Northeast Ohio Parent, December 2014

DECEMBER 2014

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ContentsVol. 1 No. 10 2014

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ts 6 Editor’s Note

8 Worth NotingHanukkah Gifts & More

10 Family Health: No Fear at the Dentist

12 Education:Exchange Programs

44 Community Focus:Chagrin Falls

48 December Calendar

54 Aging Answers:When Help Is Needed

55 Pet Safety for Holidays

58 Feedback from Readers

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Features14 Getting Bullied & Special NeedsIdentifying signs that your child is being bullied can bechallenging. Experts talk about strategies to help. By Ingrid Schaefer Sprague

17 Wintertime Fun HandbookEmbrace the chill — and the snow — by visiting someof Northeast Ohio’s great winter playgrounds.By Kristen Gough

25 Holiday Events This SeasonFrom crafts to musicals, outdoor hikes and more,check out the area’s fun seasonal happenings.

34 Featuring Kristi Capel from Fox 8Learn more about Kristi Capel, mom and co-anchorfrom Fox 8 News in the Morning.By Angela Gartner

38 What’s Your Discipline Style?Experts and local moms weigh in on how parentshandle five approaches to kids’ behavior.By Angela Zam

40 Family Game NightBoard games introduce new challenges — all whilemaking family memories for a lifetime. By Chuck Mitchell

4 NortheastOhioParent.com December 2014

On the cover: Kristi Capel and 1-year-old daughter Kyndal arephotographed at Crocker Park in Westlake. Photo above: Kristi’s husband Hal joins them on their shoppingexcursion.Photography by Michael Allen Blair

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I was hoping that I wouldn’t be writing about snow thisearly, but that’s not the case. The wintery weather inNortheast Ohio isn’t my favorite, although, I couldn’thelp but smile and laugh at my sons’ reactions to thefirst snowfall.

For them, or any kid, it’s time to go sledding, makesnowmen — and even have a snowball fight, which hap-pened with all the kids at the bus stop.

Driving in snow still has me on edge, but in times likethese, I try to remember my past — the young girl whocouldn’t wait to go to grandma and grandpa’s house toskate on their pond or sled down their hill. My sistersand I would stay outside for hours until grandma wouldcall us in by flickering the backyard lights.

Looking at my kids, I think about them making theirown memories in the white fluffy stuff. That’s why in theissue we wanted to embrace the chill in the air with the

Wintertime Fun Guide, which starts on page 17. Thereare plenty of cool things to do in the region.

Speaking of things to do, the holidays have arrived.Celebrate the season with holiday happenings on page25. We’ve highlighted great events going on throughoutthe month.

Also, look for ways to liven up your Family GameNight on page 40 with these unique board games.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kristi Capel, co-anchoron Fox 8 News in the Morning, along with her husbandHal and their 1-year-old daughter Kyndal during theDecember cover photo shoot at Crocker Park in West-lake. Kristi is featured in this issue on page 34.

Lastly, as we enjoy the end of 2014 with festivities thismonth, I am feeling hopeful about the New Year — andmaybe I will enjoy some snowy fun too.

[email protected]

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Editor’s Note

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Contact Us


Wintertime Fun inNortheast Ohio

by Angela Gartner

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Contributors: Marie Elium, Ingrid Schaefer Sprague,Angela Zam, Ashley Weingart, Chuck Mitchell andKristen Gough

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Life on Mars by Jennifer Brown

Arty and his friends search the nightsky in hopes of communicating with lifeon Mars. But Arty knows he’ll have togive up both his search and his friendswhen his family moves to Las Vegas —a move which Arty is even more reluc-tant to make after learning that theweird old guy next door is actually anex-astronaut who shares Arty’s extra-terrestrial obsession. Recommendation

courtesy of Twinsburg Public Library.

Courage for Beginners by Karen Harrington

Wisecracking, red-haired Mysti likesto imagine that she's a character in abook, because narrating her own life isless stressful than living it. Problemswith her parents’ health leave her feel-ing scared and suddenly responsiblefor her family. Mysti will have to digdeep to find the creativity and courageshe needs. Recommendation courtesy

of Avon Lake Public Library.

Picture Day Perfection by Deborah Diesen

It’s picture day, and the boy at thecenter of this charming picture bookwants to make sure his picture is perfect — perfectly awful. He secretlywants his picture to be the worst oneever taken! Perfectly paired with thelarger-than-life silliness of Dan Santat’sillustrations, this is sure to be a school-room favorite. Recommendation

courtesy of Avon Lake Public Library.

Grades 3-6 Tween Reads

Worth Noting

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


Reading Room

Preschool to 3

Editor’s Pick — Bleacher Creatures

Northeast Ohio Parent has a Cleveland Cavaliers giveaway.

Show us that you are the CAVS biggest fan by sending us photos in your Cavaliers gear and apparel.

Send us your photos by Dec. 15 toenter to win in this random drawing.

Email [email protected] or share photoson Facebook.com/NEOhioParent. For more contest details and information,please visit northeastohioparent.com in December.

CAVS BIG FAN GiveawayBleacher Creatures areuniquely true-to-life plushfigures that turn athletesand entertainment iconsinto characters. The 10-inch plush doll — like thisone of LeBron James — isa quality item to have inyour collection.

bleachercreatures.com

Learning music can often be challenging,and frustrating, resulting in many givingup because the love and motivation to playbecomes stale and disappears. MusicalFingers LLC was established in NortheastOhio in 2000 by board-certified musictherapist Kitrael Chin to address thatcommon frustration and instill a life-long love of music. Heemphasizes transforming DIS-abilities into ABILITIES withindividuals with special needs such as Autism.

Music therapists are a unique category of health careprofessionals who utilize music and music experiences to

improve and maintain physical, communicative, emotional,cognitive and social functioning.

Many budding musicians encounter resistance when at-tempting to participate in groups such as rock bands andare told they lack experience, or are not technically goodenough. For those with disabilities such as Autism, resist-ance can go up ten-fold. Musical Fingers staff believes thatthere is always a level zero, even for playing in a band, andthat everyone has to start somewhere.

Musical Fingers also offers local year-round rock bandprograms. The group serves ages 3 and older in Portage,Stark, Summit and Geauga counties in the comfort of theirown homes. For more info or to request a complimentaryin-home visit, call 330-554-4140 or musicalfingers.org.

Teaching Music for All Abilities

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Worth Noting

Celebrate the holidays of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah withthese great gift ideas.

Learning about KwanzaaThis holiday is celebrated from Dec. 26 toJan. 1. Each day is dedicated to one ofseven principles: unity, self-determina-tion, collective responsibility, cooperativeeconomics, purpose, creativity and faith.In the evening, family members gather tolight one of the candles in the kinara, aseven-branched candelabra; often giftsare exchanged. On Dec. 31, communitymembers gather for a feast, the karamu.

For a gift item,the official Kwan-zaa website sug-gests “A KwanzaaCelebration” pop-up book by NancyWilliams (author)and RobertSabuda (illustra-tor) to celebrate

the holiday. This colorful book explainsthe many traditions of the holiday.

Hanukkah CelebrationsThe holiday celebrates the rededication ofthe Second Temple of Jerusalem. Thelighting of the menorah recalls the storythat a one-day supply of oil burned mirac-ulously in the Temple for eight days untilnew oil could be obtained. Sometimescalled the Feast of Dedication or Feast ofLights, it's celebrated for eight days inDecember, during which the ceremonialcandles are lit and children play gamesand receive gifts. The eight days ofHanukkah begin on Dec. 16.

Gift ideas from the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Beachwood include a Customizable Children’s Menorah ($60).Made in the U.S., this colorful piece fromNaturally Wood Creations is customizable

with your child’s name. Each menorah ishand-signed by the artist and includes theJewish year. Or spruce up the kids’ tablewith 12 Chanukah Coloring Placemats

($8.95). These kid-safe, fun-to-color designs come complete with fun holidayfacts and a “make-your-own” dreidel. (30-Minute Seder LLC).

Visit maltzmuseum.org for more ideas.

Gift Ideas for Kwanzaa and Hanukkah


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Do you like going to the dentist? Now ask your child the same

question.If the answers are different, give

credit to the kid-friendly world of pediatric dentistry. With two or threeyears of extra training, pediatric dentists have transformed the dentalexperience for children. Family-basedpractices are using gentle, low-stresstechniques that were unheard of backwhen many parents first started goingto the dentist.

“A lot of how we do this work andmake kids more comfortable has to dowith the many more years of training,”says Dr. John Gerstenmaier, a Fairlawn pediatric dentist.

Giving kids a great dental experienceis more than simply providing toys andchildren’s magazines in the waitingroom — although that’s part of it. Gentle techniques and the ability to

read a child’s body language also playa role in helping children enjoy a dental visit.

“We use the tell, show, do tech-nique,” Gerstenmaier says.“We easeinto it and always talk to them aboutwhat (we’re) doing. With a change intimes comes a change in techniques.”

For example, the dentist will show achild an instrument like the mirror anddemonstrate how it can see hiddenareas by demonstrating on their fingers.

Starting Early

The American Academy of PediatricDentistry, whose specialists treat infants, children and adolescents, recommends an initial visit when thefirst tooth comes through and no laterthan a child’s first birthday. Propercare of baby teeth means healthieradult teeth.

The goals of pediatric dentistry aresimple: to have non-threatening officevisits, to establish good rapport withthe dentist and to have a dental“home.”

Dr. Frank Radis is an Aurora pediatric dentist and says prevention iscrucial to maintaining good oralhealth. Nutrition education, dentalsealants and fluoride “varnish” that ispainted on teeth all offer importantpreventive measures that can lead to alifetime of healthy teeth — and pleasant dental visits.

Early appointments with a pediatricdentist usually have more to do witheducating a parent than treating infantdental issues.

Parents can learn about tooth andgum care, the role of nutrition in toothdevelopment and how to establishgood oral hygiene, Gerstenmaier says.Pediatric dentists and other child-

Kids Can Show Their Teeth

with No Fear at the Dentist

Family Health

By Marie Elium

Pediatric dentistry is using techniques to make children feel morecomfortable when visiting the dentist’s office.

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friendly dentists also treat children with special needs.Techniques such as explaining procedures and equipmentare also helpful when treating these children.

Helping Kids Understand

While exam rooms may have themes, lively decorations andother cheerful décor, the most tried-and-true technique inpediatric dentistry is talking to the child, explaining every-thing and letting them look at the tools before they go intheir mouth.

Gerstenmaier adds, for example, using dolls with silly,oversized teeth to demonstrate procedures is a friendly andnon-threatening way to ease into potentially uncomfortabletreatments.

Dr. Kenneth J. Wolnik of Berea is a general practice dentist who focuses on family dentistry. That means hetreats plenty of kids along with adults. He typically startsseeing children between ages 3 and 5.

He advises to have preschoolers come along when theirmom or dad is getting a routine checkup — like a cleaning— and let them watch from a nearby chair. If the child iswilling, he’ll have him or her climb into the chair afterwardfor a “practice” visit, count their teeth and show them acouple of tools.

“I tell them the next time when you come we’re going toclean your teeth,” Wolnik says. “It’s a way to get them acclimated into coming into the office.”

The challenge for pediatric and family dentists is some

younger children associate any type of medical office withpain. After all, visits to a general doctor can end with vaccinations. It can take an effort to overcome their fear ofpeople in medical scrubs, coats and masks.

“Kids that age are so used to going to the doctor and get-ting shots,” he adds. A “practice” visit with just a hygienistcan help. “It relieves them of the fear factor.”

Want to find the best dentist for your child? Ask friends,get a referral from the AAPD website (aapd.org) or consideryour own dentist if he or she caters to families.

Tell-show-do dentistry is creating a new generation offear-free dental patients. In dentistry, early intervention canmake the best first impression.

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A grocery store cereal aisle is wherePortage County resident Tom Collinsfirst realized that his Hungarian ex-change student was a long way fromhome — geographically and culturally.

Collins recalled, “When (Zad Lenart)first got here, we went to the grocerystore and I asked, “What kind of cerealdo you like? He just looked around andsaid, “It’s so much.”

