Cincinnati Parent November 2018

Cincinnati

NOVEMBER 2018

free

DO YOU SHARE TOO MUCH ONLINE?

+

tips for taking on

DISNEY WORLD

inside:

2018

OPEN HOUSE guide

kid,

ROCK! INTRODUCING YOUR CHILD TO MUSIC

IN EVERY ISSUE

contents

NOVEMBER 2018 departments LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

34 The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields

SPECIAL NEEDS

30 Let's Talk!

TRAVEL

14

Let's Go to Disney World

IN EVERY ISSUE

06 08 10 13

Editor's Note Community Spotlight Cincy's Kids Our Social Network

RESOURCES & CALENDARS

26 28 36 43

2018 School Open House Guide Preschool & Education Guide November Events Fun & Wacky Calendar

features

17

Kid, Rock!

Introduce your children to the universal language of music at any age

20 Volunteering with Kids

You're never too young to make an impact in your community

24 Do You Share Too Much Online?

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32

26

Five tips to consider before posting about your kids on social media

04

24

Our Turkey Day Traditions

Thanksgiving memories and traditions from our staff

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

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EDITOR'S NOTE

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox mary@cincinnatiparent.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING Katie Clark katie@cincinnatiparent.com EDITOR Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@cincinnatiparent.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Hannah Mohler hannah@cincinnatiparent.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Karen Ring karen@cincinnatiparent.com

Thankful for the Helpers I am blessed to have people in my life who excel at being good humans. For example, there’s the person who distributes bouquets of flowers to nursing home residents. The person who collects bras and menstrual supplies for those who don’t have easy access to them. The person who tutors homeless kids. And they do all these things in their spare time, without bravado, and without receiving any monetary compensation. Other than my family and my health, one of the things I am most thankful for in my life is having people like this to look up to.

And did I mention that all these good people have children? They do indeed, and many of them incorporate their kids into their volunteer service. These kids benefit from learning, side-by-side with their parents, how to be the change they wish to see in the world. It’s humbling and inspiring, and makes me want to do the same with my own children.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

If you’re one of these people, doing good things for others, then you rock. But if you’re like me and want to be one of the people helping (instead of just admiring the ones helping), then check out “Volunteering with Kids” on page 20. It’ll give you the lowdown on how to get started volunteering with your own family. Community service isn’t just for adults; kids have an important role to play, too. The world can always use more helpers – especially young helpers.

November is a month when we usually reflect on the things we are thankful for. (Hello, Thanksgiving!) Let’s fill out this month being the kind of people other people are thankful for.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & SOCIAL MEDIA Sarah McCosham sarah@cincinnatiparent.com DIGITAL PUBLISHER Wendy Hasser wendy@cincinnatiparent.com BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com EVENT COORDINATOR & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Brooke Litherland brooke@cincinnatiparent.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Dinan, Rachael Dupree, Maggie Loiselle, Wendi Williams CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@cincinnatiparent.com Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2018 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.

25,000 - 45,000 CIRCULATION CATEGORY

IN EVERY ISSUE

COMMUNIT Y

SPOTLIGHT what to look for in November

Christmas at the Taft Remember those charming holiday displays at Grandma’s house? That’s Antique Christmas at the Taft. This annual holiday display is a joyful celebration of antique ornaments, decorations and toys from ages past. Kids will get a kick out of all the old décor, parents will get a hefty dose of nostalgia and your whole family will feel all warm and fuzzy with holiday spirit after browsing these charming displays. Antique Christmas at the Taft runs November 2 through January 6, 2019, but you’ll want to mark your calendar for the Holiday Kick-off event on November 25. This day of festive family fun features crafts, stories, visits with Santa and much more, so reserve your free tickets today!

www.taftmuseum.org/holidays-at-the-taft

celebrate the holidays at the Cincinnati Museum Center

DID YOU KNOW? • Benjamin Franklin

proposed the turkey as the official U.S. bird (the Bald Eagle won out).

• Only tom (male) turkeys gobble. Hen turkeys make a clicking noise.

• Domesticated turkeys cannot fly.

• Wild turkeys can fly for short distances up to 55 miles per hour, but they prefer to stick to land.

Source: www.livescience.com

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS There’s a warmth that comes with Christmas lights. And with 3 million lights wound tightly around every tree, stretching across awnings and lighting every walking path, your family will feel all the warm and fuzzies at the Cincinnati Zoo’s PNC Festival of Lights. This year marks the event’s 36th anniversary, and guests can expect a wild wonderland complete with a madcap black-light puppet show, the BB&T Toyland Express and the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake. Come early: Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 pm, an hour before the rest of the festivities begin. The Festival of Lights opens November 17 and runs nightly through January 1, 2019 (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). cincinnatizoo.org/events/ festival-of-lights

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

The holidays are a lot brighter this year: November marks the much-anticipated public opening of Cincinnati Museum Center’s beloved Union Terminal! On November 17, Cincinnatians can see the revamped grand Rotunda, historic spaces, first phase of new permanent galleries (including the Museum of Natural History and Science’s Dinosaur Hall and Cincinnati History Museum’s Public Landing) and Holiday Junction, featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains!

Holiday Junction is back and better than ever; it’s a multi-gallery holiday experience that includes the historic locomotives in a brand-new space at Cincinnati Museum Center. Then, on November 23, Santa arrives to spread merriness and cheer to all! It’s going to be a very happy holiday season at the CMC. www.cincymuseum.org

OUR COVER KID

MEET COOPER 7 years old

my favorites COLOR FOOD SPORT ICE CREAM T V SHOW RESTAURANT BOOK MOVIE CANDY ACTIVIT Y

Red Cheese pizza Wrestling Triple brownie Teen Titans La Hacienda Magic Treehouse Ferdinand Snickers Making art

an interesting fact about me I love and care for my family

when I grow up I want to be a policeman like my cousin

COVER PHOTO BY:

Ashlee Lauren Photography www.ashleelaurenphoto.com

November 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 09

IN EVERY ISSUE

cincy’s kids Our readers really know how to have fun in fall! Here are some of the places they are enjoying the season around Cincy.

Lucia (2) at Niederman Farm

Catherine (7) at Krohn Conservatory

Scarlett (5 mos) and Chloe (2) at Irons Fruit Farm

want to see your cute kids on this page?

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE … BUT NOT TOO COLD TO GET OUTDOORS AND HAVE SOME FUN! WE WANT TO SEE YOUR KIDS’ FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY OUTDOORS WHEN THE WEATHER TURNS COOLER IN CINCY.

Oliver (9 mos) at Shaw Farm

Finley (1.5) and Miles (3.5) at Pringles Orchard 10

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

Send in your best shots (with child’s first name and location of the shot) to editor@cincinnati parent.com and your

picture may be selected to appear here!

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IN EVERY ISSUE

the cincy parent

SOCIAL

NETWORK like us.

/CINCINNATI PARENT

follow us. @CINCY PARENT

tweet us. @CINCY PARENT

LOOK FOR US ON WKRC'S GOOD MORNING CINCINNATI NOV 2ND AT 9:40AM: TOP FREE HOLIDAY EVENTS NOV. 30TH AT 9:40AM: OUR FAVORITE SANTA SIGHTINGS

upcoming guides on

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 50 FREE THINGS TO DO IN CINCINNATI THIS HOLIDAY SEASON cincinnatiparent.com/50-free-things-to-do-in-cincinnati-this-holiday-season From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, you’ll find lots of family-friendly events sure to put you in the proper holiday spirit. And the best part? This festive fun won’t cost you anything!

CINCINNATI TURKEY TROT ROUNDUP cincinnatiparent.com/cincinnati-turkey-trot-round-up Gobble, gobble! If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the season, get some fresh air, and give yourself an excuse for seconds this Thanksgiving!

10 UNDER-THE-RADAR HOLIDAY EVENTS IN CINCINNATI cincinnatiparent.com/10-under-the-radar-holiday-events-in-cincinnati Cincinnati comes alive during the holidays - and often, in unexpected ways! Start a new tradition with your family this year at one of our favorite under-the-radar holiday events in Cincinnati.

be on the lookout for

THIS MONTH'S ONLINE CONTESTS Win tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo, tickets to EnterTRAINment Junction and tickets to Kings Island's Winterfest!

November 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 13

TRAVEL

WORDS BY KAREN RING

Let’s Go to Disney World Tips for conquering the Happiest Place on Earth McGuire, CEO of Hi Ho Vacations.

“Planning in advance will allow you to have the best choice in resort availability, especially during peak season.” Getting a jumpstart on your Disney vacation planning will also give you more flexibility in securing FastPass+ times and character dining reservations.

PICK THE TIMING THAT WORKS FOR YOUR FAMILY

It may sound cliché, but Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, truly is a magical place.

It is the place where little ones come face to face with princesses and beloved cartoon characters, a place where adults rediscover their inner child and teenagers actually talk to their parents. But it can also be a bit overwhelming, and without proper preparation, a trip to Disney can feel like anything but the Happiest Place on Earth. Here are a few tips for making the most of your Disney vacation.

PLAN WELL IN ADVANCE There are vacations that can be planned on the spur of the moment and those where advance planning is key – Disney World is the latter.

