September/October Issue of Hamilton County Family Magazine by Midwest Parenting Publications

September | October 2012

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Contents

Meet the Staff PUBLISHER

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Mary Wynne Cox mary@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

8 | Greetings

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Fall has arrived!

10 | On the Radar

Indy's Child Education Fair, Medley Portraits, Stonycreek Farm, Carmel International Arts Festival,

12 | Real Moms: From Homemaker to "Wich" Maker: Darcie Mueting

ART Creative Director Katie Pfierman katie@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Balancing family life and her local sandwich shop called Which Wich速

14 | Today's Teen Culture: Can Parents Compete? Navigating through the period of adolescence in today's culture

SUPPORT Advertising Coordinator Karen Ring karen@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

16 | Fall Fun and Festivals Guide

Business Manager | Accounting Roxanne Burns roxanne@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

A local guide to fall activities

18 | Mommy Magic

Back to school mom makeover

Public Relations and Events Wendy Cox wendy@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

20 | Fall Open House Guide

A local guide to school open houses

24 | What You Don't Know About Women's Health

Misconcepions and concerns on new development, & the importance of putting your own health first

26 | Fill Your Bucket

The year of me

27 | In Our Opinion

29 | Memory Lane

Family photos

31 | Strollers & Stilettos

Please DO NOT pass the fruits and vegetables

32 | To Do With Your Crew

Mark your calendars & get ready for fun family activities

On The Cover

Hazel and Oliver Hilliard

Susan Bryant Mary Susan Buhner Hannah Hilliard Mindy Irish Jenn Kampmeier Heather Lapham Kuhn Rebecca Palmer Karen Ring

Hannah Hilliard

You can host the best autumn block party ever

[

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

A to-do list now that the kids are back in school

28 | The Nest

Associate Publisher Advertising Sales Jennica Zalewski jennica@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

]

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

Scan this QR code and instantly access Hamilton County Family from your smart phone or tablet device! www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Everything we do is designed for

learning. This is the perfect time to visit your KinderCare® neighborhood center and discover what an environment designed for learning can mean for your child.

To find a center near you and to schedule a personal tour: 877-KinderCare

KinderCare.com

Escape Pass benefits include unlimited access to: • Indoor Aquatics • The Waterpark • Fitness Center • Gymnasium • KidZone (childcare) • Group Fitness Classes (Household Pass only)

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September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

Greetings SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Fall Has Arrived! This is always a lively time of year around our home! The back-to-school routine is a welcome change to our lazy days of summer. I don’t know about you, but I tend to go into overdrive as the school year begins – listing all of the things I should have done over the summer but didn’t; getting the kid’s schedules placed on the family calendar; reorganizing closets and cabinets as well as the always fun garage purge; not to mention, carving out a little ME time! My personal back-to-school resolution is to have a pre-scheduled dinner plan. Preparing a meal plan ahead of time invites a calming end to what may have been an otherwise hectic day and gives the family time to come together. Whether you have the type of family that sits together for meals or one in which everyone is coming and going as schedules permit, the family meal plan will provide peace of mind at a time of day when things can quickly spiral out of control. Speaking of keeping things under control, take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to read about our Real Mom and how she balances business ownership and motherhood. Also, who can ever fully prepare for having a teenager in the home? Check out our article on the teenage culture for tips on easing into this unique stage in parenting. Finally, gear up for fall, which is such a beautiful time in Hamilton County, by checking out our Fall Fun and Festival Guide. This guide offers a great starting point for making the most of this wonderful time of year. Wishing everyone a fantastic fall full of family fun!

Jennica Zalewski Associate Publisher

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

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SSC MASTERS SWIMMING A unique approach to becoming fitter, faster, and healthier SSC Masters swimming is a unique opportunity for adults to become fitter, faster and healthier. Whether you are training for a triathlon, and need some swimming help or just want to get into better shape, SSC Masters has a spot for you. Go online to southeasternswim.org and click on the Masters tab for information and registration forms. What are you doing to become healthier? Southeastern Swim Club Masters has the answer for you.

southeasternswim.org (216)215-1540 joel.elber@gmail.com

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September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

On The Radar SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

2 FAIR 012

Get Involved

Other

Indy's Child 2nd Annual Education and Enrichment Fair When: September 22, 2012 (11am-3pm)

u al

Where: The Fashion Mall (Keystone at the Crossing)

2nd

CA EDU TION

Mark Your Calendar

What: Families from all over Central Indiana will have the opportunity to explore over 50 public, private, and charter schools along with many enrichment activities. If you are looking for a school or after-school activity for your child, exhibitors will be on hand to answer your questions face-to-face.

The 15th Annual Carmel International Arts Festival Come celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Carmel International Arts Festival, which will take place on Saturday September 22, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday September 23, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This event has grown considerably from that first year around Carmel City Square. There will be over 135 juried artists exhibiting in watercolor, oil, 2D, jewelry, photography, 3D, wood, sculpture, pottery and more. Best of all it is FREE!

[For more information, visit www.carmelartsfestival.org[

A Special Kind of Photographer Medley Portraits is a photography studio in Noblesville owned by local photographer Cassandra Medley. Medley offers photography services for weddings, senior pictures and family portraits â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with an emphasis on children with special needs and disabilities. Cassandra Medley has completed training offered by Special Kids Photography of America (SKPA), a nationwide nonprofit organization. This unique instruction helps make the photographer's interaction with children with special needs easier and produces better results. Cassandra is one of just three photographers in the state of Indiana providing this amazing service to children with special needs and their families. And she is the ONLY photographer with an emphasis on those children with autism.

[ For more information, please visit www.medleyportraits.com. [ 10

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

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Get to know Prevail, Inc., an organization that advocates for crime victims October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And, just as other national observations are meant to increase awareness, this month should prompt those in violent relationships to take stock of their situation and take action. One of the first steps you can make is to contact Prevail Inc. Prevail is committed to offering services to victims of crime and abuse, free of charge, in a confidential, supportive, non-judgmental environment that is meant to empower, educate and strengthen clients. Founded in July 1986, Prevail has expanded its programming to meet the growing demand for services. Just one example is the number and types of support groups offered. In 1987, the first support group was started for victims of domestic violence. Today, twelve weekly groups are offered to meet the needs of adults, youth and teens. In 2011, Prevail worked with 2,744 clients – a 10% increase over 2010. Prevail is a dedicated and recognized model in the advocacy for crime victims. Programs and services are offered without discrimination against age, race, gender, creed, ethnicity, color, marital status, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability and are confidential, personalized and free-of-charge.

[

For more information, log on to www.prevailinc.com or contact (317) 773-6942. Prevail offers a free 24-hour crisis line at 317-776-3472.

[

Stonycreek Farm combats drought by germinating pumpkins for the 40th Annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival The drought definitely plagued the state of Indiana. National Weather Service Hydrologist Al Shipe says we are experiencing the longest dry spell in the Indianapolis area since 1908. The drought continues to worsen in Indiana, with 30 percent of the state now in extreme drought. Just a few months ago, less than 10 percent of Indiana had any precipitation shortage. Loren Schmierer, Stonycreek Farm owner, said, "We are in uncharted territory at the farm.” Noting that, for the first time in 40 years, Stonycreek Farm germinated pumpkins in preparation for the 40th annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival, planned this year for September 29 through October 31. Stonycreek Farm germinated 10,000 pumpkin seedlings in the greenhouses and hand watered them to ensure that families will still be able to pick their own pumpkins during the festival. The seedlings were then planted in the field and maintained with a water truck. “Even with the extreme conditions, we need to be proactive and preserve this tradition,” said Loren. “In some cases, third and fourth generation family members are planning to come to the Festival and pick their pumpkins, and this year we have our 40th anniversary to celebrate so we want to make sure the experience is special.” In addition to having pumpkins ready to pick in the fields, Stonycreek is planning to ship in pumpkins so they can be purchased in the gift shop and greenhouse areas. About Stonycreek Farm Nursery & Landscaping: What began as a small pumpkin patch in 1972 has grown into a full-service nursery and landscaping business, as well as a wedding and party (birthdays/hayrides/zipline) venue. Stonycreek Farm Nursery & Landscaping is located on 50 acres of farmland in Noblesville, which once served as a Native American trade route and was the site of an old gristmill. For more event updates and information, visit www.stonycreekfarm.net or visit Stonycreek Farm on Facebook. Stonycreek Farm Nursery and Landscaping is located at 11366 State Road 38 East, two miles east of Noblesville on State Road 38 East.

