissions, Phone: 859.291.7044, Fax: 859.291.1939, Email: admissions@ covingtonlatin.org, www.covingtonlatin.org, Category: Academically Gifted, Grades: 8-12, Enrollment: 235

St. Ursula Villa 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. 3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226, (513)871-7218, www.stursulavilla.org, Preschool – 8th grade, Enrollment: 496

Summit Country Day School Founded in 1890, the area’s only independent, Catholic, co-ed, collegeprep school servin students age 2 - Grade 12 is recognized as a leader in formalized Character Education, Credo. A diverse community of students

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benefit from a rich, classical and challenging curriculum within three contiguous divisions. Extensive athletic and visual arts programs campus-wide.2161 Grandin Road, (513)871-4700, www.summitcds.org, Grades: Age 2 - Grade 12, Enrollment: 1100

Zion Temple Christian Academy Founded in 1983, Zion Temple Christian Academy is a private, nonprofit Christian School that offers highly competitive academic standards. We use the A Beka Curriculum. Our goal is to develop the total person, based on Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go…” 3771 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Rodney Napier, Assistant Principal, Phone: 513-861-5551, Fax: 513-861-1563, Email: rnapier@ztca. org, www.ztca.org, Grades: 3 year-olds through 6th Grade, Enrollment: 105

SPECIAL NEEDS

The Children’s Home High School for Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders The high school is an approved Ohio Autism Scholarship Provider, and students receive credits toward graduation. Integration of academics with social and life skills helps prepare students to be independent and productive young adults. The school features small class sizes, speech/language therapy, art and music education, job training, and more. 5050 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227, Contact: Jill Smith Director of Education, Phone: 513-272-2800, Fax: (513) 272-2807, Email: jsmith@thechildrenshomecinti.org, www. thechildrenshomecinti.org, Grades: Grades 9-12, Enrollment: Currently accepting enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year.

Rising Star Studios of New Perceptions Rising Star Studios, a program of New Perceptions, makes an incredible difference in the lives of youth ages 8-young adult with autism spectrum disorders and other communication challenges in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area through its unique after-school classes in arts and crafts, photography, music, yoga, computers, cooking and life skills. 1 Sperti Drive, Edgewood, KY 41017, Contact: Brenda Zechmeister, Coordinator, Phone: 859-344-9322, www.risingstarstudios.org

Springer School and Center For 40 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to become strategic learners, helping them to achieve success. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-13 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Changes Everything. 2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: (513)871-6080, www.springer-ld.org, Grades: 1st 8th grade, Enrollment: 200

Virtual/Distance Ohio Virtual Academy

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. Best performing eSchool in Ohio (866)339-9072, www.ohva.org, Grades: Kindergarten – 10th grade, Enrollment: 3,300

YOUR LISTING HERE! Contact Katie at Katie@CincinnatiParent.com

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 21

parenting

[ dear teacher ]

Dear Teacher Your Questions of Teachers-Answered Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts dearteacher@dearteacher.com

Back to School Anxiety Every year my children and I have a fantastic summer. Then the first week of school comes, and their anxiety level suddenly rises to very high levels. How can we avoid this? — High Anxiety Parents can make back-toschool time less traumatic by clearing their schedules so they can focus on being there for their children. The less parents have to do at home and on the job, the more relaxed they will be. Children tend to be especially anxious if they are attending a new school or have had bad experiences the previous year. This is the time for parents to be calm, positive and reassuring. They also need to be careful not to overreact to problems that pop up in the first days and help their children develop coping strategies. If their children have been bullied or teased the previous year, their new teachers need to know about this during the first days of school to stop it from happening again.

22 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Parents also can make the start of school more comfortable for their younger children by arranging play dates for them during the first weeks of school. This helps them rebuild social relationships with their classmates.

Too Much TV for Kids The TV is on in our house most of the day, but our young toddlers don’t watch it much of the time. Is this truly bad for them? All we ever hear about are the negatives of young children watching TV. Aren’t there any positives? – TV Lover Shut your TV off. Hearing TV in the background results in toddlers doing less talking and less listening to others talk. You’ll clearly see this if you observe them playing while the TV is on. You really should follow the TV viewing guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Academy strongly recommends that children do not view TV until they are age 2. After that, the

Academy suggests no more than 2 hours a day. These are sensible guidelines for parents to follow and really allow for a lot of TV viewing. You must understand that most of the day in early childhood needs to be devoted to active play to maximize intellectual development. Just think of all the other opportunities to experience the world that your toddlers are missing while watching TV. There are other downsides to watching too much TV at a young age. Later on, some current research shows that you can expect many of them to have poorer achievement in math in school and to be less active physically. They are also likely to consume more junk food than those who have watched less TV. Early TV watching has been completely demonized by most child-development experts. However, there actually are some positive benefits to preschoolers who watch programs with a strong educational content. Later on, these children might read more and get better grades. Unfortunately, most children are not watching primarily educational programs.

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 23

24 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

[ cincy on a budget ]

Cincy on a Budget

around town

Fun Lunch Ideas

Saving on School Lunches

Kabobs: Skewering food is fun for kids (with an adults help) and you can make fruit kabobs, vegetable kabobs, or deli meat and cheese kabobs.

Sandwich Cut-Outs: Cut a sandwich into Krista Bocko At first glance, packing a lunch seems pretty simple. But upon closer examination, it can seem a little daunting considering you have to plan for and prep the food, find all of the little containers to pack the food in, keep the food hot or cold, and make sure the lunch gets out the door with its owner. Multiply this times the number of family members, times five days a week and the hesitation sets in. We know that packing a lunch isn’t as easy as buying a school lunch, but it can be easier with some tips and advanced planning. With school lunches often being of the highly processed variety and containing lots of fat, sugar, sodium and other additives, it’s definitely the healthier option to pack a lunch and it is worth investing in. There is also the added benefit of getting your children involved in meal planning and prep and teaching them about taking care of their bodies by eating healthy. Ultimately, it can be a fun experience for you and your child in the kitchen. The more involved children are in the process, the more likely they’ll be to eat the meal you’ve made together.

Get Your Kids Involved Get your kids involved by having them plan a lunch menu. I’ve had my kids compile a list of foods they would like in their lunches and I then try to keep those foods on hand. Keep in mind that making extra for dinner is an easy way to have an entrée ready to go for the next day by simply heating up the leftovers in the morning and packing it in a thermos.

Check out kids’ cookbooks at the library together for more ideas. One cookbook that my kids like is called “The Usborne Healthy Cookbook”. The illustrated pictures make it easy and fun to pick out their next cooking project or lunch menu, and the step by step directions allow them to handle some of the tasks on their own.

Shop Together Farmer’s Markets are going strong through October, so for fresh, seasonal produce and supporting your local farmers, this is the place to go. In addition to fresh greens, look for foods that freeze well, (such as corn and green beans) that you can purchase in bulk for use in the fall and winter. Usually you can buy fresh eggs and meat as well. And while shopping at the grocery store, have your child help find the ingredients on your list.

Bring out the Colors As the saying goes, “People eat with their eyes.” Presentation and color makes food fun and interesting. Including a variety of colorful foods is important to get a good balanced diet—for example, peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla, grapes, carrots and a banana is an eye catching rainbow that includes not only vitamins but carbohydrates, fat and protein.

reusable containers and try to avoid disposable baggies due to the environmental factor, but it’s tough to keep track of multiple containers and lids and can be frustrating when one or the other gets lost. A great solution I plan to try is a bento box—basically a compartmentalized box with a lid that snaps in place. This is an easy way to pack a variety of items as simply or elaborately as you choose, and kids can see everything at once.

Resources For lunch boxes and bags as well as containers, see www.reuseit.com, and for bento boxes see www.gogreenlunchbox.com or www.planetbox.com. An easy way to find local farmer’s markets and CSA’s is to visit www. localharvest.com and plug your zipcode into the search bar. Here’s to a year of healthy, homemade school lunches!

fun cookie cutter shapes, or use mini pita pockets, baby bagels, or tortilla wraps.

Ants on a Log: Peanut butter on a celery stick topped with raisins or dried cranberries. Blueberry Smoothie: Try experimenting with other fruit combinations, too. Add a handful of fresh spinach to the blender for a kick of extra calcium and vitamins A and C.

Fruit Roll-Up : Spread fruit-flavored cream cheese on a whole-wheat tortilla wrap. Top with fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries and roll tortilla.