The Collins family is one of dozens inNortheast Ohio sponsoring a foreignexchange high school student thisyear.

Zad, who has settled comfortablyinto small town life in Garrettsville,Ohio, has already made an impact inthe community and on the sports field.

This fall, he was named to the firstteam, all-county soccer team.

Spending Time in Ohio or Overseas

International travel or study abroadprograms are growing in popularityamong the area’s high school students,while students from Brazil, Czech Re-public, France and other countries arespending their school year with hostfamilies in Northeast Ohio.

“The best candidates for studyingabroad are mature, open-minded students. Students should be ready toabsorb new things,” says Alicia KubertSmith of Youth For UnderstandingUSA, a Washington D.C. nonprofit thatplaces high school students overseas

and secures host families for interna-tional students.

“It’s an opportunity for them to see adifferent way of life. So much of whatthey picture with other places in theworld is what they see on TV,” shesays. “They learn that we are citizensof one world. Breaking down the cultural difference is a really big partof it.”

Students in the program can goaway for four to eight weeks in thesummer, for a semester or for a year.Some students choose “gap year” programs that have service compo-nents and provide a way to developskills or interests for a year betweenhigh school graduation and college.

Education

Expanding Your HorizonsHigh school exchange programs have become a way for

teens and their families to explore the world.By Marie Elium


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If you are looking to sponsor a child or send yours abroad,check in with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (csiet.org), a nonprofit Washington D.C.-based agency that vets organizations conducting highschool exchange programs.

Christopher Page, executive director at CSIET, says goodprograms could build a student’s confidence. “It can be agame changer for them, and can help them for college. It’sa subject for many college essays.”

In addition, studying abroad during high school can helpstudents determine what they want to study in college and,ultimately, what career to pursue.

Short-term programs, such as leaving for several weeksduring the summer, generally are simpler to navigate formany students. Families need to make sure credits earnedoverseas will transfer to the local high school. Programcounselors are instrumental in ironing out issues for students who go abroad for one or two semesters.

Kubert Smith said her agency’s advisors will talk to guid-ance officers and help families work through other schooldetails.

Ultimately, programs endorsed by the CSIET agency arefully responsible for a student’s safety abroad, Page says.‘Safety’ doesn’t become a loose appendage of the program.The organization must have criteria in place for vetting thehost family. For example, each host family is subjected to anextensive in-home interview and background checks.Inspire Travel Aspirations

Collins, his wife, Sherri, and sons Kyle, a high school junior,and Mitchell, a senior, have enjoyed the last few monthsgetting to know Zad. He’ll move in with another local familyin January.

The Rotary Youth Exchange program generally places students with families in three-month increments. Thechange up gives both sides a break from each other and ensures that a possible rocky fit is short term.

Collins said he was advised to treat Zad like one of hissons, and he has. They have participated in some of themonthly events the Rotary sponsors for Northeast Ohio exchange students and their families. They also have touredthe Browns training facility, gone to the top of TerminalTower and taken other trips.

Zad keeps in touch with his parents via Skype, usually whilesitting on the Collins’ deck, a world — and a culture — away.

Hosting a Hungarian student has prompted Tom’s sonKyle to apply with the Rotary to study in Japan or Korea nextyear. The cost may run about $3,500 or so, plus airfare. Kylewants to be a computer game programmer and is eager tosee how it’s done in Asia.

Tom is a little nervous about sending his youngest sonhalfway around the world, but he knows it has the potentialto change his life.

“Whether he ends up in Korea or Japan, I want him tobring back an understanding that the world is a biggerplace than just Garrettsville,” Collins says.

Education

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From childhood on, we likely haveheard that we should embrace eachother’s differences. However, certainlythis is a learned skill. Moreover, whenthere are obvious physical or develop-mental differences, some children andteens notice and tease or mimic whatthey don’t understand.

For example, in recent nationalnews, one Northeast Ohio case high-lighted the severity of bullying when ateen with autism was the subject of acruel prank.

Since bullying is not widely reported,it is hard to know whether children orteens with physical or developmentaldisabilities are bullied more or lessthan their otherwise “typical” peers.

Bullying can take various forms, including verbal, social (including isolation) and physical abuse.

Dissecting Bullying

Eileen Hawkins, president at theAutism Society of Greater Cleveland,noted a primary reason why childrenon the autism spectrum are teased orbullied.

“Children on the autism spectrumoften struggle with social interactionwith others,” she says. “Everyday typi-cal social interactions that others takefor granted must be learned by thoseon the autism spectrum. They may appear awkward or are clumsy — notonly socially, but physically as well —and other children pick it up instantly.”

Lannie Davis, vice president at JulieBilliart School in Lyndhurst says it isthe skills that children have or learn tosuccessfully navigate bullying that determine the extent or how long itwill last.

She notes that her students don’thave the natural ability to read socialcues or body language of others, as


Getting bulliedchildren with special needs

By Ingrid Schaefer Sprague

Special Needs

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well as having a neurological strugglethat is unseen physically by theirpeers.

In working with children with speechand hearing impediments, Lauren Masuga, a speech language patholo-gist from the Cleveland Hearing &Speech Center, says the primary reason why her clients are bullied isbecause they sound different when theytalk, which makes them “stand out”from their peers. While they experienceverbal and social bullying, Masuganoted that her clients also reportedfeeling more isolated from others.

Christopher Milo, a motivationalspeaker, included the relatively recentintroduction of cyberbullying as a significant source of serious taunting,noting that different sites are popularwith different age groups.

“We all react differently based onour level of confidence and based onour experiences and personality differences,” he says.

Is Your Child Being Bullied?

Identifying signs that your child isbeing bullied can be difficult due to

different circumstances. “(For) children who are on the

autism spectrum, it can be challengingif they don’t have verbal skills, but aparent generally knows how his or herown child communicates and whensomething is wrong,” Hawkins says. “Itdepends on the child — some childrenwith autism are nonverbal, but may actout more aggressively if something isnot right for them. Other children withautism or Asperger [syndrome] areverbal and will be sure to tell anyonewho will listen what has occurred.(Parents) need to communicate withthem the best way that works for theparticular child and try to find out ifsomething is wrong.”

Parents should also be observant ofbehavior changes and signs in theirchild, Masuga says. “Some signs thatbullying may be occurring are changesin the child’s appetite or difficultysleeping. Another sign that bullyingmay be occurring would be if the num-ber of ‘sick’ days increases. The childmay be avoiding attending school forfear of being bullied. In addition, somestudents will have a sudden decline in

academic performance, which can alsobe a sign that they are being bullied.”

“The most important thing to do, inmy opinion, is ensure that the childhas ways to communicate with you astheir parent,” Davis says. “Whetherthat is through drawings, a book, sim-ple phrases or a signal, they don’t al-ways have the expressive language toarticulate their discontent.”

Helping Children

What should and can a child who isbullied do about it? The approach maybe dependent on the level of ability ofthe child. For a child on the autismspectrum it may be that an adultneeds to intervene, since their socialinteraction skills are atypical. For achild who can interact, another strategy may be used.

“Since each child and degree of ability is unique, parents and teachersneed to assess what skills might bebest taught to the child to cope withand address bullying,” Masuga says.“There is no single skill or strategythat is right for each child or each situation. There are times when it is

Special Needs



most effective to teach the child to educate and self-advo-cate, and there are times when it is best to teach the childto walk away and/or talk with an adult. Parents, teachersand clinicians need to ask specifically about bullying andteasing and ensure that there is ongoing dialogue.”

Student Interactions

Starting at a young age, it is beneficial to educate childrenabout physical and behavioral differences of other childrento instill respect and compassion. For example, Hattie Larlham Preschool in Mantua is a year-round child careservice for children ages 3-5. The integrated preschool provides opportunities for both parent and child to learnabout community members with disabilities.

Masuga noted that creating an environment of open com-munication, respectful inquisitiveness and understandingfacilitates education and reduces opportunities for bullying.

While mainstreaming atypical students in a population oftypical peers should decrease bullying and antisocial behavior, the verdict is out on its effectiveness.

Teachers and other adults should model the desired behaviors in their interactions with both students and adults.

Michelle Burnett, director of clinical services from theCleveland Hearing & Speech, says, “Emphasizing the moreabstract concept of respect by demonstration of and praisefor respectful acts and language can set the tone and provide examples of desired behavior throughout day-to-dayactivities.”

Special Needs


Just because the temperatures are dippingoutside doesn’t mean you have to keep thefamily inside. Embrace the chill — and thesnow — by visiting some of Northeast Ohio’sgreat winter playgrounds.Even better, many of these family fun desti-nations have extended hours in wintertime.So grab your heavy coats and mittens, it’stime to head into the cold for an adventure. Note: To get the most accurate informationabout hours, visit the destination’s websiteor call them directly.

Skating RinksHas it been awhile since you’ve strapped on some skates?Beginners and experts alike are welcome at these arearinks.

Cleveland Heights Community Center Ice Rink

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to figure skate, thisseems to be the place to do it. With two indoor rinks, in-cluding one that’s Olympic-sized, you’ll find a rotatingschedule of open-skate and lessons available here. The rinkalso has hockey and speed skating lessons. Admission: $3for adults, $2 for children (members); $5 for adults andchildren (non-members); $2 skate rentals. 1 MonticelloBlvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-691-7434,clevelandheights.com

By Kristen Gough

NortheastOhioParent.com December 2014 17

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Halloran Park Recreation Center & Outdoor

Ice Skating Rink

One of the most affordable outdoor skating rinks around —rentals are only $1 at this Cleveland area ice skating rink.Skate and hockey lessons are free, too. Admission: $1 skaterental, 25 cents if you bring your own skates. 550 W. 117thSt. (off of Linnet Ave.), 216-664-4187

Outdoor Ice Rink at Falls River Square

Located in the heart of Cuyahoga Falls, this brightly lit icerink is perfect whether you want to skate during the day orinto the night. Admission: $3 per person, $3 skate rental.2085 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-971-8225,cfo.cityofcf.com

Outdoor Rink at Lock 3, Akron

Twirl your way around Lock 3’s 10,000-square-foot outdoorice rink — the largest of its kind in Ohio. Admission: If youbring your own skates admission is free. $3 for skaterentals. 200 S. Main St., Akron, 330- 375-2877,lock3live.com/iceskating.aspx

Kent State Ice Arena

This indoor rink has extra public skate hours during December so you can sneak in with your family to get sometime on the ice. Admission: $6 per person, $2 for

preschoolers (with an adult), skate rental for $2.50. 650Loop Road, Kent, 330-672-RINK, kent.edu/icearena

Mentor Ice Arena

This indoor rink is open year-round. When kids are out ofschool, the Mentor Ice Arena offers special programs, in-cluding all-day options with activities both on and off theice. Admission: $6 for adults, $5 ages 17 and under; $3skate rental. 8600 Munson Road, Mentor, 440-974-5730,cityofmentor.com

University Circle, Wade Park Oval

Outdoor Skating Rink

There’s so much to do before, or after, you’ve had your fillskating at this University Circle favorite. Once you’re doneskating, explore the Cleveland Institute of Art (it’s free!) orhave a meal in nearby Little Italy. Also, show your rinkwristband for special promotions at some area hot spotslike the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Western ReserveSociety. Admission: $2 per person, $3 for skate rentals.1981 Ford Drive, Cleveland, 216-707-5033,universitycircle.org

Toboggan TimeAn ice roller coaster — that’s what it like to go on a tobog-gan ride. Northeast Ohio has the only public tobogganchutes in the state.

Toboggan Chutes, Mill Stream Run Reservation

Zoom down this 70-foot ride from Cleveland Metroparksthat’s unlike any other in the state. No snow? No problem,the chutes are still open for business. Admission: $6 for one


Toboggan Chutes, Cleveland Metroparks

Lock 3 Akron

Polar Blast Tubing at Boston Mills/Brandywine



ride ticket, $12 for an adult all-day ticket, $10 for an all-dayticket for children 11 and younger. 16200 Valley Pkwy.,Strongsville, 440-572-9990, clevelandmetroparks.com

Sledding HillsCelebrate the flakes. The bigger the snowflakes the betterthe sledding conditions at these local hills.