“While it’s possible to plan a wonderful last-minute trip to Walt Disney World, ideally you want to have your reservation in place 180 days in advance,” explains Holly 14

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

Low crowd season is becoming a thing of the past. Rather than relying on crowd calendars to choose the perfect timing, focus on visiting at a time that works for your family. “Do you want to be sure you see the Christmas decorations? Maybe you want to be sure it’s warm enough to visit the water parks or use the pool. There are several factors to consider when choosing a time to visit, and the answer is not the same for every family,” McGuire says.

USE A TRAVEL PLANNER Enlisting help from the experts will not only save you time; it is also a great way to save money. “Our travel planners are here to guide our clients through every part of the planning process,” says Kristen Buckshire, owner/agent at Travel Ease LLC. That service not only includes helping clients select the perfect resort, ticket and dining package, but they are also the ones getting up early to secure dining reservations and FastPass+ times when the booking window opens. Travel Ease also provides a trip packet with tips on everything from quick service meal suggestions to the best parade viewing spots. “We go

TRAVEL EASE RECOMMENDED DISNEY PACKING LIST

above and beyond to provide concierge-level services to our clients to make it as easy and stress free as possible, so they can enjoy the Magic!” And the best part? Services through many Disney travel planners, such as Travel Ease and Hi Ho Vacations, are 100-percent free.

STAY AT A DISNEY RESORT A Disney resort stay is packed with perks. As a resort guest, you receive complimentary transportation to and from Orlando International Airport, as well as unlimited transfer to and from all parks, water parks and Disney Springs. “The most important benefit that Disney Resort guests receive is early FastPass+ booking at 60 days in advance [as opposed to 30 days for non-resort guests],” Buckshire says. With newer themed lands, like Pandora in Animal Kingdom and Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios, Buckshire notes that wait times are longer than ever, making earlier FastPass+ booking essential. Extra Magic Hours and

complimentary Magic Bands are also valuable perks of a resort stay.

PACE YOURSELF It is not possible to experience everything at Disney in one trip – nor should you try. Building in down time will help keep everyone sane and make your visit more enjoyable.

“We provide a custom touring plan for our guests so they can take things at the right pace that works for them, but still allows them to get it all in,” Buckshire says. Both McGuire and Buckshire advise their clients to also take some time to enjoy all that their resorts have to offer.

CHANGE OF CLOTHES FOR SMALLER KIDS ESPECIALLY WITH LITTLE ONES WHO MAY WANT TO WEAR A COSTUME TO THE PARKS.

ANY SECURITY ITEMS FOR LITTLE ONES, SUCH AS A FAVORITE STUFFED ANIMAL, BECAUSE DAYS GET LONG AND THEY MAY GET TIRED EARLIER THAN ANTICIPATED.

AUTOGRAPH BOOKS AND A SHARPIE ON HAND (WHICH TRAVEL EASE PROVIDES TO THEIR CLIENTS).

A PORTABLE CHARGING SYSTEM. DISNEY ALSO SELLS FUEL RODS IN THE PARKS FOR THOSE THAT FORGET.

PONCHOS ARE NOT ONLY GOOD FOR RAIN BUT ALSO FOR WATER RIDES.

A GOOD STROLLER IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR VISITING THE PARKS.

A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE. ALL QUICK SERVICE LOCATIONS PROVIDE FREE WATER.

Most importantly, roll with the punches.

Disney can be hot and crowded, and chances are you’ll get caught in a pop-up rain shower or two, but with the proper planning, it can also be the source of some of your family’s favorite memories for years to come. And that ride you didn’t get to? That is just one more reason to plan your next visit.

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kid, Rock!

INTRODUCE YOUR CHILDREN TO THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF MUSIC AT ANY AGE WORDS BY WENDI WILLIAMS

Whether you spent your childhood headbanging to heavy metal, crooning to country, belting out showstoppers in the school musical or toting your instrument to marching band practice, chances are, the music you listened to when you were young influenced and shaped your life. Now that you have kids of your own, you want them to develop the same love of music that you had. But where to begin? Whether you have infants, preschoolers or pre-teens, there are endless ways to help them nurture a deep and meaningful relationship with music.

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Here’s what you need to keep in mind when exposing your children to the language that transcends words, cultures and backgrounds: the language of music.

1. Start ‘Em Young When it comes to musical exposure, there’s no such thing as too young. Anna Backer, co-owner and founder of the Cincinnati School of Music, says it’s easy to incorporate music into your routine with little ones.

“Start by getting them exposed to musical instruments and letting them play through exploration,” Backer says. “Learning through play and making everything a game is a great way to get them interested.”

Julie Montgomery, executive director of Linton Chamber Music and presenter of Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions in Cincinnati, says that introducing young children to music is easy.

“Turning on the radio and listening to any kind of music is a great start,” Montgomery says.

“When you have your baby on your lap, just start patting out that beat. Those kinds of things develop connections in the brain.”

2. Jump Around Children often interpret music in a way that is extremely physical.

Moving to the beat of the music develops their sense of rhythm and helps them learn. Shelia Vail, director of the Indian Springs Academy of Music, says that rhythm is one of the big keys to successfully learning music.

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“ I THINK

EVERYBODY IS MUSICAL. AND EVERYBODY CAN LEARN HOW TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT OR SING IF THEY PERSIST AND CONTINUE TO WORK AT IT.

”

“They're talking and they're playing, and one of the most important things they learn is rhythm,” Vail says. “If a child has a sense of pulse, it will be a successful journey for them.

Rhythm is one of the main components of any musical program.”

3. Get Together Individual lessons aren’t for every child, but there’s enormous value to be found in learning with others. Group classes and lessons are a great way for children to develop their interest and learn valuable skills.

“Being in a group is a big motivator for kids,” Vail says.

“They don't want to feel like they're the only one doing anything. They want new experiences, but also peer approval. So, some kind of group activity is really essential for children.”

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

Rachel Kramer, president of the Baldwin Music Education Center, says that group learning is core to how we learn. “Students gain skills in cooperation, collaboration, healthy competition and more,” Kramer says. “We learn every other skill in a group – why not music?”

4. Encourage Consistency If your child decides, as he or she gets older, that playing an instrument sounds appealing, you’ll need to be ready to encourage, support… and sometimes force them to develop good habits.

“Consistency is the most important piece,” says Patsy Rabinowitz, director of the West Chester Academy. “If you value music, make it part of what you do. I think especially if they get into that kind of ritual when they're young, it's easier to carry it forward. I have always been amazed at how much progress students can make if they practice just a little bit every day. That's the key.”

5. Take Talent Out of the Equation You don’t have to have given birth to the next Mozart or Taylor Swift to make music an integral part of your child’s life. Music is for everyone, no matter what their skill level.

“You don’t have to wait to see if your child has a musical talent to introduce it,” Backer says. “I think everybody is musical. And everybody can learn how to play an instrument or sing if they persist and continue to work at it.”

Rabinowitz adds that the concept of “talent” is f luid. “We're talking aptitude,” Rabinowitz says.

“And I think at those young ages, up to about age 7, their aptitude is not set. So the more exposure they have, the more that aptitude can increase."

6. Watch Them Blossom Music has a transformative power in the lives of many children. The benefits to being exposed to music at a young age are well-documented and extensive. From scoring better on math tests to developing social skills, music is an enriching and worthy hobby that can easily become a passion.

“Music is never going to go away,” Kramer says.

“Kids love it. They learn so many other things because of it. It's a way of communicating. It's not like anything else they will ever do. People agree: Every life needs music!”

Musical Notes To learn more about introducing your child to music, check out these organizations.

College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati: ccm.uc.edu Queen City Zumbini: queencityzbini.com Baldwin Music Education Center: baldwinmusiceducenter.com Indian Springs Academy of Music: www.indianspringsacademy.org Linton Chamber Music: lintonmusic.org/pbj West Chester Academy: westchesteracademy.com Cincinnati School of Music: www.cincinnatischoolofmusic.com

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WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

volunteering with kids YOU’RE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Six-year-old Emerson has a special envelope that she uses to save money. But she doesn’t use the money to buy toys or candy for herself: She uses it to purchase items for the food pantry where she volunteers with her mom, Kelly Eident. The last time Emerson saved up $10, she used it to buy 10 onedollar can openers for the food pantry.

“She is starting to understand that people do not always have even one dollar to buy basic supplies that they need to be able to eat,” says Eident, who has been volunteering with her daughter for about a year. “We wanted her to understand that all the opportunities she has had – even basics, like having enough food to eat -- is not something that all people experience.”

Volunteering as a family is a great way to help others while teaching children to count their blessings. But the benefits go far beyond that. It teaches kids community responsibility, work ethic and develops their sense of compassion for others. Volunteering as a family also creates an opportunity to bond and make memories together.

“Volunteering takes teamwork, and it can teach a family critical problemsolving skills and how to work together as a team,” says Basil Sadiq, senior marketing manager at VolunteerMatch.org, an organization that helps people find volunteer opportunities in their communities, including Cincinnati.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

You’re never too young to give back to your community, which is why volunteering with kids is a great idea. Here are some helpful ways for doing just that.