Colorful Pasta: To give your kids a visual delight, toss cooked tricolor rotini pasta with a dab of melted butter, then ad colorful variety such as cooked peas and cherry tomatoes. Turkey Pinwheels: Bite size food is always more fun. Spread a whole wheat tortilla with flavored cream cheese or hummus, top with turkey and sliced avocado, roll and cut.

Also try dips such as ranch or hummus for vegetables, or crackers and yogurt for fruit. Most kids will eat more vegetables if there’s a dip involved.

Packing the Lunch This is a perennial issue for my family: I like AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 25

health

[ pediatric health ]

Seven Tips For School Sports Safety from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)

School Athletes Sports physical or doctor’s exam?

There were 1.4 million High School student injuries noted in 2005, according to a recent Columbus Children’s Hospital study. “Parents, athletic trainers and coaches must work closely with high school athletes to ensure proper techniques and safety rules are followed before, during and after practices and games,” said Brian Robinson, MS, ATC, LAT, chair of NATA’s Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee. • All young athletes should have preparticipation exams to ensure they’re fit for play. • To

avoid seasonal overuse, players should not participate in more than one sports team at a time. • Always

• During

warm up before beginning any activity.

practice and play, take rest breaks when necessary.

• Replenish • Cool

fluids regularly.

down and stretch after play.

• Parents,

athletic trainers and coaches should always be alert to injuries, hold practices and games with adequate rest days built into the schedule and have an emergency plan in place. Information from nata.org

26 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

John P. Bacon, MD Board-Certified Pediatrician with Group Health Associates

As the start of school approaches, many athletes will receive reminders about sports forms – and the physical exams needed to complete those forms. Then comes the question: Should my child get the schoolsponsored “sports physical” or a full well-child check-up from our doctor? When performed in a large group setting or at an urgent care, sports physicals are much less thorough than the yearly exam your child’s pediatrician can provide. Most sports physicals are just limited, focused sports pre-participation examinations that are required by schools

and the state high school athletic association. The purpose is to identify any significant medical condition or history that may preclude a child’s participation or requires further workup. Sports physicals offered in a group setting employ a station format, with the child being examined by different people for each area required on the form. These very limited, cursory exams are usually performed by people who do not know your child and do not have access to medical records and history. If they do find a problem, you will be referred to a physician for follow-up. While convenient, these kinds of exams do not benefit your child – and you as a

parent – as much as a comprehensive yearly physical done by your child’s primary care provider will. Your child’s doctor will use knowledge of your child, his or her records and your family medical history to more fully assess any health risks or limitations and decide whether your child needs further medical work up prior to playing a sport. Your doctor also may be able to discuss injury prevention, training and nutrition based on your child’s level of development. Sports can be a source of great pleasure and accomplishment for children of all ages. Be sure they can play at their best by visiting your doctor first.

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 27

chool days are rapidly approaching and it’s time to start planning your child’s after-school activities. These programs are more than just time fillers. Study after study has found that after-school activities keep kids out of trouble, improve their social skills and even boost their academic skills. We talked to grown-ups and kids alike to get the inside scoop on some of the best activities around town. Boxing might not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of kids, but 8-year-old Aidan Seig of White Oak, Ohio said it’s his favorite. He takes kickboxing at Cincinnati Fitness Boxing. “I think it’s fun because I get into the ring and box. I’m learning good sportsmanship, kicking and punching,” he said. Owner, Kevin Brinkley, said the class is a combination of traditional karate, self-defense and sparring. He added, “It’s great for any kid. It helps bring the timid out of their shell and teaches self-confidence.”

28 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Written by Amy Seng Holtzman

ballet * tae kwon do * soccer * football * cheerleading * baseball * hockey * volleyball * music * drama * tap * zumba * drawing * photography * glass blowing * fencing * foreign language

After-School Activities

Choosing the right options for your child Ceilagh Pitstick, age 8, of Villa Hills, Ky., takes swimming and dance, and is learning Irish dancing at McGing School of Irish Dance. She said, “People seem to be more amazed at what I can do than girls that do ballet or stuff like that.” Her 9-year-old brother, Jack, plays football for Spartan Youth Football. He likes it because he gets to tackle and not get in trouble. For 7-year-old Zach Carty of West Chester, Ohio, soccer is his favorite activity because he gets to play with friends. His 9-year-old brother, Will, said he loves Cub Scouts. “You get to do fun things like a derby and build things,” he said. Many schools have Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. If your school doesn’t have a troop, call your local scouting office to find one in your community. Shreya Reddy, age 8, of Florence, Ky., likes to play basketball and also takes piano lessons. There are many locations around the Tri-state offering lessons. One of them is the Baldwin Music Education Center in Hyde Park. The center offers lessons for every level. The center’s president, Rachel Kramer, said, “Choosing activities that promote self-esteem and creativity is key in developing a child into a well-rounded adult. Music instruction is one of the most powerful and productive ways to

accomplish these goals.” If your child wants to learn how to play an instrument, Kramer recommended checking with the Music Teachers National Association, www.mtna.org to find qualified instructors in your neighborhood. For the singer in your house, consider the Cincinnati Children’s Choir. There are 10-week long sessions and year-round programs. Some of the choirs do require an audition. Check out www.cincinnatichoir.org to learn more, and if your child dreams of being on stage, try a drama class. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park offers classes for toddlers through teens at various locations around town. Registration starts in August. You can find information at www.cincyplay.com Art classes are another option. The Center for the Arts in Wyoming, Ohio, offers art classes covering drawing, painting and sculpture. At the Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center in Covington, Ky., children can explore classes in everything from pottery to architecture to animation. Perhaps your child is interested in ballet. Ballet Theatre Midwest provides a pre-professional classical ballet training and performance program. Ballet Theatre Midwest’s training

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 29

This list just scratches the surface of what’s available around town. To find more options, check out the activities listed in our Arts & Enrichment Guide. utilizes a syllabus combining elements of the Royal Academy of Dancing and Vaganova training methods. This method has produced dancers for professional companies in the United States and Europe and prestigious college dance programs. For more information visit www.ballettheatremidwest.com or call 513-520-2334. For a program that covers a lot of different interests, Ohio’s 4-H program might be a good fit. Children as young as age 5 can learn about the environment, animals and technology. For teens, there are programs in engineering, animal science and even an international exchange program. You can learn more at www.ohio4h.org. Many parents find it a challenge to make the commute home from work and then dash off to after-school activities. That’s why the Mayerson JCC in Amberley Village, Ohio, will pick up children from nearby schools including Pleasant Ridge Montessori, Nativity and

30 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Montgomery Elementary. It’s after-school program includes homework time, play time, and swimming two-days a week. Students at the center can also sign up for extra classes such as archery, chess and tennis. The JCC’s after-school program is open to both members and non-members. The YMCA has also gotten into the act of helping keep kids keep busy after school while helping mom and dad work. It’s teamed up with area schools to offer after-school care, and this isn’t just babysitting. Students participate in arts & crafts, nature studies and sports. In addition to those programs, the Y also provides academic enrichment programs at 10 Cincinnati schools. CincyAfterSchool director, Sara Lewis, said, “Students who attend our programs are more than 50% more likely to score proficient in reading and in math than students who do not attend.” Call your local YMCA for more information. Now that you know some of the options, how

do you narrow down the choices? Dr. David Lowenstein is a psychologist and writer specializing in family issues. He said think about your child’s personality when choosing. It might be tempting to sign a sedentary child up for soccer, but Lowenstein said it might be counterintuitive. Your child might feel more comfortable in a club. If you do go the sports route, Lowenstein recommended finding a league that stresses learning the skills rather than just winning the game. Lowenstein cautioned against booking too many activities. “If the evening dinner hour is pulling up to the drive-through window a few nights a week, your family is overscheduled.” He recommends one or two activities per season, and whatever you choose, make sure it’s fun. This list just scratches the surface of what’s available around town. To find more options, check out the activities listed in our Arts & Enrichment Guide.

arts+enrichment GUIDE resources

[ childcare ]

DANCE

Ballet Theatre Midwest Grace, beauty, creativity and movement! Experience the joy of dance at Ballet Theatre Midwest. Nurturing environment, professional faculty, lovely facilityoffering the finest in classical dance for ages 3-Adult. Age appropriate training and performance opportunities for all dancers. 3833 Eastern Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226, Contact: Kara Lois, Phone: (513)520-2334, Email: ballettheatremidwest@fuse.net, www.ballettheatremidwest.com