Kendall Hills

Cuyahoga Valley National Park becomes a winter wonder-land in December. Make the most of it by sledding at thisfree popular spot. Quick Road, Peninsula, 330-657-2752,nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/winter-sports.htm

Punderson State Park

This 741-acre park includes a lit sledding hill along withcross-country skiing trails — and if you happen to have adog sled, you can do that here, too. 11755 Kinsman Road,Newbury, 440-564-2279, parks.ohiodnr.gov/punderson

Reindeer Run

The 150-foot sledding hill is constructed inside Lock 3 inDowntown Akron. Designed for children 14 and younger,they can ride this all-season slide with an adult. Sledsrentals are $3 for 30 minutes. 200 S. Main St., Akron, 330-375-2877, lock3live.com/iceskating.aspx

Punderson State Park



Skiing, Cross-Country, Snow-shoes and MoreThe Northeast Ohio area in-cludes several ski resorts thatare close enough that you canget there quickly and thenspend your day on — and off —the slopes.

Alpine Valley

There are seven trails and fivelifts at this Greater Cleveland

area ski destination. Many families nix the skis in favor ofAlpine Valley’s other draw — Polar Blast Snow Tubing witheight to 10 tube lanes. Admission: $43 adults all-day (13-69), $38 Junior (5-12), $10 (4 and under); snow tubing $25(all ages) any 3 hours. 10620 Mayfield Road, Chesterland,440-285-2211, alpinevalleyohio.com

Brandywine Ski Resort

With 11 trails and eight lifts, you can spend your day criss-crossing Brandywine’s 48 acres of skiable terrain. Onceyou’re done skiing, try out the snow tubing park. Admission:$43 adults all-day (13-69), $38 Junior (5-12), $10 (4 andunder). Other ticket options available; does not includerental costs. 1146 W. Highland Road, Sagamore Hills, 800-875-4241, bmbw.com

Boston Mills Ski Resort

Located in the Peninsula area, this nearby locale has seventrails and eight lifts so you can get to the resort quickly andstart skiing. Admission: $43 adults all-day (13-69), $38 Junior (5-12), $10 (4 and under). Other ticket options available; does not include rental costs. 7100 RiverviewRoad., Peninsula, 800-875-4241, bmbw.com

Big Met Golf Course

Cleveland Metroparks golf courses are transformed intocross-country skiing havens in the wintertime. Big Met offers ski rentals. Other parks that offer cross-country ski-ing, but no rentals, include Little Met, Shawnee Hills,Seneca, Mastick Woods and Sleepy Hollow — 4-inch snowbase required. Cost: Free, ski rentals $10 first hour, $5

Boston Mills/Brandywine



extra hours; Junior skis (12 and under) $7 first hour, $3extra hour (snowshoe rentals also available). 4811 ValleyPkwy., Fairview Park, 216-635-3270 for snow conditions.440-331-1070, clevelandmetroparks.com

Winter Sports Center

Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, you can find a trailat this Cuyahoga Valley National Park locale to match yourskill level. Kendall Lake Shelter, on Truxell/Kendall ParkRoad. Cost: $15 ski rentals (day), $7.50 for 3 hours; $5snowshoe rental. 330-657-2752, nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/winter-sports.htm

Snow Fest at Sawmill Creek ResortOn the shores of Lake Erie, this resort includes ice skatingand snowshoe rentals along with cross-country skiingtrails. 400 Sawmill Creek Drive, Huron, 800-729-6455,sawmillcreekresort.com

Sleigh RidesThere’s something magical about a sleigh ride around theholidays — each of these locales offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Guggisberg Swiss Inn

This family owned and operated inn offers sleigh rides whenthere is 4 inches of snow or more. Call for reservations andpricing. 5025 State Route 557, Charm, 330-893-3600, guggisbergswissinn.com/horsebacksleigh-rides

Ma & Pa’s Gift Shack

Ma & Pa’s offers weekend carriage rides for families. Each30-minute ride includes a hot beverage and a sweet snackat the end. If there’s no snow on the ground, take a buggyride instead. Cost: $20 adults, $10 ages 11-16, $5 5-10, freefor ages 4 and younger. 15161 Main Market Road (Rt. 422), Burton, 440-548-5521, maandpas.com

Village of Chagrin Falls Carriage Rides

Go by horse-drawn carriage through the Village of ChagrinFalls, which is listed on the National Register of HistoricPlaces. Free rides take place on Sundays (Dec. 7, 14 and21), from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are first-come, first-served.Chagrin Falls Shopping Plaza, Main Street, 440-247-1895,yourhometownchagrinfalls.com

Chagrin Falls Carriage Rides



State Park Ice SkatingOhio is one of only seven states where entrance into state parks is free. That’s right — no admission fees. Take advantage by ice skating at one of these state parks. See each state park’s website for more information; you can access those through the main site at parks.ohiodnr.gov.

Keep in mind, there’s no attendant at the ice skating area. You’ll need to bring your own skates and to call the park office before you go to make sure the conditions are safe.

Findley State Park, Wellington

Guilford Lake State Park, Lisbon

Jefferson Lake State Park, Richmond

Mosquito Lake State Park, Cortland

Portage Lakes State Park, Akron

Punderson State Park, Newbury *see listing on page 19

Pymatuning State Park, Andover

West Branch State Park, Ravenna

Wingfoot Lake State Park, Mogadore

Kristen Gough is an award-winning family travel writer and a member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association (MTWA) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) whose known to pack up her three kids for trips whether it’s a daycation in Cleveland or a getaway across the globe.

Wintertime Fun Handbook continues on page 24



EASTON TOWN CENTER

Easton is the Midwest’s destination for shopping, diningand entertainment. With its unique village setting, largepublic spaces, plazas and abundant free parking, Easton is home to an eclectic assortment of restaurants,exclusive retailers and a 30-screen movie theater. Located at 160 Easton Town Center in Columbus. Askabout the Easton coupon book. Visit eastontowncenter.com.

STAN HYWET HALL AND GARDENS

A family-inspired holiday tradition is at Stan Hywet Hall &Gardens’ Deck the Hall event. More than 800,000 lightsare aglow, music and baking gingerbread fill the air, daz-zle dances in an animated light show spectacular, andnew this season is Gingerbread Land, a sweet winterwonderland just for kids. Nov. 28-Jan. 3. Located at 714N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org.

LODI STATION OUTLETS

This holiday season visit Lodi Station Outlets for familyfun and share a time-honored tradition of visiting withSanta Claus; every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. or meet Sid the Science Kid from PBS Kids onDec. 13 and 14 from noon to 4 p.m. Located at 9911Avon Lake Road, Burbank. Visit lodistation.com.

WINTER BREAK CAMPS AT GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

Looking for winter fun? Sign up for Winter Break Campsat Great Lakes Science Center happening Dec. 22 –Jan. 2. The camps educate and entertain with day-longsessions for grades K-8. Build with LEGO bricks, plan atrip to Mars, construct bridges and more! Call 216-621-2400 or visit greatscience.com.


Cleveland Metroparks Sledding HillsBig Creek Reservation – Memphis Picnic

AreaBrecksville Reservation – Sleepy Hollow

Golf Course, designated fairwaysEuclid Creek Reservation – Kelly Picnic

AreaRocky River Reservation – Sledding hill

north of Barrett Road in BereaRocky River Reservation Golf Course –

Only on designated fairways includingBig Met Golf Course, Little Met GolfCourse, and Mastick Woods Golf Course

South Chagrin Reservation – There is asledding hill off Hawthorn Parkway southof Solon Road near Solon.

Night Lighting Available:Hinckley Reservation –

Sledding hill off State RoadMill Stream Run Reservation

– Pawpaw Picnic AreaNorth Chagrin Reservation –

Old River Farm Picnic Area



Through January 3Deck the Hall, 5-8 p.m. Bring the whole family to enjoy one of Ohio’slargest and most spectacular holiday celebrations. Deck the Hallfeatures a fantastic light show animated to music and (new this year) isGingerbread Land in Playgarden. Stan Hywet Halls & Gardens, 714 N.Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org

Through January 4Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay in Wheeling, W. Va. – This holidaytradition has grown into one of the nation’s largest light shows, coveringmore than 300 acres over a six-mile drive. Viewable Sunday-Thursdayuntil 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. There is noadmission fee to the festival but a per car donation is requested.Oglebay, 800-624-6988, oglebay-resort.com

December 1-21The Polar Express, 7 p.m., matinee offered Saturday and Sundays atnoon. The award-winning book comes to life on this magical journey tothe North Pole and back. Elves will read the story to you on the way tothe North Pole to pick up Santa. While Santa visits each car, elves willlead you and your family in Christmas Carols and spread merriment. Asin the story, everyone is encouraged to wear his or her pajamas on thisspecial journey. All passengers will enjoy hot cocoa and a cookie.Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence and AkronNorthside Station, 27 Ridge St., Akron, 330-439-6163, cvsr.com

December 1-232014 Holiday Traditions, Holly Hall & Chagrin Falls Ornament, Saturdays,Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.Township Hall on historic Main Street will be transformed into Holly Hallfeaturing visits from Santa, cocoa and cookies, caroling, a festival ofmini-trees for silent auction, Santa’s gift shop, along with horse-drawncarriage rides. Free. Chagrin Falls Township Hall, 83 N. Main St., 440-247-0900, chagrin-falls.org

December 1-25Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake, 6-9 p.m. Experience the 2014festival of lights, sights and memorable beauty at Lake Shore Park. In itsninth year, the event has become a family tradition for many. $5 per car.1700 E. 1st St., Ashtabula, 440-993-1051, aclotl.com

Glow – Cleveland Botanical Garden, times vary daily. This winterspectacular is one of Cleveland’s most celebrated holiday traditions.Tickets are $16/non-member adult and $12/non-member child. Free forGarden members. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600,cbgarden.org

December 1-29International Trees & Model Trains Display, open Fridays, 5-9 p.m.Saturdays, 4-9 p.m. and Sundays, 3-7 p.m. International and themedChristmas trees on display. Large model train display includes ninetrains on a multi-track system and four smaller train displays. Free tothe public, donations appreciated. Black River Transportation Center,Black River Lane, Lorain, 440-244-6503, loraingrowth.com

December 1-31Lights on the Lake, 6 p.m. Drive through Lakeview Park to view thetwinkling holiday lights and displays. Lakeview Park, 1800 W. Erie Ave.,Lorain, 440-458-5121, visitloraincounty.com

Holiday Lights, 6-9 p.m. Visit the 1-mile looped trail decorated by localcompanies and organizations with holiday lights and decorations. Enjoysnacks, hot chocolate, games and crafts. Admission is one cannedgood. Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, 440-458-5121, metroparks.cc

Holiday Market, Fridays, 4-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. andSundays, 12-6 p.m. Find unique handmade gifts, including local,independent products and ones from Germany, including hand-blownglass. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-7676,downtownakron.com


Celebrate the Season with Family!Northeast Ohio Parent brings you therundown of this year’s holidayhappenings from around the region.