Find something age-appropriate. Consider your child’s age and attention span. Is volunteering at an all-day outdoor festival doable, or will a half-hour of grocery sorting at the food pantry be best? As you search for volunteer opportunities, you might find that some organizations won’t accept very young volunteers. Don’t let that deter you! Instead, create your own community service ideas. You don’t have to be a certain age to collect money for charity, clean up the litter around a park or along a river, plant trees and flowers to beautify your community, or deliver hand-drawn cards to the elderly.

Find something fun. Volunteering should be fun, not a chore. Let your child’s interests guide you as you seek out opportunities.

“Communicate and actively listen to your child's interests,” Sadiq says.

“That way, you'll continue to learn how to identify opportunities that are good for them.”

Animals lovers might enjoy brushing cats at an animal shelter. Art lovers might like helping decorate an arts center for their upcoming gala.

Little gardeners might enjoy growing fresh produce for families in need. Crafty kids might like creating blankets for hospital patients. There is a volunteering opportunity for every interest and personality.

Find something that fits your family.

Volunteering doesn’t need to take up the whole day, nor do you need to commit to volunteering each week. Find a service project that works for your family. You might even need to try a couple of different organizations before you find the right one.

Help Your Community IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER WITH YOUR CHILD, CHECK OUT THESE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ORGANIZATIONS AROUND CINCINNATI THAT ACCEPT YOUNG VOLUNTEERS.

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful Children of every age and their adults are welcome to volunteer with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, which works to clean up litter from neighborhoods, transform vacant lots into pocket parks and plant trees.

“If the first volunteer opportunity doesn't work, don't be afraid to try a new organization until you find the perfect fit,” Sadiq says.

Website: www.keepcincinnatibeautiful.org

The bottom line is:

Families with young children can help put together care packages and craft packs, while high schoolers can apply for the VolunTEEN Program and help families in the House on a weekly basis.

Volunteering benefits everyone involved, and gives children and their families the chance to change lives – including their own.

Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati

Freestore Food Bank Children ages 5 and up can volunteer with the food bank’s Giving Fields, helping to plant, harvest and provide fresh food to community partners in Northern Kentucky.

Website: www.freestorefoodbank.org

HEARTT Animal Refuge Children and their adults can help with almost every aspect of day-to-day operations, including cleaning cages and rooms, dog walking and fundraising.

Website: www.hearttanimalrefuge.org

Bake Me Home People of all ages can volunteer to fill jars of homemade cookie mix, crochet potholders and collect items for the tote bags that are delivered to families in crisis and military members.

Website: www.bakemehome.com

Website: www.rmhcincinnati.org

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Do You Share Too Much Online?

FIVE TIPS TO CONSIDER BEFORE POSTING ABOUT YOUR KIDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Being a modern parent comes with a unique set of challenges — most of which seem involve the internet. Outside of worrying if your kid gets too much screen time, the biggest technology concern facing you as a parent may be whether you’re sharing too much information about your children via social media platforms. Before you freak out at this thought and abruptly go incognito from the virtual world, pause and take a deep breath.

“Like many other things in our lives, it’s only dangerous if you open yourself to unnecessary risk,” says Chip Wolford, a Cincinnati-based parent and security and privacy director of the global consulting firm Protiviti. “The concern I often hear from parents surrounds who can see the information you post online and the fear that random people will learn about their children without their consent.”

With some clarity of mind and some common sense, you can post those pics of your family’s trip to the lake for your granny to see without risk of a creeper stalking you in the Starbucks line.

Wolford offers these five tips.

1. UNDERSTAND SECURITY AND

PRIVACY GUIDELINES

WORDS BY RACHAEL DUPREE

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

All social media platforms — whether you use Instagram, Facebook or Twitter — have a set of security guidelines. “Some even specifically provide guidelines for parents with

step-by-step instructions to improve your security,” Wolford says. Do your homework and read up before you start sharing.

2. ADJUST YOUR PRIVACY

SETTINGS

Your social media platform of choice probably gives you some degree of control over who sees the content you share. Get to know the privacy features on the platforms you use, and make sure only those in your inner circle get to see the most intimate parts of your online life — otherwise, you risk Aunt Gertrude’s hairstylist’s brother seeing some of your posts.

Amy Eddy, who writes about her family’s adventures in the blog This Urban Life with Kids, has used this tip to gain control over who sees what she posts. “I have a public Instagram account to go along with my blog, which I converted from a private account earlier this year, removing

personal data, names and most photos of my kids,” she says. “I now have a separate Instagram account for a small number of friends, relatives and neighbors to keep up with photos of our family and the kids.”

“I have more than 12,000 followers combined, so I am more aware of what information I share than ever before,” she says. “I also carefully and regularly scan my follower lists and block any that I find suspicious, spam-like or inappropriate.”

3.1. CULL YOUR “FRIENDS”

4. BE CHOOSY WITH THE

Take time to remove online connections you either don’t know or don’t want anymore. Accepting friend requests from people you don’t know well can put you at risk, particularly if your content is viewable to connections of friends.

Taryn Skees, a Cincinnati-area mom who shares about her family and her son’s Apert Syndrome diagnosis on the blog More Skees Please, does just this.

Avoid sharing specific details, particularly times, dates and locations of specific events, and avoid posting any photos that contain sensitive information, such as of driver’s licenses, medical records or birth certificates. If your social media platform of choice automatically generates any of these details, such as time or location, disable that feature.

AND FOLLOWERS

DETAILS

life by delaying her posts. “I am honestly not the best "Insta" when it comes to Instagram, meaning that I am rarely posting in real time,” she says. “So, while I like to post things that we do when we are out and about, I don't do it in the moment, which I think helps allow us some safety and privacy.”

Skees and Eddy both also extend this same courtesy to their children. “I want [my children] to feel a sense of agency, respect and dignity when it comes to their online identity in the future, and that affects how I decide what I share about them now,” Eddy says.

This kind of thoughtfulness can have long-lasting effects.

5. R-E-S-P-E-C-T Respect may be the biggest guiding force when determining what to post about your family and others online. Wolford cautions that even though you may find it perfectly acceptable to post a photo of your child in their sleepover PJs, your mama friend may not feel the same way. If in doubt, ask permission before posting pics of your friends’ littles.

“We are beginning [our children’s] personal digital footprint before they choose to do so themselves,” Skees says. “I think some parents forget that the cute naked-baby photos they posted years ago can one day be found by the kid that picks on them in middle school, and be used against them.”

Katie Holocher, the voice behind the Cincinnati-based blog Out + Outfit, gets around sharing time-sensitive details of her family’s

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2018 SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE CONSIDERING A NEW SCHOOL FOR YOUR STUDENT? OUR AREA HAS PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM! FIND THE RIGHT MATCH BY VISITING AN UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE TO GET ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED. BETHANY SCHOOL 555 Albion Ave. Glendale, OH 45246

(513) 771-7462 www.bethanyschool.org

Open House: Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm CHAI TOTS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 7587 Central Parke Blvd, Mason, OH 45040

(513) 234-0600 www.chaitots.com/

Call for a personal tour.

CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 11525 Snider Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249

(513) 247-0900 chca-oh.org

Open Houses: (PK2–Grade 12) November 3, 2018, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., all Campuses; (PK2– Grade 12): February 23, 2019, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., all Campuses; PK2–Grade 12 Campus Visit Day: April 2019, 8:30– 10 a.m., all Campuses PK–K Prospective Parent Coffee: January 24, 2019, 8:45–10:30 a.m., Edyth B. Lindner Campus;

CHILDREN’S MEETING HOUSE MONTESSORI COUNTRY HILLS SCHOOL MONTESSORI

927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140

(513) 683-4757 cmhschool.com

Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison & West Chester, OH and Ft. Thomas, KY

www.chmschools.com

Open Houses: January 27 from 2-4:00pm, Wednesdays at 9:00am

Call for a personal tour.

CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

2335 Grandview Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206

MERCY MONTESSORI CENTER

Elementary Campus: 7350 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH 45014,

(513) 475-6700 www.mercymontessori.org

Junior/Senior Campus: 7474 Morris Road, Fairfield, OH 45011, (513) 892-8500

Open Houses: February 3 from 1-3:00pm Meet the Teacher Mornings: Nov 14, Jan. 15, Mar 21, May 3 at 9:30am

(513) 874-8500

www.cincinnatichristian.org Open House: Sunday, January 27, 2019

ST. GERTRUDE SCHOOL 6543 Miami Ave, Madeira, OH 45243

(513) 458-6767 www.whynativity.org

Info Session: Weds., Nov 8 at 7pm Coffee with the Principal: Tues., Dec 4 at 9am THE NEW SCHOOL MONTESSORI 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229

(513) 281-7999 www.newschoolmontessori.com Open Houses: January 27 and April 28 from 2-4:00pm (Ages 3-12) PRINCE OF PEACE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 625 Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011

(859) 431-5153 www.popcov.com

(513) 398-7773 www.montacademy.org

Open Houses: Sun., November 11 from 1pm-3:00pm and Sun., January 27, from 1-3:00pm

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

(513) 561-8020 www.stgertrudesch.org

Open Houses: Weds., November 14 from 11am1pm and 7-8pm AND Sun., January 27, 2019 from 1-3pm

ST. URSULA VILLA 3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226

(513) 871-7218 www.stursulavilla.org

Open House: Sun., November 4 from 12-2:00pm SEVEN HILLS SCHOOL Hillsdale Campus - 5400 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227 Doherty Campus - 2726 Johnstone Place, Cincinnati, OH 45206

(513) 728-2400 7hills.org/welcome

Open House: Nov. 4 from 12:30-2:30pm

Open House(Age 2 – Grade 5): Hillsdale Campus: Nov. 6 at 9am Doherty Campus: Nov. 7 at 9am

SAINT URSULA ACADEMY 1339 E. McMillian Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206

Open House(Grade 6–12): Hillsdale Campus: Oct. 28 from 12:30-2:30pm

Shadow Days: through December 7

THE SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

(513) 961-3410 www.saintursula.org

Coffee and Conversation: November 14, Janurary 25, 8:15 – 10 am

MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF CINCINNATI Showcase Nights: November 6 and December 6, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

8293 Duke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040

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NATIVITY SCHOOL 5936 Ridge Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213

2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208

(513) 871-4700, ext. 261 www.summitcds.org

Open Houses: Nov. 14 at 8:30am (18 mos-Grade 8), Nov. 15 at 6:30pm (Grades 9-12)

SPONSORED LISTINGS

PRESCHOOL &

EDUCATION GUIDE CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

THE CAMPUS AT KIDS FIRST We have FULL DAY Kindergarten! Located inside the nationally acclaimed Kids First Sports Center, The Campus offers the premier early learning experience for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus at Kids First gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education (including gymnastics, basketball, yoga and soccer!) curriculum in to the daily schedule, at NO additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevance-based curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner.

CREATIVE TOTS, MASON Our holistic approach allows children (18 months - 5 1/2 years) the opportunity to learn, explore, play and grow while engaging in the fine arts, science, music, yoga and a modernized curriculum. We provide opportunities to use creativity, solve problems, use language, develop new vocabulary and reading skills, while engaging in intellectual activities. There are elements of STEAM education, bilingual education, arts education, as well as lots of physical activities to strengthen the mind and body.

6408 Thornberry Ct., Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Emilie Parry, Phone: 513-770-6776, Email: creativetotsmason@gmail.com, www.creativetotsmason. com, Grades: Toddler: 18 months-3 years, Preschool: 3-4 years; Pre-K: 4-5 years

7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, www.theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, info@theCampusKF.com

YMCA OF GREATER CINCINNATI

CHAI TOTS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers state licensed before and after school care at over 85 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Academic excellence via a unique blend of Jewish and Montessori education offering strong academics, stressing life skills, interpersonal relationship skills and nurturing a love for life-long learning. Individualized curriculum customized for each student, expansive naturally lit rooms, low student ratio. Specials include yoga, music, Hebrew, Spanish, dance, drama, art and Tae Kwon Do. Flexible schedules, before and aftercare, web cams and after-school enrichment available.

Transportation available to/from Mason schools.

Limited space - now enrolling!

1105 Elm Street, Cincinnnati, OH 45202, Contact: Trish Kitchell, VP Youth Development, Phone: 513-362YMCA, Fax: 513-651-3540, Email: tkitchell@MyY.org, www.MyY.org, Grades: Ages 3-12, Enrollment: Stop by any YMCA of Greater Cincinnati location or check with your local school district.

7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, www.ChaiTots.com, Ages/Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

Children's Meeting House Montessori School has been proudly educating students from preschool through 6th grade using the principles of the Montessori philosophy since 1972. CMH offers a variety of preschool, enrichment and before/after school options to meet each family’s needs. Partner with our devoted staff of experienced and Montessori trained teachers throughout your child’s most developmental years.

CMH – where learning happens, naturally. Find out more or schedule a tour on our website.

THE COMPASS SCHOOL Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding ReggioInspired 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. NAEYC Accredited. Call today for your personal tour.

9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Meghan Schymanski, Phone: 513-683-8833, Fax: 513-683-8456, Email: compass.meghan@gmail. com, www.TheCompassSchool.com

MONTESSORI

CHILDREN’S MEETING HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@cmhschool.com, www.cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 150

COUNTRY HILLS MONTESSORI Providing programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational environment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas KY. Visit chmschools.com for all location addresses & phones.

Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner, Email: susan@ chmschools.com, www.chmschools.com/, Grades: 3 - K

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

THE GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC MONTESSORI GSCM is a unique Catholic Montessori school set on a 12-acre campus. GSCM features nurturing Montessori teachers and individualized learning. 3, 4 or 5 day preschool options, full-day Kindergarten, and aftercare available. Spanish, unparalleled faith formation with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, art, music, dance and drama enrichment offered.

4460 Berwick Street, Cincinnati, 513-271-4171, www. gscmontessori.org, Grades: 3-year olds through grade 8, including full-day Kindergarten, Enrollment: 210; Contact: Anne Marie Vega, Principal, amvega@ gscmontessori.org

LITTLE SPROUTS MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Little Sprouts Montessori nurtures the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children, helping them develop a lifetime love of learning. Our goal is to empower children to discover and hone their strengths as they explore the world. We recognize the importance of individualized education, and maintain a 1:6 ratio.

7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-697-9021, Email: csawyer@ leavesoflearning.org, www.little-sprouts.org, Grades: Preschool & Kindergarten, Enrollment: Families choose mornings two to four days per week (T/TH and/or W/F), and/or afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.

MERCY MONTESSORI CENTER Mercy Montessori is Cincinnati's first Catholic Montessori elementary school and provides students with a personalized education. Mercy offers a sliding scale tuition model, in-school swimming instruction starting at age three, and attracts students from over 50 zip codes. Mercy educates the whole child and develops a strong foundation for learning.

2335 Grandview Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206, Contact: Amanda Grimm, Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 475-6700 ext. 210, Email: agrimm@mercymontessori.org, www.mercy montessori.org, Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade, Enrollment: 292

THE NEW SCHOOL MONTESSORI Cincinnati's only school accredited by the American Montessori Society. Centrally located and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessori-credentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement. Full-day, half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition.

ISACS and AMS accredited program.

3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513)281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschoolmontessori.com, www. newschoolmontessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 145

NON–PUBLIC

CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS CCS has been creating lifelong learners, creative thinkers, passionate disciples, and visionary leaders for over 40 years.

Our graduates are welcomed at universities because they’ve become the natural learners and inquisitive students that God created them to be. CCS knows that faith and learning go hand-in-hand. Outstanding. Proven.

Elementary Campus: 7350 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH, 45014, Junior/Senior High Campus: 7474 Morris Rd., Fairfield, OH, 45011, (513) 892-8500, Contact: Lisa Coombs, Admissions Director, lisa.coombs@cincinnatichristian.org, www.cincinnati christian.org, Grades: PS - 12

THE SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 months to Grade 12. Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a college-preparatory program (Grades 1-12). The Summit educates students spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically while offering the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier Catholic independent school.

2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-871-4700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@summitcds.org, www.summitcds.org

PUBLIC

CINCINNATI PUBLIC SCHOOLS Our goal is to provide a rigorous curiculum that cultivates critical thinking and technology skills while encouraging collaboration, real-world connections and endless creativity. It’s not just about getting your children ready for graduation. It’s about getting them into college and preparing them for a thriving career!

Phone: 513-363-0123, cps-k12.org

SPECIAL NEEDS

SPRINGER SCHOOL AND CENTER For more than 45 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Starts Here.

2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Carmen Mendoza, Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513 871-6428, Email: cmendoza@springer-LD.org, www.springer-LD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

TO BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY GUIDE

contact

KATIE@CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

November 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 29

SPECIAL NEEDS

WORDS BY MAGGIE LOISELLE

Let’s Talk!

How to talk to typically developing kids about kids with special needs For parents, there are few situations that can cause such a sweatinducing jumble of emotions – from embarrassment and frustration to oh-crap-I-forgethow-to-explain-this-right – than when your child stares (or, worse, points) and loudly asks, “Mommy, what’s wrong with that boy?”

Explaining disabilities and special needs to children can seem overwhelming, especially in the middle of the grocery store. But the tools you need are likely things you already practice as a parent. Those include encouraging questions, giving age-appropriate information and modeling the compassion you’d like your child to show others.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when explaining disabilities and special needs to children.

Encourage Questions Even though you might be mortified at the inopportune time your child chooses to ask about a girl using a wheelchair or a boy with Down syndrome, it’s important not to chide them for being curious, experts say.

“One of the big teachable moments is when our children are staring. We suggest to families that it’s OK to look, it’s OK to ask questions,” says Jena Wells, early matters coordinator for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati and the mom of four boys, including one with Down syndrome. “Instead of saying, ‘Don’t stare,’ suggest they say ‘Hello,’ or instead of ignoring the other child, they can ask them their name.”

Experts say it’s best to address a child’s question in the moment and validate what they asked. For example: “I see you noticed the little girl in the shopping cart with no hair. Everyone’s hair grows in different ways,” and then either find a place to talk more or assure them that you’ll talk more about it when you get home (and then follow up).

