u 1211 N. Wood St., Chicago u (773) 278-2665 u bookclubchicago.net
Comfy, cozy and creative BookClub brings words to life in a real way
W
e walked into BookClub not exactly sure what to expect from the small Wicker Park storefront. What we found was a warm space perfect for beating the winter blues in Chicago. And to make our visit even more perfect, one of our favorite classic books, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, was the featured story and craft for that weekend’s Kids BookClub. The women behind BookClub, founders Amanda Love and Kyra
Termini, set out to create a place where literacy and visual arts come together, where Love says you can be around other people with the same interests or have space to do your own thing, such as using the letter press to create a book or stationery. Starting this month, the daily Bookworms program, for ages 2 to kindergarten, expands to include stories in English, French and Spanish. Next month, Love says they hope to add storytime in Mandarin. On Monday afternoons, one of our faves, The Storybook Mom,
is a special guest reader and once a month, storytelling chamber band Lucky Trikes visits to take reading to a whole new level. Older kids get their own BookClub on the weekends. The programs are not drop-in, so sign up in advance to avoid disappointment. Thankfully, kids don’t get to have all the fun. BookClub also hosts an Adult BookClub on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a perfect excuse to curl up with a good book under a warm blanket—at least until April. Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy
Best in Chi
BookClub
ChicagoParent.com January 2017 11
CHIPAR0117_011.indd 1
12/15/16 2:42 PM
INSIDE VOICE
Warm up to 2017 with this hot list
P
KEELY FLYNN
inning up a new calendar means new habits, new traditions and new ways to explore the arts! Here are three of our favorite ways to usher in 2017 while shaking up your brain, body and soul. Happy New Year, indeed!
Hejsan Whether you’re looking to expand cultural horizons this year or simply want to put more love out into the world, have we got the event for you! (“Hejsan,” pronounced HEY-SAHN, is a polite way to say hello in Swedish, after all!) The theme for 2017’s story and craft time is Famous People From Scandinavia. January’s celeb is Carl Sandburg, the Swedish-American poet who called Chicagoland home for most of his life. Newbies to Sandburg’s work will adore the reading of The Huckabuck Family: And How They Raised Popcorn in Nebraska and Quit and Came Back, and the follow-up craft is sure to delight. Can’t make this month’s Hejsan? They’re held every third Friday, and a hello is welcomed all year long. Jan. 20; Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago; $4 adults, $3 kids, free kids 1 and under swedishamericanmuseum.org
Mr. and Mrs. Pennyworth Ready to write your own story or change the narrative for 2017? Get inspired by Lookingglass’ new tale, written and directed by ensemble member Doug Hara, and featuring the stunning puppetry of Blair Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Pennyworth are traveling storytellers who, upon the death of the Big Bad Wolf, find they must journey into their own stories to restore disappearing fairytales before it’s too late. Fans of Neil Gaiman and other fantasy authors will be inspired by this production, geared at ages 8 and up. (When the stories are unwritten, quite literally, anything is possible. Take note and take heart!) Through Feb. 19; Lookingglass Theatre Company, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago.
Touch tour/accessible performance, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12, with tour beginning at 6 p.m. lookingglasstheatre.org
PHOTO BY KRISTINE CASART PHOTOGRAPHY
Shake What Your Mamma Gave You Eating your veggies, going to bed early, exercising often (well, at least that last one’s now easy enough behavior to model for your kids). All About Dance is unrolling a new (and free!) series called Shake What Your Mamma Gave You just in time to ward off post-holiday sluggishness. Parents can take advantage of three FYD classes (have Fun, be Young and Dance forever), a combo of dance, cardio and toning in a fun setting while their children rock out to simultaneous Dance Explosion classes down the hall. Even after the series ends, they’ll be featuring a FYD/ kid dance class combo every day of the week. Some resolutions really do figure themselves out! Now, about that “early to bed” thing… 9:15 a.m. Jan. 3, 10:15 a.m. Jan. 16, and 10 a.m. Jan. 29; All About Dance, 501 W. North Ave., Chicago; free allaboutdance.org
12 January 2017 ChicagoParent.com
CHIPAR0117_012.indd 1
12/15/16 11:04 AM
BEST IN CHI
Chicago Children’s Theatre gets new home
T
alk about “in with the new”: Chicago Children’s Theatre, the city’s largest professional theater company for children and families, opens its doors this month on its new artistic home in the West Loop. Called “The Station,” the former 12th District Police Station has been transformed into an impressive performing arts and education facility for the entire community to enjoy.