25 - 33 - Holiday Events_Layout 1 11/24/14 10:27 AM

December 3-20Holiday Tours of the Perkins Stone

Mansion, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Completed in 1837, the Perkins

Stone Mansion was built by Colonel SimonPerkins, son of Akron’s founder General

Simon Perkins. 550 Copley Road, Akron, 330-535-1120,summithistory.org

December 3-23Lake Metroparks Farmpark’s Country Lights – Build a wooden toy inSanta’s Workshop, enjoy a wagon ride through thousands of lights, visitSanta in his sleigh, wander through model train and old-fashioned toydisplays; visit with Farmpark animals and more. Tickets are $10 forages 2 and older. Ages 2 and younger are free (no ticket required). 8800Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

Holiday at Finwood, 6-9 p.m. Visit with Santa, have refreshments, andenjoy the lights and displays. Outside lights will remain on until Jan. 2 atFinwood Estates, 799 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, 440-326-1500,visitloraincounty.com

December 4The May Dugan Center Neighborhood Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5-7 p.m.Festivities include a performance by the Urban Community School

student choir and holiday crafts for children. The ceremony is free andopen to all. 4115 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-5800 ext. 124

Chardon Square Christmas Lighting Ceremony, 6:30-8:30 p.m. MainStreet and the park are decorated for the holiday with a Christmas TreeLighting Ceremony, complete with musical entertainment and a specialvisit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Short Court St., Chardon, 440-285-3519,chardonsquareassociation.org

Peninsula Candlelight Walk, 5-9 p.m. Celebrate the heart of the holidayswith a traditional Candlelight Walk throughout the Village of Peninsula.Shops, organizations, churches, museums and restaurants will greetyou with festive holiday treats, music, special events, goodwill andcheer. Main Street, Peninsula, 330-657-2788, explorepeninsula.com

December 4-6, 11-14, 18-21“The Santaland Diaries,” produced by Cleveland Public Theatre, best-selling author David Sedaris’ story of an out of work actor taking a jobas Crumpet, a Macy’s Christmas elf, in 1989. Tickets start at $30.Outcalt Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., Warehouse District, 216-640-8669,playhousesquare.org

December 5-7Holiday Arts & Crafts Show – This beautiful handcrafted show hasbecome a tradition in Akron for nearly 30 years. The show featuresartisans from across the country as well as locally respected ones.Admission for adults is $4.50; seniors 62+ $4; and children 12 andyounger, free. E.J. Thomas Hall - The University of Akron, 198 Hill St.,Akron, 330-972-7570

December 5-7, 12-14Olmsted Performing Arts’ “The Nutcracker,” times vary. Welcome theholidays with this family-friendly, not-to-be-missed, gem of the season.Tickets begin at $13. 6941 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, 440-235-6722, olmstedperformingarts.com

Short and Sweet Holiday Shop – This year’s shop will again featurehandmade items by local artists and artisans within a two-mile radius ofArt House. Entry is free; items available for sale. Art House Inc., 3119


Is your family looking for

more holiday events to

attend in the region?

Find fun happenings at

NortheastOhioParent.com

throughout the month of

December



Denison Ave., Cleveland, 216-398-8556,arthouseinc.org

December 5, 12, 19An Evening of Holiday Magic – A fantastic way tocelebrate the holidays with family, friends orcolleagues during the holiday season. Bring yourspecial someone for a memorable night out. Orbring the whole office and make “Holiday Magic”your party. Call to reserve your time. Stan HywetHalls & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org

December 5-21“A Christmas Carol,” adapted from the book byCharles Dickens, this is a traditional, yet inventive,telling of the holiday classic is one of the mostcaptivating versions that you’re likely to ever seeon stage. Most enjoyed by families ages 6 and up.Magical Theatre, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave.,Barberton, 330-848-3708, magicaltheatre.org

December 6Holiday Breakfast &Celebration, two seatings:8 and 9:30 a.m. Bringyour little ones to ayummy breakfast and achance to see Santa. The“Decorate Your WaffleBreakfast” is back. Thenvisit with Santa and Mrs.Claus at Medina Funtastic


Toyz. Special gifts for the kids. $10 per person. $1 will be donated per ticket purchased to Feeding Medina County. Tickets mustbe purchased in advance, call 330-725-6830. Miss Molly’s Tea Room, 140 W. Washington St. #6, Medina, missmollys.net

Santa on the Green, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Rotary Club of Hudson brings Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Green. Gazebo Green, N.Main St. (Rt 91), Rt. 303 and Aurora St., Hudson, hudson.oh.us

Elyria Festival of Lights and Holiday Parade, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Arts, crafts,caricatures, an ice sculptor, entertainment, music, giveaways and gifts, aswell as reindeer and/or live holiday petting zoo. The day culminates in thearrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of Ely Square. Ely Square, 131Court St., Elyria, 440-326-1500, cityofelyria.org

Christmas on the Canal, noon-8 p.m. Stroll through the streets ofHistoric Downtown Canal Fulton. Visit Santa Claus, enjoy Christmasshopping, an electric lights parade, tree-lighting ceremony, Christmascaroling, children’s activities, prizes and much more. 125 Tuscarawas St.,Canal Fulton, 330-854-6835, cityofcanalfulton-oh.gov

December 6-7Ballet Theatre of Ohio presents “The Nutcracker,” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This classic hasbecome a treasured holiday tradition for families of all ages. Tickets begin at $22. Akron CivicTheatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com

An Old-Fashioned Williamsburg Christmas Celebration, 3 p.m. Sleigh bell wagon rides, piñata, icesculpture, early games, caroling, make an ornament, gingerbread house contest, Christmas stories,3-5 p.m. at the historic Jefferson Depot Village. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 147E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, 440-812-1100, jeffersondepotvillage.org

December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21Visit Santa in the Wolf Wilderness Lodge, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Souvenir photos will be available for $5 withproceeds going to the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Call 440-572-9990. ClevelandMetroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com

December 6, 13, 20, 21Breakfast with Santa, 11 a.m. Tickets available by calling or during regular rink hours of operation.Walk-up tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-7676, downtownakron.com

December 6-23Holiday Lantern Tours, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a 90-minute, lantern-lit tour of the grounds at Hale Farm.Learn about the historic holiday traditions of the Hale family, enjoy holiday treats and sing Christmascarols in the Meetinghouse. Reservations are required. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road,Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org



December 7Seven Hills Christmas Party & Craft Fair, 10 a.m. A fundraiser for theSalvation Army. Enjoy free cookies and drinks at the children’s party, avisit from Santa, dance exhibits and handmade Christmas arts & crafts.Seven Hills City Recreation Center, 7777 Summitview Drive,Independence, 216-524-4421

Wildwood Cultural Center 35th Holiday Display & Craft Show, 10 a.m.-4p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, purchased refreshments and a hugevariety of fine arts and crafts at this unique holiday show. Set in thegrandeur of the Wildwood Cultural Center, you’ll find many holiday itemsfor sale from over 25 vendors, including wreaths and swags,gingerbreads, live greenery, baked goods, ornaments, stockings andmore. Admission $1. Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little MountainRoad, Mentor, 440-974-5735, cityofmentor.com

Hudson Holiday Walk, noon-5 p.m. First and Main sponsors horse andcarriage rides on the First and Main Green. Hudson merchants will haverefreshments, drawings, giveaways and more. First and Main Green,Hudson, hudson.oh.us

21st Annual Holiday CircleFest - Western Reserve Historical Society,noon-5 p.m. Experience Cleveland’s cultural treasures free of charge.10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, universitycircle.org

December 7, 13, 14, 20, 21Breakfast with Santa and the Animals, 9-11 a.m. This holiday traditionincludes feeding the penguins, visits with Santa, enrichment “presents”for the animals and a gift bag for each child. Enjoy a full breakfastbuffet, live music and decorate sugar cookies to get in the holiday spirit.Akron Zoo, 504 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

December 7, 14, 21Breakfast with Santa at Punderson Manor, 7:30-11 a.m. Treat yourchildren to one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Punderson

Manor. Its famed holiday decorations and Sunday breakfast, serves as abackdrop for creating rich childhood memories. Reservations arerecommended. 11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury, 440-564-9144,pundersonmanorstateparklodge.com

December 11Light up Vermilion for Shopping, 5-9 p.m. All shops and restaurants areopen late and the downtown sparkles with lights. Stop into the MainStreet Office for the annual holiday Open House. Liberty Avenue andMain Street, Vermilion, 440-963-0772, mainstreetvermilion.org

December 12 “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer the Musical,” 7:30 p.m. It’s anadventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be whatmakes you special. Tickets start at $25. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S.Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com

Holiday Gala at The Hickories Museum, 5-8 p.m. Toast the holiday at theLorain County Historical Society’s 1895 seasonally decorated historic



mansion. Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, holiday sweets and music. $27.50per person. Reservations required, call 440-322-3341. HickoriesMuseum, 509 Washington Ave., Elyria, lchs.org

December 12, 13Santa’s Wild Workshop in the Woods, 7-9 p.m. Start a new holidayfamily tradition at Wildwood Cultural Center. See Santa’s live reindeer inan interactive display and don’t forget to bring your camera. Make a toy

in Santa’s workshop with the Wildwood elves. Help Mrs. Claus decoratecookies in the kitchen and stick around for games and a visit from thebig guy himself – Santa Claus. Space is limited so sign up early.Children 2 and under free. 440-974-5735, cityofmentor.com

“A Christmas Cabaret,” Dec. 12 at 8 p.m., Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.This delightful show, featuring Nancy Maier, Scott Posey, Bill Rudmanand Sandra Simon, has become a perennial holiday favorite. $15 adults,

$10 LCCC students with valid ID and childrenages 12 and younger. Stocker Arts Center, 1005N. Abbe Road, Elyria, 440-366-4040,lorainccc.edu

December 13 & 20Polar Express Pajama-ramaBreakfast, 9 a.m.-noon. Addsome sparkle to yourholidays. Take a magicaljourney to the North Polewith your family whilewatching this belovedholiday classic in theOMNIMAX Theater. Kidscan come dressed intheir favorite Christmaspajamas. Enjoy abreakfast buffet and hotcocoa bar. Tickets $27($22 members). Great LakesScience Center, 601 EriesideAve., Cleveland,greatscience.com

December 14Breakfast with Santa,at Metroparks MillStream RunReservation fromCleveland Metroparks,8-11 a.m. Two packages tochoose from: a holiday craftersticket at $18 per person or atoboggan time ticket at $25per person. Both include apancake breakfast, a visitfrom Santa, a craft and aphoto. Toboggan ticket


Continued on page 32


Picture horse-drawn carriage rides, groups of carolers, live reindeer anddancing children here and there. That’s just a sampling of the traditionin downtown Hudson as the city is transformed into a winter wonder-land for the annual Hudson Holiday Walk. Taking place Sunday, December 7 from noon to 5 p.m., the Members ofthe Merchants of Hudson will showcase their businesses with an arrayof holiday specials, food and beverage samples and a few holiday sur-prises as well.Covering every nook and cranny of downtown Hudson including MainStreet, First & Main, Acme Plaza, Evaporator Works and more, theHoliday Walk has something for everyone. Activities include a live nativ-ity scene on the Clocktower Green, the Western Reserve CommunityBand making appearances throughout town, the Summit County GirlScout troops caroling at 2 p.m. on the First & Main Green and the allnew Kids Corner on First Street complete with crafts, kids entertainmentand a hot cocoa creations bar! Rumor has it that the jolly old man himself will also be making a visitalongside his elves at Epiphany (11:00 a.m.), the Hudson Visitor Center(1:30 p.m.) and Caffe Gasperi (4 p.m.) for those that desire a little moreone on one time with the big guy! But amongst all of the fun and frolicking, Hudson merchants are puttinga very serious emphasis on giving back this Holiday Season. From thegiving trees in local businesses to collecting food, coats and bedding forkids as well as pet food for the local animal shelter – the main focus isclear – by working together, we can all give back to those less fortunatethis holiday season.

One of the many charitable efforts will be First & Main’s partnershipwith the Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism, (NEOPAT), whichworks diligently to enhance the support systems available to local mili-tary personnel and their families.

The public is invited to join in as First & Main and NEOPAT "Stuff theHumvee" on Sunday, December 7 from 1:00 -5:00 p.m. on the First &Main Green during the Hudson Holiday Walk. Drop off new, unwrappedtoys, meet some of our local service men and women and receive aspecial gift for your support. Can't make it to the Holiday Walk? Dropyour new, unwrapped toys at Chico's, located at 91 First Street, anytimebetween now and December 7 and receive an additional 10% off yourpurchase on top of current promotions!

We hope all of you will join us in brightening theholidays for those that provide the ultimate sacri-fice and start a new tradition of your own thisholiday season.

For more details on Holiday Happenings inHudson, visit www.firstandmainhudson.comor www.merchantsofhudson.com. TO learnmore about NEOPAT, please visitwww.neopat.org.


