Northeast Ohio Parent - May 2015

MAY 2015

FREE!

Family Living At Its Best PLAN THE PERFECT PARTY WE'VE PINNED DOWN EASY WAYS TO GET YOU STARTED! FOSTER CARE

OPENING YOUR HEART AND HOME

it's just me with

* MONICA

POTTER

Celebrate with Mom!

MOTHER’S DAY FUN, PAGE 49

HOLLYWOOD ACTRESS AND PARENTHOOD STAR TALKS ABOUT MOTHERHOOD, CLEVELAND TIES

NortheastOhioParent.com

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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MAY inside NortheastOhioParent.com

Busy?

Time savers, page 17

features

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06 EDITOR'S NOTE

Know the right tools to keep in your “parent box”

WORKING PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

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Here are some ways to make your day less hectic from morning until you drop into bed.

WORTH NOTING

Creative play ideas, Teacher Appreciation week and college savings.

by Janelle Alberts

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OPENING YOUR HEART & HOME

Foster care parents help readers understand the process of making kids feel at home.

by Denise Koeth

Creativity starts here!

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JUST ME: MONICA POTTER

AGES & STAGES Simple techniques to build a foundation of friendship between siblings that can grow as they do.

Hollywood actress and NBC’s “Parenthood” star shares with us her life as a mom and her Cleveland ties.

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by Angela Gartner

special Features on health, home, food, support and happenings around town for aging loved ones.

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LIFE LESSONS

Summer camp helps kids build confidence, leadership skills.

by Diana Siemer

Plus: Camp Guide

departments

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PARTY PLANNING GUIDE

Plan the perfect party on a budget with these DIY ideas, or leave it to the pros with our list of party planning resources.

by Kristen Kelly

COMMUNITY FOCUS: SOLON Places to play, shop and dine in this innovative city.

46 FAMILY CALENDAR Enjoy warm weather activities. Also, celebrate Mom with these family-friendly events.

56 TEEN TALK Self-harm is an issue that cannot be ignored.

Learn about this practice and support services to get help.

58 #CLEMAMA Educating kids on their social media choices.

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Cover photography by Renee Bowen; pg. 4 photo by Carri Wagner

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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EDITOR’S

note

MOM’S DAY OUT A

s a working mom, it’s nice to take a planned day off to just mill about with my sons.

When I decided to sign them up for a spring break program at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, I was greeted with moans and groans. As it turned out, after the program, I couldn’t get the kids out of the garden — they wanted to stay and play.

My treat, besides getting away from my busy schedule, was to watch them get excited and discover a new place around town.

In this issue, we talk about finding the right tools in our “parent box” (visit pg. 16 for the Working Parent Survival Guide) to help explore new experiences with kids and other family members, along with how to help manage our current lives, so we can have more memorable moments.

This month, I had a noteworthy conversation with Monica Potter, Hollywood actress and star of NBC’s “Parenthood.” When calling her home in California for the interview, I admit, I was nervous, but I didn’t need to be. Mrs. Potter is easygoing and loves her former home — Cleveland. Read about our interview and her ties to the city on pg. 22.

Work as an editor is something I enjoy, but it comes with guilt, too — as most working parents must feel because we divide and guard our time with the kids so closely. I hope you get inspired, as I did, from our household tips on pg. 16.

I am not sure about you, but May is a time for celebrations in my family. This year, my sister Patti will be graduating from nursing school (so proud of her!), and we also are planning a special occasion for my son Noel. If you are hosting a get together, too, look inside this issue for ideas on pg. 18.

If you hear these words often in your house: “Mom, he (or she) did…” or “Tell him to stop it…” or “He keeps touching (or hitting, jumping or any other verbs)…” you are a parent of multiple children, especially boys. The story on pg. 13 will help you battle those sibling issues.

As we look ahead to spending time doing summer activities, Northeast Ohio Parent is collaborating with local organizations to bring you fun things to do around town. Northeast Ohio Parent is excited to be launching two new events this Summer: Crocker Kids, presented by Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital at Crocker Park in Westlake on the second Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

May through September. Also, look for our Family Wellness Day, presented by Kindred Healthcare, on May 30 at Legacy Village from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both events will have plenty of interactive activities and entertainment for families.

One final thought: I hope we can bring our beach gear on my next day off with the boys!

VOL. NO. 2 • ISSUE NO. 5

May 2015 Northeast Ohio Parent is a property of Mitchell Media LLC PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011 NortheastOhioParent.com / NEOhioParent / NEOhioParent PUBLISHER

Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioparent.com 330-714-7712 EDITORIAL: EDITOR

Angela Gartner angela@northeastohioparent.com 216-536-1914 MANAGING EDITOR

Denise Koeth denise@northeastohioparent.com EDITORIAL SUGGESTIONS:

editor@northeastohioparent.com CALENDAR LISTING SUBMISSIONS:

calendar@northeastohioparent.com CONTRIBUTORS:

Marie Elium, Kristen Kelly, Janelle Alberts, Kristen Gough, Diana Siemer, Sara Carnes DESIGN

graphics@northeastohioparent.com PRODUCTION ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Sherry Lundberg sherry@northeastohioparent.com ADVERTISING SALES:

Chris Geer, 330-614-8471 chris@northeastohioparent.com Janyse Heidy, 330-671-3886 jaynse@northeastohioparent.com Tarah King, 216-403-3961 tarah@northeastohioparent.com Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michellevacha@yahoo.com OFFICE MANAGER

Kathleen Coleman kathleenneoparent@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES

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Contact Us ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: sales@northeastohioparent.com EDITORIAL SUGGESTIONS: editor@northeastohioparent.com CALENDAR LISTING SUBMISSIONS: calendar@northeastohioparent.com

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May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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WORTH

noting

THINK OUTSIDE THE

playgrounds put child-centered play in the forefront.

Given the space to explore, kids start working together and building on each other’s ideas

Where your child’s imagination begins:

» Sara Barry is a freelance writer from Massachusetts. She writes about seasonal family fun and outdoor activities.

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ITEMS TO GATHER: Cardboard boxes Sheets of cardboard Cardboard tubes Fabric (various shapes, sizes, colors, materials) Wood scraps and tree “slices” Bike tires, inner tubes String, yarn or rope Various containers (plastic bottles, bowls, jars, pails) Natural items (hay bales, sturdy vine, saplings) Large spools

»

PARENTS, PASS THE HAMMER While parents can join in the fun, too, playground planner Pandora Redwin says it’s easy for adults to take over. Kids are innovative and often see possibilities that adults don’t, even if their first idea doesn’t work. Parents should avoid taking over and putting too much structure on the process.

Unless it’s a safety issue, avoid too much direction. For example, skip statements like “Why don’t you finish this before starting something new.”

»

Boxes, rope and sheets come to life. These pop-up

BUILD IT TO BREAK IT If you’ve ever seen kids build a block tower only to send it crashing to the floor, you know something about the desire to destroy as well as create. Children may decide to break something in order to change it or to build something new, or destruction may be part of the fun for them. It’s all part of their process — and part of what pop-up playgrounds are all about.

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WORTH

noting

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week Teachers play a key role in student success and sometimes a simple “thanks” is all a teacher needs to feel valued. Take the time to celebrate your students’ teachers during 2015 PTA Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8. Here are three ways you and your family can say thanks from the PTA Pinterest Board.

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Personalized monogram “thank you” frame with a wide variety of crayons from workmanfamily.typepad. com.

You can go old-school and give an apple, however, there are many creative ways to pair the fruit, as pinned

by SallysBakingAddiction.com, like packaging it with a homemade salted caramel dip.

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Some other pins include decorated candy or cookie jars with cute sayings like: I am one smart cookie because of you,” as in a pin by tancamjenksfam.com.

NATIONAL 529 DAY

College Fund Contest CollegeAdvantage is Ohio’s 529 college savings program, offered and administered by the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. The money families save in a 529 account can be used at any college or university where federal financial aid is used; it is tax-free when used for qualified college expenses such as tuition, room and board, books and more. Current account owners and anyone age 18 and older who want to save for college can enter to win one of 10 college savings awards of $2,500 being given away as part of the 25th anniversary of CollegeAdvantage. The sweepstakes runs through May 29 — National 529 Day. For rules or to enter to win, visit whatisa529.com.

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AGES &

stages

A Tale of TWO SIBLINGS Raising kids to be friends, rather than enemies

By Marie Elium

T

he love/hate relationship that young siblings share is common, frustrating and absolutely predictable.

Kids sort out their issues in a protected family environment as a form of relationship practice. The sibling bond is likely the longest one children will have. No one else will know them better or longer than a brother or sister. While bickering is common, parents can implement a few simple techniques to help build a foundation of friendship that can grow as their children do.

BEST FRIENDS (HOPEFULLY) FIRST

Amy and Ken Ryan of Olmsted Township have two kids, Nathan, 8, and Emily, 6. Like most young siblings, “It’s a love/hate relationship,” Amy says. “They’re only 19 months apart (but) they actually play really well together.”

“From the start we tried to get them on common interest levels and would play together with them,” she says. For example, she and Ken would cook with them and give each child a task. That sort of teamwork — in the kitchen, or playing games together — helps prevent some of the built-in competition.

The Ryans build in plenty of “together” time while allowing each child to develop his or her own interests. And they also like to assign shared responsibilities, like tidying a room and having the kids sort out which child should do a task.

Ana Novotny and her husband, Karl, of Valley City, also have a daughter, Sydney, and son, Nolan, in elementary school. “As their mother who lives with them every day, I say they fight a lot. But when I hear comments from others, they constantly tell me how well behaved my children are and how well they get along. I guess as parents we are more critical of their behavior and notice the flaws more than anything else,” she says.

Sydney tends to boss her brother around.

Nolan, like many younger siblings, enjoys annoying his sister. Yet they often ask for “sleepovers,” which means they want to sleep in each other’s rooms or in the playroom on an inflatable mattress, she said.

Like the Ryan family, Sydney and Nolan also share chores — and it can be a source of

squabbling over who emptied wastebaskets last or dusted the handrails and baseboards.

Both sets of parents try to redirect their kids when tensions escalate. And they demand respect. “We teach that when you hurt someone, you’re hurting feelings and it’s important to be nice,” Ryan said.

Novotny said they, too, separate the kids and talk to them about why they need to be respectful. “I try to instill in them that siblings are your first, best friends and while it is okay to disagree, it is not okay to be hurtful toward one another,” she says.

Both sets of parents have hit on key strategies to foster eventual friendships. Combating rivalry is important. According to the Cleveland Clinic’s Children’s Health Team, five practices can go a long way toward managing conflicts: parents should stay calm, quiet and in control; create a cooperative environment; celebrate individuality; plan family time; and treat kids fairly — not equally.

BICKERING VS. MEANNESS

While the Novotny and Ryan kids occasionally bicker and their parents quell any escalation, some of us remember being punched, shoved and generally tormented by our siblings — regardless of gender. Angry outbursts and battering is something that can stick with brothers and sisters through adulthood.

Personalities drive sibling relationships.

It’s natural for some kids to get along better with one sibling than another regardless of gender, says Dr. Ray Guarendi, a North Canton clinical psychologist, author and father of 10 (ages 15 to 27).

A proponent of “common sense” parenting, Guarendi says parents must demand that kids treat each other with respect.

“Part of the problem is the experts have convinced parents there’s a natural sibling contention. In fact, what you’re dealing with are two or more partially socialized human beings (living) under the same roof,” he says.

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“Siblings will get along much better when their parents take a firm stand against mistreatment. Personalities become more diverse as the kids get older. There’s no formula to make children have an alliance as they get older.

“In any family, especially with three or more kids, some will naturally relate better to others. You don’t get along with everybody. I have 10 kids and I see which ones gravitate toward each other and which ones don’t.”

Siblings who are allowed to hurt each other or call each other names will — over the years — erode the relationship.

Meanness matters; it’s the single biggest destructive factor sabotaging future sibling relationships, Guarendi says. “I would say most kids get along if parents, under threat of discipline, don’t let that happen.”

While raising kids in a “no-meanness” zone doesn’t guarantee long-term friendship as adults, it makes for a peaceful and respectful atmosphere at home.

THE GOAL OF FUTURE FRIENDS

Novotny wants her kids to be friends as they grow into adulthood. “My sister and I are nine years apart — I’m the older one — and growing up, we weren’t really friends. It was too big of an age gap,” she says.

“Now that we are both older, we are friends and talk or text almost daily,” Novotny adds. “We still have very little in common, but being sisters is what keeps us friends, if that makes sense. If my sister and I, who had no commonalities, could be close friends then I expect (and) wish for (my kids) to be friends as adults. I am always slightly heartbroken when I hear about adult siblings that have no relationship or don’t get along.”

Ryan, too, knows that kids raised to respect each other are on the right path to future friendship. “I generally hope that they will be friends,” she says. “I’m extremely lucky; my brother and I are four years apart and we’re very close friends. I hope down the road, since (my kids) are close in age, they’ll look out for each other.”

Just remember that sibling squabbles are natural, and while it’s important to help children work out differences in a protected environment, meanness and physical altercations should never be tolerated. The balance is crucial to helping forge friendships later.

“I remember thinking after Nolan was born that my kids would never fight or argue because I had one of each gender,” Novotny says. “I think the saying goes, ‘I was a perfect parent before I became

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one.’ There are days that I think I have got these two humans all figured out and then there are days when I think I have lost my mind. But at the end of the day they bring me so much joy.”

A sibling is “something for life and somebody you’ll always look to for support and togetherness and fun,” Ryan adds.

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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working

PARENT

SURVIVAL

GUIDE

by Janelle Alberts

Make plans in order to run your household like a well-oiled machine.

two shortest possible words you can imagine – yarn and email – turn you into an erupting Mt. Vesuvius.

Until a demanding work email Watch out, Pompeii. pings at the crack of bedtime, You are not alone. When just as one kid mentions for it comes to managing the the first time that she needs unrelenting logistics of a 20 strips of three-inch yarn for working parent, here are school tomorrow – preferably several ways to make your day purple. less hectic – from getting out These are not the hardest the door in the morning all things you have overcome in life. the way to putting dinner on They don’t even rank among the the table. And you won’t be top 10. However, somehow, the feasting on guilt.

Be a good parent.

Build a strong career.

Two simple sentences.

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Family Living At Its Best

“

Value that you are supporting your family. That sets our tone, our mood, our tolerance and children can sense that.

