hamilton county family jan/feb issue
DESCRIPTION
The debut issue of Hamilton County FamilyTRANSCRIPT
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ContentsJANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012
Meet the StaffPUBLISHERMary Wynne Cox [email protected]
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTAssociate PublisherAdvertising SalesJennica [email protected] EDITORIALContributing EditorBeth [email protected]
ARTGraphic Designer | ArtistKrista [email protected]
SUPPORTAdvertising CoordinatorKaren [email protected]
Business Manager | AccountingRoxanne [email protected]
Public Relations and EventsWendy [email protected]
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJenn KampmeierMary Susan Buhner
PHOTOGRAPHERSSara MorrisHannah Hilliard
Contact Us:Hamilton County FamilyPO Box 40206Indianapolis, IN 46240(317) 417-3031 or (317) 710-6622
6 | GreetingsWelcome to Hamilton County Family’s debut issue.
A note from our Associate Publisher
8 | On the RadarHow reading to dogs and dancing across Hamilton
County is helping your neighborhood
10 | Real Moms: A Peek into the Life of a Pro Football Wife
Heidi Dilger talks about what it takes to be a wife and mother in the NFL
12 | Spotlight: A Rising Bluegrass StarAn 8th grader at Westfield Middle School, Jeremy Morris,
is quickly becoming a star
14 | Unmaking a MonsterFacts, Myths, and how we can help kids deal with the
real issues of bullying
16 | Public vs. PrivateHow Hamilton County families decide what school is
right for their children
20 | Stollers and StilettosReal New Year’s resolutions for real moms
21 | Indoor FunIdeas for indoor activites around town to get those
kids out of the house
23 | Hi Ho VactionsWe found your Fairy Godmother of Disney vacations
24 | Mommy MagicA mommyhood makeover for the new year
26 | Super Bowl ManiaSuper Bowl 2012 is right around the corner. Find out how
it is already making Indianapolis a better place
28 | Valentine’s Day with the FamilyMake this V-day one to remember by
getting the whole family involved
31 | CalendarMark your Calendars! Fun family events around town
from now through February
10
28
16
24
14
Scan this QR code and instantly access Hamil-ton County Family from your smart phone or tablet device!
Hamilton County Family Magazine is published bi-monthly. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
On The CoverElaena, Jillian and Faye Zalewski
Photography by Sara Morris[ ]
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Can you believe it is 2012? Where does the time go?
Hopefully life has slowed down a bit after all of the
holiday hustle and bustle. I am really looking
forward to a January that allows me to get back
into my groove!
We are so excited to bring this new publication to
the community of Hamilton County. I myself am a
longtime resident of Hamilton County as well as a
parent. I am wife and mom of three awesome
daughters and we have lived here for the past 20
years. What a great place to raise a family!
I guess I am pretty typical in the sense that I had a career out of college and then
decided to stay at home after my first daughter was born. My kids are largely
spaced, I have a 10th grader, a 5th grader, and a 2nd grader! By the time my third
daughter entered a regular full day of school, I ventured back into the workforce.
Business was my background and parenting is my LOVE. Thus, a match was made!
I truly enjoy what I do and my goal with each issue is to make sure you are eager to
pick up the next copy of Hamilton County Family and to showcase our local editorial
and advertisers.
Thanks for picking up our DEBUT issue of HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY — a
magazine centered around you and your town! The idea behind this publication is
to give families a quality magazine with the local, neighborly feel. Let’s face it, we
love to read about people in like situations, those who we can relate to and who are
in the same boat so to speak.
We would love to get your feedback and ideas in regards to what you would like to
see and read about. Please feel free to email me at Jennica@hamiltoncountyfamily.
com. Make sure to LIKE us on Facebook for great giveaways and check out our
website at www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com.
Happy New Year Hamilton County and may your families prosper in health and
happiness in 2012! CHEERS!
GreetingsJANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012
Jennica ZalewskiAssociate Publisher
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8 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | January/February 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
On The RadarJANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012
Paws & ReadFor the past three years, dogs have been helping students at Fishers Elementary School (“FES”) become better readers. FES has partnered with Paws and Think, Inc. to provide a pet therapy at school called “PAWS to READ.” A specially trained dog and its volunteer owner work with a child at school to improve literacy skills. Children who need a non-judgmental listener as they read can improve their reading skills by reading to a dog. Educators have found that that this program has helped students increase their reading fluency, comprehension, motivation and confidence.
For more information, and to find out how youcan get involved, visit www.pawsandthink.org[ ]
National VolunteerBlood Donor Month Calling All Moms!Since 1970, January has been recognized as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month. Above all other times of the year, it’s the month that presents the most challenges in recruiting people to give blood. This January is no exception with the local Red Cross in an urgent need for more donors. The Red Cross urges everyone to make donating blood a priority this winter. Your help could mean hope for those in need.
For more information on how you can help, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS
We’re looking for fun and energetic Hamilton County moms (or
dads or grandparents or aunts, you get the idea) to join our new “Mom’s Panel.” This is a chance for you to tell us what you know and what you are interested in. We’re planning on establishing a regularly scheduled time and place to get together every month in a friendly exchange of information and ideas. In appreciation, we have special rewards for our panelists! For more information on how you can be involved in our Mom’s
Panel, email us at: [email protected][ ] [ ]
Mark Your Calendar Get Involved Other
January/February 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 9 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
23
The community is invited to attend this weekly public event featuring 15-20 vendors from the Carmel Farmers Market.
It will be held in a storefront at 719 Hanover Place on the interior of Carmel City Center, located on the southwest corner of City Center Drive and Rangeline Road. Surface parking is available on plaza level (accessible from City
Center Drive) and in the underground garage.
Currently, the following vendors are confirmed to partici-pate in the full season of the Winter Market: Amazing Potato
Chip Company, Becker Farms, Chocolate for the Spirit, Grabow
Orchard & Bakery, Happy Everything, Homestead Heritage,
Lena’s Mediterranean Kitchen, Phelps Family Farms and Mission
Coffee. In addition, How Sweet It Is, Norman Mullet Farms and
Viking Lamb are confirmed for a partial season.
Winter Market atCarmel City Center
[ ]Keeping the Farmer’s Market coming all Winter!
Saturdays9am - Noonthrough March 17
February 2511a - 3pThe Fashion Mallat Keyston atthe Crossing
2012 Summer Camp Fair
Dance Across Hamilton County
Before you know it, we’ll be digging shorts and flip flips out of the back of the closet. There are so many wonderful opportunities for summertime fun that figuring out the best camp for your child can be overwhelming. Here’s the great news – Indy’s Child Magazine has done the work for you!
At the 23rd Annual Camp Fair, you can plan your child’s summer of fun all in one day. Families will have the opportunity to learn about more than 70 overnight camps, day camps and summer programs. Exhibitors will be there to answer questions and provide information. Enjoy fun entertainment from Radio Disney, face painters, a prize wheel and much more! Every child who attends will also receive a free ID from Kids BMV.
For more information on the 2012 Summer Camp Fair,visit www.indyschild.com
Carmel High School, Fishers High School, Hamilton Southeastern High School and Noblesville High School students are all hosting their own Riley Dance Marathons to raise money for Riley Hospital. Dance Marathon is a multi-hour, multi-faceted event that blends dancing, games, crafts, food and fun into one philanthropic experience. Students are on their feet the entire duration of the marathon, representing that they stand for the kids at Riley. Carmel, Fishers, Hamilton Southeastern and Noblesville students have been sponsoring their own mini-fundraising events leading up to their Dance Marathons in March 2012. Many students participating in the Dance Marathons are driven by their gratitude of the care they or a relative have received from Riley Hospital. In 2011, Carmel High School hosted the largest Dance Marathon in the nation!
