Issuu

Volume 20 • Number 3 PUBLISHER

contents

Cathy S. Zion

publisher@todayspublications.com EDITOR

april may 2011

Anita Oldham

editor@todayspublications.com ASSISTANT EDITOR

Elaine Rooker Jack

elaine@todayspublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jennifer Thompson

jennifer@todayspublications.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Susan Allen

susan@todayspublications.com SALES DIRECTOR

Cheryl Suhr

cheryl@todayspublications.com account executives

Teri Hickerson

teri@todayspublications.com SENIOR graphic Designer

April H. Allman

april@todayspublications.com photographer

Melissa Donald

melissa@todayspublications.com production coordinator

Kathy Kulwicki

kathyk@todayspublications.com OFFICE MANAGER

Julie Mayberry

julie@todayspublications.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Melissa Donald

Published bi-monthly by: Zion Publications LLC 9750 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 307 Louisville, KY 40223 Phone (502) 327-8855 Fax (502) 327-8861 www.todaysfamilymag.com www.facebook.com/todaysfamily

4 On the Cover 6 Try It! Family Fun

Raising Boys

Subscriptions are available by sending $15 to the above address for 6 bi-monthly issues.

8 Introduction

s p e c i a l f o c u s

10 A Sustainable Son By Tricia Williams

14 From Boys to Men: The Emotional Upbringing of My Sons By Carrie Vittitoe

16 Oh, Boy! The Questions of Puberty By Nadyne Lee

20 ‘I Don’t Poop Anymore’: A Real Story of Struggle in the Bathroom By Megan A. Seckman

22 Take a Trip: Back to Nature By Kelly Watkins

26 A New Mother’s Story: Part 3 in a series

By Laura Clark

Today’s Family magazine is published bi-monthly by Zion Publications LLC and distributed free to the people of metropolitan Louisville and Southern Indiana. Circulation 33,000. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Family magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service. Copyright 2011 by Zion Publications LLC with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Zion Publications LLC. MEMBER Greater Louisville, Inc., Metro Chamber of Commerce, Area Chambers of Commerce, Better Business Bureau.

28 Family Time with the Bellamy Family By Lisa Hurt Kozarovich

32 Calendar of Events 40 Inside the Playgroup By LaDonna Kennedy

BBB Rating of

For advertising information, call (502) 327-8855 or email advertising@todayspublications.com.

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on the cover

Advertorial

Shane Douglas Bibby, 8, loved jumping for our cover. Since he is all about basketball (and has been playing at least half his life), he knew that this kind of photo shoot will be required of him when he hits the big time basketball career he has planned. When he isn’t playing with a real basketball, Shane plays virtually with his favorite Wii game, NBA 2K11. We figure he also slightly antagonizes his twin sister, Logan Sheree Bibby, based on an off-therecord conversation with her. Shane’s parents, Sheryl and Doug Bibby, look like fun, and they said their top five places for family fun are Incredible Dave’s, Waterfront Park, the YUM Center for a U of L game, any bowling alley, and the Louisville Science Center. Check out what other parents recommend on the next page. We asked Sheryl what she has noticed as the main difference between rearing boys and girls since she had one of each that are the same age. “I have found it difficult to find books for boys, and girls seem to have many books that interest them,” she says and adds “a boy takes patience, open and honest conversations, many reminders, and lots of hugs and kisses!” Read about other things to help your boy starting on page 8.

Photo BY MELISSA DONALD

coming soon Don't Miss the June/July Issue! The cover will feature the winner of the Beautiful Baby Contest. And, two babies in the top 20 will also have a chance to have their photo taken and featured in Today's Family magazine. The first two weeks of May, we will ask our Facebook fans to vote for two more babies from the top 20 of our Beautiful Baby Contest to be featured in the June/July issue. Go to www.facebook.com/todaysfamily.

Also, you can win lots of great prizes on Facebook during April and May, like tickets to Holiday World and other great places. See page 33. 4

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F un A M I L Y

Try It!

Some of these things you might not find on the museum and tourism list, but these events in and around Louisville come highly rated from local parents.

Salato Wildlife Center, Frankfort, Ky. — An outdoor zoo with bears, wildcats (including the “real” UK mascot), and other wild animals; inside discovery center with lots of info on local wildlife; very kid-friendly staff. Free, but donations accepted. (Stacie L. Martin) Schimpff’s Confectionery, Jeffersonville, Ind. — An old-fashioned candy store where you can watch how they make candy; has a candy museum plus a super yummy selection of chocolates and candies. Free. (Stacie L. Martin) Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville — A little morbid, I know, but my kids and I spent hours there one day just looking at all the interesting headstones. The cemetery itself is beautiful, and there are many famous people buried there. Free. (Stacie L. Martin) Tom Sawyer Park BMX Track, Louisville — Kids can take their bikes and race around on the BMX track. This track hosts a national BMX competition, so it is top-notch. After spending time at the BMX track, you can take advantage of the bike trails around the park. Free. (Stacie L. Martin) Louisville Bats, Louisville — The games are inexpensive for families and are fun! (Stacie L. Martin)

Kentucky Down Under, Horse Cave, Ky. — You can frolic with kangaroos, go on a cavern tour, play a didgeridoo, feed the lories in the aviary, milk a cow, and eat a bison burger! Where else can you do all that in Kentucky? It’s great! (Ursula Robertson–Moore) Joe Huber Family Farm, Starlight, Ind. — Kids love to feed the enormous koi in the pond while chastising the fat geese for blocking the turtles trying to get in on the action. After picking blackberries, raspberries, peaches, and then moving on to blueberries, my 4-yr-old said, “I don’t want to pick any more. I’m working too hard!” (Angela Stallings Hagan, PhD) Bernheim Forest, Clermont, Ky. — Bernheim hosts EcoKids activities almost monthly in addition to the kid-friendly seasonal festivals BugFest and ColorFest. At Bernheim, there is color and texture in every season. Explore a pathway and marvel at the convergence of nature and art — including Faerie dwellings —or head to the children’s playground. Bring the dogs along and let them sniff around. Weather permitting, it’s a safe place for family bicycling. (Angela Stallings Hagan, PhD) Champ’s Rollerdome, Louisville — Now that all my kids are old enough to walk, we’ve resurrected the old family pastime of roller-skating. There’s something there for everyone; raging hormone teens can race off and do their own thing while the younger form a clinging bond with their wobbly parents for fear of the hardwood. Most rinks have good snack bars and a load of TVs. We watched the U of L/UK game going in circles at a local rink and loved it! (John G. Warren) Louisville Free Public Library, branches throughout Jefferson County — Participate in storytime, programs and special events for all ages of children and teens. The Summer Reading Program is excellent: children read 10 books and receive a backpack full of coupons to visit various places, such as Arts Sparks, University of Louisville sporting events, Thomas Edison House, and they receive a free Wendy’s frosty. (Darlene King) Iroquois Amphitheater, Louisville — During the summer, this beautiful sheltered outside theater shows movies for children at no cost. It is a healthy way to spend quality time with your family while being entertained by movies with child-related topics. For more information go to www.iroquoisamphitheater.com (Darlene King) Waterfront Park, Louisville — This wonderful water park is for children of all ages! It is a spacious, child-friendly park with sprinklers to cool you off on a hot summer day. www. louisvillewaterfront.com (Darlene King) Henry’s Ark, Prospect, Ky. — See unique animals, and children can learn about how to take care of animals that may have been injured, lost, or neglected. (Darlene King) 6

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RAISING

BOYS

, H O BOY! I have held out.

We want to interact with our readers and would love for you to be part of our Facebook page. We are at www.Facebook.com/ todaysfamily, and we are having many contests these next two months because we have some great tickets to give away (see page 33). You can also participate in parent discussions or get advice about something you are dealing with as a parent.

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I have barred the doors of my house against gaming systems. My just turned 14-year-old son did not let this go unnoticed to the world. He found it extremely unjust and took it upon himself to educate me on why and how it would benefit him (and me, of course!) to have video games. He sent email messages. He sent text messages. He wrote me notes. He conducted surveys on Facebook. He begged. He yelled. He gave me the silent treatment. Over the last two years, he tried everything to change my mind. In order to preserve my sanity, I came up with a plan. I told him if he trained and ran the three different races (a 5k, a 10k and a 10 mile race) associated with the Triple Crown of Running, he could get an Xbox. It seemed a bit impossible to him because he really doesn’t like running. He tried to negotiate. I wouldn’t budge, and I told him he could no longer barrage me with messages. I added that as uncomfortable as he is with running, I am at least that uncomfortable with a gaming system. He could take it or leave it. He took it. He just accomplished his goal. Maybe he learned something about himself and his abilities. I am not thrilled with the prospect of monitoring something else in my house, but at least I know that he learned that sometimes you have to work for what you want. I figure about half of us know what it is like to have a boy. I am sure there is a difference between parenting boys and girls, and all of us with more than one child know that each of our children present different challenges. This issue is dedicated to learning more about turning boys into men who will be able to make good decisions and successful life choices. The theme that continues to emerge is that we can learn from other parents who are going through similar things or who have already passed certain milestones with their children. So look around for those who have gone before you or who are employing creative parenting. We have a parent-writer group who helps us discover and explore different subjects in each issue of Today’s Family. If you are interested in being part of this group, send an email to Elainejack@todayspublications.com. Put “Writer’s Group” in the subject line. t o d a y ’ s

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A Sustainable Son

By Tricia Williams

e hear the term sustainable constantly in the news these days: sustainable farming, sustainable living, sustainable energy. Well, I hope to raise a sustainable son.

There are many types of sons: momma’s boys, daddy’s boys, jocks, girl-crazy boys. The list goes on. My son is entering the teen years, and I’ve got the total package in mind. In the five years we have left with our eldest before he flies the coop, I have lots of things still to teach: cooking, cleaning, ironing, car maintenance. When I fast-forward to the days leading up to his departure for college, I am trying to hear the voices in my head, “Oh no, he won’t be able to ……..” Now, while I’ve got time, I want to fill in as many blanks as possible. My motives? Yes, I’ll admit, I’m hopeful it will help me sleep better when he is gone, but intellectually, I want him to feel confident that he is prepared. There is enough terror in leaving home without panicking that you don’t know how to wash your clothes. When we are teaching our young children, we want them to walk, talk, have manners, learn to write, ride a bike. As they mature into teenagers, the list couldn’t be longer. How do we create the total package, the sustainable son? What’s important? My mind is reeling with the growing checklist. Why do we vote? How do we 10 A p r i l / M a y 2 0 1 1

know our candidates? Why does it matter? Why is it important to read beyond the sports page of the daily newspaper? How do we connect with our community? Volunteerism: who has time? Why should you make time? Money. Bills. Checkbooks. Oh, yeah, it’s important to wash lettuce before you make a salad. I borrow styles and techniques from friends I observe really hitting some of the lessons out of the park. I have learned that my friends can be an invaluable resource when it comes to my own parenting roadblocks.