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Give Age-appropriate Information

Focus on Similarities

When it comes to discussing those with disabilities or special needs, target the information to your child’s maturity level.

Highlighting how your child and a child with a disability or special need are alike can be a helpful tool, experts say. Similarities can be obvious: “You both have eyes, a nose and a mouth!” Or a common interest: “I wonder if he likes ‘PAW’ Patrol’ like you do?” Or it can lead to a deeper discussion about common feelings and emotions.

For 2 to 5 year olds, keep it very simple with very basic language. You may also want to explain that disabilities are not contagious. Starting around 6, you can explain things a little more in-depth, emphasizing that all children have their own strengths and things that are harder for them.

Although you may have trouble remembering the correct vocabulary to use when your kid has a spur-of-the-moment question, avoid words like “sick” or “wrong,” and try “typical” instead of “normal.”

“Share information with your child in a clear and honest way. Talking to your child at their eye level is very important, and avoid terms that seem confusing to your child,” says Karen Martin, director of recreation and leisure at Stepping Stones Ohio, a nonprofit that offers programs for people of all ages who have disabilities. “You want to let your child know that while people come in all shapes, colors, abilities and sizes, and while we may look, sound or do things differently, inside, we are all very much the same.”

“You can talk about differences, but parents can emphasize what’s the same, because kids always like to hear how they’re the same,” Wells says. “Make sure they’re aware that the person with the disability has a lot of similarities: they want to have friends, they want to be included, they want to play.”

Of course, you can say all the right things -encouraging questions, giving age-appropriate information and focusing on similarities -- but as with anything you do as a parent, what your child will learn about disabilities and special needs really comes down to how they see you act around those who are different than you.

“Children are very receptive to their parents’ body language and emotions. If you’re anxious, your child is going to pick up on it,” Martin says. “Take time to teach your child about people’s differences at home. Let your child take the lead. As a society, we’re all getting more comfortable with inclusion.”

HERE ARE SOME PHRASES TO USE WHEN EXPLAINING A DISABILITY TO A CHILD. AGES 2 TO 4

“Most children like you are born with everything they need, but sometimes children are born without everything they need. Sometimes they need crutches or wheelchairs or braces to help them do what you do naturally.”

AGES 5 TO 8 “Kids are all different, and they have different strengths as well as things that are harder for them. Some things that are easy for you to do are very difficult for other children to do. It takes a lot of courage for kids with physical disabilities to keep trying and working at it.”

AGES 9 TO 12

“Whenever you see someone with a disability, remember that even though they are having a hard time, they’re still kids who need friends and understanding.”

Credit: United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Indiana

November 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 31

Our Turkey Day T raditions THANKSGIVING IS SO CLOSE WE CAN ALMOST SMELL IT (AND TASTE IT!). TO PUT US IN THE PROPER TURKEY-DAY FRAME OF MIND, THE STAFF AND WRITERS AT CINCINNATI PARENT AND OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS SHARED THEIR THANKSGIVING MEMORIES AND TRADITIONS. ENJOY!

Thanksgiving Day, my family and I wake up early and have a big pancake breakfast to fill up our tummies until the big turkey feast in the evening.

Afterwards, we start making desserts for Thanksgiving dinner and watch football all day. My husband is a pastry chef, so he is always expected to bring something yummy to my in-laws for dinner every year! We always have fun coming up with something new to bring and enjoy just making a complete mess in the kitchen. This year our daughter is two, so I'm excited to bring her in on it and have her help us!

— Katie Clark, associate publisher and creative director

Thanksgiving brings up so many memories for me.

In many ways, it was a celebration for my father who loved Thanksgiving. He would start talking about it in late summer, planning the exact menu and how he would be involved in the preparations.

In his later years, he would come over to our house very early to "help" with the turkey. We spent most of the day in front of a crackling fire playing Scrabble and enjoying the aroma of the turkey and the anticipation of our family gathering. His

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favorite side dish was my famous sauerkraut which is (believe it or not) an excellent side dish to all the Thanksgiving fare. My immediate family hates the smell, and our family joke is that I end up cooking it in our garage to alleviate the sour odor in the house. My father passed away this past February, so this Thanksgiving will be bittersweet.

We will keep up with all his favorite traditions and will recall our past celebrations, but I will always revere Thanksgiving as a day of remembrance of my father, John W. Wynne.

— Mary Cox, publisher

Every year since my daughter was born, each member of our family writes what they are thankful for in a little book I keep just for the holiday. I love to think that my daughter, and maybe one day even my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, will have this living memory of what mattered most to us each year.

— Kim Dinan, writer

Growing up, we would always have homemade pumpkin bread for breakfast and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade before heading to our grandparent’s house for the Thanksgiving feast.

— Rachael Dupree, writer

For my family, Thanksgiving Day always meant a three-hour game of Monopoly and watching my dad cook the turkey. This Thanksgiving, my son will be just over a year old, and I'm looking forward to watching him enjoy his first Thanksgiving meal and making new traditions and memories for our own little family.

— Wendy Hasser, digital publisher

Since my siblings and I were little, we have worked on crafts following our family’s Thanksgiving meal.

We really look forward to it. Now, we enjoy this tradition when possible with each other, our own children, nieces and nephews. Though we don’t often get to see each other all together at Thanksgiving anymore due to living far apart.

Nevertheless, we have the memories and the

tradition to continue with our own families. The smiles and laughter from these times will forever be a wonderful part of my life.

— Charity R. Bartley Howard, writer

This will be my first Thanksgiving being married, so I am looking forward to starting and combining new and old traditions with both of our families.

— Brooke Litherland, event coordinator and business development

Growing up, we spent Thanksgiving at my cousins' house. Every year, we used the same white table cloth, and we wrote what we were thankful for that year. Once we all grew up, someone embroidered all our answers, so they're now permanently a part of the family tablecloth!

— Maggie Loiselle, writer

We take our family vacation during Thanksgiving week! It gives us all something to look forward to after a busy start to the school year. There's nothing like spending Thanksgiving on the beach, building sand castles with my favorite people in the world.

— Sarah McCosham, digital editor

My best memory from childhood - and to this day - is tearing toast for my mom's Thanksgiving stuffing. Every year, she buys about 10 loaves of bread, pops them in the toaster, and then the kids tear them into pieces! By the end, we have a huge mound of teared toast in a pan just waiting to be converted into the best stuffing in the world! My sister and I looked forward to this activity every year, and now our children are getting involved and they look forward to it too!

— Hannah Mohler, account executive

With two teenage boys in the house, food is a big focus in our family, particularly around the holidays. The dish they look forward to the most is one we have dubbed "once-a-year mashed potatoes." Packed with a hearty dose of sour cream, cream cheese and butter, these mashed potatoes aren't for the health conscious - which is exactly why I only make them once a year. Let's just say there are never any leftovers.

— Karen Ring, production manager

When I was younger, my family would pass around a jar with little strips of paper in it, and on each paper, was a different question. We would pick one question and answer it while eating Thanksgiving dinner. The questions ranged from, “Say one thing you’re thankful for about the person to your left,” or “What is something that happened to you this year that you’re thankful for?” This tradition helped us reflect on all the positive things that happened to us that year.

— Nicole Sipe, editor

November 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 33

THIS MONTH'S SPOTLIGHT

WORDS BY KIM DINAN

Local Spotlight: The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields This local organization is giving every kid a chance to play ball.

WHO PLAYS BALL AT THE JOE NUXHALL MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELDS? Annually, we serve more than 250 players ages 4 to 74 years old. We have a youth league in the spring and fall, and an adult league in the spring and summer.

We have a beeping softball for blind players and an automatic bat for kids who can’t hold a bat. They press a button and the bat will hit the ball for them off the T. For quadriplegic players, we have a mechanism that they can blow into a straw. We also have two large LED boards and a pan-tilt-zoom camera so we can put their image up on the board, and a tremendous sound system so announcers can announce their names.

Perhaps no one understands the magic of baseball better than Kim Nuxhall, executive director of The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, a comprehensive family sports facility for children and adults with disabilities.

Kim’s father, Joe Nuxhall, was the youngest player ever to appear in a major league baseball game. He went on to pitch for the Cincinnati Reds and, upon his retirement, became the voice of Reds baseball as a radio broadcaster. Today, Joe Nuxhall’s legacy lives on at the Miracle League Fields in Fairfield, Ohio.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE JOE NUXHALL MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELDS? I’d watched an HBO show called Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel and saw this story of a little girl outside of Atlanta, Georgia, who had brittle bone disease. She would come home with all the paperwork to play softball and soccer, but couldn’t fill it out because she couldn’t play.

Her mother and some townspeople got together and built a ball field out of rubber. I thought, wow. Someday, somehow, we are going to do that. Before dad passed in 2007, we put together three legacy projects, and this was one of them.

PHOTO CREDIT THE JOE NUXHALL MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELDS

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WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION? We don’t stop dreaming for our kids.

Since 2012, we’ve added two bocce courts. Bocce is a Special Olympics sport, and we host state and regional tournaments. We’ve also added two playgrounds, a wheelchair-accessible glider, and a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round. Our next project is a wheelchair-accessible mini golf course.

