Northeast Ohio Parent magazine, May 2014

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FREE

MAY 2014

Caring For Your Aging Loved Ones

PATHWAYS TO

FAMILY FUN Bike Trips, Safety and More

PLAN YOUR

PLUS

PART Y

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Contents

MAY

Vol. 1 No. 3

Features

2014

18 Camp Counselors: Part Teacher, Part Coach, Part Friend Counselors enhance your child’s camp experience while keeping homesickness at bay.

By Marie Elium

38 Pathways To Fun The Benitez family from Solon enjoy biking throughout the Northeast Ohio region. Also find new areas recommended by area experts.

By Kristen Gough

42 Community Focus The Beachwood area may be small in size, but a lot of charm is built into that small square that lends to the city’s unique landscape.

By Emma Kanagaki

62 Summer Celebrations From graduations to birthdays, we’ve got great ideas that will pack some punch in your next celebration.

By Amanda Lloyd

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62

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32 Multiples To Love Don’t let the shock and excitement over having twins, triplets or more overwhelm you. Moms of Multiples provide helpful advice and insight.

By Shelley Polewchak

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40 May Contents

Columns & Departments

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Editor’s Note: A Salute to Moms

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Worth Noting: Something for everyone Family Health: Allergies Clearing the Air

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Ages & Stages: Finding Shoes That Fit

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Education: College Planning & Saving The Family Fortress: Keeping Your Home Safe Compassion Corner: National Foster Care Month

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May Calendar: What to do around town Mother’s Day Activities Fearless Dad: Stay-At-Home Tangles

COMMUNITY

FOCUS

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10 On the cover and page 4: The Benitez siblings,

Karla,14, Daniela, 6, and Isaac, 16.

Bike rentals courtesy of Century Cycles in Peninsula, centurycycles.com Photos by Love Bug Photography, lovebugbycourtney.com

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&Surrounding Communities

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Editor’s Note

By Angela Gartner Photo by Prelude Photography preludephoto.net

A Salute to Moms No one said raising two boys (Noel, 7, and Anton, 5) would be easy.

When I get home from work, the wonderful sounds of “Mom, can I have...?” or “Mommy, can you do...?” often greet me at the doorway.

However, some day, there won’t be any kids running through the house or begging me to have one more granola bar. That’s why most days I try to cherish what I have, rather than what I don’t.

Parenting doesn’t stop when they’re on their own, just as it hasn’t for my own mother. In fact, my mom still worries about me. She is always there when I need her for advice or simple words of encouragement like “I am so proud of you.”

In this issue, we give a salute to moms, including those who are blessed with multiples, starting on page 32.

We also applaud those kids moving on to the next age or to a new educational venture by helping parents plan the perfect party for them.

Find out some great ways to have fun at your summertime bash on page 62.

This month, I celebrate my birthday and so does my mom, however, there is one person who will be missed during this special time — my grandmother. While it has been almost two years since she passed away, we still think of the happy times as well as her struggles as she went in and out of the hospital.

Thankfully, she was surrounded by a strong support system, mostly due to my grandfather’s commitment, love and patience. For caregivers, the goal is to enrich the life of their loved ones as much as possible and, if difficult illnesses arise, find options for the best care. In our “Aging Answers” supplement, we seek to provide a remedy and a little hope for the future.

Finally, to my mother, my grandmother, my sisters and all types of moms or mothers-to-be, we rejoice along with you this coming Mother’s Day.

Angela angela@northeastohioparent.com

Parent Bloggers!

Do you have a story to tell? Do you have a blog about being a parent, fashionista or yoga guru that you’d like to share with other local parents? If so, we want to hear from you. We may include you on our soon-to-launch blogger page on NortheastOhioParent.com. Just email me at angela@northeastohioparent.com

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Northeast Ohio Parent is a property of Blue Bug Media, a division of Babcox Media, Inc. 3550 Embassy Parkway, Fairlawn, OH 44333 • 330-670-1234 24500 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 300, Cleveland, OH 44122 • 440-842-8600 NortheastOhioParent.com Publisher Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioparent.com Editorial Angela Gartner, Editor angela@northeastohioparent.com Jennifer Clements, Managing Editor jennifer@northeastohioparent.com Emma Kanagaki, Associate/Digital Editor emma@northeastohioparent.com Contributors: Mary Ellen Bramwell, Marie Elium, Vincent O’Keefe, Shelley Polewchak, Amanda Lloyd, Kristen J. Gough.

Art & Production Tammy House, Art Director | thouse@babcox.com Kelly Gifford, Designer | kgifford@babcox.com Advertising Services Cindy Ott, Ad Services Director | cott@babcox.com Advertising Sales Chris Geer, 330-670-1234 ext. 246 chris@northeastohioparent.com Janyse Heidy, 330-670-1234 ext. 250 janyse@northeastohioparent.com Tarah King, 330-670-1234 ext. 245 tarah@northeastohioparent.com Andie Martin, 330-670-1234 ext. 207 andie@northeastohioparent.com Subscription Services Hallie Brown, Subscription and Distribution Coordinator | hallie@northeastohioparent.com Audience Development Brandi Gangel, Audience Development Manager | bgangel@babcox.com eMedia Jeff Philip, eMedia Development Manager | jphilip@babcox.com Cecilia Locke, eMedia Developer | clocke@babcox.com Emily Bobb, Digital Ad Specialist | ebobb@babcox.com Corporate Bill Babcox, President Greg Cira, Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Jeff Stankard, Vice President/Group Publisher Beth Scheetz, Controller

Family Living At Its Best

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Worth Noting

Reading Room Cozy up in your favorite place and explore the wonders of books with your child. From infants to teenagers, here are a few suggestions to purchase or pick up at your local library.

A Bed for Fred

by Lori Zoss, illustrated by Cheri Polk Local author Lori Zoss writes about Fred, a young Basset hound that finds his comfy, red bed missing and travels on a journey to search for it. Available in hardcover.

Visit abedforfred.com.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio Auggie Pullman was homeschooled his whole life, but the summer before fifth grade, his parents drop a bombshell: from now on, he’s going to be attending Beecher Prep — a real school filled with real students. That would be scary news for any kid, but it’s especially terrifying for Auggie, who has what doctors call “cranio-facial anomalies.” Also available in audio and digital formats.

Recommendation courtesy of Akron-Summit County Library, akronlibrary.org.

The Fly Flew In by David Catrow David Catrow, an author and illustrator from Springfield, Ohio, writes about a fly that goes into a concert hall wreaking havoc in this easy-to-read picture book. Available in hardcover or paperback.

Recommendation courtesy of Westlake Porter Public Library, westlakelibrary.org.

Twinsburg

Club

While many children are using game controllers to battle each other, there’s another way to go on a quest — Dungeons and Dragons. Chris Beason of Twinsburg took this fantasy table game to help his son Shayne Beason, 23, who was diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, become more comfortable talking to others.

Chris Beason was looking for something different to do with his sons, Shayne, Cameron, 18, and Cole, 13, other than video games. He stumbled across a podcast about Dungeons and Dragons in which players use characters to go on adventures by using small figures, pen and paper, and rolling the dice.

“Most other games, you are playing against each other,” Beason says.

“This game you are playing with each other. It (also) forces the players to communicate.”

Thinking other teens with developmental disabilities in the community would benefit, he set up a monthly game at the Twinsburg Public Library in January. Currently, six players, ages 13-23, most with developmental disabilities, across Northeast Ohio, have joined in on the fun. “I developed it with these kids in mind, but it’s open to anyone,” Beason says.

For his son, he does think the interactive game is helping Shayne become more vocal in groups. In fact, he says he hopes his son will soon take the role of Dungeon Master, the one who leads the group’s adventure.

If anyone is interested in learning more about the game, email Chris Beason at rcbeason@gmail.com.

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Tips to Help Your Child Feel Comfortable During a Trip to the Emergency Department It’s finally time for your kids to soak up the sun and fresh air. While playing outside and taking part in spring activities can be great fun, all of that fun can increase chances of outdoor injuries or asthma attacks, which could lead to an unexpected trip to the emergency department.

“When children understand what is happening to them, they cope better and experience less trauma and anxiety,” says Jessica Timms, MS, certified child life specialist at Fairview Hospital.

She offers the following tips to help make a trip to the emergency department less stressful: • Be honest with your child.

Honesty will help a child trust the adult throughout the entire process and help them to feel open enough to ask ques-

tions about things they fear when they arrive at the hospital.

• Don’t make promises you can’t

keep. For instance, do not promise your child that nothing will hurt or they will not get any shots in order to get them to

cooperate or calm down.

• Keep calm. Children react to parents’ reactions. As stressful as an emergency visit can be to a child and parent, try to remain as calm as possible in order to help the child cope.

• Focus on them. If it’s an option, Timms recommends parents take their children to a pediatric emergency department. The staff is specifically trained to work with pediatric patients from a medical perspective as well as with the appropriate developmental approaches.

Jessica Timms, works as a certified child life specialist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Pediatric Emergency Department at Fairview Hospital, visit fairviewhospital.org/pedsED.

Comic Book Day

Saturday, May 4

You and your kids can come away with free comic books on one day only. The goal is to reach out to those individuals unfamiliar with the comic book specialty market, not to mention comic book shops. This national event happens each year on the first Saturday in May. Many local libraries in the area will be taking part in the event such as Cuyahoga Falls, South Euclid-Lyndhurst, Brooklyn, Berea, Olmsted Falls and Bay Village branches. See if your local library or comic book store is participating in this event! Visit freecomic bookday.com for more information.

Family Living At Its Best

Northeast Ohio Parent

May 2014

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Family Health

Clear the Air Helping to

About Allergies

Reducing reactions from seasonal allergies — from hay fever to bee stings.

“Ah-Choo” may be commonly heard around town this time of year as many children — and adults — fight with the different elements in the spring air.

With pollen counts soon becoming a staple on local newsfeeds, along with the rebirth of buzzing sounds from insects in the area, here is some information to better prepare you for this allergy-filled season.

Is It A Cold Or An Allergy?

So, that runny nose must be a sign of seasonal allergies, right? Not so fast, it could just be a cold.

Seasonal allergies and colds share common symptoms but have different causes.

Dr. Sandra Hong, a Cleveland Clinic Respiratory Institute allergist, determines whether your child has a cold or allergies by asking the following questions: 1. Did the symptoms present themselves all at one time? Likely, you have allergies.

2. Did the child first experience sneezing, then a runny nose and later nasal congestion? Cold, it is.

3. How long have the symptoms lasted? If your child’s symptoms last no longer than 10 days, she or he had a cold. Seasonal allergy symptoms typically last months at a time, or as long as the patient is exposed to the allergen.

4. What does the mucus look like?

Nasal discharge that’s yellow is caused by a cold, and suggests an infection. Clear, thin, watery mucus results from allergies.

5. How often does your child sneeze? Sneezing is far more common with allergies — es-

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pecially sneezing multiple times in a row.

6. Does your child have a fever? Allergies are not usually accompanied by a fever, but colds are.

7. Is your child experiencing itching?

Itchy eyes, nose, throat and ears are common with allergies. They don’t usually associate with colds.

‘Bee’ Prepared Or Other Insect Allergies Summer will be here before you know it, and if you or your child is allergic to insect stings, you need to be prepared in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.

About 2 million people in the U.S. suffer from severe bee, wasp or hornet allergies. Immediate treatment is important, as approximately 40 people in the country die each year as a result of severe reactions to insect stings.

“Your face swells, your lips swell, you feel like you’re going to vomit,” Hong says of insect allergy symptoms.

Others include hives all over the body with severe itching and swelling, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, dizziness, fainting, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure and cardiac arrest.

These symptoms typically occur within minutes of the sting.

“If you get stung in one spot, but have a reaction somewhere else on your body, you need to call 9-1-1 to get emergency care,” Hong says.

People who know they have severe allergies should always carry an EpiPen, and make those around them aware of their allergy. That way, if they do get stung, someone with them can administer an injection of symptom-relieving epinephrine if they are unable to.

Hong suggests skin-testing for those with severe insect allergies in order to explore the most effective therapies and reduce symptoms.

New Treatment For Allergies?

Currently, allergy shots are the most effective treatment available to reduce allergy symptoms of any sort — seasonal, pet dander, among others.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is exploring new, less-invasive

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Protect Kids Against Food Allergies Do you remember how many of your schoolday friends had food allergies? Likely, next to none. Now think about how many of your kids’ friends have some sort of food allergy — maybe it’s even your child who’s allergic to peanuts. The fact is, food allergies are on the rise in the U.S. and they affect more than 6 million children, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

There’s good news, though.

Theories based on research may show how you can help avoid food allergies when it comes to your child.

One recent study showed that children whose parents lick their pacifier to clean it have lower incidences of allergies, indicating that childhood exposure to certain germs helps develop the immune system and provides protection against allergies and

asthma. Additional research indicates that early exposure to certain foods, like eggs and peanuts, may help a child tolerate certain foods.

Dr. Sandra Hong, a Cleveland Clinic Respiratory Institute allergist, notes that while there haven’t been any recent changes in recommendations to protect kids against food allergies, she’s increasingly using a desensitization method for those who have already developed certain intolerances.

“Eighty percent of children can tolerate particular foods baked into products,” she says. “Those are the kids who are more likely to grow out of their allergies and develop a tolerance.”

However, it’s important to consult with your child’s allergist before you begin using this method.

forms of allergy immunotherapy.