De-Stress With Routines NIGHTLY ROUTINE

MAKE IT PERSONAL

A manageable morning starts with a routine the night before. Set aside time each night to prepare for the next day, whether for school, or with summer almost here, kids could be spending time at day camps. When kids are older, empower them to handle their own details. “My kids know that Dad is at work, I’m in meetings, so if they forget something, they’ll have to find a way around it,” says Wendy Wloszek, mom of two and partner and CIO of Tungsten Capital Partners in Twinsburg. “The surprising thing here is how my kids rally. It makes them feel good about themselves and it’s remarkable how responsible they are as a result.”

Carve out space in the kitchen for an organizer magnet board for each child with that week’s schedule. Add Post-its to remind which days need special attention that week, like yoga pants packed for horse lessons on Tuesday and library books packed for return Friday. Have your child stack the completed Post-its at a designated spot on the counter (preferably next to your coffee!) each day so you know backpacks are ready to go.

Delegate, delegate, delegate.

And lose the need to be perfect.

Even if tonight you can’t read a story to your child because you have to work, that’s okay.

You’ll read tomorrow night and you read last night. Balance is looking at the bigger picture.

Dr. Lori Stevic-Rust, Clinical Psychologist, Lake Health

“

Food for Thought FOOD PLEASE – FAST! For homemade food made away from home, try takeaway meals. Grocery stores offer fresh-daily, ready-made, grab-n-go soups, sides and entrees, with complete nutrient lists affixed to each package.

DOUBLE THE RECIPE. Whatever your recipe, double the ingredients.

Freeze half until later in the week when Monday’s main dish becomes the base for a weekend casserole.

MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO GET INVOLVED IN THEIR ACTIVITIES Parental involvement is critical, but finding time to volunteer is tough. If your child is involved in sports, theater or other activities, contact the organization to see how you can particpate. If you can’t be a coach, instead, be the one to organize the end-of-summer gift.

Or, volunteer to be the one to take the photos or video at the game or performance. If extra supplies are needed for the art class, be the parent to take up a collection or donate a few items.

During the months of school, ask the teacher what their needs are at the beginning of the year and what you can do if volunteering for field trips or class parties doesn’t fit into your work schedule.

Finding a Place for Your Child THE RIGHT FIT Childcare facilities or even a summer camp for older children could be great care options for your child.

“This is a very positive opportunity for your child to socialize and learn new things,” says Stevic-Rust.

When parents are looking for the right fit for their child, make sure to ask questions. For example, learn about the about ground rules regarding sick children and adult-child ratio. Find out staff credentials and observe how caregivers interact with kids.

Look for safe, clean facilities that will offer stimulating activity for your child.

After an initial meeting with a caregiver, drop by another time unannounced to confirm that they are consistent and forthright about their daily routines.

Crock On! If cooking an entire dinner after work just isn’t an option, consider making slow cooker meal prep part of your nightly routine. After work, school, practice or daycare, a warm meal will stand ready to greet your family when you walk in the door. With one-pot dishes like Honey-Garlic Chicken and Asian Beef Tacos, you won't sacrifice flavor to save time.

Head to NortheastOhioParent.com for tasty recipes.

“

If I didn’t have a Crock-Pot, my kids wouldn’t eat!

Wendy Wloszek, partner and CIO, Tungsten Capital Partners.

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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PARTY PLANNING GUIDE

PIN THIS! Get creative to plan Pinterest-inspired parties on a budget

By Kristen Kelly

Pinterest has been a blessing and a curse in the world of parenthood. It has become an amazing resource to find tips and ideas to make parenting easier; you can find recipes, organization inspiration, craft ideas and so much more.

Pinterest is filled with images of perfect, over-thetop parties that are sure to cost a pretty penny, however, there are some ways to get a Pinterestquality party without breaking the bank.

Don't be Afraid to DIY When you look at the cakes, invitations, decorations, games, etc., that go into the parties you see on Pinterest, it can get expensive if you purchase everything prepared from the store. Pinterest includes a lot of tutorials for how to DIY professionallooking cakes and cupcakes, even for a beginner. Websites like canva. com or picmonkey.com make it easy to design your own professionallooking invitations and decorations that you can print from home. Think simple with games: musical chairs, hide-and-seek and Simon says are entertaining games that don’t cost a dime.

Invest in Reusable Supplies

Find Friends' Hidden Talents Do you know a friend who bakes amazing cakes or a neighbor who is extra crafty? Maybe there is a graphic designer among your Facebook friends. Think about the people you know and what their talents are. You might be able to find some that can help with your party planning.

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Family Living At Its Best

If you plan multiple parties each year, it might be worthwhile to invest in some supplies that can be used over and over again.

While balloons add to a party’s decor, they can add to the budget, as well. Consider purchasing a helium tank and inflating your own balloons. Buying deflated balloons is much cheaper, and you save yourself a trip to the store on party day! Purchase generic party games that can be reused, such as a plastic bowling game, parachute and ring toss. If you are getting a banner, avoid one with an age, name or theme-specific graphic.

Instead, get one that is generic and can be reused every year.

Simplify the Menu Food is one area that definitely can add up quickly, especially if you have a large guest list.

Ordering pizza — always an easy option — can be expensive for a large group. Creating a “bar” with a simple dish as the base and options to personalize is one creative way to feed a large group for less.

There are easy “bar” ideas on Pinterest, such as taco bars, hot dog bars, and macaroni and cheese bars, that are easy to make but don’t cost a lot. These kid-friendly options are sure to satisfy picky eaters, since they can choose what they want.

PARTY PLANNING GUIDE

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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PLAN AHEAD FOR THE PERFECT PARTY Whether you are celebrating a graduation, birthday or any other special occasion, get a head start on your party plans.

GET MORE

Expert resources, party tips, planning ideas and more! NortheastOhioParent.com PARTY PLANNING GUIDE

BRICKS 4 KIDS Birthday parties take place in a high energy, fast paced setting where kids build, discover and test the limits of their imagination with their friends. Medina, 961 N. Court St., 330-722-2223, bricks4kidz. com/medina; Cleveland - West, 440-892-0900, bricks4kidz.com/ westlake

CAFE O’PLAY Professionally trained Party Heroes will make your child’s Cafe O’Play Birthday Party an unforgettable experience. Cafe O’Play, 911 Graham Road #27, Stow, 330-928-7517, cafeoplay.com

FLOWER ENTERTAINMENT The premier children’s entertainment agency who books the best balloon artists, clowns, face painters, magicians, inflatable amusements and much more.

440-944-0278, flower-entertainment.com

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Family Living At Its Best

PARTY PLANNING GUIDE

GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL Plan your child’s next birthday party at a 90-degree indoor pool. Birthday parties at Goldfish Swim School offer fun for kids and no hassles for parents. 216364-9090, tinyurl.com/gssbday

LAKE METROPARKS Looking for a fun and unique place to have your child’s next birthday party?

Check out Lake Metroparks’ many party themes and locations. 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks.com

PARTY411 EVENTS Known for creativity and originality making birthdays, anniversaries and any milestone oneof-a-kind and memorable.

Celebrating with families for 25 years as a one-stop shop. 4949 Galaxy Pkwy., Suite G, Cleveland, 216-514-8411, party411.com

PARTY COUTURE Specializes in creating once-in-a-lifetime events for children and families, working with you to plan the perfect experience for celebrating any occasion. 805 Village Trail, Gates Mills, 440-785- 0249, partycouture.com

JUNGLE TERRY

Terry Animal entertainer Jungle Jungnlde Friends Terry does educational animal a shows for birthday parties, schools and many other special events.

440-275-1331, jungleterryandfriends.com

GEE LILLIE Oh Gee, it’s great to be in Me Mini Camps. Ages 6-9 or 10-13.

Create a scrapbook June 10 and 24, flip flops July 8 and 22, or a pencil case Aug. 5 and 12.

38067 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, 440-525-5232

WEST SIDE BAKERY Celebrate your next event with the bakery. From baby and bridal showers to birthday celebrations, The West Side Bakery of Green is a great place to gather with friends and family. 1840 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, 330-899-9968, thewestsidebakery.com

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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COVER

story

It’s just me with

MONICA POTTER Interview by Angela Gartner ∂ Photography by Carri Wagner

Potter, mom of three, actress and entrepreneur, has been busy.

In the past year, in addition to her acting roles, including a final portrayal as Kristina Braverman on NBC’s series finale of “Parenthood,” she opened Monica Potter Home, a natural, local home and beauty store in Garrettsville, along with managing the mrspotter. com website.

The Cleveland native also has come back to the area to renovate her childhood home.

“A lot of us, as we are older now, don’t have as many family parties together

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Family Living Living At At Its Its Best Best Family

because we are scattered,” Potter says about her three sisters and mom, who have been helping with the project. “So I want to have all of our family dinners and holidays there…It’s just going to be a place we can all get together.”

Potter, who also resides in Los Angeles, Calif., with her husband and family, talks about her Cleveland ties, how she juggles motherhood along with her business, and what’s next for her career.

How is the renovation of your childhood home going?

Slow but steady. We are going to tackle that this summer. We have been documenting how we are renovating the house. We are starting with that house and then moving on to other areas. We are doing it house by house, but starting with that one.

It was very emotional for you and your family when you first came back to your childhood house. How has it changed from that moment?

We are remodeling it to how it used to look when we were little. Since I want to have that feel, my mom is going to help design it and it’s going to be a project for all four of us girls and my mom. It’s like going back, reliving memories and creating new ones with our kids now. It’s a real emotional thing, but it will be a lot of hard work.

You have three children — Danny, 24, Liam, 20, and Molly, 9 — what are some fun things you do when you are out in the Cleveland area (or things you plan to do now that you are back more often)?

Danny and Liam are doing their own thing, but Molly will be back and forth with me quite a bit, working and having fun. I think this summer we are going to take her to Cedar Point, the zoo, the art museum and show her Little Italy. I want to show her all the places I love and grew up with. She loves Cleveland and wants to live there full-time.

While you are here, what do you hope to teach her about living in the Cleveland area?

Everything I grew up with. I talk to her about my dad and how he worked hard — and the same with my mom — and to make the most out of what you can. I think she sees what a difference it is from L.A.; it’s just a different lifestyle altogether.

She will have the best of both worlds.

It teaches her the value of family, diversity and what it means to be grateful for things. When we are (in Cleveland), it’s a much slower pace.

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You played a pretty emotional role over the past few seasons with Kristina Braverman in “Parenthood,” portraying a parent caring for a child with special needs and a mother who dealt with breast cancer. With the series over, are there any takeaways you are applying to your own life?

I think the biggest thing I learned from doing that show is to slow down and enjoy the tiny moments because they are fleeting. I look at my 24- and 20-year-old and remember that when they were little, we were constantly on the go. With Molly, I really want to redirect and change that. It’s about taking the time to do the little things they will remember.

Top photo: Monica Potter’s portrayal of Kristina Braverman on the NBC drama “Parenthood,” which wrapped up production after its fifth season. Bottom: Potter poses with a fan at the February opening of the Monica Potter Home store.

Photo by Zac Popik

Do you think people have gotten to know you through Parenthood and can relate to you after that show?

You mentioned the Monica Potter Home store, which opened this year in Garrettsville; how has it been going?

There were a lot of Monica-isms in Kristina and I talked about certain things to the writers. Believe me, I wanted to put more in. That’s what I want to do with my next role, whatever that is.

We were working on something with NBC/Warner Bros. Television, but it’s been tabled for now, because it wasn’t right; it didn’t feel right. It’s a huge blessing. I had some reservations based on the character.

We have been doing well. We have a lot of community support and encouragement. On (the store’s) opening day, I was very humbled by how many people showed up. I feel like every person I met, I made a new friend or family member. It felt more like a family reunion. I invested a lot of money for our customers so they can feel special every day. Every time someone comes in that door, I want them to feel like they are coming home.

We are doing a Mother’s Day event on Saturday, May 2, similar to our (store) opening. We will have activities, tents and food, so it’s like another little homecoming.

How are you juggling both work and home life as a busy actress and entrepreneur?

Right now, not well — I am just being honest with you. I think with a startup company and the website, I am learning to delegate and let go, so I am able to scale back and do fun things during the day. At the end of the day, what really matters is your family. If I am overworked or overwhelmed, I am no good for my kids. That has been a huge eye opener and I have to learn to let go and trust. I have a strong faith and I have to make sure I have time for that, as well. In order to focus on certain things that matter, I have to pull back on the things that don’t.

We have a company and store and that has to come first; then I have my other job, which is acting and producing. I have to make sure all these are being fed correctly.

It’s all about connections and making sure the kids are cared for.

As far as raising them, you have to set aside time. Just because they are a certain age doesn’t mean they don’t

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Family Living At Its Best

What inspired you to open the Monica Potter Home storefront?

still need you. I think it’s mostly about trusting what they are doing.

Also, making sure to set aside time to do things individually and as a family, even if it’s a three-day trip. Doing something where all the electronics are put away. I make it a point to have family dinner every night and still do dinner on Sundays, so the kids come over and we talk about the week.

Just doing simple things, having that one-on-one time with them, so you feel you have their full attention.

It’s about the quality of things and not the quantity of things.

It all started with my dad (Paul Brokaw) when I was 5; he was an inventor and my mom (Nora Maria Sexton) was a homemaker. I always liked to create and do things on my own. We started our DIY site and our social media platform; my sister said we should do this on a larger scale, so I started working with artisans and craft people in the area and put this business plan together. I thought why don’t we create a space where we can manufacture, produce, ship and have a storefront. My sister Jessica found the space and we dove right in. That’s really where the idea came from and it’s really been a work in progress since I was 10.

Are there any crafts you love or items you collect?

“

At the end of the day,

what really matters is your family.

If I am overworked or overwhelmed, I am no good for my kids.

That has been a huge eye opener and I have to learn to let go and trust.

I love and collect angels because of what they signify. In any form, whether it’s ceramic, metal, wood or textile, I love creating them. I also like to do seasonal crafts with the kids, especially Molly.

Does Molly take after you in your love for crafts and creating things?

Does she ever. She is a little entrepreneur and is imaginative.

When the boys were little, I used to make a green spray — it’s lavender and chamomile essential oils. Molly said, “Mommy, why don’t we put that in our store?” Now we are doing Molly’s Dream Creams, for kids to help them sleep. I use it on Molly every night because it really helps her relax. Kids have stress and anxieties at school, especially nowadays with all the bullying (issues.) I am not saying that Lavender Dream Cream solves it, but it’s a way to connect with your kid at the end of the day.

Why did you choose to have the store in Northeast Ohio?

I went to Memorial School in Cleveland for kindergarten and few years later, it was shut down. I remember being angry about it and I called the Mayor’s office. I wanted to see this structure turned into a place people could live, learn a craft or trade, make money, feed their families and be proud of their work. It’s something I always wanted to do and held onto, so that’s why I am doing it in Cleveland. It was my goal to create some jobs, bring in some money and awareness of the area. I think Cleveland is well on its way — it’s an amazing city.