To find out more about Dance Marathon, please visitdancemarathon.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org[ ] [ ]
You never know where life is going to lead you. In the early 1990’s, Heidi Dilger was completing her last semester
as a marketing student at the University of Illinois when she met her
future husband Ken. They continued dating after she graduated
and moved to Chicago to work with AT&T. She loved her job and
it afforded her flexibility to visit Ken and see him play football for the
University of Illinois. They were married in May, 1996.
Heidi grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, near Chicago, and Ken grew up in
Santa Claus, Indiana. Heidi wanted to live in a town bigger than what
Ken was used to, and Ken wanted to live in a town smaller than what
Heidi was used to. They decided Indianapolis would be a great com-
promise and would be close to family. To the couple’s delight, Ken
was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. “We were so fortunate that we
could make our home where he played,” Heidi explained.
For the next several years, Heidi and Ken were
busy making new friends and establishing Carmel
as their home. They created the Dilger
Foundation for Children to benefit local
children’s charities. “I really wanted to
contribute and to give back,” Heidi said.
Heidi helped raise money for the
Foundation by putting on a charity golf
tournament every year for the next
eight years. Every year it got bigger.
Heidi did all of the promoting and
organizing so that all of the money could
go to charity. “It was definitely on-the-job
training,” she laughed.
Real Moms
In March of 2000, Heidi and Ken welcomed their first child, a daughter
they named Jessica. Heidi was busy being a wife and a new mother.
After seven years playing with the Colts, Ken and Heidi were disap-
pointed to learn in 2001 that Ken was being let go from the team.
Ken accepted an offer to play football for the Buccaneers in Tampa,
Florida. The Dilgers joined the many other families of professional ath-
letes that split their time between their home city and their team’s city.
Their first season in Tampa was filled with weekend visits from family
and friends. “We had visitors every home game so it was a really fun
time. Ken used to accuse me of spending more time socializing than
watching the games,” she laughed. Ken’s first season with the Buc-
caneers ended with a win at the Super Bowl.
The family returned to Indiana during the off-season and Ken returned
to Tampa for training, mini-camps and the football season in mid-sum-
mer. Two weeks before the start of his second season, Heidi delivered
their second child, a boy they named Zach. Several weeks later, Heidi
and the kids joined Ken in Tampa.
Heidi described their time in Tampa as a nice experience and a very
fun place to live with young children. “Tampa is a very kid-friendly
city – you can go to the beach, you’re not far from Disney, the weather
A Peek into the Life of a Pro Football Wife
It was hard to watch him get hit and hurt every week . . . I was happy not having to worry about him once he retired.
“ “
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was great. It was really fun to go to the football games in the beautiful weather and see the palm
trees,” Heidi explained.
Three years after joining the Buccaneers, Ken retired from football after playing for ten years. His
knees were in bad shape and playing in the Florida heat was taking its toll. Heidi said, “It was
hard to watch him get hit and hurt every week . . . I was happy not having to worry about him
once he retired.” The family returned for good to Indiana in time for Jessica to start Kindergarten.
For the past four years the Dilgers have been involved with a charity program sponsored by the
NFL, “Taste of the NFL.” Taste of the NFL is a strolling food and wine event held on the eve of
Super Bowl in the host city. This year’s event is being held on February 4, 2012. One restau-
rant from each NFL city sets up a station to provide food and wine pairings for guests to sample.
The guests can meet the chef and a NFL player or alum representing that NFL city. Guests can
bid on hundreds of items donated for the silent auction. Proceeds from the event benefit food
banks in each of the 31 NFL cities. This year Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana will receive special
emphasis as the host city’s food bank. Since 1992, the Taste of the NFL has distributed more
than $11 million to hunger relief organizations nationwide.
Heidi said, “It is so much fun and we are so excited to be hosting the event this year.” She has
been very busy helping with the silent auction, awareness of the event, and tickets.
When she isn’t busy with fundraising, Heidi enjoys spending time with her kids and attending
their sports games. Jessica plays travel soccer and Zach plays tackle football. “When Zach was
6, he asked me if I was going to come to University of Illinois to watch him play football,” she
said. As a mom, she said it makes her nervous watching him play tackle football but “whatever
he wants to do is fine.”
In 2012, Heidi is looking forward to the Taste of NFL, the Super Bowl activities, volunteering at
the BMW Golf Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club, and is hoping to take a family trip to
Cancun for Spring Break. But most of all, she is looking forward to just being with her family.
“I love every minute of watching them grow!” she said.
by: Beth Campbell
A Peek into the Life of a Pro Football Wife
12 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | January/February 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
Jeremy Morris’s favorite thing in the world is to pick his banjo for a group of people, whether it is one person or 40,000. “I love to see the smiles on their faces
– it is awesome,” Jeremy said. The
amazing thing about Jeremy – he is an
8th grader at Westfield Middle School.
Although he is only 13 years old, he is
a natural performer and gifted musician
whose greatest joy is sharing his music.
Jeremy’s great-grandparents played the
tenor banjo and guitar and liked to play
at “cowboy dances” in Nebraska. They
liked to pick tunes and play for the fam-
ily and neighbors. From an early age,
Jeremy loved to listen to musicians such
as Andy Griffith and Earl Shruggs. He
didn’t know what “Bluegrass” was, but
he knew he loved it. When Jeremy was
six years old he saw a program on PBS
with a teenager playing a banjo. He
called his mom over to see and said,
“That’s what I want to play – can we go
get one?”
His mother, Robin Morris, explained,
“We put him off for awhile and didn’t
really take him seriously but he was per-
sistent and kept asking.” Finally, Jeremy
told his parents that he wouldn’t go on
the family vacation unless they would
promise to look at banjoes when they
got home.
He finally got his first banjo for his 7th
birthday. It was a travel-size banjo,
which is 2/3 the size of a regular banjo,
so that he would be able to hold and
play the instrument.
Jeremy started taking lessons once a
week from a talented teacher and musi-
cian, Mike Shephard. He was Mike’s
youngest student but he learned quickly
and it was obvious that he had a natural
gift for music. Within a year Jeremy had
filmed a clip for PBS for his instructor
Mike Shephard and had won several
talent shows. One year after he started
playing the banjo, he entered a music
competition in East Troy, Michigan. He
entered in an open class, which means
that a musician of any
age could compete.
To everyone’s delight,
he came in 2nd place.
When he got home from his first com-
petition, he began to visit family friends
at their nursing home and play his
banjo. People would come out of their
rooms to come listen to Jeremy play.
He enjoyed making them happy and he
would stroll around the halls and play for
residents in their rooms if they couldn’t
come out to listen. Jeremy was eight
years old and in the 4th grade. His
father, Brian Morris, said that Jeremy
told him, “I don’t need to be paid – just
to see a smile or a finger or a toe move
is payment enough.”
Word started to get around and Jeremy
was invited to play at other nursing
homes, churches, then little concerts,
and then big shows. “The Kid” was playing.
When Jeremy was nine years old, he
had an opportunity to play with Melvin
Goins at the Bean Blossom Festival in
Brown County. Melvin invited him to
come up and play a song with his band.
Jeremy went on stage and started
Spotlight
Westfield Teen is aRising Bluegrass Star
by: Beth Campbell
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playing with the band and the crowd went
wild. After that performance, more and
more opportunities came his way.
“School is the most important thing so we
really pick and choose from the opportu-
nities,” explained Brian, “We really don’t
want him to miss school we try to sched-
ule his performances on weekends.” He
and his family travel almost every week-
end for a show or concert. Sometimes
they drive through the night on Sunday
and get home just in time for Jeremy to
go to school. Jeremy’s two older sisters
are in college.
Jeremy plays the banjo in the car. Or
he’ll bring along a guitar or mandolin – he
plays them all. He loves to improvise and
mix different types of music. Jeremy just
recorded his first CD, “Jeremy Morris and
the Harvest Road Band.”