Money

My friend Lori Walter always had the answer when it came to money and how to work with kids. Her advice: start them young. Her objective was not just to give her children money but to teach them that there are obligations that come with having money. When the kids were very young, she helped them set up three boxes labeled spending, giving, and saving, and they divided their money equally among the three. The overall message was that we don’t just buy gum and fake fingernails when we get our allowance; we assume some of the responsibilities for ourselves. As the kids got older, those responsibilities have grown from saving and paying for their own movie tickets when they go out with friends, to understanding how much they’ll need to save to pay for books or college tuition. “Kids need to be part of the process when it comes to money,” says Lori. “When we opened a savings account for our kids, they went with us. When they purchased their first car, they were in on the negotiations, continued on page 12 t o d a y ’ s

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continued from page 10

understanding interest rates, down payments, monthly payments. Give them responsibilities with their money while they are under your roof so you don’t lose the opportunity to teach them. Expose them to real life situations.”

Teach Respect

My friend Murielle Thompson has conquered the lesson of respect with her sons. I asked her how she and her husband Michael have raised such good children. “We listen,” she answered. “I can’t teach my children if I don’t understand my children, and I can’t understand them if I don’t listen.” She grew up being told to do something “because I said so,” and that philosophy didn’t work for her. She gave her children a voice; now they come to her with their needs and problems without fear. “My husband and I respect our children, and in turn, they respect us. When I overhear my kids talking with their friends, I can hear some of the same things I say to them, and it assures me that I’m on the right path.”

Sex

Dreading the teen years and the inevitable sex subject, I had an interesting conversation with Christopher, the 15-year-old son of a friend. This is no ordinary son. He’s wise beyond his years. I asked him about his take on the sex talk and what was important for me to convey to my son during his coming of age. His spot-on answer has stayed with me. “As far as all of the gory details, don’t mention it. He will get that from friends at school or figure it out on his own. What he needs you to give him is his moral position. How does he handle the information, what are his responsibilities, and how should he feel about all of it.” Brilliant. And that’s just what I did. My son and I had our discussion, or should I say, our discussions, but my focus was on the morality of all of it and what his family believes when it comes to sexuality. We talked about reputation and maturity. It’s a time to talk about faith and beliefs. It’s a life moment and an opportunity to set his moral compass. 12 A p r i l / M a y 2 0 1 1

College

I vividly remember when I left for college. I had learned so much, and yet there was so much more to learn. As parents, how do we decide what’s important? What are NOW lessons, and how do we separate them from lessons they will learn on their own? I asked a couple of college freshmen, “Now that you’ve left the nest, what were you unprepared for?” I fully expected to hear, “I didn’t know how to do laundry.” Or “I keep overdrawing my bank account.” Guess what? The consistent answers were time-management and selfdiscipline, lessons that the “sons” agreed their parents couldn’t have taught them. Without the programmed schedule of a family, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with free time and constant social temptations. I asked Keegan, a freshman at Hendrix College in Arkansas, how he came to the decision to better budget his time. Why not just ride the wave all the way off the cliff? “It was a sense of pride for me and knowing that I wasn’t doing my best,” he replied. Growing up — the process of making wiser choices and learning from your mistakes — helped straighten these boys out as they entered their second semester. Thomas, a freshman at the University of Kentucky, was “surprised by how much sleep I actually need. Maybe bedtime at 4 a.m. really needs to be scaled back to 2 a.m.” Parenting is a job that is endless. As new parents we learn that quickly when we are up all night soothing a newborn back to sleep. But as we grow into this role of parent, as the years pass and we are still parents, we learn what endless means. There is always something left to teach. Don’t forget to learn from your friends, as you’d be amazed at the good counsel they can give. In the 13 years that I have been a parent, the most important thing my husband and I have accomplished is creating a comfortable environment in our home where the lessons of life can be discussed and taught. Without that atmosphere, many things can go unsaid or unasked and those would be lessons lost. As for my sustainable son, here’s hoping. Tricia Williams lives in Goshen, Ky., with her husband John and sons Harrison (13) and David (8). This is her first feature for Today’s Family. t o d a y ’ s

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RAISING

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From Boys to Men The emotional upbringing of my sons

By Carrie Vittitoe

s the mother of two young boys, I spend about 75 percent of my time thinking, “What is wrong with you two?”

There are so many aspects of their boy-ness that I don’t comprehend: the inability to sit still in the cart while I stroll through Target, the dumping of toys/books/crackers on the floor, the banging of Matchbox cars on the fireplace grill, the rough-and-tumble tackling that occurs on an almost continuous basis. Having already seen a girl through the toddler/preschool years, I am often just beside myself with concern and even, I’m ashamed to admit, disgust. I mean, I am their mother. Isn’t it a little wrong to “man-bash” my own sons, even if it’s all done internally where no one else but me can hear? While chatting with some mom friends, it dawned on me that I am raising someone else’s husbands and fathers. One day Graeme and Miles will no longer be 3 and 18 months; they will be fullgrown men with adult relationships and interests and jobs. And someone else will likely be man-bashing my sons. Someone else might be blaming me for the cavemen that my boys grow up to be. And so I have decided that I am going to work really hard to help my sons become aware of the stereotypical male behaviors that drive women completely batty, especially their dear old mom. Admittedly this is a huge challenge, and I’ll be working against a whole lot of nature, but I have to make an attempt. It wasn’t too long ago that a little 9-year-old boy asked me if he could push my grocery cart while I tried to keep Graeme and Miles from getting run over in Kroger parking lot traffic. I wanted to hug the boy for being so thoughtful, and I could have kissed his mom for teaching her son so well. She inspired me to do the same with my own boys. Chivalry is not dead, I tell you! It just needs a little nudging. So where to begin?

Just Do It I’m teaching Graeme and Miles to avoid at all costs the questions, “Is there anything I can do?” and “Do you want my help?” Every woman I know wants to punch her husband/boyfriend when they utter either of these phrases. (Even as I wrote this, I had to explain to my husband that these questions are awful because the first presumes that there may not be anything that needs to be done around the house when this has never actually happened in the history of humankind. The second presumes that the doer of the chores might actually 14

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prefer doing them solo for the rest of her life. He still didn’t get it.) Instead I’m teaching the boys to say, “Let me help you with the laundry/dishes/cooking.” Or even better, like the Nike mantra “Just Do It,” when they see me folding clothes or drying dishes, they should start helping without being directly asked.

Focus the Attention Women in particular feel special when men pay attention to the little things like a new hairdo or furniture rearranging. With the help of my husband and a renowned children’s game, I can help Graeme and Miles notice things that escape their dad’s attention: “I spy, with my little eye, an unusually large tower of recyclables about to topple onto the counter.” When their sister, Norah, brings home new blouses and earrings, I will point these out to her brothers so they get into the habit of paying close attention to feminine details. I will also hold in-refrigerator demonstrations to increase the boys’ attention-span skills. We will move items around, turn jars so that the labels face forward, and check all shelves rather than just the top one in our attempt to locate mustard, ketchup, or butter before calling mom (or a future wife) for assistance.

Decode the Language Part of my instruction will also be to help Graeme and Miles notice the under-breath mutterings, the sighs, the huffs, the glares that women often use instead of verbiage in their dealings with men. It won’t take long to explain what this language means (since it always means the men are in trouble), but I will have to explain what my sons need to do once the women in their lives begin to display this nonverbal communication.

Show the Love Since my boys are so small, there is much of this educational program that I can’t begin to work on. But I am teaching them empathy and how to be demonstrative and affectionate, even now. Helping them notice when their sister is upset or explaining why I am angry clues them in to women’s emotions. Giving them oodles of snuggles and hugs and cuddles helps them see that demonstrating love feels nice. Their dad is really good about this, too, so they see that boys of all ages can show and receive physical love. My hope is that Graeme and Miles grow into loving, helpful, generous men who have a better-than-average ability to relate to the women and children in their adult lives. Maybe some of the stuff I throw at them over the years will stick. But if they still remain firmly grounded on Mars with most of the other men of the world, at least I will know (and I will most certainly convey to my daughters-in-law) that I did everything I could. Carrie Vittitoe lives in Louisville with her husband Dean Langford and Norah (7), Graeme (3), and Miles (18 months). She is a frequent contributor to Today’s Family. t o d a y ’ s

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, H O BOY!

THE QUESTIONS OF PUBERTY By Nadyne Lee

o you remember when your son was 4 years old and asked one question after another? While he was full of curiosity, your little one was not yet acquainted with embarrassment. “Mommy, how did the baby get inside your tummy?” “How come Amy sits down to pee?” “Why does Daddy have hair around his penis?” These were questions he asked in the checkout line or on the way out of church. Nature morphed your uninhibited little boy into a 14-year-old who still has a need to know, but will he ask? Certainly NOT! At least he won’t ask YOU. He may ask his friends (who are equally uninformed). Or, most likely, he’ll just worry, believe the latest urban myths, and suffer from his own misconceptions. If you have never told your son about the “facts of life,” any time before age 11 is a good time to begin. Books such as Boy’s Guide to Becoming a Teen published by the American Medical Association can help. Since you can’t anticipate a spontaneous, open dialogue between father and son, parents should know the issues that most trouble young guys and address the topics. Be proactive. Boys feel most comfortable talking about growing into manhood with a man, a voice of experience. But if Dad isn’t around, boys can learn from motherly wisdom.

Turn the page to find out WHAT BOYS REALLY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT SEX! continued on page 18

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WHAT BOYS WANT TO KNOW ABOUT SEX

but are AFRAID to ask!

You may start by saying, “This may never have occurred to you, but some boys wonder about...”

My breasts are growing! Am I turning into a girl? Gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts, is a common condition in adolescent males caused by a temporary hormone imbalance or obesity. The condition usually reverses itself as hormones stabilize or as the boy loses weight. Unfortunately, fear and shame about gynecomastia has led to suicide in a number of boys. If you notice that your son has enlarged breasts, talk to him about this condition or consult your physician.

Is my penis too small? When will it begin to grow? Penis growth begins between 11 and 15. The testicles grow first, making the penis look smaller in comparison. This worries boys. Guys usually believe that everything should grow at the same time. The penis doesn’t reach its adult size until a man has a full beard (about age 17-18). The average non-erect penis in an adult male is between 3-6 inches. Some penises are larger or smaller than average. But remember, size has nothing to do with effectiveness. If a chubby boy loses weight, his penis will look bigger. The penis doesn’t magically grow with weight loss. (If it did, men all over the world would be flocking to Jenny Craig.) With weight loss, it appears bigger because the surrounding fat pad is gone. It’s not magic. It’s an optical illusion. If there has been no growth in penis size by age 15, a teenager should consult his pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner.

How can I tell if I’m gay? It‘s common for teens to fantasize about members of both sexes. It is also normal for teens to experiment with members of both sexes. The majority of people are not 100 percent heterosexual or 100 percent homosexual, but somewhere in between. As a boy matures, he will be able to determine his sexual preference. He is the only one who can answer that question. And when he does, it is vital that he is comfortable with his answer. It is also important to be able to share the information with one’s parents. If you suspect that your son may be gay, consider talking with an adult friend who is gay so that you may gain a greater understanding of his feelings.

What should I do if I’m in public and I have an erection? It happens. Spontaneous erections are very common during puberty, and there’s not much a guy can do about it. However, there are ways of dealing with an unexpected erection by making it less noticeable. Guys can sit down or cover it with something (a backpack, a long shirt, or by tying a sweatshirt round his waist). 18

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What’s a Wet Dream? Many boys begin to have nocturnal emissions (or “wet dreams”) when they begin puberty (age 11-14). Nocturnal emissions are the body’s way of getting rid of built-up semen while boys sleep. Some boys remember having a sexual dream; others don’t. They are natural and nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s a signal that the body is going through the physical changes that will transform a boy into a man.