[ For more information call (317) 776-9427. [ www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

Real Moms

From Homemaker to “Wich” Maker: Darcie Mueting by: Rebecca Palmer, Mom of 5

It is a Saturday afternoon in Carmel, Indiana. Nestled in a small strip mall next to Meijer sits a quaint sandwich shop called Which Wich®. Inside, you can find a wide variety of unique, freshly prepared sandwiches (more than 50 actually!) as well as handmade milkshakes and sweet treats such as chocolate chip fudge brownies. Owner and Carmel resident, Darcie Mueting, is bustling around the shop wiping down tables and chatting with customers. She wants all her customers to feel special – that is her favorite part of the job. “I get to meet neat, unique people” she tells me. Not to mention a few celebrities. Former Colts player Jeff Saturday and retired Pacers center, Jeff Foster, have visited her place.

Family First However, no matter how much she loves her job at Which Wich, Darcie’s first priority has

always been her family. “My children know that I would drop anything to help them!” Darcie declares. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Darcie met her husband, Dan, in college at the University of Northern Iowa. They have been married almost 26 years and have three children. “My children are all doing really well,” she beams. Her eldest son, Ryan, is 22 and resides in Florida. He is studying to be a paramedic and EMT. Son Nathan is a junior at a college in Nashville, Tennessee, where he plays on the golf team. Finally, daughter Devon is starting her senior year at Carmel High School. Like her own mother, Darcie chose to stay at home when her children were small. However, when her youngest child turned 15, Darcie became bored and wanted a job. “I had already done a lot of work at my children’s schools.” Darcie explained. This

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

self-proclaimed “do-it-yourselfer” also pursued her hobbies of gardening, painting and re-decorating her home. However, this suburban housewife needed a new challenge.

A New Adventure Darcie approached her husband, Dan, about her possible return to the workplace. Dan was very supportive, but together they agreed that Darcie would need to have a flexible schedule. “I needed a job with flexibility so I could still help out with Dan’s job,” Darcie added. She also needed to be available to hold down their home front when her husband needed to travel. They started brainstorming some job possibilities. They decided that if Darcie opened her own business she could have the flexibility she needed to juggle work and home. In college, they had worked in catering and enjoyed it. Ironically, a friend of Darcie and Dan’s had

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become involved with a sandwich shop chain and was now a multi-millionaire. They decided to ask his advice about opening up their own sandwich shop. To their surprise, the friend suggested Which Wich (not his own) because it was new and up-and-coming. There would also be room for growth in the Indianapolis area. After visiting the home office in Dallas, Texas, and touring different shops across the country, Darcie and Dan were sold. In August of 2009, they opened their own Which Wich shop. “I chose Carmel because I knew it so well and it felt comfortable,” Darcie said. Since then, Darcie has opened a Which Wich in downtown Indianapolis near IUPUI, as well as one in Bloomington near Indiana University. She and Dan also plan on opening a shop in Avon in the very near future. This is very good news for her loyal customers who brave long lines during their lunch periods to devour their favorite “Wich”.

Balancing work and home Like any working mom, Darcie often finds it hard to juggle career and family. “What really helps is that my family is very involved here,” Darcy explains. As a matter of fact, all of Darcie’s children have worked at Which Wich at one time or another. Currently, Devon works part-time at the shop after school. Darcie’s husband is very involved as well. Besides working a full-time job in sales and insurance with Dearborn National, Dan puts in many hours doing “behind the scenes stuff” such as paperwork. In addition, when Darcie got a chance to get away to Hawaii with her daughter and her sister, Dan covered the shop for her. “Dan worked there more than 40 hours that week,” she grimaced. Another way Darcie carves out family time is to take Sundays off (most of the time). Her family tries to attend church together and then have some down time. Also, just recently, Darcie hired a personal trainer for her daughter and herself so they could work out together.

Looking Ahead As Darcie looks to the future of her own stores, she is really excited about this year. It is the three-year anniversary of her business and she has a big celebration planned. She wants to do more catering as well. Just recently, she drove to Cloverdale to discuss a catering order for a wedding reception. In the future, Darcie would also like to utilize her college degree in public relations by doing more advertising and marketing. In her spare time (which is getting harder to find) Darcie enjoys playing golf (like her son, Nathan). Darcie and Dan have also invested in bicycles and can be found exploring the bike trails near their home on Carmel’s west side. This seems to be Darcie’s motto for life – enjoy the ride!

“

at Grace Community Church, while Ryan has volunteered to help fix up cars for single moms. Finally, Nathan has already gone on several mission trips overseas and would like to go on more.

What really helps is that my family is very involved here. Giving Back Darcie feels very fortunate in many ways. She has a good marriage, great kids and a successful business. As a result, she believes in giving back to the community. Which Wich has sponsored three teams for the Carmel Dad’s club (and will do more if asked) as well as supported the Hockey team at Carmel High School. The shop also hosts “benefit nights” where schools, sports teams and local charities can keep a percentage of the sales for the day. Most recently, the sandwich shop donated “wiches” for a Habitat for Humanity project. Apparently, giving back has rubbed off on Darcie’s children as well. Devon works in the children’s ministry

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September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

TODAY'S TEEN CULTURE: by: Susan Bryant, Mom of 2

The teen years. Does that phrase make you tremble with fear? Although the period of adolescence has always been considered rough water to navigate (for parents and kids alike) our current culture provides some unique challenges previous generations didn’t face. To learn what modern parents are up against, five local moms of teenagers were asked what makes their job of parenting different from their own parents’ experiences.

The land of digital natives “I definitely feel like our kids are growing up in a very different world,” says Jennifer Naylor, Fishers mom of two daughters ages 12 and 14. “They are being influenced by technology in ways we never experienced at their age. We have rules for texting, cell phone use, Facebook, iPod and parental controls on our TV. Back when we were growing up, we had about 12 channels and we were the remote control!” Indeed, as “digital natives” our kids have been raised with technology playing such an integral part of their daily life, they have an inherent comfort level and reliance on it. Nearly half (47%) of American teens with cell phones can literally text with their eyes closed, as one Harris Interactive poll indicated. This “skill” does come at a price though. Naylor says, “Since most teens communicate via text, I

Can Parents Compete? by: Susan Bryant, mom of 2

am seeing face-to-face communication changing. Our almost 15-year-old cannot fathom calling a business to ask for information. Why should she when she can most likely look up the information on a website? I also see kids sharing more personal information via texting that they wouldn’t necessarily share in person. It is much easier to ask very personal questions because the emotional investment isn’t nearly as high as you would have in a real live conversation.” The advent of technology has undoubtedly altered the landscape of parenting in significant ways. Another Fishers mom of teens ages 14 and 17 says, “I think the biggest difference [between generations] is technology and the way a thought or picture can reach hundreds of people or more in just a few minutes. My children need to be very aware that the choices they make when they are using technology can be very fast and far-reaching and if they make a mistake, it’s not so easy to take back. The consequences can be much more severe than a mistake made in person.” Certainly “sexting” and “cyber bullying” were not part of our vocabulary growing up. Although parents are “digital immigrants”, understanding how fundamental technology has become to teens is critical to modern parenting. Stacy Corwin, mother of a 14-year-old daughter in Noblesville says, “My parents had little reason to stay on top of technological advances when I was young. Computers were not gateways to the world as they are today. We have to monitor our daughter's text

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

messages, social media activity and cell phone usage. We have to keep tabs not only on what she is doing, but how other people are using these forms of communication to contact her. There is no way parents can monitor such activities unless they, too, know how to use this technology."

A media-saturated youth “I think society is much more open now than it was when I was growing up – more things are considered ‘acceptable’ so there were many things my parents didn’t talk about with me, but I do with my kids,” says Donna Wilkinson, Fishers mom of daughters ages 11 and 13. What can the average teen expect to encounter during the course of a typical day? Television dominated by reality TV shows where outrageous behavior is expected and encouraged. Magazines in the checkout lane of the grocery store featuring suggestive headlines, such as ten ways to sexually please your partner. Video games and movies, which are becoming increasingly graphic and violent in an effort to capture the attention of a jaded audience. Viagra ads running on Sunday afternoon and sexualized song lyrics piping into MP3 players. Kids are exposed to more adult content and images than ever before. Even popular teen books contain more profanity now than in years past. A 2012 Brigham Young University study analyzing profanity in 40 books on an adolescent bestseller list found that teen novels had 38 instances of profanity on average. Who was doing all the

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swearing? Characters with higher social status, better looks and more money – people teens would likely emulate. In his book Tough Guys and Drama Queens, author Mark Gregston describes the effect of teens being constantly bombarded with a glut of inappropriate messages. He writes, “What was unacceptable to us has become acceptable to them. Our blushing has become their humor. Because of repeated overexposure, teens have become numb to images and words that once aroused and offended people. They don’t understand why parents make such a big deal over something that, in their world, is ordinary.” Naylor worries that the brash content marketed to kids has had a trickle-down effect on their behavior. “Working in my daughters’ classrooms was eye opening when they were in grade school. I was amazed at the amount of disrespect the students showed teachers. I cannot even imagine that happening when we were young. There is a boldness that I don’t remember kids my age having when I was growing up. I have to wonder if that is just different parenting or the influence of disrespectful TV shows, etc.”