Our next big dream is to build a gymnasium where we can provide year-round activities. The Special Olympics will use it for basketball. We’d like to start wheelchair basketball and volleyball. And the front entrance area will display dad’s memorabilia.

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY GET INVOLVED? People interested in volunteering can visit our website (https:// nuxhallmiracleleague.org) and sign up to volunteer as a buddy to a player during the games.

The community can also come out and support our kids during our Opening Day Parade. The Reds Opening Day parade is a big deal in Cincinnati, and I always thought it would be cool if we had that for our kids. So, for the last two years, we’ve held an Opening Day Parade, and the community comes out and makes signs for our kids.

WHY IS THE JOE NUXHALL MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELDS SO IMPORTANT TO YOU? I was born within 24 hours of a cousin who was born with an intellectual disability. She wasn’t ever able to do anything that I was able to do. I think that’s always something I keep in mind.

These kids, before we built this field, could only dream about playing ball.

They might watch it on TV or go see a sibling play, but they never could do that.

So that’s the best feeling, to know that they’re doing something they never could have done before.

To learn more about The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, visit https:// nuxhallmiracleleague.org.

GREATER CINCNNATI HOLIDAY MARKET

FRI 02SUN 04

calendar

NOVEMBER 2018

through SUN 04 ROALD DAHL’S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Now's your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before: get ready for OompaLoompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!

Time: Check website, Location: Aronoff Center, www. cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/roald-dahls-charlieand-the-chocolate-factory, Phone: 513-621-2787

THURS 01 TAFT JR.: ALL DRESSED UP Dress in your favorite outfit for this visit to the Taft. Touch different fabrics and explore the clothing in the Taft paintings. Listen to a story and make an outfit for your own paper doll. Regular admission pricing for non-members; children and Taft members are FREE. Time: 11:15 am-12:15 pm, Location: Taft Museum of Art, www.taftmuseum.org/taft-jr, Phone: 513-241-0343

FREE

*Ongoing *SN

*CP PICK 36

Free for families!

A recurring event Special needs friendly A Cincinnati Parent favorite!

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

DOUBLE DARE LIVE Double Dare Live will feature two teams comprised of selected audience members competing to win prizes by answering brain-bending trivia questions, completing messy physical challenges and ultimately facing the legendary obstacle course.

Time: 7:30 pm, Location: Taft Theatre, https:// doubledarelivetour.com

FRI 02-SUN 04 VINTAGE MARKET DAYS OF METRO DAYTON Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage and vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market, featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home decor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and more.

Time: Check website, Location: Greene County Fairgrounds, vintagemarketdays.com/market/ metro-dayton/

GREATER CINCINNATI HOLIDAY MARKET *CP PICK Get all your holiday shopping done at the Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, which features 350+ one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty stores. Choose from an unparalleled selection of home décor, specialty clothing and one-of-a-kind treasures, plus gourmet food from the Cincy Specialty Food &

Treats Show. Kids 12 and under are free; adult admission is $8 online/$10 at the door.

Time: Check website, Location: Duke Energy Convention Center, cincinnatiholidaymarket.com

SAT 03 ORCHESTRA TOOLBOX *CP PICK Dance, play and march to the music of Orchestra Toybox. Enjoy familiar selections from Toy Story, The Nutcracker and more – plus a fun symphony that uses toys as instruments. Bring a wrapped toy to donate to our community partner organizations.

Experience instrument demonstrations, crafts and more at the pre-concert Family Fun Zone. Doors open at 9:30 am.

Time: 10:30 am, Location: Music Hall, http:// cincinnatisymphony.org, Phone: 513-381-3300

SAT 03 - SUN 04 PAW PATROL LIVE: RACE TO THE RESCUE Come roll with the PAW Patrol as everybody’s favorite heroic pups race to the rescue on the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race. When Mayor Goodway goes missing, Chase, Marshall, Skye and the rest of the PAW Patrol will need to team up with Ryder to save Adventure Bay’s mayor and stop Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger from winning the race.

Time: Check website, Location: U.S. Bank Arena, www.ticketmaster.com

TCT ON TOUR PRESENTS: THE LEGEND OF POCAHONTAS *CP PICK This musical follows the true story of Pocahontas and how she became an international symbol of peace. The Legend of Pocahontas combines history and storytelling with music. This show is ideal for children in 3rd through 12th grade, and features a Q+A with the cast after the show. Tickets are $13 each (plus service fee) and will be available exclusively through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

WED 07-SUN 18

FRI 09-SUN 11

GOBBLES It’s all about turkeys at Highfield Discovery Garden! How do turkeys live in the wild or on the farm? Why do they strut and gobble? What does a turkey feather really look like up close? Discover in this interactive program, which is included in Highfield admission ($2.50/person).

CINCINNATI COFFEE FESTIVAL Coffee lovers from all over the region join world-class roasters, coffee shops, purveyors of fine foods and professional baristas to enjoy free tastings of some of the finest coffee, elegant pastries and savory foods in the land!

www.thechildrenstheatre.com/artreach/shows, Phone: 800-745-3000

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden, www.greatparks. org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

MON 05

THURS 08

Time: Check website, Location: Music Hall, www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ccf

SAT 10

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS WITH CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM Take a close-up look at works of art from the Museum’s collection to learn about celebrations and symbols in Native American cultures. Make your own pendant necklace to keep. For children in grades 1-4. Registration required. FREE.

CREATIVITY AND GROWTH: GROW GRATITUDE Join Amy Tuttle of Indigo Hippo and Stacy Sims of Mindful Music Moments and True Body Project for an exploration of mindfulness, creativity and growth. You’ll find this series of workshops to be family-friendly, hands-on, fun and inspiring.

Visitors should meet in the Rosenthal Education Center. FREE.

Time: 7 pm, Location: Erlanger Branch Library, http://kentonlibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 859-962-4000

Time: 4-5 pm, Location: Mt. Washington Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6033

Time: 11:30 am-1 pm, Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, http://cincinnatiartmuseum.org/events-programs/ events-list/, Phone: 513-721-2787

TUES 06

FIONA AT MADEIRA A Cincinnati celebrity painting on a $30 Thursday means no promo code is needed to save and have a super fun evening! Please note that evening sessions are for painters 12+ years of age. Painters between the ages of 12-16 must be with a paid adult.

THANKSGIVING ON THE OHIO FRONTIER Step back 200 years in the past to the first Thanksgiving on the Ohio frontier. The Society of Northwest Longhunters re-enactors will portray Shawnee Native Americans, early European settlers and military personnel. FREE.

FAMILY CRAFT NIGHT: THANKSGIVING CRAFTS Make crafts and decorations to use for your Thanksgiving celebration! All supplies will be provided, including examples and instructions.

Teen volunteers will assist in making the crafts and decorations. FREE.

NATURE STORIES Families are invited to join the naturalist for a nature-themed story. FREE. Time: 11 am and 1 pm, Location: Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre, www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

ROCKIN’ JUMP SENSORY JUMP TIME Rockin’ Jump hosts a sensory-friendly jump time the first Tuesday of the month from 6-8 pm.

During this time, the TVs and music will be turned off to allow for a more sensory-friendly and less crowded experience. Cost is $15 for two hours of play for one jumper and one caregiver. *Ongoing

*SN Time: 6-8 pm, Location: Rockin’ Jump Cincinnati, https://rockinjump.com/cincinnati/event/special-needsjump/, Phone: 513-373-4260

TUES 06-WED 07 BARNYARD BONANZA: FALL FESTIVAL Celebrate fall by helping harvest apples and making a scarecrow. Includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s Playbarn. Recommended for ages 2-5. Program is $6/child; $4/adult. Register

by Nov. 4.

Time: 9:30 am, Location: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

WED 07

Time: 7 pm, Location: Cheers to Art Madeira, www.cheerstoart.com, Phone: 513-271-2793

FRI 09 FITTON FAMILY FRIDAYS: PETER AND THE WOLF Cincinnati Ballet brings this classic tale to life on stage, through music and dance. Peter is a slight, solitary lad– his only friend a duck. When a wolf menaces the duck - as well as grandfather’s fat cat and an ill-flying bird that Peter has befriended Peter bravely tries to free the wolf.

Time: 7:30 pm, Location: Fitton Center for the Arts, www.fittoncenter.org/fitton-family-fridays, Phone: 513-863-8873, ext. 110

SENSORY STORYTIME Sensory Storytime is a weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 with sensory processing sensitivities. This is a fun, consistently structured story time with shorter books, creative rhymes, songs and hands-on activities to encourage growth in gross and fine motor skills. FREE. *Ongoing *SN Time: 1-2:30 pm, Location: Florence Branch Library, www.bcpl.org, Phone: 859-342-BOOK

Time: 2-5 pm, Location: Shawnee Lookout/Historic Log Cabin, www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-5217275

SUN 11 ALICE IN NEVERLAND Presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati, this original two-person interactive literary adventure will have kids on the edge of their seats and thinking critically as they join Alice, the best detective in Wonderland, who takes the case when Tinkerbell hires her to solve the mystery of Peter Pan’s disappearance. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for kids.