What’s next for your career?

*

CELEBRATE WITH MONICA Celebrate with Monica this Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 2.

From 10 a.m.-6 p.m., stop by the Monica Potter Home Store at 12724 State Route 88 in Garrettsville.

We are getting a lot of interest.

(For example,) we put together a presentation for QVC and HSN. I am also working on the unscripted docuseries about the house renovation, the store and my sisterhood, so you will see more of the real me, not just what’s on the website. I am really taking this time to think about what it is we should do next. It’s happening organically and is not feeling forced. It’s still work, but I can also take the time to go to the park, sit on the couch, play the memory game with Molly and bake — just scaling way back on things and focusing on things that have true meaning.

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

25

Opening Your

HEART

HOME &

There is a substantial need for foster homes in Northeast Ohio.

Is it right for you?

By Denise Koeth

D

eloise and Kenzie Jenkins started caring for children in need by chance. Roughly 20 years ago, the Barberton couple volunteered to care for two young girls while their mother was in rehab. The girls, who went to the Jenkins’ church, stayed with the couple for some time, but then later went to live with relatives. However, when one of the girls became pregnant, she asked the Jenkinses to care for her baby. It wasn’t working out with the family, so the girls were going into the foster care system — but they couldn’t place the baby with the 13-year-old because she was going to a girls’ home, Deloise Jenkins says, adding, “That’s when we became licensed. That’s how it all started.”

»

Pictured; Kenzie and Deloise Jenkins with their children Mark and D’zyre

26 26

Family Living At Its Best Family Living At Its Best

THE GREATEST NEED

W

hile there is a need for foster homes for children of all ages, the greatest need is for children between 11-20 years old, since many foster parents prefer to take young children, Gault says.

“The number of families willing to accept children over age 8 decreases dramatically,” she notes. “Because of this, there is a growing need for foster families to support older children in foster care.”

Gault adds another great need is support for children who are near age 18 and are about to transition into adulthood. “When a child in foster care turns 18, he or she suddenly goes from being part of ‘the foster system’ to being on his or her own. This transition can be abrupt and rough on a child who has had little direction to begin with. The futures they face are often grim.”

Milton Bradford, of Garfield Heights, was used to working with troubled youth when he and his wife, Phyllis, became licensed foster parents four years ago. The pastor of 28 years had been a drug prevention specialist in schools and served as a dormitory supervisor at a delinquent youth center. Because of his experiences, he chose to work through the Cleveland agency Bellefaire JCB, handling teenagers with more difficult cases.

In those four years, the Bradfords have cared for about 15 foster children, working hard to turn their lives around before they

“

“

Their story is one of many of local families who have felt called to serve children in foster care by opening their homes.

It’s clear there is a great need for caregivers of foster children — who sometimes are abused or neglected, needing a temporary home until their parents or other family members are able take care of them again.

There are more than 11,500 children in the foster care system in Ohio, according to Deborah Gault, director of foster care for OhioGuidestone, based in Berea.

Kim Hutchings, network coordinator for Wooster-based The Village Network, adds that in Northeast Ohio alone, there were 5,000 children in foster care in 2013, the most recent year data is available from the Kids Count Data Center, which tracks child and family well-being in the United States.

This month — National Foster Care Month — is a timely opportunity to learn more about the subject and examine whether or not becoming a foster parent may fit with your family’s lifestyle and goals.

“Don’t become a foster parent unless you are truly willing to give of yourself. And you must be thick-skinned. You can’t take every behavior or everything a child says as a personal attack.

reach adulthood.

“Older teenagers are at junctions where they need to get it together quickly; there’s not as much time to turn them around to become successful,” Bradford says. “You have to have thick skin and you have to love them. When the kids see that you genuinely care about them, that’s what creates positive change.”

KEEPING FAMILY TOGETHER

I

n addition to foster homes for teenagers, there also is a strong need for homes that can provide care for sibling groups, according to Hutchings.

When Dawn Ferrebee and her husband,

Robert, of Warren, became foster parents six years ago, their very first placement was a sibling group of four young children — all of whom the couple chose to adopt two years later, when it was determined they would not be reunified with their birth family.

In addition to a fifth foster-to-adopt child, the couple also currently cares for three foster children; the eight children in their home range in age from 8 to 17. “We’ve had all different ages,” says Ferrebee, who uses The Village Network as a foster agency. “All the kids we’ve had over the years have been really good kids; we’ve never felt unsafe.

They’re just regular kids, it’s not their fault that they’re in this situation.”

Also familiar with taking in sibling groups of foster children are the Jenkinses, who have worked as foster parents through Summit County Children Services for 20 years — caring for 50 children along the way.

All but two of those children were successfully reunified with their families — and those two, a brother and sister placed with the the Jenkinses from birth, 10 months apart from one another, were adopted by the couple after two years. The Jenkins currently are caring for another sibling group, a 14-year-old girl and 12-year-old boy.

“We started with babies and young children, but as our own kids got older, we took in foster kids who were around their age,” Deloise says, noting her own children are now 14 and 13. “Two years ago was the first time we took in any teenagers.”

PUTTING IN THE EFFORT

O

pening your home to children in need isn’t always easy, particularly during the adjustment period.

Common challenges include handling the time commitment and needs of foster children, as well as planning for the other children in the home while dealing with a foster child’s potential crisis, according to Lynn Av-

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

27

Would you like more options for foster care and adoption? Check out our directory on NortheastOhioParent.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

ery, director of recruitment, training and compliance standards in the foster care program of Beech Brook, located in Cleveland.

“Finding enough people to support you when you have to be in two or three places at the same time — balancing work, family and foster parenting — can be a challenge,” she notes.

“A very common challenge is adjustment for all household members,” Hutchings says. “This begins with helping a child work through their emotions and feelings related to being separated from their biological family and continues with helping the child, as well as your own family, adjust to having another person in your home.”

She notes that opening your home to others — agency staff, county workers and a guardian ad litem — can be a challenge.

“Culture collides more often than you’d think (i.e. the type of food we eat, the hours we keep, the way we dress),” Gault explains. “What was acceptable in a child’s biological parents’ home may not be acceptable in your home and finding a compromise or deciding which ‘battles you’re going to pick’ and which moments become ‘teachable moments’ is a challenge.”

She adds that when a child in foster care has come from a background of significant trauma and isn’t handling their emotions well, they can be difficult to manage. “Often, a foster parent has to change their parenting style; what worked for their biological children may not be an effective way to parent a child who is actively grieving.”

Ferrebee says it’s hardest to help when foster children are feeling let down by their birth family, “For example, if one sibling is at home with the parents and the other is in foster care, it’s hard for them to understand why.”

GIVING AND GETTING BACK

T

hough serving as a foster parent takes a substantial amount of effort, it also can be very rewarding.

“Recently, one of our foster parents got married and spoke of how at her wedding she had 32 daughters surrounding her in a circle while she danced with her new husband,” says Margot Williams, director of foster care and adoption for Applewood Centers, which has locations in both Lorain and Cuyahoga counties. “Another foster mother has had five foster youth attend college. Foster parents often tell us about calls and visits with former foster youth who tell them how their lives were impacted by the foster parents.”

Deloise Jenkins echoes that sentiment, saying, “The most rewarding thing to me is to take a child that’s headed in the wrong direction and turn it around so they can have a different perspective in life and realize there is a better and different way than where they came from.”

For Bradford, seeing the teens he’s helped grow into responsible adults is the greatest reward. “Both of my last placements have come back; they belong to my church and have be-

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Family Living At Its Best

come part of the family. Seeing them continue to develop is rewarding.”

Williams says that although the transition period can be difficult, “after a mutual trust is established, many of our foster parents express how satisfied and fulfilled they feel knowing that they have provided a safe, caring home for at-risk youth. These children deserve mentors who can teach affirming experiences and skills, and who can be their champion and help them succeed.”

MAKING THE DECISION

T

here is much to consider when it comes to deciding whether or not to become a foster parent.

“Talk to other foster parents to learn how they are able to incorporate another family member into their lives and how they are supported in doing so,” Avery advises. “If you are married and/or have children, be sure everyone is equally involved in the decision to become a foster family — especially the minor children in the home.”

Holly Spencer-Trueman, OhioGuidestone foster parent recruiter and trainer, recommends taking a look at your schedules to make sure at least one parent has enough flexibility to make room for necessary therapies, doctor appointments, worker visits, school visits, etc.

“Make certain you have ample supCONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Is foster care something you are considering?

More information is available from the agencies mentioned in this article, as well as other sources:

AdoptUSkids: adoptuskids.org Applewood Centers: applewoodcenters.org Beech Brook: beechbrook.org Bellefaire JCB: bellefairejcb.org Caring for Kids cfkadopt.org Ohio Department of Job and Family Services: jfs.ohio.gov OhioGuidestone: ohioguidestonte.org Summit County Children Services: summitkids.org The Dave Thomas Foundation: davethomasfoundation.org The Village Network: thevillagenetwork.org

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

29

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

port from friends and family to relieve you if help is needed,” she adds. “It’s important to have people in your corner that understand the type of caretaking you are doing.”

“Don’t become a foster parent unless you are truly willing to give of yourself,” says Bradford, adding, “And you must be thick-skinned.

You can’t take every behavior or everything a child says as a personal attack. You have to be an example as to how they can become successful by watching how you respond. You

have to teach them to do as you do.”

Though foster parents are provided funding to care for each child placed in their home, Deloise Jenkins stressed that is not a reason to become a foster parent. “To truly do a good job with it, you have to love children,” she says. “When you bring them into your home, treat them like they’re family.

Don’t treat them any different from your own children and don’t show favoritism — that breaks down their self-esteem and their self Pictured: Phyllis and Milton Bradford

worth.

“I feel I was put here for a purpose and I’m on a mission to do the best I can,” Jenkins adds. “You have to learn to love them through your pain so you can love them through their pain.”

30

Family Living At Its Best

May 2015

Healing Well

Rehabilitation 101

Capture Moments Plus Perfect Parent Gifts

Just What They Wanted May 2015

with your loved ones Aging Answers

1

2

Aging Answers

May 2015

Publisher’s Perspective

Honoring our Parents

By Brad Mitchell

S

ome of you may wonder what this Aging Answers supplement is all about and why we chose to include it in Northeast Ohio Parent. We want to recognize that many parents with children are also dealing with issues with their aging parents and other aging loved ones.

The term “Sandwich Generation” has been used to refer to this pressure parents feel as they try to meet the needs of both their children and parents. Your parents are one slice of bread and the other is your kids and spouse. You find yourself between the two walls of bread trying to stay vibrant and not be crushed in the process.

Where do you find your parents along the continuum of care today? Are they still independent, in need of some degree of assistance, or are they completely dependent upon outside care at this point? How can you find peace as their child and know just how and when to do the right thing?

Most of us are very familiar with the phrase “Honor your father and your mother.” But what does it really mean to honor your parents? Each of us must wrestle with this. You may say, “You just don’t understand my parents (or in-laws), they’re just not easy people to deal with.” Or, “They don’t want anyone’s help.” This may be true for today, but with each new day, new challenges can arise out of nowhere.

As a child, you were likely told to listen to your parents and now you probably recite the same principle to your own children. As life comes full circle, you are faced with honoring your parents as an adult. We parents must be keen enough to spot the changing circumstances, and bold enough to talk about important things despite any awkwardness.

It often is said that love is the choice. We are asked to view things with a longterm perspective, above the external commotion and emotions, and look to the heart.

Our hope with Aging Answers is to inspire, educate and encourage you as a caregiver. We don’t have all the answers, of course, but through information sharing, dialogue and open communication, we can all seek to get more solid footing dealing with the complex array of options and decisions.

The Aging Answers supplement appears in the center of our magazine every other month. In Northeast Ohio Parent, we also carry a monthly Aging Answers column to keep the flow of relevant content in front of readers.

There are some fantastic caregiver support groups in our area through hospitals, churches and synagogues, specific illness group networks, other non-profit organizations, and online. We plan to post an online guide of these in the near future.

We welcome your feedback on how we can help guide you in your journey with your parents.

Please write me at brad@northeastohioparent.com

May 2015

Supplement to Northeast Ohio Parent Aging Answers is a property of Mitchell Media LLC PUBLISHER:

Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioparent.com EDITORIAL: Angela Gartner, Editor angela@northeastohioparent.com

Denise Koeth, Managing Editor denise@northeastohioparent.com ART & PRODUCTION:

Sherry Lundberg, Advertising/ Production Manager sherry@northeastohioparent.com OFFICE MANAGER:

Kathleen Coleman kathleen@northeastohioparent.com

Subscription Services: subscriptions@northeastohioparent.com

ADVERTISING SALES: Chris Geer, 330-614-8471 chris@northeastohioparent.com Janyse Heidy, 330-671-3886 jaynse@northeastohioparent.com Tarah King, 216-403-3961 tarah@northeastohioparent.com Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michelle@northeastohioparent.com

Aging Answers

3

Worth Noting

May is American Stroke Month

Older Americans Month photo project asks: How do you live “Well Beyond 60?”

To celebrate Older Americans Month in May, the Ohio Department of Aging is asking Ohioans of all ages to submit pictures that show how they or their loved ones are living “Well Beyond 60!” Through May 15, Ohioans can visit the Ohio Department of Aging on social media to share photos and short video clips that show the many things older Ohioans can do to be healthier, avoid injury, keep chronic conditions in check and contribute to their communities.

May is celebrated nationally as Older Americans Month to recognize the achievements of our elders and acknowledge the many organizations that serve them, care for them and provide them with opportunities to contribute. Ohio’s theme for 2015, “Well Beyond 60!” emphasizes the role that each of us plays in determining our own health and wellness.

Contribute to the Older Americans Month Photo Project on Facebook.com/OhioDepartmentOfAging or Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #WellBeyond60 and mentioning @OhioDeptOfAging Submit photos by mail to: Ohio Department of Aging. ATTN: Older Americans Month Photo Project, 50 W. Broad St./9th Fl., Columbus OH 43215-3363. Visit aging.ohio.gov for more info.

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Aging Answers

Knowing these three things may save a life from stroke.

Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds, yet 80 percent of strokes are preventable. During American Stroke Month in May, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association asks Northeast Ohioians to know if they are at risk for stroke, warning signs and what to do in a stroke emergency.

Together to End Stroke, nationally sponsored by Covidien, teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people recognize a stroke and what to do if one occurs: F - Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

A - Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S - Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand?

T - Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Additional stroke signs include: sudden severe headache with no known cause; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; or sudden confusion or trouble understanding.

Visit heart.org/cleveland or for a free stroke risk assessment, go to StrokeAssociation.org/strokemonth.