Linda Krumme’s Gotta Dance One of Cincinnati’s most popular dance studios, with instruction in Ballet ,Tap, Jazz and Contemporary Styles- ages 2.5- adult. At Gotta Dance we teach traditional techniques in an artistic, fun and non-competitive environment. Our goals: To instill in each student- confidence, technique and the joy of dance. Mt. Lookout and Anderson. 7892 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45255, Contact: Linda Krumme, Phone: 513-232-9710, Email: lindasgottadance@gmail.com,

lindasgottadance.com

MUSIC Baldwin Music Education Center 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. Category: Music and music education, 3799 Hyde Park Ave/Hyde Park, Cincinnati, OH 45209, Contact: Rachel Kramer, Phone: 351-1109, Fax: 351-3934, Email: rachelkramer@baldwinmusiceducenter.com, www.baldwinmusiceducenter.com

Cincinnati Children’s Choir Auditions for singers in grades 2-12 for the upcoming season will be held in September. No preparation is required. Singers will be asked to perform vocal exercises for one of our conducting staff to determine which choir will meet the student’s readiness level. Call or email to schedule an audition. Category: Music and Instrument Performance, University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0236, Contact: Robyn Lana, Phone: (513) 556-0338, Email: choir@cincinnatichoir.org, www.cincinnatichoir.org

Kindermusik by Cathy Siebert Music and Movement classes for Families with children from birth through 7 yrs of age. We sing, dance, listen, play instruments and learn how to learn. Category: Early Childhood Music Classes, 6131 Campus Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45230, Contact: Cathy Siebert, Phone: 513-231-3973, Email: siebertkm@aol. com, kindermusikbycs.kindermusik.net

Miss Amanda’s Music Garden Music and Movement classes for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Open House Saturday, September 10th. 9:30 am Infant/10:00 & 10:30 am Toddler/11:00 am Preschooler. Classes starts Monday, September 19th. A great way for parents to give their young ones the lifetime gift of music making, at the same time, getting exercise and meeting others! 3766 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220, Contact: Miss Amanda O’Bannon, Phone: 513-221-SING (7464), Email: missamanda@fuse.net, www.MissAmandasMusic.com

Musik Kids Family Music and movement classes, infants - age 7. Group piano instruction, ages 7 and up. Category: Music Education, 322 Wyoming Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45215, Contact: Mary Rekers, Program Director, Phone: 513 259-4459, Email: mtrekers@gmail.com, www.MusikKids.org

NKU Preparatory Music Department The Northern Kentucky University Preparatory Music Department is an outreach program serving the community by providing quality musical instruction to students of all ages, not for credit. The instruction is for those interested in college preparation, for children experiencing an introduction into the world of music, and for adults who would like to develop or explore their talents for their own enjoyment. Category: Music and Instrument Performance, NKU, Nunn Dr., Highland Hgts., KY 41099, Contact: Holly Attar, Director, Phone: (859)572-7737, Fax: (859)572-6076, Email: attarh1@nku.edu,

musicprep.nku.edu

Piano Lessons in Your Home 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. Phone: 513-860-3540, Email: cincinnati@pianolessonsinyourhome.com,

www.pianolessonsinyourhome.com

THEATRE

Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park 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, P.O. Box 6537, Cincinnati, OH 45206-0537, Contact: Mark Lutwak, Phone: 513-345-2242, Fax: 513-345-2254, Email: mark.lutwak@cincyplay.com

OTHER

University of Cincinnati CCM Preparatory Department The CCM Preparatory Department offers lessons, classes and performance opportunities in music, theatre and dance for students of all ages and abilities. Ensembles and advanced programs require auditions. Summer opportunities for youth, high school and adults in the arts include instrumental ensembles, high school acting and musical theatre, piano workshops and theatre performance camps. Category: Dance, Music, Theatre, PO Box 210236, Cincinnati, OH 45221, Contact: Amy Dennison, Phone: (513)556-2595, Email: amy.dennison@uc.edu,

www.ccm.uc.edu/prep

West Chester Academy of Music and Dance Quality private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, viola, 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. Dance Classes for all ages, competitive and recreational. Call for FREE trial class. Category: Music AND Dance, 8374 Princeton Glendale Rd, West Chester, OH 45069, Phone: (513)829-2345,

www.wcaom.com

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 31

online buzz

Exclusive Contests at

CincinnatiParent.com

Parents Share Their Advice on Kid Issues Would you let your kids go over to their friend’s house if you knew their parents kept a gun in their home? If I Trust the Parent Absolutely, as long as I trusted that parent, and if I didn’t trust that parent they wouldn’t be going over regardless! —Tiffany M.

Lock up the Gun

TIckets to Newport Aquarium

Showcase Cinemas Movie Passes

Tickets to Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

A FREE Birthday Party at Lazer Kraze

Tickets to EnterTRAINment Junction

Tickets to Cincinnati Zoo

As long as it’s locked up and the parents were responsible about it, I would have no problem with it at all. — April H.

Ask the Parents Most parents don’t think to ask if they do...I ask! —Rana L.

Educate Your Children Yes, my daughter is allowed to play in homes that responsibly keep guns. I know of at least two, and I’m sure that there are more. She knows to respect guns and to immediately leave and tell an adult if she ever sees one, but I only allow her in the homes of people I trust, anyway. —Stephanie E.

No I wouldn’t BUT mainly because I’m the ignorant one on gun safety. —Vera B.

Talk to the Parents As long as the gun was kept locked up and I trusted the other parent to watch my child. —Ashley H.

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 33

here’s a killer stalking our children, and its name is obesity. Unfortunately, this killer strikes slowly over time. It’s a problem that has become out of hand, nearly tripling in occurrence over the last 30 years, growing to epidemic proportions and affecting a third of America’s population. Luckily for those in the Cincinnati area, people at all levels of government and communities are stepping up to battle childhood obesity. A 2009 study ranked Ohio the sixth most obese state in the nation with 28.4% of the population falling into the obese category. Worse, over 30% of Ohio’s children ages 10-17 had a body mass index (BMI) that placed them in the obese category. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. These children may be facing serious health problems not just later in life but in their immediate future. Children are at risk for many obesity related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, early sexual maturation, respiratory disorders and skin infections, not to mention the psychological effects of obesity such as low self-esteem and depression. “Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to teasing and social isolation during their formative years,” said Dr. Eric Kirkendall of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “This can set destructive patterns for the rest of their lives.”

Written by Rebecca Todd

CONQUERING Childhood OBESITY Local initiatives on the growing epidemic 34 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Do Right! Cincinnati, www.dorightcincy.org, a program created by the Center for Closing the Health Gap in Greater Cincinnati, has a mission to “empower communities to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.” Program features three parts: Eat Right!, Move Right! and Do Right! Each section of the program is clearly defined and includes helpful tips, suggestions and resources. Neighborhoods participating in the program enjoy nutrition and fitness demonstrations, as well as gardening and environmental lessons. The Do Right! Kids Program is a parent-child intervention to address childhood obesity. Parents attend educational sessions and monthly family nights to increase their knowledge on keeping their family healthy. The 12-week program is focused on 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. The students take part in physical activity and nutrition programming

after school, twice a week. Last year, five Cincinnati schools took part in the program which resulted in notable improvements in nutrition and fitness habits in all children involved. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital HealthWorks! is a family-based program for youth ages 5 to 19 who are overweight. HealthWorks! is not a diet program, but rather uses a variety of methods to help overweight children and their families improve their eating habits and become more physically active. Children are evaluated by a physician and counseled by a nutritionist to establish healthy eating patterns and lower caloric intake. Group exercise sessions are offered by age group (5-10 years and 11-19), Monday through Friday evenings. More information on the program is available at www.cincinnatichildrens.org or by calling 513-636-4305. The Ohio Action for Healthy Kids team is “dedicated to improving the health and educational performance of Ohio’s children by promoting healthy school environments that offer sound nutrition and adequate opportunities for physical activity.” Over 25 state organizations including education, fitness, nutrition and health experts collaborated to address the role schools should play in responding to Ohio’s child health crisis with three goals in mind: to expand Ohio schools’ participation in the USDA School Breakfast Program, to ensure healthy snacks and foods are available in vending machines and school stores, and to ensure children have access to quality co-curricular physical activity programs, inside and outside the school day. More information as well as a parent toolkit is available at www.ohioactionforhealthykids.org. YMCA of Greater Cincinnati branches offer affordable, family-oriented fitness classes. In addition, the R.C. Durr YMCA, located in Burlington, Ky., has instituted a “Walking Works” program, made possible by a grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics, for children ages 9-14 who are considered to be overweight or

continues to be threatened, Fuel Up to Play 60 is leading the way to engage schools, students, families and communities to take action to help kids eat right and get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day,” said Jenni Purcell, director of communications of the American Dairy Association. Visit www.FuelUpToPlay60.com for more information.