Is masturbation harmful? Occasional experimentation with masturbation is normal. False stories have been told about masturbation causing everything from acne to blindness.

How will I know when I’m in love? There are different kinds of love, like when you say you love pepperoni pizza, or your pet dog, or the UofL basketball team. Even the love that parents have for their children is different from “being in love.” When you’re in love, you accept the other person as they are, you want the best for them, and you would do anything for them. You want to spend much of your time with them. It’s hard to explain what love is in words. Poets and writers have been trying for centuries!

Why does my voice crack? Before puberty the voice box, or larynx, is small and the muscles are thin. But during puberty the male voice box grows. The vocal cords thicken and elongate to create the deep rich sounds of the male voice. During this process, instead of the fluent speech a boy is used to when he talks, squeaky, cracking sounds may come out. This is normal and it will disappear when your voice box is mature (usually in a few months). Until then, if you clear your throat you may gain control of your voice.

Girls in my class look like women, and I look like a kid! What’s up? Generally, girls go through puberty before guys. Many girls are at their adult height when their male classmates are just beginning to grow. When you begin your growth spurt, you’ll increase in height, your muscles will enlarge and strengthen, and your beard will grow. When you sweat, it will have an odor and you’ll have to use deodorant. Your skin may become oily and you may have pimples. You may even experience some mood changes. All of this is normal.

No Matter What, Love is the Answer! Whatever you do, reassure your son that you love him and that you will always be there for him. Let him know that there is nothing he can say or do that will jeopardize your love for him. Remind your son that when encountering a tough time in life, getting support from you or a counselor is a sign of strength, not weakness. If your son has a burning question about puberty, I hope that he will talk with you. If you have questions about your teen, please consult your pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner. t o d a y ’ s

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Poop Anymore A real story of struggle in the bathroom By Megan M. Seckman

s an unabashed perfectionist, I approached parenthood with the same expectations for greatness that I begin most projects. Except I had a boy. A strong-willed, steadfast

one who inherited the same controlling nature his mother is now learning to let go of. This epic tug-of-war between mother and son began with potty-training and ended with some serious life-lessons in gender roles and concession. At three-and-a-half, after months of pleasant introductions to the potty, my seemingly sweet son refused to go. He forced his oppressors to see just who was in charge in a protest Gandhi would admire. Two, sometimes three days passed between bowel movements, causing his parents’ entire worlds to revolve around them. He would twirl in dizzying circles and click his tongue when it was time, like a dog clearing a cool place in tall grass. His efforts to control his mother and his own body were excruciating to witness. “Do you need to poo-poo?” I’d inquire, attempting to sound cheerful and accepting while my strategizing wheel rolled itself into quicksand. A p r i l / M a y

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“No! I don’t poop anymore,” would grunt the twirling, clicking, farting boy. Then the tantrum would ensue: flails, screams, and balled-up fists. (His, not mine. Mine were on the inside.) After chasing him through the house, I’d finally throw him on the toilet and pray for a miracle. Instead, I was greeted with the poop-curbing pose: arched back, clinched cheeks, holding back what nature intended. “I need a pull-up!” he would grunt through gritted teeth. That is when my dam of self-control would break and flood the bathroom floor. “Why? Aren’t you a big boy? Maybe I’ll just get you one of your baby sister’s diapers if you still want to be a baby!” My Mommy Dearest streak would snake its evil neck into the bathroom. Once in the pull-up, he would calmly ask for some privacy (no joke) and close the door. Inside, fidgeting with the toilet paper dispenser and crapping, he was in complete control of his universe. At each doctor’s checkup, I was repeatedly dismissed with a “Well, he seems strong-willed. Give it time.” The climax occurred on Christmas Eve when he was three, and cost us nearly $5,000. On the way to my mother’s house, my son kept complaining about his penis. When we arrived at my mother’s, amidst the plethora of presents, my son took a subdued look at the shiny wrapped boxes and clutched his crotch. t o d a y ’ s

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A clutched crotch means a full bladder, so when I took him to the bathroom, I noticed he still had the erection from three hours ago, the last time I took him to the bathroom. My mother, a nurse, immediately assumed something drastic had gone awry with his plumbing, so I called the doctor. “The Christmas Erection” as we’ve since coined it, was caused by his self-inflicted colossal build-up of stool that hit a nearby nerve of pleasure. After six hours in the ER with a fairly perplexed pediatric staff, we all concluded something had to give. It was at the follow-up pediatrician’s appointment when I finally got some answers. I began the usual rant about the problem; the nurse practitioner looked me dead in the eyes and said very slowly, “My son does the same thing. I can help you.” She was an angel sent to me on my island of defeat. With one handout entitled “Encopresis and Your Child” and an empathetic smile, she gave me an answer, a plan. My son had a diagnosis and a regimen. Encopresis, the handout described, was the repetitive passage of stool in inappropriate places (standing up in an undersized pull-up) and was caused by chronic constipation. Chronic constipation conditions the colon to expand, making time between BMs longer (and consequently more traumatic). Not pretty, but an answer nonetheless. Dr. Claire Cowley, the pediatrician who saw my son that day at All Children’s Pediatrics, prescribed a step-by-step course of therapy, modeled the correct tone in an interesting but awkward office visit, and emphasized the importance of each step.

Step 1: Say to him: “Your poop wants to come out every day, and your poop likes to go in the potty. It is your job to help your poop come out.” Step 2: Pump him full of Miralax laxative for 3-6 months, bottom line. Step 3: Do not pressure him. This is a control issue and the only thing he can still control. When you know he has to go, ignore him until he tells you. If he continues to deny it, let him and pretend not to notice. Step 4: Be patient and aloof so that he assumes all responsibility for his poop. According to Dr. Cowley, this is a common problem in children and especially ones who need to dominate. “Girls tend to be more concerned with hygiene and independence; boys just like to control. Think about it; you ask your husband to do something specific for you and he does something completely different.” Dr. Cowley explained that this defiance intensifies when mothers try to control aspects of their sons’ autonomy. Boys are predisposed to competitiveness, dating back to cave men. Because I expected my son to potty-train on cue, he rebelled. So, yeah, I caused it. This experience won’t be the last of our power struggles. There are probably many more battles of the sexes (i.e. this Christmas: “Why can’t I have a gun?”). Having a boy has been educational to say the least: humbling, humiliating, hysterical, and at times, lovely. I wouldn’t trade these life lessons for the world, little man. Megan M. Seckman lives in Louisville with her husband and two children. This is her first article for Today’s Family. w w w . t o d a y s f a m i l y m a g . c o m

Take a Trip

By Kelly Watkins

Back to Nature

Autumn at the riding stables.

hen we chose the destination for our latest family adventure, my first task involved a geography lesson. Having always referred to western

Kentucky as the Land Between the Lakes, I was a bit surprised to discover there are several parts to the area. Land Between the Lakes (www.LBL.org or 1-800-LBL-7077) is a land mass that separates Lake Barkley on the east and Kentucky Lake on the west. Land Between the Lakes is a National Recreation Area. We stayed on the west side of Kentucky Lake at Kentucky Dam Village, which is a state resort park within the fantastic Kentucky parks system in Gilbertsville, KY (www.parks.ky.gov or 1-800-325-0146). After that bit of education, it was time to quit with the learning opportunities and relax. I couldn’t have picked a better spot. For me, there’s something about being outside that 22 A p r i l / M a y 2 0 1 1

brings out a sense of freedom. It’s the freedom to leave behind phones, voicemail, and email. The freedom to walk through a field or between the trees instead of following the rules and walking along the road. The freedom to hide behind a bush and jump out to scare the kids. It’s the freedom to play tag on the Village’s playground with my children. Or the freedom to turn the kids loose to explore and take a different path. As a family, we walked along the Kentucky Lake shoreline near the marina. Perhaps I should say, my husband, Ross Worrall, and I were walking. Ethan (age 11) and Autumn (age 8) were going at a much faster pace. We ventured out onto the retaining wall that points into the lake like a long finger. The wall slows down the fast boats as they come into the dock. The kids had fun waving at the boats as they passed by the barrier. There’s something about continued on page 24 t o d a y ’ s

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being on the water that makes everyone friendly. There were plenty of boats with which to exchange greetings; Kentucky Dam Village has the largest marina in the Kentucky park system. Amidst all this nature, who would’ve thought we would find a golf course? But Kentucky Dam Village has a great 18-hole course (1-800-295-1877) with a pro shop and riding carts. Ethan and Autumn had taken a few lessons, but this was the first time they’d played on a course. Luckily, it wasn’t crowded. At one point, we tried to let a couple play through. They declined. They were playing slow on purpose. There was something about the surroundings that just invited you to relax and enjoy. Sadly, I was a little too relaxed on most of my shots — or at least the ones I was able to squeeze in when I wasn’t providing instruction to the kids or trying to keep Ross from over-instructing. He couldn’t help it; he was excited. You don’t realize how much there is to golf (beyond hitting the ball) until you take a novice onto a golf course. There was so much to explain. After Ethan hit his first drive, it never occurred to me to tell him to pick up his tee until he left the tee box with the tee still in the ground. Oops! There was one aspect of the golf course that Autumn caught onto quickly — how to use the ball washer. We might have looked dreadful while playing, but we had the cleanest golf balls on the course. After a full day of golfing, exploring, hiking, and playing tag, we were hungry. Of course, our delightful two-bedroom, two-bath cottage, with a screened porch and unique curved railing on the deck, included a full kitchen. But I was on vacation, and I wasn’t cooking dinner. We went to the Harbor Lights Restaurant (1-800-325-0146) located in the Village Inn Lodge. The view of Kentucky Lake was

Even novice golfers had a good time at the Kentucky Dam Village golf course. Below is the cottage at Kentucky Dam Village.