May 2015

Health & Well Being

Helpful Hearing Devices

By Bridgid M. Whitford Au.D, CCC-A Director of Hearing Services, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

An assistive listening device (ALD) is any type of amplification device that can help you communicate more effectively.

When you use these devices, you may notice less stress and fatigue in addition to improved hearing. Discuss with your audiologist what devices are appropriate for you.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES ALDs can be used with or without hearing aids and can improve hearing in the presence of background noise, listening on the phone or to television, as well as hearing at a distance. Here are some examples of these devices: ✱ FM systems consist of a microphone used by the speaker and a receiver (usually a small unit that hooks on the bottom of a behind-the-ear hearing aid or a neck loop) worn by the listener.

The speech signal is transmitted from the microphone to the receiver on a special radio frequency and then the sound is transmitted to your hearing aid or headset. FM systems are available in many public facilities such as schools, theatres, museums or places of worship, but also can be purchased for personal use.

May 2015

✱ Personal one-to-one assistive listening devices have a small amplifier box, headphones and a listening cord. Both the talker and the listener share this device. The listener wears the headphones and the talker speaks into the microphone attached to the listening cord. These devices are generally used at relatively close distances and are ideal in cars, restaurants, small meetings or with the television. ✱ Infrared systems are most commonly used with the television and send the TV sound, using infrared light waves, to your headset. The listener can then adjust the volume on the headset independently of the TV volume, so not to affect others in the room. ✱ Induction loop system is a permanent wired system. The induction loop creates an electromagnetic field that delivers the sound. Hearing aid users with a telecoil (“T”) can access this sound through their hearing aid and adjust the volume as needed. ✱ Amplified devices have an amplifier built into the device. These include amplified phones, doorbells, alarm clocks, etc. The listener can adjust the volume to the desired loudness level.

Photo courtesy of Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

ALERTING DEVICES An alerting device can be a visual (flashing light or text) or vibrating system that helps alert people to sound. These systems can be used with or without hearing aids or in combination with other listening devices.

The following are some examples of alerting devices: Closed-captioning for the television.

The television dialogue is displayed at bottom of TV screen Text telephones (TTY). The talker types the phone conversation on the TTY; incoming messages are then read on the TTY display. They must communicate with another TTY device or use the relay service Light signaler for alarm clocks, telephones, smoke detectors and doorbells.

A light is plugged into the device and flashes when the designated sound is detected.

Vibrating signaler for wrist watches, timers, pillow alarms (baby monitor or alarm clock). A signaler vibrates when a sound or alarm is detected.

Aging Answers

5

Dad Doesn’t Need Another Tie Perfect gifts ideas for your aging loved ones.

by Jeanne Hoban

M

other’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner. When you’re considering gifts for your older loved ones, be creative in your choices. Many seniors have accumulated years’ worth of “stuff ” so you don’t want to add to the clutter. And before you think about clothing purchases, sneak a peek into the closet to see if the tags have even been removed from the sweater you purchased for Mom last year. With a little imagination, and maybe some help from your kids, you can come up with the perfect gift. Here are some ideas to get you started:

CREATE A FUN AND USEFUL GIFT BASKET Fill a colorful gift basket with useful items that might not make perfect gifts on their own.

If your loved one is an avid reader, include a large magnifying glass and a book light or better yet, a lighted sheet magnifier. Many seniors take prescriptions at different times of day. Include pill organizers that can be color-coded for morning and evening pills. Add grocery and pharmacy gift cards. Other items could be an easy-to-use pill cutter, non-skid socks for wearing around the house, lotions, a jar opener, and compression socks, which are now available in a variety of colors and patterns.

SIGN UP FOR A CLASS TOGETHER Local arts organizations offer a plethora of course options, such as painting, drawing or ceramics. Register yourself and your loved one to take a class together. You’ll both have fun discovering new talents, and your loved one will benefit from staying active and engaged.

PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER Load portable media devices such as iPods or MP3 players with music from your loved one’s youth. Include comfortable headphones and/or a plug-in speaker. In addition to the entertain-

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Aging Answers

ment value, music can have additional benefits.

The Music and Memory program featured in the film “Alive Inside” introduces iPods loaded with personalized music to seniors with severe dementia living in residential care facilities.

The simple and inexpensive intervention has a strong impact on the seniors, who become reconnected with their sense of self.

MAKE A PHOTO MEMORY BOOK Photos are wonderful to share, but there’s only so much wall and surface space for framed pictures, and digital photos are often accumulated and forgotten. A great way to make the photos – and the memories they conjure up – easily accessible is to create a photo memory book. Does your loved one have catch phrases they use often? Use those phrases as inspiration and find photos to illustrate them. Or maybe you’ll find inspiration in a vacation spot that the family returned to frequently. Services like Shutterfly allow you to create customized hardcover books, or you can create a book using scrapbook supplies from your local craft store.

A HOME SAFETY CHECKUP Offer your “handyman” (or woman) services to help make your loved one’s home safe for aging in place. Install appropriate lighting in stairways and hallways. Add grab bars to the tub and shower. Check appliances for frayed wires.

Check for working flashlights. Make sure smoke detectors are installed and are operating properly. Rearrange furniture and lamps to prevent tripping hazards, and make sure lamp switches are within easy reach. Install nightlights to make navigating to the bathroom or kitchen safe at night. Check carpeting for frays and tears (which should be repaired, or the entire carpet should be removed, depending on the damage).

Remove all throw rugs, which pose a fall risk.

May 2015

Furry Friends

Aging in America Conference 2015: What About 0lder Adults and Pets?

by Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren, MS, DVM at One Health Organization

I

f you are planning to get older and stay as healthy as possible, you could benefit from lessons learned at this year’s Aging in America annual conference, during which my participation focused on older adults and pets.

The speakers of “Aging in Community with Pets: Insights, Innovations, & Advance Planning” consisted of Dianne McGill (past executive director of the Banfield Charitable Trust and current president of Senior Pet Care Resource Network), Rachel Duer (program specialist at Texas Department of Family and Adult Protective Services), Amy Shever (director of 2nd Chance 4 Pets), and Keith Greene (chief membership officer of Meals on Wheels America). They discussed resources from these and other organizations dedicated to ensuring that older adults can live healthy and happy lives with their pets.

The session that McGill and I co-chaired was the “Older Adults and Pets Peer Group.” It was an informal session where attendees could come together and discuss anything about how pets impact the older adults they serve. All who attended had pets, and we shared pictures of them. Each had a slightly different reason why they were interested in the topic but the common link was the importance of the human-animal bond and how pets can benefit people.

The voice from the veterinary and pet perspective was heard when I attended other sessions.

One speaker discussed city planning and mak-

May 2015

ing it livable for older adults (or any age for that matter). With nearly 70 percent of all households having a pet, city planners need to take into consideration that people have pets and there needs to be plans in place for them. Until I mentioned it, none had considered pets in their plans. I hope they do now.

Another speaker focused on surveys sent out to determine the needs of older adults. Not surprisingly, there were no questions about pets on the survey. Maybe now they will add a few key questions.

A major concern of mine is older adults who have trouble affording care for themselves and their pets. The two sessions “Helping lower-income seniors maintain financial independence” and “Let’s talk senior poverty: What are we doing about it?” were extremely informative. Did you know that money received from the Social Security Administration is NOT allowed to be touched by collection agencies? It’s the same with 401K and independent IRA accounts. Collection agents would prefer to have you think otherwise.

In these sessions, I also learned that 50 percent of people 65 and older are within 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Both sessions reinforced our commitment to the Veterinary Payment Program for our One Health Family Members.

For more information about this program, email info@OneHealth.org or visit OneHealth.org.

Aging Answers

7

Feature Story

Rehabilitation 101:

A Course Families Need

By Maria Shine Stewart

functions of short-term rehabilitation.

The goal of rehabilitation, through all the varied forms it may take, is a gradual return to as many activities of daily living as possible with maximum independence.

Submitted by Montefiore in Chagrin Falls Photo by: McKinley Wiley

L

ife brings accidents and illness, but also hope, healing and resilience. The need for rehabilitation may be sparked by a sudden and unexpected event – a stroke, a heart attack or an aneurysm, for example – or a planned surgery such as knee replacement or spinal fusion. A fall or an auto collision could start the quest for healing.

Returning to optimal functioning is not something that occurs overnight. The need for skilled speech, occupational and physical therapies, carefully coordinated, plus optimal nutrition, activity and medical management are among the key

8

Aging Answers

MAKING A CHOICE FOR HEALTH Some people may operate under the misconception that all rehabilitation facilities are the same. They are not.

One size does not fit all, and not every facility offers every specialty.

“If patients go to the wrong level of care, it will take them longer to get back home,” says Tony Mancuso, director of business development at Summa-Vibra Health in Akron. “Whenever a patient has something befall them that is not a planned event [fall, stroke, heart attack], they are given a list of options.”

It may be tempting to select a spot close to home but location is not the key factor, he advises. “Expertise is the most important thing.” Go where the patient’s specific needs can be addressed. Do not put off a Durable Power of Attorney for health care, which allows others to make decisions if necessary.

The clock is ticking. Medicare Part A provides 100 days a year of short-term rehabilitation, and co-pays kick in at day

21. Medicare might not cover all costs when going into a skilled nursing facility.

It’s important to ask questions so there is an understanding about why the doctor is recommending certain services and whether Medicare will pay for them.

On medicare.gov, families can review tips, along with information on patients’ rights in skilled nursing facilities.

Amanda Swaim, director of marketing at BraeView Care and Rehabilitation Center in Euclid, advises families to be “in tune with their loved ones’ needs.”

How many are willing to listen for the full answer when we ask an elder “how are you?” Are we willing to ask follow-up questions to elicit further information or to find out how they are doing – really doing? “There needs to be progress documented and the need for skilled therapy, not just simple exercises that anyone could teach,” Swaim notes.

TEAM UP FOR HEALING A good rehabilitation team can adapt to meet the needs of each patient while eliciting patient strengths.

Lucy Mullins, director of rehabilitation at Montefiore in Beachwood, and a physical therapist, defines rehabilitation as getting to “the best quality of life possible, with or without a device, with or

May 2015

without a wheelchair, to be as functional as possible. The strongest factor in rehabilitation is patient motivation.”

Family support is another huge factor, and while relatives should not coddle the patient, they should offer praise and genuine encouragement, she adds. Sometimes their gains may seem small, such as not wanting to get out of bed one day and taking three steps the next without giving up.

“The best part of my work as a physical therapist has been connecting with patients, getting to know them, helping them succeed,” she says. “(As a rehabilitation director,) the best part is creating an environment for the best possible outcomes.”

Consider making a health journey a shared activity, perhaps accompanying a relative on hospital visits or community events where health information is disseminated to learn what they are learning.

“Education is important for families – and friends, too,” Swaim says. “They can also urge compliance with patient therapies, diet and medications.”

She says visitors encourage normalcy and curb isolation while in rehabilitation.

Even phone calls to someone in rehabilitation help.

Denise Gannon, vice president of operations and chief operating officer at Eliza Jennings, says that a hospital-based rehabilitation followed by subacute-facility rehabilitation culminating with services at home “provides care in a continuum” moving toward the greatest level of independence. That’s three different types of settings, all staffed by caring, skilled professionals.

While the patient is recuperating, family members may experience sadness.

Lingering impairment in a loved one is not easy to face.

“For the family member it’s really hard not to look at the loss – whether it is a change to mom, dad, wife or husband. But what you need to focus on are abilities.

“It takes teaching the family and the resident to look at the situation differently.”

If families can’t reach consensus on a rehabilitation plan of action, “a geriatric assessment center, such as one at the Cleveland Clinic [Main Campus], can help,” Gannon adds. “And for that patient, there needs to be consensus and support.”

May 2015

Aging Answers

9

Financial Matters

The 2 Most Important Documents You Should Have

By Laurie G. Steiner, Esq., CELA

C

an you name the two most important legal documents you absolutely must have? I will give you a hint: a will and a trust are the wrong answers.

The right answer is you should have a financial durable power of attorney and a health care durable power of attorney.

Wills and trusts certainly are important, however, these documents plan for your estate at your death. The durable powers of attorney for finances and health care are designated to protect you during your lifetime.

YOUR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS The financial durable power of attorney authorizes someone you trust, usually a spouse or child, to handle your finances.

The agent you name can pay your bills, sign checks, sell stocks and generally handle your finances. If you become incapacitated and are unable to handle your financial affairs, your agent under the financial durable power of attorney can easily step in to handle things for you.

If you become incapacitated for any reason (stroke, accident, Alzheimer’s, etc.) and don’t have a financial durable power of attorney, you will have a disaster. If you’re incapacitated, you can’t take money from your IRAs or 401(k), sell your house or stocks, or endorse checks coming in — and no one else can, either. In this situation, your spouse or child would have to request

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Aging Answers

to become your guardian through the county probate court. This process is costly, time consuming and requires you to hire an attorney.

HEALTH CARE DECISIONS A health care durable power of attorney lets you authorize someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make them on your own. If, for example, you are in an auto accident, suffer a stroke or have Alzheimer’s and you can’t make health care decisions, doctors generally can’t treat you, give you medications or perform medical procedures on their own.

Nor can your spouse or children tell the doctors what to do without a health care durable power of attorney. You must give someone the legal authority, in writing, to make health decisions for you in this circumstance.

Without such a document, if you become incapacitated, a guardianship would have to be established through probate court, as discussed previously. You can get a health care durable power of attorney from the Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (ohpco.org). You should consult an attorney for a financial durable power of attorney.

If you haven’t made financial and health care durable powers of attorney, make them now. Without these two documents, you could find yourself facing disaster.

May 2015

SPONSORED CONTENT

WINDSOR HEIGHTS’ ALZHEIMER’S SPECIAL CARE CENTER OPENS TO NEW RESIDENTS Windsor Heights is an assisted living community that specializes in care and services for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Located in Beachwood, the center just finished construction last year. Beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the city, Windsor Heights is a secure environment that allows residents to wander safely in the comfort of their home.

The 66-bed building has a secured outdoor walking path and a large inner courtyard with piped in music, a shaded porch and a fountain area. In the “Meaningful Moments” programs, staff provides daily activities that are unique to each resident to help engage them in a purposeful way.

Administrator Terry Sombat has worked with seniors for over 30 years.

Terry and her management team are dedicated to helping residents and their

families cope with the many facets of dementia. They offer a monthly Family Support Group and educational programs for family and staff. Windsor Heights is owned and operated

by JEA Senior Living of Vancouver, Wash.

For more information, call Terry at 216-839-1300.