All levels of society need to work together to combat the growing childhood obesity problem; from government and healthcare agencies to schools and religious organizations. Families also need to do their part. Keeping healthy foods on hand and choosing activity over sitting idle are simple beginnings. Together, we can work to conquer the epidemic and keep childhood obesity at bay.

obese (as determined by a physician). The program includes fitness coaching sessions, nutrition sessions, a health coach and free membership to the YMCA. Family cardio fitness and information is also available. “It’s important for the parents to get involved and commit to supporting their children,” said Kari Holland, wellness coordinator at the R.C. Durr branch. “All of the children who have had success with the program have had parents who were involved and cheering them on. Positive reinforcement is the key.” For more information on YMCA programs, email Holland at kholland@ cincinnatiymca.org.

have an intermediate diet and none of our children eat an ideal diet,” said Harms. “This is very concerning to us and will be one of our main priorities for the foreseeable future.” More information is available at www.heart.org. The American Dairy Association is stepping up to do their part as well. Their Fuel Up to Play 60 is a program to encourage everyone to eat right and get regular exercise. “As the health of our nation’s youth

FIND MORE ON THE WEB Visit our Facebook page to share your healthy recipes and how you stay active with your kids.

Facebook.com/CincinnatiParent

The American Heart Association (AHA) is also very involved in fighting childhood obesity in Ohio and across the U.S. Last year the AHA announced an aggressive 10-year impact goal to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent. “To accomplish this goal, much of our work will be preventative, including with our youngest generation, helping and encouraging them to develop healthy eating, activity and other lifestyle habits that will help them avoid obesity and the many long-term health risks associated with it,” said AHA communications director, Tim Harms. The AHA is fighting this battle on many fronts including encouraging kids to get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day, and encouraging healthy eating habits. “93% of our kids have a poor diet, 7% AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 35

calendar mon 01

tues 02

thurs 04

African Art Traveling Exhibit (all ages)

Art Alive Presents African Art and Music Workshop (ages 8-12)

Fancy Nancy (ages 3-5)

Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library.

Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library.

1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY.

www.bcpl.org.

www.bcpl.org

Calling all fashionistas Come dressed in your best and have a splendiferous time.Please register..

Price: Free Phone: 859-342-2665. Location: Boone County Public Library www.bcpl.org

1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. Six giant colorful art panels illustrate the rich and fascinating history of the art of Africa.

Luau Party (ages 8-10) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665. Location: Boone County Public

Library. 8899 US42, Union KY ww.bcpl.org

Cincinnati Circus will have kids hulahooping to a Hawaiian beat. Enjoy luau treats and wear a lei home.

Cincinnati Art Museum and Children’s Theater of Cincinnati present this handson workshop focusing on African art and music. Children will make baskets and learn to play traditional African musical instruments. Please register.

Circus Experience: Join the Circus for a night Price: FREE Phone: 513-921-5454. Location: Essex Studios. 501 Minnesota

Street, Cincinnati Ohio. www.amazingportablecircus.com

One Night: One Craft Price: FREE, $5 suggested donation Phone: 513-345-8400 Location: Contemporary Arts Center. 44 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati OH www.contemporaryartscenter.org

DIY sessions for grown-ups. Learn embroidery, printmaking, book-binding and more.

Bring your child to join the circus for a night at our Studio in Clifton Ohio. He can learn and see some of the skills that we perform on a daily basis like ballooning and juggling. Please RSVP by phone to Free.

weds 03

Watermelon Day (all ages)

Paul McCartney Phone: 513-381-7337. Location: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way.

Great American Ball Park. Street, Cincinnati OH. www.aeglive.com/events/view/32304/On-The-Run

Every one of this summer’s On The Run dates can safely be predicted to feature nearly three hours of the world’s most familiar and beloved music, with hits, deep cuts and surprises spanning McCartney’s unrivaled catalogue of Beatles, Wings, solo and Fireman classics.

fri 05 Downtown Dash 5K & Block Party Location: St. Xavier Church. 607

Sycamore St., Cincinnati OH. www.stxchurch.org

On-site registration and packet pickup available. Party includes cornhole tournament, food and drink and games. Benefits downtown organizations that assist and/or educate those in need.

Phone: 513.502.5533 Location: Cincinnati Mall. 600 Cincinnati

Mills Drive, Suite B252 (across from Babies R Us), Fairfield OH

First Friday Gallery Hop

www.RheaLana.com

36 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY.

Phone: 513-721-4045

Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event

For the past 13 years Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment has hosted semiannual events in over 14 states, drawing thousands of shoppers and consignors seeking the cost-savings of purchasing and selling high quality, gently used children’s clothing, furniture, toys, and merchandise. The Healing Center receiving donations of items from the event.

Price: FREE

AUGUST 2011 FREE FRIDAY at the Cincinnati Museum Center Price: Museums are ONLY free from

the hours of 4-8 p.m. Parking is $6 until 4:30, then $4 after 4:30. Phone: (513) 287-7021. Location: Cincinnati Museum Center www.cincymuseum.org

This year Free Fridays include the Museum of Natural History & Science, Cincinnati History Museum and Duke Energy Children’s Museum. OMNIMAX films and Cleopatra are not included. Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH.

Glier’s Goettafest

Occuring Friday, August 5 - Sunday August 7 Price: FREE Phone: 859-291-1800. Location: Festival Park Newport.

Riverboat Row, Newport KY Celebrating goetta with food, music, games, rides and more. Daily harbor cruises.

Medasi African Dance Theater (all ages) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library.

Price: FREE Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 3215 Cougar Path, Hebron KY www.bcpl.org

1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY

Phone: 859-292-2322.

www.bcpl.org

Location: Covington Arts District.

It’s National Watermelon Day. Celebrate with delicious fruit and see who can spit a seed the farthest.

Feel the beat with Nationally renowned Medasi African Dance Theater’s high-energy performance.

www.covingtonartmerchants.com

Madison Avenue, Pike Street and MainStrasse Village, Covington KY First Friday of every month. Covington’s galleries, shops, studios, restaurants and bars displaying art, music and more.

Days in the Park Festival Occuring Friday, August 5 - Sunday August 7

01 Phone: 513-794-8860 Location: Chamberlin

08 06

03 St. Therese Little Flower Festival

www.deerpark-oh.gov/Calendar/Festival.htm.

Holy Cross-Immaculata Festival Occuring Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6 Price: FREE Location: Holy Cross-Immaculata

Occuring Friday, August 5 - Sunday August 7 Price: $5.00 admission fee; refunded in the form of Festibucks. Phone: 513-541-5560 Location: St. Therese Little Flower Church. 5560 Kirby Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.littleflower-church.org/festival.htm.

Games, rides, booths, entertainment and food. Unlimited rides bracelets and other special children’s events will be available.

Church. 30 Guido St., Cincinnati OH. www.2011.hciparish.org

Silent Auction, Hot Grill, Beer, Games of Chance, Casino Card games, Raffle, Basket & Wreath raffles, Bars & Bells, Kids Alley and much more. Free parking with shuttle service.

sat 06

Lebanon Blues Festival

Occuring Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6 Phone:812-576-3336 Location St. Leon Volunteer Fire Department. 28870 Ind. 1, St. Leon IN.

Games, food, raffles and children’s area. Come for a Fish dinner Friday and Chicken dinner Saturday night! Benefits St. Leon Volunteer Fire Department.

paws and The Adoption Van Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public

Library. 8899 US 42, Union KY

19 collage-making and other crafty things. Bring a few old magazines and we’ll provide the rest. Limit 15 people. No art experience necessary. RSVP gracegravelle@gmail.com.

sun 07 Flea Market Occuring Saturday, August 6- Sunday, August 7 Phone: 859-331-2040. Location: Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home. 75 Orphanage Road, Fort Mitchell KY. www.dcchome.org

Furniture, antiques, home decor, clothing, toys, collectibles and more. Concessions and beverages available. Benefits Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home.

www.bcpl.org.

mon 08

Cincinnati Reds vs. Colorado Rockies!

The City Flea

Occuring Friday, August 5 - Sunday August 7 Phone: 513-777-6433. Location: St. John the Evangelist

St. Leon Volunteer Fire Department Festival

Family YMCA. 8920 Cheviot Road, Cincinnati OH YMCA Autism Inclusion night - private evening event open to members and nonmembers. Indoor Waterpark, Lap Pool and interractive gaming zone. Also 30+ carnival games with school supplies as prizes. FREE for families touched by Autism. Space is limited, register ASAP by emailing ataylor@cincinnatiymca.org or call 513-923-4466.