Jeremy loves to share his Bluegrass mu-
sic, especially close to home. Sheridan is
having their third annual “Bluegrass Fever
Festival” the second weekend in July and
Jeremy will be there, picking his banjo,
and sharing his love of music.
14 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | January/February 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
Unmaking a Monster
Bullying is not on the rise. You may think it is, but it isn’t.
True, families right here in Hamilton County and across the United States have gone
through some unsettling, horrific experiences at the hand of bullying. Unquestionably
they have felt real suffering and many are trying to heal from deep wounds. Make no
mistake, bullying happens. It’s happening now. What parents need to understand —
better yet what kids need to understand — is that bullying is not the norm. It is not an
epidemic. Let’s not make it one.
According to Dan Claassen, programs
director of MyCyberGuardian.com in
Fishers and former Fishers police officer,
about nine percent of youth report having
been cyberbullied in the last 30 days. This
statistic goes against what is portrayed by
the media.
“We are starting to create a monster
ourselves by telling youth it’s an epidemic
and so widespread. Youth live up to what
we tell them,” said Claassen.
He said statistics on face-to-face and
repeat negative behaviors toward kids
hover between 20 to 40 percent and
various studies show violent behavior is
down overall. While there is no universally
accepted definition for bullying, many
experts do believe the incidents are on
the decline.
“When we work with school systems we
help facilitate an anonymous online survey
of youth and staff in the school district
because our passion is finding out what
the true victimization rates are. In the
news all we hear is that cyberbullying is
an epidemic, that all kids are doing it, and
it’s rampant,” he said. The numbers his
organization has run show this just is not
true. They’ve investigated schools from
rural to inner city areas.
Still, the number of bullying incidents on-
and offline is far from zero.
The key then is to teach and nurture empathy. Par-ents need to model empathy and teach children that it’s okay to be different.
“ “by: Carrie Bishop
2012 SWIMLESSON
REGISTRATION
Registration for children ages 3 and older is now avai lable. Classes will be offered January through May 2012. Southeastern Swim Club will offer Monday/ Wednesday, or Tuesday/ Thursday classes. Evening swimming lessons will once again be offered beginning in March. All classes will meet in the HSE HS Natatorium. To learn more about times and pricing, please visit the Southeastern Swim Club Program website.
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Helping Kids Today
The number one factor kids tell Claassen
that positively affects them after becom-
ing a victim to bullying is to have a peer
come alongside them at school. “Not that
we are trying to take parents out of the
equation, but expecting a child to wait
six, seven, eight hours [to go home] to
experience love and acceptance is not
reasonable,” he said. A valid point, and
one that puts the onus on kids to move
from bystander to upstander to help put
bullying in its place.
“Any program that does not focus on
bystanders is missing the mark,” said
Claassen. “Bystanders are just as trau-
matized as the victim because they don’t
know what to do to help or when it will be
their turn to be bullied.”
It’s helpful to understand that youth en-
gage in behaviors they think are the norm.
If they can realize that 90 percent of their
peers don’t engage in cyberbullying, for
instance, then they will be less likely to
engage in the act themselves. It’s the
theory of social norms. They realize their
good behavior is the norm and they like
that. If they know that the majority of their
peers do not like or agree with the bully-
ing, then they may be more apt to stand
up for those being victimized.
What parents can do is have honest
discussions with their children about what
they feel comfortable doing to help those
being victimized. What are their children’s
gifts or talents? How can they help draw
attention away from the victim? Can they
friend him on Facebook and then treat
him as a friend in this open forum? “Find
socially appropriate ways to engage that
victim and socially appropriate ways to
tell the bully that it’s not cool,” Claassen
suggested.
Helping Kids Tomorrow The best cure is prevention which should
begin in early childhood. Experts say that
kids who become bullies often romanticize
violence. They may become enthralled in
violent video games, for instance, and get
totally immersed in them.
Bullies also seem to get frustrated easily.
At home the child may always have to
exert dominance over a sibling or have to
be in charge on a playdate or must take
physical control of a toy or another child’s
space. These are all signs the child may
lack empathy or the ability to put them-
selves in another’s situation and under-
stand what he or she may be feeling.
The key then is to teach and nurture
empathy. Parents need to model empa-
thy and teach children that it’s okay to
be different. Adults cannot assume that
empathy is innate in children. It must be
taught early and shown repeatedly.
Bullying is an ugly part of our culture. It’s
not easy to remedy. It’s not on the rise
either. There are steps parents, kids and
the community can take to help reduce
these repeated acts of malicious behavior.
Now, let’s let the kids know.
16 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | January/February 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
One of the many reasons families decide
to move to Hamilton County is the docu-
mented excellence of the public school sys-
tems. Of the 76 Indiana schools that boasted
more than 90% ISTEP+ pass rate in math, 19
are in Hamilton County.
So if the schools in Hamilton County are so
effectively educating students, why would
parents consider sending their children to a
private school? It turns out that their reasons
are as varied as our student body.
The importance of a faith-based education is
paramount to many families. Those schools
incorporate theological studies as well as
traditional subjects into their curriculum. The
quality of the local public schools may or may
not be a factor in the decision-making process
for these families.
When it was time for Angie and Matt Foutty of
Carmel to send their first child to school, they
considered Heritage Christian because they
wanted the school to have a basis in faith.
“Every year we reevaluate the situation and try
to decide what would be the best situation for
each child. We always go back to the fact that
we want them to be in a faith-based school,”
Angie said.
Ann and Brad McAlexander chose to move to
Fishers many years ago in order to enroll their
children in the newly constructed St. Louis
de Montfort Catholic School. Ann explained,
“Having a faith based program was just a
piece of our decision . . . We wouldn’t send
them to a Catholic school just because it’s
Catholic – it had to be great academically too.”
But it was also important to the McAlexanders
that the public schools in their district were
excellent. “It gave us a real choice,” Ann
said. Ultimately, the most important factor in
their decision to send their children to Guerin
Catholic High School was the large size of the
public high school in their district. “It's a great
school, but it is just so big,” she stated.
A faith-based program is not the only rea-
son families choose to send their children to
private schools. Many parents are concerned
about the large number of students at the
schools in their district. Carmel High School
is the largest public high school in Hamilton
County with 4,400 students. Parents and stu-
dents may be intimidated by the large number
of students and worry that they will be “just a
number.” Tracy Luke of Carmel explained that
for her child, “No matter the great opportuni-
ties, or fabulous facilities, nearly 5,000 kids at
a high school is way too big.”
Tina and James Kitchel of Sheridan chose a
private school for their daughter based on a
more personal experience. Their daughter at-
tended Sheridan Community Schools until the
eighth grade and Tina and James decided it
was time to make a change. They chose Uni-
versity High School because of its reputation
as a safe and inclusive school and because it
has “a family feel to it and truly cares for each
and every student.”
The Kitchel’s son also attended Sheridan
Community Schools until eighth grade. They
Publicvs.
PrivateHow Hamilton County Families Decide
No matter the great opportunities, or fabulous facilities, nearly 5,000 kids at a high school is WAY TOO BIG.
“ “
by: Beth Campbell
left the decision up to him whether to stay at
Sheridan or attend a private school. He decid-
ed to attend University where he is currently a
freshman. Tina explained, “My kids were very
fortunate to find a place where they feel they fit
in and can be true to themselves.”
Susan and Kevin Steel of Carmel have been
very pleased with their experiences in the el-
ementary school. However, the middle school
is bigger and they’ve noticed new challenges
as a result of the increased size of the school.
As their oldest son has progressed through
the middle school, the Steels have questioned
whether Carmel High School is the best fit for
him. “Carmel High School is clearly academi-
cally very strong, but the child has to be able
to filter out all of the noise,” Susan explained.