Get more Aging Answers articles and information online at NortheastOhioParent.com

May 2015

Aging Answers

11

Health

Signs and Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndromee It’s something no one likes to talk about, but if you’ve been experiencing abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, frequent loose stools or alternation between constipation and diarrhea, these could be symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This common abdominal disorder affects up to 20 percent of adults. The exact cause of IBS is yet to be determined.

People with IBS have colon muscles and nerves that can be more sensitive than others, triggering pain as a result of stress or certain types of food. One of the most common triggers is stress, at which time the brain sends messages to the colon via nerves that affect the bowel and result in discomforting symptoms.

Seeking Medical Advice Diagnosis usually includes a detailed history and physical examination, labs, imaging and possibly a colonoscopy to evaluate for inflammation, abnormal growths or ulcers.

However, these symptoms also can be the signs of a more serious health problem such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease or colon cancer. If you have a family history of IBD or colon cancer and also are experiencing rectal bleeding, persistent severe pain, a change from your usual bowel pattern and/or unexplained weight loss, a colonoscopy

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Aging Answers

by Dr. Maya Merheb

should be done right away to identify the cause and avoid delaying treatment.

It is important to see a physician to rule out other diseases because some patients are misdiagnosed with IBS when in fact they have IBD. People age 50 and older with IBS symptoms should definitely have a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer.

Getting Help Treatment for IBS can include a change in diet, medications and stress relief. Spicy, greasy, fatty foods, chocolate and milk products also can irritate the bowel and trigger IBS symptoms, as can alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Keeping a log of symptoms is a good way to help determine associated triggers.

Avoiding foods that aggravate symptoms; eating more fiber and less fat; and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated fluids every day can be simple ways to ease the symptoms and help you feel better. Your physician may recommend a medication, if necessary.

Talk with your primary care doctor or a board-certified gastroenterologist and get the help you need — don’t let your symptoms interfere with the quality of your life.

May 2015

HEALTH & WELLNESS EVENTS ~ May/June 2015 MONDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. $20 each. First three Mondays in May. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Ignite Sports, 510 Center St., Chardon. Register, 440-279-2131, co.geauga.oh.us

west General is offering free seminars. May 6 - Strength and Balance, May 13 - Diabetes and Exercise, May 20 - Arthritis and Exercise and May 27 - Healthy Eating for the Older Adult. Southwest General, 7390 Old Oak Blvd., Middleburg Hts., 440-8164202, lifeworksfitness.net

Pickleball - Round Robin Court Time. Pickleball is a racquet

TUESDAYS

Heart Disease Support Group.

Heart patients, families and caregivers receive support in coping with diagnosis, treatment or surgery for heart disease. Second Tuesday of every month. 1-2 p.m.

Summa Rehab Hospital, 29 N. Adams St., Akron, 330-572-7300, summarehabhospital.com

Caregiver Support Group. Meets every Third Tuesday from 12:301:30 p.m. Geauga Dept. on Aging, 12555 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, 440-279-2130, co.geauga. oh.us

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. 50 percent off admission on Tuesdays for seniors 60 and older. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org

May 2015

LifeWorks. LifeWorks of South-

THURSDAYS

Parkinson Group Exercise Program. A simple exercise program has the ability to help ease the daily struggles of Parkinson’s, and delays some of the more devastating results of the disease. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Summa Rehab Hospital, 29 N. Adams St., Akron, 330-572-7300, summarehabhospital.com

Laughter Club. Laughter is the best medicine. 11 a.m.-noon.

South Euclid Community Center, 1370 Victory Drive, Cleveland, 216-291-0771, communitypartnershiponaging. org

Spirituality & Cancer Group. For those interested in exploring and talking about spiritual issues and

how they relate to coping with cancer. Offered the first and third Thursdays in May. 9:30-11 a.m.

Stewart’s Caring Place, 2955 W. Market St., Suite R, Akron, 330836-1772, stewartscaringplace.org

Camp Wired. Adults 55 and older learn or brush up on computer basics along with a variety of skills and software. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Medina Library, Computer Lab, 210 S. Broadway St., Medina, 330-725-0588, mcdl.info

FRIDAYS

Intermediate Line Dancing. Remember oldies like the Bossa Nova or learn new dances such as Cupid Shuffle and Cha Cha Slide.

9:30-10:30 a.m. DeJohn Community Center, 6306 Marsol Road, Mayfield Hts., 216-291-3902, communitypartnershiponaging. org

DAY BY DAY May 2

Free Blood Pressure Screenings.

Lake Health offers free blood pressure checks during normal business hours. 9 a.m.-noon. TriPoint Medical Center, 7590 Auburn Road, Concord Township, lakehealth.org

May 3

2015 Golden Achievement Awards. Cocktail reception, silent auction and fine dining. 5 p.m.

The Country Club, 2825 Lander Road, Pepper Pike, rosecenters.org

May 6

WAKR Senior Luncheon. Enjoy lunch, entertainment and health information.

Reservation required. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at the WAKR station, 1795 W. Market St., Akron.

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Todaro’s Party Center, 1820 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-869-9800, akrongeneral.org

May 7

Senior Health Fair. Entertainment and activities include senior line dancing, Sunshine Singers, and a lot surprises. Free admission. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Donna Smallwood Activities Center, 7001 W. Ridgewood Drive, Parma, 440-8858800, smallwoodcenter.com

May 14

Euclid Hospital Supper Club.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m. to check in and collect your bingo cards.

Enjoy several games of bingo

Aging Answers

13

from 3-4 p.m. Dinner and dessert are offered after bingo. Special prizes. $5 each. Euclid Hospital Cafeteria, 18901 Lake Shore Blvd., Euclid, 216-448-1210, myclevelandclinic.org

May 15

Cleveland Clinic’s Healthwise Connection - Trip to Playhouse Square. Numerous bus pickup locations are available on the east and west side of Cleveland to see “I Love Lucy.” $69 each. Space is limited. 440-942-5350, JKLtours.net

May 16

May 20

pressure can cause heart attacks and strokes, yet has no symptoms. Lake Health will offer free blood pressure checks during normal business hours. 9 a.m.- noon. West Medical Center, 36000 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, lakehealth.org

gram, lunch and entertainment. All seniors are invited to attend this free event beginning at 10 a.m. Cleveland Public Hall, 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, 216-664-2833, cleveland-oh.gov/aging

Free Blood Pressure Screenings. High blood

May 19

Spring Social. A Spirit of Clay paint-your-ownpottery studio. $4.50 studio time, projects start at $6. Reservations required. 828 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Village, 440-473-5138, communitypartnershiponaging.com

26th Annual Senior Day. Information fair, pro-

May 21

Mental Health and Memory Loss. Learn about the complex correlation between mental health and memory loss and the interventions that may assist individuals with memory retention.

1-4:15 p.m. $60. Conference Center at Benjamin Rose, 11890 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, 216-791-8000, benrose.org

May 27

Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Bus leaves Chardon Senior Center at 10 a.m. and returns by 2:30 p.m. for the Lake County Captains Game. $20 per Geauga County senior includes transportation, game ticket and food voucher.

Chardon Senior Center, 12555 Ravenwood Dr., Chardon, co.geauga.oh.us

Afternoon at the Cinema. Adults 55 and older can enjoy recent DVD releases and light refreshments. 1-3:30 p.m. Brunswick Library, Sycamore Room South, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick, 330-273-4150, mcdl.info

May 29

Cardiortho Symposium. There is a hot, healthy breakfast during the vendor fair featuring new technologies and screenings followed by a heart-healthy lunch and lectures focusing on keeping your heart and joints healthy. Quail Hollow Resort, 11080 Concord Hambden Road, Painesville, lakehealth.org

May 30

Family Wellness Day presented by Kindred Healthcare. Northeast Ohio Parent and Aging Answers brings you a wide variety of health and wellness exhibitors, sponsors, interactive activities and entertainment certain to make this a great afternoon for families. A special Aging Answers pavilion brought to you by Cuyahoga Community College will host expert talks, Q&A, demonstrations and informative presentations geared at the 55 and older 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Legacy Village, 25333 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, northeastohioparent.com

SAVE THE DATE

June 2

Breaking the Pain Chain. Four-week Arthritis Foundation educational series filled with tools, tips and techniques to help you manage chronic pain and create a personalized pain management plan. Free of charge for people who live or work in Lake County. Pre-registration required by May 22. Lake County Council on Aging, 8520 East Ave., Mentor, 440-205-8111

June 12

A New Era for Elder Justice Conference. Featuring Risa Breckman, LCSW-R, an elder justice advocate since 1982. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Cuyahoga Community College, Corporate College East, 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Hts., c3a5county.org

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Aging Answers

May 2015

SPONSORED CONTENT

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When a loved one experiences a health crisis, determining where to turn next is critical and often challenging. Navigating the complex decisions that lie ahead can be difficult, but with Caregiver Concierge, you don’t have to go it alone.

As a caregiver, you are tasked with coordinating most aspects of your loved one’s lives. From healthcare appointments to nutritional support to home improvements, the role can begin to bear on you.

To meet the holistic needs of patients and families, Caregiver Concierge offers a single source solution and resource to those facing the various stages of health and wellness and the road back to independent living.

Provided by Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio, Caregiver Concierge offers a comprehensive plan tailored to meet the needs of each family and includes full-year access to a Personal Health Concierge, who will serve as your one-stop connection.

“Caregivers are overwhelmed and they usually do not know how or where to begin making decisions. With so much information being thrown their way, managing it all can be exhausting. It is our focus to help them navigate through this challenging time and provide support in any way possible”, states Jenise Abdul-Razzaaq, LSW, CSA, VNA of Ohio Personal Health Concierge.

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1-855-VNACARES

May 2015

Services Supporting the Caregiver Services include health navigation, patient and family support, clinical care, and optimal wellness services, based on your family’s needs and desires. This privatepay service provides coordination of home care services, linkage to community partners, and 365 dayaccess to assistance.

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Whether recovering from surgery, living with a chronic illness, or requiring daily care assistance, Caregiver Concierge lets you focus on what really matters – your family’s health, safety, and independence at home.

Aging Answers

15

May 2015

Aging Answers

16

Summer camp helps kids build confidence, leadership

By Diana Seimer

Summer camp, although part of the yearly agenda for many families, doesn’t have to be just another activity on the schedule or the place the kids go when school lets out.

Camp can be a way to empower kids to become leaders and develop coping skills.

According to Joel D. Haber, author of the article “Eleven Tips to Build Resilience with Campers,” the current generations of children are struggling more than ever to work through issues of frustration, anger, conflict, failure and everyday challenges.

Children need a place and an opportunity to build resilience that will help them face all the challenges in their lives, he adds. Camp can be an optimal place for just that type of skill building.

Supporting Self-Development Confidence is something kids — and adults — can struggle with on a daily basis. Camp offers an opportunity to discover abilities and build self-esteem.

Katherine Hatcher, director of the Lower School at Lake Ridge Academy, says at

her summer camp, everyone learns how to become their best selves.

“Our goal is to have self-motivated students who are effective in their lives,” she says. “To get there, students have the choice and option to explore their interests and work on something that’s real.

We honor their interests, because if kids follow their interests, that’s how learning happens.”

Hatcher says the camp’s staff creates a place for kids to explore different things and to feel safe — and that when they feel safe, they take risks and are more inclined to try something new or difficult. If kids struggle or fail, staff is there to guide them through and older children help younger children by asking questions, sharing ideas and working cooperatively. This, she notes, builds confidence and security.

“You see children leveraging their strengths and supporting their weaknesses,” she says. “We truly believe that kids have to work through things on their own to learn how to negotiate, advocate and defend.”

Kids are given the support they need to be able to do that work on their own.

“A child in any situation knows what the options are, knows there are a number of ways to solve the problem and he or she can choose,” Hatcher adds.

Siva Grossman, director of the Hathaway Brown Day Camp, says her campers build strength of character through fun and play.

“When children can be children and have fun, they can learn to cope through play; that removes a lot of stuff that causes stress,” she says. “If we create an environment where kids feel safe, then they’re empowered.”

Grossman adds her staff believes in modeling behavior such as taking risks or trying something new and does not ask kids to try something that they themselves have not had the courage to try.

“We figure out ways to help kids succeed,” she says. “This camp gives them skills to go out into the world and soar.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Screens Off, Imaginations On Although activities are fun, camp staff can still struggle to keep kids engaged in this technological age.

Jennifer Grandberry, area manager of the Champion School, says one of the biggest challenges kids face today is technological distraction. Not knowing what to do without a media device causes boredom and lack of imagination, so she keeps her kids engaged with a busy schedule and lots of options.

“We like to reach as many different interest areas as possible” to help combat these distractions, she says. “We provide problems for kids to solve but we’re right there helping and providing encouragement.

They build trust and confidence here.”

Grandberry notes the behavioral issues that kids face today — anger management, coping skills and problems interacting with other children — are all very real issues that have increased over recent years.

“Camp is my greatest opportunity to address these issues; we have the freedom to focus on it,” she adds.

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Family Living At Its Best

SPECIAL CAMP SECTION

Northeast Ohio Parent’s

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! There’s still time to find something fun for your kids to do this summer.

Find the camp that fits your child.

Academic Fun & Fitness Camp Children with learning differences will gain a new perspective on learning, while developing self-esteem and social skills needed to be successful. unschoolcamp.org

Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs Day and overnight camps for ages 6 to adulthood with activities adapted to meet the needs of each camper. rotarycamp.org

Akron Zoo’s ZooCamp Twenty-five different ZooCamps for kids ages 2-15 that are either one-day, three-day or five-day sessions. akronzoo.org

Avon Montessori Academy Emphasizing the fun in learning, activities focus

around a theme and encourage children to learn through doing. avonmontessoriacademy.com

BeauArtz BeauArtz, from Beaumont School, is a total immersion into the arts and creativity, friendship, and fun! Campers delve into a variety of artistic mediums including fashion, cooking and more. beaumontschool.org/ beauartz

Beck Center for the Arts Discover the arts this summer at Beck Center!

Choose from halfor full-day camps for ages 5-19 in dance, music, theater and visual arts. beckcenter.org

Bricks 4 Kidz High energy and fast-paced camps where kids build, discover and test the limits of their imaginations. bricks4kidz. com/westlake, bricks4kidz.com/ medina

Camp Aldersgate

Camp Discovery

A meaningful, high-impact and positive experience where campers learn important and interesting things about God and about themselves. campaldersgate.org

Camp Discovery is an exciting eightweek program. This year’s theme is Art & Engineering for students 4-12 years old. discovery-montessori.com

Camp Asbury

Crossroads Camp Ignite is designed for kids 10-12 years old diagnosed with ADHD to help strengthen social and organizational skills, increase self-esteem and more. crossroads-lake.org

Offers many choices for summertime fun. Campers choose from Classic Camp programs with weekly themes or Specialty Camps. campasbury.com

Camp Ignite

Camp Invention

Camp Carl Camp Carl in Ravenna is nestled on 350 acres next to West Branch State Park.