Sublingual oral immunotherapy, or SLIT, is expected to be approved by the FDA later this year for grass and ragweed allergies. The oral drugs will likely be used to treat both adults and children. A daily dose will effectively eliminate symptoms for specific seasonal allergies.

“The new therapy will be a convenient treatment for adults and children, and will allow a unique and comfortable alternative to traditional immunotherapy shots,” says Dr. Michael Benninger, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Cleveland Clinic’s Head & Neck Institute.

Keep an eye out for FDA approval of these drugs later this year, and be sure to ask your doctor about it being a feasible treatment option for allergies.

Article courtesy of Cleveland Clinic News Wire. For more information, please visit my.clevelandclinic.org

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Ages & Stages

Growth Can Be a Running Issue Find out how children can get the best fit for their feet.

By Mary Ellen Bramwell As adults, we’ve probably figured out how to find shoes that fit our feet, but how do you buy shoes for your children? They don’t always communicate effectively, not to mention their feet are growing — and often rapidly.

Young Children Dr. Richard So, a pediatrician at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Independence Family Health Center, says that infants and crawlers “only need socks to keep their feet warm.” Once they are toddlers, he advises buying shoes that are inexpensive and breathable because children are going to outgrow them in two to three months.

With children ages 16 months and younger, their feet grow a half foot size every two months. From 17 months to 24 months, that growth slows to a half foot

size every three months. A 2-year-old’s feet will grow every four months, while a 3-year-old’s foot size changes only every four to six months.

What To Look For In Shoes The most important feature for your child might be the color, the cartoon character on the front or the latest fad, however,

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proper fit should rank first.

Dr. Erin Dean, orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon at Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center in Hudson, refers her patients to good shoe stores “(to) get [their] feet measured appropriately.”

She notes it’s “most important to make sure you don’t get shoes that are too small.” Shoes that are too tight, especially in the toes, can lead to hammer toes, claw toes or bunions.

So also advocates for a wide toe box.

He often sees children with ingrown toenails because the toe box is too narrow.

Getting The Right Fit So how do you get a proper fit? Brian Dunphy at Lucky Shoes in Fairlawn Town Centre has been fitting shoes for 12 years.

According to Dunphy, sizing for children should allow for the “right amount of growth,” for a solid four to six months, “but not hinder the gait cycle (heel to toe walking).” He uses the thumb test to check for extra room in the toes. The consensus is that it should be “one-fourth to one-half of an inch.”

Take the time to lace up or fasten both shoes. Then watch your child walk back and forth to make sure it is a comfortable walk and that the shoes are not slipping off his or her feet. This is especially true with sneakers, Dean adds.

While younger children might be lacking knowledge about shoes, it’s important to listen to what they have to say.

Dunphy says, “It’s all about feel” and “children don’t have a reason to fabricate” if it doesn’t feel good.

Dr. So recommends trying a lightweight shoe for little walkers so they don’t get tired or get blisters from all their activity.

Also, consider the ease of Velcro when children are younger compared to shoes with laces, as the Velcro closure might just make life a little easier.

When a child has flat feet, a stiffer shoe is better. Simply, “something that doesn’t bend in half when you pick it up,” Dean says.

So notes the popularity of flip-flops with older kids, but cautions that they “offer the worst support.”

Dunphy the best time to shop for your child’s shoes is “whenever you think your child has the best temperament.”

Feet Issues Shoes may get the blame for kids’ feet problems, however, that is not often the case. Bunions and hammer toes can also be caused by injury or simply are genetic.

Other common concerns include athlete’s foot, flat feet and heel pain. With athlete’s foot, watch for itching or redness between the toes. The best prevention is keeping feet dry and changing socks regularly. Usually an over-thecounter medicine can be used to treat it.

If flat feet are not painful, there is nothing to worry about. Heel pain is another matter. It indicates something different in children than adults. Sever’s disease is common in children and is caused by the inflammation of the growth plate at the heel.

It is related to overuse or may occur after a growth spurt.

“It’s reasonable to try the easy things first, such as activity modification for heel pain or arch supports for flat feet,” Dean says, “but if the pain continues, I’d recommend seeing a doctor.”

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& Saving

College Planning

Exploring saving and scholarship options.

By Emma Kanagaki

Whether it’s years away or just around the corner, college is an expense most families worry about. No matter what the circumstance, there are several ways to help fund your child’s higher education when the time comes.

For Northeast Ohio residents, the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority is a way to save money for your kids by offering a variety of savings plans that provide tax advantages.

The College Advantage 529 Savings Plan consists of two plans: the direct plan and the advisor plan.

Paul Paeglis, executive director of the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority says “The direct plan is one where the consumer directly invests in the plan with us and not through a financial advisor. Our direct plan has 23 different investment options, which include several tax benefits.

“The advisor plan is very similar

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in structure, it has 21 investment options available, but the difference is that is administered by Black Rock for us and it is sold through financial advisors.”

The 529 Savings Plan is unique with tax benefits from the state of Ohio. Paeglis says, “It’s an upfront tax benefit from the state of Ohio of up to $2,000 off of your taxable income to the state or each beneficiary whose account you would contribute to. And then you get long-term, tax-free growth of those dollars free from not only state taxes, but from federal taxes as well. That’s a powerful tax benefit to not have the growth taxed as you earn it, as it would in a mutual fund or bank account.”

Starting Early While it may seem far away for an infant, it’s never too early for a family to start saving money for a college fund, according to Patty Saddle from The College Planning Center. “[Parents should save] as early as possible — even once you bring your child home,” says Saddle. “Saying that is not as easy as doing it in this economy, but the sooner parents can start saving, even if it’s $25 a month, the better.”

Darren Rose from The Daily Scholar-

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ship, a local organization that helps get local businesses to provide scholarships for the community, agrees, and advises to start saving on “day one.”

“As soon as the kid is born,” he says.

“We see families unprepared so it is always better to start early.”

While college tuition amounts are ever-changing and fluctuating within this economy, it’s always a good idea to put away a reasonable amount. If that means $20 or $200 a month, every bit helps.

“The reality is that every dollar you save toward that goal will be that much less that you then have to find a way to pay for out of current income or out of student loans in the future.” Paeglis says, “It’s pretty rare for someone to regret saving too much for college — that doesn’t happen very often.”

are available in their community. Last place are the national scholarships, because there is a large amount of competition, therefore, making these types of scholarships more difficult to receive.”

Students can also contribute to their college fund by holding a part-time job or completing tasks around the neighborhood like babysitting, lawn mowing or other household work.

No matter what the circumstance,

the best way to save for your child’s education is simply to start.

Each contribution will make a difference that puts a college opportunity on the map.

Scholarship Sources If your child is already well into his or her high school years and time is short to save, scholarship opportunities may be the way to go.

There are thousands of scholarship funds and programs, so be sure to research ones that are unique to the college or university your child might be attending, as well as federal and state scholarships or those from private donors.

“Try everything and be diligent,” says Rose.

Saddle also advises a few ways for students to get ahead with scholarship opportunities.

“The absolute best way for students to receive merit aid/scholarships is to work at achieving a high GPA and test scores on their ACT or SAT.” she says.

“When a student applies to a college where they are above the average student who attends that college (top 25 percent), the student will usually be able to receive scholarships from that college or university.”

Saddle recommends first looking at the college your student plans or would like to attend and check its website information under financial aid and scholarships.

“Then check with the high school guidance counselor to see what scholarships are offered, along with if any Family Living At Its Best

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Camp Counselors

Part Teacher, Part Coach, Part Friend

There’s never a dull moment in a camp counselor’s summer.

By Marie Elium

Think of them as the front line warriors in the world of summer camp. From leading songs to encouraging new activities, camp counselors are the ones who work the most closely with your child throughout their stay.

Camp Leaders 101 When hiring counselors and aides, camps look for individuals who can relate to children and be strong leaders while bringing a sense of fun to the job.

“A good camp counselor is someone who is attentive to their campers, but is also strong enough to keep control and keep everyone safe and to have a good time,” said Ken Fortuna, who has the job of hiring the 32 camp counselors who work alongside the regular camp staff at Hiram House Camp in Chagrin Falls. The camp runs day and overnight camps for more than 1,200 students each summer.

“They have to be comfortable being silly and goofy for camp songs and dressing up,” Fortuna said. “We (also) try to convey that when it comes to anything unexpected, it’s important to stay calm.

We really (focus) on that during staff training.”

Fortuna points out that the counselors, who are generally between the ages of 18 and 22, primarily are college students. Many are studying education or psychology and are looking for ways to expand their knowledge by working at a camp.

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“When I interview, I ask them (how they would handle) situations such as if a child is being picked on or if a parent complains about something,” Fortuna says. “The biggest thing is gauging how well they relate to campers (and) do you have experience working with kids?”

Leah Lambert-Dustin owns FitGirl Camp, a mobile fitness camp that serves girls throughout Northeast Ohio, among other areas. Her staff includes female college students as counselors.

“They are very kid-centric, girl-centric and active, and they want to make a difference in a young girl’s life,” LambertDustin said. The ideal counselor is organized, has had experience working with children and is “captivating, authentic, enthusiastic and comfortable in their own skin. They have a presence,” she explained. In other words, the ideal counselor at FitGirl Camp is someone who can be a mentor to the campers, all of whom are between ages 5-12.

“I think what makes a good counselor is great energy, and if the counselor can relate to students at all levels,” says Diane Kanney, vice president of enrollment and marketing for St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland. She oversees counselor hiring for the school’s summer camps. Golf, rugby, cross country, volleyball, theater, world languages, service and art are just some of the many day camps for boys and girls that the school will be spon-

soring this summer.

Kanney says for St. Joseph Academy, many of the students are paid, but some will use the camp counselor hours to fulfill the school’s required community service hours, which total 20 per year.

Students often exceed the requirement through the camp or outside volunteer work.

“The counselors who work under (academy staff members, who undergo background checks, along with each camp director or person who oversees a specific area of interest) primarily are students who attend the academy,” she says. “For example, the basketball camp counselors are members of the school basketball team.”

To be hired as a counselor, some might have to have specialized training, especially if it’s a camp with athletics or if it serves children with learning differences.

Carole Richards is director of UnSchool Camp, which is held at Lakeland Community College, but is not affiliated with the school. The camp is geared toward children ages 6-18 with learning differences such as dyslexia, Asperger’s, ADD and other issues. With its specialized nature, all of the counselors have college degrees and experience working with children who have learning differences. In addition to adult counselors, Richards hires aides who have at least

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two years of college.

Un-School Camp splits its day between academics in the morning, and theater, science, arts and sports in the afternoon. Because the campers have a variety of learning issues, aides must be “sensitive, flexible and creative,” Richards says. “Our goal is success for everyone who comes to camp. Kids have unique challenges that you need to understand. Training is specific to the campers’ needs.”

A Counselor’s View Counselors are trained to handle everything from minor injuries to major cases. Many have to deal with homesick campers. Amanda Poropat, 25, who has worked as a camp counselor at Hiram House Camp since 2011, says she has seen all types of situations. That’s why being a counselor requires creativity.

“I had a lot of girls who were scared of thunderstorms so I made sure to have string to make friendship bracelets, (along with) crayons and paper,” she says. “We (also) pass the time playing new games. It’s hard to keep them all calm and distracted, but luckily the storms usually rolled out just as quickly as they rolled in.”

Poropat said it’s also rewarding to see her campers master an outdoor camp-out, complete with bumps in the night (raccoons), bug bites, homesickness and plenty of giggles. “When we woke up in the morning, they were so happy and proud to have slept outside all night.”

During the academic year, Poropat is a Head Start pre-school teacher, but she found that camp counseling was a natural fit. In fact, this summer she will be the day camp director at Hiram.

“I love kids and being outside,” she says. “I had enjoyed being a counselor at another camp the summer prior to starting at Hiram House Camp and I had wonderful experiences at Girl Scout camp as a child. Ultimately, I thought what a better way to spend my summer than at camp again? Plus, I did not want to spend another summer inside.”

So, what does Poropat think makes a good counselor? “Singing camp songs,” she said. “Some of my strongest memories as a camper include singing camp songs (and) playing with the kids. You can be a role model and still have fun and participate. Camp is the place where kids can really be kids, without any pressure.”

And she says, “the kids, of course” are the best part of the job.

“It is so much fun to see them grow throughout the summer,” Poropat says. “So many special friendships and memories are made with both campers and other counselors in the three short months of summer. As a counselor, I have made many lasting friendships, too.”

She added a challenge is watching the campers try something new or scary for them. “I just wanted to help them, but the thrill of seeing them climbing to the top of rock wall or seeing their fears go away as they paddled around the pond was a wonderful sight,” she said. Another goal is to get through the day without a camper losing something — a water bottle, a pair of goggles, a towel or an article of clothing. “Being a counselor you have to keep track of everything.”

Poropat said the final challenge of being a camp counselor is the most bittersweet: “Saying goodbye until next summer.”

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2014

Summer Camp Guide Northeast Ohio Parent brings you the rundown of the area’s top summer camps!

Academic Fun & Fitness Camp

The Academic Fun & Fitness Camp serves the unique needs of children with learning differences. This camp will give your child a new perspective on learning, while developing the self-esteem and social skills needed to be successful. It is held at Lakeland Community College from June 16 through July 25 (half-day or full-day options).

31300 Solon Road, Suite 1, Solon, 440-914-0200, unschoolcamp.org Achievement Centers for Children’s Camp Cheerful

Offering day, overnight and weekend respite camps for children and adults with and without disabilities, including autism. Campers enjoy activities such as: hiking and nature study; swimming, canoeing, horsemanship activities; fully accessible high ropes activities; arts and crafts; and sports.