Child’s Eye View By Ethan Worrall, age 11 It’s hard to decide what’s more breathtaking, the beautiful roadside forests that are great for hiking, or the smooth, majestic blue waters of the lakes. Both are cool and can be seen when visiting Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. We did so many fun things on the trip I’m not sure where to start. How about the cottage? It was incredible. Our own television and our own bathroom. What more could you want when sharing a room with your sister? “Pass the chips!” was my favorite saying as Autumn and I picnicked on the screened porch. It was a warm, sunny, breezy, all-aroundbeautiful day. The best part? The screens kept the bugs out. “Stop! I saw one! Quick, back up!” we all exclaimed one night when our car’s headlights briefly illuminated a group of deer. Immediately, Dad reversed the car and pulled off the road. Then we could clearly see the numerous deer in front of us. I was so excited. I had never seen so many deer at once. They paid no heed to the bright lights being shined on them. After some time of quiet amazement, we drove on, leaving the deer behind us. Did I mention we went horseback riding? It was great. It was Autumn’s first time, but I was more experienced. The whole time Autumn wanted to know if we could buy the horse she was riding. Sorry, but if anyone is getting a horse, it’s going to be me.

made even “tastier” by the delicious food on the buffet. Plus, I have a weakness for homemade banana pudding. No one needs to know that I had two servings. I justified it by remembering all the exercise I’d had that day. The next day brought more adventures. Autumn had long ago decided that she wanted to own a horse. Our trail ride with Wrangler’s Riding Stables (www.lbl.org/Horse.html or 1.270.924.2211), located within Land Between the Lakes did nothing to dissuade her. Autumn loved her small horse, Misty, so much that she declared we should buy her and take her home. It didn’t matter to Autumn that Misty wouldn’t fit in the back seat of our Jeep or that our subdivision doesn’t exactly allow horses. Those were minor inconveniences that her mother — who works miracles daily — was supposed to overcome. Let’s just say mother wasn’t a miracle worker that day. But we did have a lovely ride through the woods. I was impressed with how well-organized the stables were. They had a great system for “loading and unloading” (aka a platform for you to stand on as you mounted and dismounted the horse). So we were able to maximize our time in the saddle. My derriere was delighted it was only an hour, since I hadn’t put said derriere in a saddle for quite some time. Luckily, there were plenty of opportunities for me to stretch my legs throughout the weekend. If I’d been on the treadmill at home, I would’ve been whining non-stop. But there’s something about the beauty of nature that invites you to keep on walking and keep on exploring. I call that freedom. Kelly Watkins helps companies develop leaders and improve their service. Her work takes her all over the planet, and she loves to write about her travels. Contact Kelly at www.KeepCustomers.com or 812.246.2424.

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a new mother’s

STORY PART 3 in a Series — In this story series throughout this year, Louisville freelance writer Laura Clark, 28, will guide us through her experience as a first-time mother.

By Laura Clark

ooking into Carter’s deep blue eyes, I am still filled with a sense of baby wonder. I wonder why he repeatedly gags himself with his newly discovered fingers. And how am I supposed to keep the folds of his neck clean while he has this double chin? Somehow he always has this ring of dried milk and lint under there.

Papa Clark’s lap. Carter started grinning and drooling, as if to say, “Hey, Uncle Randy, I’ve got bald spots just like you. And I bet ya five bucks I can fart louder. Listen…pplft! Oops, that was more than a fart. You win!” How can you not love this kid? He’s recently begun sleeping a longer stretch to start the night, though since we’re co-sleeping, I get plenty of rest. He just fidgets a little, and I start to nurse him lying down so both of us are half-asleep. (There are a few simple rules to follow for safe co-sleeping, and as such, co-sleeping reduces the risk for SIDS, not to be confused with suffocation.) If he really starts to fuss, it’s because he has a wet diaper. Gowns make this chore quick and easy for both of us. I don’t have to fumble arthritically with six million snaps, and since it’s all done by night-light, he doesn’t fully wake up. Unless his fussing has woken Chet, who will often roll over and say in that new-daddy voice, “Hi, Carter!” Never mind that it’s 4 a.m.; Carter’s eyes fly wide open with Chet’s squealing, and he raises his two fists in the air like a boxer. The new rule is: you wake him, you play with him. He does tend to take up a lot of room in the bed for a baby. Sometimes he bats us with his hands as if to get more space. But if he’s asleep and I try and move him to the co-sleeper (a three-sided crib attached to the bed), he so often wakes up. Same thing with naps. It’s like he’s hypersensitive to the airflow and surface changes around him. Sometimes it takes several tries to get him down, or I’ll give up and lay down with him. And no, I do not mind nor am I going to let him cry it out. We live in a house that is less than 700 square feet; it would be torture for both of us. I really believe it stresses babies to be left crying. Even new babies feel emotions and form memories, however subconscious. My baby seems to be crying a little sooner and a little harder

I wonder how he knows to be extra-sweet so people love him. He really is becoming a ham for attention. Random strangers will come up and want to pinch and tickle him, saying, “Isn’t she beautiful.” Never mind that she is, of course, dressed in a blue jumper. Honestly, I don’t care if people get his gender wrong. He is pretty, and at three months of age, it is tough to tell the difference, color-coding aside. Carter’s budding personality may have won over my decidedly grouchy uncle, who, upon meeting him for the first time, said, “Well, I think I still have a dog kennel in the basement.” Uncle Randy didn’t crack a smile as Carter gazed at him from the safety of 26

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PHOTOS: CHET WHITE

since he got sick. At just over two months, Carter spiked a wicked fever that twice sent us to Children’s Hospital’s emergency room. The first night his fever was around 103 degrees and our pediatrician recommended we take him to the hospital. We chose to go back to the hospital the second time because the fever jumped three degrees in two short hours to 104.6. I know a fever is a sign the body is fighting whatever mean invaders there are, but 104.6! Chet and I were consumed with worry and hardly slept those three days he ran a fever. At the hospital, Carter had to undergo a series of tests to make sure his virus wasn’t something very dangerous (which thankfully it wasn’t). This means he was stuck with The grandmothers Melanie Clark (left) and Maryla White enjoy spending time with Carter. needles no less than five times. Babies’ veins are so small that he ing if I was a selfish mom for not wanting to pump so everyone had to have an IV in the top of his head. As my baby lay there, else could feed the baby. Good grief! I look back and know that listless from screaming in agony, my heart just shattered. Tears I was ultra-sensitive, but stubborn enough to make the choices streamed down our faces and milk soaked my T-shirt in an that were best for Carter. A forced feeding or sleeping schedule emotional letdown. I thought his illness would never end. And I or nipple confusion (caused by bottles and pacifiers) could have thought it would be much later, like adolescence, before my baby spelled disaster for successful breastfeeding. If I give any advice would break my heart. (this edition), it is to only listen to women who successfully nursed I don’t think I relaxed until a week after his fever broke and he their babies for at least six months and trust your instincts. was back to his jolly, cooing self. We are both sort of traumatized Unfortunately, there are many women who will say they by the whole thing. I’ve been reluctant to leave home with him couldn’t breastfeed when, honestly, they wouldn’t or they did even though he’s better. not know to seek out qualified help when issues arose. Nursing I understand that self-guilt parents talk about sometimes. I moms and babies deserve a society that recognizes the irreknow it wasn’t my fault. He could have gotten sick anyway, but placeable and irrefutable benefits of breastfeeding. that week before his fever, we had started to get out. I was a Instead, lactation may not even be covered in nursing or medibit bonkers from the wintry weather, so we went to a baby yoga cal school. And formula companies spend millions pushing subclass at Mama’s Hip (a great local resource). standard nourishment for babies. Consider this: when Carter was I learned two things in the class. First, my body has some big sick, he didn’t want to nurse much, so I had Chet buy a manual ol’ weak spots, like my stomach muscles. Second, Carter may be pump for me to ease the overflow. When he purchased the a little young for baby yoga. All the moms were doing a graceful pump, the automatic dispenser gave him a coupon for formula. tree pose and their babies gazed at them and each other peaceThey want you to give up. fully, and I’m sitting down nursing Carter for the second time that “Like breast milk” is false advertising. Science will never be hour wondering if the teacher would prorate the fee for me. able to replicate the makeup of breast milk. I say all this not to Maybe we just need to get together with other young babies make anyone feel guilty for not breastfeeding. It is up to nursand talk and walk outside when the weather’s nice. It can be tering moms to advocate for a breastfeeding culture and educate ribly isolating to be a new stay-at-home mom. people. I’m thrilled that the U.S. Surgeon General recently made My first venture out was to a La Leche League (breastfeeding such a statement and piqued the media’s interest. support) meeting in early January. The holidays were tough on Anyway, nursing is going great for us. We’ve had our bumps, this vulnerable new mom. Sure, Carter got lots of love. But I got but sitting in the room full of nursing moms at the La Leche lots of unsolicited, if well-intentioned, comments. meeting, I knew I had a support system. My mother and my As a nursing mom in a culture that seems to know squat about midwife have also been very helpful in encouraging this natural breastfeeding, I often feel like a walking public service announcemothering tool. ment. If I wasn’t starving my baby (“You just can’t tell how much And Chet is very supportive. He’s been involved since day he’s getting”), I was overfeeding him (“He’s eating again?”). No, one, comforting Carter, changing diapers, forming a distinct — he’s not on some arbitrary schedule, and no, he won’t take a pacifibut no less special — bond with his son. Those sleepy smiles er, thank goodness. Having read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding Carter gives me when nursing he also gives his daddy when before his birth, I had a pretty good clue as to what I was doing. Chet dances him around the living room to a bluegrass tune. But that didn’t mean it wasn’t hard to feel like a bad mom right off the bat when my milk took five days to come in. Or wonderFind a LLL meeting near you: www.llli.org

By Lisa Hurt Kozarovich • PHOTOS BY MELISSA DONALD

FAMILY

time with

The Bellamy Family Theo and Ideisha, children Landis (12), Daniel (6), Zion (5) and Shiloh (2) LIVE: Jeffersontown WORK LIVES: Theo is a physical education/health teacher and athletic director at Olmsted Academy South, the only all-girls public school in Jefferson County. He also coaches boys’ basketball at Barret Traditional Middle School. Ideisha works for the Kentucky Office of the Inspector General inspecting childcare facilities in 16 counties in Kentucky. Theo and Ideisha were raised in Louisville, but they didn’t meet until they were both students at Eastern Kentucky University. Shortly after graduation, the couple married and started a family, with the adoption of Landis, then a 2-year-old boy in foster care. A few years later they adopted a second son, and when Daniel was 8 months old, Ideisha was shocked to find out she was in her second trimester. Three years after the birth of their daughter Zion, their youngest daughter Shiloh was born.

e often hear about how different it is to raise boys versus girls. Do you find that to be true? Ideisha: “Absolutely. When the girls came along, it created a whole different dynamic.” “With girls there’s a lot more drama and crying; there’s always crying. The girls are just naturally these little divas. It’s funny sometimes because I feel like I recognize the boys more.”