Read to a dog and see animals in need of a home. Call the Scheben Library to schedule your time slot.

St. John Parish the Evangelist Festival

Church. 9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester OH www.festivalsched.stjohnwc.org Food, raffle, rides and games. Daily pig roast.

10 Location: Clippard

Park. 7640 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati OH Come to the annual Deer Park “Days In The Park” Festival for great music, tasty food, fun rides & games for kids of all ages! All proceeds raised benefit capital improvements for Chamberlin Park.

Location: The City Flea. 1021

Vine St., Cincinnati OH. www.thecityflea.com Price: FREE Phone: 513-588-0321 Location: Downtown Lebanon. Mulberry,

Main and Broadways streets, Lebanon OH. www.ci.lebanon.oh.us. Includes classic car show with more than 150 cars, food vendors, deluxe beer garden, Red Hot Blues 5K Run, great music and children’s activities. Bring seating. No alcohol or coolers allowed. Benefits area youth programs.

Autism Back to School Carnival by Staples Price: FREE Phone: 513-923-4466

City Flea serves as a venue for social interaction amongst the already burgeoning local community of entrepreneurs, artists, and enthusiasts influenced by the now famous Brooklyn Flea. Shopping, eating and drinking from more than 50 local vendors.

Clip + Rip + Glue + Recycle Price: $5 donation suggested for supplies Phone: 513-721-7275 Location: Park + Vine. 1202 Main Street, Cincinnati OH. www.parkandvine.com

Make art–not waste–with your old magazines at this workshop on

Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS. Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Support the Reds as they take on the Rockies!

Little Builders (2-5) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 37

Library. 7425 US 42, Florence KY www.bcpl.org

Preschoolers build and play with Duplos. Please register.

tues 09

Be a Book Cook (ages 3-6) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library.

3215 Cougar Path, Hebron KY. www.bcpl.org

Bring your favorite adult and prepare food from stories you love.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Colorado Rockies! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS. Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Support the Reds as they take on the Rockies! Varies Per Ticket.

darn thing works? How are magnification and focus achieved? Why is the view upside-down in an astronomical telescope, but upside-right in binoculars? And is bigger really better? We’ll answer these questions and many more as we explore the inner workings of the “magic tube.”. Cincinnati Observatory Center. 3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati OH. www. cincinnatiobservatory.org. (513) 321-5186.

Story Starters (ages 7-11) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 3215 Cougar Path, Hebron KY www.bcpl.org

Go for a motorcycle ride with Ralph the mouse at the library then take the book home and see where the ride takes you.

Summer Shazaam Series Price: FREE Phone: 513-388-4513 Location: Beech Acres Park. 6910

Salem Road, Cincinnati OH

Family Game Night (all ages) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library.

www.andersonparks.com

Bring seating. Children’s entertainment. Followed by Grilled Cheese Wednesdays event.

6517 Market St., Petersburg KY www.bcpl.org

Board games, puzzles, snacks and other funPlease register.

weds 10

Cincinnati Reds vs. Colorado Rockies! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Support the Reds as they take on the Rockies!

Optics: Inside a Telescope!

Yu-gi-oh (ages 9-16) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 3215 Cougar Path, Hebron KY. www.bcpl.org

The duel is on Play Yu-gi-oh with other local players. Bring your own deck. No Trading. English cards only. Please register.

thurs 11

Cincinnati Reds vs. Colorado Rockies! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS. Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Support the Reds as they take on the Rockies!

fri 12

Back to School Painting Party Looking through a telescope is always fun; but did you ever wonder how the 38 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Phone: 513-561-1888. Location: 7754 Camargo Rd., Madeira OH. www.mymadpotter.com/Madeira/.

Have a great night oout before football

games and play practices start! Sign Up Today! The Mad Potter.

Cincinnati Reds vs. San Diego Padres! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS. Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Support the Reds as they take on the Padres! Stay for the post-game fireworks show featuring a ice cream social soundtrack of Disney themes saturday, august 13 and “Zach and Cody,” starting approximately 15 minutes 6:30pm after the end of the game.

Sacred Heart Festival

bethel murdoch presbyterian church

Occuring Friday, Aug. 12 - Sunday, Aug. 14 Price: Unlimited amusement bracelets for rides $10-$15. Phone: (513)829-4383 Location: Sacred Heart Church. 400 Nilles Road, Fairfield OH.

Dinners, music, rides, games and separate areas for children and teens.

VisiFest 2011 Occuring Friday, Aug. 12 - Sunday, Aug. 14 Price: FREE! Phone: 513-659-9961. Location: Our Lady of the Visitation. 3172 South Road, Cincinnati OH www.olvisitation.org/Festival/ tabid/316/Default.aspx

Our church grounds will be transformed into a carnival atmosphere where food, fun, entertainment and games are everywhere! The festival will offer something for your entire family!

sat 13 Appalachian Heritage Day Price: FREE! Phone: (513) 521-PARK (7275) Location: Miami Whitewater Forest. 9001 Mt. Hope Rd. www.GreatParks.org.

It’s a celebration of an American culture at Appalachian Heritage Day! Families and friends are invited out to the Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor for a day of bluegrass music, traditional food and craft demonstrations such as tatting (the process of making knotted lace), wood carving, basket making, spinning and needlepoint. Visitors will also enjoy delicious chicken dinners with all the

fixin’s and refreshing beverages.

Cincinnati Reds vs. San Diego Padres! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS. Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Support the Reds as they take on the Padres! First 20,000 fans receive a free drink pitcher and cups set.

Ice Cream Social Price: FREE! Phone: 513-583-9676 Location: Bethel Murdoch Presbyterian Church. 9602 Murdoch Goshen Road, Loveland OH www.thebmpc.org/

Includes homemade ice cream in eight flavors made in 5-gallon, oldfashioned Amish-built churns. Also, barbecue sandwiches with “fixins,” homemade pie and cake.Outdoor arts and crafts show and raffle.

Musikgarten Open House to Benefit Cinderella’s Closet Price: FREE! Phone: 859-547-8765 Location: Florence Music Academy. 240 Main St., Florence KY www.LittleSongbirdMusic.com, www.cinderellasclosetnky.org

Celebrate the end of summer with us We will have crafts, music games, snacks and instrument making for your little ones. Children can explore “real” instruments, and there will be information about our

fall semester and teachers. Bring your gently used formal dresses to donate to Cinderella’s Closet and receive a $10 credit towards your tuition More information on them can be found here: www. cinderellasclosetnky.org/ Don’t have a dress? Come anyway This is a fun event for all.

Picnic Under the Stars

handmade pottery, jewelry and more.

Cin City Reptile Show Price: $4, free ages 10 and under, free parking. Phone: 513-910-0900. Location: Kings Island Resort and Conference Center. 5691 Kings Island Drive, Mason OH.

Thousands of reptiles, amphibians, inverts, supplies and feeders; at or below wholesale prices.

Cincinnati Reds vs. San Diego Padres! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com Phone: (513) 321-5186 Location: Cincinnati Observatory Center. 3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatiobservatory.org

There are few places in Cincinnati as picturesque for a picnic as the Observatory hillside. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, games, and food and if the weather is clear a beautiful full Moon will rise at 8:30pm.

Second Saturday Street Faire Price: FREE Phone: 513-897-3885. Location: Waynesville Historic Business District. Main Street Area, Waynesville OH www.waynesvilleshops.com

Arts, crafts, local authors, cruisein, antique silent auction and other community activities.

Support the Reds as they take on the Padres! First 10,000 kids 14 and younger receive a Jay Bruce Back to School Kit!

Second Sunday on Main Price: FREE! Phone: 513-241-2690 Location: Main Street, Cincinnati OH. secondsundayonmain.org.

Street fair on Main featuring craft and food vendors, entertainment, demonstrations and more. FREE. secondsundayonmain.org.

mon 15

Parenting Teens and Young Adults with ADHD and Asperger’s Price: $15 Phone: 513-947-8387.

Sing-along with David Kiser (all ages) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 8899 US 42, Union KY www.bcpl.org

This “Growing Sound” performance will empower and delight children.

sun 14

Art on the Commons Price: FREE Phone: 937-296-0294 Location: Lincoln Park. 3600

Shroyer Road, Kettering www.ci.kettering.oh.us

Fine arts and crafts show featuring watercolors, blown glass, photography,

Location: Holiday Inn Eastgate. 4501 Eastgate Blvd, Cincinnati OH. www.lifestrat.net

This presentation is for parents of children between the ages of 15 and 25 who have ADD/ADHD, High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders or other hidden disabilities. Topics will include: The Role of Executive Function, Growing up with a Hidden Disability, Daily Living Skills, and Educational Success.

tues 16 Brain Balance Parent Lecture Phone: 513 257-0705 Location: Brain Balance of Cincinnati.