“These early teen years are crucial formative
years,” Susan explained. She and her hus-
band hope that a private school will provide for
greater skill development to better prepare the
kids for college. They also feel that a smaller,
private school presents more opportunities for
the parents to be more involved in their child’s
high school years and get to know other fami-
lies. Another consideration was that “different
expectations come from something with a
cost . . . there is an expectation of above and
beyond,” Susan said.
Another reason families choose a private
school is to concentrate on a certain style of
teaching. Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
is the only school in Indiana that teaches stu-
dents using the Jesuit tradition of “education
of the whole person.”
The International School of Indiana follows a
language immersion model in which students
in preschool and lower-elementary school are
taught almost exclusively in Spanish or French.
Beginning in the fourth grade, the immersion
language reduces and English is increased.
This teaching method appeals to many
families who wish to encourage a learning
environment that emphasizes the world com-
munity and economy. It is also convenient for
families to be able to enroll all of their children
in the same school – The International School
of Indiana educates children from preschool
through high school.
Heritage Christian School admits eligible students of any race, color, nationality or ethnic origin.
Established 1965
Prep K – 12 Christ-Centered Education
Explore Excellence in Biblical Worldview Education
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The Orchard School in Indianapolis is an independent, non-sectarian school for students in preschool through the eighth grade. The school uti-
lizes “progressive teaching” with individualized curriculum, content, process, and/or product to challenge each child to meet his/her full potential.
Montessori schools utilize the “Montessori Method,” which is described as a way of life rather than a curriculum. The Montessori environment
supports project-based learning at a pace determined by the child. Unlike traditional schools, the Montessori classroom is not divided by grades
or ages. Kristina Spence, the Directress of the Indiana Montessori Academy in Carmel, says that the learning environment is meant “to follow the
lead of the child in what and how they need to learn.” One of the benefits of having a mixed age group in the classroom is that the children spon-
taneously help one another and solve problems of the social group.
“It is more representative of an actual community – the younger children look up to the older children and the older children take the young ones
under their wing,” she said. She stated that many children enroll in public schools after completing the Montessori program.
Angie and Dave Maersch of Carmel enrolled their oldest child in the International Montessori School for preschool. When their son completed all
of the programs offered at the Montessori school, they needed to decide where to enroll him for the first grade. “We had a really tough decision
and ultimately we chose Park Tudor School for a few reasons. One, our neighborhood was in a big redistricting fight, and we did not feel our son
would do well if he had to constantly change schools. Secondly and most importantly, we love the smaller class sizes that Park Tudor provides.
Public vs. Private Continued
Interesting Statistics:Pass rate for ISTEP+ Math and Language Arts:
We really felt like he was going to be pushed and challenged
there and allowed to work to his full potential,” Angie said.
Like other parents in their situation, Angie explained that
“Overall, our decision has always been difficult. We struggle
with whether the money we are paying for a private educa-
tion is worth it, but in the end keep coming back to the fact
that our kids seem to be thriving.”
Hamilton County families have many excellent schools
to meet the different needs of their children. Tina Kitchel
explained it nicely, “All kids are unique and whether they
choose a private or public school, it’s all about their sense
of self and where they feel they can go and be safe and be
themselves. That’s what truly matters in the end.”
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20 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | January/February 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
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The dawning of a new year always makes me twitch a bit. After all it is that annual time of making the traditional New Year’s Resolutions. I myself have never been able to adhere to any that I create. I believe that most of us have the best intentions for ourselves when we create them. Take for example: “Lose Weight”: So we dash off to the gym, get a membership and within 3 weeks we have lost that ‘humph”. I know that personally I can find a thousand ex-cuses to not work out. Too cold, too tired, too far to drive...the list goes on.
Now that I am a mom to a six year old, my New Year’s Resolutions take on a whole new meaning. I could go to the extreme of creating an entire list that does nothing but involve my child and how I should spend more time with him or get him to eat his vegetables without bribing. No- this year I am going to keep it simple and reflect on what a wise author wrote in one of his books.
I had a wonderful opportunity many years ago to meet Rob-ert Fulghum. He is the author of many best sellers including “All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten”. In this book he taught us the following:
Share Everything.Play Fair.Don’t Hit People.Put things back where you found them.Clean up your own mess.Don’t take things that aren’t yours.Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.Wash your hands before you eat.Flush.Warm cookies and milk are good for you.Take a nap every afternoon.When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.Be aware of wonder.
I honestly think that if we could all apply one or many of the above as our New Year’s Resolutions that both our personal and professional lives would benefit greatly. I plan to teach my son in 2012 that simple is better, be nice to everyone and say please/thank you.
Wishing you and your family a prosperous and healthy 2012!
Strollers and
Stilettosby: Jenn Kampmeier
Jenn Kampmeier, MS. Ed, BS ‘MomPreneur’Mom Since 2005
Indoor FunLearn through doing and seeing at Connor Prairie Interactive History Park in Fishers. While the outdoor experience areas are closed for the season (to reopen March 31, 2012), there is still plenty of fun to be had in the indoor experience areas, includ-ing Discovery Station, Science Lab and Craft Corner. Furthermore, Conner Prairie has partnered with the Children’s Museum and other local institutions to offer the Access Pass Program, which makes fun family learning available to more Indiana families. Families that participate in select state assistance can visit these locations for just $1 per family member per visit.
Call 317-776-6006 or visit connerprairie.org for more
information on this worthwhile initiative.
Connor Prairie InteractiveHistory Park
If you ‘re looking for a way to explore your inner artist while spending quality time with your child, look no further than The Creative Escape in Carmel, which offers a Paint a Story program for preschoolers. The program begins with a story and then each child is able to paint a piece of pottery that goes along with the story’s theme.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 317-569-8626
Creative Escape
Take your child’s birthday to the sky at Sky Zone, the new indoor trampoline attraction in Fishers, Ind. Sky Zone offers a variety of birthday party packages to meet your needs, with all packages including: 1 hour of jump time and shoe rental, 40 minutes in a private party room, full color invitations and envelopes, Sky Zone t-shirt for the birthday boy or girl, party plates, napkins, cups and utensils, food and drinks and two free one-hour passes for future use. There are other packages as well, just give them a call and ask. Your child and their friends are such to have a blast at this place!
Visit www.skyzonesports.com or call 317-572-2999 for more information
Sky Zone
Need some good old-fashioned winter fun? Strap on the blades and take a spin on the ice at the Carmel Ice Skadium , The Arctic Zone in Westfield or The Forum at Fishers. All of these rinks offer public skating, group lessons, and hockey leagues – something for everyone looking for a little fun on the ice!
Carmel Ice Skadium carmeliceskadium.com
The Arctic Zonethearcticzone.net
The Forum at Fisherswww.theforum-fishers.com
Ice Skating Fun
The holidays are over and the toys that Santa brought are quickly gather-
ing dust. Everyone is ready to do something fun and different – but what?
Here are some great ideas to get everyone moving and out of the house!
1366 S Range Line RoadCarmel, IN 46032
317.569.8626
Escape the Winter Blahs & Create a Lasting Memory
www.thecreativeescape.com
Paint Your Own PotteryGlass Fusing • Silver Jewelry
Mosaics • Pottery WheelClasses & Parties Available
This Sky Zone location is an independently owned and operated franchise.
10080 E. 121st Street, Suite 182 Fishers, IN 46037317.572.2999 www.skyzonesports.com Like us on Facebook
Visit www.skyzonesports.com for event packages!
Take yourBirthday Party
to the SKY!