Campers participate in a variety of recreational activities that encourage confidence and independence, and create opportunities for lifelong friendships while having fun and improving their quality of life.

15000 Cheerful Lane, Strongsville, 440-238-6200, achievementcenters.org/campcheerful Akron Racers

Fastpitch Softball Clinics, June 18 and July 8, 10 a.m.-noon or 1:30-3:30 p.m.The Akron Racers, the women’s professional fastpitch team, will conduct two clinics for players ages 8-16 years old at Firestone Stadium. The Racers will guide the young players through stations designed to work on the five tools of the game. The stations will include bunting, slapping, hitting, fielding, running and throwing. Register at akronracers.org.

1575 Firestone Pkwy., Akron, 330-376-8188

Akron Rotary Camp

Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs runs June through August for ages 6 to adulthood, Sunday-Friday (overnight camps) and Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (day camps). Activities include: traditional camp activities adapted to meet the needs of each camper. Cost is $290 (day camp), $575 (overnight camp). Financial assistance will be provided to qualifying individuals. Visit an open house May 10, 2-4 p.m.

4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, 330-644-4512, rotarycamp@akronymca.org, rotarycamp.org.

Bricks 4 Kidz

Engineering with LEGO Bricks. Boys and girls ages 5-12. Week-long, full day and half day. Exciting new themes each week: Architecture, Robotics, Stop Motion, NXT, Comic Creator. Bricks 4 Kidz camps are a high-energy, fast-paced setting where kids build, discover and test the limits of their imagination while creating cities, minecraft worlds, robots, moon rovers, ninjas, super heroes, movies and comic books. Early bird pricing and online registration. bricks4kidz.com Burning River Lacrosse

BR Lax is Northern Ohio’s largest lacrosse provider with more than 3,000 boys and girls participating in our camps, clinics, leagues and travel teams. Our focus is on providing opportunities at all levels (introductory camps, leagues, skills development, national tournaments, college recruiting) to Northern Ohio’s lacrosse community. This is why our parents have consistently stated, “The Best Coaches, The Best Competition, The Best Experience!” Come see for yourself at brlax.net.

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Camp Globo

Did you know bilingual children score higher on standardized tests and have better math and logic skills than their monolingual peers? Camp Globo is an adventure day camp combined with an immersion language camp. By using the proven immersion method, children learn Spanish, French or German organically by experiencing it all day while they enjoy the outdoors engaged in games, crafts, music, water play, field trips and so much more.

Have an enriching summer experience.

4540 Stow Road (Inside Hickey Karate Center), Stow, 330-203-1514, CampGlobo.com facebook.com/CampGlobo Twitter @CampGlobo

Cuyahoga Community College

Tri-C Summer Camps: Grades K12, June-August, Half-day and full-day camps: STEM, Raspberry Pi, Tech Ventures, Cinematography, Performing Arts, Music, Tri-C JazzFest Camp, Sports, and Culinary. Visit tri-c.edu/summercamps for more information. 700 Carnegie Ave. Cleveland 800-954-8742, tri-c.edu Classroom Antics

Classroom Antics Tech Camps offer summer day camps for ages 7-13 in video game design, LEGO robotics, computer programming and stop-motion animation in Brunswick, Middleburg Heights, Medina, Green (Uniontown), Fairlawn, Westlake, Beachwood, Solon and Brecksville. Camps available in morning, afternoon or full-day sessions. Only 12 kids in each class/camp, so sign-up early at ClassroomAntics.com.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Summer Day Camp

The zoo’s Summer Day Camp runs from June 9 through August 15 in different weeklong sessions, each focusing on a unique theme. The sessions are available in half-day (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and fullFamily Living At Its Best

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2014 Summer Camp Guide day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) increments. The zoo’s Summer Day Camp is geared for children ages 5-14, with a special new half-day Nature Play Camp for kids ages 3-4. Each camp is filled with games, arts and crafts, and unique opportunities to see zoo animals and exhibits up close.

3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Camps

CVCA offers several day camp programs during the summer to help kids learn and enhance their skills. From basketball to hockey to drama, there are several options to challenge your unique student to learn and grow.

4687 Wyoga Lake Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-0575, cvcaroyals.org

Dance Beatz — formerly Sharon Rae Dance School

Summer Dance Adventure Camp — for boys and girls ages 5-11, June 23-26. Children will have a day full of coordination and rhythm activities, music, dancing, tumbling, crafts, outdoor games and so much more.

Summer Dance Classes — for boys and girls ages 3-11, July 7-16. Students attend class twice per week and will receive an introduction to many types of dance. Shoes are provided.

727 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-3822, dancebeatzakron.com

Falcon Camp

Widely recognized as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959, Falcon offers a beautiful lakefront setting, talented staff and wide range of activities. “Fun for Now, Skills for Life” is not just a catchy phrase but truly defines what Fal-

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2014 Summer Camp Guide con is about. Boys and girls choose their own schedule within a general framework, separate activities with planned coed events. 1:4 staff/camper ratio allows individual instruction and attention. Most of all, it’s a great time. ACA accredited, references available.

Carrollton, 800-837-CAMP, falconcamp.com

Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio

All girls are invited to have fun, make new friends and try new things at themed camps under the guidance of trained adults. Girl Scouts Camps offer archery, swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts, canoeing, astronomy and

more. Come to the Open House at Camp Ledgewood in Peninsula on April 13, 2-5 p.m. or Camp Timberlane in Wakeman on April 6, 2-5 p.m. For more information, e-mail summercamp@gsneo.org. All girls are welcome. Register today.

One Girl Scout Way, Macedonia, 330-864-9933, gsneo.org Geauga Park District Camps

Geauga Park District announces its second annual week-long outdoor adventure camps for youth entering grades 5-7 during the weeks of June 23, July 7, 14, 28 and August 4.

A week-long adventure experience will also be offered the week of July 21 for teens entering grades 8-10. New this year for the older kids are single-day X Treme Adventures held June 30, July 1, 2 and 3. Details at bit.ly/gpdcamps.

9160 Robinson Road, Chardon, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org

Gelfand STEM Center

Engage your child in authentic STEM learning experiences at CWRU this summer. Ignite your child’s interest in exploration, science and technology while having fun. Take a look at the possibilities this summer for elementary, middle and high school-age students. Develop a website.

Learn computer programming. Search for Shipwrecks. Build an ROV. Monitor reptiles and amphibians.

Guilford House, Suite 412, Case Western Reserve University, 11112 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, 216-368-5075, gelfand.case.edu

Great Lakes Theater

Since 2010, Great Lakes Theater (GLT) has partnered with BereaMidpark High School to offer two week-long summer camps concentrating on interactive and educational theater-based activities. This summer, GLT is offering expanded half-day and fullday workshops. The program is designed for students of all levels of experience and ability.

Classes will be divided by students’ ages. The drama camp features classes in acting, Shakespeare, movement, improvisation, stage combat, mask making and much more. Visit greatlakestheater.org/education for complete information and registration materials.

2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland, 216-453-4453, greatlakestheater.org

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2014 Summer Camp Guide

For a complete directory of regional camps, visit northeastohioparent.com.

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2014 Summer Camp Guide Great Lakes Science Center

Make science come alive with week-long summer camps from Great Lakes Science Center. Young scientists in preschool through high school will enjoy a week of scientific exploration, hands-on learning, new friendships and fun. The Science Center’s camp programs have been accredited by the American Camp Association. Camps run June 9-August 15. Featuring more than 70 camp themes and 10 locations around Northeast Ohio.

Get details at GreatScience.com.

601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-694-2000, glsc.org

Hathaway Brown School Summer Camps

Located in Shaker Heights, Hathaway Brown School provides an inclusive environment that challenges girls in grades K-12 and boys and girls in the Early Childhood Program. Founded in 1876, Hathaway Brown is committed to a fusion of academic and experiential learning. Hathaway Brown offers several unique summer programs including

For a complete directory of regional camps, visit northeastohioparent.com.

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2014 Summer Camp Guide athletic camps, for-credit classes and theatre. See website for a complete listing and information.

19600 North Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-932-4214, hb.edu

John Carroll University Summer Camps

grams for students entering Kindergarten through 8th grade make learning more fun and playtime more rewarding. Themes include kindergarten readiness, academic review, technology exploration, organizational skillbuilding and study “tips and tricks.” Our afternoon programs are full of exciting summer fun activities and field trips. Enhance skills, have fun, explore, create, make new friends and build confidence.

Broadview Heights and Sagamore Hills, 440-526-0717 lawrenceschool.org/summer

Join us at John Carroll University for summer sports camps. John Carroll University’s Department of Athletics is proud to offer a variety of 2014 summer sports camps and clinics for students of all ages. We provide a safe, fun, learning environment on our beautiful campus in University Heights. Respected head coaches for John Carroll’s varsity and club sports teams lead our summer athletic programs.

For details, visit go.jcu.edu/sportscamps.

Sign up early. Spaces are limited.

1 John Carroll Blvd., University Heights, 216-397-1886, jcu.edu

Lake County YMCA

At the Y, we value the unique personalities and potential of every child and teen. Summer camp creates an environment where kids are encouraged to explore and discover exciting new things, cultivate friendships and make memories that last a lifetime. The Lake County Y Central, East End, West End, Perry Child Care and Outdoor Y offer a variety of summer day camp experiences for preschools and children ages 4-14, as well as overnight camp experiences for teens.

440-354-5656, lakecountyymca.org

Lawrence School Summer Programs

Get ready to learn, grow and play at Lawrence School this summer. Pro-

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2014 Summer Camp Guide

Magical Theatre Company

Acting Out(side): June 15-20 at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Classes in acting and stage combat, end with a roving performance of scenes from plays, films and books, using the

natural environment as a stage.

K.I.D. Camp: July 7-18 develops performing skills through age-appropriate classes in singing, dancing and acting, culminating in a rousing musical performance. Camps are staffed by professional directors, actors and choreographers, all devoted to young people.

565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-848-3708, magicaltheatre.org/drama-camps

Old Trail School’s Summer Camp — S’camp

Old Trail School’s S’Camp is returning (June 9 through August 8) for another great summer filled with sun, fun, friends and non-stop activities.

This popular summer camp has 150-plus options in technology, art, crafts, history, sports and much more for campers ages 3 to 17.

Half and full-day camps are offered with extended day options for working parents.

Transportation available from Brecksville and

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2014 Summer Camp Guide

Saint Joseph Academy Summer Camps

Learning is an adventure at Saint Joseph Academy’s Summer Enrichment Camps 2014! The two-week Summer Enrichment camp enhances

English, math, science and social studies with hands-on work and field trips. Other camp opportunities include science, rugby, golf, soccer, crew, volleyball, cross country, World Languages, art, music, basketball, dancing, service and leadership camps. Take the first step to summer fun and order a brochure at sja1890.org/summercamps.

3470 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland, 216-251-6788, sja1890.org

Hudson. Early Bird Discount through March 21. oldtrail.org/summercamp scamp@oldtrail.org 2315 Ira Road, Akron, 330-666-1118, oldtrail.org

Pembroke Kids

Pembroke Kids’ summer program is a fun, but carefully structured camp experience that is an extension of our regular programming. To add a bit of fun to our daily schedule, we’ve developed special weekly themes that capture the essence of summertime. Our program is designed for preschool children ages 3 to 4, pre-kindergarten (age 5) or school age children entering grades 1-6. Explore new ideas, develop new skills, and make new friends in a safe, supportive and funfilled environment. June 16 - August 8. For more information, visit pembrokekids.com.

Romp n Stomp Inflatables

Romp n Stomp is voted #1 for our kids camps.

We blend creativity, activity and learning into a fun filled day for children ages 4-11. Flexible schedule. Mad Science Monday's, Around the World Wednesday's, Art Filled Friday's are held from 9:30-2:30 p.m. for $45 per child/ lunch included! Preschool Play Camp on Tues/Thursday 9:30-11:30 a.m. for $20 per child/snack included. Paint n Play Camp Tues/Thursday 1-3 p.m. for $25 per child. Call to reserve your spot!

900 Medina Road, Medina 234-248-4405, rompnstompcenter.net

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2014 Summer Camp Guide YMCA Camp Y-Noah

June through August for ages 6-16, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Activities include swimming, canoeing, climbing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, hiking, sports, science camp, Cheernastics Camp, SCUBA, robotics and paintball. Day camp cost is $155-$390 a week depending on programs. Overnight camp cost $455 a week depending on programs. Contact Michael Landry at michaell@akronymca.org, 330-896-1964. Visit a YMCA Camp Y-Noah Open House 2-4 p.m. on May 18.

815 Mt. Pleasant Road, Clinton, 330-896-1964, GotCamp.org

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Young Chefs Academy

Does your child or grandchild LOVE to cook? If so, they’ll be sure to enjoy our great summer camps with popular themes such as Chocolate Camp, Italian Lovers, Cupcake Palooza, Celebrity Chefs camp, Fondue Fun and more! Our mini-camps are flexible to allow you to choose convenient dates and appealing themes. Each camp is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Times: either morning (9 a.m.-noon) or afternoon (1-4 p.m.) and are priced affordably at $115 for 9 hours of camp!

Various locations, 440-572-2855, youngchefsacademy.com

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Multiples Parents raising sets of twins, triplets or quadruplets help us understand ‘more’ can be better.

By Shelley Polewchak

“Twins! Triplets! Quadruplets!” says your doctor. Afterward, the thought — or shock — of having multiples begins to settle in, however, so might the panic. “Will we need two of everything?” “How will we afford them?” “How can we possibly care for two babies (or more!) at once?” While parents will discover they are outnumbered on a daily basis — there is also plenty of joy in raising multiples.