12084 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati OH. www.brainbalancecenters.com

At the lecture you will learn about the exciting Brain Balance Program and how it can help your child succeed academically, socially and behaviorally. For attending you will receive Dr. Melillo’s book Disconnected Kids. We look forward to meeting you at the lecture. Seating is Limited.

Marge and Charles Schott PlayScape Grand Opening Price: Members: Free Nonmembers: Daily Admission. Phone: 513-831-1711 Location: Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods. 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford OH. www.CincyNature.org.

Join CNC in celebrating the Grand Opening of the Marge and Charles Schott Nature PlayScape Tuesday, August 16. The “vine-cutting” ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Afterwards, we encourage children and adults to tour and play by digging, splashing, building and creating fun in nature Executive Director Bill Hopple will give opening remarks and a short informational session will follow the vine-cutting.

Messy Art (ages 2-5) Price: FREE Phone: 859-

342-2665 Location: 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY www.bcpl.org

weds 17

Parenting Teens and Young Adults with ADHD and Asperger’s Price: $15 Phone: 513-947-8387 Location: Doubletree Guest Suites

Cincinnati Sharonville. 6300 E. Kemper Road, Sharonville OH www.lifestrat.net.

thurs 18

Gamers’ Club (ages 9-12) Price: FREE! Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 8899 US

42, Union KY. www.bcpl.org

Challenge each other and talk memes and cheats with fellow gamers. Please register.

Little hands create masterpieces Leave the mess at the library. Please register.

Circus Experience: Join the Circus for a night Price: FREE! Phone: 513-921-5454 Location: Essex Studios. 501 Minnesota Street, Cincinnati Ohio. www.amazingportablecircus.com

messy art

tuesday, august 16 boone county public library

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 39

Lego Mania (ages 8-10)

5890 Buckwheat Road, Milford OH. www.setonmilford.org/.

Family Chicken Dinner, Bingo, Doll Auction, Raffles, Music, Bid and Buy plus an all NEW Kid’s Grand Prize!

Ice Cream Eating Contest

Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 1786 Burlington

Pike, Burlington KY www.bcpl.org

Let your imagination run wild We provide the Legos; you have all the fun. Please register.

Brew Review Price: $5. Registration Required Phone: (513) 398-9358 Location: Whole Foods. 5805 Deerfield

Boulevard, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

Join us the third Thursday of every month for the Brew Review! Every month, we’ll take you on a beer adventure while sampling 5 monthly picks along with food pairings.

fri 19 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Festival Occuring Friday, Aug. 19 - Sunday, Aug. 21 Price: All you can ride bracelet ($15.00) FREE. Phone: 513-575-0119. Location: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

Phone: 513-621-4400. Location: Fountain Square. Fifth and Vine streets, Cincinnati OH www.myfountainsquare.com/balloontoss

Contestants will race to see who can finish a pint of ice cream in the fastest time. The first 30 people to sign up will compete for the honor of being Mayfield’s ice cream eating champion! The winner will go home with an ice cream cone trophy and a year’s supply of delicious Mayfield Ice Cream!

kids on rides or let them play games, bid at the Auction for cool items and you can sit back and enjoy the music.

Monte Carlo, Silent Auction, Basket Raffle, Games, Rides plus Festival favorites like Beer, Hot Dogs, Brats, Pizza, Walking Tacos and other snacks PLUS CASH RAFFLE!! Lots of great food so bring the family for dinner, take the

Occuring Friday, Aug. 19 - Sunday, Aug. 21 Price: FREE! Phone: 513-321-1207 Location: St. Mary Church. 2845 Erie Ave., Hyde Park OH. www.saintmaryhydepark.org/

Many Varied and Unusual Game Booths for All Ages, Rides for the Kids, Blackjack and Poker, Food Court Featuring Grillables, Funnel Cakes, Live Music, Ice Cream and Major Grand Prize. Plus Bid ‘n Buy Booth is Back Featuring Many Popular Can’t Miss Parties!

sat 20

Paint a Peacock!

boone county public library 40 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Music, artistic performances and dances by local artist and regional talents, cultural food and craft vendors and Asian games for adults and children. Benefits Care2Share.

mon 22

Price: FREE! $5 Suggested donation Phone: 513-345-8400 Location: Contemporary Arts Center.

44 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati OH. www.contemporaryartscenter.org. Price: $35/person. Phone: 513-271-2793 Location: Cheers to Art! 7700 Camargo Road, Madeira OH. www.cheerstoart.com.

Be the first to paint our NEW peacock!

paws to Read (ages 5-10) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 21 S. Main St., Walton KY www.bcpl.org

Princess Tea Party (ages 4-8)

saturday, august 20

Occuring Saturday, Aug. 20 & Sun. Aug 21. Price: FREE! Phone: 614-599-9432 Location: Kolping Center. 10235 Mill Road, Cincinnati OH. www.care2share.org

One Night: One Craft

Read a great book to therapy dogs Cindy Lou or Rane. Call the Walton branch to reserve your 15-minute time slot.

princess tea party

Asian Food Fest

St. Mary Family Funfest

St. Francis de Sales Family Fun Fest Occuring Friday, Aug. 19 - Sunday, Aug. 21 Price: FREE! Phone: 513-932-2601. Location: St. Francis de Sales Church. 20 De Sales Ave., Lebanon OH. stfrancisdesales-lebanon.org/ DesktopDefault.aspx

sun 21

Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 7425 us 42, Florence KY www.bcpl.org

Come dressed in your best for stories and treats with your favorite Disney princesses.

5DIY sessions for grown-ups. Learn embroidery, printmaking, book-binding and more.

tues 23

Gross Out (ages 8-12) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 21 S. Main St., Walton KY www.bcpl.org

Make edible vomit and soap that looks like poop but smells betterPlease register. 5.

weds 24

American Girls Book Club (ages 8-10) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 8899 US 42, Union KY www.bcpl.org

Join the club that will have you talking about your favorite characters, creating crafts and snacking with friends.

thurs 25 Ladies Night Price: $30/person Phone: 513-271-2793. Location: 7700 Camargo

Road, Madeira OH. www.cheerstoart.com.

August Ladies Night with specials on house wine, drawing for FREE ladies night session & 20% OFF items in the boutique. Be the first to sign up for this NEW PAINTING..! Cheers to Art!

Snug as a Bug (ages 3-6)

the Nationals! Stay for the Brandon Phillips Fireworks Jam! Post-game fireworks show featuring a soundtrack of the second baseman’s favorite summer hits, starting approximately 15 minutes after the end of the game.

Final Friday Phone: 513-241-2690. Location: 12th to Liberty streets. Main Street, Cincinnati OH.

Presented by Merchants of Main Street. Open house of shops and galleries from

sat 27

Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS. Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 7425 US 42, Florence KY. www.bcpl.org

Build a bug, play hide and seek with a hungry frog, and meet some incredible live insects from around the world. Presented by Cincinnati Children’s Museum. Please register.

fri 26

A Taste of Mission Price: FREE! Phone: 513-474-4997 Location: Comboni Mission Center. 1318 Nagel Road, Cincinnati OH www.combonimissionaries.org

Support the Reds as they take on the Nationals! First 20,000 fans receive a Reds Playing Card Set with cards featuring Reds caricatures.

Family Fun Saturdays Price: $2 Phone: 513-651-0734. Location: Betts House. 416 Clark St., Cincinnati OH

Features hands-on craft activity about a specific architectural style from American history. Activities suitable for children ages 5-10. Coloring activities related to theme available for younger children. All crafts included with admission.

paws to Read (ages 5-10)

the Main Library to reserve your 15-minute time slot.

FIND MORE ON THE WEB

So Long Summer (ages 2-6) Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 7425 US 42, Florence KY. www.bcpl.org

Create a watermelon slice, a pinwheel, and enjoy some “spray” painting as we bid summer farewell.

Need even more great ideas on things to do? Visit CincinnatiParent.com and sign up for our weekly e-newsletter!

Bases Days! Line up after the game to run the bases. Open to fans of all ages.