Hudson Merchants – Working Together To Provide Holiday Cheer & Hope


includes unlimited rides 8-11 a.m. Call440-572-9990. 16200 Valley Parkway,Strongsville, cleveland metroparks.com

December 15Jingle Bell Jam, 6-6:45 p.m. Jingle all theway to the gallery for a holiday sing-along with Miss Misty and her guitar. Itwon’t be a “silent night” so be ready to

shake your mistletoe and shout withglee. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, 440-933-8128, alpl.org

December 17Christmas Roller Skating Party,6:30-8:30 p.m. Santa Clauswill be there to celebrate theseason with games, rafflesand prizes. Skater’s admission

is $5 and skate rental isavailable for $2. Mentor Skateland,

5615 Andrews Road, Mentor on the Lake,440-257-3631, mentorskateland.com

December 19Holiday Kick-Off Party with Santa, 6-9 p.m. Celebrate

the spirit of the season by bringing a non-perishable fooditem to be donated to a local food bank or animal shelter and receive a$1 off toboggan admission, and receive an ornament to place on theChalet’s community holiday tree. Chalet in Cleveland Metroparks MillStream Run Reservation, 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville, 440-572-9990, clevelandmetroparks.com

December 2035th Annual Tuba Christmas, noon. Akron’s beloved holiday traditionreturns for its 35th year conducted by founder Tucker Jolly. E.J. ThomasHall - The University of Akron 198 Hill St, Akron, 330-972-7570.

December 21Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dress for the weatherand help bring some light into the longest night of the year on thisevening walk. Explore roots of our modern holiday celebrations derivedfrom ancient traditions associated with the winter solstice and enjoy hotbeverages and traditional holiday music by the accomplished PilgrimBrass Choir and its sing-along opportunities inside the Nature Center.The West Woods, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon, 440-286-9516,geaugaparkdistrict.org

December 26Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. The album’s (and stageproduction’s) narrative begins on Christmas Eve, when a young girl’scuriosity leads her to a night of mischief and magic. Tickets start at$32.50. Quicken Loans Arena, 1 Center Court Cleveland, theqarena.com

December 26-30December Days at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Whetheryou prefer the warmth of the tropics or an invigorating chill, you’re sureto enjoy Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s December Days. Enjoy specialseasonal activities including holiday crafts, live music, cookie decoratingand more. Free with zoo admission. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com

December 26 through January 136th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, 7-8 p.m. It is a tradition of thenonprofit organization FCII of Ohio to invite people to learn and tocelebrate Kwanzaa. A major element of the ceremonies includesupholding the seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, of Kwanzaa: unity, self-




determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperativeeconomics, purpose, creativity and faith. Kanisa House, 142 ClevelandSt., Elyria, 440-366-3244, fciiohio.org

December 31 Noon Year’s Eve at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Festivitiesinclude kid-friendly activities the whole family can enjoy. Watch a crewof charismatic critters in a special Noon Year’s Eve Wild Animal Show.Make New Year’s ReZOOlutions and an eco-friendly craft. Otheractivities include music, dancing, an ice-carving demonstration,costumed characters and more. Zoo Admission includes event activities.3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com

New Year’s Celebration, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Crafts, activities andrefreshments will help us ring in the New Year. Take a hike while you’rethere, then warm up by the campfire. Marshmallows are provided. F.A.Seiberling Nature Realm / Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, 330-865-8065

Toast to the Town, New Year’s Eve Gala, 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $15 perperson and include food, beverages, silent auctions, live music, carouselrides and a great time. Merry Go Round Museum, 301 Jackson St.,Sandusky, 419-626-6111, merrygoroundmuseum.org


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34 - 37 - Kristi Capel_Layout 1 11/24/14 10:35 AM


First-time parents KristiCapel, a co-anchor at Fox8 News in the Morning,and her husband, Hal, areexperiencing joyous timeswith their 1-year-olddaughter Kyndal. Kristishares with us a little bitabout parenthood andstaying trendy as a newmom.

Local Ties

Kristi’s love of television began as ayoung girl when she appeared on hergrandparents’ Christian televisionshow called “Heartbeat” in North Carolina. On the show, she would beallowed sing or perform.

Her family eventually moved tonorthern Kentucky, near Cincinnati,and, upon high school graduation, shedecided to enroll in Evangel Universityin Springfield, Mo., where she playedvolleyball while earning a broadcastingand communications degree.

That’s where she met Hal, who attended the same university. He askedher to go on a date one Valentine’s Day.They were married in 2007.

After graduation and her time as“Miss Missouri USA” in 2006, sheworked as a broadcaster for local stations in Missouri and then eventu-ally Pennsylvania.

Kristi and Hal moved to Cleveland in2011 from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., whereshe was a meteorologist. While this isher first move to the Northeast Ohio

area, it doesn’t mean her family wasunfamiliar with the region.

She says her dad grew up in Bedford,where her grandparents owned Capel’sCountry Corner.

“I didn’t get to know (my grandpar-ents) very well, because they passedaway when I was young,” she says. “It’skind of fun that (I can) work in a citywhere (my) family lived.”

She notes many viewers have calledin since learning about the connectionand have shared stories about hergrandparents, which she loves becauseit makes her feel closer to them.

New Routines

When Kristi and Hal were thinkingabout starting a family, Kristi saysthere were some decisions to make.

Photo by Mia Powe


“I needed to figure out what’s impor-tant, and not only my career is impor-tant, (but also) my family life.”

Kyndal was born Sept. 1, 2013. Kristisays Hal named their daughter.

“The expectation I had as a mom is amillion times better than what I everthought being a mom would be. Thefirst second when you see your child,your whole life and perspectivechange. You can’t explain how muchyou love your child.”

Kristi has had a great support sys-tem, not just with Hal, but her parents.

“My mother always has great advicewhen I have questions or I am stressedout about something, “ Kristi says.“(She is a big support) not only withKyndal, but also with my entire life. Mymom is my best friend too.”

New Parents, New Routines

As new parents, sticking to the oldroutine is not an option as life be-comes known as “after baby.” This isno different for Kristi and Hal, who hadto figure out what best fits their sched-ules.

“We have a great schedule, and itworks for us,” Kristi says. “I realized(during her maternity leave) being astay-at-home mom is the hardest jobin the world.”

With her schedule, which meanswaking up daily at 2 a.m. to get readyto be on air at 4:30 a.m., she and Haldefinitely have to work together.

“It’s such a joy to watch Hal withKyndal,” Kristi says. She remembersfondly how she would come home afterwork and Hal would look like he’d justrun a marathon from playing with Kyndal all day.

Coming home for Kristi means thatHal, a life insurance broker, is oftengetting ready to go to work, but not before she takes a little nap.


CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH KRISTI CAPEL FROM FOX 8

The fun news team of Fox 8 did a little work with Photoshop to createthis photo of Kristi Capel’s daughter Kyndal working with mom.



“Naps are very important when youget up at 2 a.m.,” she says. “I have totake that quick nap so I can have funwith Kyndal for the rest of the day.”

The family has fun going on outingsto area parks, pumpkin patches andCleveland Indians, Browns and Cavsgames.

The family also does a lot of readingwith Kyndal, who favors animal books,particularly “Animal Babies” by AndreaPinnington and Tory Gordon-Harris.

Staying Hip as a Mom

Being a fashionable mom doesn’t haveto be difficult.

“When you look great, you feelgreat,” Kristi says about keeping up-to-date. “Even though you are mom,you can still have fun and still dressup.”

The one habit she has kept after giv-ing birth to Kyndal is her workout rou-tine.

“I was an athlete my entire life. Forme to continue to workout is normal,”Kristi says.

She adds, however, that she didn’trealize it was going to be as hard as itwas to drop the baby weight and it tooka little extra effort. She had to get seri-ous about running or doing cardio.

She also notes how having a childtakes away a lot of your “me” time —including those “before baby” shoppingtrips and primping times. “Thingschange when you have kids,” she says.

She tells us how Fox 8 News coordi-nates what the anchors wear everyday. (For example, on the day we inter-viewed Kristi, the team was dressed inpurple for Cancer Awareness Day.)

“I use to have all this free time toshop,” Kristi says. “I didn’t have thatmany clothes or color (choices) so Iwould go shopping at Crocker Parkand buy something to wear for the nextday. That hasn’t happened in 14months since Kyndal came. At thesame time, when you become a mom,it doesn’t mean you have to throwaway your style. It (just) might beharder to fit it in. Don’t let your fashiongo to the wayside.”

Plus, Kristi notes her new joy is alsoshopping for Kyndal — and her daughter is already learning how toshop from mom.

Celebrating the Season

Kristi Capel says she’s excitedfor 1-year-old daughter Kyndalto visit with family and cousinsthis year.

“This year she will start tounderstand more,” Kristi says.“She loves looking at the trees,lights and Christmas orna-ments. The little things willmean so much (for her) be-cause she didn’t understandlast year.”

However, Kristi says visitingSanta might be a differentstory.

“She doesn’t do well with facial hair,” she says. “Santawill be a little bit rough, but wewill try it.”

When the big guy in the redsuit does pay a visit, however,Kristi says the hope is for somenew books, toys for Kyndal’skitchen playset and a NabiTablet.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH KRISTI CAPEL FROM FOX 8

Photo by Mia Powe


You’re in the checkout lineat the store and Junior decides he wants a candybar. He wants it now. Despite every attempt fora calm and preferablyquiet solution, a tantrumensues.

“I’ve totally given in so I’m not ‘that’mom,” says Mindy Alt, a stay-at-homemother of two from Medina. “I’ve alsocarried kids screaming and cryingfrom stores. I’ve caused that scenetoo.”

The truth is, we’ve all been there:red-faced and frustrated wavering between standing firm and quietlywhispering threats in little Junior’s ear.

So let’s take a look at these five discipline approaches — both goodand bad. As parents, we often fall intoone or more of these categories whenfaced with frustration.

The Pushover

Welcome: the Pushover, aka “Take thecandy bar and stop screaming, honey,”you say, through a fake smile andclenched jaw in a voice about two octaves higher than normal.

Sometimes, it’s just easier to give upand give in. Unfortunately, what’s easyin the short term breeds more prob-lems down the road.

“It is not teaching the child to beable to handle situations that do not gotheir way,” says Erica Bennett, a licensed professional counselor whosees clients at Northern Ohio MedicalSpecialists (NOMS) in Sandusky. “Especially in situations with otherchildren or with different authority figures.”

The Redirector

Introducing: The Redirector, aka“Look, something shiny!”

“Maybe I don’t give them the exactthing they are whining for — like if theyare begging and begging for a candybar, I might (give them) mints instead,”

Alt says. “Redirection works reallywell, especially when they’re younger.”

Akron-area mom and school psy-chologist Heidi Goik agrees.

“I use redirection when it's not asbig of a deal and I need her to rerouteherself,” she says of her 2-year-old.

For those times when it is a majoroffense, Goik and Alt both employ an-other popular discipline techniquesuch as the Time Out.

Time-Out Mom

Cue: the Time-Out, aka “Mommyneeds a break.”

If it were only that simple.This method is one where self-disci-

pline is key.After a warning,

Goik sits herdaughter down in atime-out chair andexplains what shehas done wrong.After two minutes,she again explainsthe infraction andasks for an apology.

“I keep the

WHICH DISCIPLINE STYLE ARE YOU?

By Angela Zam

Experts and local moms weigh in on how parents handle these five

approaches to kids’ behavior.


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language really simple,” she says, noting a phrase sheuses, “You hurt my feelings because you did this.’’ Then,she says, “once the punishment is over, it’s over.”

Goik follows these steps, exactly, every time.While sometimes that’s hard to stick to, Bennett says it’s

definitely worth it.“For parents, following through on what you say is very

important because if you want the child to be consistentwith good behaviors it is helpful to be consistent in correct-ing them,” she says.

For Alt, this method has definitely been a learning process,but she adds that it really is effective — that is, if you canmake it through a freak-out without freaking out yourself.

“Sometimes you just have to let them work out whateverscreaming fit they need to have,” she says. “And I have towalk away, pretty far away, and keep myself busy.”

The key — don’t have a screaming fit yourself.

The Yeller

Meet: The Yeller, aka “IT FEELS REALLY GOOD TO LET OUTMY FRUSTRATIONS IN THIS SUPER LOUD VOICE!”

In the end, screaming into a pillow mightsuffice and have just as much impact.

“Most of the time when par-ents yell, the child doesnot seem to be listeningto what they are sayingand they get defensive andyell back at them,” Bennettsays.

Sometimes, it does feellike the only option.