Keeping A Schedule manage time and Northeast Ohio Parents learn quickly to expect the arrange carpools to Mothers of Multiunexpected, to realize they have zero shuttle older twins ples, which provides control, and to accept help when bringand siblings with a variety of helpful ing home their little bundles of joy. different interests. resources to all fam“Ask for help and let go of the guilt of Cathy Bellone, ilies of multiples — not feeling like you can do it all yourself,” mom to 12-yeartwins, triplets, quads says Jennifer Harvey, mom of 11old twins Blake and beyond. month-old twins Oliver and Madeline in and Brittany and Making It Work Willoughby. “The babies will benefit 10-year-old Dylan,1 0, Britta Multiples in, typically when you are relaxed and able to focus Dylan in Westny and B lake, 12 means money is out. on them, rather than thinking about all lake, says, “I With the increased costs, families the other things you need to do simultahave boy/girl twins, so they have neously.” different friends and have to make decisions that are best for them. Some moms return to work, while Schedules are key to life with different activities, others don’t because of the high cost of multiples. Emily which means a lot Honsa-Hicks, mom of running around. daycare for two (or more) babies. Parents to 19-month-old Fortunately, many may become consultants for home-based companies or start their own businesses twins Gaby and of their friends Romy says, “A great participate in the to augment income.

“Going from a two-income household sleep-training book same activities, convinced us that so I am in a few with two people to instantly going to a one-income household with four people scheduling naps and different was quite the shock to our wallet,” said bedtime was not child carpools. This Jodi Davies, mom to 5-year-old twins abuse, and our girls is the ideal Olivia and Aubrey and 2-year-old began sleeping at the situation; e1 Willow, in the Akron area. “I had to be a same time and through otherwise, they g a t u abo omy at little more creative, so I started to the night very quickly.” couldn’t be as involved.”

R d n a Gaby coupon and stockpile. I’ve also opened It also helps parents Parents also have a support group,

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to

Love

them to be more alike (as if that would make a parent’s life easier). It’s also difficult to keep others from not comparing them as well.

Multiple Challenges We don’t ever want them While multiples have an to hear the comparison or amazing bond, parents must think they are any more remember they need to be or less than the other treated as individuals. When one!” multiples reach school age, She described a situsometimes they are in ation when one twin sa, 6 d Maris separate classes and was invited to a classn a a h t aman begin to develop their own S mate’s birthday party and groups of friends. the other, in a different class, was not.

Tracey Miller, mom to 6-year“This is a fact of life that they will old twins Samantha and both have to learn to deal with,” Miller Marissa and 9-year-old says.

Jonathan in Brookpark, says, As multiples age, new challenges “The hardest thing is to rearise, such as driving and college costs member that they are indeed for teens. It’s about compromise and a two separate people. It’s very shared lifestyle, which helps when two easy to compare and want kids want to take one car to different or focus to ensure that we are working together toward mutual goals,” Honsa-Hicks says.

my own homebased business.

The money that I bring in from this business allows me to pay for my twins’ dance classes.”

Parents often juggle the morning and y, 5 nd Aubre night routines so one Olivia a of the parents can be with the kids each time. Honsa-Hicks says she leaves work first and then heads home for the evening routine, while her husband, who goes into work later, handles the mornings with their daughters.

“Usually, my husband makes it home for the final goodnights,” she says.

If both parents work, they rely on others to keep them apprised of their children’s development and needs. To make it all work, communication is key.

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What Not To Say to MoMs (Mothers of Multiples) “Double Trouble.” Double the love is more like it.

“Oh, you poor thing.” It’s the exact opposite.

Our lives are richer for having multiples and all the joys they bring.

“Did you do invitro?” “Are they natural?” Yes, they are natural. They are babies, not robots.

Some people are open about their choices, but it really is a very personal matter.

“2 for 1 — BOGO!” Nope. We still have to pay for two of everything.

“One of each? Now you are done!” Don’t assume that someone has boy/girl twins that their family is complete.

“Too bad it wasn’t one of each!” Having twins of the same sex doesn’t make your family any less complete than having one of each.

“My kids are 13 months apart, which is basically the same thing as having twins.”

No, no it is not. Only carrying them at the same time makes it “just like having twins.”

“Better you than me. “ We enjoy being doubly blessed and getting to see those moments of magic, not once, but twice. It is awesome to parent multiples.

“How can you afford them?” Just the way any other parents do.

What you can do is offer a helping hand Hold doors if the parent is carrying two infant carriers. Always take a moment to acknowledge that I understand the situation and offer to help. Or, just a smile as you pass, which might help to brighten the day. (You should do that to everyone anyway.)

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destinations. Nancy Nagle, mom to identical 19-year-old twin boys and two other sons in Mentor, said her boys worked it out.

“One drops the other off and picks him up later, they borrow one of the parents’ cars, or they hitch a ride with a friend,” she says. “It’s sometimes a juggling act, but it has worked.”

Donna Haviland, mom to 24-yearold boy/girl twins and two other daughters in Madison — and a twin herself — says, “Negotiation and compromise skills were definitely learned. My twin sister and I had one car to share from age 16 through the first two years at college. We had an off-campus apartment. The one who had to go in the earliest or stay the latest got first dibs on the car for safety reasons.”

Managing multiple college tuitions simultaneously can be daunting.

Parents may need to be creative. “[My boys] attended Lakeland

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Community College during their junior and senior high school years through the Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) program,” Nagle says. “They earned their associate’s degree at the same time they earned their high school diploma. Through PSEO, all tuition and books are covered; thus, we saved two years of college costs for each twin.”

While raising multiples can be stressful and financially taxing — the rewards and successes are multiplied.

Shelley Polewchak is a homeschooling mom to 7-year-old girl/boy twins, Reagan and Nolan. Many parents interviewed for this story are members of Northeast Ohio Mothers of Multiples (NEOMoM), which serves Lake County, eastern Cuyahoga County and Geauga County. Visit neomom.org for more info.

Self Care: An Important Reminder to a Caregiver Running errands, cleaning the house and taking care of children and loved ones is how many women spend their day. However, as the day winds down, they may think, “What did I do for myself today?”

The answer is usually, “Nothing.” Women should take time out for their own health, which benefits not only them but also their families.

“I think in many families today, the women are the director of the ship,” says Rebecca Fredrick, DO, a family medicine physician on the Medical Staff at Southwest General. “They play the part of schedule keeper, transporter, caregiver, nurturer and more—so the ability to multitask many different roles is very important. In order to function, and care for their own family, they need to take care of themselves.”

Dr. Fredrick recommends that women start by receiving a yearly physical exam. A physical exam consists of reviewing the patient’s medical history, including chronic medical illnesses, medicines and allergies. Also, Dr. Fredrick may review lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking or caffeine use.

As part of the yearly physical exam, health maintenance and prevention is an important focus. The physician will discuss if a patient is due for routine testing such as a bone density screening, mammogram or colonoscopy. Additionally, a review of recommended immunizations is conducted at this visit.

Based on the patient’s age, the physician may recomFamily Living At Its Best

mend vaccines such as a flu shot, tetanus or pneumonia vaccine.

Dr. Fredrick is part of the Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. Strongsville Family Practice. She, along her with her colleagues, Dr. Kelly Becker and Dr. Olga Kovacevic, also may recommend routine bloodwork, to help screen for conditions such as high cholesterol. They will review risk factors for coronary artery disease, stroke and diabetes as well.

While many women may go to their gynecologist for an annual visit, it is still advised that they see a primary care physician, such as a family medicine physician, who will perform additional health maintenance checks. However, many family medicine physicians, such as Dr. Fredrick, can perform tests such as a Pap smear if a patient prefers.

Taking Control of Your Health Dr. Fredrick advises that women should take control of their health not only with regular doctor visits but also by maintaining good daily health practices.

“I think it’s important to do a regular exercise program,” Dr. Fredrick says. “Yoga provides a good mental health and physical outlet. Also, it is vital to your well-being to get enough sleep (eight hours is a goal), eat balanced meals with five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, drink plenty of water and try not to live on coffee and protein bars.”

Dr. Fredrick adds, “Women are pretty in tune to their bodies. It’s almost a sixth sense, so they should trust their instincts. If they feel that something is not right, they should discuss it with their physician.”

Unsure Where to Start?

If you haven’t seen a physician in several years, you might find yourself feeling nervous about going to the doctor or even wondering how to choose a new health provider.

Southwest General’s Health Connection, a FREE physician referral and health information service, is staffed by registered nurses who can provide answers to health care questions or refer callers to community resources as appropriate. To contact Health Connection, call 440-816-5050. Additionally, to help find a physician, you may visit www.swgeneral.com and choose the “Find a Physician” tab on the home page.

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The Family Fortress: Simple tips to keep your child and

By Marie Elium Parents are all too aware of the dangers that children may encounter beyond the walls of their own home. Yet the real dangers exist much closer. A walk down any aisle that displays baby and child safety devices illustrates that point — latches and covers and screens and all sorts of items can help protect the most vulnerable household members.

From infancy through adolescence, childhood seems like a minefield of accidents waiting to happen. With some simple safety precautions, parents can prevent many injuries and poisonings.

Keeping Kids Safe Each year, more than half of 2.4 million children ages 6 or younger swallow or

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have contact with a poisonous substance, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Approximately 9 million children from newborn to age 19 go to the emergency room because of injuries — many of which happen at home, and of those, 9,000 die. The reasons range from drowning to suffocation to burns or falls. The ways that children are injured vary, but nonetheless, all can be frightening.

However, that’s the scary news. The good news is that many of these injuries can be avoided with watchful monitoring of your child, along with a few safety devices.

Home Safe Home Inc. is a Clevelandbased company that specializes in home childproofing and swimming pool safety. Owner Pat Kinyon says he

does home safety evaluations and custom installs childproofing items such as gates and locks to make sure they fit securely.

If you’re a gadget person, the Internet and retail stores offer all types of high-tech baby safety equipment. Several companies sell baby monitors that can be connected to an iPad or a smart phone for easy watchfulness.

Tom Zilt of the Safety Store at University Hospital’s Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, says the store, which is located just within the hospital lobby on the first floor, has a display of safety products such as wall straps, locks, latches, bike helmets, car seats and other items that visitors can buy at the same price the hospital pays for them.

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Child safety tips: ⻬ Make sure older or hand-me-down cribs meet current safety regulations. ⻬ Install a gate at the top and bottom of the stairs. ⻬ Install cabinet latches so children can’t climb drawers to reach countertops or other areas with hazards. ⻬ Use toilet lid locks. A baby can drown in just 2 inches of water. ⻬ Never leave a child alone in the bathtub. ⻬ Use hearth guards and edge bumpers to help prevent head injuries. ⻬ Install cordless window blinds to prevent strangulation. ⻬ Keep electrical appliances away from water. Install GFI outlets in rooms where water or moisture is present. ⻬ Lower the temperature of your hot water heater. Temperatures above 120 degrees are a scalding hazard. ⻬ Safeguard windows and railings. Balusters that are more than 3 inches apart are a danger for small children. ⻬ Don’t warm baby bottles in the microwave. Pockets of scalding liquid can form. ⻬ Install smoke detectors, and check them monthly. Change batteries once a year.

Courtesy of Pat Kinyon of Home Safe Home Inc. Child’s-Eye View Although flashy, high-tech baby monitors with videos and other safety equipment offer various ways to protect your child, one of the best ways to childproof your home is also one of the most basic.

“Get down on your hands and knees and take a child’s-eye view of your home,” Zilt says. “Look at the home from that aspect.” He adds sharp table edges, bookshelves that can be easily climbed (and toppled), stove knobs that can be turned on, a loose screen — they all can prove hazardous to a child.

“Many child safety tips are basic: keep medicines and cleaning supplies in locked cabinets, have TVs and shelves

Family Living At Its Best

securely attached to a wall so a child can’t pull them over,” Zilt continues.

While a visit from family members and friends is a good thing, it can also be unintentionally harmful, depending on what else they are bringing into the home.

“Make sure visitors’ bags — think grandparents — are put in an inaccessible place so any medicines don’t get in the wrong hands,” Zilt says.

In the end, home safety for your children and for yourself is generally a matter of watchfulness and common sense.

“Safety products are a deterrent but they aren’t 100-percent (guaranteed),” Zilt says. “A watchful eye is always best.”

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By Kristen Gough

Julie Brain ard and her son C ruz of Bath enjoyed a spring walk in th e parks.

ut head o d n a kes t ly’s bi i m th, bu a n f o r u M o ty ike on dig ou land B e o t v e e l t Ohio C s m i a t y e a a h t is M was Nor ng t only there ough o r r N enjoyi h e t . v e y l e w i a o h If n w w r it’s ea you trails, the ar nding w i o w n , k r on the t to inte y to ge long w a a w r t e a t af gre . t the els is a e spring h ughou f o w r o h o t s s d w t ale ions soun tion d s to loc y locat g n n a in a t m u eserva s o e R e h t t i in r s g g n o ha me the ited, C e beco nd his rea. Am

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ra ntals c Photog Bike re ve Bug o L y b Photos

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Learn more about what’s happening on two wheels this month by visiting bikecleveland.org/bikemonth.

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What sectio on the Family Living At Its Best

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Bike Tours in Cleveland

Bike Trail Etiquette Don’t get caught blocking the trails for other cyclists. Review the rules of the road — trail — with your kids to be courteous and safe.