Establishing real connection “As a parent, it is hard to allow freedom while still influencing what kids are exposed to. Besides teaching basic values, I think the best advice is to keep an open line of communication – it may not prevent all problems, but it will help you recognize any issues that need to be explored,” says Alba Jessop, Fishers mom of children ages 11, 13 and 15. Our moms in the trenches all agreed that communicating openly and frequently is the best strategy for staying connected to kids and helping them process the complex world they’re growing up in.

uncomfortable, then they will be too,” says Corwin. “Do whatever you have to do to desensitize yourself to that awkward feeling – practice saying the words in front of a mirror, pretend you are a biology teacher, just do it.” Getting teens to communicate openly can be a challenge and Corwin suggests two methods that have worked well for her. Try having discussions while driving in the car. Sitting in the passenger seat, without having to maintain direct eye contact, may encourage your teen to open up more easily. You also have a “captive audience” for any message you want to convey. A “communication notebook” can spark discussions as well. Let your teen know they can write any concern, question or confession they have and leave the notebook where you will find it. Taking the face-to-face component out of the conversation allows kids to disclose their thoughts more easily and also gives parents the chance to compose their reply instead of responding with their initial gut reaction. Finally, research shows that the family dinner table still has a powerful effect on establishing close connections among kids and parents. A 2011 study at the University of Illinois stated that it is a misperception that teens no longer want to participate in this type of activity. As long as there is give-and-take in the conversation and kids have a chance to express their thoughts, they still welcome family meals.

In good company Trying to buffer the pervasive influence of technology and media on today’s teens can seem like an uphill battle. While these forces do provide daily challenges, certainly every generation of parents has struggled with guiding their children through the cultural pressures of their particular era. Many have gone before and many will follow in the difficult task of raising teens. At the very least, weary moms and dads can take solace in the fact that adolescence does, eventually, end. Tough Guys and Drama Queens, 2012, by Mark Gregston offers parents hands on advice for dealing with the issues unique to parenting today’s teens. Like us on Facebook for your chance to win a free copy of this book.

“I think a lot of the groundwork for raising a teen comes long before your children are that age, and if you have already established a comfortable relationship in which they can come to you and discuss things it heads a lot of things off in the teen years,” says one Fishers mom. “Since the time our children have been little, we would use situations we saw in public or on TV that were either positive or negative and say ‘so what would you do if that happened to you’ as a jumpstart to helping them think through situations before they were ever put into them. We have also been very clear in what we feel are appropriate and inappropriate choices so that they don’t have to wonder what our opinions would be.” Naylor agrees and cautions parents to resist being a friend to their child and stick to the tough job of being a parent. “Listen to them. Ask for their opinion. But don’t be afraid to say ‘no.’ Kids still need boundaries. I have learned not to care if I make unpopular decisions,” she adds. Some topics that need discussing can make parents squirm as much as kids. “It’s hard to talk about difficult, embarrassing subjects with your children, but it is necessary. If you are

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As a parent, it is hard to allow freedom while still influencing what kids are exposed to.

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September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

Fall Fun and Festivals Fall is in the air and as we bid farewell to the oppressive heat of the summer months, it is time to get back outside and enjoy all the fall fun Hamilton County has to offer. Below are a few ideas to get you and your family out and about this coming fall.

Art in the Park Sat., September 15 This event offers a fun-filled day for families and art enthusiasts alike. A Children’s Art Area will feature hands-on art projects for budding young artists while local performers will provide live entertainment throughout the event. Times: 9AM – 4PM Price: FREE Location: Fishers Town Hall www.fishersartscouncil.org/art-in-the-park

15th Annual Carmel International Arts Festival Sat., September 22 & Sun., September 23 There will be over 135 juried artists exhibiting in watercolor, oil, 2D, jewelry, photography, 3D, wood, sculpture, pottery and more. Best of all it is FREE! Times: 10AM – 6PM (until 5PM, Sunday) Price: FREE Location: Carmel Arts & Design District www.carmelartsfestival.org

Stonycreek Farm's 40th Annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival

Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch

Sat., September 29–Weds., October 31

Most activities included with your price of admission, including a miniature golf course with a farm theme, horse pedal carts, pedal tractors and pedal carts for all ages, hayrides, and two great corn mazes just to name a few! Have fun doing these activities over and over again without breaking the bank!

Stonycreek offers hayrides to its U-Pick pumpkin patch, food and vendors, as well as a variety of activities for kids of all ages, including their famous Jumping Pillow, Zipline, and Cave Slides. Most activities incur a separate fee and tickets can be purchased on site. Times: 10AM – 5PM Price: $5 Parking Fee Per Car on Saturdays & Sundays Location: Stonycreek Farm, Noblesville www.stonycreekfarm.net

Saturdays & Sundays in October

Times: 10AM – 6PM Price: $6.00 Each, Kids 2 & Under FREE Location: Russell Farms, Noblesville www.russell-farms.com

Potter's Bridge Fall Festival Sat., October 6 Enjoy a beautiful fall day at Potter's Bridge for the 13th annual Potter's Bridge Fall Festival. Listen to live music, visit the arts and crafts booths, take your little ones to the kids’ area, and enjoy the natural scenery of Noblesville's most scenic park on the White River Greenway Trail. Times: 11AM - 3PM Price: FREE Location: Potters Bridge Park, Noblesville www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

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Fishers Renaissance Faire

Headless Horseman

Sat., October 6 & Sun., October 7

October 12-14, 18-21 & 25-27

Experience the Golden Age of Queen Elizabeth I at The Fishers Renaissance Faire. There will be over 250 costumed characters, jousting, period music and dance, parades, and over 70 artisans and merchants, many food vendors, and free kid’s games. Discounts available online.

Gather family and friends close and prepare to be scared silly! Take a haunted hayride through the woods for an eerie encounter with the Headless Horseman. Families can also enjoy spooky stories, scary-o-ke, shocking science activities, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow puppet show and many more ghoulishly fun activities. Discounted presale tickets available at Marsh.

Times: 10AM - 6PM Price: Age 13 & up, $10; Age 5–12, $5; Age 0–4, FREE Location: Saxony Development, Fishers www.fishersrenfaire.com

Times: 6 – 9PM Price: Thurs. and Sun, $11; Fri. and Sat., $15 Location: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers www.connerprairie.org

6th Annual Oktoberfest

Haunted Trails

Sat., October 13th

Tues., October 23–Thurs., October 25

Dust off your lederhosen and head to Traders Point Creamery! This celebration, in the German tradition, offers plenty of tantalizing organic food, beer and wine, and toe-tapping music from PolkaBoy, a rollicking 13-piece polka band. There are plenty of activities the kids will enjoy, too, like hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and cow milking!

Make your way through the "boo-tiful" woods of Cool Creek Park for our annual Haunted Trails Halloween event! Ghouls and goblins are lurking at every turn and waiting for you to arrive. Trail not recommended for kids under 12, but there will be lots of non-scary activities for little ones in the Fright-Free Zone.