“There’s stuff flyingthrough the air, the dogstarts barking, the phone isringing,” Alt says. “Some-times you’ve just hit the ‘I can’t take it anymore’ stage.”

You let ’er rip and then the guilt ensues.“They are shocked and scared, then I feel terrible,” Alt

says.“I have seen it be much more beneficial for parents to

focus on the behaviors they would like to see from theirchildren more so than focusing on the behaviors that theyare doing wrong,” Bennett says.

Though rewards for good behavior can come in the formof material items, other options include having a friendover, a special one-on-one activity with a parent or a simplepat on the back.

The Referee

Meet: The Referee: whether it’s over a toy, the TV or timeon the computer, it often falls to parents to break up fights.

If you find yourself stuck in this role more times that you’dlike, Alt suggests her tried-and-true timer method. Sheuses her cell phone and sets limits for things like time witha toy or cleanup. It lets her off the hook and makes theclock the bad guy.

Goik says she often advises parents and teachers imple-ment some planned ignoring of bad behaviors but is quickto point out this method should be reserved for little annoy-ing things and not for anything that could be considered asafety threat.

In addition, she reminds parents to plan quality time withtheir kids.

“Sometimes you forget to squeeze that in, but having it intheir daily schedule should help,” she says. “Most times,kids just want attention.

38 - 39 - Ages and Stages_Layout 1 11/24/14 10:36 AM


Mathematics

Incan Gold.

Player “adven-turers” explorean Incan templefor treasure. Ineach of five

rounds, they secretly choose to eithercontinue exploring for treasure, riskingdangers that will take it all away, orreturn safely to camp with their shareof the treasure. The game comes withcards and small tokens representingthe treasures. It teaches basic mathskills, as the players have to divide thetreasure each round. No reading re-quired. List price $25.99.

King of Tokyo takesthe gameplay ofYahtzee, adds layersof strategy and tops itoff with a theme ofmonsters attacking

Tokyo. Players count and strategize asthey take turns rolling six dice, thendeciding whether to score victorypoints, gain energy for special powercards, heal their monster or attack theother monsters. The “bravest” playersoccupy Tokyo to earn extra victorypoints. The winner is the player whosurvives or the first player to accumu-late 20 victory points. List price $39.99.

Spatial Reasoning

Tsuro. A beautifullyillustrated gamewhere players lay tilesin front of their coloredtokens to lay a path,and each tile has

unique patterns oftwisting lines. The goal is to keep thetoken on the board and players areeliminated when their token goes tothe edge of the board or collides withanother player. As the board fills withtiles, it becomes harder to control yourtoken, because the empty spacesdwindle and other player tiles maytake your token in unexpected direc-tions. The simple gameplay will delightyounger players, while older childrenand adults enjoy the layers of strategy.List price $30.

Indigo takes thesame game me-chanic as Tsuro andadds strategy anddepth. Playersplace tiles (with

twisting lines) to lay paths, allowingthem to move gemstones from startinglocations on the board into their ownscoring areas at the edge of the board.On a turn, each player has to place arandomly chosen tile onto the board,hoping to score gemstones for them-selves while blocking their opponents.

By Chuck Mitchell

Kids love board games. They are fun. They tell stories. They introduce new challengesand let players try out new roles. They teach life skills – math, reasoning, prediction,negotiation and more. Best of all, they make family memories for a lifetime.

We all know the classics, from Monopoly to Clue to Life, but the board game industryhas exploded over the past 20 years, and those willing to do a little digging can find awealth of new opportunities for family fun.

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Players score 3 points for indigo gems, 2 for green and 1 foryellow, and when all gems are off the board, the player withthe most points wins. List price $35.99.

Critical Thinking

Catan: Junior. Designed to giveplayers as young as age 5 an intro-duction to the Settlers of Catangame series. Players explore thehigh seas and the first player to con-trol seven pirate hideouts wins. Theboard has a ring of islands, and eachplayer starts with two pirate hide-

outs on different islands. Each island generates a specificresource (wood, goats, molasses or swords). Players usethe resources from their islands and from die rolls to growand expand. List price $30.

Ticket to Ride. An elegant, modernclassic — easy to learn, fun to play anddifficult to master. Players collectcards showing colored trains, and thenuse the cards to claim railway routeson the board map. Longer routes earnmore points, and the biggest points

come from finishing your destination tickets (goal cards toconnect two cities). Each turn, players have to make a diffi-cult choice. Should I draw train cards, claim a route or drawmore destination tickets? The base game is a North Ameri-can map, a 10th anniversary special edition was releasedthis year, and there have been many spin-offs with newmaps and rules. List price $50.

Cooperative

Cooperative games are essentially puzzles for a group tosolve, and the players all win together or lose together.

Max. A beautiful way to introduceyour younger child to cooperation, rea-soning and planning. There are four an-imals in the game. All the players workto get a bird, a mouse and a chipmunksafely to their tree home at the end ofthe gameboard path. The tomcat “Max”is a natural hunter who chases the

other animals. All the animals move based on random dicerolls, which give the players a chance to discuss optionsabout which animals to move. Special “cat treats” to slowdown Max and “shortcuts” for the other animals add to thefun and strategy. List price $15.99.

Forbidden Desert. A two- to five-playercooperative game that takes place in amythical desert city. Players work togetherto recover a legendary flying machine andfly away before the desert sands grow toohigh or they run out of water. Game players

use special powers, coordinate with teammates and employevery available resource to deal with an ever-shifting board.List price $24.99.

Never be “bored” again. Here’s a list of games

that will entertain the whole family:

All Ages — No Thanks, Sushi Go, Dixit, Formula D,Tokaido, Jamaica, TimeLine, Love Letter, Hey That’sMy Fish, Qwirkle, Survive, For Sale

Cooperative — Mice and Mystics, Hanabi, CastlePanic

Other — Carcassonne or The Kids of C, A La Carte,Robo Rally, Settlers of Catan, Zooloretto, MonsterFactory, Takenoko, Tobago


FAMILY GAME NIGHT

ADDITIONAL GAME PLAY

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While just a short trip from the bustlingcity of Cleveland, a visit to the quaint,picturesque village of Chagrin Falls feelslike a journey back in time. It’s a placewhere strangers still smile and say hello,neighbors know each other by name andfamilies walk to town. Chagrin is acommunity where children meet for icecream after school, shoppers patronizelocally owned boutiques and a horse-drawn carriage trots past.

This city’s rich history begins in the mid-1800s whensettlers from New England utilized the strong current of theChagrin River and the “High Falls” to power mills andfactories. Today the houses and shops look surprisinglysimilar to how they did then. But, the streets (some still madeof bricks), which once echoed the clip-clop of horses pullingwagons, now reflect the laughter of busy families. ChagrinFalls offers endless opportunities year-round for memorablefamily adventures.

WinterHoliday Traditions — Each year on the Friday after

Thanksgiving, locals meet at Triangle Park to sing carols andawait the lighting of the tree. Visit “Holly Hall” for photos withSanta. Then cuddle under a blanket as you travel throughtown in a horse-drawn carriage, taking in the glow of holiday

lights and fragrant greens adorning every block. Rides arefree on Sundays in December in front of Dazzle. Warm up witha hot chocolate at The Popcorn Shop on Main Street and walkthrough the village to view the festive window displays. Stop inFireside Book Shop for gift ideas for the kids. The third floorfeatures children’s classics as well as popular toys, gamesand crafts.

Sledding — The South ChagrinReservation of the ClevelandMetroparks features a sleddinghill for kids of all ages. Park atChagrin River Road and SulphurSprings Drive. On occasion, acampfire burns at the top of thehill to help sledders stay warm.

SpringEaster Egg Hunt — The annual

egg hunt is held at RiversidePark. Every child exchanges theeggs they’ve collected for agenerous bag of candy. Don’tforget to bring your basket.

Blossom Time Festival — Asthe snow finally melts and icy branches surrender to thecolorful flowers of springtime, the anticipation of the ChagrinFalls Blossom Time Festival also blooms. Every May, localseagerly await the arrival of the carnival in Riverside Park, theBalloon Glow at the high school, the kids race and the paradedown East Washington Street where they collect candy fromthe floats.

Article and photography by

Ashley Weingart

44 - 47 - Community Focus Chagrin Falls 11/24/14 10:40 AM

Summer

Picnic & Play — VisitChagrin Falls Riverside Parkplayground and feed theducks. Bring a picnic to eat bythe river. Then cool off with anice cream cone at the famousPopcorn Shop or Jeni’s.Afterward, travel down the adjacent staircase to view theroaring waterfall from which this village was born. For aunique view, follow the stone stairs down to the water. OnThursdays, stick around for a concertin Triangle Park where the kids oftendance to the music.

July 4th Bike Parade — OnIndependence Day, families gather atTriangle Park for a bike parade.Children can decorate their bicycles atMountain Road Cycles the day before.A short ride circles through residentialstreets. A patriotic tribute to our country follows.

Hike & River Walk — Chagrin Falls is surrounded by acresof scenic forests, meandering creeks and hidden waterfalls.Local parks offer outdoor adventure, helping instill anappreciation of nature in our children. Whitesburg Park onHigh Street features a catch-and-release fishing pond. TheSouth Chagrin Reservation has a paved walking path thatbegins at Chagrin River and Miles roads.

If you’re up for more adventure, leave the stroller behindand pack your hiking boots and water shoes. Park at Sulphur

Springs, Squaw Rock, The SleddingHill, Jackson Field or The Polo Field,strap on the kids’ rain boots and headfor a river walk. The kids will loveskipping rocks, balancing on fallentrees, hunting for wildflowers anddiscovering wildlife.

FallArts Programs — Chagrin Falls is a hub of enrichment

programs for children. The Chagrin Valley Little Theatreoffers youth acting classes for kids grades 1-12. The ValleyArt Center provides courses in pottery, drawing, painting,jewelry design and more. Chagrin Falls Kuk Sul Do Academyand En Pointe Danse offer training in martial arts and dance,respectively.

Trick-or-Treat — The close proximity of the homes in thevillage makes it the perfect place for trick-or-treating. Whilesome go all out creating sublimely scary abodes, most keepthings just spooky enough to delight young children.

Chagrin Valley Roller Rink — Roller skating has been apopular activity here since the craze began in the 1870s.Today, families enjoy the pastime at the Chagrin Valley RollerRink at 7151 S. Main St.

No matter the season, Chagrin Falls offers unlimitedpossibilities for family fun.



Music Together of the Chagrin ValleyAn innovative music and movement program for newborns tochildren age 5 and their parents or caregivers, which isbased on the belief that all children are inherently musical.

The classes are fun, spirited and developmentallyappropriate. The children sing, dance and play freely becausethey know the songs from the recording and songbook thatthey take home. They explore instruments, create rhythmpatterns and develop basic music competence in a fun-filledsetting for 45 minutes a week in each 10-week family

session. Contact Anne Murphy at 440-543-5025 or visitMusicTogether4Kids.com to join a class in ChagrinFalls/Bainbridge and Shaker Heights.

A Victorian Christmas Open HouseAdd a delightful afternoon to your Christmas celebrations onSaturday, Dec. 13, 2-4 p.m. The museum (21 Walnut St.,Chagrin Falls) will be dressed in its Christmas finery andthere will be cookies, hors d’oeuvres, eggnog and othertreats. For shopping, Christmas cards, books and note cardswill be available for purchase. Harpist Gina Muhl will play.

Visit chagrinhistorical.org.

NaturepedicCrib safety goes beyond wood and bolts. It requires a non-toxic crib mattress as well. Naturepedic provides safer andhealthier mattresses and bedding. In particular, a morenatural and organic baby crib mattress is the first steptoward a healthy crib environment for your baby.

Naturepedic, based in Chagrin Falls, has retail storesacross the county. Visit naturepedic.com or call 800-917-3342.

Chagrin Valley Little TheatreThis historic theatre in downtown Chagrin Falls is a non-profit organization that brings the arts to the city.

For the holidays, the theatre continues its holiday traditionof a big, family-friendly musical with “Oliver!” which runsthrough Dec. 14 on CVLT’s Main Stage. The cast of 50includes many local families from across the Northeast Ohioarea. The theatre not only puts on a variety of shows, it alsois committed to teaching grades 1-12 through its actingclasses. For more information or tickets, visit 40 River St.,Chagrin Falls or cvlt.org, or call 440-247-8955.