Jason Kunz, marketing manager of Eddy’s Bike Shop, with locations in Stow, Montrose, North Olmsted and Willoughby Hills, and a veteran cyclist with 20 years on the trail, shares the basics. b Go single file on the trail; b Follow the same directions you would in a car on the trail, don’t ride in the middle; b Bookend the kids — have one parent bike in front and one in back of your kids; b Make sure the person at the head of your group has a bell — when you are about to pass other riders or pedestrians, ring the bell to let them know you’re there; b When stopping to see something along the way, move your bikes off the trail; and b Enjoy yourself.

this section of the Towpath deserves its own entry.

Beavers moved into the area and created a wetland suitable for a variety of wildlife, including herons, muskrats, turtles, otters and more.

Learn More: nps.gov/cuva/ naturescience/Beaver-Marsh.htm Bike and Hike Trail,

Cleveland Bike Tours 330-532-8687 clevelandbiketours.com Choose from three tours in the city.

Prices start at $30 for the 2 to 2-1/2hour ride; bike carriages are available for younger children.

Bike the Trail & Ride the Rail: Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Bike Aboard! Program Beginning on Saturday, May 3, your family can take your bikes aboard the train in the Cuyahoga National Park. Take the train one way for a $3 fare and ride your bike back on the trail. The schedule runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May, then adds Wednesdays and Thursdays in June. For complete details, go to cvsr.com/bike-aboard.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs this program.

Summit Metro Parks Location: Multiple trailheads throughout the path; download park map at website for parking.

330-867-5511 Trail Style: Paved asphalt What You’ll Find: This 34-mile path parallels the Towpath in sections near the Cuyahoga River but tends to be much less busy. Following an old railroad that connected Akron, Bedford and Cleveland, the trail passes through

Remember Helmets — For the Whole Family!

“You wouldn’t put your kid in a car without a car seat or in a seatbelt, the same goes for putting them on a bike,” says Diane Stresing, author of “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Cleveland: Including Akron and Canton.”

Stresing, who was seriously injured when she was struck by a car while riding 10 years ago, credits her helmet for saving her life. “I feel really strongly that parents should be wearing helmets, too, not just kids.

I wouldn’t be here to parent my kids if I hadn’t been wearing my helmet.”

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Bob’s Bike Tours 440-681-8262 bobsbiketours.com Tours cost $27 and include a bike rental, helmet and water for the 2-1/2hour journey. You can also rent bikes and head out on your own.

Cleveland Cycle Tours 440-532-9995 bikecct.com Fifteen riders fit on this fun bike mobile that makes for a unique birthday party or other get-together. Cost is $300 for 15 people for a two-hour ride.

picturesque areas like Brandywine Falls.

Learn More: summitmetroparks.org Orchard Hills Park, Geauga Park District Location: 11340 Caves Road, Chester Township 440-286-9516 Trail Style: Paved with some inclines, multi-use.

What You’ll Find: This former golf course has been transformed into a bike haven. The trails are smoothed with some rolling hills that are perfect for younger riders. There are several trails to choose from, the longest is about a mile and a half.

Learn More: geaugaparkdistrict.org Hinckley Lake Reservation Location: 1 West Drive, Hinckley 330-278-2160 Trail Style: Paved What You’ll Find: In the southern section of the Cleveland Metroparks, this 3-mile loop is easy enough for new riders, but you can go around a few extra times for more of a workout. Find picnic tables for a leisurely meal or

Photo courtesy of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

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paddleboats, pontoon boats, stand-up paddle boards, motorized rowboats and canoes to rent at the boathouse.

Learn More: clevelandmetroparks.com

bridge. You’ll also want to save some time to see the Chair Factory Falls waterfall — you’ll have to park your bike and take the walking trail to reach it.

Learn More: lakemetroparks.com

Greenway Corridor, Lake Metroparks Location: Painesville (Rt. 84 and Liberty St.); Concord Township (Old Stone School at 7125 Ravenna Road) 440-358-7275 Trail Style: Paved What You’ll Find: Connecting Painesville, Painesville Township and Concord Township with 4.8 miles of winding paths, this trail goes over a

Sunny Lake Park, Aurora Location: 885 East Mennonite Road (South End); 625 Page Road (North End), Aurora 330-562-4333 Trail Style: Paved What You’ll Find: Making its way around a 68-acre fishing lake, this 1.75mile trail is smooth and ready for beginning cyclists. Bring your fishing pole

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Bike at the Zoo During the Wild Ride, Friday, May 9 Ride your way into the night — and travel past the lions, tigers and all the Cleveland Zoo’s other exhibits on your bike. The zoo opens its doors to cyclists after regular hours, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

There are three different loops to take that are marked for beginner, intermediate and experienced riders.

Last year, approximately 900 people participated. The cost is $12 per person. Bike rentals are available, although they’re limited.

Call 216-661-6500 or visit clevelandmetroparks.com.

for after your ride. There’s also boating, volleyball, baseball, horseshoe pits and two playgrounds available.

Learn More: oh-aurora.civicplus.com

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Beachw Surrounding cities: Pepper Pike, Shaker Heights, Mayfield Heights, Woodmere, Lyndhurst, University Heights Distance From: Cleveland 10.4 miles, 20 minutes on OH-8N Akron 29.9 miles, 32 minutes on I-271S and OH-8S Medina 36.5 miles, 39 minutes on I-271S Westlake 28 miles, 34 minutes on I-271S and I-480W

The city of Beachwood may only be 5.2 square miles in size, but a lot is packed into that small square that lends to the city’s unique charm. Home to only 12,000 residents, the city and businesses welcome a daytime population of 100,000 people (commuters and shoppers).

More than 2,500 businesses call Beachwood home and the city serves as world headquarters for many great companies such as Eaton Corporation, Aleris and later this year, OMNOVA Solutions.

Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Dillard’s, Beachwood Place Mall offers abundant retail shopping with such stores as GapKids, The LEGO Store, Buckle, Lacoste, Hanna Andersson, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, The Children’s Place, Pandora, the Microsoft Retail Store and many more.

Beachwood is known for its fine dining and world-class restaurants. Whether it’s a candlelight dinner date for two or a family affair, there is something for every palate.

The Beachwood Chamber of Commerce works very closely with the City of Beachwood, the Beachwood City Schools and the Beachwood Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring new businesses, shopping, dining and conventions to the city of Beachwood.

Above: Upscale metropolitan apartment homes will be available this fall at The Vue in Beachwood. Left: Dining and nightlife abound at Eton Chagrin Boulevard shopping center.

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hwood

Parks & Outdoors Beachwood City Park West provides families and tourists a way to enjoy all that nature has to offer. The park features nearly 2 miles of walking trails for biking, walking, running or skating, and six gravel trails for hiking. In cold weather, the sledding hill is a perfect spot for some winter fun. An open-air sheltered structure provides room for large gatherings as well as a drinking fountain and facilities. The park is located at Richmond Road with entry points at Sulgrave Road on East and West Shaker Boulevard.

Beachwood City Park East boasts a mile of paved trails, plenty of outdoor seating and parking. Beachwood City Park East is located on Shaker Boulevard.

Neighboring Pepper Pike offers the Orange Community Education and Recreation, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., with a variety of recreational, leisure or educational classes for parents, kids or families to enjoy.

Gilmour Academy Ice Arena, 2045 SOM Center Road, hosts 300,000 visitors a year who participate in hockey, figure skating and open skating hours. The John Carroll University Hockey team calls this ice arena home, as well as do several area high schools and community-affiliated programs.

Warrensville Heights’ Goldfish Swim School, 4670 Richmond Road, Suite 100, offers an indoor location for swim classes and programming for children four months old and older. Class sizes are small, pools are heated and there is a gallery section for parents to watch their little ones learn to swim.

Calendar May 2 –

June 13 –

June 23-27 – August 14 – Oct. 12-26 –

Nov. 6 –

Events Entrovation, an Expo of Innovative Entrepreneurs, entrovation.com Beachwood Chamber Golf Outing at Hawthorne Country Club Beachwood Junior Leadership Academy Beachwood Chamber Charity Auction Food, Fun and Fashion Week, visitbeachwoodohio.com Taste of Beachwood

Shopping & Dining Beachwood and surrounding areas offer one of the most robust shopping locations in Northeast Ohio. Beachwood Place Mall, 26300 Cedar Road, is home to The Children’s Place, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, See’s Candies and more.

Eton Chagrin Boulevard Shopping Center in Woodmere hosts a wide variety of shopping destinations with everything from Barnes & Noble to Sur La Table. Dining options include B Spot, the well-known burger and beer joint of Cleveland’s own Michael Symon, at 28699 Chagrin Blvd., and Mitchell’s Fish Market that offers fresh seafood options at 28601 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 700. For those who have special dietary Family Living At Its Best

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restrictions, Vegan Sweet Tooth at 28699 Chagrin Blvd. creates vegan, kosher, diabetic-friendly and glutenfree desserts and treats for an afternoon post-shopping pick-me-up.

Legacy Village, 25333 Cedar Road, Suite 303, in Lyndhurst allows families or parents to indulge in several shops and establishments such as Janie & Jack, Nordstrom Rack, Crate & Barrel and Ethan Allen. Visitors can enjoy specialty pizzas from California Pizza Kitchen, fondue at The Melting Pot or a little taste of everything at The Cheesecake Factory.

Giovanni’s Ristorante, 25550 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 44122, features classic Italian cuisine with a twist. In 2012, Zagat rated it one of the top 120 restaurants in the country. For an elegant meal with generous portions, Giovanni’s is the place to be.

A Place to Live Beachwood Schools have been rated excellent or better by the Ohio Department of Education.

The academic experience of students in Beachwood allows unique opportunities in and out of the classroom. Small classroom sizes, extensive programming and dedicated staff lend to

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the environment of the Beachwood education community.

In Beachwood and surrounding areas there are many private schooling options. Hathaway Brown, in Shaker Heights, provides education for girls in grades K-12, and boys and girls in its Early Education Program. The school dates back to 1876, and remains committed to an inclusive educational environment where students can succeed.

University School has two campuses, in Shaker Heights and Hunting Valley, which provide educational opportunities for boys in grades K-12. St. Dominic School, located in Shaker Heights, provides coeducational opportunities for grades K-8 and is a fully accredited Catholic school.

Located nearby are several higher education institutions including, Notre Dame College, Cuyahoga Community College, John Carroll University, Ursuline College and Baldwin Wallace.

University Hospitals have several facilities in the Beachwood area. University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center is a state-of-the-art facility with emergency services, general surgery, orthopedics and neurology departments,

among others.

University Hospitals and Beachwood City Schools recently partnered to create the UH-Beachwood High School Medical Academy. The academy allows students the opportunity to participate in internships, flexible credit studies, summer courses and programming within the hospital system’s structure.

The Gathering Place is a nonprofit, community-based cancer support group that provides programs and services to the community. With two education centers, a variety of support groups and movement and nutrition classes, The Gathering Place is a unique resource not only for Beachwood and surrounding communities, but also for all of Northeast Ohio.

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, opened its doors in 2005 as a place to showcase an understanding of Jewish religion, history and culture. The museum offers films, stories of immigrant families, interactive exhibits, histories, photographs and other significant artifacts for people of all ages and stages of life to appreciate. The museum includes the renowned Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery and a special exhibition gallery that houses important national and international exhibits.

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Family-Friendly Summer Fun The City of Beachwood Family Aquatic Center provides family-friendly water activities for residents of the area.

Families will find plenty of entertainment inside with a current channel, in-water features, waterslides, a water vortex, a bathhouse and a separate infant-tots pool area.

Across from the aquatic center are eight tournament-sized tennis courts where residents can serve up their inner Maria Sharapova or Andy Roddick.

In nearby Lyndhurst, the swimming pool and Spray Park at 1840 Brainard Road provide locals with a place to play and cool down during the hot summer months. With 600 square feet of room to play, the outdoor spray park has seven features kids and families can enjoy.

Mandel JCC’s indoor pool is newly renovated and provides many services to the community. Everything from open lap times, daily swim, water exercise classes, personal training, swim lessons and Red Cross lifeguard training are available. The water temperature is always kept a nice 84 to 86 degrees and there are two indoor whirlpools for use.

If aquatics aren’t your thing, then visit Beachwood’s own incredible outdoor play structure, Preston’s H.O.P.E. Playground at 26001 S. Woodland Road. It is a fully accessible 60,000square-foot playground with two-story structures including houses and stores for kids and families to play in and use their imagination. The playground is equipped to allow playtime for those with physical disabilities, including Braille labels and auditory aides for those with vision restrictions.

Preston’s H.O.P.E. playground was built with donations from The Mandel JCC. The park is based on the vision of Jackie and Ken Fisher, parents of Preston, who was born with a genetic disorder that required a wheelchair. Their goal was to have a place for their son, and kids like him, to play and enjoy the outdoors. After many years and nearly $3 million donated, the park is a wonderful place for families of all needs to play and be outside. Donations to keep the park open are welcome and help keep the memory of Preston, and all he has inspired, going.

For kids who like to build and create, the LEGO Store is the perfect place to visit. Located in Beachwood Place at 26300 Cedar Road, the LEGO Store provides in-store events for families, interactive building displays and play areas that will entertain children. With hundreds of options to choose from, there is a LEGO creation out there for everyone.

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Beachwood Meeting with the

Mayor

Mayor Merle S. Gorden shares the latest on the City of Beachwood and why it garners 100,000 visitors per day.

What makes the Beachwood area so appealing?