Take yourBirthday Party
to the SKY!
by: Beth Campbell
Develop the Mind Experience the Fun!
www.themusicplayhouse.com 317-573-0080 [email protected]
Ridiculously fun, high quality classes that captivate families with award-winning music, highly trained teachers, brain stimulating activities and premium instruments!
programs for children ages birth to six
FREE TRIAL CLASSmention coupon code FTC-HCF-1(new families only please)
Carmel | Broad Ripple | Zionsville
And who can resist those fashionable bowling shoes? It is always fun to hit the lanes! Bowling centers are family-friendly with ball guides for little tykes, gutter guards and snacks and arcade games. Check out Pinheads in Fishers, Stardust Bowl in Noblesville, and Ben and Ari’s in Fishers.
Pinheadswww.bowlatpinheads.com
Stardust Bowl www.coopersstardustbowl.com
Ben and Ari’s www.benandari.com
Bowling
And don’t forget your neighborhood public library. Spend some time browsing the stacks or take part in one of the many special programs geared toward readers of all ages, from toddlers to adults. During the month of January, Carmel Clay Public Library is offering a Family Read Aloud program, offering incentives for reading together as a family. So, shake off the winter blahs and take advantage of the many fun indoor options awaiting you!
Visit www.carmel.lib.in.us for more information
Public Library
If warmer conditions are more your speed, take advantage of Recreation Unlimited’s huge indoor climate-controlled play area. With over 15 Rainbow play systems, 3 trampolines, an indoor basketball court, play houses and Thomas the Train play tables all set up on a rubber safety floor, this play space will cure even the worst case of cabin fever.
Visit www.recreationunltd.com for more information.
Recreation Unlimited
Indoor Fun Continued
23 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | January/February 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
The decorations have been placed in their
boxes, the toys have been unwrapped, played
with, and lost some of their original shock
value. The champagne has been drunk from
various parties and now you’re left under a
blanket watching your fireplace glimmer. What
is next for you and yours in 2012? You need
something warm, and happy, a place where
your whole family can enjoy...Wait...Spring
Break, but where?
Disney has been called “The Happiest Place On Earth.” When you say Disney,
don’t you smile? I mean how could you possibly
not smile? There is this mouse that has held
the heartstrings of children, and most adults,
at one time or another in their lives. Combine
that with a huge castle, characters running
around greeting you, rides, candy, music,
singing, dancing, a parade, and more, so, so,
much more. Just writing about it is wearing
me out.
You’ve decided, this year is the year. We’re
going to Disney. You whip out your flip cam
to capture the moment when you tell your
children you’re going. They scream, and even
hug each other! After that joyous event, you
start researching the happiest place on earth
and realize you have no idea what you’ve got-
ten yourself into.
Holly taught music for a private music compa-
ny for six years. Getting to know the parents
and the children she heard stories of the Dis-
ney vacations or cruises that the families had
taken. She immediately saw a real need to
help families make the most of their vacation
dollar. “I love Disney Destinations and came to
a place in my life – I wanted to do something I
LOVED. Planning the perfect Disney Vacation
can be overwhelming and many first-timers
don’t know what they don’t know. There are
dozens and dozens of choices and I’ve found
many people overpay for amenities they can’t
or won’t use.”
See that magic wand sprinkling pixy dust
over your vacation worries? “We offer expert
planning assistance on all Disney Destinations,
Disney World, Disney Land, Disney Cruise
and Adventures by Disney. We can do it all,
from making your dining and special event
reservations, booking your ground transfers or
filling you in on the best spot to meet the big
cheese (Mickey Mouse). Some of our clients
are Disney regulars and like to do this on their
own; they use Hi Ho for price monitoring and
for keeping them up to date on Disney cur-
rent events. Price Monitoring is our feature
service – if a new promotion or sale becomes
available AFTER you book your vacation, we
automatically lower the price of your vacation.
To date we have saved clients over $9000.00
price monitoring alone – not to mention hours
and hours of time and stress. The best part
of Hi Ho is we are completely FREE to all
clients, in other words, it does not cost clients
more to book with us than to book directly
with Disney. Many times it costs less once we
apply lesser known discounts.”
Hi Ho can also help clients who have already
booked directly with Disney! Is this a fairy
tale? Absolutely not! “If you booked directly
with Disney we would be happy to transfer
your reservation to us. We will go over your
reservation with a fine-tooth comb to be sure
you’re getting the best deal. We will then
monitor the price and apply any discounts as
they become available.”
It sounds like so much fun just listening to
Holly talk about Hi Ho, I asked what challeng-
es she has faced. “Time management! I’m a
mother of 2 sons ages 3 and 7. Balancing my
time between Hi Ho and my family has been
challenging. I’ve learned to ask for help!”
Does it get better? Yes! “Hi Ho donates
$10.00 of each Disney Vacation we book to
the Make A Wish Foundation of Indiana,
Kentucky, and Ohio.”
Favorite Quote?
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the
courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney
For more information visit:
www.hihovacations.com
Holly McGuire: your Fairy Godmother
Now that the magic of the holidays is over, what’s next?
Enter Holly McGuireand Hi Ho Vacations, your Fairy Godmother.“ “
by: Jenn Kampmeier
24 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | January/February 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
Let’s face it, the holidays meant a lot of work for moms.
The shopping on top of already crazy schedules, the wrapping
of gifts after the little ones are tucked in bed, the holiday bak-
ing and keeping up with the never ending holiday card list.
All of the magic that we as moms create for the season is fun
and yes, magical, but it is also exhausting. With the holidays
now behind us, I claim the New Year the perfect time to both
reclaim yourself and, most importantly, make time for YOU!
One of the best ways to start this process is to actually get
out of your house and go somewhere quiet. A library, a coffee
house, wherever you want to go that will allow you to find some
peace for a short amount of time. For the first few minutes, just
enjoy the silence and the fact that your kids are not there cry-
ing, screaming or bickering.
Take a few deep breaths, grab a pen and paper and jot down
the things outside of motherhood that you want to pursue this
year. It could be to read a certain book, join a Zumba Class,
get a completely new hairstyle, volunteer or work for a specific
organization or even to take an art class. Whatever it is, identify
it and write it down.
By the way, going up a level in a Gymboree class does not
count! Trying out a new grocery store in town or buying Christ-
mas decorations for 50% off for next year? They do not count!
Instead, give yourself permission to explore your goals and
dreams while still being a mom. If there has been something
lingering in the back of your mind that you have wanted to try
to do—make this year the year you go for it! In the long run, this
YOU time will make you happier and a better mom.
Your next step is to go home and share the goal with your kids.
Tell them what it is that you want to do and why it is important
to you. Filling your husband or partner in on your goal is always
a good idea, too. Let them ask questions and reinforce that
being their mommy, wife or partner is very important to you, but
you want and need to do a few things outside of mommyhood,
too. Although you are staking claim to do something for your-
self, you can still involve your family in the process.
When I did this a few years ago, my middle daughter taped the
piece of paper I had written my goal down on to our refrigerator.
Every day it was there staring at me waiting for me to actually
do what I had written down. Then my oldest daughter started
to ask me when I was going to actually start doing it. Having my
own kids encouraging me was not something I planned on, but
I quickly realized that they were excited for me and even proud
that I was trying something new outside of being their Mom.
MommyMagicby: Mary Susan Buhner
a Mommyhood Makeover for the New Year
Get a completely new hairstyle (well maybe pink isn’t your color)
BE A SCIENTIST
BE AN ATHLETE
BE AN ARTIST
BE A STAR
BE AN EXPLORER
BE ACTIVE!
For additional information & online registration visit
BE A SCIENTIST
BE AN ATHLETE
BE AN ARTIST
BE A STAR
BE AN EXPLORER
BE ACTIVE!
For additional information & online registration visit
Art, Theater, Science, Tween, Sports, Nature, Preschool, and Full-day Traditional
Weekly Rate Range: $95-$165
Download a brochure online at carmelclayparks.com.
1235 Central Park Drive East | 317.848.7275 | InTrac: 711 | carmelclayparks.com
Nike has figured it out, you can, too.