Time: 2 pm, Location: Clifton Cultural Arts Center, www.cliftonculturalarts.org/ccac-events/alice-inneverland-second-sunday-family-showtime/, Phone: 513-497-2860

CINCINNATI COFFEE FESTIVAL

FRI 09-SUN 11

DAY OF THE DEAD SUGAR SKULL COOKIES Celebrate Dia de los Muertos and make festive sugar skull cookies. Ages 12-17. Registration required. FREE. Time: 3:30-4:30 pm, Location: Reading Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4465 November 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 37

THURS 15 BUTTON DAYS EVE Did you know that November 16 is Button Day? Come down to the Hyde Park Library and make your very own button. Ages 10-18. No registration required.

Time: 3:15-4 pm, Location: Hyde Park Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4456

FRI 16 PNC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS MEMBER PREVIEW NIGHT *CP PICK The 36th Annual PNC Festival of Lights kicks off with a special preview event when more than three million LED lights will illuminate the Zoo. Join the Lachey Quartet as they help Santa light the tree to mark the beginning of this year’s PNC Festival of Lights! This free event is for Zoo members only.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE

SAT 17

MON 12 HANDS ON CHEMISTRY Learn about polymer chemistry with hands on experiments, led by Miami University's Chemical Society. Ages 6-12. No registration required. FREE. Time: 3:30-4:30 pm, Location: Reading Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4465

HAND LETTERING WORKSHOP Illustrator Erin Barker will lead a workshop demonstrating how to draw letters in fun and creative ways, then guide participants as they practice the skills used. Class is $10 per child ages 8 and up. All materials included. Pre-registration required.

Time: 4:30 pm, Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, www.bluemanateebooks.com/onlineevents-registration/, Phone: 513-731-2665

TUES 13 HARRY POTTER COOKIE DECORATING Decorate Harry Potter inspired cookies with Rebecca from Cincinnati Cake & Candy Supplies, just in time for the new "Fantastic Beasts" movie!

For tweens and teens, 4th grade and up.

Registration required. FREE. Time: 4-5 pm, Location: Clifton Branch Library, http:// cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4457

WED 14 THE MAGIC OF TOM BREMMES Join local magician Tom Bemmes for an hour of magic and fun! No registration required. FREE. Time: 4 pm, Location: Madisonville Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6029

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

Time: 5-10 pm, Location: Cincinnati Zoo, http:// cincinnatizoo.org/events/pnc-festival-of-lightsmember-preview-night/, Phone: 513-281-4700

SAT 17 A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE *CP PICK Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in the all-new touring production, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the whole Peanuts gang as they put on their own Christmas play and ultimately discover the true meaning of the season. (Sad Christmas tree included.) A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage is a present the whole family can enjoy, and only in Cincinnati for one day!

Time(s): 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Location: Aronoff Center, https://www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ charlie-brown-christmas, Phone: 513-621-2878

HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS 5K *CP PICK Bring the family out for some fresh air! Run or walk 3.1 miles through the lit-up Holiday In Lights pathway in Sharon Woods. Pre-register by Nov. 17: $29/person, $23/child ages 12 and under; Day of registration: $34/person, $28/child ages 12 and under.

Time: 5 pm, Location: Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

LINTON LB&J SESSIONS: WE’VE GOT THE BEAT! Come clap your hands, stomp your feet and learn about rhythm while you feel the beat! The trumpet, piano and drums will provide a variety of musical treats! Please note this PB&J concert has an additional 1 pm performance. Tickets are $6 each and are available at the door, online or by phone.

Time: 10 am, 11:30 am and 1 pm, Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, http://linton music.org/pbj-sessions-schedule/, Phone: 513-381-6868

SUN 18 THIRD SUNDAY FUNDAY: UP IN THE AIR

*CP PICK

Learn about animal and bird textures at the Art Cart and make an “airy” craft to take home. The Space Painter, Tom Sparough, will get things flying during his juggling show at 2 pm. Learn about the hunters of the air in an interactive presentation by RAPTOR Inc. at 3 pm. FREE. Time: 1-4 pm, Location: Taft Museum of Art, https:// www.taftmuseum.org/events/fundays, Phone: 513-241-0343

MON 19 MAGIC TREE HOUSE ADVENTURES Take a magical journey with Jack and Annie. Hunt for hidden treasure, explore the amazing world of deep-sea monsters and create your own Morse code message! Registration encouraged. FREE. Time: 6:30 pm, Location: Walton Branch Library, https://www.bcpl.org, Phone: 859-342-BOOK

TUES 20 LIGHT UP THE LEVEE: GRAND ILLUMINATION Light Up the Levee is an annual tree lighting event that takes the holiday season to a whole new level!

Countdown to the Grand Illumination, and flip the switch to Light Up the Levee's 50-foot Christmas tree. Bring your family for an evening of holiday entertainment, visits with Santa and festive photo opportunities. FREE. Time: Check website, Location: Newport on the Levee, https://www.newportonthelevee.com/ events/2018/01/08/light-up-the-levee-grandillumination

ARCTIC BLAST AT CAROL ANN'S CAROUSEL

FRI 23-SAT 24

WED 21- SUN 02 NATURE’S BEAUTY IN ART Be inspired by the changing seasons and the beauty of nature all around us. Make art to take home. Wear washable clothes. Program included in Highfield admission: $2.50/person.

Time: (Wednesdays through Sundays), Location: Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden, https://www. greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

THURS 22 109TH THANKSGIVING DAY RACE For 109 years, Cincinnati has been celebrating Thanksgiving together with family and friends on foot.

Come run and walk with the old kid on the block!

Time: 8:30 am, Location: Downtown Cincinnati, http://www. thanksgivingdayrace.com

FRI 23 GREAT PARKS FREE ENTRY DAYS Skip the shopping and spend Black Friday at one of the Great Parks of Hamilton County! On Nov. 23, admission to all parks is FREE. Time: 8 am – 8 pm, Location: Great Parks of Hamilton County, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

SANTA AT THE CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER Santa arrives at the CMC on Nov. 23 to spread holiday cheer to all! Check website for schedule of events.

Included in admission and free for CMC members.

Time: Check website, Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, https://www.cincymuseum.org, Phone: 513-287-7000

PEPPA PIG LIVE *CP PICK Peppa Pig Live is back with an action-packed live show featuring your favorite characters as life size puppets and costume characters in Peppa Pig's Surprise! Come join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and more in an all singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises! Please note that children 1 year and under can sit on a lap for free.

Time: 6 pm, Location: Taft Theatre, https://www.peppa pigliveus.com/events/441885

FRI 23-SAT 24 ARCTIC BLAST *CP PICK All day enjoy making holiday crafts, special deals on token packages, and hourly prize giveaways! Plus, see a LIVE penguin (Sunday only, 11 am-Noon).

Time: 11 am-9 pm, Location: Carol Ann's Carousel, www.cincinnatiparks.com, Phone: 513-381-3756

SAT 24 AUTISM FAMILY EXPLORATION This program is designed for families with children who have autism or other developmental disabilities to explore the museum in a comfortable environment.

Upon arrival, families will be given a map of the museum indicating multisensory learning centers. Each learning

November 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 39

center is led by a specially trained docent and explores a different gallery. Be sure to stop by the Rosenthal Education Center to participate in an all-ability art making activity. FREE. *SN Time: 9-11 am, Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, http:// cincinnatiartmuseum.org/events-programs/events-list/, Phone: 513-721-278

SUN 25 HOLIDAY SEASON KICKOFF AT THE TAFT

*CP PICK

Enjoy free activities for the whole family! The house will be decorated inside and out with lights, garlands and Antique Christmas displays. Take a photo with Santa, make an ornament and holiday card, meet a penguin from the Newport Aquarium and enjoy holiday stories in the Music Room. This is a free event; however, due to popularity, timed tickets are recommended. Register online. FREE. Time: 11 am-4 pm, Location: Taft Museum of Art, www. taftmuseum.org/upcoming-exhibitions-draft, Phone: 513-241-0343

WED 28 WEE WEDNESDAY: FINDING PATTERNS This popular “open house” program for preschoolers and their parents offers interactive learning stations, storytellers and a hands-on art project each month. Families will be given a map upon arrival, indicating learning centers in the galleries.

Let your little one practice their pattern recognition skills as they play with shapes, colors and numbers in the galleries. FREE. Time: 10 am-12 pm, Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, http://cincinnatiartmuseum.org/events-programs/ events-list/, Phone: 513-721-2787

THURS 29 DIY HOLIDAY GIFT SHOP Make a unique gift for your loved one this holiday season. All supplies will be provided. Registration recommended. Ages 5-12. FREE. Time: 3-4 pm, Location: Oakley Branch Library, http:// cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6038

AUTHOR SHERRI DUSKEY RINKER VISITS BLUE MANATEE! Author Sherri Duskey Rinker returns to sign her newest book, Construction Site on Christmas Night. Vroom and zoom into the holidays with this new Christmas classic. Blue Manatee will have plenty of copies of all of Sherri Duskey Rinker's books, but you can call ahead to reserve a specific title or purchase Construction Site on Christmas Night. FREE. Time: 4:30pm, Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, www.bluemanateebooks.com/online-eventsregistration/, Phone: 513-731-2665

CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

beginning FRI 09

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM November 2018

FRI 30-SAT 01 FOX SPORTS OHIO REDSFEST PRESENTED

BY PNC BANK Redsfest is the official annual winter warm-up of the Cincinnati Reds. This event features games and activities for kids of all ages, including interaction with past, current and future stars of the Cincinnati Reds.