The City of Beachwood is appealing for its many unique attributes, including a superior transportation infrastructure with close proximity to major highways, including I-271 and I-480, an educated workforce, a top-rated school district and quality housing stock that continues to attract residences and businesses.

Beachwood attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors daily and is home to nearly 12,000 residents and nearly 3,000 businesses. We offer high-quality municipal services, including many programs for young children and families. Our safety forces have been recognized for their outstanding service.

Why should families visit the area? How does the city work to create an environment that is family friendly?

Our neighborhoods are safe and well maintained. Beachwood City Schools benefit from excellent, experienced staff and Continued on page 50

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By Anne Dalby

The morning of date night arrives and I have neither a sitter nor a plan. Luckily, while I’m at work, the stars start to align. A coworker’s daughter can babysit and she doesn’t need a ride.

“So what are we doing tonight?” my husband Michael asks as he walks in the door.

“I don’t know. Let’s just drive and stop when something looks interesting.

Maybe dinner then a walk in the park.”

Along the way hubby says, “Hey, Saffron Patch (on Chagrin Boulevard).”

Indian food sounds good, so I say, “Cool, let’s try it! Where is this place? I don’t see a sign on the building or the door. Oh, wait, there’s a lighted elephant in the window. This must be it.”

Tips for an Evening Out on the Town: The Saffron Patch is located at 20600 Chagrin Blvd. in Shaker Heights. Park in the lower level and go in the door closest to the glowing elephant. Go for the lunch buffet or check out the menu at thesaffronpatch.com. After dinner, make your way over to Mitchell’s Ice Cream on the backside of LaPlace, 2101 Richmond Road. Their menu has something for everyone — I’m always impressed with their vegan offerings for my dairy-sensitive son. mitchellshomemade.com If you plan ahead, check out theogallery.net to sign up for the next Uncorked Adult Painting class; visit The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, maltzmuseum.org; indulge in a meal at Moxie The Restaurant, moxietherestaurant.com.

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A Last-Minute Evening It turns out to be the best Indian food I’ve had in the Cleveland area. We were immediately seated, and the wait staff was friendly and gave perfect service. The menu had many drool-worthy options, including a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, appetizers and desserts.

I chose the Chicken Tikka Masala at level-two spiciness; Michael chose a vegetarian curry with cauliflower and potato at level-five spiciness and a side of naan. The food came in cute little family-style dishes, making it easy to share. We enjoyed sampling each other’s food as we eased into adult conversation. That transition from mommy mode to grown-up mode always feels strange, like getting laughing gas at the dentist. I was no longer viewing my surroundings through the eyes of my 7-year-old for potential mischief. Instead, I noticed the twinkling candlelight, the quiet, open space of the room and two new gray hairs in my husband’s sideburns — this was exactly what this busy, brain-fried couple needed.

For me, spicy Indian food must be followed by ice cream. We stopped at Mitchell’s Homemade ice cream shop in Beachwood. My husband couldn’t resist a scoop of the Wildberry Crumble ice cream and I chose a more soothing scoop of Banana Cream Pie. We enjoyed the happy sounds of other people’s children around us as we ate unhurriedly and without the assumption that half of it would be shared with our little girl who never likes her own chosen flavor. This happy, bustling ice cream shop made me miss my kids … just a little

bit. They love sitting at the little kid’s table and coloring a picture to pin on the wall, along with watching the train make its way around the room.

We might have ended the evening playing around in the mini firehouse at Preston’s H.O.P.E. playground. Unfortunately, it was raining. Maybe next time, honey.

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teachers. With more than two miles of paved park trails, the city supplies doggie bags and restrooms that are open from sunrise to sunset. Beautiful playgrounds offer picnic tables, large shade trees and restrooms, and during the summer, a concession stand is open.

Preston’s H.O.P.E. park and the Family Aquatic Center provide outdoor resources for families of all kinds.

Youth sports programs include baseball, basketball, soccer, flag football, wrestling and basketball. If sports aren’t for you, we have an amazing community theatre program that allows children the opportunity to get on stage or behind it with stage production. The city operates five-day camps for residents and non-residents from

a 190-acre industrial/business center.

With recent zoning changes, Commerce Park is now being transformed into an updated, thriving business and residential center attracting young professionals, high-tech startups and medical companies. Construction is currently underway for a fourth luxury apartment complex in Commerce Park.

kindergarten to the eighth grade. Additionally, before or after camp childcare is provided.

The Beachwood Police Department and the City of Beachwood are in the process of building a city-owned and operated wireless infrastructure system that will provide its safety forces with some of the fastest communications the region has ever seen. The new fiber/wireless network will result in better safety for Beachwood officers, residents and city visitors. In another step toward regional cooperation, Beachwood in 2012 began performing police and fire dispatching services for the City of Pepper Pike.

Are there any plans to grow or expand areas of the city?

We have a solid foundation of economic success in the City of Beachwood and we are continuing our commitment to serving, improving and growing our community by looking forward. We recognize that our ability to provide excellent municipal services depends upon keeping our vibrant business community healthy. We work hard with our businesses to encourage job retention and job growth in Beachwood.

One area of focus for economic development growth is Commerce Park,

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How does economic development and growth happen in the Beachwood area?

Growth in the City of Beachwood happens through communication, knowledge and accessibility. Beachwood’s well-earned reputation for its thriving business community is built upon a foundation locally referred to as “the golden triangle”; a collaborative partnership between the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and Beachwood City Schools. Maintaining consistent communication and working together allows these three entities to grow in a productive atmosphere of cooperation and progress. The City and Chamber recently launched Beachwood’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to attract and better assist businesses and visitors.

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May Is National Foster Care Month National Foster Care month brings two things to remember — honoring foster parents and recognizing there is still a need for kids to find homes in the community.

“We are always in need of foster parents who are willing to open their hearts and homes to children in need of stability and love,” says Brent Hite, the home-finding recruiter for Summit County Children Services. “By becoming a foster parent, you are able to make a difference and be a positive impact in the lives of children placed in your care. Our foster parents provide unconditional love, compassion, guidance and support in order to empower a child’s life to grow. Foster care helps children, families and our community.”

The parents also provide stability and balance to the child’s life.

“Foster parents can help the child return home or move toward another permanency option,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “(They) keep children connected, and promote a sense of normalcy for youth while they’re in foster care.”

Local organizations celebrate foster parents during this awareness month by hosting a special event, specifically for these parents. Groups such as Lake County Department of Job and Family Services that is headquarted in Painesville, along with Ohio Guidestone, a non-profit organization in Berea, which serves children and families community- based services, including mental health, foster care and residential care.

“We honor our parents,” says Teresa Family Living At Its Best

Palm, children and adult services administrator at Lake County Job and Family Services. “They (foster parents) are very important. They take in children and help them at the time when they need it most.”

Ways to Help The most obvious way to get involved is to become a foster parent.

“Every day, more and more children come to the attention of Children Services because of abuse and neglect concerns,” Hite says. “It is critical that we have enough foster and foster-toadopt families to temporarily and permanently care for children.”

OhioGuidestone.org states, “Ask yourself these questions when consid-

ering becoming foster parents: Are you tolerant of the differences in people? Are you able to accept a child with differences? How do you handle anger or frustration? Are you open to learning and implementing new strategies? Is your family, partner or friends comfortable with the idea and is your relationship stable enough to withstand changes that adding a foster child may bring? How would you feel about the birth families and would you have the ability to work with them, along with the issues they might have?”

Foster parents or those interested in becoming foster parents can find support through services and resources across the Northeast Ohio area.

“After reviewing the information on

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our website at summitkids.org, you are encouraged to sign-up to attend one of our monthly information meetings,” Hite says. “At the meeting, you will learn more about the foster care and adoption process, the kinds of supportive services available to families and about the chil-

Artwork and slogan submitted by the Patton family, a foster family working with Summit County Children Services.

Artwork drawn by Jenna, age 8.

dren in our care.

At Summit County Children Services, there is a multi-step process to become a licensed foster or foster-to-adopt parent. The length of time it takes to complete is six to 12 months.”

Lake County Job and Family Services (lakecounty ohio.gov/lcojfs) also hosts open houses for fostering and adoption during an informal session to provide information and answer questions about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Lake County. The next session will be held June 5, 5:30-7 p.m. on at the Perry Township Community Center at 2800 Perry Park Road.

There are also many ways friends and family can support foster parents they know by providing a little relief.

Ohio Guidestone offers a “Share the Care Parent”, which is an out-of-home respite program that provides relief for parents in stressful situations by providing reliable and qualified care for their children.

According to its website, for this part-time, temporary support position, a “Share the Care Parent” will be trained and licensed as a foster parent. The comprehensive training includes six weeks of pre-service training, a homestudy and a background check, prior to licensing. Also, as a respite provider, they can receive an additional 30 hours of continuing education each year.

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The Northeast Ohio Parent team has been out and about the past few months — at photo shoots with Kim Ponsky Photography, Prelude Photography and Love Bug Photography. We have been at kids’ reading events at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor and Summit Mall.

Also,you might have seen us at home and garden shows around the area and more!

Don’t forget to listen for us each month on 95.5 The Fish Morning Show with Len Howser and Brooke Taylor.

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MAY

Calendar of EventsWhat’s Goin’ On?

May 2-3

Through May 26 Spring Art Show, The Alchemy of Art. Local artist Giovanni Bocchieri takes you on a creative journey “in the shadow of Leonardo” in this one-man show featuring leaf alchemy, paintings, jewelry and

Breitenbach’s Dandelion Festival Friday, noon-7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Spring Morning Movers, 10-10:30 a.m. Children ages 1-3 years and a caregiver are invited to share stories, rhymes, songs and fun. Bay Village Branch Library, 502 Cahoon Road, Bay Village, 440871-6392, cuyahogalibrary.org Pop Culture Club, 3:15-4:30 p.m.

Interested in gaming, anime, manga, movies, music and TV? If so, then join us and explore these topics through activities, games and technology. Mayfield Branch Library, 500 SOM Center Road, Mayfield, 440-473-0350, cuyahogalibrary.org

Activities for the entire family — from dandelion wine sampling, cellar tours and live entertainment to a dandelionpicking contest. Children can even make their own dandelion jelly. Then attendees can feast on dandelion sausage, bread, gravy, lasagna, ice cream and sangria. Arts and craft vendors will dot the hillside.

Breitenbach Winery, 5934 Old Route 39 Northwest, Dover, 330-343-3603, breitenbachwine.com

Get more info on these events on your smart device.

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more, 9 a.m.-5p.m. daily.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-256-1404, lakemetroparks.com May 1 Writers Live Author Luncheon, noon. Featuring Shelley Shepard Gray, author of Amish, historical, western and harlequin romances.

Tickets, $25 (includes lunch).

Weymouth Country Club, 3946 Weymouth Road, Medina, 330-725-6297, weymouthcc.com Spring Career Days, 9 a.m.2 p.m. Do you want to learn more about careers in animal care, education or veterinary medicine within a zoo setting? Then plan on attending Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Career Day events for students in middle and high school.

Must pre-register. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com

May 2014

and Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m. Tickets are $9 and $11 per person.

Opening Night (May 2) tickets are $11 and $13 per person and include a post-performance reception. Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-848-3708, magicaltheatre.org

Whooo’s Ready For School?

Kindergarten Readiness – Alphabet, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Help your preschooler make the transition into their first year of school. Explore hands-on activity stations together. Registration required. Ages 4-5 with a caregiver. Warrensville Heights Branch Library, 4415 Northfield Road, Warrensville Heights, 216-4645280, cuyahogalibrary.org

May 2-18 “Wizard of Oz,” show times vary.

After a tornado whisks away Dorothy to the magical land of Oz, she starts her quest to find the mighty Wizard of Oz, who has the power to send her home. Along the way she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion, who help her on her journey.

Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, 101 Water St., Chardon, 440-2857701, geaugatheater.org

May 2 Happy Trails Hiking Club, 10 a.m.

The Happy Trails Hiking Club meets every other Friday of each month for a leisurely one- or two-mile hike either in Medina County parks or other interesting natural areas.

Come dressed for the weather. Call 330-722-4558. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville, medinacountyparks.com

“Sunday in the Park with George,” show times vary. Loosely based on the life of Seurat, the first act follows the life of the artist as he creates his famous painting.

The second act takes place 100 years later as Seurat’s American descendant struggles with his own career and path as an artist.

TrueNorth Theatre, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, 440-9337747, metroparks.cc

Overnight at the Zoo — Night Tracks, 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Must preregister for this program in order to secure your spot. Walk ups will not be admitted. Must be at least 6. $38 per person. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com

May 3 Youth Fishing Derby, 8 a.m. Kids 15 or younger can participate in the annual River Styx Youth Fishing Derby. Enjoy catching fish and winning prizes. A limited number of poles will be available to borrow, and a limited amount of bait will be supplied. Prizes will be awarded.

Free. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

Derby is 8:30-10:30 a.m. River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth, 330-722-9364, medinacountyparks.com

May 2-10 Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat,” for families ages 4 and up. Public performances are Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m.,

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Super Science Saturday. Mix your own non-Newtonian substance — Oobleck! Monthly Super Science Saturday events are available on a first-come/first-served basis with general admission when you arrive at the Science Center. $5 per adult/child pair. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-694-2000, greatscience.com The 7th Annual Blue Pike Farm Open House, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This event will feature a vegetable plant sale, horse and carriage rides, tours of the farm, beekeeping information, seed starting, maybe chicken races and more.