Their motto, “Just Do It,” says it all. We
moms deserve our own goals because
it will make us better and stronger in the
end. Motherhood is not a sprint—it’s
a marathon. Such a long marathon,
in fact, that stopping for water breaks
along the way is imperative for us to fin-
ish the race—and to maintain our sanity.
Identify your goal, own your new goal
and then—just do it! Not only will you
feel inspired and energized in the New
Year, but you will have claimed some-
thing of your own that makes you not
only a better mom, but a more interest-
ing and stronger person, as well. Plus,
your kids will learn an important and
invaluable lesson along the way. You
will be leading by example and showing
them how to set a goal, to own it and to
pursue it, thus making your goal-setting
a win-win for everyone. Best of all, you
will find that you probably have a cheer-
ing section along the way.
The final step of your Mommyhood Makeover for the New Year is imperative —OWN IT!
“ “
Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in
the Midst of Insanity.” Visit her website at: www.Mommy-Magic.com
SUPERBOWLMANIA The NFL has created a Host Committee
which serves as the city’s ambassador to
Super Bowl fans, guests, and corpora-
tions, and manages local resources and
thousands of volunteers.
The heart of Downtown Indianapolis will
be transformed into “Super Bowl Village,”
and be ground zero for a ten-day, three-
block interactive festival of football. The
Super Bowl Village will lead to the front
door of the NFL Experience in the Indiana
Convention Center, connecting Georgia
Street to Conseco Fieldhouse.
The Super Bowl Village will celebrate “all
things football” surrounded by world-
class restaurants, bars, shops and special
attractions. Some of the exciting fea-
tures in the Super Bowl Village include a
four-line zip line down Capitol Avenue, live
concerts featuring more than 80 local, re-
gional, and national bands, and “Tailgate
Town” featuring tailgate competitions.
The best part: the Super Bowl Village is
a FREE, family-friendly fan gathering spot!
It will be open from Friday, January 27th
through Super Bowl Sunday on February
5th.
The Host Committee has created awe-
some programs that will benefit the India-
napolis area for years to come:
1st and Green: an environmental aware-
ness program.
2,012 Trees: plant 2,012 trees on the
Near Eastside by 2012.
Indy Super Cure: a partnership with
the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue
Bank at IU Simon Cancer Center (“Komen
Tissue Bank”) to develop Indy’s Super
Cure and propel the search for a cure for
breast cancer.
Legacy Project: revitalization of India-
napolis’ Near Eastside.
Student Ambassadors: development of
future civic leaders.
Super Scarves: provide a warm wel-
come to our volunteers and front line
hospitality employees.
Super Service: a free, online program
which provides hospitality associates and
Super Bowl volunteers with consistent
information in preparation of Super Bowl.
Super Learning in a Super State: an
academic outreach program for grades
kindergarten through grade 12, promoting
literacy, health and fitness, environmental
awareness, community service, character
education and interdisciplinary
learning through
showcasing the
Super Bowl’s host
community, its
region and its
people.
As of December, all hotel rooms in Ham-
ilton County hotels were sold out. The
Hamilton County Convention and Visitors
Bureau has set up programs to showcase
local restaurants, shops and services and
gain a share of the visitor spending that
will occur during the Super Bowl week-
end.
Karen Radcliff, the Deputy Director of
Hamilton County Convention and Visitors
Bureau, explained that there will prob-
ably be long-term intangible benefits for
Hamilton County as well. Many important
decision-makers travel to Super Bowl
cities to scout out new locations for their
businesses. It is the hope that Hamilton
County will be viewed as a great place to
relocate or start a business.
Join in the fun and help showcase our
great community!
SUPERBOWLMANIAhas arrived in Indiana
On February 5, 2012, Indianapolis will be the center of attention as it hosts Super Bowl XLVI.
SUPER BOWLSUPER BOWLVILLAGEVILLAGETHE EPICENTER OF AWESOME
CONCERTS – TWO STAGES/NATIONAL, REGIONAL & LOCAL ACTS
ZIPLINE – FOUR LINES/$10 A RIDE • LIGHT & PYROTECHNICS SHOW • FOOD & DRINK
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DON’T MISS THE NFL EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY GMC IN THE INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER
INDIANAPOLISSUPERBOWL.COMFACEBOOK.COM/INDYSUPERBOWL2012 @SUPERBOWL2012 #SBVILLAGEMIKE EPPSCOMEDIAN AND INDIANAPOLIS NATIVE
Heart-Felt Valentine’s BreakfastMake up a batch of heart-shaped
pancakes for a yummy Valentine’s
breakfast or brunch. Just pour the
batter in the skillet in a free-form heart
shape and serve with strawberries and
whipped cream.
Cozy up on the couchBring out the pillows and
blankets, and
get comfy
for a V-Day
favorite, like
A Charlie
Brown Valentine, or
a sweet Disney classic, like Lady and
the Tramp.
Add a splash of colorDeck out your dining room in red,
white, and pink with streamers and
heart-shaped place mats made from
construction paper. Heck, go ahead
and decorate yourselves with tempo-
rary heart tattoos!
Are you looking for a special gift for your Val-
entine, something different than the standard
heart-shaped box of chocolates or flowers?
How about a delicious and beautifully decorated
cupcake in a pretty box? It’s a gift that will test
your knowledge of your Valentine’s favorite flavor
but is sure to be appreciated for your thoughtful-
ness and effort.
Cupcakes aren’t just for kids’ birthday parties
anymore. Although they do conjure up memo-
ries of happiness and home, cupcakes have
grown up and are now a sophisticated work
of culinary art. They have even been used in
place of the traditional wedding cake. The love
of cupcakes has inspired many chefs to open
specialty bakeries where they make one product
in all flavors and colors.
Kara Nielsen is a trendologist at the Center for
Culinary Development, which is a San Fran-
cisco food and beverage product development
company. What exactly is a “trendologist,” you
ask? A trendologist is someone who predicts
and studies food and beverage trends. Kara ex-
plained America’s continued interest in specialty
cupcakes started as a trend that has now “ar-
rived.” However, savory cupcakes, like bacon,
salmon or blue cheese cupcakes, are definitely a
fad. (Kara has a special interest in Carmel – her
brother and his family live here and she visits
frequently.)
No matter how you explain it, people love cup-
cakes and they are here to stay. We are fortu-
nate to host some neat specialty bakeries around
Hamilton County that bake up fresh cupcakes
and other specialty items. If you get a chance,
check out some of these fun places for a treat:
• Holy Cow, Cupcakes! in Carmel
• Heavenly Sweets Bakery in Noblesville
• Pat-A-Cakes and Cookies Too in Noblesville
• Taylor’s Bakery in Fishers
• Eat More Cake in Carmel
Cupcake Love
Valentines Day with the family
Remember pre-kids when Valentine’s
Day was SUCH A BIG DEAL? Re-
member making all of those elaborate
plans to ensure a night you would not
soon forget? Well, just because kids
Eat in Cupid’s kitchenPut a twist on dinner with a Cupid-in-
spired menu. Serve a “Slice of Heav-
en” (pizza) and “In the Clouds”
(a root-beer float) for dessert.
Create a “True Love” treasure hunt You can prepare this one for your
spouse or for your children to enjoy.
Write up little notes about how you feel
and what they mean to you and place
them around the house. Add a riddle
at the end of each note about where
to find the next note. At the last note,
have something special waiting there.
Say “I love you.”
Go around the table and have
everyone share five reasons
they love each member of
the family, or have them
write down their lists
beforehand and pass
them out at dinner.
Fun Ways to MakeValentine’s Daya Fami l y A f fa i rare in the picture now doesn’t mean the Valentine’s fun has to end. Here are some fun
ways to make Valentine’s Day a family affair that you will remember for years to come.
by: Beth Campbell '
January/February 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 29 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
317-722-0530 www.saramorrisphotography.com
NotablesPut a little LOVE note in their
lunch boxes or a post it on
the bathroom
mirror as a
sweet surprise.