Price: Tickets are $10, $8 in advance Location: Traders Point Creamery www.traderspointcreamery.com

Times: 7 – 10PM Price: $5 Location: Cool Creek Park & Nature Center, Carmel www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov

Stuckey Farm Daily through End of October Due to inclement weather this spring, there will be no apple picking, but there is still tons of fun to be had at Stuckey Farm. Take a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch; test your navigational skills in the James Whitcomb Riley – themed corn maze; and stop by the market for lots of fresh produce and some Stuckey apple cider. There will be special events all fall long – check the website for updates. Times: M-TH, 9 AM-6 PM; F-SAT, 9AM – 8 PM; SUN 1- 5PM Price: FREE Admission (Corn Maze addl. charge) Location: Stuckey Farms, Sheridan www.stuckeyfarm.com

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September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

MommyMagic Back to School Mom Makeover I have a sign at my desk that is propped against my computer. I see it everyday, but I am usually distracted when I sit down for the 2.5 seconds of spare time I have to read an email (sound familiar?), so rarely do I find myself actually comprehending the words on it. Today, however, as I sat down to write this month’s column, it caught my attention. I read it out loud, as I sometimes do when I need to process something important. It reads,” What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” I don’t know about you, but sometimes, while at a stoplight, pumping gas or checking out at the grocery store, I daydream about what I would or could do. Most of us are fortunate and have the opportunity to maintain life with food, gas in our car, and shelter – all of which are blessings that many around the world do not know. However, just “maintaining” daily existence can become a way of life in itself. Granted, it is a vital component to having a happy, healthy family life. For that I am grateful, but sometimes I do stop and think to myself, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” I would do a lot, I always tell myself. Run a marathon? Maybe. Have an amazing garden offering ingredients for fresh-cooked meals. Yeah, for sure! Travel more? Sign me up! It dawned on me that to maintain our life, there will always be bills to pay, laundry to do and so on. The zest, the sparkle, the extra seasoning, the sizzle on the steak...well, that would have to come from me making the choice to push beyond maintaining and actually trying some of the things on my daydream list. It also dawned on me that it doesn’t matter if I fail or not. What matters is if I don’t try at all. I recently had the opportunity to talk with someone who just celebrated his 95th birthday. I asked him what he thought the secret to a happy life was based on his nearly100 years of life. His first comment made me chuckle. He stated, “Happy wife, happy life.” Smart man, I thought to myself. The second bit of advice was profound. He said, “Life is not the year you were born or the year you die. Life is the dash in between those two dates.” As I drove home, it occurred to me that when trying something new – failing, not failing – whatever the outcome, it does not matter for there is a learning process any way it turns out. The point is to try, to push past the “just maintaining” mindset and live in the dash! Like you, I count my blessings. I am grateful for my home, children, health, my husband’s job, my work, and living in our wonderful country. I do, however, have some work to do to make sure my dash – you know the one between the two big dates – is significant.

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

by: Mary Susan Buhner, Mom of 3

With summer wrapped up and kiddos in school the daily chaos has changed a bit from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Back to school is the perfect time to reclaim yourself and, most importantly, make time for you by committing to a Back to School Mom Makeover. Making a list of goals you want to pursue is a great way to get started with the process. Big, small, medium – no matter the size of the goal – it is worth identifying it and working toward it. One of the best ways to start this process is to actually get out of your house and go somewhere quiet. A library, a coffee house, wherever it is that you can find some peace and let yourself be inspired. Personally, if I am at home it is easy to let myself off the hook by doing a load of laundry or cleaning up the breakfast dishes. It helps me to actually make an appointment with myself outside of the house and keep it. Once at your chosen location, take a few deep breaths, grab a pen and paper and jot down the things outside of motherhood that YOU want to pursue this year. It could be reading a certain book, joining a Zumba Class, getting a totally new hairstyle, volunteering or working for a specific organization, or taking an art class. Whatever it is, identify it and write it down. Going up a level in a Gymboree class does NOT count. Neither does trying out a new grocery store in town or buying Christmas decorations for 50% off for next year. Instead, give yourself permission to explore your goals and dreams while still being a mom. If there has been something lingering in the back of your mind that you have wanted to try, make this time of year the time you go for it! Back to school means a focus on you! Next step, when you go home, share your goal that you have written down with your kids. Tell them what it is that you want to do and why it is important to you (obviously, sharing it with your husband is always a good idea too). Let them ask questions. Reinforce that being their mom is super important to you, but you want and need to do a few things outside of being their chauffeur. Although you are staking claim to doing something for yourself, you can still involve your kids in the process. When I did this a few years ago, my middle daughter taped the piece of paper where I had written my goal to our refrigerator. Every day it was there staring at me, waiting for me to actually do what I had written down. My oldest daughter then started to ask me when I was going to actually start doing it. Having my own kids encouraging me was not something I had planned on, but I quickly realized that they were excited for me and even proud that I was trying something new outside of being their mom. Just as important, without them realizing it, they were holding me accountable.

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TAKE YOUR B IR T H D A Y P A R T Y TO THE SKY!

“

Motherhood is not a sprint; it is in fact a marathon. Visit www.skyzonesports.com for event packages!

It was then I realized not only were they cheering me on, but I was also setting an example for them by at least trying to reach my goal.

317.572.2999 www.skyzonesports.com

Final step of the Back to School Mom Makeover – OWN IT!!! Nike has figured it out. Their motto, "Just Do It", says it all. We as moms deserve it. It will make us better and stronger in the end. Motherhood is not a sprint; it is in fact a marathon. Such a long marathon in fact, that stopping for water breaks along the way is imperative for us in finishing the race with our sanity. In the end, the process is fairly simple: identify your goal, own your new goal and then… just do it! Not only will you feel inspired and energized, but you will have claimed something of your own that makes you not only a better mom in the long run, but a more interesting and stronger person as well. Your kids will learn an important and invaluable lesson along the way too. You will be leading by example and showing them how to set a goal, own it and, finally, how to pursue it. A win-win for everyone! Best of all, you will find that you probably have a cheering section along the way!

10080 E. 121st Street, Suite 182 Fishers, IN 46037 Like us on Facebook

This Sky Zone location is an independently owned and operated franchise.

Visit Mommy Magic’s Fan Page on Facebook and share with other moms what it is you want to try this year. As moms, we should support, encourage and cheer each other to be the best we can be by seeking out ways to live in the dash!

Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of “Mommy

Primrose Schools

Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity.” Visit her website at: www.Mommy-Magic.com Primrose Schools

!"#$%&"''( - www.PrimroseAnson.com Bridgewater - www.PrimroseBridgewater.com Carmel - www.PrimroseCarmel.com )"%*(+% - www.Primrose)*+,-+.$%.com !"#$%&'($$% - www.Primrose!"#$%&'($$%.com WestClay - www.Prim!oseWestClay.com

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September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

Cathedral High School 5225 East 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226

317-968-7370 | www.cathedral-irish.org | Grades 9–12 Open House: November 15, 5:30-8pm

Covenant Christian High School 7525 West 21st St., Indianapolis, IN 46214

317-390-0202 | www.covenantchristian.org | Grades 9–12 Open House: October 30, 7:00pm

Culver Academies 1300 Academy Rd., Culver, IN 46511

574-842-7000 | www.culver.org | Grades 9–12 Open Houses: September 15, October 13, October 27, November 10; Check online for updated times.

Guerin Catholic High School 15300 Gray Rd., Noblesville, IN 46062

Bishop Chatard High School 5885 Crittenden Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220

317-251-1451 | www.bishopchatard.org | Grades 9–12 Open House: November 8, 5:30–8:30pm

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School 2801 West 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268

317-524-7151 | www.brebeuf.org | Grades 9–12 Open Houses: October 14, 10:30am–1:30pm; November 13 & March 6, 4:30-7:30pm

317-582-0120 | www.guerincatholic.org | Grades 9–12 Open House: November 18, 6:00–8:30pm

Heritage Christian School 6401 E 75th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250

317-849-3441 | heritagechristian.net | Pre-K–Grade 12 Visit the Heritage Christian website or call to plan a tour.

International School of Indiana 200 West 49th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208

317-923-1951 | www.isind.org | Preschool 3's–Grade 12 Open House: October 2, 4:00–6:30pm

Parents, come visit Park Tudor School and experience our exceptional educators and extraordinary opportunities in real time at our See Us in Action events. For dates and registration, visit parktudor.org. Application Deadlines: Grades 9–12

December 14, 2012

Upper School Open House: Thursday, November 1, 2012 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Junior Kindergarten–Grade 8

January 18, 2013

More than $3 million in financial aid available.

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Sycamore School

Legacy Christian School

1750 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260

470 Lakeview Dr., Noblesville, IN 46060

317-776-4186 | www.noblesvillechristianschool.org Preschool 3's–Grade 8 Open House: November 11, 2:00–4:00pm

317-202-2519 | www.sycamoreschool.org Preschool 3's–Grade 8 Visit the Sycamore School website or call to plan a visit.