Babywearing Bliss

sun 28

A Taste of Mission Price: FREE! Phone: 513-474-4997 Location: Comboni Mission Center. 1318 Nagel Road, Cincinnati OH www.combonimissionaries.org

Outdoor. Family friendly evening with food, drinks, music, dance and wide variety of handmade items from around the world. Crafts and face painting for children. Benefits work of the Comboni Missionaries around the world.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS. Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Support the Reds as they take on the Nationals! Plus, Dannon Run the

Price: FREE! Phone: 513-721-7275 Location: Park + Vine. 1202 Main Street, Cincinnati OH www.parkandvine.com.

A free workshop on safely and comfortably carrying a baby from birth through toddler years. Experiment and ask questions about the different kinds of carriers (wraps, ring slings, pouches, mei tais and soft-structured) and browse our selection after the class.

mon 29 Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381REDS. Location: Great American Ball Park.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS Location: Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Support the Reds as they take on

Price: FREE Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY. www.bcpl.org

Read to one of our therapy dogs, Squirt, Bailey, Doc and others. Call

cincinnati reds vs. washington nationals

sunday, august 28 great american ball park AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 41

FIND MORE ON THE WEB Need even more great ideas on things to do? Visit CincinnatiParent.com and sign up for our weekly e-newsletter!

100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Support the Reds as they take on the Phillies!

One Night: One Craft Price: FREE! $5 Suggested donation Phone: 513-345-8400

Location : Pump It Up. 7724 Service Center Dr., West Chester OH www.pumpitupparty. com /oh /west-chester

SENSORY NIGHT for Special Needs kids, and their siblings and families! Kids with autism and those on the autism spectrum love the active movement of jumping and climbing on our safe, giant inflatables. It also helps build large muscle groups and coordination. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really FUN! Space is limited, so try to arrive on time! Designed for ages 3-12 yrs; a waiver signed by a parent/guardian & socks are required.

Location : Contemporary Arts Center.

44 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati OH. www.contemporaryartscenter.org

DIY sessions for grown-ups. Learn embroidery, printmaking, book-binding and more.

tues 30

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies!

Price: $8.00 per child. Parents are FREE! Phone: 513.829.7867

Support the Reds as they take on

42 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

weds 31

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies! Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS. Location : Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

Location: Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati OH www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org

From itty bitty jewelry to GIANT sculpture, we have art in all shapes and sizes. Explore huge paintings and mincroscopic sculptures during this open house for preschoolers and parents featuring storytelling and touchable objects.

Alexandria Fair & Horse Show

Support the Reds as they take on the Phillies!

Summer Shazaam Series Price: FREE Phone: 513-388-4513 Location : Beech Acres Park. 6910

Price: Varies Per Ticket. Phone: 513-381-REDS. Location : Great American Ball Park. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH www.reds.com

SENSORY NIGHT

the Phillies! Varies Per Ticket.

Salem Road, Cincinnati OH www.andersonparks.com

Bring seating. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment. Followed by Grilled Cheese Wednesdays event.

Wee Wednesday Price: FREE Phone: 513-388-4513

Price: FREE! (on Wednesday only) Phone: 859-635-2667 Location : Alexandria Fairgrounds. 100 Fairgrounds Lane, Alexandria KY www.alexandriafairandhorseshow.com

Come for a parade, horses, and family activities. All ages welcome.

ongoing calendar Summer Shazaam Series

Price: FREE Phone: 513-388-4513 Location: Beech Acres Park, 6910

Salem Road, Cincinnati OH. www.andersonparks.com

Bring seating. Children’s entertainment. Followed by Grilled Cheese Wednesdays event.

Toyota Movie Night at Fountain Square! Occurring Each Sunday Sunday, August 28, 2011. Price: FREE for all ages Phone: 513-621-4400 Location: Fountain Square. Fifth and

Vine streets, Cincinnati OH www.myfountainsquare.com/balloontoss One of our most popular summer events, Toyota‘s Movie Night presents a feature film each week during the summer on Fountain Square’s big screen in Cincinnati’s biggest living room. Families, couples, and groups of friends bring their own blankets, chairs, and pillows. Adult beverages, soft drinks, and movie snacks are available for purchase. Concessions will include Skyline coneys, soft pretzels & pizza.

100 Days of Fun! Occurring Daily Through Sunday, September 04, 2011.

whole family. Our jam-packed schedule includes old favorites and tons of new programs to spice up your Museum Center experience. It’s times like these where your membership gets some serious love. We have way too much to see, do, and explore for just one day. Come back every day and have a new adventure with your family!

Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH www.cincymuseum.org We’re kicking off summer with our 100 Days of Fun! That’s 100 days—2,400 hours— of quality enjoyment for your

Ride the Ducks Newport

check the website for updates. Shalom Family is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation for families in the Jewish Community with children ten and under.

Occurring Daily Through Monday, September 05, 2011.

Uncorked! A Food & Wine Experience

Experience sightseeing fun from a

Occurring Each Friday Through Friday, October 28, 2011. Price: $5. Registration Requred.

Art in the Parks: Queen City Art Club Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, August 20, 2011 Through Sunday, August 28, 2011. Price: FREE Phone: (513) 521-PARK (7275) Location: Farbach-Werner Nature

Preserve. 3455 Poole Rd www.GreatParks.org

The Queen City Art Club is made up of men and women at many levels of art experience who are interested in promoting art in Greater Cincinnati. Members include painters, sculptors, ceramists and more.

Art World Occurring Every Sun & Sat Through Sunday, December 18, 2011. Price: FREE Phone: 513-721-2787 Location: Cincinnati Art Museum. 953

Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati OH www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Explore the interactive discovery area for families at the Art Museum. Themes rotate two to three times per year and always feature hands-on activities for all ages, interests, and learning styles. Artworld admission and activities are always free. Price: Ticket prices vary, $55-$160 Phone: (513) 287-702 Location:

the Levee venues. Free. Newport on the Levee. One Levee Way, Newport Ky. www.newportonthelevee.com. (859) 291-0550.

AUGUST 2011

LIVE at the Levee Occurring Each Thursday Through Thursday, August 04, 2011.

These concerts are free and open to the public. Beer and malt beverages are available for purchase during the concert. Prizes are given away throughout the night from Newport on

duck’s eye view on Greater Cincinnati’s only duck tour. Travel on land and water in one amazing vehicle. Tour the streets and SPLASH into the Ohio River. Tickets can be purchased at Newport on the Levee in front of Newport Aquarium. Adults are $17, children are $12 and under 2 are free. Ride the Ducks, Newport. One Aquarium Way, Newport KY. newportducks.com. 859-815-1439.

Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for You and Your Little One Ongoing on the second Sunday and fourth Sunday of each Month. Price: FREE! RSVP online! Phone: 513-703-3343 Location: The Gymboree. 5595 Deerfield Boulevard, Mason OH. www.myshalomfamily.org

Shalom Family and the Mayerson JCC present private interactive playgroups for Jewish families with children 18 months and younger in which at least one parent is Jewish! These playgroups are free and feature the popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun. Sensory Sundays are offered on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. Play dates always include a snack. Dates and times are subject to change, please

Phone: (513) 398-9358 Location: Whole Foods. 5805

Deerfield Boulevard, Mason OH www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Join us every Friday for 5 delicious dishes paired with 5 fabulous wines all for $5.00! Cost includes wine, food tasting and a Whole Foods Market Wine Glass! Bring your glass back to the next tasting for $1 off your punch card.

Walk Club Occurring Every Mon, Wed & Fri Beginning Through Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Price: FREE! Vehicle permit required Phone: 513-728-3551 Location: Winton Woods. 10245

Winton Road, Cincinnati OH www.hamiltoncountyparks.org/ww.htm

Walks are led by Park District volunteers. Walkers may choose the days they want to walk.

Brew Review Occurring on the third Thursday of each Month Through Friday, October 21, 2011. Price: $5. Registration Requred. Phone: (513) 398-9358 Location: Whole Foods. 5805

Deerfield Boulevard, Mason OH www.wholefoodsmarket.com AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 43

calendar

[ ongoing calendar ]

Join us the third Thursday of every month for the Brew Review! Every month, we’ll take you on a beer adventure while sampling 5 monthly picks along with food pairings.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt

invasion and get your David Rogers’ Big Bugs tickets today! Visit us at GreatParks. org/BigBugs to place your order.

senior; with discounts for Members. Phone: 1.800.733.2077 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH www.cincymuseum.org

The world of Cleopatra VII has been lost to the sea and sand for nearly 2,000 years. The exhibition features nearly 150 artifacts from Cleopatra’s time and will take you inside the present-day search for the elusive queen, which extends from the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near Alexandria.