At home, where does your family spend the most time? Theo: “The family room is the kitchen. My wife loves to cook, to experiment with foods, and we’re the samplers. We love to eat. Our family room and kitchen are there together, so that space is where we usually are.” 28 A p r i l / M a y 2 0 1 1

What’s the key to keeping things running smoothly in your household? Ideisha: “Routine, routine, routine. It’s how we manage to stay on track; it’s how we manage to stay alive. There’s not a lot of spontaneity during the week. Amazingly, it can run really smoothly. Everyone knows where their stuff is and what’s expected of them. We have a spirit of helping each other around here. I reinforce that I don’t work for them, that we’re a team and they actually help each other. When the 6-year-old has cleaned his room, he’ll help his younger sister finish hers.” When you’re both raising four children and both working full-time, how do you manage to stay connected? Theo: “We always try to find time to get away. We have a good family support system, so we can split the kids up, continued on page 30 tod a y ’ s

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two to these grandparents, two to the other grandparents, and get away for a weekend. Last month we went to Chicago. You really have to do that to reconnect with your spouse. If everything goes right, the kids are going to grow up and move out and we’re going to be here with each other, so you want to make sure you don’t lose that connection.” What’s non-negotiable in your house? Theo: “Education. You have to do well in school. And higher education — I have my master’s degree, my wife has her bachelor’s degree — the kids know they’re expected to go to college.” What tactics do you employ to keep your children on their best behavior? Ideisha: “We reward big time and according to age. You don’t get rewards for making your bed or brushing your teeth. Those are your personal responsibilities. But if you’ve been good at school all week, you come in and put your backpack up, get your homework done, you’re cooperative at bath time — those things earn you rewards. And the big rewards are staying up 30 minutes later at bedtime — that’s a big one. They really love that. Or they get to pick out a movie. Just little things, and it works.” If you had a family motto, what would it be? Ideisha: “Keep it simple. We believe in time to just play. I think enrichment activities are great, but we’re not about the kids getting into every activity and running all the time. When you get past a certain number (of children), it’s really about togetherness; we’re not trying to raise a prodigy. We don’t want all the attention on having a great violinist with everybody else sitting in the audience. If someone wants to try violin, we say ‘let’s do it as a family.’ We did football together — two of them played and one cheered. We eat dinner at home every night; 30 A p r i l / M a y 2 0 1 1

The “family room” is the kitchen, Theo says.

we go to the video store and pick out a movie; we made pumpkin bread out of our Halloween pumpkins, and they thought that was pretty cool. We’re going to roast marshmallows this weekend. We try to remember the simple things we enjoyed as kids and do those as a family.” How do you think, or hope, your children would describe you as a father? Theo: “Daddy loves us, but he doesn’t play. If you follow the rules, he can be a lot of fun. He will always be here for us and help us be successful in whatever we do.” When your children are adults, what lessons do you hope they’ve learned and will practice? Theo: “Compassion and accepting people for who they are.” Ideisha: “To stay connected and be a support system for each other. When they’re 30, I want them to be close and checking on their nieces and nephews. Even if they don’t live near each other, I want them to have that bond and pass it on to their children.” t o d a y ’ s

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CALENDAR

of events

TAKE PHOTOS DURING YOUR FAMILY ACTIVITIES! Photos should be sent in high resolution to editorial@todaysfamilymag. com with “calendarphotos” in the subject line. You will need to include your name, phone number, and mailing address. Keep in mind you need to think ahead. If it is an activity they enjoy in the summer, you will need to send it two months ahead. Go to our website at www. todaysfamilymag.com for more information.

Louisville Science Center IMAX: Sharks Sharks is a breathtaking film experience that offers audiences an astonishing up-close encounter with the lions and tigers of the ocean. Viewers are offered a chance to come face to face with a multitude of shark species, including the Great White, Hammerhead, and Whale Shark.

Green,” so don’t miss your chance to find easy ways to help the environment in our community and beyond!

~ April 23 WHERE ~ Louisville Zoo COST ~ $2 CONTACT ~ 502.459.2181 WHEN

Derby Festival Student Art Contest Display

Thousands of area private, parochial, and public school students produce original works of art from their favorite Derby Festival events. The kids use watercolor, acrylics, inks, crayon, colored pencils, oil pastels, and felt markers. A panel of local artists selects the winners.

~ Now-May 22 WHERE ~ Louisville Science Center ~ $4/members; $ 5/non-members CONTACT ~

~ April 8-10 WHERE ~ The Brown Theatre ~ $17.50-49.50 CONTACT 502.584.7777

WHEN

ECO Kids Discovery Day: The Lost Ocean

Each first and third Saturday at Bernheim, ECO Kids Discovery Days provide kids and families with opportunities to get outside for play, fresh air, and to learn about nature. Kids and their families will conduct a springtime investigation through the on-your-own challenge and discovery stations.

~ April 16 @ 9am-5pm (on-your-own challenge) and 1-4pm (discovery stations) WHERE ~ Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, State Highway 245, Clermont, KY 40110 COST ~ $ 5/non-members CONTACT ~ 502.955.8512 WHEN

Louisville Zoo Celebrates Earth Day

Spend the day learning about the Zoo’s conservation efforts and visit environmental displays by some of our eco-partners at stations set up in locations throughout the Zoo. This day will also feature the debut of an amazing new city-wide initiative called “Do Something

The Polar Bear and Grizzly Bear exhibit is opening at The Louisville Zoo. Grand Opening of Polar and Grizzly Bear Arctic Exhibit

Designed as an imaginary town on the edge of the arctic wilderness, Glacier Run is modeled after the real town of Churchill, Canada, the polar bear capital of the world, where humans and wildlife learn to coexist. The exhibit will offer spectacular views, captivating stories of the arctic, and unique opportunities for close-up encounters with the magnificent and iconic polar bear, as well as grizzly bears.

~ ~

WHEN Opening April 26 WHERE Louisville Zoo COST $12.95/adults; $ 9.50/children 3-11; free/children 0-2 CONTACT 502.459.2181

NOTE: Win a behind the scenes tour – see page 33.

Pinkalicious

A little girl named Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes. She eats so many that her dream comes true and she turns pink! A new musical based on the New York Times best seller.

~ May 21-June 25 WHERE ~ Derby Dinner Playhouse COST ~ $16/breakfast; $21/lunch CONTACT ~ 812.288.2632 WHEN

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April 16, air show @ 3pm; fireworks @ 9:30pm WHERE Waterfront Park COST Free CONTACT 502.584.6383 WHEN

When Sesame Street’s fairy-in-training casts a spell to make Elmo’s sunflower Sunny grow faster, the spell does just the opposite and, instead of growing, Elmo and his friends shrink! Elmo and friends explore Big Bird’s garden from a smaller perspective and learn some big lessons about patience, overcoming fears, and appreciation of nature.

Thunder Over Louisville

502.561.6100

Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Green Thumb

Now-April 25 WHERE Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center COST Free CONTACT 502.584.6383 WHEN

WHEN COST

COST

Derby Events

Children’s Tea with the Derby Festival Princesses

A third-year event on the Derby Festival schedule is the Children’s Tea with the Derby Festival Princesses. Children are encouraged to dress like a prince or princess for this social event with the members of the Derby Festival’s 2011 Royal Court.

~ ~

WHEN April 17 @ 1-3pm WHERE Seelbach COST $ 30 CONTACT 502.451.1258 or filliestea@gmail.com

Louisville Youth Orchestra Concert

This is the third year that the Louisville Youth Orchestra Concert is part of the Derby Festival’s main event schedule. The concert features five Louisville Youth Orchestra ensembles.

April 25 @ 3pm WHERE Iroquois Amphitheatre COST Free with Pegasus Pin CONTACT 502.896.1851 or www.lyo.org WHEN

Louisville Equestrian Center “Derby Days” Program

“Derby Days” allows children to experience the life of a horse and learn a little about Kentucky’s equine industry. Almost 1,500 children are expected to go on this “horsey” field trip. A tour of LEC is included where children will meet all of their four-legged friends, and several thoroughbred racehorses will be available for photo opportunities.

April 26-May 5 WHERE 2612 S. English Station Rd. COST Free CONTACT 502.267.0881 WHEN

Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront

Ultimate entertainment experience featuring concerts with national talent, family fun, food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides, and more.

~ April 28-May 6 WHERE ~ Great Lawn ~ Free with Pegasus Pin CONTACT ~

WHEN COST

502.584.6383

Great Balloonfest

Balloon Glow April 29 @ 9pm; Balloon Race April 30 @ 7am WHERE Bowman Field COST Free with Pegasus Pin CONTACT 502.584.6383

WHEN

Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery will introduce children to the wonders of contemporary art glass.

A p r i l / M a y

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continued on page 34 today ’ s

F A M I L Y

CONTESTS! ENTER TO WIN Win A Magic Show for Your Next Birthday Party! Steve-o’s Birthday Party Magic Show is a funny, engaging and amazing 45-minute show that includes music, colorful magic, and plenty of interaction and laughter. Includes “star” treatment for the birthday child and a special gift. (The party must be held indoors and the coupon must be used within 12 months.) Go to www.facebook.com/todaysfamily to enter. Deadline: May 9.

Don’t Miss Holiday World! We are giving away Holiday World tickets on Facebook. Every week in April and May, we will give away three sets of four tickets. Go to www.facebook.com/todaysfamily.

Win a Special Preview of the New Arctic Exhibit @ the Zoo! Win a special Behind-the-Scenes tour/ preview of the Louisville Zoo’s newest exhibit and a cute plush polar bear to take home with you. Designed as an imaginary town on the edge of the arctic wilderness, Glacier Run is modeled after the real town of Churchill, Canada, the polar bear capital of the world, where humans and wildlife learn to co-exist. Go to www.facebook.com/todaysfamily. Prize will be given away on April 13.

Win tickets to see Thomas the Tank Engine! Today’s Family is giving away four sets of four tickets each for the Kentucky Railway Museum’s Day Out with Thomas on June 4-5 and 11-12. To enter for your chance to win, go to www.todaysfamilymag.com and submit your name and contact information. Deadline: May 9.

Win tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria! Win Tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría Enter to win tickets to the show at the KFC Yum! Center on June 9-12. Go to www. facebook.com/todaysfamily. We are giving away two sets of four tickets each. Deadline: May 9. w w w . t o d a y s f a m i l y m a g . c o m

A p r i l / M a y

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Derby Events, continued from page 32

continued from page 32

Balloon Glow

Camp Pinkalicious

(for 5- and 6-year-olds only!) Students will watch the professional production of Pinkalicious, meet and talk to the cast, and tour the theatre. After lunch, Derby Dinner Playhouse professionals will teach three classes in which students will learn a song and dance from Pinkalicious and even get their own Camp Pinkalicious T-shirt.

Derby Festival Celebration Sunday with 88.5 WJIE

Family activities will be programmed throughout the day, including an inflatable playground, rock-climbing wall, ferris wheel, carousel, and more. Rush of Fools, Downhere, and Building 429 to perform starting at 5pm.

COST

Don Fightmaster Golf Outing for Exceptional Children

Flame Run’s Glass Carnival

Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery will introduce children to the wonders of contemporary art glass and raise money for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The show will include glass art that kids recognize and appreciate as well as ice cream vendors, balloon animals, face-painting, and giant (4 feet tall) popsicles at the Flame Run entrance.

~ June 3-July 30 ~ Flame Run, 828 E. Market St. COST ~ Free CONTACT ~ 502.584.5353 WHEN WHERE

Everyone’s favorite No. 1 engine is right on track! This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, meet and greet Sir Topham Hatt, and participate in activities for the whole family.

~ June 4-5 and June 11-12 ~ Kentucky Railway Museum, 136 S. Main St., New Haven, KY 40051 COST ~ $18/everyone 2 and older CONTACT ~ 800.272.0152 WHEN WHERE

NOTE: Win tickets – see page 33.

Shrek the Musical

Shrek the Musical tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wisecracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales. WHEN June 7-12 WHERE Kentucky Center COST $22.50-71.50 CONTACT 502.584.7777

WHEN June 9-12 WHERE KFC Yum! Center COST $ 35-90

1.800.745.3000 NOTE: Win tickets – see page 33.

A p r i l / M a y

Derby Festival Discovery Day

Educational and hands-on activities for young people and families featuring Stage One performance of Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, animals from the Louisville Zoo, kids’ inflatable playground, and other interactive activities. COST

~ May 2 @ 11am-1:30pm WHERE ~ Waterfront ~ Free with Pegasus Pin CONTACT 502.584.6383

Ramble for the Roses

Enjoy a family-friendly non-competitive 5K walk through beautiful Iroquois Park. The Ramble mini-Festival offers a playground, cookout selection of food, drink, and children’s games. All registrants receive a free commemorative T-shirt.