Midwest Academy

Traders Point Christian Academy 6600 S. Indianapolis Rd., Whitestown, IN 46075

801 Congressional Blvd. #600, Carmel, IN 46032

317-843-9500 | www.mymidwestacademy.org | Grades 4–12 Visit the Midwest Academy website or call to plan a tour.

The Oaks Academy— Brookside Campus

317-769-2450 | www.tpcs.org | Preschool 2's–Grade 12 Encounter TPCA Information Session: Grades K-5: October 16, February 5, 6:00pm; Middle/High School Grades: October 30, February 12, 6:00pm

University High School

3092 Brookside Parkway N. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46218

317-822-4900 | www.theoaksacademy.org | Pre-K–Grade 3 Parent Preview Day: January 16, 8:30–11am Open House: January 16, 6:00–8:00pm

2825 W. 116th St., Carmel, IN

317-733-4475 | www.universityhighschool.org | Grades 9–12 Open House: October 7, November 4, 2:00-4:00pm

The Oaks Academy— Fall Creek Campus 2301 North Park Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46205

317-931-3043 | www.theoaksacademy.org | Pre-K–Grade 8 Parent Preview Day: October 10 & February 6, 8:30–11:30am; Open House: February 6, 6:00–8:00pm

gocathedral.com/admissions

The Orchard School 615 West 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260

317-713-5753 | www.orchard.org | Pre-K–Grade 8 Prospective Parent Preview: October 11, November 18, January 30, 8:30–10:30am

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 9900 E. 191st St., Noblesville, IN 46060

317-770-5660 | www.ologs.org | Preschool 3's–Grade 8 Visit website or call to schedule a visit.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School 14596 Oakridge Rd., Carmel, IN 46032

317-846-1118 | www.olmcschool.org | K–Grade 9 Call to schedule a visit.

Park Tudor 7200 North College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240

317-415-2777 | www.parktudor.org | Junior K–Grade 12 Open House: November 1, 6:30–8:30pm. Experience Park Tudor firshand on one of their "See Us in Action" days. Visit website for a complete list of dates.

Waiting for you at the top of the hill is a school that will profoundly shape your life. A tradition of excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics. Living Holy Cross values since 1918. A lifelong connection with classmates and teachers. This is what high school should be.

This is Cathedral.

St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School 11421 Hague Rd., Fishers, IN 46028

Open House November

317-842-1125 | www.sldmfishers.org | Grades K–9 Open House: November 8, 8:00–11:00am

St. Richard's Episcopal School 33 East 33rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46205

317-926-0425 ext. 134 | www.strichardsschool.org Preschool 3's–Grade 8 See Us in Action Days: October 11, November 8, December 3, January 17, February 7, March 5, 9:00am–1:00pm; Middle Division Only: January 24, 6:00–7:00pm

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Scan here for information on shadow dates and open house or visit gocathedral.com/admissions. Cathedral High School | 5225 E. 56th Street | Indianapolis | 317.968.7370

September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

Guerin Catholic High School OPEN HOUSE November 18th | 6-8:30 p.m. A National Top 50 Catholic High School located in the heart of Hamilton County

guerincatholic.org

15300 Gray Rd. Noblesville, IN 46062

Why do Hamilton County parents choose Heritage Christian School? • Robust Fine Arts Program • Rigorous College Prep Academics • Discipleship of Students • Biblical Worldview Teaching • Leadership Development • Outreach & Ministry • Class 2A IHSAA Athletics

Prospective Family Nights:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11th 2pm−4pm

6pm, Thursday, Oct.11th & Thursday, Nov.1st Established 1965

317-849-3441 www.heritagechristian.net Prep K – 12 Christ-Centered Education Heritage Christian School admits eligible students of any race, color, nationality or ethnic origin.

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

I AM BREBEUF

“In creating myself at Brebeuf, I have started to become a person who can boldly, confidently, and truthfully say, ‘I’ll do that.’” ~Sydney Rivera ’13

Come visit us at one of our Open Houses! Sunday, October 14, 2012 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & Tuesday, November 13, 201 2 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

 Cross Country Runner  National Honors Society VP  Aspiring Oncologist  Pianist  Veteran’s Hospital Volunteer  Habitat for Humanity Volunteer  Pro-Life Club  Key Club Member  Flautist  Speech State Qualifier  Amateur Marine Biologist  Admissions Ambassador  Acrylic Painter  Pastry Chef BreBeuf Jesuit PreParatory school  2801 West 86th street, indianaPolis, in 46268  317.524.7050  WWW.BreBeuf.org

PROUD TO BE RECOGNIZED AS ONE Of ThE

Top 50 HIgH ScHoolS In THe u.S. by THe

What distinguishes ISI from other schools? • Pre-K (3 yr old) to Grade 12, 80% local students • First school in Indiana to offer International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at every grade level • Only school in Indiana where all students take the full IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12, regardless of ability • IB Diploma success rate 5% above world average, 14% above US average (last 4 years) • Half of all teachers from outside of US • Outstanding foreign language learning and intercultural understanding • Outstanding college placements and merit awards

Ready for the world stage.

• Overseas travel for grades 6, 9 and 10

For more information and to schedule a tour, please visit www.isind.org. HCM_Mag_Ad_Final.indd 1

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

• Bus service from Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville

6/6/12 5:25 PM

September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

What You Don’t Know About

Women’s Health

···················· Juggling the demands of children, work and other

commitments means women often put their own health concerns last on the list. With new advances and discoveries in women’s medicine occurring all the time, the average busy mom can hardly keep up. We asked several local doctors for their input on the health issues women often don’t know about, misconceptions they may have and new developments that concern them. Find out what’s new to you. by: Susan Bryant, Mom of 2

Gynecology If your mother has cervical cancer, do you have an increased chance of getting it? No, says Carrie Melloh, M.D. and family medicine physician at Community Physician Network. Unlike breast and ovarian cancer, which may have a genetic link, cervical cancer is caused by a virus called HPV, which is contracted through some type of sexual contact. Unfortunately, a common misperception exists that a diagnosis of an HPV infection means someone has been unfaithful in a relationship. Dr. Melloh says, “For unknown reasons, the HPV virus has the ability to lie latent (or dormant) for months, years or even for the woman’s lifetime. Therefore, some women can contract HPV and never have symptoms. Others, however, may contract HPV and then present with warts or pap smear abnormalities months or years down the road.” Women also often misunderstand the connection between genital warts and cervical cancer. “There are over 70 types of HPV that have been identified. Only a specific few have been noted to increase the risk for cervical cancer,” says Melloh. “Genital warts are most often caused by ‘low risk’ types of HPV, such as 6 and 11 (which are contained in the vaccine Gardasil) and are basically never found in cancer cells. Cervical cancer, however, is caused by ‘high-risk’ types such as 16, 18, 31, 45 and a few others (16 and

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

18 are also covered in Gardasil). This is why many physicians will now test pap smears for the presence of ‘high-risk’ types. Even with a normal pap smear result, if the HPV testing were to come back with the presence of a ‘high-risk’ type, closer surveillance and follow up would be warranted.” Does being vaccinated with Gardasil guarantee a woman will not contract cervical cancer? Melloh says, “Although we wish this were true, finishing the full three shot series of Gardasil does not completely eliminate the chance for cervical cancer. Gardasil covers for HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Two of these are types that cause cervical cancer, and two cause genital warts. There are many types of HPV viruses, and although the types found in the vaccine account for the highest percentage of genital warts and cervical cancer, it only prevents about 70% of cervical cancer. This is why the gynecologic exam is still a very important step in female health.” Hearing that you have an abnormal pap smear is always a scary moment and women may believe that once they’ve had one abnormal occurrence, they will always have them. Melloh says this is not always the case though. “Some minor abnormalities found on pap smears can be from other types of cervical inflammation or

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infection. If the pap smear abnormality is due to HPV, however, even a high number of these women will be able to ‘clear’ the infection by the immune system learning to fight the infection. Although there is no cure for HPV, with a healthy immune system, many women can keep the virus in a latent phase, and thus reduce the recurrence of HPV-related cervical abnormalities. With that being said, any abnormal pap smear results should be followed up by the physician and further evaluated as the physician advises.”