A variety of theme camps are offered for kids ages 6-17. campcarl.org

Camp Cheerful Camp Cheerful offers day, overnight and weekend respite camps for children and adults with and without disabilities, including autism. achievementcenters.org/ campcheerful

Boys and girls entering grades 1-6 have the opportunity to investigate circuits, disassemble household appliances and much more. campinvention.org

Camp JCC Shaw JCC of Akron Camp JCC offers exceptional traditional camp, along with 14 specialty camps.

Campers enjoy daily swimming and 50 acres of sprawling campgrounds. shawjcc.org/camp

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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SPECIAL CAMP SECTION

Camp Wanake Camp Wanake offers a variety of Summer Camps for K-12 (Horse Camps, Adventure Camps, Baseball Camp, Culinary Camp and more). campwanake.org

Champions School Age Summer Camp The camp for ages 6-12 runs from June 8 through Aug. 14 and features a daily rate to allow families flexibility. discoverchampions.com

Classroom Antics Affordable week-long tech camps that inspire and enrich the lives of kids through handson programs that promote creativity and teamwork. classroomantics.com

Cleveland City Dance Come and take a step in the direction of dance whether you’re a newbie or an oldie, enhance your coordination, make friends and enhance the ease of moving in all that you do. clevelandcitydance.com

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Summer Day Camp The zoo’s Summer Day Camp runs from June 8 through Aug. 14 in different weeklong sessions geared for children ages 5-14. clevelandmetroparks. com/zoo

Cuyahoga Community College Camps for children and teenagers eager to learn about a wide variety of topics, and offerings available for ages 4 and older, include science, film, photography, sports and more. tri-c.edu/summercamps

Dance Beatz Summer dance classes July 13-22 for boys and girls

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Family Living At Its Best

ages 3-11. Students attend classes Monday and Wednesday evenings. $46. 727 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-3822, dancebeatzakron.com

Falcon Camp Recognized throughout the Midwest as one of Ohio’s premier private camps, Falcon offers a beautiful lake setting, a talented, experienced staff and a wide variety of activities. falconcamp.com

Fine Arts Association Come express your creative side this summer. Campers ages 3-18 choose from Visual Arts, Theatre, Music, Dance and Music Therapy camps. fineartsassociation.org

Geauga Park District Adventure camps are offered in week-long forms for grades 5-7, while teens grades 8-10 can choose from week-long or single day X-Treme camps. geaugaparkdistrict.org

Gilmour Academy From sports to film production, baking to outdoor adventures, digital music to chemistry, Gilmour Summer Camps have something for everyone. gilmour.org/ summercamp

Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio

Day and overnight camps for all girls are available at Camp Ledgewood, Camp Timberland and Camp Sugarbush. Enjoy the traditional camp outings and a variety of contemporary outdoor pursuits that camp allows. gsneo.org

The Goddard School Summer Camp Exciting, one-ofa-kind experiences that incorporate STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). goddardschool. com

SPECIAL CAMP SECTION

Great Summer Science Day Camps The Great Lakes Science Center makes science come alive with week-long day camps for kids in preschool through high school. greatscience.com

Hathaway Brown Summer Programs Girls and boys of all ages all over Northeast Ohio come to HB for a wide array of sports, academic and enrichment camps in the summer. hb.edu/ summer

Hawken Summer Programs

Hiram House Summer Camp Kids can enjoy exciting, hands-on outdoor adventures, open new horizons and create great memories that will last a lifetime amid 172 wooded acres. hiramhousecamp.org

Hospice of the Western Reserve The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Bereavement Center is a communitybased grief support resource offering camps for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. hospicewr.org

John Carroll University

Offerings for 2015 include Day Camps, Passport Camps, Travel Camps, Athletic Camps and Summer Studies. hawken.edu/summer

Explore a variety of academic opportunities and sports camps at John Carroll University this summer on its beautiful campus in University Heights. jcu.edu

HCER Summer Camps

Jump Start! Gymnastics

HCER Summer Camps offer over 100 different options to help your child take charge of their summer. hudson.k12.oh.us/hcer

JS Adventures Camp for boys and girls ages 4-6 and Girls Only Camp for ages 5 and older (for an experienced gymnast or beginner ready to learn). jsgymnastics.com

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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SPECIAL CAMP SECTION

Kids Country A summer day at Kids Country is full of fun, adventure, swimming, mud kitchens, messiness, field trips, cooking, nature, games, parks and more. kidscountry.com

Lake Ridge Academy

Camps and classes offered include Discovery and Adventure Camps, Fine Arts & Technology, Environmental & Experiential, Academic, Athletic Camps and Chess Camp lakeridgeacademy.org/ our-school/summer-programs

Lawrence School Choose from camps to prepare for the Third Grade Reading Guarantee or choose a camp to just have a fun experience. lawrenceschool.org/summer

LifeCenter Plus LifeCenter Plus offers

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Family Living At Its Best

half- and full-day summer excitement and activities for children ages 3-13 with weekly themes and field trips for ages 8 and older. lifecenterplus.com

Little Falcon Learning Center St. Rita School’s premier Early Childhood Education program offers full- and half-day programs for ages 3, 4 and Pre-K. stritaschool. com/admissions/little-falconlearning-center.html

Mad Science

Mad Science offers exciting, hands-on science camps for children ages 4-12 throughout Northeast Ohio that present STEM concepts in a fun and memorable way. northeastohio.madscience.org

Malone University Overnight academic programs in fields such as zoo/wildlife biology, nursing,

writing, science careers, chamber music and computer science. malone.edu/summercamps

Mandel JCC Anisfield Day Camp This day camp has it all with boating, archery, sports, arts & crafts, music, ropes course, team building, youth theatre and more. mandeljcc.org/daycamps

Math Monkey Math Monkey invites your child ages 3-12 to have a ton of fun and learn a lot about math with game-based activities. mathmonkeycleveland.com

Mathnasium

Mathnasium is a math-only learning center with summer packages to help your student avoid the “summer slide.” mathnasium.com/beldenvillage

Medina Christian Academy offers sports camps for grades 3-8 and MCA Knights Summer Day Camp (Read, Play & Grow) is 10 weeks of fun for PreschoolKindergarten and grades 1-6. mcaschool.net

The Music Settlement The Music Settlement Camps are for kids, tweens and teens with all levels of musical experience — including none at all. themusicsettlement.org/camp

Musical Fingers Summer Camps Offering two camps for ages 10 and older: Classic Rock for pop/rock lovers and Contemporary Christian Rock for future worship leaders. musicalfingers.org

SPECIAL CAMP SECTION

Old Trail School’s S’Camp

For a complete listing of camps visit: NortheastOhioParent.com

Half- and full-day camps, offered with extended day options for working parents, are filled with sun, fun, friends and nonstop activities. oldtrail.org/summercamp

Olmsted Performing Arts OPA offers an array of week-long camps and day camps including Sleeping Beauty Dance Camp, Musical Theater Camp, and the ever popular Sampler Camp. olmstedperformingarts.com

Open Door Christian School Summer Sports and Drama Camps Fun, safe and instructional camps for students entering grades 1-8 offered in twohour, three-hour or one-week (4-5 days) sessions. odcs.org

OYO Camp This Camp has been created and designed specifically for kids with hearing loss in mind; all communication at camp will be geared toward each camper’s level of communication. oyocampnuhop.org

Pembroke Pembroke Kids’ summer program is a fun, but carefully structured, camp experience with weekly themes that capture the essence of summertime. pembrokekids.com

Shipwreck Camp 2015 This two-week day camp focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and is inspired by Dr. Robert Ballard, finder of the wreckage of the Titanic. gelfand.case.edu

SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park — Fit & Fun Sky Camp Four-day camp that focuses on health and wellness while participants engage in active play and learn basic athletic skills on an endless sea of trampolines. skyzone. com/highlandheights, skyzone.com/ westlake

Small Steps — Big Strides The program has a flexible schedule option and is geared for children who have completed kindergarten through age 11. smallstepsbigstrides.com May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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SPECIAL CAMP SECTION

Summer Ruffing It

Western Reserve Academy

Quality experiences for grades 7-9 in small, studentcentered groups that are fun, engaging and productive. ruffingmontessori.net/camps

Extending its academic tradition to summer programs, Western Reserve Academy strives to provide quality summer experiences for children ages 8 through 14. wra.net/summerprograms

Strongsville Rec Center Ages 4-12 can join friends for summer fun at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. strongsville.org

Total Educational Solutions Provides innovative, quality services to individuals with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. Family oriented clinic hosts a multidisciplinary team that maximizes children’s potential. tesidea.com

University School All-boys’ day camp, coed sports camps and academic and special classes are offered, along with a Pre-K Summer Camp for pre-k boys. us.edu/ summer

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Family Living At Its Best

YMCA Camp Tippecanoe Located on 1,100 acres in Harrison County, one hour south of Canton. Weekly overnight camps run June 14 through Aug. 1 for ages 6-17. gotcamp.org

YMCA Camp Y-Noah Overnight and day camps including swimming, canoeing, climbing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, hiking, sports, science, cheernastics, SCUBA, robotics and paintball. gotcamp.org or akronymca.org

YMCA of Greater Cleveland Full- and part-time campers will enjoy theme-related curriculum, field trips, swimming, arts and crafts, science, nature activities, large motor games, singing, clubs and more. clevelandymca.org

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

39

COMMUNITY

focus

Family-Friendly Fun in

SOLON

By Kristen J. Gough

Solon Home Days

Nobu Tei Restaurant

Solon Home Days

Solon Center for the Arts Photo: Anna Hunter of AMH Creatives Photography

lthough Solon may not have a distinct downtown, there’s no question where to find the city’s center: its schools. A focus on education and supporting families drives much of the culture and activities in this city of just over 23,000. Community events dot the calendar year-round, drawing residents and visitors to come and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

time in class; the Solon Community Center has become a hub of activity for kids and adults alike. A large rock-climbing wall dominates the lobby as you enter the building. Don’t worry, you’ll be outfitted with a harness that clips into one of the ropes before you begin your ascent.

You can wave at those sweating on the elliptical machines visible on the second floor before rappelling back down to the ground.

The upper level also houses an aerobic studio for classes and a running track for

those days when it’s too cold or rainy to jog outside. Back on the main level, take your pick from two large basketball courts or slip into your swimsuit and dive into the indoor pool. Your kids will want to head to the indoor slide first, but make sure to save some time to play basketball in the pool as a family. In the summer months, the outdoor pool area offers another large slide, along with a small one for little swimmers and a water playscape that will entice even adults to take the plunge.

Beyond the exercise facilities, the

A

Much More than a Workout Children aren’t just spending all their

40

Family Living At Its Best

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

41

COMMUNITY

focus Solon

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

community center houses afterschool programs and summer camps for kids, including such diverse offerings as soccer, chess and everything in between. Interested in fencing? You can take a class here. Need to improve your lacrosse skills? They have that covered, too.

History and Culture Combined

Solon Public Library

Solon High School

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Family Living At Its Best

Along with education, the community firmly supports the arts. Going north along SOM Center Road, the Solon Center for the Arts (SCA) stands apart with its red brick façade and arched windows that are dotted with lights during the holidays. The circa 1890s building once housed the city hall, but today youngsters come in droves for instruction in painting, sculpture, music, dance and theater. The SCA puts on regular children’s theater productions, along with a full schedule of other events such as artistic exhibitions, visiting performers and concerts from the Solon Philharmonic Orchestra.

Across the street, the Solon Historical Society (440-248-3586) offers free

tours every second Sunday of the month from 2–5 p.m. You also can call to arrange group tours at other times. The museum provides insights into Solon’s history, which dates back to the early 1800s when the area was one parcel of many within the Connecticut Western Reserve Territory.

“We try to make the tours interesting for kids to help them understand what life was like for people in the 1800s,” explains Bob Shimits, president of the Solon Historical Society. He notes there are themes for the monthly tours so it’s different each time for visitors.

A Feast of Choices Whether you want to take it to go or sit down for your supper, there are plenty of restaurants to try. For a quick lunch, stop in at Chicago Deli (34390 Aurora Road) and order a corned beef or hot Romanian pastrami sandwich. For big breakfasts and comfort food like biscuits and sausage gravy or a hearty plate of meatloaf, locals will point you to the unassuming Jim’s Open Kitchen (33779

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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COMMUNITY

focus Solon

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42

Aurora Road, cash only). Burger options abound, including The Tavern of Solon (33587 Aurora Road), Burgers 2 Beer (33003 Aurora Road), The Rusty Bucket (6025 Kruse Drive) and Station 43 Tavern (39910 Aurora Road).

For those with a more adventurous palate, try Burntwood Tavern, where the menu includes appetizers like Pumpkin Ravioli and Tuna Nachos (33675 Solon Road). Nearby is Jim Alesci’s, an Italian grocery store that also offers seating for those who pick up one of its pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven. For your kids’ sweet tooths, take your pick from cannoli cupcakes, cookies and cream puffs (32910 Solon Road). To sample sushi or Thai food visit Nobu Tei (30050 Aurora Road). Down the street, Hunan Solon features authentic Chinese dishes (6050 Enterprise Pkwy.). Finish off your explorations of Solon with a scoop of Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream (6130 Kruse Drive). Share a Cleveland Brownie Sundae or a banana split while your kids watch the train taking laps on the track that’s suspended from the shop’s ceiling.

COME PLAY IN THE PARK

Solon Center for the Arts Photo: Anna Hunter of AMH Creatives Photography

While Solon offers events throughout the year, perhaps the most popular is the Solon Home Days, held July 24-26 this year (6679 SOM Center Road). The family festival includes rides, fair food, attractions and nightly music performances. The annual parade takes place July 25 at 1 p.m., but locals will tell you to stick around for the lawn mower races that kick off at 3 p.m. The mower events include not just a race, but also a maneuverability test and an obstacle course. To find more events in Solon, visit solonohio.org.

MAKING THE GRADE Within a compact square along SOM Center Road lie Solon City Schools’ three elementary schools (the fourth is located farther north), the lower and upper middle schools, and the high school.

Within walking distance from the schools are playing fields, playgrounds, an expansive library and the community center. That’s why you’ll often see groups of teens trekking from school in the afternoon and making their way to the library to study or to the “rec” to shoot hoops.

Perhaps this concentration of schools and services in one place has helped buoy students’ academic performance — the district consistently ranks among the state’s top schools. In its 2013-14 report card issued by the State of Ohio, Solon City School District garnered an “A” for achievement.