~ May 3 @ 4-8pm WHERE~ Iroquois Park COST~ $20/adult; $10/child CONTACT ~ 502.368.6519 or 502.447.4363

WHEN

Republic Bank Parade Preview Party

Parade enthusiasts can sneak a peak of each float in all its splendor, complete with dancing costumed characters. Giant inflatable characters, horses, bands, clowns, and more will join the floats on display for an “inside” view of a parade. Get an autograph or photo of the Derby Festival Queen and Court while they stroll through this indoor “carnival of fun.”

~ ~

May 3 @ 9am-1pm (private group tours) & 5-9pm (open to public) WHERE Kentucky Exposition Center, South Wing C Free with Pegasus Pin CONTACT To schedule a private group tour, call 502.584.6383 x 823 or e-mail ann.kraemer@insightbb.com.

WHEN COST

Great Steamboat Race

~ May 4 @ 6pm WHERE ~ Awards presentation immediately following at the Chow Wagon COST ~ $130/Belle of Louisville; $75/Belle of Cincinnati CONTACT ~ 502.584.6383

WHEN

~ May 5 @ 5pm WHERE ~Broadway from Campbell to 9th St. ~ $ 9/bleachers; $11/chair seating; $26/review stand seating CONTACT ~ 502.584.6383 WHEN COST

Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría showcases breathtaking acrobatics from an international cast of 55 performers. Acts include the Synchro Trapeze and the intense and high-energy Aerial High Bars in which daring aerialists fly to catchers swinging more than 40 feet above the stage. The vibrancy of youth is alive in Power Track, a brilliant display of synchronized choreography and tumbling on a trampoline system hidden under the stage floor. In Russian Bars, artists fly through the air and perform spectacular somersaults and mid-air turns, landing on bars perched on the sturdy shoulders of catchers.

CONTACT

~ May 2 @ 9am-12pm WHERE ~ Shawnee Golf Course COST ~ Free for spectators CONTACT ~ 502.499.7255 WHEN

Pegasus Parade

Cirque du Soleil: Alegría

~ ~ ~

For the seventh year in a row, the Kentucky PGA Foundation is sponsoring the Don Fightmaster Derby Festival Golf Outing for Exceptional Children. Activities will include a lunch and awards ceremony featuring local celebrities, including the 2010 Derby Festival Royal Court.

WHEN

Day Out with Thomas

~ ~ ~

~ May 1 WHERE ~ Waterfront ~ Free with Pegasus Pin CONTACT ~ 502.584.6383

WHEN

derbydinner.com or 812.288.2632 ext. 132

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Teenagers can enjoy their own glamorous and sophisticated Derby Eve gala featuring red carpet interviews and photographs, exquisite foods from some of Louisville’s signature restaurants, and live music and dancing.

~ ~

Adoption Bridges A non-profit adoption agency providing full services for birth parents and adoptive parents. Please visit our website at adoptionbridgesofkentucky.org and see us on Facebook and YouTube. 401 West Main St #1710, (40202) • 502.585.4369 • 1.800.542.5245 • www.adoptionbridgesofkentucky.org • facebook.com/adoptionbridgesofkentucky

Childcare

Community Coordinated Child Care, Inc (4-C) 4-C is the central point of contact for community child care needs and serves as a VOICE FOR CHILDREN and families. Call or visit our website if you are looking for child care, and/or need help in paying for child care. 1215 So. 3rd St., Louisville, KY 40203 • 502.636.1358 www.4Cforkids.org • facebook.com/4CVOICE

CLOTHING

Little Treasures Kid’s Sale Area’s most anticipated kid’s consignment event held every March and August. Parents can earn money on the things their kids have outgrown and save up to 90% on new and delicately used brand name items. For more information about the sale, visit www.littletsale.com 502.541.4446 • www.littletreasuressale.com

Education

Barefoot Books We specialize in multicultural, earth-friendly children’s books that celebrate art, story, imagination, and creativity. Fundraising is available for schools and churches. We have great gifts for classroom birthday parties, special occasions, and showers. 502.509.3336 • www.KidsNeedGreatBooks.com • facebook.com/KidsNeedGreatBooks

EDUCATION/PRESCHOOL

Harvey Browne Preschool Our preschool is nationally accredited (NAEYC) and serves children 2 1/2 through kindergarten in a loving, developmentally appropriate environment. Visit our school and see how each child is valued and empowered to reach their potential. 311 Browns Lane, Louisville, KY 40207 • 502.895.2577 • www.harveybrownepreschool.org

St. James Catholic School Come soar above with St. James Elementary and Monsignor Horrigan Pre-School/Pre-K Programs! We encourage and support the development of every child by enhancing a positive self-image through education. 1818 Edenside Avenue • 502.454.0330, Ext. 11 • www.stjamesbluejays.com

EDUCATION/SPECIALTY SCHOOLS

Meredith-Dunn School

Illumination Derby Ball

WHEN May 6 @ 8-12pm WHERE Actors Theatre COST $20/in advance; $25/after April 30 CONTACT 502.742.6927 or www.stewardstaff.org

PHOTO: Jonathan Roberts, KDF OfficiaL PHOTOGRAPHER

~ ~ ~

WHEN June 10 @ 9:30am-2:30pm WHERE Derby Dinner Playhouse COST $ 60 CONTACT Wallace@

PHOTO: Marvin Young, KDF OfficiaL PHOTOGRAPHER

Adoption

Meredith-Dunn School is an independent school that offers prescriptive education for students with learning differences in grades 1-8. We help children with learning differences develop academically, socially and emotionally. We value each child as an individual with unique strengths, weaknesses and learning patterns. So, we personalize each child’s instruction and create an environment rich in learning, growing, and confidence-building opportunities. We believe in the potential of all learners. Meredith-Dunn School is recognized as a School of Distinction, by the All Kinds of Minds Institute. Contact us for additional information about our school, tutoring, and diagnostic services. 3023 Melbourne Avenue., Louisville, KY 40220 • 502.456.5819 • www.meredithdunnschool.org

Great Steamboat Race t o d a y ’ s

F A M I L Y

Health/Wellness

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Marshall Women’s Health & Education Ctr.

Women First of Louisville, PLLC

Free wellness classes, health risk assessments, pre vention info and education, to navigation and physician referral services. We’re meeting needs of women of all ages–adolescence to menopause. Created to empower women to take charge of their health.

Women taking care of women. At Women First of Louisville, professional women in all stages of life, career and motherhood take care of other women who are balancing the same issues. So we’ve built our medical practice by focusing on women first, in everything we do. We offer comprehensive care for women with many innovative technologies and even surgeries available right in the office. Our services include digital mammography, osteoporosis screening, OB/GYN ultrasounds, genetic and preconception counseling, high risk obstetrics, lactation counseling, urinary incontinence testing /surgery, sterilization, minimally-invasive GYN surgeries, menopause counseling and hormonal therapy management. We make it easy, too, with our on-line patient portal so you can pre-register and schedule appointments, pay your bill on-line, and renew prescriptions — all though our website www.wfoflou.com. We know you take care of a lot. At Women First, we take care of you. Find out more about us on-line or call and set up a new patient appointment.

Norton Medical Plaza III - Suburban, #108, 4121 Dutch mans Ln. • 502.629.1234 • www.nortonhealthcare.com

Maternity/Baby

Babyology Breastfeeding Resource Center & Boutique We rent and sell a full line of breast pumps, maternity/nursing bras 32B to 50L, nursing covers, baby carriers, and a lot of unique mommy/baby gift items. If you need help, we also offer lactation consults by IBCLCs, latch checks, and more. Plus, we offer FREE weight checks and Gift Registry. Classes — Free Mom’s support group, Lamaze, Breastfeeding, Cloth Diapering, Introducing Solids, and many other classes. Complete listing of classes on our website: www.babyology.com. Baby Showers — For facility rental and planning information contact Andrea at andrea@lyricalhands. com or 502.640.9698. Hours M-F 9a-7p & Sat. 9a-6p.

Baptist East Medical Pavilion • 3900 Kresge Way, Suite 30 (40207) • 502.891.8700 • www.wfoflou.com

3934 Dutchmans Ln., Louisville, KY 40207 • 502.721.7727 • www.babyology.com

SUMMER CAMPS

Choose A Gender

Bannon Woods Farm

Have you ever wondered if there was a way to influence the gender of your next child? Choose A Gender, LLC. allows families to do just that. We offer a laboratory procedure that can increase the odds of producing a male or female child at an affordable cost. Our website contains information on our process, other gender selection methods, costs, forms to get started, and contact information to submit any questions you may have about our services. Since gender selection is possible, there is a demand for the service. Some of the reasons for using a gender selection service include: Family Balancing or the process of bringing the number of children of each gender in one family closer to equal.

Bannon Woods Farm has offered a wide variety of horsemanship camps for over 12 years. Our horse programs are designed to meet each individual at his/her own level of riding and horsemanship. In our commitment to safety, we work to teach youth in a fun and safe environment. In addition to learning to ride, campers will learn about topics including safety, horsemanship, horse feeding and care, equipment types and proper care as well as other daily horsey art and crafts. The on staff Equine Veterinarian, Dr. Robertson, will teach the campers about basic horsey first aide. Many different Camps will be offered throughout the summer including half day Level I and Level II and an all day program. Cost: Level I - $155.00 per student Level II - $185.00 per student All day Camp - $300.00 per student Please see website: Bannonwoodsfarm.com for more information and a registration form. Phone: (502) 363-2372 or 439-2956. “Come discover our complete Equine experience, and love the ride.”

8814 Linn Station Rd. (40222) • 502.767.1942 • www. chooseagender.com • facebook.com/chooseagender

Clark Memorial Hospital Family Birth Place The Family Birth Place offers expectant parents a personalized birth experience. With spacious labor and delivery suites, in-room waiting areas, and garden tubs, the Family Birth Place has the ambience of a luxury hotel. Providing quality care to mom and baby is of utmost importance, that’s why the Family Birth Place promotes Kangaroo Care, the practice of a mother holding her baby skin-to-skin, and Quiet Time. Clark Memorial is also the only hospital in the area to have two Certified Nurse Midwives on staff and an on-site Breastfeeding Center staffed by a Certified Lactation Consultant. Childbirth Classes – Prepared Childbirth, Lamaze, Breastfeeding, Brothers and Sisters To Be, Infant CPR and Safety, and Doula Night. A complete class schedule is on our website. Breastfeeding Center – Breastfeeding supplies including bras, pads, and pumps for purchase. Breast pump rental, free weight checks for baby, and individual consultations. Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday – Saturday. Phone: 812.283.2901 Clark Memorial Hospital Family Birth Place 1220 Missouri Ave., Jeffersonville, IN 47130 • 812.283.6631 • www.clarkmemorial.org

Norton Women’s Pavilion

Norton Women’s Pavilion is here for you, from free prenatal classes to breast-feeding support and every thing in between. Because of our specialized services, more expectant parents choose to deliver their babies with us than any other birthing facility in the region. Norton Hospital • 200 E. Chestnut St., 40202 Norton Suburban Hospital • 4001 Dutchmans Ln., 40207 502.629.1234 • www.nortonbaby.com

1116 Dezern Ave, Fairdale, KY 40118 • 502.363.2372 or 502.439.2956 • www.bannonwoodsfarm.com

Camp Allegheny Founded in 1922, Camp Alleghany offers three-week summer programs for girls 8-16 in West Virginia’s Alleghany Mountains. Emphasis on character development aims to help campers experience new activities, express themselves and broaden their abilities away from the distractions of technology. Campers wake up each morning with reveille and go to sleep every night with taps. Each camper takes four daily activities, choosing from 11 traditional offerings including archery, drama, canoeing, arts and crafts and other classes. Campers will have the opportunity to master skills, accomplish real goals and succeed in passing set progress levels. During two unstructured periods daily, campers swim, play tennis, write letters and relax. Each session’s fun Blue/Gray Event features friendly competitions in swimming, archery, rifle, canoe, tennis and more. The staff prepares balanced meals, three times a day that include fresh fruit and salad. (And cookies and milk before bedtime!) The camp store is open after dinner for limited sweet snacks and a small soft drink, should a girl wish to partake. Campers live under an honor system, and counselors supervise all activities.