Phase 1 includes the flexible, 149-seat Pritzker Family Studio Theatre, a lobby with box office and concessions, administrative offices and five classroom spaces. The larger main stage shows will remain at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts through this season.
Inclusion has always been the name of the game at CCT, and Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell’s The Red Kite Project (with programming dedicated to children on the autism spectrum) will now have its own space for everything from interactive theatrical experiences to summer camps. “It’s thrilling to finally have a home where CCT can employ the very best teaching artists in town to instruct young people in the work and play of theater and art making,” Russell says. Accessibility is a priority at The Station; accommodations will be made for all children, regardless of physical or mental challenges, and scholarships and discounts ensure theater for all. The company, known for beautiful and immersive performances, has teamed up with a community mainstay with a similar aesthetic. Frank Maugeri, producing artistic director at Chicago’s Redmoon Theater for two decades,
PHOTO BY JOE CABALLERO
has been named the community programs artistic director. “Education comes first” is Maugeri’s motto, and it shows in the diverse courses offered for all ages and abilities. His favorite classes are too numerous to mention. But for the 0-5 set, he loves Campfire Songs. Older kids will thrill for CCT’s partnership with The Actors Gymnasium and the chance to experience Circus & Aerial Arts. Another gem is S.T.E.A.M. TV, which mixes science and technology with DIY filmmaking. 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago; chicago childrenstheatre.org Keely Flynn
is part of your favorite social networks
Find us on Facebook
1/31/17.
Join the Twitter party! Follow us @ChicagoParent On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent
(847) 619-1900
ChicagoParent.com January 2017 13
CHIPAR0117_013.indd 1
12/15/16 3:44 PM
BEST IN CHI
There’s an app for (all of) that
The latest and greatest on demand apps and services for busy Chicago moms
M
BY LORI ORLINSKY
y husband and I always joke that our wedding vows should have read “In sickness, health and assembling toy kitchens.” Meaning, neither of us have ever successfully put together anything for our kids that said “assembly required.” Luckily, we live in the “shared economy” day and age where our marriage can now be saved with the push of a smartphone button. Just last week, Isaac, a handyman we hired from the app Task Rabbit, came to our home and put together the 22,000-piece push bike that we had deemed defective in less than 30 minutes flat. Task Rabbit is just one of many on-demand apps and services that are available locally to cater to the needs of busy moms. Here is a round up of our favorites, with special promo codes for Chicago Parent readers*:
Chime On-demand babysitting We can all relate to that time we needed a babysitter in a pinch. Chime, an app by Sittercity, connects on-the-go parents with vetted babysitters. The service costs $14 per hour and $1 per hour for each additional child. TRYCHIME ($50 off)
Dolly Moving help You scored an awesome find on a Facebook garage sale
group, but can’t envision shoving a train table into your car. Enter Dolly, the Uber for moving stuff. Once you post the job and requirements (pickup truck, curb drop-off), a backgroundchecked helper will finish the job within 24 hours. BUSYMOM ($10 off)
Eat Purely Food delivered in minutes How many times have you scoured the pantry for ingredients to whip up a quick dinner, only to
Chime come up with stale fruit snacks? Eat Purely delivers delicious, chef-made organic meals (BBQ Pork Bahn Mi, Salsa Verde Steak Salad, Squash & Truffle Rigatoni) to your door in 20 minutes. CHICAGOPARENT ($20 off)
Instacart Grocery delivery There’s nothing more frightening than taking a child to the grocery store (read: “Mommy, I want this, and this, and this … now!”). Ease the burden with Instacart, an app that lets you do all of the shopping remotely from your favorite store (Jewel, Mariano’s, Whole Foods). Select from a two-hour delivery window or choose next day, and you’ll be assigned to a personal shopper who will keep you updated on product availability and substitutions. CHIPARENT20 ($20 off)
O’Hare Personal Valet Airport valet parking When you’re traveling with kids, you’ve got enough to worry about without having to think through logistics of what lot to park in, where to catch a shuttle bus, etc. O’Hare Personal Valet makes life easier for
traveling families. Simply make an advance reservation, drive up to the terminal and they’ll take care of the rest, helping to unload and park your car. Back in town? Text the driver and your car will be waiting for you at the terminal. O’Hare Personal Valet also offers car wash, fuel fill up and dent removal services for an additional fee. CHIPARENT ($5 off)
Shyp Shipping made easy Have you ever tried to ship a double stroller? Spoiler alert: it isn’t fun. Eliminate the headache of packing boxes and waiting in long post office lines. Shyp picks up your item right from your home, packs it and sends it anywhere in the world (they also provide tracking info) using the lowest cost and most reliable option. CHIMOMS ($5 off)
Sparkl Convenient car washes We all love a clean car (without hundreds of cheddar bunnies in the back seat), but who has the time to get it washed? Sparkl lets you schedule a car wash
14 January 2017 ChicagoParent.com
CHIPAR0117_014.indd 1
12/15/16 2:42 PM
wherever you are (your driveway, office, on the street) and whenever you want, using eco-friendly, waterless products. As a bonus, Sparkl washers will monitor the forecast and reschedule your wash if it calls for rain. CP20 (20% off)
up at your doorstep with Tide Spin, a dry cleaning service that also offers wash-and-fold laundry with no delivery or minimum charges. What’s more, the free garment bag they provide
Task Rabbit On-demand help In addition to toy kitchen assembly, taskers can do anything from stand in line for Disney on Ice tickets to pick up a box of Infant Tylenol from Walgreens when your teething baby won’t sleep. CHIPARENT ($20 off)
Tide Spin Door-to-door laundry and dry cleaning Spit up on your favorite shirt? Skip a trip to the dry cleaners and have it picked
*Promo codes expire Jan. 31 and may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Only valid for first time users.