Dermatology Slap on the sunscreen in the morning and you’re good to go, right? Not so fast, says Mary Spolyar, M.D. and dermatologist with Dawes Fretzin Dermatology Group. “More and more women today are aware of the harmful effects of the sun's rays, as well as the overwhelming evidence of the harmfulness of indoor tanning, but how this translates into everyday protection can be a little unclear,” she says. “Protection of your skin against the damage done by ultraviolet light should be an everyday practice that requires the frequent use of sunscreens.” Spolyar says that many women don’t realize that the protective effects of sunscreens are lost after only a few hours. “If before heading out for the day, you apply a daily facial moisturizer with sun protection (the best ones being those which contain the physical sunblocks of either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), you probably don't realize that the clock starts ticking on the breakdown of that barrier. Many women drive to the office and work indoors for most of their day, or are in and out of the car with errands and their children's activities, and therefore don't feel as if they are even getting exposure to UV light,” she says. “Since they are not on the beach, or at the pool or ballpark, sunscreen use doesn't even occur to them. They mistakenly think they have already done a great job of protecting their skin for the day. They head out for business lunches and errands, and don't realize that by noon, the work they did at 7 a.m. is no longer helpful.” Generously reapplying facial moisturizer containing sunscreen before going out for lunch or the commute home is necessary to stay protected. Does being in the car provide protection from the sun’s rays? “As far as sun exposure goes, most of us think that being in our car is just like being inside,” says Spolyar. “We don't realize that harmful skin-aging rays, as well as skin cancer–causing rays, penetrate through car windows.” Spolyar says that both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin cancer. UVA rays can pass through window glass and cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays do not pass through window glass but can still cause sunburns. “We won't get a sunburn sitting inside our cars with the windows up, but we will continue to get significant skin damage,” says Spolyar. “Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays penetrate your skin. And don't forget about protecting your eyes. Premature cataracts and other eye problems can occur from repeated sun exposure, so always wear sunglasses when you are out and about.” Spolyar reminds us that keeping these simple tips in mind will protect the only skin we’ll ever have.

the normal bacteria in the mouth. This can result in some women being more prone to oral infection and inflammation. “Pregnant women often develop inflammation and infection of the gingiva (gums) which can show as slight swelling and bleeding when brushing,” says Mundy-Burgett. “Untreated gingivitis can result in permanent damage to the tissue condition that holds the teeth in place. Sometimes bumps can appear between the teeth at the gum line. These bumps are harmless but bleed easily and are not attractive. They appear red, raw and have a mulberry-like surface. They develop due to an exaggerated immune response and are called pregnancy tumors. Despite the name they are not cancerous and usually go away on their own after the pregnancy is over.” Many women need to increase their brushing and flossing during pregnancy to decrease the chance of gingivitis and pregnancy tumors of the gums. Having their teeth cleaned every three months while pregnant may be necessary, but after giving birth, most women can return to scheduling visits every six months. Menopause may also affect a woman’s oral health. “In menopause, estrogen levels decline rapidly which can lead to density loss in bones,” says Mundy-Burgett. “There is a debate whether a correlation exists between large bone density and bone loss that occurs with gum disease,” she adds.

The picture of health As mothers, we know the importance of staying on top of the latest medical information affecting our children. Making our own health a priority is just as important. Not only do we need to physically be able to care for our kids, but by showing them we care for ourselves we also send the message that they will need to do this, too. Take the time to ask your doctor about the latest advances and issues that affect you. By investing this time in yourself, you’re providing something fundamental to your kids’ well being – a healthy mom.

·························

Dentistry Did you know that hormonal changes can affect your oral health? Dr. Malinda Mundy-Burgett of Grin Dentistry says that for some women, changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone result in decreased immunity and increased permeability of the gums to www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

JOINING THE YMCA IS GOOD FOR THE HEART! At the Y, we exist to strengthen community. Through our numerous programs and activities, we seek to impact the children, adults, and families of Hamilton County. Become a part of what’s happening!

CALL OR VISIT THE FISHERS YMCA TODAY! 9012 E. 126th ST FISHERS IN 46038 317.595.9622 OUR MISSION: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

WWW.INDYMCA.ORG

: T E K C U B R U O Y L L FI The Year of Me

by: Mindy Irish, Mom of 4 I recently made a post on my Fit Gal Club website about the importance of turning up our filters and cutting out the clutter in our day-to-day lives. A reader by the name of Danielle wrote me and explained how she had just finished up what she called “The Year of Me.” I was intrigued and I had to learn more! I enjoyed her response so much that I felt it important to share her experience with more people and spread the news about this fabulous idea. Read all about Danielle’s year as she responds to my interview questions below:

Why did you start the “Year of Me”? The year of me started once I realized I had lost my focus on my family and mostly lost the focus on myself. For years I had joined every club, group and organization. I said YES to everything and everyone, and with each yes I became resentful and angry at myself. I was impatient and too busy for my family. So in May of 2011, I promised my husband and kids I would give it all up for one year and put my focus into them and myself. I would find my center again and move slowly after my first year. I gave myself guidelines and then I proclaimed the “Year of Me” to every single person that relied on me to always say yes. Of course I apologized for asking to be taken off all lists, but every single person got it – they all understood exactly where I was coming from. What is the “Year of Me”? The “Year of Me” is just that. I put me on the top of the list…I was my priority. No groups, clubs or organizations took that top spot, but I allowed some volunteering that directly involved me with my children’s classes. I made my goals for the year which included: to lose weight and strength train, to work on my tennis game and play more competitive matches, and to read more. What were your goals and your focus? Working on my body has taken (and still takes) the most time, but it has also been the most rewarding to me. I worked hard at changing my figure and continue to push onward to keep my body in top shape. With tennis, I took a couple lessons several years ago and fell in love with the sport. I never knew how much I love and need competition. Lastly, I just simply never gave myself one minute, let alone an hour a day, to just sit and read. I enjoyed being able to shut the world out and escape with a good book for some down time. What was the feedback from you, your family, friends, and others during this time? For me it was hard to truly let things go. From others, I had a couple people ask me where I had been or how I got out of a certain obligation. I always tell them what I have been up to and so far I have only had positive feedback. Usually I get, “I wish I could do that”. Overall, what was the outcome of this past “Year of Me”? The year has been amazing; I am truly happy! I have given myself the time to find out who I am again. I have released myself from so many obligations that were taking me away from my number one joy: my family. I have learned to slow down and take each day as a gift. In due time I’ll get more involved again, but I will be ready to filter out what is good for me and what isn’t. This time I will be able to say no more easily. Did you see yourself in Danielle’s “Year of Me”? I did! I love how she saw the need, set her goals, and put them into action. It’s not selfish to slow things down and focus on your priorities. It’s absolutely important in that you get time to press pause and focus on what really matters. Don’t wait for January 1 or the start of a new month. I give you permission to start your “Year of Me” right now! Imagine what lies ahead!! Live Big! More motivation online: fitgalclub.com; Facebook: fitgalclub; Twitter: @fitgalclub; email: Mindy@fitgalclub.com.

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

In Our Opinion

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

When asked “Now that the kids are back in school, what is on your "to do" list? Do you have a Back to School Resolution List for yourself?” our Mom Panel responds:

“

Karen J., Mom of 2, Westfield

“

1) HOT YOGA!!! Back to my weekly schedule 2) Paint the fun chest I found at an antique store that has been sitting in my garage since spring 3) Organize the master bathroom/ paint and repairs 4) Enjoy the beautiful fall leaves and flowers without the HEAT!

“

The summer has been great, but my number-one priority once the kiddos get on that school bus is to sit down, take a deep breath, and just rejoice for a few minutes in the peace and quiet!

TO DO LIST:

5) Figure out what I am going to do with myself long-term as my kids are getting older Angela R., Mom of 2, Carmel

“

Now that the kids are back in school, I'm really looking forward to HAVING a 'to do' list and getting back on a schedule.

“

My back to school list is looooong. I plan to paint my son's bedroom, bathroom and my husbands home office. I have two years of scrapbooking to do (not as bad as it sounds) and I am launching a new business. Whew. I am tired just thinking about it. So I am also working on a weekly menu. I did this last year for breakfast and it worked out beautifully. Working on this for school lunches and dinners. Makes life a whole lot easier when you don't have to wonder, "what's for dinner", on the drive home.

Jen T., Mom of 2, Carmel

“

Melinda M., Mom of 1, Carmel

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

The Nest You Can Host the Best Autumn Block Party Ever by: Heather Lapham Kuhn, The Events Concierge, Mom of 2

It’s been hot – too hot for many to spend much time outdoors. But, as the sultry, hot days of summer finally give way to the crisp, cool evenings of autumn, your thoughts just might turn to spending a little more time outside. If so, why not organize a block party in your neighborhood? Once you’ve formed a committee with a few neighbors, selected a date, and nailed down a location, how do you ensure your neighborhood has the best block party ever? Think about the four key elements needed to make any party fun: theme, food, entertainment, and décor.