SUMMER CAMPS (continued)

Camp Palawopec A good old-fashioned fun camp in the hills of Brown County, Indiana. Activities include swimming, mountain biking, canoeing, soccer, basketball, climbing, campfires every night, Indian lore, crafts, horseback riding, archery, etc. Great summer fun in a relaxed outdoor setting. One staff for every three campers. AGES: Ages: 8 – 15 years COST: $595 for one week, $995 for two weeks, $1395 for three weeks, etc. DATES: Boys: Three 1-week sessions: June 12 – July 2 Co-ed: Four 1-week sessions: July 3 – July 30 Girls: One 1-week session: July 31 – Aug 6 Nashville, Brown County, Indiana 812.988.2689 www.camppalawopec.com

Chess and Video Game Creation Camps Chess Camp – July 18-22, 2011 USA Chess is offering a fun and entertaining chess camp at Kentucky Country Day School for children ages 5-15. USA Chess is the largest and premier chess camp organizer for children in the United States. Their staff is comprised of the finest children’s chess instructors in North America. Registration options include mornings, afternoon and all-day sessions. Campers experience chess instruction and play in a fun filled environment designed to improve their skills whether they are interested in casual or competitive chess. Video Game Creation Camps – July 18-22, 2011 This summer Active Learning Service’s present their video game creation camps at Kentucky Country Day School. Children, ages 8 to 15, will have the opportunity to actually design and create their very own one-of-a-kind video game. All that’s required is a bit of imagination because there are no limits! Using state of the art computers, these camps teach introductory and intermediate programming skills while encouraging creative thinking. Kentucky Country Day School 1.888.652.4377 • www.chesscamp.com

The dePaul School The 2011 dePaul School Summer Program (June 13 through July 22) offers academic instruction in an enjoyable setting for students who learn differently. Designed to enhance skills and prevent summer learning loss, our 6-week program is available to students who have completed grades 1-8. Using small classes, highly-trained staff, and researchbased curriculum, The dePaul Summer Program offers a multisensory learning environment to bolster Reading, Math, and Language Arts skills. The “Morning Instruction” segment begins at 9am and concludes at Noon. Students may also enroll in the afternoon “Enrichment Camp,” 1p-4p M-F, participating in science, sports, computer, performing arts and visual arts, with some off-campus trips. For parents needing extended morning hours, our “Early Morning Program” opens at 7:30a. Private and semiprivate tutorial sessions are available for students who have previously enrolled in dePaul. Admissions: Admissions testing is required to determine a child’s eligibility. For information about tuition or to schedule a tour, contact The dePaul School Admissions Office at 502.459.6131 or admissions@depaulschool.org. 1925 Duker Avenue, Louisville, KY 40205 • www.depaulschool.org • 502.459.6131

E-mail: CampGhany@aol.com • 540.898.4782 • www.campalleghany.com

Reach more than 99,000 readers. Advertising rates as low as $50. For more information call 502.327.8855 or email advertising@todayspublications.com

More SUMMER CAMPS listed on page 37…

D I R E C T O R Y

(Directory of SUMMER CAMPS continued from page 35) SUMMER CAMPS (continued)

SUMMER CAMPS (continued)

Emerging Artists Group

Frazier History Museum

Summer Musical Theatre Workshop featuring “Pirates of Penzance.” Workshop Rehearsals will be held evenings and weekends June 6-23. (No rehearsals on Sundays.) Ticketed Performances will be held Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 25 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m. Students who have finished grades 6-12 may participate. Come and audition to be a pirate or a damsel in distress and see who gets rescued first. Placement Auditions will be held April 15, 16 and 17 (call for an appointment). A more specific schedule of rehearsals will be provided at audition. Cost is $200.00, and includes Script and Costume Fee. There are six highly trained and experienced professionals on staff at Emerging Artists Group. We provide private voice and piano lessons and both private and group acting lessons year round and openings are available now. Please contact us for more information or to make an appointment. Check our website for other camp opportunities. Emerging Artists Group is located in the Lyndon area of Louisville.

Fascinating stories come to life at Frazier History Museum Summer Camp! Children engage in an array of fun, multi-sensory experiences and activities, including daily excursions into the galleries, hands-on investigation of museum objects, creative arts & crafts and lively interactions with our costumed cast of historical performers. Children ages 6 to 12 (rising 1st through 6th graders) explore over 1,000 years of history via multiple weeklong and day camps offered in June, July and August. Camp sessions are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We also offer an extended care option until 5:30 p.m. All camps are led by museum education professionals. Parents receive a daily newsletter. Pick-up and drop-off are easy with parking passes for our adjacent lot. Camp size is limited to 15 children, so early registration is recommended. Visit www.fraziermuseum.org for more information, or call 502.753.5663 to register today!

8015 Catherine Lane, Suite 1, Louisville, KY 40222 • E-mail: emergingartistsgroup@hotmail.com • 502.322.7361 • www.emergingartistsgroup.org

Encore! Youth Theatre Encore! Youth Theatre has two camp styles — a performing arts camp for students who want to perform in a musical and a visual arts camp for students interested in behind the scenes work. Without designers, actors would be walking on a bare stage, without costumes, and in the dark! The visual artists will spend their mornings in learning new techniques and skills in art classes. In the afternoon they’ll use what they’ve learned to design the costumes and sets for the show. Daily they will participate in a dance, music, or drama class. Each camp session is one week long and ends with an exhibition of their work. Get ready to put on a show! Students in the performing arts camp will spend their mornings at dance, drama, and music lessons. They’ll learn character development, dance technique, and music skills in a fun and exciting way. Their afternoons will be spent rehearsing for a musical. The actors will also participate in visual arts workshops to learn about set and costume design. Camp sessions are two weeks long and end with a musical theatre performance. Cost: $140-$330; Ages: 4-17. Springdale Presbyterian Church • 7812 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville, KY 40241 • 917.608.3420 • www.encoreyouththeatre.org

Falls of the Ohio Foundation

Young Explorers discover the wonders of the Falls by exploring the world famous fossil beds, and examining specimens, artifacts, exhibits and more. This camp is ideal for energetic, curious students who like hands-on learning and exploring outside. Teen Archaeologists discover how archaeologists learn about past cultures and societies by studying human artifacts left by these earlier peoples. Young Paleontologists discover how paleontologists learn about the history of life on Earth by studying fossils (the remains or traces of organisms such as plants and animals that lived in the past). Half Day /Young Explorers - $100/5 days, $80/4 days; Grades 4-6/8:30-11:30am, Grades 1-3/1:00-4:00 pm; June 6-10, June 20-24, June 28-July 1, July 12-15, July 25-29 Full Day/Teen Archaeologist - $100/3 days; ages 11-15, July 7-9 Full Day/Young Paleontologist-$100/3 days; ages 10-16, July 19-21 Falls of the Ohio Members receive 10% discount. 201 W. Riverside Dr., Clarksville, IN 47129 • 812.283.4999 • www.fallsoftheohio.org • Facebook.com/fallsoftheohio

829 W. Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202 • 502.753.5663 • www.fraziermuseum.org

Jefferson Memorial Forest By combining scientific study and experiments, with traditional summer camp fun, your child will have an educational adventure they will remember for a lifetime. Three new camps! Eco-Extreme offers intense outdoor adventure in a safe environment for ages 13-15; Fairies, Gnomes and Trolls, a camp that explores the fantastical hidden world, while teaching about the Forest; and CSI – Creature Scene Investigations, an in-depth look at the ecology and biology of the natural world. Sign up early as space is limited. Each camp teams two highly trained staff with each group of 10 campers for safety and personal attention. Each session runs M-F, 9am - 4pm. For ages 5 - 6 ($110 per week, per child) Forest Explorers: July 5-8 (10am - 2pm) For ages 7 - 12 ($120 per week) (9am - 4pm) Forest Adventures: June 13-17 and July 11-15 Creature Trekking: June 20-24 Aquatic Habitats: June 27-July 1 Fairies, Gnomes and Trolls: July 18-22 For ages 10 - 13 ($125 per week) CSI – Creature Scene Investigations: July 25-29 For ages 13 - 15 ($175 per week, per teen) Eco-Extreme: July 5-8 11311 Mitchell Hill Rd, Fairdale, KY 40118 • 502.368.5404, ext. 0 • www.memorialforest.com

Jewish Community of Louisville Experience the magic of JCC Summer Camp with something for every child. JCC Summer Camp offers traditional camp for kids 16 months through 6th grade with arts ’n’ crafts, sports, free swim, swim lessons and more! Children 3 and 4 years old receive swim lessons three times a week and children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade receive swim lessons daily. Specialty camps are also offered which include: Football, Soccer, Theatre, Dance, Horseback Riding, Lego, Circus and more. All specialty camps swim once a day. Also, Middle School students have their own camps which include: Community Service, Out ’N’ About and Adventure. Beautiful campus with two outdoor pools, baseball and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, as well as indoor gymnasiums, auditorium and more! Call for brochure and information. 3600 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40205 • 502.451.8840 • www.jewishlouisville.org/camp

Reach more than 99,000 readers. Advertising rates as low as $50. For more information call 502.327.8855 or email advertising@todayspublications.com

SUMMER CAMPS (continued)

Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana / JA BizTown Camp 2011 June 20-24 • June 27-July 1 • July 11-15 Ages 9-12 • 9am-4pm • $185/week At this camp, the kids run the place. That’s because the place is Sam Swope JA BizTown®, a 7,000 square-foot mini-metropolis. JA BizTown is home to Papa John’s, Stock Yards Bank, UPS, Walmart, WDRB Fox 41 and other businesses you find in our own region. JA BizTown Camp gives kids the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in a job and run a business. But it’s much more than that! JA BizTown Camp is an indoor, academic camp that combines classroom-style teaching with hands-on activities. Much of the camp experience includes working with other campers of different ages on group projects. Concepts learned and applied at camp: Entrepreneurship-brainstorming ideas and bringing them to life Job preparation-applying for/interviewing for a job Teamwork-working with a group to reach a goal Marketing-why and how to communicate your products or services. And much more! Register today! www.jaky.org/summercamps 1401 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd (40203) • 502.561.5437 • www.jaky.org • facebook.com/Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana

Louisville Ballet Louisville Ballet School offers kids a chance to make new friends while exploring all the wonders that dance has to offer. Summer dance programs are designed to be fun-filled days full of creativity and physical activity for children ages 3 -16. Children will also get the opportunity to continue developing their coordination, musicality and teamwork skills. The tools and awareness gained from participation in dance as a child builds invaluable skills that they can carry throughout life. Sessions fill up rapidly, so register early to reserve your child’s place! For more information, visit the www.louisvilleballet.org/danceschool or call (502) 583-3150 x245. Mark your calendar for our Summer Dance Program Open House on April 23rd from 1 - 4 p.m. at the St. Matthews studios (4121 Shelbyville Rd.)! 315 E. Main Street • Louisville, KY 40202 • 502.583.3150 • www.louisvilleballet.org • facebook.com/louisville ballet school

Louisville Equestrian Center Fun is Our Business! Summertime is made for fun! Parents want an affordable camp experience that provides a safe, active, healthy, and educational activity for their children. Our campers learn the basics of horse care and safety while learning to ride. Starting at a walk, most campers will be trotting by the end of the week. All levels of experience are welcome. Camp is first-come, first-served so don’t wait to register. All camps are five days a week. Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Ages from 3-17 years. Horses are not only our business but also our passion. Our Summer Campers enjoy a friendly and safe learning environment. LEC Camp Programs combine qualified staff, experienced horses and excellent facilities to create an atmosphere in which Campers can learn horseback riding skills, develop their horsemanship knowledge, and enjoy riding with friends. Camps include: Outdoor Activities • Hours of Riding Time • “Horsey” games/crafts • Low Camper to Staff Ratio • Self Confidence building • Full Day of Fun • Unique hands-on horse experiences. Conveniently located in Louisville’s East End. 2612 S. English Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40299 • 502.267.0881 • www.louisvilleequestriancenter.com

More SUMMER CAMPS listed on page 39…

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(Directory of SUMMER CAMPS continued from page 37) SUMMER CAMPS (continued)

SUMMER CAMPS (continued)

Louisville Science Center

Metro Parks

YMCA

Louisville Science Center School’s Out Science Camps: June 6 – August 12. When school’s out, science camp is in! With new camp themes each week, your little scientist will never get bored. Whether it’s learning to engineer with LEGOs, concocting magical mixtures in Potter’s Potions, or taking on the science behind ancient Castles & Catapults, the summer will be full of wonder and curiosity when you register for School’s Out Science Camp. Half day camps available for grades Pre-K – K, full day camps available for grades K – 8. Visit LouisvilleScience.org/events for program descriptions, dates, and to register, or call 502.561.6100, ext. 6111. • Full Day: $175/week Members, $200/week Non-Members • Half Day: $90/week Members, $105/week Non-Members • 6th-8th grade camps: $275/week Members, $300/week Non-Members Buy early and save! Purchase your camp by April 15, 2011 for these discounted prices: • Full Day: $160/week Members, $175/week Non-Members • Half Day: $75/week Members, $90/week Non-Members

This year’s theme is “Our Parks” Registration is underway for summer camps at 13 Metro Parks community centers across Louisville, featuring safe, fun and educational programming that allows children to experience fitness, arts and nature in a wholesome environment. Camps begin on June 6 and continue through July 29. This year’s summer camp theme is “Our Parks!,” which reflects a desire this year by Metro Parks and Recreation to offer programming focusing on the exploration of Louisville’s municipal parks and Natural Areas properties, including the 6,200-acre Jefferson Memorial Forest. The camps are geared towards children ages 6-12, except Baxter and South Louisville community centers, which are hosting camps for teens ages 13 to 15. Camp prices do not exceed $95 per week for the 8-week period, and most are in the $45 to $70 range. Parents who believe their children may qualify for reduced fees are encouraged to apply for a reduced rate. A non-refundable $20 registration fee, to cover processing and t-shirt expense, is due at the time of registration, as well as the first week’s camp fee.

A world of discovery awaits children at YMCA day camps so give your child the chance to play, to learn and to grow as a person at the Y this summer! No one creates a camp experience like the Y where activities include swimming, arts and crafts, sports, field trips, literacy initiatives and more! Campers have fun while making new friends, building self-confidence and becoming more self-reliant! Choose from over 40 locations in Jefferson, Bullitt, and Oldham counties. Visit us at ymcalouisville.org for more details and to register, or call 502.587.9622. At the Y, we make sure that all children have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive; ask us about our affordable program rates for everyone!

St. James School

YMCA - Camp Carson

“Soar Above” with the Bluejays! St. James School Summer Day Camp St. James offers fun-filled days with: • Games • Arts & Crafts • Swimming • Bowling • Movies • and more! Age: preschool-grade 6 Daily box lunch provided to all registered campers! Location: 1818 Edenside Ave Louisville, Kentucky www.stjamesbluejays.com To register call 502-454-0330, ext. 11

Don’t miss out on the summer of a lifetime! With campers and staff from over 25 different states and 7 countries, and an endless list of activities to take part in, it’s not hard to see why we were voted Best Regional Resident Camp. Camp Carson offers horseback, dirt bikes, archery, canoeing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, pottery, crafts, archery, marksmanship, climbing, mountain boards and bikes, rhythm drums, fly-fishing, woodworking and more! Located just 1-3/4 hours west of Louisville, Camp Carson offers co-ed programs for campers aged 7 to 16. Christian emphasis based on YMCA core values – Faith, Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. ACA accredited. Call for brochure and information DVD. See our ad on page 25.

727 West Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 • 502.561.6100 X 6111 • 800.591.2203 • www.louisvillescience.org/ events • Facebook.com/louisvillesciencecenter

Louisville Zoo

Week-long sessions from June 6 through Aug. 8 Safari Day Camps and Teen Camps at the Louisville Zoo provide wild summer learning adventures for kids age 6 – 15. Kids are naturally curious about their world and the Zoo’s “hands-on, minds-on” camps provide opportunities for campers to experience and explore that amazing world and the animals and plants that populate it. These science-based programs encourage children to investigate, apply thinking skills and relate what they are learning to their own experiences. Sessions include observation and inquiry, arts and crafts, games, activities, animal contact and more! Programs are designed for the specific developmental needs of children so campers are placed in groups with others of the same age. A variety of full day and half day options are available. Summer programs are also available for pre-school age children. Register online at louisvillezoo.org. Safari Day Camp Cost: Half Day: Regular $125; Members $110 Full Day: Regular $195; Members $180 Full Day (4-Days/4th of July week): $160; Members $145 Teen Safari Cost: Regular $195; Member $180 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213 • 502.459.2181 • www.louisvillezoo.org • www.facebook.com/pages/Louisville-Zoo/57523587007

Several Kentuckiana locations 502.587.9622 • www.ymcalouisville.org

1297 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213 • 502.456.8186 or 502.456.8182 • www.metro-parks.org • facebook.com/Friends of Louisville Metro Parks

1818 Edenside Avenue 502.454.0330, Ext. 11 www.stjamesbluejays.com

1-3/4 hours west of Louisville 812.385.3597 • www.campcarson.org

Meredith-Dunn School

Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church

YMCA - Camp Piomingo

For over 40 years, Meredith-Dunn School has provided excellent educational support for children. Our program offers basic reinforcement in all academic areas. The program is designed for children completing grades K-7 and is available to students who do not attend Meredith-Dunn during the school year. Meredith-Dunn’s summer offerings are: Summer School – a four week program offering 66.5 hours of instruction with a written report at session’s end. This 4-week session meets each morning 8:30 to noon; One-to-One Tutoring which provides remediation in the student’s areas of difficulty; and Middle School Workshops which help students develop a better understanding of strategies for learning and how to apply them in the classroom. Workshops meet 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily, for two weeks. Costs: Summer School – $800/4-week session, 3-1/5 hours daily; Tutoring – $45/hour, $25 registra tion fee; Middle School Workshops – $200/2-week session, 1-1/5 hours daily, $25 registration fee. Call 502.456.5819 for more information. Note: Meeting dates will be announced.

Chalice Camp An inclusive and fun liberal religious alternative to vacation bible school designed to build tolerance and community while lifting up universal human values. Activities include skits, crafts, active games and more. Chalice Camp is located on the beautiful wooded campus of Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church. Camp size limited to 20 children; early registration is recommended. AGES: 6-12 (Entering 1st through 6th grades in fall of 2011) COST: $195 (Additional cost for camp T-shirt) DATES: June 13th through 17th HOURS: 9 AM to 4 PM (Options for early drop off at 8:30 AM and extended day until 5:30 PM at additional cost. Professional staff carefully background screened to ensure a safe environment. Call or send email for brochure and information.

Camp Piomingo’s coed camp for kids ages 6-16 is the summer experience that builds self-esteem, promotes friendship, develops interpersonal and leadership skills, and instills in your child an appreciation of nature … all in a safe, fun and nurturing environment. Living in a rustic setting, campers share unique adventures and have many opportunities to grow on the inside … by being outside. We offer a variety of overnight camps from June 12 - August 5. Our programs help kids develop the skills and relationships they need to be healthy, confident and connected to others. Check out some of the fun like high ropes, zip line, horseback riding, and our new aquatic facility at ymcacamppiomingo.org.and register online to reserve your bunk today! You can also find us on facebook at facebook. com/camppiomingo or speak with us directly at 1-800-411-5822.

4936 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville, KY 40222 • 502.425.6943 • www.tjuc.org

800.411.5822 • www.camppiomingo.org • facebook.com/camppiomingo

3023 Melbourne Avenue., Louisville, KY 40220 • 502.456.5819 • www.meredithdunnschool.org

Reach more than 99,000 readers. Advertising rates as low as $50. For more information call 502.327.8855 or email advertising@todayspublications.com

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By LaDonna Kennedy • Photos by Melissa Donald Do you know a playgroup we should feature? If so, send an email to elaine@todayspublications.com. Put “playgroup” in the subject line.

Gretchen seems to be OK with being the only girl.

There are several playgroups throughout the MOMS Club; this one focuses on children who are school age. All of the families are in the MOMS Club of Oldham County. This group has been meeting since September of 2005. There are at least four families that have been together since the beginning. Where and when do you meet? We try to meet at least once a month, at various locations, like Kazoing, parks, pools, and restaurants. We also try to tag along with other MOMS Club groups to various outings such as touring the Graeter’s Factory, touring a candy factory, and a sneak peak of the new YUM Center. Why do you meet? To save our sanity and to further develop the social skills of our children.

INSIDE THE

Playgroup The ELKS MOMS CLUB OF OLDHAM COUNTY — Elementary School Aged Playgroup Brock Culp, 9, Evan Nash, 8, Judson Nash, 6, Gavin Nash, 5, Gretchen Nash, 2, Bobby Nelson, 7, Ian Kennedy, 7, Conner Sobotka, 7, Colin Catchot, 7, Clark Catchot, 5 40

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Have you had much conflict? This is a laid-back group that understands that when children are involved, there can be only so much structure. How do you communicate? We work primarily with Yahoo Groups Pages. It is informative, and it works well as a sounding board for parenting issues. Is there a memory that stands out? “The BMX track at Tom Sawyer Park. My son is 6 now, and he really wanted to try it out. I was hesitant because of the big ramps. He went down a ramp and decided for himself that it was too advanced. It helped him realize his own limits.” — Kathy Sobotka, mom to 6-year-old Connor today ’ s

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