Blue Pike Farm, 900 E. 72nd St., Cleveland, bluepikefarm.com Chili Con Comedy Improv Troupe, 8 p.m. Studio Stage in the Main Gallery. Audiences will laugh and be amazed at the wit and humor of the young actors as they incorporate suggestions and chance into live performance.

Never the same show twice. PG13. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org May 4 The Olmsted Spirit 5K Race/ Walk Race Day. Registration and check-in will be at Olmsted Falls High School, 26939 Bagley Road, in Olmsted Falls, 7-8:30 a.m. for the 5K race and 2-mile walk. Free refreshments and breakfast buffet will be available. All pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt and raffle ticket for a chance to win free prizes from area businesses. Visit, spectralight.com.

Vintage Base Ball: Akron Black Stockings v. Canal Fulton Mules, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Included in the price of grounds admission. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-8365533, stanhywet.org May 5 Kindermusik Babies, 11-11:45 a.m. Enjoy a fun time of music and

Family Living At Its Best

May 3-4 Ballet Theatre of Ohio presents “The Wizard of Oz,” 2 p.m. Follow the yellow brick road to the Akron Civic Theatre. Artistic Director Christine Meneer is BTO’s resident choreographer and costume designer. The costumes are delightful and her creative vision is sure to measure up to the high quality for which BTO is famous. Munchkinland and Emerald City will be a glimmering fantasy of color, designed by Jack Ballance. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, ballettheatreohio.org movement with Kindermusik of Cleveland. Babies from birth to 17 months. Mayfield Branch Library, 500 SOM Center Road, Mayfield, 440-473-0350, cuyahogalibrary.org Booktalk, 7-8 p.m. Girls and guys in grades 5-8 with an adult: Discuss great books, enjoy fun activities, snacks and some time with a favorite family member.

Books available at the teen desk one month in advance. Registration required. Bay Village Branch Library, 502 Cahoon Road, Bay Village, 440-871-6392, cuyahogalibrary.org May 6 Creative Concoctions for Preschoolers, 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.

Younger park friends are invited to create mysterious mixtures and make marvelous messes in this fun, hands-on discovery program.

Experiment with combinations of ordinary ingredients to create something fun. Supplies are provided; come dressed for mess!

Ages 3-6. Register through May 5.

Free. Krabill Shelter, 7597 Ballash Road, Medina, 330-722-9364, medinacountyparks.com

Read With Your Heroes, 10:3011:30 a.m. At this annual event, preschoolers will have a chance to enjoy a special storytime with members of the Maple Heights Fire Department, then explore a real fire truck. Maple Heights Branch Library, 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights, 216-475-5000, cuyahogalibrary.org

May 7 Workout Wednesday, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Stop by the storytime room for some moving, grooving and burning off pent-up school-day energy through exercise and dance. Garfield Heights Branch Library, 5409 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, 216-475-8178, cuyahogalibrary.org

May 6-7 “Mamma Mia!” 7:30 p.m. EJ Thomas Hall, The University of Akron, 198 Hill St., Akron 330-9727570, uaevents.com

May 8 Homeschool Art Explorers, 10 a.m.-noon. Homeschoolers are invited to get a little messy while learning something new. Each month’s focus is on an artist, their life and creative style. The group will create works of art based off of what has been learned. For children in grades 1-6. This is a threemonth series. Beachwood Branch Library, 25501 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood, 216-831-6868, cuyahogalibrary.org

May 6-16 “The Legend of the Gold Doubloons,” 10 a.m. Is there sunken treasure buried in the Ohio and Erie Canal? The intrepid explorers — a botanist, a pirate and his first mate, and a Junior Nightingale scout — look for clues to find out. Geared to pre-school and early-elementary audiences, this interactive show will have audience members find clues, pretend to be a canal lock and help solve the mystery. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-836-2626, weathervaneplayhouse.com

ACT Prep Workshop, 7-8 p.m.

The Huntington Learning Center will be reviewing the test that was taken at the April 26 practice test session. Parents and students who did not take the test are also welcome to attend. North Royalton Branch Library, 5071 Wallings Road, North Royalton, 440-2373800, cuyahogalibrary.org

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What’s Goin’ On? MAY Calendar of Events

Dream Days Present The Cherry Blossom Ball, 7 p.m. Come for an evening of live musical and dance performances, a gourmet menu, silent auction and much more. All proceeds will benefit Dream Days.

Visit dreamdaysohio.org. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com May 9 Friday Family Fun: Pet Parade, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Celebrate National Pet Month. Come and hear stories and rhymes and make crafts celebrating our favorite furry, feathered and finned friends. For ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Beachwood Branch Library, 25501 Shaker

Boulevard, Beachwood, 216-8316868, cuyahogalibrary.org

Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-2416000, playhousesquare.org

Tremont ArtWalk, 6-10 p.m. The second Friday of each month. More than 20 venues participate such as restaurants, pubs, galleries, museums, churches, social clubs, boutiques and specialty merchants.

The public can walk around this free event to see all the different happenings in the Tremont district.

Visit tremontartwalk.com or tremontwest.org.

Bleu! The Mediterranean Sea, a virtual voyage involving both the actors and the audience. Where do the stars go when they fall from the sky on summer nights?

Perhaps to an island far, far away?

Friday, May 9, 6 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre, 1375 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

May 9-10 “Pinocchio,” part of the Children’s Theater Series. Friday, May 9, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Ohio Theatre, 1501

May 10 8th Annual Hope Walk, a 2.3-mile walk and family event that raises money to make it possible for

Stewart’s Caring Place to offer services free of charge to those who have been touched by cancer.

Registration starts at 8 a.m., walk starts at 9:15 a.m. Fairlawn Community Center, 3486 S. Smith Road, Fairlawn, stewartscaringplace.org Cedar Point’s Opening Day, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Cedar Point Amusement Park, 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, 419-627-2350, cedarpoint.com The Hooley, noon-8 p.m. It’s West Park’s Homecoming Celebration, featuring great food, live music, children’s shows and activities, Irish dancers, pipes and drums,

May 23-26 Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off From inflatables, to a rock climbing wall, Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off is a family friendly event, with fun activities for kids.

Free parking, free admission for children under 12, and free admission for all on Friday night ($5 for other days). Friday: noon-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Monday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland Rd, Berea, berearib.com

Great American Rib Cook-Off Friday (Dollar Day admission), Saturday and Sunday, noon-11 p.m., Monday noon-8 p.m.

Admission Saturday and Sunday, noon-3 p.m. is free; kids 12 and under are free every day, all hours.

Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, on the West Bank of the Flats, fox8.com/rib

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and more. Kamm’s Corners, (Lorain Ave. and Rocky River Dr.), kammscorners.com Kids Studio Classes: Me, My “Selfie” and I, 1-3 p.m. Studio classes at the museum venture far beyond your standard classroom offerings.

Students will get creative with unique materials, outlandish techniques and imaginative ideas as they create new projects. Cost per class is $10/member child, $15/nonmember child.

Parents are welcome but not required to stay.

Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron, 330376-9185, akronartmuseum.org Hall & Oates at Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 8 p.m. 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Daryl Hall and John Oates will perform live for the 11th annual It’s Only Rock and Roll Spring Benefit. Show begins at 9 p.m. at the Public Hall at the Cleveland Convention Center. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, 216-781-7625, rockhall.com May 12 The Rocky River Chamber Music Society Concert, 7:30 p.m. This free concert event is the last of the society’s 55th season. It features an exciting program with Mozart’s monumental Serenade in B-flat major, K.361 “Gran Partita,” and the world premiere of a work by Cleveland composer Jeffrey Rathbun titled Rocky River Music for Wind Octet. West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, rrcms.org May 15 Story Time in the Galleries, 11:15 a.m. Start with a book, then take a look. Grown-ups and children will see beautiful picture books, hear fantastic stories, sing silly songs and play wacky games, all while surrounded by amazing artwork. Free. No registration required. Third Thursdays of each month. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron, 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum.org May 16 Ice Cream Social, 7:30 p.m. Come to this old fashion Ice Cream Social to kick off the summer. A few Barbershop Quartets from Solon High School will also be in attendance to entertain the crowd at this free event. Reservations are required. Solon Center for the Arts, 6315 SOM Center Road, Solon, 440-337-1400, solonohio.org Connecting for Kids Parent Discussion Group, 11:30 p.m. Parents will participate in a parent discussion group led by a local pediatric expert. Childcare is offered but space is limited.

You must RSVP by calling 440-250-5563.

Children do not need a formal diagnosis to attend, however Connecting for Kids programs are geared toward families with concerns about childhood development. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, connectingforkids.org

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Events Saturday, May 3 Massages for Mom, noon. Bring Mom in for a 15-minute chair massage and a beautiful treat in honor of Mother’s Day. Craft provided for kids.

Buckeye Branch Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina, 330-725-4415, medina.lib.oh.us

Mother’s Day Breakfast at the Akron Zoo, 9-10 a.m. Treat Mom and Grandma to a yummy Mother’s Day breakfast buffet. Each will receive a special gift for attending. Enjoy live music by Walt Wise. This event includes admission to the zoo for the day. Reservations are required.

Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

Mother’s Day Tea, 2:30-4 p.m. Celebrate Mother’s Day early at an Afternoon Tea Party. Mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters and grandmothers are all welcome to attend this special celebration.

Maple Heights Branch Library, 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights, 216-475-5000, cuyahogalibrary.org

Mother’s Day Brunch Along the Cuyahoga 2014, 10 a.m. Enjoy a fivecourse brunch while traveling through Cuyahoga Valley National Park in one of CVSR’s deluxe dining cars — the Lone Star. Catered by Creekside Restaurant of Brecksville, brunch is offered during the continuous round trip. You will return to Rockside Station at 1:10 p.m.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Rockside Station, Independence 800-468-4070, cvsr.com

Saturday, May 10 32nd Annual Plant Sale at the Nature Center, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Welcome spring with this plant sale featuring a wide variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and natives. Vendors, refreshments and a special Mother’s Day kid’s activity make this a fun family outing.

Nature Center At Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., Cleveland, 216-321-5935, naturecenter@shakerlakes.org Sunday, May 11 3rd Annual Mother’s Day 5K, 8 a.m. Run with or in celebration of Mom during the third-annual Mother’s Day 5K, a fundraiser to benefit the Metro Parks Foundation. Advanced registration is required, call 330-865-8065.

Summit County Metro Parks, Munroe Falls, Lake Area, 521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls, summitmetroparks.org

Annual Mother’s Day Brunch at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 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. Reservations are required by calling 216-721-1600 ext. 100 and mention preferred seating time.

Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org Mother’s Day Garden Party at the Akron Zoo, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a relaxing day including a tea party in the Lehner Family Zoo Gardens and crafts to take home. Enjoy live music and be entertained by a magician and juggler. All moms receive 50 percent off admission.

Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org Mother’s Day at the Cleveland Zoo, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Treat Mom to a wild time! Want to create a memorable day for your mom this Mother’s Day? All moms receive free zoo admission. Mother’s Day at the Zoo spotlights resident animal moms, their youngsters and some unique parenting behaviors.

Throughout the day, educational interpreters will answer questions for guests.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com Mother’s Day: Brunch, Scenes and Mama-logues, 11 a.m. Celebrate your mom at the Maltz Museum with brunch and a dessert of three short mother-and-child-themed performances co-produced by Interplay Jewish Theatre and the Maltz Museum. A Kosher brunch will be served. Advanced registration required by May 7.

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org Heron Watch, 1-3 p.m. Join Metro Parks naturalists to celebrate Mother’s Day by observing herons and their young through our binoculars and spotting scopes. Meet at the Bath Road Heronry on Bath Road, between Riverview and Akron-Peninsula roads in Akron.

Summit Metro Parks, Akron, summitmetroparks.org Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk, 3-4 p.m. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.

Medina County Park District, Allardale Open Air Shelter, 401 Remsen Road, Medina, 330-722-9364, medinacountyparks.com Free Admission for All Moms at Stan Hywet. Self-guided tours only.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org Moms Play Free at Black Brook Golf Course. All moms play for free, when accompanied by a paying player.

Black Brook Golf Course & Practice Center, 8900 Lake Shore Boulevard, Mentor, cityofmentor.com

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What’s G

MAY Calendar of Events 10 a.m.-5p.m. Join the Parma Lapidary Club hosts it 46th Annual Cleveland Area Jewelry Arts and Gem Show. Gems, minerals, jewelry, fossils, beads and exhibits.

Visit the new Kids Korner to take children on a treasure hunt. Soccer Sports Plex, 31515 Lorain Road, North Olmstead, parmalapidary.com

May 17-18 Horsefest, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Meet more than 20 breeds of horses from the very small to the very tall, including Farmpark’s own Percheron and Belgian draft teams. Experience the splendor and grace of the horse, and discover how they have been used by man throughout history for work and pleasure. Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center’s annual tack sale is moving to Lake Metroparks Farmpark.

Admission: ages 2-11, $4; ages 12 and older, $6; ages 60 and older, $5. Free to Farmpark members and 4-H discount. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid-Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com/programs/horsefest May 17-18 Cleveland Asian Festival, 11 a.m.

-7 p.m. Celebrate Cleveland’s rich Asian heritage. The festival will feature authentic Asian foods and merchandise, local and national performing artists, a children’s activity area, games, competitions,

and a health pavilion with free screenings and health education.

Free admission and parking. Asia Plaza, AsiaTown, Payne Ave. and E. 30th St., asiatowncleveland.com 46th Annual Cleveland Area Jewelry Arts & Gem Show,

May 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 Day Out With Thomas — The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014. A family event that offers aspiring engineers and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine at regional heritage railroads across the country. Train departures are 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Free parking at the ski resort, with shuttle service to the entry tent all day long. Boston Mills Ski Resort, 7100 Riverview Road, Peninsula 800468-4070 May 18 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10K, 7 a.m.