Creating a Theme The best way to make sure the party comes together in a logical way is to first create a theme. This can be centered on a specific holiday, such as Halloween; an event, like Back to School; a concept, such as Harvest; or even a type of food, like pumpkins. Don’t be afraid to go all out with your theme, carrying it through everything from food to activities to décor. Feeding the Masses Full meal? Snacks? Ice Cream Social? The type of food served will depend largely on three things: timing of the party, expectations, and budget. A ‘pot-luck’ or ‘pitch-in’ approach is often easiest. Assign households specific foods and supplies from different categories based on their address (e.g. 100-400 bring salads, 401-800 bring desserts, 801-1200 bring tableware, etc.). You can get detailed and break down the assignments and categories as far as you like to ensure a good balance of foods. Ask each household to contribute a small amount toward the cost of the main dish, or add that to your pot-luck assignments. (Be specific, though – hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken breasts for the grill, etc.) Request that two or three of your neighborhood’s “grillmasters” bring their grill and be in charge of preparing the meats. (Place a “propane fund” jar at each grill so everyone can pitch in to cover the cost of the fuel.) Don’t be afraid to get really specific about what people should bring, whether you want dishes to be made with certain types of ingredients, or other restrictions – whatever will support your chosen theme. Remember many people today have dietary concerns or allergies. Be understanding if someone requests to make something that will satisfy their family’s specific needs. If a full meal isn’t your style, consider other options, such as an ice cream social, snacks and candy, or even

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HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

drinks only. For any of these, a carefully assigned pitch-in approach can still work.

Making it Fun How do you keep everyone occupied? Games… contests…bounce house…something else? What you decide to arrange will depend largely on the personality of your neighborhood and the theme. Think about the age ranges you’ll have – lots of young families or more tweens and teens? Maybe empty nesters with just a few scattered children? Look for activities everyone can enjoy, whether as a participant or observer. Favorite fall activities include potato-sack, threelegged, and wheelbarrow races, and, of course, bobbing for apples. Many object to the latter, due to sanitary concerns. A modern take on this old standby is to hang apples from a string attached to a pole above, allowing participants to “bob” for their apple in mid-air, hands behind the back, of course. Another fun group activity is a photo booth. Find a neighbor willing to bring a camera and standard tripod, create a backdrop, and you’re set. The backdrop can be as simple as a sheet or tablecloth strung up between two trees, or as elaborate as a solid, painted wall with items hung upon it. Make it fun, interactive, and in keeping with your theme, and everyone will have a great time jumping in front of the camera to capture a few memories.

Finishing Touches The décor you choose will really set the scene for the party. Check with local nurseries or farmer’s markets for seasonal options such as chrysanthemums, asters, corn, wheat, pumpkins and gourds. Some will rent certain plants for events – check to see if this might be a possibility. Your décor items can even double as an activity, if you decide to carve or paint the pumpkins and gourds. Colorful ribbons tied to tree branches can create a festive atmosphere for a minimal investment of time and money. Look around and see what you can use creatively to help bring your theme to life. Organizing a neighborhood block party can be a big undertaking, but the fun and connections it creates can be worth all the effort. Enlist help, remain calm when something doesn’t go exactly as planned, and, most of all, have fun!

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Memory Lane FAMILY PHOTOS by: Hannah Hilliard, Mom of 2

Let’s face it, everyone has a point-and-shoot camera these days and they are pretty simple to use with satisfying results. We carry these cameras around to snap pictures of the kids doing fun and exciting things, but we don’t always think about using them to take a family portrait. Hiring a professional photographer yields great results, but can be rather pricey and should be budgeted for each year. When there is no room in the budget for professional photography that is no excuse to skip an annual family picture. All you need to do is learn a little more about your camera and find out what it takes to create a memorable family portrait. Selecting a location for your photo can be as simple as lining the family up on your staircase, sitting on your hearth or standing in front of your house. You may also opt for nice outdoor scenery with trees or a fence in the background. Whatever location you decide on, be sure it is free of clutter and distractions as the focus should be on the family. Parks, nature trails, tall grassy areas and garden paths are easy to find and offer ideal backdrops for your photo shoot. If you have young children in the family (or more than three kids) it may be a good idea to bring some small chairs or stools to keep the kids situated in one place. The biggest headache is often deciding what everyone should wear to give your portrait a cohesive look. Remember, coordinating does not necessarily mean matching. There is no need to put the boys in one outfit and the girls in another. Instead, be yourselves and simply choose outfits that work together. This could mean having one person wear a striped polo, another in a solid, someone else in a sweater with all the colors, dad in a gingham oxford and so on. Solid colors are typically suggested, but prints can also work well if they are subtle and coordinated. Evening is generally the time when the whole family comes together, and there is no better time than after dinner to take some photos. Traditionally, one hour before sunset produces beautiful light that is soft and flattering. Shadows will be minimal, so no one will be squinting. If evenings don’t work for you, try turning your back away from the sun or setting the camera up in a shaded area. Most cameras have several different settings. Your camera may have separate settings for action shots, nature shots, automatic flash, manual exposure and many more. For the ease of the family picture, automatic settings typically produce decent results and require no additional thought or stress on your part. Your camera’s flash can also stay in automatic mode to help fill in shadows on the face. Most cameras have a self-timer that can be set to allow time for one family member to jump back into the picture. Some cameras even have the option to use a remote to trigger the shutter. Just be careful when setting your camera on unstable surfaces. Cameras move when a picture is taken and it is therefore advisable to use a tripod to secure the camera.

TRADERSPOINT CREAMERY

Make sure to take several shots to ensure everyone’s eyes are open and looking towards the camera. For toddlers, set a toy or stuffed animal beside the camera for them to focus on. When you get home, download your photos to your computer and enlist your family in deciding if you want to print, share electronically or save for your Christmas cards. Pretty soon you will have created a fun family tradition that includes the entire family.

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

Have you been wanting to? Improve your eating habits? Understand your body better? Make your self-care a priority? Experience an increase in overall happiness in your life?

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Winter classes kick off in Late November in 7 locations! Carmel Zionsville Noblesville Westﬁeld Castleton Greenwood Terre Haute

October 26-28th, 2012 at Noblesville High School

Mid November- Southside

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Strollers & Stilettos Please DO NOT Pass the Fruits and Vegetables! Raising Mr. Z has had its’ challenges – some fun and some interesting. However, by far, getting him to eat fruits and vegetables has been my biggest struggle. Let me first state that up until the age of four he ate anything I placed in front of him. Then suddenly he woke up and decided that he would make his own choices, including what he was going to eat. Let the good times roll! Now I, of course, was not enjoying his new mini attitude and tried to enforce the “you must eat fruits and vegetables” rule. Any parent knows that building a strong, healthy food foundation is very important in your child’s life. I concur and so I decided to sneak vegetables and fruit into his food. He is my protein and carb child and he does not eat sugary foods. I have taken him at least twice a year to his doctor for a check up to ensure that he is still thriving. The answer is always a resounding “yes”. He is tall and lean and growing like a weed. Still… he needs his fruits and vegetables. I needed to get a game plan and that is what I did. My plan… I bought a food processor, sat down, read the instructions and started on a new journey – one that I had no idea where it would lead me. (For those that don’t know me… I have no idea how to cook let alone use an apparatus called a food processor!) My next stop would be the grocery store. I bought vegetables that I thought (and ‘thought’ is the key word) I could sneak into spaghetti sauce. I envisioned placing a nice bowl of penne pasta with my homemade sauce on top and having Mr. Z enjoy every morsel. Well, we can all dream! The reality was more like this: After spending $20.00 on the perfect vegetables, I made my journey home to make my magical and healthy pasta sauce. I set up the food processor, grabbed my vegetables and 15 minutes and one very messy kitchen later, I had my sauce! Ta-Da! I placed the piping-hot bowl of pasta topped with my magical sauce in front of Mr. Z. I sat down next to him ready to enjoy a nice dinner with him, secretly knowing that I would sleep better that night because he had his “suggested serving of daily vegetables”. One bite of the pasta and sauce and he spit it out. Really? He told me that this was the worst pasta sauce he ever had. To be honest I had not tasted it so I decided I had better lead by example and try it. I placed the pasta and sauce in my mouth and literally spit it out. Yuck! Fail. Let’s just say I do not plan on opening a catering company anytime soon. Nor do I plan to force Mr. Z to eat his vegetables and fruits. Our meals have become more relaxed and he is actually starting to try a few vegetables and fruits on his own. Let the good times roll! Jenn Kampmeier is the single mom to her vibrant son, Zane. She is a serial mompreneur and resides in Westfield. She can be reached at: jennkampmeier@hotmail.com Jenn Kampmeier, MS. Ed, BS ‘MomPreneur’ Mom Since 2005