you doubles as a hamper. CHIPARENT25 ($25 off)
Wag On-demand dog walking You’re home alone with the kiddos, its -35 degrees in Chiberia and your pup decides it’s time to pee. Rather than bundle up the kids and get everyone outside, Wag will deliver a trained dog walker to your home in 30 minutes. Plus, you’ll be able to follow the walk via GPS on your smartphone, with notifications when your dog goes #1 and #2. WAGCHICAGO ($20 off)
Thirstie Alcohol delivery How many times have you put the kids to bed, took a deep
breath and thought to yourself: I need a drink? Thirstie delivers wine, beer and spirits to your doorstep within two hours. The app also features easy-to-make cocktail recipes. THIRSTIE10 ($10 off)
Zeel In-home, on-demand massages Sneak in some me time and treat yourself while the kids are at a playdate. The Zeel app lets you book a 60-, 75- or 90-minute massage (Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal) with your choice of a male or female licensed certified therapist. They’ll come with the table in tow, and all you’ll have to do is relax. CHIPARENTS ($25 off) Lori Orlinsky is a Chicago mom of two, marketing manager, lover of cold weather and freelance writer.
TIMBER RIDGE WINTER FUN FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS Kids Love Timber Wolves, Timber Tykes and Sunday Kids for Fun on the Snow. Families learn to Ski or Snowboard together Special programs on Sun., Tues. or Wed. Racing for all (ages 5 thru Seniors) NASTAR most Sat & Sun. for medals Snowtubing for more fun!
timberridgeski.com|269.694.9449
Locally owned for 55 years of Winter Fun ChicagoParent.com January 2017 15
CHIPAR0117_015.indd 1
12/15/16 11:07 AM
GET OUT OF TOWN
Snow much fun! It’s peak season on these family friendly ski slopes BY ANDREA GUTHMANN
W
ant to go dashing through the snow without breaking the family budget? These hot snow spots, near and far, have a flurry of options for learning or improving skiing skills, plenty of activities for kids, plus cool discounts for Mom and Dad. Let this guide help you figure out your peak personality. For years it seemed Wilmot, Wis. (wilmotmountain.com), was frozen in time. Not anymore. After being purchased by Vail Resorts last year, this modest Midwest ski slope has made big improvements. A $13 million renovation
means three new chair lifts, a new kids’ ski/snowboard school and upgraded terrain park. Best for parents is Wilmot’s completely renovated base lodge. Snuggle up by the fireplace with a hot toddy and a good book. Huge windows overlooking beginner ski slopes mean Mom and Dad can relax in comfort while still keeping an eye on the kids. If your child wants to go skiing several times this winter, consider investing in a season pass. Wilmot is part of what’s known as the Epic Pass. A kids’ season pass to Wilmot, $329, gets your kid unlimited access to other ski resorts owned by Vail—big Colorado names like Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Utah’s Park City. Want to take it to the next level, but not sure you’re ready for a Rocky Mountain
16 January 2017 ChicagoParent.com
CHIPAR0117_016.indd 1
12/15/16 11:08 AM
high? Granite Peak, Wis. (skigranitepeak.com), has a 700-foot drop. Just about four hours away from Chicago, Granite Peak doesn’t have on-site lodging, but kids will love the 50,000-square-foot indoor waterpark at nearby Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort (stoney creekhotels.com). Another great option is the luxurious Glacier Pines Cabins (gpcabins.com) nestled in a forest 45 minutes from Granite Peak. They’re on the way from Chicago, so you could drive up the night before, get up early in the morning and drive over to the ski area for a full day on the slopes. Ready for a ski adventure with some altitude? To do that, you’re going to need to hop on a plane. Here are two with direct flights: Think you have to be a one-percenter to visit Vail (vail.com)? If your kids ski at Wilmot regularly, they can ski for free at this Tyrolean-themed town with the Epic Pass. Flights into Denver are plentiful and affordable. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to Vail. Ski lessons start at age 3; snowboard lessons start at age 7. Small World Play School (vail.com/plan-yourtrip/child-care-and-nursery/nurserysearch.aspx) offers daycare and crafts for non-skiing children from 2 months to 6 years. Vail’s Adventure Ridge has a zipline and multi-lane tubing hill, kids’ snowmobiling and ski bikes. Vail Village has lodging for every budget. One fun choice is The Lodge at Vail (lodgeatvail.rockresorts.com), where kids get a free stuffed moose at check-in. Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (jacksonhole.com) combines world-class skiing with bucket-list National Park adventures—just one mile from Grand Teton National Park and an hour to Yellowstone. Stay at a condo or vacation home run by Jackson Hotel Resort Lodging (jhrl.com), and for each adult lift ticket and equipment rental, your child (under 14) will get that same number of day lift ticket and equipment for free. Need a break from the slopes? Spend a spa day at the super swanky Four Seasons Jackson Hole (fourseasons.com/jacksonhole/ spa) or take a day to plow through Jackson Hole’s western-themed stores, 30 art galleries and world-class restaurants.
Helping your child reach their FULL POTENTIAL! At Autism Home Support Services, we can help your child overcome the behavioral challenges that may be holding them back. We can create a positive difference in your child’s overall development and long-term success with customized therapy, for individuals with autism, using the of our clients say evidence-based they have seen practices of improvements in Applied Behavior their child through Analysis (ABA) therapy. the AHSS therapy
93% process*.
* 2015 AHSS Client Satisfaction Survey
To learn more, go to AutismHomeSupport.com ChicagoParent.com January 2017 17
CHIPAR0117_017.indd 1
12/15/16 11:08 AM
BEST IN CHI
A fun day of play Playdate created just for special needs families set for Jan. 28
C
hicago Parent is hosting a big Special Needs Playdate in January. Based on the hugely successful Chicago Parent Playdates held for families throughout the Chicago area, this Playdate will be more intimate, just for children with special needs and their siblings. Expect some of the area’s best kids’ entertainers: The Storybook Mom will be on site with one of her engaging stories, as will Jeanie B!, Buddha Belly Kids Yoga, Mary Macaroni and
TwistiCity with his amazing giant bubble art. Watch for more about the growing number of entertainers at ChicagoParent.com. In addition to sports games, a bouncy slide and more, the JCC will open its pool for a free All-in-Swim session on a first-come, first-served basis. The National Lekotek Center will host a special sensory room with lower-key activities including a quiet storytime and playtime for those needing a break from all of the action. Parents will find great resources, too, while the kids’ hands are kept busy.
2017 Adventure Kids Day Camp Full Session: June 19–July 28 Session I: June 19–July 7 Session II: July 10–July 28 Open to students entering Grades 1–8
High energy, activity–packed camp with two field trips every week to some of the greatest Chicagoland attractions. Swimming three times a week, plus sailing, kayaking, art and crafts, sports, team–building and positive group dynamics make Adventure Kids the fun place to be. Join us for the full day program from 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with sports camps available afterwards. Save $150—Register by March 15 Complimentary Bus Service Full Day, Morning, and Afternoon Programs for Children of All Ages. Call (773) 834-7766 or visit us online at: http://summerlab.org
Chicago Parent Playdate, Special Needs Edition Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook Saturday, Jan. 28 Advance tickets until Jan. 27 are $5 for ages 3 and up, free kids 2 and under and parents The day will be split in two sessions, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m., and 1-3:30 p.m.
Flamenco
Dance Classes for Children
Where?
Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music Building J Dance Studios Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue Chicago, IL, 60625 773.442.5916 info@ensembleespanol.org www.EnsembleEspanol.org/classes
When?
January 17th - May 2nd, 2017 Ages 4-6 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm Ages 7-12 Beginners 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Ages 7-12 Intermediate 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Class rates: $190 Adult classes also available
18 January 2017 ChicagoParent.com
CHIPAR0117_018.indd 1
12/15/16 11:09 AM