Womb Wellness Center The Womb Wellness Center opened in the spring of 2013 byJolynn Radin, a licensed massage therapist and birth doula,after returning to her Cleveland roots. The center is amassage and birth studio.

It’s place for women to come to take care of themselves,recharge, heal and grow. They offer therapeutic massageand bodywork for mothers and women of all ages, doulaservices, belly binding and wellness workshops. The WombWellness Center is located at 30539 Pinetree Road, Office236, Pepper Pike.

Dazzle Looking for another place where the young lady in your lifecan shine? Dazzle, based in Chagrin Falls, is a storespecifically for young girls. From clothes to room décor,there’s plenty that will appeal to girls ages 4 to 14.

The store also has a party room, where the Dazzle staffhandles all the details of your celebration. Located at 42Shopping Plaza, Chagrin Falls. Call 440-247-4858 or visitdazzlechagrin.com.

& City Notes




As parents of two daughters, arambunctious 3-year-old and an infantborn just this past September, myhusband Kevin and I quickly learnedhow finding time for ourselves as acouple has become more and morechallenging. As our five-year weddinganniversary approached in November,we decided that the best way tocelebrate it was indulging in some “us”time. We would renew our vows at thevery place it all began — in ChagrinFalls.

Kevin proposed to me in September2008 on a park bench right in front ofthe beautiful waterfalls. He patientlywaited for me to finish my ice creamcone from The Popcorn Shop (53 N.Main St.) before getting down on oneknee and asking me to marry him. Wespent the night listening and dancing tolive music at the Greenville Inn (7150Pine St.) with our families that evening.This location also stood as thebackdrop for our engagement photos.So, it only made sense that our vowrenewal took place in front of that verybench.

We were blessed to have the big

dream wedding fiveyears ago, however,this vow experiencewas different. OurFriday morning, 10-minute ceremonyincluded just thetwo of us, standingin front of ourofficiant. We didn’t

let our families know about our vowrenewal until after the fact. It was coldand snow began to fall, but I couldn’thave imagined a more picturesquemoment. The water was tranquil andthe leaves were vibrant in color. Friendlypassersby excitedly shouted“Congratulations!” but our eyes neverbroke contact with each other. It felt asif time froze for us — I’m pretty sure itwasn’t the result of that snow.

After the ceremony, we snappedsome pictures with our camera phonesand walked over to Fresh Start Diner (16N. Main St.). As we enjoyed breakfast(you can’t beat a $2.50 pancake that’sbigger than the size of your head), wereminisced about all of the time we’vespent together in Chagrin Falls.Whether it was dinner at Rick’s Café (86N. Main St.) or our yearly visit to theBlossom Time Festival every MemorialDay weekend, we’ve always enjoyed ourvisits. We’ve also had many miniaturegolf challenges at The Golf Dome (8198Washington St.) and an occasionalmovie night at Chagrin Cinemas (8200E. Washington St.). The quaint feel ofthe town is what keeps bringing usback.

We are so thrilled that we can sharethese great memories with our childrenwhile creating news ones in such a

special place. Ourfirst daughter’s one-year photo sessiontook place by that park bench. Oursecond daughter’s one-year photosession will follow suit. We look soforward to the many ice cream cones,carnival rides and shopping ventureswe will experience with our growingfamily. And — to think it all started witha question, in the park, at a bench inChagrin Falls.

Renewing Love at the Falls by Tarah King



CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Through December 23Mr. Kringle & Company return tocelebrate their eighth season withall new surprises and activities.This unique set of attractionscombines interactive theatricalentertainment, a Santa photoopportunity, educational activitiesand shopping into oneunforgettable family outing. TowerCity Center, 230 W. Huron Road,Cleveland, towercitycenter.com

Through December 24 Great Lakes Science Center SantaHouse – Put your wish listtogether and come visit Santa andhis friends at the Santa House,located in the East Park, betweenCheesecake Factory and Vieng’sAsian Bistro. Hours: Monday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m.; Sunday,noon-6 p.m. Christmas Eve: noon-

5 p.m. Crocker Park, 228 MarketSt., Westlake, crockerpark.com

Holiday Weekends at Eton ChagrinBoulevard, 1-4 p.m. Activitieshappen each weekend thisholiday season inside the mall.From card making, to cookingdemos. Dec. 6: Holiday SweetTreats; Dec. 14: Holiday PaperCrafting; Dec. 20: Letters toSanta, Holiday Crafts and CocoaCreations Stations. 28601 ChagrinBlvd., Woodmere,etonchagrinblvd.com

December 1All the Arts Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Kids in grades K-5 will enjoyhands-on arts explorations indance, music, visual arts andtheatre. Cost: $45/camper; BeforeCamp Care available, 8-9 a.m. for

$6 per camper. Fine ArtsAssociation, 38660 Mentor Ave.,Willoughby, 440-951-7500,fineartsassociation.org

December 1-31Lock 3 Ice Skating – The 10,000-square-foot ice rink is the largestseasonal skating venue in Ohio.Skate rental is $3. Strap-onskates for toddlers are free whenavailable. Admission is free if youhave your own skates. Visitlock3live.com for daily skatetimes. Lock 3, Main Street,Downtown Akron, 330-375-2877

December 2Polar Express at the Library, 6:45-7:45 p.m. Families can join forstories, songs and fun activities.Please register. Garfield HeightsBranch Library, 5409 TurneyRoad, Garfield Heights, 216-475-8178, cuyahogalibrary.org

Ringing in the Season, 7-8:30p.m. Sing along with the GarfieldMemorial UMC Handbell Choir fora program of sacred and secularholiday songs and history. SolonBranch Library, 34125 PortzParkway, Solon, 440-248-8777,cuyahogalibrary.org

December 3Lighten Your Load with Laughter,7-8:30 p.m. Carol Bailey Floyd,founder of the Laughing Club ofNortheast Ohio, will discuss thebenefits of laughter and lead thegroup through exercisesguaranteed to provoke happiness.Twinsburg Public Library, 10050Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, 330-425-4268,twinsburglibrary.org

December 4Creative Playdate: WinterWonderland, 11:15 a.m.-12:30p.m. Explore the elements of art innature outdoors on the museum’sterrace; have fun building coloredice sculptures, painting frozenfootprints and creatingmasterpieces. For children 0-5and their grown-ups. Registrationrequired. Akron Art Museum, 1 S.High St., Akron, 330-376-9185,akronartmuseum.org

Local Author Event:Communicating with Animals, 7-8:30 p.m. Three local authorsdiscuss their animal-relatedworks. Coventry Village BranchLibrary, 1925 Coventry Road,Cleveland Heights, 216-321-3400, heightslibrary.org

Trunk Show at the Akron Zoo, 4-7:30 p.m. Stop by booths of localvendors and artists and shop inthe zoo’s Gift Shop for all yourholiday needs. Note: the entire zoois not open, just the WelcomeCenter and Gift Shop. Akron Zoo,504 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

December 5Family Full Moon Walk, 6:30-7:45p.m. Join a naturalist and take afamily-friendly stroll under thelight of the moon. Dress for theweather. Cancelled in the event ofrain. 26899 Cedar Road,Lyndhurst, 440-473-3370,clevelandmetroparks.com

December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13Aladdin Jr. & Sleeping Beauty, 7:30 p.m. All of your favorite char-acters from the Disney films are

December 5-21Shows are Fridays through Sundays, 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. Enjoy WillyWonka’s magical world of chocolate dreams, featuring your favoritesongs from the classic film. $15/children ages 10 and under;$23/seniors and students ages 11 and up; $25/adults. Fine ArtsAssociation, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org

Willy Wonka

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here in this musical adventurefilled with magic, mayhem andflying carpet rides. Olde TowneHall Theatre, 36119 Center RidgeRoad, North Ridgeville, 440-327-2909, oldetownehalltheatre.com

December 6A Christmas Story 5K/10K Run, 9a.m. Runners and walkers alikecan join in the fun and dress astheir favorite movie characters asthey visit filming locations fromthe movie “A Christmas Story.”The house and museum are openyear round. 3159 W. 11th St.,Cleveland, 216-298-4919,achristmasstoryhouse.com

December 6-7Old Fashioned Holiday, Saturday,3-8 p.m. and Sunday, 2-6 p.m.Step back in time at this fun-filledevent, which brings pioneerholiday festivities to life throughan engaging re-enactment in theBenjamin Bacon House. CarriageBarn, 51211 North Ridge Road,Vermillion, 440-967-7310,metroparks.cc

December 6 & 13Kids Winter Fun Day, 10 a.m.-3p.m. Parents, need a few extrahours to finish shopping,wrapping or baking? Then, thisFun Day is for you. Drop offchildren ages 5-12 at any time fora day of fun activities. OberlinDepot, 240 S. Main St., Oberlin,440-774-1700,visitloraincounty.com

December 6, 13, 20Holiday Fun Ceramics Workshop,

1-2 pm, Children ages 4-8 cancreate an array of fun holiday-themed projects. Suppliesincluded in fee. Cost:$33/participant. Fine ArtsAssociation, 38660 Mentor Ave.,Willoughby, 440-951-7500,fineartsassociation.org

December 7Christmas in the Alpaca Barn, 11a.m.-4 p.m. Come enjoy an up-close and personal look at thesepeaceful creatures. Learn how thealpacas live, their temperamentand what they eat. Our LittleWorld Alpacas, 16800 CowleyRoad, Grafton, 440-477-4300,ourlittleworldalpacas.com

Caring Santa at Summit Mall, 10a.m.-9 p.m. Caring Santa providesa subdued and welcomingenvironment for children withspecial needs and their families tovisit Santa. 3265 W. Market St,Fairlawn, 330-867-6997,simon.com

Family Day: Island of Misfit Toys,11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Construct yourown one-of-a-kind sculpture bybashing old toys into bits andpieces, then build using doll arms,truck wheels and googly eyes. Inplace of a fee for this event,please bring one new, unwrappedtoy for Toys for Tots. Registrationrequired. Akron Art Museum, 1 S.High St., Akron, 330-376-9185,akronartmuseum.org

Shaker Historical Society HolidayOpen House, 3-5 p.m. Free andopen to the public, enjoy sweets

and savories, nibbles and bits. Beserenaded by Nightingale andenjoy the museum’s exhibits.16740 S. Park Blvd., ShakerHeights, 216-921-1201,shakerhistoricalsociety.org

December 8Holiday Puppet Show, 7-7:45 p.m.Presented by Nancy Sander.Registration required. BereaBranch Library, 7 BereaCommons, Berea, 440-234-5475,cuyahogalibrary.org

December 9Teen Scene: DIY Ornaments, 6-7p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 canmake a craft. Registration isrequired. Kent Free Library, 312W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-4414,kentfreelibrary.org

December 11Holiday Hoopla, 6:30-8 p.m.Family activities, sing-a-longs anda special visit from Santa Clause.Bring your camera. MedinaLibrary, 210 S. Broadway St.,Medina, 330-725-0588, mcdl.info

December 12Jolly Jamboree, 3-8 p.m. Localvendors of handmade goods willdisplay treasures for salethroughout the holidayatmosphere of the Carriage Barn.Free refreshments. A holidayluminary trail is set up throughthe park. Vermilion RiverReservation, 51211 N. RidgeRoad, Vermilion, 440-967-7310,metroparks.cc


December 11-14 Visit the “Meet theBreed” ring, whereyou can meet variousbreeds up close andtalk to the exhibitorson Friday, Saturdayand Sunday, 10a.m.-2 p.m. Visitwebsite for dailyevent times andticket prices. IXCenter, 1 IX CenterDrive, Cleveland,216-676-6000,crownclassicdogshows.org

Crown Classic Dog Show



December 13Breakfast with Santa, 8-10:30 a.m.Join at Applebee’s on ArlingtonRoad for breakfast, pictures withSanta, crafts and story time withMrs. Claus. Adults are $9 andchildren ages 2 and up $6.Register at the Green YMCA, 3800Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-899-9622, akronymca.org