Give a Gift of TimeGive your children a hand-
made coupon for some spe-
cial time with mom and dad.
Something they can redeem
at a future date that gives
them time to themselves
with their favorite people!
Sources: parenting.com and allthatwomenwant.com
familyHAMILTON COUNTY
Do You Shop, Eat and Livein Hamilton County?
We want to meet you!
Hamilton County Family Magazine
is looking for Moms that want to earn some extra money.
If you would like to write, blog, sell advertising,
or just be part of our “mom panel” send us an email.
for the chance towin great prizes!NFL Experience TicketsSky Zone PassesFamily 4 Packs toDisney On Iceand MUCH MORE!!!
LIKE US!
familyHAMILTON COUNTY
at
www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
and MUCH MORE!!!
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and MUCH MORE!!!
win great prizes!NFL Experience TicketsNFL Experience Tickets
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31 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | January/February 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
Check It OutJANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012
January|wed 18- sun 22
All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit of Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream! See website for schedule and ticket information.
Website: www.disneyonice.comPhone: 317-917-2500Location: Conseco Fieldhouse 125 S. Pennsylvania St | Indianapolis, IN 46204
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream
January|fri 27- sun 05
Indianapolis' Super Bowl Village will transform the heart of Downtown into a ten-day, three-block interactive festival of football. The Super Bowl Village is a FREE, family-friendly fan gathering spot.
Price: FREEWebsite: www.indianapolissuperbowl.com/super-bowl-villageLocation: Georgia Street | Indianapolis, IN 46204
Super Bowl Village & Downtown Celebration
February|sat 11
Family members of all ages are invited to a Valentine's Day Tea at the Simply Sweet Shoppe. Enjoy finger sandwiches (kid-friendly, of course), petite cakes, other tiny nibbles, and of course tea after having fun with a hands-on craft. Learn a little about the history of the tea as a typical afternoon event and why some people still enjoy them. Sponsored by the Sweet Shoppe and Carmel Clay Historical Society.
Time: 11:00 amPrice: Adult $15, $10 for 1st child, $7 each additional childWebsite: www.carmelclayhistory.orgPhone: 317-846-7117Location: Simply Sweet Shoppe15 N. Range Line Rd | Carmel, IN 46032
Valentine's Day Tea
January|mon 09
January|mon 02 - tues 31
Register at the Children’s Reference Desk beginning January 2 and receive a read-aloud poster and polar bear cutout. Then read aloud any books you choose with your family. For completing the program, each child will receive a craft to take home and make.
Price: FREEWebsite: www.carmel.lib.in.usPhone: 317-844-3363Location: Carmel Clay Public Library55 4th Avenue S.E. | Carmel, IN 46032
Family Read Aloud
Do you love to build amazing Lego® creations? Bring your friends and join us at a special Lego® mania Future Travel Challenge! How will people travel in 200 years? Flying cars, teleportation, rocket ships? Share your idea of what the future of travel will look like. Please bring your own Legos® to create your masterpiece. You may temporarily leave your creation at the library for display. For ages 5-12.
Time: 7pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.hepl.lib.in.usPhone: 317-844-3363Location: HCPLOne Library Plaza | Noblesville, IN 46060
Lego® Mania: Future Travel Challenge
January|mon 16
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy with fun and learning for all ages!
Time: 10am - 5pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.connerprairie.orgPhone: 317-776-6000Location: Conner Prairie13400 Allisonville Rd. | Fishers, IN 46038
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at Conner Prairie
January|sat 28
For children in grades 1-5. Learn how to do the all-American square dance and then make your own ice cream sundae! Free tickets are required and will be available beginning Saturday, January 21, online or at the Children’s Reference desk. Each person must have a ticket to enter the program.
Times: 11am –12pm & 1pm - 2pmWebsite: www.carmel.lib.in.usLocation: Carmel Clay Public Library55 4th Avenue S.E. | Carmel, IN 46032
American Girl Party
January|mon 30
The Winter Kids Koncert series is an enriching and engaging experience for young children ages 2-5 years. Filled with classical hits and sing-along favorites, each show lasts one hour. Koncerts are carefully crafted to be entertaining and allow for the children to dance and sing.
Time: 10am - 11amWebsite: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-573-5243Location: Monon Community Center1195 Central Park West Dr. | City, IN 46032
Winter Kids Koncert
January|tues 31
Hear ye Hear ye. Calling all princessess to our royal celebration. Come celebrate with crafts, games, stories, songs, and a snack hosted by our fairy godmother. Princessess please come dressed in your royal attire. For ages 3-7. Drop Off Class. Register by 1/24
Fishers Parks and Recreation:Princess Party
January|tues 17
Let your child express their love by sculpt-ing a special valentine. Each child will explore by pounding, stepping, squishing, and rolling clay to create a hand-made valentine for someone special.
Time: 10am - 10:30amPrice: $25Website: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-573-5243Location: Monon Community Center1195 Central Park Dr. West | Carmel, IN 46032
Tiny Tots Valentines Fun
February|wed 01
Mothers, bring your sons to celebrate the big game With it being in our own backyard, we want to have our very own party, and you're invited Participate in football games and crafts and eat football party snacks For boys ages 5-12 and their mothers.
Time: 7pm - 8:30pmPrice: R $8 /NR $12Website: www.fishers.in.us/parksPhone: 317-595-3150Location: Billericay Park Building12690 Promise Road | Fishers, IN 46038
Fishers Parks and Recreation: Mother Son Football Bash
February|thurs 02
Black History Month Celebration. Celebrate African American heritage and achieve-ments in history, science, art, and music. Sponsored generously by Target, the first Thursday of each month The Children's Museum opens free of charge from 4-8pm.
Time: 4pm - 8pmPrice: FREE with museum admissionWebsite: www.childrensmuseum.orgPhone: 317-334-3322Location: The Children's Museum3000 N. Meridian St. | Indianapolis, IN 46208
Target Free Family Night
February|sun 26
During SymFUNy Sundays, families are encouraged to take part in fun and interac-tive pre-concert activities, including the Instrument Petting Zoo, and are invited to meet many of the artists after the perfor-mance. “The Language of Music” focuses on how music can communicate ideas and feelings and how composers and perform-ers use this language to communicate their own emotions.
Time: 3pmPrice: adults $25-$40 & children $12-$20Website: www.indianapolissymphony.orgPhone: 317-639-4300Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre45 Monument Circle | Indianapolis, IN 46204
The Language of Music
February|sat 18
Join Team Firehawk as they introduce the sport of dog sled racing. Meet the dogs and stand on the sled used in the famous Iditarod Dog Race held in Alaska every!
Time: 1pm - 2:30pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.co.hamilton.in.usPhone: 317-774-2500Location: Cool Creek Park Nature Center 2000-1 E. 151st St. | Carmel, IN 4603
Dogs of the Iditarod
February|tues 21
Hand-craft some good luck for you and your child. Parent/child teams will create their very own leprechaun and pot of gold out of clay. Bring your child to this pottery class and let them show off their creativity just in time for St. Patrick's Day.
Time: 10am - 10:30amPrice: $25Website: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-573-5243Location: Monon Community Center1195 Central Park Dr. W. | Carmel, IN 46032
St. Patrick's Day In ClayFebruary|wed 29
Clifford from Birdwell Island, Emily Elizabeth, Cleo and T-Bone embark on all new adventures. With memorable music and choreography there will be even more of him to love in this all new musical. Grades PreK-2.