Time: Check website, Location: Duke Energy Convention Center, www.duke-energycenter.com

ongoing events SKYSTAR OBSERVATION WHEEL Daily through Dec. 2 Enjoy unique views of downtown Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and the Ohio River from aboard the 150 foot Skystar Observation Wheel.

Each of the 36 gondolas is enclosed, climate controlled and can hold up to six passengers. The SkyStar experience consists of four revolutions and lasts approximately 12 minutes. Tickets are $12.50/ person.

Time: Open daily, Location: The Banks, https://www. skystarwheel.com

ANTIQUE CHRISTMAS AT THE TAFT Nov. 2-Jan. 6, 2019 Celebrate the holidays at the Taft’s annual display of antique ornaments, toys and decorations. This year’s exhibition features elaborate 19th- and early 20th-century German paper nativity scenes, woolly sheep and small wooden toys from 19th-century Germany, an antique feather tree hung with fruit ornaments in glass and more. Free admission on Sundays.

Time: Check website for hours, Location: Taft Museum of Art, https://www.taftmuseum.org/upcomingexhibitions-draft, Phone: 513-241-0343

NORTH POLE EXPRESS Nov. 16-18, 24-25 and 30 Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 20-24 and 29 The LM&M railroad’s North Pole Express has become a Christmas tradition for many families.

Experience the magic of the holidays with a train ride with Santa.

Time: Check website for train schedule, Location: LM&M Railroad, http://lebanonrr.com/northpole.html, Phone: 513-933-8022

CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS Nov. 9-Jan. 1, 2019 This family event features a 2-mile car ride through Christmas displays and light shows consisting of over a million LED lights, driven by more than ten thousand computer channels. From the warmth of your car, you can sing along to the sounds of the season synchronized to each holiday display. The show will begin nightly at dusk and run through 10 pm. Christmas Nights of Lights will be open every night, including holidays.

Time: 5-10 pm, Location: Coney Island, http:// coneyislandpark.com/event/christmas-light-show/, Phone: 513-232-8230

A CRYSTAL HOLIDAY AT KROHN CONSERVATORY

Nov. 10-Jan. 6, 2019

Don’t miss the magical 2018 Holiday Show at Krohn Conservatory: A Crystal Holiday! Admission is $7/adults, $5/kids 5-17 and free for children 4 and under.

Time: Open daily from 10 am-5 pm, Location: Krohn Conservatory, http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn/

HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS Fri., Nov. 16–Mon Dec. 31 Don’t miss this Cincinnati holiday tradition! Enjoy more than a mile of fantastic seasonal lights all from the warmth of your car. See more than 120 moving and standing holiday-themed figures depicting everything from Santa to the 12 Days of Christmas.

For more information, call 513-769-0393 or visit holidayinlights.com. Admission is $15/car and $45/ buses and 15-passenger vans.

Time: Sun.-Thurs. from 6-9 pm and Fri.-Sat. from 5:30–10 pm, Location: Sharon Woods, http://www. holidayinlights.com

SANTALAND Fri., Nov. 16–Mon Dec. 31 After your tour of Holiday in Lights, head inside Sharon Centre for some more holiday magic. Enjoy the family-friendly entertainment, share your wish list with Santa, check out the train display, do some holiday shopping at Nature’s Niche and pick up a sweet treat. Some activities do require a small fee; admission is FREE. Time: Sun.-Thurs. from 6-9 pm and Fri.-Sat. from 5:30–10 pm, Location: Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre, http://www.holidayinlights.com

HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE HILL Nov. 16-Jan. 1, 2019 Holiday Lights on the Hill is a 2-mile, round trip, drive-through light display at Pyramid Hill.

Admission is $20/carload Mon.-Thurs., $25/ carload Fri.-Sun. and $15 for members.

Time: Open 6-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 6-10 p.m. on Friday-Sunday, Location: Pyramid Hill, https://www. pyramidhill.org/holiday-lights-on-the-hill, Phone: 513-868-1234

NC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS *CP PICK

Nov. 17-Jan. 1, 2019

The Cincinnati Zoo will be transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 36th annual PNC Festival of Lights. In addition to admiring the beauty of 3 million LED lights, visitors can watch a Madcap black-light puppet show, ride the BB&T Toyland Express, search for fairies in Fairyland, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake or snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands. Please note that Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 pm, an hour before the rest of the festivities begin.

Time: Open Sun.-Thurs. from 5-9 pm and Fri. and Sat. from 5-10 pm, Location: Cincinnati Zoo, http:// cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights/, Phone: 513-281-4700

CHRISTMAS AT THE JUNCTION Nov. 17-Jan. 1, 2019 Create a holiday tradition for your family! See the magic of Christmas at the home of the World’s Largest Indoor Train Display. Take a “Journey to the North Pole” where you’ll meet Mrs. Claus and Santa himself.

Time: Open daily, Location: Entertrainment Junction, http://entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar/, Phone: 513-898-8000

HOLIDAY JUNCTION FEATURING THE DUKE ENERGY HOLIDAY TRAINS

*CP PICK

Opens Nov. 17 Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains is a multi-gallery holiday experience that includes the historic Duke Energy Holiday Trains in a new space with a new perspective at Cincinnati Museum Center.

Time: Open daily, Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, https://www.cincymuseum.org, Phone: 513-287-7000

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Nov. 21-Dec. 29 The Playhouse's version of A Christmas Carol combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic to bring to life its familiar story of a sinner given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts. A Christmas Carol's heartwarming message, hundreds of costumes and thrilling special effects help to make the show one of the Playhouse's most popular productions each year.

WINTERFEST *CP PICK Nov. 23-Dec. 31 (select dates) Ring in the holidays with WinterFest at Kings Island! It’s an unforgettable experience with the park transforming into nine enchanting winter wonderlands. Features ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower transformed into the world’s largest Christmas tree, 17 running rides, more than 5 million lights and 14 holiday characters spreading merriment, like Jack Frost and Sugar Plum Fairy.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Kings Island, https://www.visitkingsisland.com/play/ winterfest, Phone: 513-754-5700

WATER WONDERLAND WITH SCUBA SANTA Nov. 23-Dec. 31 Each holiday season at Newport Aquarium, Santa dons his scuba gear and swims with the fishes, sharks, turtles and more all while interacting with the crowd of onlookers.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Playhouse in the Park, https://www.cincyplay.com/productions/ achristmascarol, Phone: 513-421-3888

Time: Open daily, Location: Newport Aquarium, https:// www.newportaquarium.com/Visitor-Tips/AquariumEvents, Phone: 1-800-406-3474

LIGHT UP MIDDLETOWN Nov. 22-Dec. 31 Since 1999, Light Up Middletown has grown to be a family holiday tradition and has attracted over 800,000 visitors. Santa and Mrs. Claus are on hand every Friday and Saturday night 7-9 p.m. until Dec. 23. Admission is by cash donation only - you set the price!

HOLIDAY TOY TRAINS AND WAHOO'S WINTER WONDERLAND Nov. 10-Jan. 13, 2019 Behringer-Crawford Museum becomes Holiday Central with its beloved Holiday Toy Trains, which have delighted Northern Kentucky families for generations. The exhibit includes over 250 feet of model train tracks, vintage Lionel and Plasticville trains, Thomas the Tank Engine and more than 30 moving, interactive displays.

Time: 6-10 pm nightly including holidays, Location: Verity Parkway/500 Tytus Avenue in Downtown Middletown, http://www.lightupmiddletown.org/ home.aspx

Time: Open daily, Location: Behringer-Crawford Museum, http://www.bcmuseum.org/activities/ holiday-toy-trains, Phone: 859-491-4003

MARKETPLACE

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WACKY FUN & calendar NOVEMBER 2018

C I N C I N N AT I PA R E N T

SUN

MON

TUES

WEDS

THURS

FRI

GO COOK FOR YOUR PETS DAY

5

4

7

6

1

LOVE YOUR RED HAIR DAY

2 FOUNTAIN PEN DAY

8

NACHOS DAY USE YOUR COMMON SENSE DAY

SAT

9 WORLD FREEDOM DAY

SANDWICH DAY

3

10 VANILLA CUPCAKE DAY

WOBBLY WEDNESDAY X-RAY DAY

ORIGAMI DAY

12

11

VETERAN’S DAY

19

18 APPLE CIDER DAY

14

13

WORLD KINDNESS DAY

LOOSEN UP, LIGHTEN UP DAY

21

20 UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY

15 USE LESS STUFF DAY

16

HAVE A PARTY WITH YOUR BEAR DAY

22

23 DAY OF LISTENING

JUKEBOX DAY

WORLD TOILET DAY

25 PARFAIT DAY

26 CAKE DAY

27

28

29

17 GUINNESS WORLD RECORD DAY

24 CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUE TALENT DAY

30 MASON JAR DAY

GIVING TUESDAY FRENCH TOAST DAY

SQUARE DANCING DAY

SOURCE: www.daysoftheyear.com

November 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 43