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Family Living At Its Best

BuzzWorthy

BUSINESSES

Jim Alesci’s

■ Nestlé One of the largest nutrition, health and wellness companies in the world, Nestlé maintains corporate and manufacturing facilities in Solon. Later this year, a new research and development center will be opening to complement Nestlé’s growing investment in the area. nestleusa.com

■ Mustard Seed Market & Cafe Natural, organic, local ingredients abound in this locally owned retailer that’s one of the largest of its kind in the state.

Choose from farm-fresh produce, high-quality meats and a full selection of prepared foods. Nutrition and wellness classes are offered on a regular basis. 440-519-3663, mustardseedmarket.com

■ Giant Eagle Market District Market District is part grocery store, café, candy shop, cooking school and more all combined under one roof. The store’s design is modeled after open-air markets in Europe. The selection of grocery basics and hard-to-find specialty foods make this a stop worth taking with your family. While you might be impressed with the selection of over 400 artisan cheeses, your kids will probably be more excited about the candy counter.

440-248-4400, marketdistrict.com

■ Play Matters With only a handful of locations in Northeast Ohio, visit Play Matters with your kids for quality children’s toys. Staff will work with you — and your kids — to help you pick out just the right toys to intrigue your children. 440-542-7200, playmatterstoys.com

■ Jim Alesci’s This Italian grocer is a Solon institution. For more than 23 years, Alesci’s has kept residents well fed with classics like white pizza, eggplant parmesan and more. The store recently moved from its former 3,000-square-foot location to its expanded 6,000-square-foot digs. The larger store comes with even more offerings like an espresso bar, salad bar, and in the summer, gelato. 440-498-0888, alescis.com

■ Nobu Tei One of Solon’s newest restaurants, owner Xiu Yu Jiang caters to families who are looking for a unique lunch and dinner spot. Head to the back of the restaurant to enjoy hibachi style entrees or sit at the sushi counter to see your roll prepared right in front of you. If you don’t have time to sit down, grab a Japanese bento box lunch to go. 440-318-1714 May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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MAY calendar NortheastOhioParent.com

Culture Abounds!

Go all over the globe with these events

5/5

Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Learn about Cinco de Mayo

while munching on tortilla chips and salsa and making some maracas. Ages 5 and older. 3:30-4 p.m. Mentor-onthe-Lake Branch Library, 5642 Andrews Road, Mentoron-the-Lake, 440-257-2512, mentorpl.org

5/16-17

Cleveland’s Asian Festival. Featuring authentic Asian

foods and merchandise, local and national performing artists, a children’s activities area, games and more. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free admission and parking. AsiaTown, Payne Ave. and E. 30th St., asiatowncleveland.com

5/22-25

Tremont Greek Festival. Experience delicious Greek food and pastries, dancing and old world shopping within Cleveland’s historical Tremont neighborhood. Food lines open at noon. Corner of West 14th and Fairfield, Tremont, tremontgreekfest.com

PICK YOUR DAY MONDAYS

Weekly Wildflower Walk. Watch

the progression of spring on these weekly wildflower walks in different parks while learning some interesting folklore along the way. 1 p.m. Geauga Park District geaugaparkdistrict.org Stop by for a Make & Take.

Children and Families come in and create a special hand crafted, imaginative “Make and Take.”

Highland Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina, 330-278-4271, mcdl.info

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Family Living At Its Best

Mighty Movie Mondays. Admission to all shows on Monday is only $5 and includes free popcorn. ($3 additional surcharge for 3D films).

Kent Plaza Theatre, 140 Cherry St., University Plaza Shopping Center, Kent, 330-673-4450, goldenstartheaters.com

WEDNESDAYS

Crazy 8’s Math Club. Bring the

fun factor to math with these hands-on activities. Attendees must be between the grades of K-2. Lodi Library, 635 Wooster St., Lodi, 330-948-1885, mcdl.info

THURSDAYS

Tyke Time. Stories, song and

rhyme, and a very simple craft is the theme for this younger preschool story time. Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor Headlands, 440-257-2000, mentorpl.org ThrowBack Thursdays for Teens.

Drop in at the Young Adult Stop to have snacks, play throwback games and hang out. 3-4:30 p.m.

Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, 440-933-8128, alpl.org

FRIDAYS

Friday Firestone Feathers and Friends. New and experienced

birders join naturalists for spring bird walks along the Tuscarawas River migratory flyway. 7:30-10:30 a.m. Tuscarawas Meadows, Firestone Metro Park, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron, 330-867-5511, summitmetroparks.org

SUNDAYS

“Small Ball” Sundays. Bring the

little ones to explore the Chasing Dreams exhibition and create their own baseball-themed craft.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org

ONGOING 5/23-8/23

Branch Out. Explore a series

of five magical, locally designed, interactive treehouses this summer at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. $11/non-member adult, $6/non-member ages 3-12.

11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org

Rusty Rocket’s Last Blast. Travel

through the solar system with Rusty Rocket and his “rocket rookies” to learn how to become space rockets.

Ages 4-12. Sun.-Sat. Times vary.

Thru. May 31. $5. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, 440-871-2900, lensc.org

Coventry Tween Space. Looking

for somewhere to gather with friends, play games and relax after school? Grades 5-8 are welcome from 3-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Coventry Village Library, Coventry Meeting Room, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-3400, heightslibrary.org

WILL CALL

Frog Fest “Party Line.” Sometime May 10 to June 10, 8-9:30 p.m.

Register for a call list to witness the noisy courtship behavior of Gray Tree Frogs, green frogs, etc. as they gather in woodland pools on a warm, humid night. Will call day of program. The West Woods, Nature Center, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org.

DAY BY DAY 5/1-9

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type.

Delightful and hilarious musical about cows, hens and ducks going on strike. A modern classic of children’s literature. Barberton High School Theatre, 555 Barber Road, Barberton, 330-848-3708, magicaltheatre.org

Cleveland Clinic Children’s presents

5/5

Crocker Kids!

Preschool Play Group. Stop in for

Once a month, from May through September, Crocker Park in Westlake will be hosting fun, free, interactive activities for kids!

Crocker Kids will take place on the second Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Every month has a unique theme, including the May 12 kickoff “A Day in the Wild." Save June 9 for the "Frozen" party! Join the Northeast Ohio Parent team and 95.5 The Fish for a lively time the kids will be sure to enjoy! Ideal for ages 2-9.

5/1

a few minutes or the whole hour.

Explore with sensory play, blocks, moveable toys, puzzles or run laps.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. North Hill Branch Library, 183 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-535-9423, akronlibrary.org

5/7

Urban Explorations: Tremont.

Explore the historic Tremont area with historical interpreter Doug Kusak and volunteer Mollie Alstott.

8 years and older. $5 per person.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. 216-206-1000, clevelandmetroparks.com

Teen Dance Club Night. Dance

5/1-2

5/8

5/2

Everything you want, all under one roof. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, thebigredwagon.com

Proceeds go to providing high quality arts education and performances for Northeast Ohio communities. 6:30-10:30 p.m. LaMalfa, 5783 Heisley Road, Mentor, 440-951-7500 ext. 106, fineartsassociation.org

5/3

Li’l Sprouts. Children ages 3

the night away at the best dance club! $6 admission, 18 and under.

8 p.m.-midnight. The Fast Lane Bar, Bowling and Concert Venue, 193 Wooster Road N., Barberton, 330-753-6910, thefastbowling.com

Comic Android Lab: Where Drawings Come Alive. Build a

model based on your drawing, then use tools and gadgets to make your android bend and flex. Ages 7-12 must register.

1-3 p.m. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron, 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum.org

Bark in the Park. One-mile walk

to help homeless animal victims of cruelty/neglect, illness/injury and provide adoption services and education. $5 registration fee. Humane Society of Greater Akron, Springfield Lake Park, 330-487-0333, summithumane.org

Early Birds Hike. Spring migration

brings a host of neotropical migrants through the area from as far away as Argentina.

Learn how to identify them by sight and sound. Ages 10 to adult.

7:30 a.m. River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth, medinacountyparks.com

26th Annual Trout Fishing Derby.

Come out to Stow’s Heritage Lake, which has been stocked with trout, and give the sport of fishing a try.

Bait provided. 9 a.m.-noon. Silver Springs Park, 5238 Young Road, Stow, stowohio.org

The Big Red Wagon - Northeast Ohio’s Largest Baby, Kids’ and Maternity Consignment Sale.

Akron Black Stockings Vintage Baseball. The Akron Black

Stockings, the Stan Hywet resident vintage baseball team, will play on the Great Meadow from 1-3 p.m.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org

Full Moon Hike. Join a park ranger for a 1.5-mile hike on the unpaved Oak Hill Trail. 7:30-9 p.m. Oak Hill Trailhead, 3901 Oak Hill Road, 1.3 miles south of Major Road, Peninsula, nps.gov/cuva

Bow Wow Book Buddies. K-6th

graders can read to therapy dogs to help build confidence in their reading ability. Bring your favorite book or choose one from the library. Stow Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-3295, smfpl.org

Kaleidoscope Concert Series Classic Desserts/FAA Woodwind Concert. Enjoy the sweetness of fine music and fine pastries with The Fine Arts Association Woodwind Quintet. Free. 3 p.m.

The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org

Garden Party - Annual Night of the Arts 2015 Benefit Celebration.

and older can help build a pizza garden. Wear old clothes and expect to get dirty. Registration required. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, 330-856-8056, summitmetroparks.org

National Public Gardens Day.

Celebration of the nation’s public gardens to raise awareness of the role botanical gardens and arboreta play. Holden Arboretum Visitors Center, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 440-946-4400, holdenarb.org

5/9

Cedar Point Opening Day.

Kickoff off the season with the debut of Rougarou, the first floorless roller coaster. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, 419-627-2350, cedarpoint.com

A Day with Your Doll. Bring your

favorite doll to the library for snacks, crafts and fashion tips. 11 a.m.-noon. Children’s Department, Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, 440-933-8128, alpl.org

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

47

MAY

calendar

Stow Junior Firefighter Training Academy. Stow safety forces are

hosting this fundraiser for their Relay for Life team. Ages 10 and younger.

Pre-registration is a must and cost is $10. Stow Fire Station #3, 4238 Fishcreek Road, Stow, 330-689-5100, stowohio.org

Touch A Truck. Free event featuring

all kinds of trucks and cars. Enjoy balloon artist, face painting and more.

10 a.m.-noon. Stow Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-3295, smfpl.org

Chili Con Comedy Improv Troupe.

Everyone who loves improv will enjoy the wit and humor of this young actor troupe. $10 general admission. Studio Stage in the Main Gallery at The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org

Timbertots: Flower Fun. Have fun

For more event listings, visit NortheastOhioParent.com

with flowers through colors, counting and exploring. This is an outdoor program, so dress accordingly. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required.

10-11 a.m. Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park, Wisteria Hill Shelter, 440-2869516, geaugaparkdistrict.org

5/12

Homeschooling in Nature. Explore

ecosystems through indoor and outdoor discovery. 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Grades K-6. Brecksville Reservation Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive, Brecksville, 440-526-1012, clevelandmetroparks.com

Read with Your Heroes. Children

ages 3-5 will enjoy story time with a member of the Maple Heights Fire Dept. and will explore a real fire truck.

Registration required. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Maple Heights Branch Library, 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights, 216-4755000, cuyahogalibrary.org

5/13

Preschool Safari. Bring your young

jackaroos and jillaroos to explore the Australian Adventure exhibit. $15 each. 10-11:30 a.m. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Reinberger Building, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com

Wildflower Hike. Join naturalist Mike Greene to search for wildflowers and discover some plant uses. 2-3:30 p.m.

Sand Run Metro Park, Wadsworth Shelter, 1400 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron, 330-867-5511, summitmetroparks.org

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Family Living At Its Best

Mother’s Day Show: Pamela Rose, Women Of Song. Pamela

Rose presents Wild Women of Song, a captivating showpiece celebrating the lives, times and music of the women songwriters of the Tin Pan Alley era. 7-10 p.m.

Bop Stop at the Music Settlement, 2920 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216771-6551, themusicsettlement.org

Mother’s Day Milkweed Giveaway. In an effort to bolster

the imperiled Monarch butterfly population, Geauga Park District will again be propagating native milkweed. Stop by The West Woods Nature Center Lobby to pick up a free plant. 11 a.m.-noon.

The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org

Mother’s Day Tea. Treat Your

Celebrate Mom

with These Special Events May 6

Canalway Storytime at Night.

Join this pre-celebration of Mother’s Day with some loving books. Listen to stories that celebrate the love for our mothers and their love for us while learning valuable life lessons. 6:30-7:15 p.m.

CanalWay Center, 4524 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga Heights, 216-206-1000, clevelandmetroparks.com

May 9

A Mommy Boutique Show. Just

in time for Mother’s Day, shop nearly 60 handmade vendors with perfect products for your little ones from newborn to 12 years old! Toys, clothing, photographers and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Rocky River Memorial Hall, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, 216-548-1216, bumptobows.com

“Almost” Mother’s Day Hike.

Mother’s Day is almost here and in the forests there are many soon-to-be-new mothers! Enjoy a spring walk through the woods and look for signs of growing animal families. 1-2:30 p.m. Brecksville Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive, Brecksville, 440-5261012, clevelandmetroparks.com

Mother Daughter Hack Day.

Celebrate Mother’s Day by learning to code and build a real web project with your mother, daughter, grandma, aunt, niece or friend. Ages 9 and older. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Lean Dog, 1151 N. Marginal Road, Cleveland, 330-552-8308, herideasinmotion.com

Mother’s Day Appreciation. Stop in and make a Mother’s Day card for mom or other significant person. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor Headlands, 440-257-2000, mentorpl.org

May 10

Mother’s Day Brunch Along the Cuyahoga. Enjoy a specially

prepared, four-course brunch catered by Creekside Restaurant of Brecksville while you travel the rails with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. $40 per person.

Departs Akron Northside Station at 10:45 a.m. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, 27 Ridge St., Akron, 330-439-5708, cvsr.com

4th Annual Mother’s Day 5K.

Mother Like “Royal-Tea!” Breakfast seating at 9 and 10 a.m. ($19 adults, $10 children). Lunch seatings at noon and 2 p.m. ($25 adults, $15 children). Price includes tax and gratuity.

Sister’s Tea Room, 8595 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 440-290-6556, sisterstea.com

Run with or in celebration of Mom during the annual Mother’s Day 5K, a fundraiser to benefit the Metro Parks Foundation. Jogging strollers are welcome. 8-9 a.m. Advance registration is $20 for ages 15 and older. Day-of registration is $30.