Occurring Daily Through Monday, September 05, 2011. Phone: 614-228-2674 or 1-888-819-2674Location: OSI. 333

W. Broad St., Columbus OH Dinosaurs that walked the earth millions of years ago will roar to life at COSI from May 28 – September 5, 2011. Dinosaurs: Explore, Escape, Survive features scientifically accurate animatronic dinosaurs, complete with movement and sound. Advanced computer simulators offer the chance to be the dinosaur, giving visitors an opportunity to test their survival skills in the Mesozoic era. A 3,000 square foot maze offers future paleontologists a chance to uncover dinosaur facts and fossils while measuring their prehistoric knowledge. And COSI’s new digital theater will present the 3D feature Waking the T-Rex: The Story of Sue.

Family ARTventures Tour Occurring Every Sun & Sat Through Sunday, December 18, 2011. Price: FREE Phone: 513-721-2787 Location: Cincinnati Art Museum. 953

Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati OH

David Rogers’ Big Bugs! Occurring Daily (except Mon) Through Sunday, August 21, 2011. Price: Admission is $7.00 for adults and

$5.00 for children age’s two and up. Phone: (513) 521-PARK (7275) Location: Glenwood Gardens. 10397

Springfield Pike, Woodlawn OH

All kids between the ages of 9 to 14 come check out our awesome sound system, rock climbing wall, laser lights, black lights and of course bouncing. There will be plenty of dance music, games, and guitar hero on our arena TV’s. Come party with your friends and make new ones at Pump It Up!

www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Take a docent-led interactive tour with fun facts and hands-on activities for the whole family. These tours take place at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays, starting from the front lobby.

Findlay Market Farmers Market Occurring Daily (except Mon) Through Saturday, December 31, 2011. Phone: 513-665-4839 Location: Findlay Market. 1801

Race St., Cincinnati OH

1 Levee Way, Newport KY.

Friday Night Grill Out Occurring Each Friday Through Friday, September 02, 2011. Price: $7.50 to $9.25, $3.95

per child 10 & under. Phone: (513) 521-7275 Location: Lake Isabella Boathouse/ Pier. 10174 Loveland-Madeira Rd., Cincinnati OH www.GreatParks.org

Leave the grilling to us! Bring the family to Lake Isabella to enjoy a relaxing Friday evening dinner. Don’t miss live music and fishing demonstrations by Lake Isabella Boathouse staff as well as Park District naturalists stopping by to talk about local wildlife. The playground area will be open before and after dinner for the kids. Live entertainment!

Happen’s Toy Lab Occurring Every Sun & Sat Through Sunday, December 18, 2011. Price: $10 per toymaker Phone: 513-751-23457 Location: Happen Inc. 4201

Family Jump NightAMILY JUMP NIGHT Occurring Each Thursday Beginning Thursday, July 14, 2011 Through Thursday, December 29, 2011. Price: $7.00 per child Phone: 513.829.7867 Location: Pump It Up. 7724 Service

www.happeninc.com

Center Dr., West Chester OH

Jump and Jam Tween Night

Come play on our giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables during our evening Pop-In Playtime! Share quality time and promote physical fitness while bouncing, sliding, climbing and jumping at Pump It

Ongoing Every Mon, Tue, Wed & Thu. Phone: 859-652-7250 Location: Star Lanes on the Levee.

Local vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, flowers, cheese and cottage goods.

Things are definitely getting “buggy” at the Hamilton County Park District! Visit the “invasion” at Glenwood Gardens where you will find over a dozen of these largerthan-life bugs throughout the park. Be sure to try your best “jitter bug” at any of the four evening concerts during the event, see bugs on the big screen during a special movie night, learn all about a bugs life with exciting guest speakers and programs, “crawl” your way through the Big Bugs 5k Run/Walk and more! So join the

www.pumpitupparty.com/oh/west-chester

Kids Eat Free

www.findlaymarket.org

www.GreatParks.org

44 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

www.pumpitupparty.com /oh /west-chester

Dinosaurs: Explore, Escape, Survive

www.cosi.org

Occurring Daily Through Monday, September 05, 2011. Price: $23 adult, $15 child, and $19

Center Dr., West Chester OH

Up. Enjoy spending time with your family, meeting other families and making new friends in a safe, clean, climate controlled environment. Call Us For Details!

Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH Build your own toy from thousands of recycled parts.

Occurring Each Sunday Through Sunday, August 28, 2011. Price: $10.00 per tween Phone: 513.829.7867 Location: Pump It

Up. 7724 Service

http: //www.facebook.com /home. php?#!/pages/Mr-Pin-at-Star-Laneson-the-Levee/175567829120936

Kids Eat Free Monday-Thursday from 4-7pm at Star Lanes on the Levee (Offer valid for kids 12 and under. For parties of 8 or less. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Offer is valid for 2 free kids meal per accompanying adult). Also, become a fan of Mr. Pin on facebook and receive all of our additional offers :)

Kids’ Parties Ongoing Daily. Price: FREE (Additional package

upgrades are available) Phone: 859-752-6250 Location: Star Lanes on the Levee. 1 Levee Way Suite 1112, Newport KY www.starlaneslevee.com

Come celebrate your child’s birthday or other special day with us at Star Lanes For only $14.95/child, your child and their friends will receive unlimited bowling and shoe rental, unlimited cheese and pepperoni pizza, and unlimited soft drinks for 2 hours Plus, the birthday kid is always FREE (Additional package upgrades are available). Call Rebecca or Stephanie at (859) 652-7250 to book your party today.

FIND MORE ON THE WEB Need even more great ideas on things to do? Visit CincinnatiParent.com and sign up for our weekly e-newsletter!

birthday party

[ birthday party guide ]

resources

GUIDE

AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 45

resources

[ marketplace ]

CINCINNATI PARENT Marketplace

LEARN TO PLAY MUSIC AT HOME!

Piano, guitar & voice lessons Lessons available for all ages Highly qualified music teacher Flexible scheduling/Optional recitals $10,000 Musical Lending Library

PIANO LESSONS

IN YOUR HOME, INC. (513) 860-3540

www.pianolessonsinyourhome.com

YOUR AD HERE!

West Chester Academy of Music & Dance www.wcaom.com 829-2345

Contact Katie at Katie@CincinnatiParent.com

fun+wacky

AUGUST 2011

d ch

d ay

how to celebrate: make a special gift or write a poem for your parents. help clean around the house or yard. p u d di n g

9 da

fri

watermelon day

happy birthday on this day in 1790, the neil armstrong to celebrate: how to celebrate: Coast Guard build ahow space shuttle, eat have a watermelon seed astronaut ice cream... spitting contest! was established. 10

s’mores day

n at

e l ri c

thurs

on this day in 1786, the US dollar was created.

how to celebrate: sleep in! stay in your pj’s all day! take a nap!

national thrift on shop day this day to celebrate: in 1898 the first checkhow your closet and/or roller coaster basement to see what you was patented. can donate to a thrift store!

cupcake day

lemon juice day how to celebrate: did you know lemon juice is an inexpensive sanitizer, cleaner and laundry brightener?

toasted marshmallow day

strange music day how to celebrate: play songs using instruments you find around the house (pots, pans, brooms, etc...)

n a s p li t bana

on this day in 1966 the first photograph of eat a earth was taken peach day from the moon.

how to celebrate: hash browns, chips, fries...

national dog day

national family and mustard friendship day day how to celebrate: throw a neighborhood cookout, talk about your family tree...

how to celebrate: try mustard on something you’ve never eaten it on before. pizza, potato chips...

middle children’s day

cr al

e a m sicle da

14 y

how to celebrate: celebrate your middle child by spending the day with just them!

senior citizen’s day

how to celebrate: google “kool-aid crafts” for some great ideas! kool- aid fingerpainting, anyone??? 19 ay od

sun

pot

play in the sand day

national relaxation day

how to celebrate: build a fire and make some s’mores !

n at

kool-aid day

sat

re a m sa ic e c n

respect for parent’s day

weds

n at

tues

n at

mon

lemonade day

how to celebrate: set up a lemonade stand!!!

how to celebrate: visit a nursing home. take flowers or cookies to an elderly neighbor.

how to celebrate: bananas at every meal! banana pancakes, pb & banana sandwiches...

on this day in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I have a dream” speech.

banana lover’s day

eat outside day

like this calendar?? If so, let us know at editor@cincinnatiparent.com!!!

how to celebrate: eat every meal outside today! AUGUST 2011 [ cincinnati parent ] 47