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Saddle seat riding lessons and training

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September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

To Do With Your Crew SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

September | fridays through 21 Fishers Movies in the Park Bring lawn chairs, blankets and your favorite snack to enjoy favorites like the Smurfs, Sherlock Holmes and Kung Fu Panda 2. Visit www.fishers.in.us/parks/movies for the entire schedule of movies and event locations. Times: Movies begin at dusk Price: Free Website: www.fishers.in.us/parks/movies Phone: Weather Line, 317-567-5057 Location: Fishers Heritage Park and Saxony, Fishers

September | sat 15–16 Country Fair Technology of the past meets innovations of the future at the amazing and family-friendly Country Fair. The theme for this year’s Country Fair is STEAM! Innovation. Journey back in time through our parade of antique tractors and steam engines and enjoy a day of food, games and family fun! Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Included with admission Website: www.connerprairie.org Phone: 317-776-6000 Location: Conner Prarie, Fishers

October | fri 19–sat 20 Halloween Hikes Arrive early or stay after your hike for time around the campfire and fun crafts for the kids. Registration is required by 10/17. Times: Fri., 7 -10 PM; Sat., 6 -9 PM Price: R$6/NR$9 (per person ages 3 and up) Website: www.fishers.in.us Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, Fishers

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

September | thurs 06 Knee-High Naturalist Calling all tiny explorers! Hike, dig in the dirt, and discover nature while parents/ guardians gain knowledge and skills for teaching children about the natural world around them. Join us for an adventure each week at Central Park. Times: 9 -10 AM Price: $5 Website: carmelclayparks.com Phone: 317-843-3869 Location: Monon Community Center, Carmel

Times: See website for schedule Website: indykidssale.com Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Noblesville

September | fri 14 Storytime Express All aboard! Jump on the literacy train for a fast-paced, interactive mix of stories, rhymes, and songs paired with a simple craft. Each week has a different theme and younger siblings are welcome. Ages 2-5 Times: 11 - 11:30 AM Price: Free Website: carmelclayparks.com Phone: 317-843-3869 Location: Monon Community Center, Carmel

September | mon 24 Crafty Tweens A craft program just for tweens! This month’s theme is “friendship fun”. Times: 7 PM Price: Free Phone: (317) 773-1384 Website: www.hepl.lib.in.us Location: Hamilton County East Library, Noblesville

September | sat 29 Museum Day Live! Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free. Several museums throughout Indiana will take part, including Conner Prairie, Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and the Indiana State Museum. Price: Free with admission ticket Website: www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday Location: Participating museums

September | fri 07–sat 08 Greek Fest 2012 Authentic Greek cuisine, live music/ dancing, church tours, and more! Times: Fri, 4 -11 PM ; Sat, noon -11 PM Price: $5 advance (available at Marsh); $7 door Website: indygreekfest.org Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Carmel

September | weds 12 Fall Fun Fall in love with fall. We will enjoy parachute games, a life-sized tree craft, circle time, fall books, a snack and more. For ages 3-7. Registration is required by 9/5. Times: 12:30 - 2:00 PM Price: R$12/NR$18 Website: www.fishers.in.us/parks Location: Billericay Park Building, Fishers

September | thurs 13–sat 15 Indy Kids Sale Offering new and gently used children's clothing up to teen sizes, toys, furniture

September | sat 15 Tour De Carmel Bike along with us as we highlight some of the best parks, businesses, and entertainment Carmel has to offer. This is a safe and family friendly event aimed to create memories while promoting fitness. From training wheels to pedal clips, we have a route for you! Times: 7:30 AM – noon Price: $8/person Website: www.carmelclayparks.com Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: Monon Community Center, Carmel

September | thurs 20–sat 22 Whale of a Sale Whale of a Sale is a semi-annual Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sale with tens of thousands of brand name NEW and like new maternity, baby, and children items all at a fraction of retail.

the retail cost then Indy Kids Sale is the

Times: Thurs, 10 AM - 8 PM; Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM; Sat, 9 AM -2 PM Price: Free admission Website: www.whale-sale.com

for you!

Location: Meridian Village Plaza, Carmel

and gear. If you like to buy brand name clothing, gear and toys at a fraction of

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

September | sun 30 Popcorn Party! Families will compete in popcorn-themed games and challenge their taste buds with a tasting contest from the wild and creative popcorn flavors created by Not Just Popcorn. Registration is required by 9/21. Times: 3- 5 PM Price: R$6/NR$9 Website: www.fishers.in.us Phone: 317-595-3458 Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, Fishers

September/October 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY

October | tues 09 Earthly Adventures, Looking at Leaves Crunch some leaves under your feet as you hike to see the fall colors. Use leaves to make art and examine the many shapes of leaves. Registration is required by 10/2. Times: 9:30 AM and 1 PM Price: R$6/NR$9 Website: www.fishers.in.us Phone: 317-595-3458 Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, Fishers

October | sat 06 Cute Critter Costume Party Bring your camera and capture a memory of your child as a rabbit, skunk, fox, bear, deer or raccoon. Hike through the woods in search of hidden treasures, make s’mores, and learn about animals. For ages 3-6. Parents are required to stay. Registration is required by 9/28. Times: 2 - 4 PM Price: R$6/NR$9 Website: www.fishers.in.us/parks Phone: 317-595-3458 Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, Fishers

October | fri 12 Storytime Express All aboard Jump on the literacy train for a fast-paced, interactive mix of stories, rhymes, and songs paired with a simple craft. Each week has a different theme and younger siblings are welcome. Ages 2-5. Times: 11 - 11:30 AM Price: Free Website: carmelclayparks.com Phone: 317-843-3869 Location: Monon Community Center, Carmel

October | sun 14 Family Pumpkin Festival Prepare for RWNP’s Halloween Hikes by carving pumpkins. Just bring the tools and talent to carve the pumpkins that Fishers Parks & Recreation provide. Enjoy pumpkin-themed games and crafts. Preregistration is appreciated by 10/12. Times: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Price: Free Website: www.fishers.in.us Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, Fishers

October | tues 23 Octoboo

October | sat 06 Walk of Hope The community is invited to participate in the 2012 Walk of Hope, benefitting St.Vincent Cancer Care. Those interested can sign up to participate in the 15, 3 or 1-mile walk. After the walk there will be a Community Fair with live entertainment, games, and so much more. The focus is on fitness and making a difference – 100% of funds stay in Central Indiana and benefit patients at St.Vincent. Times: 8 AM - 4 PM Phone: 317-338-5092 Website: www.stvincentwomenofhope.org Location: Lions Park, Zionsville

October | sat 13 Re-boo, Re-wear, Re-Scare a Costume Swap Join us for our Halloween costume swap. Bring an unwanted costume or costume accessory and SWAP it for another one. This is a great way to reuse costumes that no longer fit and save money at the same time. Times: 1- 3:00 PM Price: Free Website: www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com Phone: 317-774-2500 Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Carmel

HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2012

Share in the fun activities around the library. Enjoy storytelling (scary and notso-scary), activities about pumpkins, bats and autumn harvests, crafts and treats. For families of all ages. Call Fishers Library (317) 579-0304 by 10/16 to register. Times: 7- 8 PM Price: Free Website: www.hepl.lib.in.us Phone: 579-0304 Location: Hamilton East Library, Fishers

For more ideas on Fall Fun, see our Fall Fun & Festivals Feature on pages 16-17

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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Temporary Location Now Open 5801 South 650 East, Whitestown, IN 46075 Currently located in lower level of Eagle Church

For questions and facility tours contact SHEILA

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B A C A BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS CENTER FOR AUTISM

www.thebaca.com

There’s a difference between caring for your family and trusting in the state’s highest-ranked care. No doubt. That’s what you want when your family needs care. Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health was ranked once again in 10 out of 10 pediatric categories by U.S.News & World Report. That makes us the state’s only nationally ranked children’s hospital and one of the most acclaimed in the nation. Trust when you need it most. That’s the Riley difference.

Learn more about the expertise at Riley at IU Health at iuhealth.org/riley 2012 U.S.News & World Report rankings