Runners/walkers 14 and under are free, but must register. Munroe Falls Lake Area, 521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org

Mothers Day “Jewels” Luncheon Tea. Create a memory while

Annual Mother’s Day Brunch.

Free admission for Moms at Stan Hywet. Self-guided tours only.

Treat Mom or grandma to an unforgettable feast in the beautiful setting of the garden, where she’ll be surrounded by thousands of spring blooms. Brunch seating times are every 30 minutes, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $42/member adult; $18/member child, $50/nonmember adult; $20/non-member child. Cleveland Botanical Gardens, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org

sharing elegant tea fare with mom, grandma, daughters, and/or best friends. Delicious hot tea, savories and sweets, and a walk-through tour and shopping in the Cellar Door Store.

2-3:45 p.m. Hower House Victorian Mansion, The University of Akron, 60 Fir Hill, Akron, 330-972-6909, howerhouse.org

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org

Mother’s Day at the Akron Zoo. Half off admission for mothers and grandmothers. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

Mother’s Day at the Cleveland Zoo. Treat Mom to a Wild Time!

Bring her to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo when all moms receive free zoo admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-6616500, clevelandmetroparks.com

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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calendar

MAY

5/15

Homeschoolers: Water Systems.

Join a naturalist to investigate the water cycle and how human activity can affect it. Ages 7-10. Registration required. 1-3 p.m. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org

5/15-24

Oliver. Based on the novel by

Charles Dickens, this classic musical tells the story of Oliver Twist. Beck Center for the Arts, Mackey Main Stage, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org

5/16

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Red Nose Children’s Run. Kids of all ages will be winners in this fun event. $12. 11 a.m. Edgewater Park, Lakewood, 800-467-3826, clevelandmarathon.com

Autism Family Night. The Library

is open after hours for families with children having autism, sensory challenges, or other special needs.

5:30-7 p.m. Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick, 330-2734150, mcdl.info

Family Wellness Day Cleveland Metroparks Annual Childrens Fishing Derbies. Free

bait and loaner rods and reels while supplies last. 9 a.m.-noon (ages 4-8). 1-4 p.m. (ages 9-15).

Wallace Lake, Mill Stream Run Reservation, Berea, 216-206-1010, clevelandmetroparks.com

5/16-17

A Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine. Enjoy a 30-minute train

ride with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Boston Mills Station, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 7100 Riverview Road, Brecksville, 330-439-5708, cvsr.com

Horsefest. Discover the magical

beauty of horses at this equine extravaganza. For all ages. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-3587275, lakemetroparks.com

5/17

Cleveland Metroparks Annual Children’s Fishing Derbies. Free

bait and loaner rods and reels while supplies last. 9 a.m.-noon (ages 4-8). 1-4 p.m. (ages 9-15).

Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Cuyahoga Heights, 216-206-1010, clevelandmetroparks.com

presented by Kindred Healthcare Northeast Ohio Parent brings you a wide variety of health and wellness exhibitors, interactive activities, fun and entertainment certain to make this a great afternoon for families. See Jungle Terry, youth taekwondo performance, yoga demonstrations, and much more on the main stage. Be sure to save Saturday, May 30 at Legacy Village as a can’t miss event on your calendar. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with free admission and free parking.

5/18

5/21-25

The frogs are coming out. Your little explorer can hop on over for stories, crafts and exploration.

Ages 3-5. Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, 440-734-6660, clevelandmetroparks.com

the best festivals around the area.

Each day is filled with activities and the ongoing carnival at Riverside Park, including a balloon launch, a Sunday morning race/walk and a parade.

Chagrin Falls, 440-247-0900, yourhometownchagrinfalls.com

Little Explorers: Fantastic Frogs.

Family Movie Night - Penguins of Madagascar. Bring your family for a movie, popcorn and drinks.

6-7:45 p.m. Maple Valley Branch Library, 1187 Copley Road, Akron, 330-864-5721, akronlibrary.org

5/20

Norton Teen Time. Part journal,

part scrapbook: bring some photos and other memorabilia and create your very own smash book. 4-5:30 p.m. Norton Branch Library, 3920 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Norton, 330-8257800, akronlibrary.org

5/21

Family Program: Build it Club.

Come join some building fun with Bricks 4 Kidz! All ages welcome. Portage Lakes Branch Library, 4621 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-644-7050, akronlibrary.org

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Blossom Time. Don’t miss one of

5/23

WildWater Kingdom Opening Day. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wildwater Kingdom, 1100 Squires Road, Aurora, 330-562-7131, wildwaterfun.com

Water Works Family Aquatic Center Opening Day. Guests can choose to float down the lazy river, shoot down the drop or flume slides, swim laps, or just sit back and enjoy. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

2025 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-971-8080, cfo.cityofcf.com

Magic Tree House Party. Families

with children ages 3-12 are invited to attend a Magic Tree House Party. Registration required.

11 a.m.–noon. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-4414, kentfreelibrary.org

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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MAY

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sensory-friendly time for children

5/23-6/14

with special needs and their families.

Family Fun on the Farm. Enjoy

Families with children of all disabilities are encouraged to bring their own equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, noise-canceling headphones or technology. Third Thursdays of the month from 5-7 p.m. Second Saturdays of the month from 9-10 a.m.

Free admission. Pre-registration required.

The Children’s Museum of Cleveland, 10730 Euclid Ave. 216-791-KIDS Clevelandchildrensmuseum.org

calendar

the outdoors and a unique farm experience in northern Portage County each Saturday and Sunday. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Derthick’s Farm, 5182 State Route 82, Mantua, derthickscornmaze. com

Egyptian Sands 5/24

SpecialExploring Needs Family Night.

Families Ancient Egypt

Exclusively for families with a special needs child and their siblings for a night of fun. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Children half off admission. Cafe O’Play, 911 Graham Road #27, Stow, 330-928-7517, cafeoplay.com

December 13, 2014 through April 12, 2015

Off the Beaten Path. Discover the Annual sand exhibit Brandywine where Gorge from children the inside thistime moderate hike that will travel backonin to2-mile explore in and out of Brandywine ancientmeander Egyptian life.

Creek. 9-11 a.m. Brandywine Falls, 8176 Brandywine Road, Northfield, 330-657-2752, nps.gov

5/25

Memorial Day Parade. Parade

begins at Green High School at 10 a.m. Spectators may sit along

10730 Euclid Avenue • 216-791-KIDS Massillon Road on west side of road.

Open Daily 10am toRoad, 4:45pm 1474 Boettler Uniontown, www.ClevelandChildrensMuseum.org cityofgreen.org Memorial Day Parade. Runs through the center of town heading north on Route 91 to the Markville Cemetery.

8-11 a.m. Hudson, hudson.oh.us

5/28-29

Tales for Tots. Butterflies, birds and

bees all help to make our flowers and the trees. Find out about these and other pollination partners through a story and fun activities.

10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth, medinacountyparks.com

5/29-30

Historic Home & Garden Tour.

Featured are five select historic homes and gardens along with Grove Hill, all located on the north side of downtown Chagrin Falls.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.2 p.m. Saturday. $20 advance ($25 day of). 440-247-0900, yourhometownchagrinfalls.com

5/30

Save the Rain for a Sunny Day.

Rain Barrels harvest rainwater for all your garden needs and combat storm water pollution. Construct one and take it home. $60. Cleveland Metroparks Acacia Reservation, 26899 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, 216-524-6580, cuyahogaswcd.org

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Nights Out in the Parks. The Chardon Polka Band is known for being innovative and extremely adaptive to please almost any audience.

7-8:30 p.m. Big Greek Park, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon Township, geaugaparkdistrict.org

5/31

Nature Drawings for Kids. Ages

6-12 join naturalist and artist Danette Rushboldt for this lesson in drawing. Paper and pencils provided.

Registration required. 2-3:30 p.m.

Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, 330865-8065, summitmetroparks.org

SAVE THE DATE June 2

Music by the Lake. Enjoy free lake

swimming beginning at 5 p.m. and a one-hour concert by the Metro Parks Ensemble near Maple Beach Shelter at 6:30 p.m. Munroe Falls Metro Park/Lake Area, 521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls, 330-865-8060, summitmetroparks.org

June 6

21st Annual Pedal-with-Pete for Cerebral Palsy. Riders can choose

from 10-, 25-, 50- or 100-kilometer routes. Hikers can choose from 2and 5-kilometer routes. Registration fee waived with $100 in pledges.

Theodore Roosevelt High School, 1400 N. Mantua St., Kent, pedal-with-pete.org

Free Playhouse Square Backstage Tour. Tours last 90 minutes and

include lobbies, auditoriums and backstage areas. 10-11:30 a.m.

Playhouse Square, State Theatre Lobby, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-640-8531, playhousesquare.org

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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marketplace

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To advertise in Northeast Ohio Parent’s Marketplace, contact Brad@northeastohioparent.com • 330-822-4011

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NortheastOhioParent.com May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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TEEN

talk

Why? ACCORDING TO MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA, AN ESTIMATED 2 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE U.S. SELF-HARM. THIS BEHAVIOR IS MOST COMMONLY SEEN IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH. LEARN THE TRIGGERS BEHIND CUTTING TO HELP YOUR CHILD.

by Sara Booth

A

child decides one day after getting into an argument with a boyfriend to cut her arm with the blade of her pencil sharpener.

She later realizes in that moment, she was no longer focusing on the turmoil of the argument. Her focus turned to the physical pain she just inflicted upon herself. She might view this distraction as being quite preferable to emotional pain. The next time the child becomes upset with her personal life, she decides to cut again. That is how the cycle begins. The child just learned how to temporarily relieve herself from her emotional pain.

This is an example of what cutting might look like in a child — all the possible healthy coping skills a child once had just evaporated. For many children, as the cutting continues it becomes more and more like a drug. The child will need to cut more often and inflict more and more cuts. Thus, like a drug, it takes more cutting to get the same sense of relief.

It is not always obvious to parents that their child is cutting. Parents and other caregivers have to be aware of how to get help if their child begins to practice self-harm.

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TRIGGERS TO CUTTING

Self-injury occurs when someone intentionally and repeatedly harms himself or herself. The most common method used is cutting, but other self-harming behaviors include scratching, burning, punching themself or objects, as well as other various forms of bodily harm.

According to Mental Health America, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. self-harm. This behavior is most commonly seen in children and youth ages 10-25. Typically, self-harm begins when children are between 11 and 15 years old; the person cutting is usually from a middle to upper class background, and is of average to high intelligence. It also has been reported that as many as 90 percent have been discouraged from expressing their emotions, especially anger and sadness, throughout their lives.

Why do children self-harm? Many kids do so as a result of feeling depressed or anxious, having low self-esteem, or encountering relationship problems or problems at home. It often begins out of curiosity and is frequently taught to them by their peers.

If a child wants to self-harm, he will typically use any sharp object he can find: blades from a razor or pencil sharpener, scissors, knives, fingernails, box cutter, paper clips, etc. Many children will cut on their arms and will wear long sleeves to conceal it. Other kids will cut their thighs, shoulders, ankles or other bodily areas that can be hidden.

While most people who cut are not intending suicide, if this behavior continues it may eventually lead to future suicide attempts.

Additionally, it is possible for someone who is cutting to accidentally cut too deep, which can lead to a medical emergency and/or possible death.

Counseling will help teach your child healthy ways to cope with stress so they will no longer feel the need to harm themselves.

Parents may also want to consider therapy for themselves to help them learn how to cope .

GETTING HELP

When parents notice or suspect their child is self-harming, it is important to gently discuss these concerns with them. Make sure to let your child know that you are here to help them.

Do not make your child feel that this behavior has caused problems for you; keep your focus on helping and supporting them.

Learn your child’s triggers that cause them to want to self-harm.

Consider taking your child to a therapist who specializes in working with children who self-harm. This will provide your child with additional support and a safe environment to freely discuss their concerns.

Counseling will help teach your child healthy ways to cope with stress so they will no longer feel the need to harm themselves. Parents may also want to consider therapy for themselves to help them learn how to cope with their child’s situation and to further gain insight into how they can be of assistance in the healing process.

Depending on your child’s reason for cutting, seeing a psychiatrist might also be warranted to medically treat any underlying depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns.

Remember to be patient and encouraging along your child’s road to recovery.

Sara Booth is a Licensed Independent Social Worker at the Humanistic Counseling Center in Stow.

May 2015 • NortheastOhioParent.com

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mama

SOCIAL (MEDIA) GRACES Have kids THINK before they post online Parents Everywhere like this

SARA CARNES • The Mom Squad • @TheMomSquad

“Just remember, what may seem like small moments now on social media for our kids can leave a lifetime footprint for them online.”

I

f there is one thing we can count on these days, it’s change. Every day it seems there is a new piece of technology emerging or a new app to download. Furthermore, to learn about a person, all we need to do is spend a few minutes on his or her social media pages.

Our social media accounts have seemingly created profiles for us that sometimes lead people to form an opinion of us even if they haven’t met us in person. We’ve all probably done it ourselves to others. Admit it. Have you caught yourself saying, “I can’t believe they posted that! What were they thinking?” We start to form opinions of people based on what they post.

Now, have you ever posted something on social media that you’ve regretted? I think a lot of us can raise our hand on that one. Let’s face it, as parents this is a whole new world for us and for our kids. So many things have changed since the beginning of social media. So how do we teach our kids if we’re still trying to navigate it ourselves?

One of the most important things I believe we can do as parents is to stay educated on the platforms through which kids can share information, as well as to be able to teach them what is appropriate to share and not to share.

My rule is that I “follow” or I’m “friends” with my daughter on each of her accounts. If I’m not following her, then she doesn’t have the account.

I know it can be easy to say, “I’m just not that tech savvy,” or “I don’t have time to keep up with it all.” Just remember, what may seem like small moments now on social media for our kids can leave a lifetime footprint for them online. Many colleges and employers are now reviewing

social media accounts and searching the web before acceptance or hiring. So, educating kids and staying connected with what they’re doing online is more important than ever.

Here is a helpful tool I used with my daughter.

It’s called THINK. It’s like a filter for posting to social media accounts. If what your child is about to post doesn’t make it through the filter, it shouldn’t get posted.

Social media can be great and is used for a lot of good. It’s priceless when it comes to building connections with others and there are so many ways to inspire and share great information.

Tools like this can help make sure that happens. Encourage your kids to THINK before they post! And maybe you’ll do the same.

Sara Carnes is co-host of the Family Friendly Morning Show with Len Howser every weekday from 6-9 a.m. on 95.5 The Fish. She and her husband Russ are raising their two daughters, Makayla and Reagan, right here in Northeast Ohio.

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