Fairy Tea Party, 1-3 p.m. Join foran enchanted afternoon of stories,magic and sweet treats. Makehouses for our small wingedfriends. For grades K-3. Fairlawn-Bath Branch Library, 3101 SmithRoad, Akron, 330-666-4888,akronlibrary.org

Kids Studio Class: Comic Collage,1-3 p.m. Guided by local working,teaching artists, students createwith unique materials, experientialtechniques and processes. Costper class is $10/member child,$15/nonmember child. Akron ArtMuseum, 1 S. High St., Akron, 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum.org

December 13, 20Plaid Tidings, 7:30 p.m. With theirdulcet harmonies and charm, ThePlaids are the perfect accent toyour holiday season. Tickets are$20. Fine Arts Association, 38660Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org

December 142014 Heights Winter Avant-GardeArt & Craft Show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nearly 100 handmade juriedartists and crafters selling originalitems. Admission is $3. A portionof proceeds will benefit the Adopta Family Association. ParkSynogauge Main, 3300 MayfieldRoad, Cleveland Heights

Pet Photos with Santa, 6-8 p.m.Bring your furry friend to meetSanta Claus and get a photo.Crocker Park, 228 Market St.,Westlake, crockerpark.com

December 15Family Movie Night: “The SantaClause,” 6-8 p.m. Feel free to bringa snack. Medina Library, 210 S.Broadway St., Medina, 330-725-0588, mcdl.info

December 17Lego Architecture Night at Barnes& Noble, 6 p.m. Designed for olderchildren and teens to bring theirbuilding skills to the table anddevelop the best building in town.Great Lakes Mall, 7900 MentorAve., Mentor, 440-266-0212,barnesandnoble.com

Friends of the Maltz MuseumHanukkah Candle LightingCeremony, 5 p.m. Children of allages and backgrounds are invitedto sing songs, participate in ahands-on holiday activities andindulge in a sweet cookiereception. 2929 Richmond Road,Beachwood, 216-593-0575,multzmuseum.org

Photos with Santa at Area Malls

Summit Mall: Visits and photos with Santa are available through Dec.24. Hours: Through Dec. 7: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 11a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 8-14:Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8:30p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 15-20: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.;Dec. 21: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 22-23: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; ChristmasEve, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Located at 3265 W Market St, Fairlawn.

Great Lakes Mall: The mall hosts a Santa Photo Experience in theDillard’s south concourse. Complimentary visits with Santa with photopackages available for purchase. Hours: Through Dec. 14: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 15-23:Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.;Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pet Photo Nights with Santa are Dec.14 and 21, 6-8 p.m. Located at 7850 Mentor Ave, Mentor.

SouthPark Mall: Children can share their wish list and take photoswith Santa in Center Court under the Magical Clock Tower. ThroughDec. 24. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6p.m.; Christmas Eve, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Located at 500 SouthparkCenter, Strongsville.

Richmond Town Square: Visits and photos with Santa available in theMacy’s Court through Christmas Eve. Hours: Through Dec. 18:Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.,Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 19-20: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 21: 10a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 22-23: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Christmas Eve: 8 a.m.-6p.m. Located at 691 Richmond Rd, Richmond Heights.

Santa Sightings

DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS


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December 18Jolly Jingle Stories and Crafts,6:30-7:30 p.m. Join for a frozenstorytime and a wintry craft.Warrensville Heights BranchLibrary, 4415 Northfield Road,Warrensville Heights, 216-464-5280, cuyahogalibrary.org

Holiday Pajama Party, 7-7:45 p.m.The whole family is invited toenjoy holiday stories, songs andcomplete a holiday-themed craft.Registration is required. NorthOlmsted Branch Library, 27403Lorain Road, North Olmsted, 440-777-6211, cuyahogalibrary.org

December 19Rudolph and The Night BeforeChristmas, 7 p.m. Join for aspecial Christmas story time witheveryone’s favorite reindeer.Barnes & Noble, 4015 Medina

Road, Akron, 330-665-5199,barnesandnoble.com

December 20Frozen Science, 2-3 p.m. Childrenages 7-11 will explore hands-onactivity stations based on themovie “Frozen.” Please register.Garfield Heights Branch Library,5409 Turney Road, GarfieldHeights, 216-475-8178,cuyahogalibrary.org

Family Discoveries at theCleveland Zoo, 9-10:30 a.m.Learn about your favorite animalor exhibit. Hands-on activities andguided tours will be a part of yourfamily discovery. $15 per person.Registration required. ClevelandMetroparks Zoo, 3900 WildlifeWay, Cleveland, 216-661-6500,clevelandmetroparks.com

“The Cold, Cold Reading ofCharles Dickens’ A ChristmasCarol,” 6 p.m. Featuring six braveactors and Ed Ridley Jr. on pianoperforming a 50-minute cutting ofDickens’ masterwork. Admissionis $12. Children 12 and under: $8,The Gleeson Barn, 7243 CanalRoad, Valley View, 216-401-5131,Blanterntheatreohio.com

December 23Holiday Lights Drive-Thru, 6 p.m.Marvel at over 100 handmadewooden and metal displaysdesigned by local crafters. Watchcomputerized automation display.Medina County Fairgrounds, 710W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-723-9633

December 25Annual Chinese Food & A MovieDay, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Movie-

goers will help the museumchoose two films that celebratediversity, identity and the beautyof the human spirit. They will bescreened as part of a day of film,family fun and Chinese food. $25general (ages 12 and up); $12youth (ages 5-11); and childrenunder 5, free. Maltz Museum ofJewish Heritage, 2929 RichmondRoad, Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org

December 26-28, 30-31Farmpark Toy Workshop, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Children ages 2-11 canselect a toy to build. Santa’s elveshelp them to put it together, andthen paint and decorate it to takehome. Regular Farmparkadmission plus $2 per toy. LakeMetroparks Farmpark, 8800 EuclidChardon Road, Kirtland, 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS


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It’s time for good cheer, snow, parties and children cominghome again to visit the family. When you haven’t beenhome for a while, you may suddenly notice changes in lovedones, especially your parents.

You may become concerned about their overall ability tohandle life without help. Yet, you really don’t know whatsigns to look for, or where to turn for help. Here are somesuggestions about the kinds of personality or physicalchanges your parents might be experiencing, including butnot limited to:

• Are they able to move around easily given the physicallayout of the home?

• Are they experiencing balance issues, especially whenchanging positions? Are you concerned about them falling?

• Do they have difficulty dressing, bathing or with per-sonal hygiene such as hair and foot care?

• Has operating gadgets or appliances such as the canopener, stove or telephone become difficult?

• Have household chores become a burden?• Are finances such as bill payment, deposits and invest-

ments being handled in a timely manner? • Is your loved one still driving? Is public transportation a

safe and viable option?• Are prescribed medications obtained and taken as indi-

cated consistently?• Mental symptoms can include frequent irritability; dis-

oriented to place and time; aggressive behaviors; repetitivebehaviors; socially withdrawn, depression; demonstratingan inability to make decisions; and unable to understandcommunication or instructions from others.

Once you determine help is needed, you need to gatherinformation before meeting with your parents. There are anumber of websites that can help locate federal, state andeven community-based services and benefits available.

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, nationally or through the local agencies, can provide additional information to help facilitate this type of discussion. They can also help locate service and benefitsavailable for seniors. Elder law attorneys and financial consultants can also provide legal and/or financial information and support.

Laurie Steiner, Esq., CELA, Budish, Solomon, Steiner &Peck, Ltd. 23240 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 450, Beachwood,216-765-0123 or 888-236-5173, [email protected] orvisit bssplaw.com.

By Laurie Steiner

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Keeping Pets Safe During The Holidays

By Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren

The holidays are upon us and it’s timeto start thinking about decorating thehouse. If you have pets like my familydoes, then maybe you’ve already en-countered some challenges. While myreal-world experiences as an adult areliving with cats, these suggestions canhelp with almost any kind of pet that’sallowed to roam the house.

Be Careful with Plants

In my veterinary training, I havelearned that the dizzying array of decorations, plants and/or foods oftendisplayed during the holidays cancause harm to a pet if eaten.

The harm caused can range fromsimply irritating (causing a pet tovomit) to poisonous (causing serioussymptoms that can lead to death).While I could give you detailed informa-tion about each one of them and whatsymptoms dogs or cats might show,here are some simple things to con-sider based on lessons I learned livingwith a husband, kids and cats to avoidyour pet from eating plants in the firstplace.

Over the years, my family and I cameto realize that most kinds of trees,plants and flowers were not going towork well around areas of the house,regardless of the time of year, becauseour cats liked to nibble on the leaves(even pine needles) or petals. While wedon’t think we had any plants that wereoutright poisonous, the plants or flow-ers caused an upset stomach (notpleasant for the cats) and we’d have toclean up the vomit (not pleasant for us,as it has ruined flooring, carpets andrugs).

Our final solution to all of the plant-related problems was to designate aroom where cats are not allowed to

roam. In this room, trees, plants andflowers of any kind are welcomed atany time of the year. The bonus is thatguests who are allergic to cats can stayin that room without experiencing annoying sniffles or runny eyes.

The Decorated Tree

The next problem to tackle was ourSwedish tradition of having a fresh-cutpine tree to adorn with decorations. Weknow from my training as a veterinar-ian that decorating a tree with tinsel isa no-no since tinsel strands (or anystring or ribbon) can get caught under-neath a cat’s tongue, causing a mostuncomfortable intestinal situationleading to a very painful death (if notidentified in time), or an expensive surgery. We also don’t use ribbon whenwrapping gifts, and quickly remove anyribbons on gifts given to us.

Holiday Goodies

As for the issue of holiday foods, myfamily does not feed our cats humanfood any time of year and we know tokeep things like chocolate, grapes, andother holiday goodies away from them.However, we don’t know if our guestsare as enlightened. Therefore, whenguests come over, we make sure thecats are located in a room where theyfeel safe (most cats fear strangers),and have food, water and a litter panavailable to them.

Do you have holiday nightmare stories where pets are concerned? Doyou have suggestions that worked foryou and your family?

Contact us at [email protected] your stories.

Anna M. van Heeckeren, MS, DVM,One Health Organization.

Tree decorations, plants around the home andother gifts of the season might be harmful toyour four-legged friends.

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56 NortheastOhioParent.com December 2014 Family Living At Its Best

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MarketPlaceTo advertise in Northeast Ohio Parent’s MarketPlace, contact sales consultant AndieMartin at 330-670-1234 ext. 207 or email herat [email protected].

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Get Social! Be sure to like us onFacebook,and also follow us on Twitter,

Pinterest and Instagram for more fun, family-

friendly ideas, eventsand info!

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There are plenty of indoor places around Northeast Ohioto have some wintertime fun. Our Facebook followersshared with us their favorite indoor play places.

“Zip City (in Strongsville).”

— Lara Bagdon Putnam

“We enjoy going to the Natural History Museum. They have fun learning activitiesfor children of all ages. Whether it be theplayroom in the basement or looking at theexhibits of dinosaurs and animals. Such afun and learning experience.”— Dawn Coleman Bucceri

“The Jump Palace (in Streetsboro).” — Vicki Reitz Burt

“Playground World in Chesterland.” — Jennifer Holland

“We love going to the (Cleveland Art Museum on their Second Sunday programs.” — Duvy-Brocha Sauber

“The nature center in Rocky River. Theyhave fun stuff for children. We also enjoyKalahari and Great Wolf Lodge.” — Dee M. Stehura

Here are some other mentions:

Sky Max Trampoline Arena in Canton; Romp n Stomp, an in-door bouncy house in Medina; local Ys; The Jump Yard inNorth Royalton; libraries; roller rinks and more.

READER FEEDBACK

Craft TableLooking for a Fun, Easy Craft?

Danielle Knight, a preschool teacherat St. Paul Lutheran Preschool inPainesville Township, sent in thisphoto of this no-sew sock owl shemade with her class. She found it onDanielle’s Place of Crafts and Activi-ties, daniellesplace.com (coinciden-tally, not her website). There aredifferent animals and dolls you andyour children can make. These canmake great gifts for the season!

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Northeast Ohio Parent, December 2014

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