The 37th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon features one of the flattest and fastest courses in the country. Enjoy a scenic “tour” of Cleveland and all the amenities of a world-class event. (Saturday, May 17, 5K at 8 a.m. and Kids’ Run at 11a.m., Edgewater Park, Cleveland), Downtown Cleveland, clevelandmarathon.com May 22-25 St. Anselm Church Festival, Thursday and Friday, 5-11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon-11 p.m. This four-day festival includes food, rides, games, Monte Carlo, a cash raffle, as well as free entertainment nightly from regional bands. Monte Carlo nightly 7-midnight. St. Anselm Church, 13013 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. 440729-9575, stanselm.org/festival May 23-26 Tremont Greek Fest. You don’t have to be Greek to enjoy this festival, but you will need an appetite to experience delicious Greek food, drinks, dancing and shopping all within Cleveland’s historical Tremont neighborhood. Kicks off at lunch time, Friday.

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Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Tremont Neighborhood, tremontgreekfest.com May 24 Family Day: Project Snapshot, noon-4 p.m. From art making activities to interactive music, films, tours and performances, Family Days are a blast for babes, teens, grown-ups and everyone in between. Free activities for families; gallery admission is free for children. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron, 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum.org May 24 through Sept. 7 LEGO Travel Adventure, here you’re not just along for the ride.

Choose an amazing destination and build the perfect means of transportation. Inspired by LEGO models of famous vehicles, you can build your dream machine.

Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-6942000, greatscience.com

LEGO Travel Adventure

May 29 Just Kids Stuff Garage Sale, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The biggest and best sale of gently used kids items around. Registration for city-owned table spaces begins April 7. City of Mentor, Garfield Pavilion 7967 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 440-9745720, cityofmentor.com/play/ facilityrental/garfieldbuilding/ May 30-June 17 Fashion Week Cleveland. From educational programs at museums to runway shows and a black-tie reception, make an evening out with your girlfriends for these fashion-fun events. Times and venues vary. Check fashionweekcleveland.com for information about schedule and tickets prices.

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Goin’ On?

Get the Northeast Ohio Parent Calendar of Events on your smart device

May 30-June 8 “Charlotte’s Web,” show times vary. E.B. White’s classic children’s novel springs to the stage in this exciting musical. Charlotte is a spider and Wilbur is a pig. They live on the Zuckerman farm with dozens of other talking farm animals. Charlotte becomes a barnyard hero when it comes out that she can not only talk, but she can also write. TrueNorth Theatre, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, 440-933-7747, metroparks.cc

Family Living At Its Best

May 30Sept. 19 Mentor Farmers Market & Final Fridays Shop for fresh, local produce, bedding plants, flowers, cheese, honey, olive oil, jams, jellies and baked goods from 3 to 7 p.m. (No Market July 4 or August 22.) Plus on June 27, July 25 and August 29, dozens of artisans will join the market, along with live music and entertainment for the kids for Mentor’s Final Fridays. Civic Center Park, 8500 Munson Road, Mentor, 440974-5735, cityofmentor.com/ visit/mentor market.

SAVEDATE! THE June 8

Slide into Summer — Celebrate the beginning of summer by making paper picnic baskets, or create a sailboat to launch in the museum’s lagoon. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-4217350, clevelandart.org

June 18-19 Milestones Annual Autism Conference — For parents and professionals for best practices in education, behavior and communication strategies.

8 a.m to 5 p.m. I-X Center, 1 I-X Center Dr, Cleveland, To register or for more information call 216-464-7600 or visit milestones.org.

June 27-28 FreedomFest & Taste of Green — Join City of Green on Friday at 6 p.m. for the Taste of Green kick off. Entertainment includes comedian Matt Jernigan and band Karri Fedore & Kerosene. Saturday is family fun: bungee jump noon-11 p.m., inflatables, rock wall, Euro-bungee, mechanical bull, simulators, skydivers, contests and more. Fireworks show at 10:15 p.m. Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Road, Canton, cityofgreen.org/freedomfest

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May 2014

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By Amanda Lloyd

We are all rejoicing that the sunny skies are back in Northeast Ohio, and this summer will bring many more reasons to throw a party — like birthdays and graduations.

Here are some ways to have fun throughout this season.

Moving On Up — Celebrate Your Graduate Infuse your graduation party with a flavor of fun that everyone can enjoy. From pre-school to post-secondary, celebrate your child’s educational milestones with these unique party ideas.

Have your guests enjoy a dinner-and-movie experience.

Cater the event with a summertime picnic from Ivan’s Diner and Deli in Fairlawn, which has a wide selection of sandwiches, or try a gourmet food truck like Fired Up Taco Truck or Sweet! The Mobile Cupcakery to enjoy favorite foods on wheels.

Then, rent an inflatable big screen from FunFlicks and you’ve got your own backyard movie theater. Let the guest of honor choose his/her favorite movie to watch outside with friends and family.

Enhance the entire movie theater experience by renting a popcorn machine and provide individual bags of popcorn and boxes of candy like Junior Mints and Twizzlers. Top it off with movie ticket-inspired invitations and a red carpet entry for the graduate and guests.

For your artistically inclined student, consider renting out a coffee shop or gallery like 78th Street Studios in Cleveland where graduates can display their artwork or school projects, which they probably pulled a few all-nighters to finish.

If you’re looking for an action-packed party, venues such as the Federated Family Life Center in Chagrin Falls offer plenty of space for your guests. Enjoy the large gym for basketball, volleyball, games and crafts. Additional rooms are available for serving food, cake and celebrating.

A Birthday Blast to Remember If you don’t have the time or budget to make it look like Pinterest exploded in your backyard, here are some unique ideas for your child’s next birthday celebration that will be sure to delight the guest of honor.

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One theme resonating across the birthday party circuit is Disney’s movie “Frozen,” according to Cleveland party planner Laura Broyles, co-owner of Tiaras and Treasures Parties.

“Everyone seems very excited about all things ‘Frozen,’” she said. “It has been so popular

Family Living At Its Best

that we have added a new ‘Frozen’ Tea Party that includes a ‘Frozen’-themed craft, ‘Frozen’ games and activities, and a coronation ceremony.”

For something on the warmer side, your little hero will love C Town Fire Truck Adventures when they roll up to the party in an authentic fire engine. The refurbished 1983 fire engine served the City of Lakewood for 30 years and is now a favorite for birthday parties and event transportation.

For the sports fan, Northeast Ohio has plenty of sports facilities that offer birthday parties for your little athlete. The Akron RubberDucks, Lake County Captains (Eastlake) and the Lake Erie Crushers (Avon) offer party spaces, along with special treats and surprises such as mascot appearances and having the crowd sing “Happy Birthday!” to them.

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Memory Makers Here are a few ideas to implement early on in your child’s academic career that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Plant a Tree. Plant a tree with your child on the day of his/her pre-school/kindergarten graduation. Take a photo of him/her standing next to it, and then every year thereafter until high school and/or college graduation day. Frame the photos for display at his/her graduation celebration to show how they, and the tree, have grown.

Write a Letter. Write a letter to your child at the end of every school year. Insert a small amount of money into each envelope, or $1 for first grade to $12 their senior year, and present it to them at their graduation party. They will end up with more than $250, plus 12 letters to get them through any homesick moments once they are on campus.

Look for us: May 3 March for Babies - Lock 3/Akron May 25 Akron RubberDucks game May 31 Medina Farmer’s Market Medina square 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Party Planning

directory Elaborate Eyes Elaborate Eyes Face Painting is Northeast Ohio’s premier face painter, specializing in family and corporate party entertainment. Painting on smiles, one party at a time! Contact Amanda at Amanda@ElaborateEyes.com or find us on Facebook at Elaborate Eyes Face Painting.

216-990-5929, ElaborateEyes.com

Gymboree Having a party for a newborn through 5-year-old?

If so, our fun parties start as low as $150 for 1-1/2 hours of fun!

Beachwood and Mentor locations, 216-291-9969, gymboreeclasses.com Ivan’s Catering Ivan’s Catering brings more than 30 years of experience to the table with full-service catering and meal preparation. Available for corporate events, family celebrations and everything in between, Ivan’s will accommodate any need or budget.

2927 W. Market St., Fairlawn 330-836-3553, ivansdiner.com

izes in custom-baked orders for your celebrations.

Small, beautiful, handmade treats that taste wonderful are Nancy’s specialty.

Strongsville, 440-238-1051, NancysFanciesCupcakes.com Nicky Nicole Host the Best Birthday Party ever and let the magic unfold at Nicky Nicole. We cover every detail, from invitations, birthday party favors and even a treat. Choose from Fashion Show Party, Webkinz Party, Shopping Spree Party, Pillow Parties and Girl Scout Workshop. See website for more details.

Hudson – First & Main, 99 First Street, Hudson 330-656-5200 Ext. 1 Woodmere – 28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere 330-656-5200 Ext. 2 nickynicole.com

Party Caricatures Award-winning caricaturist for all occasions. Frameable momento. Corporate, family events, pet shows. Dependable, experienced, fast, affordable, fun.

24451 Lake Shore Blvd. #1608, Euclid 216-322-1028, theastralartist.com Party Couture Party Couture specializes in creating once-in-a-lifetime events for children and families while working with any budget. We work with you to plan the perfect experience for celebrating any occasion.

805 Village Trail, Gates Mills 440-785-0249, partycouture.com

Magic Al Fun family entertainment throughout the year specializing in children’s birthday parties, corporate events/trade shows, luncheons, school assemblies, fundraisers, libraries, assisted living centers, restaurants and much more. Magic Al also entertains as Peter Rabbit for the Easter season, Santa Claus for the Christmas season and the Phantom Magic Al for Halloween. Make your reservations now!

440-734-8220

Nancy’s Fancies

Cupcakes & Cake Pops

Nancy Fancies Nancy’s Fancies Cupcakes & Cake Pops specialFamily Living At Its Best

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May 2014

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Party Planning directory Romeo’s Pizza Romeo’s Pizza has 25 locations throughout Northeast Ohio serving Akron/Canton and Cleveland areas. Visit romeospizza.com to find one near you. Treat your friends and family to our award-winning pizza.

they’ll be sure to enjoy our great Birthday parties where they are the chef!

Mentor, Solon and Strongsville 440-572-2855, youngchefsacademy.com

Young Chefs Academy Does your child or grandchild LOVE to cook? If so,

Romp n Stomp Inflatables Romp n Stomp specializes in Private Stress Free Parties, Kids Camps, Parents Night Out and Inflatable Rentals. Let us "Get your Party Jumpin'" Call 866-655-JUMP(5867)900 Medina Road, Medina 234-248-4405, rompnstompcenter.net Speed Sketcher Art entertainment for all ages!

Strolling speed caricatures and specialty novelties. Group color-by-numbers activities.

Live music, art and comedy.

Studio illustrations and gifts.

14327 Montrose Ave., Cleveland

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May 2014

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MarketPlace

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To advertise in Northeast Ohio Parent’s MarketPlace, contact sales consultant Andie Martin at 330-670-1234 ext. 207 or email her at andie@northeastohioparent.com.

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May 2014

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Fearless

DAD

Stay-at-Home Tangles Taking care of girls can be a hair-raising experience.

As I shove grapes into Tupperware for my two daughters’ lunches, these words drift down from the upstairs bathroom: “He’s right here.”

I had a smile, all the while cursing the crumbs at the bottom of their recyclable lunch bags.

The “he” that they’re referring to is actually a hair product called “Mist-er Right,” and a part of me laments that my daughters, ages 13 and 10, now spend less time eating breakfast with me and more time on hair issues with their mother upstairs.

Hair has always been a big deal in our family — literally — both daughters inherited voluminous hair from their mother.

As an at-home dad I have tried hard to learn how to manage the girls’ hair.

Unlike my own father, I know my way around terms like “high bun” and “side pony,” and it’s possible that was me you saw browsing hair extensions at Ulta (and later at Sally).

However, when it comes to actually styling hair, you might call me Mr. Wrong. I’ve tried many products over the years, including shampoos with slogans like “No More Tangles,” but that became false advertising under my comb.

As toddlers, their hair was so outrageously curly that women would stop me at the park, compliment their hair, and ask earnestly, “Do you curl it?”

In more extreme cases, they actually asked, “Is that a wig?”

In my head, I would ask “What about my bloodshot eyes, unshaven face and baseball-capped head could possibly make you think I have any beautician skills?”

In reality, I would just say, “No, but thanks for believing I

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May 2014

By Vincent O’Keefe

could curl hair!”

I should clarify that hair has always been a big deal in our family for everyone except me. My hair loss has only accelerated since parenthood.

As the girls grew older, I swear they were somehow transplanting my mutinous hair to their growing heads, perhaps while I slept.Fortunately, my wife has a knack for styling hair, so the girls learned long ago how to avoid a “Dad hair day.”

To help the girls (and me) practice how to style hair, a few years ago we purchased “Mei Mei,” a mannequin doll head with full black hair. “Her” neck contains a vice that secures her to the tabletop.

My daughters use Mei Mei to practice hair-braiding; I tend to use her on Halloween to scare trick-or-treaters.

Every morning as I finish packing lunches, I feel satisfied that I’ve been able to fill many unconventional gender roles, though hairstylist remains elusive.

Regarding my daughters, I’m thankful that so far Mr. Right still only refers to a curl revitalizer.

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