Time: 10am - 12pm & 12pm - 2pmPrice: $8Website: cloweshall.org/educationPhone: 317-940-9697Location: Clowes Memorial Hall 4602 Sunset Ave | Indianapolis, IN 46208
Clifford the Big Red Dog Live
February|sat 11
Family members of all ages are invited to a Valentine's Day Tea at the Simply Sweet Shoppe. Enjoy finger sandwiches (kid-friendly, of course), petite cakes, other tiny nibbles, and of course tea after
Valentine's Day Tea
February|thurs 02
A premier, nationally-televised (live on VH1) concert featuring star-studded performances by award winning artists and guest appearances by top celebrities and NFL players. Former performers include Rihanna, Mary J. Blige and Maroon5. See website for ticket info.
Time: 6pmWebsite: www.nfl.com/superbowlPhone: 317-927-7536Location: Pepsi Coliseum1202 E. 38th St. | Indianapolis, IN 46205
Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam
January|wed 18 - sun 22
All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Expe-rience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit of Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream! See website for schedule and ticket information.
Website: www.disneyonice.comPhone: 317-917-2500Location: Conseco Fieldhouse125 S. Pennsylvania St | Indianapolis, IN 46204
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream
January|fri 27 - sun 05
Indianapolis' Super Bowl Village will transform the heart of Downtown into a ten-day, three-block interactive festival of football. The Super Bowl Village is a FREE, family-friendly fan gathering spot.
Price: FREEWebsite: www.indianapolissuperbowl.comLocation: Georgia Street | Indianapolis, IN
Super Bowl Village and Downtown Celebration
January|sat 28
Discover The Children's Museum's newest traveling exhibit and approach new experiences with confidence, curiosity, and humor, just like MR. POTATO HEAD®.
Time: 10am - 3pmPrice: FREE with museum admissionWebsite: www.childrensmuseum.orgPhone: 317-334-3322Location: The Children's Museum3000 N. Meridian St. | Indianapolis, IN 46208
MR. POTATO HEAD®Opening Day Spud-stravaganza
February 24 - March 31
Fridays at 10 and Saturdays at 10 & 1. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show. Each musical is one hour long with no intermission. Includes juice and snack. See website for complete schedule.
Price: $14Website: www.beefandboards.comPhone: 317-872-9664Location: Beef and Boards9301 N. Michigan Rd. | Indianapolis, IN 46268
Dora the Explorer Live Dora's Pirate Adventure
Time: 1pm - 2:30pmPrice: R $12/ NR $18Website: www.fishers.in.us/parksPhone: 317-595-3150Location: Billericay Park Building12690 Promise Road | Fishers, IN 46038
Fishers Parks and Recreation:Princess Party
having fun with a hands-on craft. Learn a little about the history of the tea as a typical afternoon event and why some people still enjoy them. Sponsored by the Sweet Shoppe and Carmel Clay Historical Society.
Time: 11amPrice: Adult $15, $10 for 1st child, $7 each additional childWebsite: www.carmelclayhistory.orgPhone: 317-846-7117Location: Simply Sweet Shoppe15 N. Range Line Rd. | Carmel, IN 46032
32 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | January/February 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
January/February 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 33www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com
February|wed 01
Mothers, bring your sons to celebrate the big game With it being in our own backyard, we want to have our very own party, and you're invited Participate in football games and crafts and eat football party snacks For boys ages 5-12 and their mothers.
Time: 7pm - 8:30pmPrice: R $8 /NR $12Website: www.fishers.in.us/parksPhone: 317-595-3150Location: Billericay Park Building12690 Promise Road | Fishers, IN 46038
Fishers Parks and Recreation: Mother Son Football Bash
February|thurs 02
Black History Month Celebration. Celebrate African American heritage and achieve-ments in history, science, art, and music. Sponsored generously by Target, the first Thursday of each month The Children's Museum opens free of charge from 4-8pm.
Time: 4pm - 8pmPrice: FREE with museum admissionWebsite: www.childrensmuseum.orgPhone: 317-334-3322Location: The Children's Museum3000 N. Meridian St. | Indianapolis, IN 46208
Target Free Family Night
February|sun 26
During SymFUNy Sundays, families are encouraged to take part in fun and interac-tive pre-concert activities, including the Instrument Petting Zoo, and are invited to meet many of the artists after the perfor-mance. “The Language of Music” focuses on how music can communicate ideas and feelings and how composers and perform-ers use this language to communicate their own emotions.
Time: 3pmPrice: adults $25-$40 & children $12-$20Website: www.indianapolissymphony.orgPhone: 317-639-4300Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre45 Monument Circle | Indianapolis, IN 46204
The Language of Music
February|sat 18
Join Team Firehawk as they introduce the sport of dog sled racing. Meet the dogs and stand on the sled used in the famous Iditarod Dog Race held in Alaska every!
Time: 1pm - 2:30pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.co.hamilton.in.usPhone: 317-774-2500Location: Cool Creek Park Nature Center 2000-1 E. 151st St. | Carmel, IN 4603
Dogs of the Iditarod
February|tues 21
Hand-craft some good luck for you and your child. Parent/child teams will create their very own leprechaun and pot of gold out of clay. Bring your child to this pottery class and let them show off their creativity just in time for St. Patrick's Day.
Time: 10am - 10:30amPrice: $25Website: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-573-5243Location: Monon Community Center1195 Central Park Dr. W. | Carmel, IN 46032
St. Patrick's Day In ClayFebruary|wed 29
Clifford from Birdwell Island, Emily Elizabeth, Cleo and T-Bone embark on all new adventures. With memorable music and choreography there will be even more of him to love in this all new musical. Grades PreK-2.
Time: 10am - 12pm & 12pm - 2pmPrice: $8Website: cloweshall.org/educationPhone: 317-940-9697Location: Clowes Memorial Hall 4602 Sunset Ave | Indianapolis, IN 46208
Clifford the Big Red Dog Live
February|sat 11
Family members of all ages are invited to a Valentine's Day Tea at the Simply Sweet Shoppe. Enjoy finger sandwiches (kid-friendly, of course), petite cakes, other tiny nibbles, and of course tea after
Valentine's Day Tea
February|thurs 02
A premier, nationally-televised (live on VH1) concert featuring star-studded performances by award winning artists and guest appearances by top celebrities and NFL players. Former performers include Rihanna, Mary J. Blige and Maroon5. See website for ticket info.
Time: 6pmWebsite: www.nfl.com/superbowlPhone: 317-927-7536Location: Pepsi Coliseum1202 E. 38th St. | Indianapolis, IN 46205
Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam
February 24 - March 31
Fridays at 10 and Saturdays at 10 & 1. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show. Each musical is one hour long with no intermission. Includes juice and snack. See website for complete schedule.
Price: $14Website: www.beefandboards.comPhone: 317-872-9664Location: Beef and Boards9301 N. Michigan Rd. | Indianapolis, IN 46268
Dora the Explorer Live Dora's Pirate Adventure
Time: 1pm - 2:30pmPrice: R $12/ NR $18Website: www.fishers.in.us/parksPhone: 317-595-3150Location: Billericay Park Building12690 Promise Road | Fishers, IN 46038
Fishers Parks and Recreation:Princess Party
having fun with a hands-on craft. Learn a little about the history of the tea as a typical afternoon event and why some people still enjoy them. Sponsored by the Sweet Shoppe and Carmel Clay Historical Society.
Time: 11amPrice: Adult $15, $10 for 1st child, $7 each additional childWebsite: www.carmelclayhistory.orgPhone: 317-846-7117Location: Simply Sweet Shoppe15 N. Range Line Rd. | Carmel, IN 46032
325T W O - T H O U S A N D T W E L V E
23SAVE THE
DATE!
For more information, please visit www.IndysChild.com
Free Autism workshopfor parents
January 21, 2012
presented at
baca-Prep9929 East 126th st, Fishers, In 46038
BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS CENTER FOR AUTISM
B A C A to register
317.288.5232
ww
w.t
heb
ac
a.c
om
©2011 IU Health 12/11 HY84611_3734
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