march/april 2012

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“My children are learning things I never imagined

they could learn at this point in their lives. My

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alphabet and numbers. I also have a 15-month

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just amazing how much Primrose is teaching

my children.” — Jude & Ethan’s Mom, Primrose Parent

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4 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | March/April 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

ContentsMARCH/APRIL 2012

Meet the StaffPUBLISHERMary Wynne Cox [email protected]

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTAssociate PublisherAdvertising SalesJennica [email protected]

ARTGraphic Designer | ArtistKrista [email protected]

SUPPORTAdvertising CoordinatorKaren [email protected]

Business Manager | AccountingRoxanne [email protected]

Public Relations and EventsWendy [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSBeth CampbellCarrie BishopDanielle MyersHannah HilliardJenn KampmeierMary Susan BuhnerMindy IrishNicki Turner

PHOTOGRAPHERSHannah Hilliard

Contact Us:Hamilton County FamilyPO Box 40206Indianapolis, IN 46240(317) 417-3031 or (317) 710-6622

6 | GreetingsA thank you from our Associate Publisher.

8 | On the RadarOne mom's legacy. How her organization is helping

others in need.

10 | Real Moms: The Big Life of Mindy Irish

How a mother of 4 takes life by the horns.

12 | Center Stage: From Cookies to Construction

One amazing teen is helping her community while inspiring others to follow their passions.

14 | The Worth of NOT Keeping Up With the JonesesHealthy ways to "just say no."

16 | Mommy MagicThe secret competitive mom. Life is about

more than just winning.

19 | Fill Your BucketHow to make yourself a priority and find YOU time.

20 | Strollers & StilettosWhat do you want to be when you grow up?

21 |Summer Camp ProgramsGreat summer camp activities for the whole family.

24 | The NestDon't throw out that box of junk yet!

Trendy ways to reuse that box of odds and ends.

26 |Memory LaneClever ways to document everyday memories.

28 | In Our OpinionFind out what local moms are saying.

30 | Healthy Family MealsA recipe everyone will love.

32 |To Do With Your CrewGreat family events going on around Indy.

28

12

Scan this QR code and instantly access Hamilton County Fam-ily from your smart phone or tablet de-vice!

Hamilton County Family Magazine is pub-lished bi-monthly. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

On The CoverEmma Gabbar and Julia Momper, Fishers

Photography by Hannah Hilliard[ ]INDY NORTH(317)849-KIDS

7901 E. 88th St.Indianapolis, IN 46256

GREENWOOD(317)889-KIDS

450 S. State Road 135Greenwood, IN 46142

INDY WEST(317)299-KIDS

6865 Parkdale PlaceIndianapolis, IN 46254

LIFE PROGRAM(317)849-KIDS

Fishers, IN 46037

Inquire online at www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

Did you know. . .

Our Applied Behavior Analysis Center (ABA) provides 1:1, 40 hours per week therapy that

is covered by private insurance.

The programs our center offers are: School Readiness Program: Ages 2-5Social Language Program: Ages 5-8

School Preparedness: Ages 6-15Transition to L.I.F.E. Program: Ages 10 & Up

*Summer Therapy Program: Ages 2 & Up*Social Summer Camp: Ages 6-16

*Registration now open

Does your childhave autism?

• Autism a�ects the person's ability to socialize and interact with others.

• Autism a�ects the person's ability to communicate. Approximately 40% of the individuals with autism are non-verbal.

• Autism also causes some individuals to be very sensitive to certain sounds, lights, touch and tastes.

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6 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | March/April 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com March/April 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 7 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Well, the calendar says it’s spring! I don’t know about yours, but my family has been diagnosed with a severe case of spring fever. The younger girls want their bikes down and the older girls want to start shopping for bathing suits. And me, I just want my winter “honey do” list done because it’s time to get going on the outside of the house!

Spring always gives me a feeling of new life, renewed energy and clarity. Not to mention my motto – Out with the old and In with the new! I will admit I am one of those that feel pure bliss when I have a catharsis in my closet.

Happy Spring Hamilton County Families! Whether you are in your backyard, on the soccer field or vacationing for spring break, may you create some awesome family memories!

First of all, I want to take a moment to thank you for all of your kind words regarding our new publication! The response has really been overwhelming! Keep your comments coming as well as any suggestions you might have.

In this issue we bring you some new columns: Fill Your Bucket will suggest ways to put yourself first in order to be your best. The Nest offers creative ideas to use around the house. Memory Lane will fea-ture unique ways to preserve those memo-ries we all work so hard at making for our families. And finally, we are taking quotes from our “Mom Panel” and displaying them for you to read with our new section, In Our Opinion.

GreetingsMARCH/APRIL 2012

Jennica ZalewskiAssociate Publisher

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On The RadarMARCH/APRIL 2012

Good Habits Start YoungCarrie and Larry the Tooth-Tickling Fairies was written by Dr. Michelle H. Edwards, a board certified pediatric dentist and mother of three, to help parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers care for their children’s teeth at home. Delightful decals of “Carrie” and “Larry” found inside the book stick to the bathroom mirror to motivate children to have their parents take a turn brushing and flossing their teeth! When not writing, Dr. Michelle can be found caring for children as if they were her own at Children’s Dental Center in Fishers!

For more information, visit Dr. Edward’s website atwww.beforefirstbirthday.com/carrieandlarry[ ]

Calling YoungEntrepreneurs! Friendships to RememberSimply put, Lemonade Day is about providing kids of all ages the opportunity to EXPERIENCE entrepreneurship by starting, owning and operating their own business: a lemonade stand! And it is FREE! Registration opens in early March. You will be able to sign up online, at most Hamilton County libraries, through a youth-serving non-profit like the Boy Scouts or Big Brothers Big Sisters or at one of our registration events in March or April at places like The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis or the Indianapolis Zoo.

For more information or to sign up, visit indianapolis.lemonadeday.org

The Best Buddies Indiana Friendship Walk will occur on Sunday, April 29 at 9:00 am on the White River State Park Canal and includes a competitive run, as well as a fitness walk. Registration is free and anyone who raises $50 receives a t-shirt. All proceeds benefit Best Buddies Indiana and our friendship programs for people with special needs.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.bestbuddiesindiana.org/walk.[ ] [ ]

Mark Your Calendar Get Involved Other

Buddies Kyle and Ryan, Carmel High School students

The Megan S. Ott Foundation is the remarkable vision of Megan Snyder Ott. While she has not been with us to see the good works it has provided, it would not exist without her. Megan was a 32 year old wife and mother pregnant with her second child when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The lovely Lauren Luann Ott was born into the family 3 weeks after Megan’s diagnosis. Knowing firsthand the difficult emotional, physical, and mental anguish of fighting breast cancer, Megan envisioned an organization that would help families cope. Megan and Tom Ott founded the Megan S. Ott Foundation in March 2010, one month before Megan passed away from breast cancer. Megan was 34. She left her husband, her two beautiful young daughters, and she left this foundation as her legacy to them.

The Megan S. Ott Foundation is a unique organization because it provides immediate personalized assistance to local recipients in the Indianapolis Metro community. Working closely with Community Health Network and the great team at Community Breast Care they offer monetary and sunshine support to local families fighting the day to day battle of breast cancer. They build personal and supportive relation-ships with their recipients. The first time they meet, they provide a basket of items Megan personally chose. Items that gave her comfort during her battle and that she wanted to share with others. From the very beginning of the journey with these families, the Foundation volun-teers recognize their strength, and honor their courage sharing the vision Megan inspired. All of the grants are individualized to the needs of the family. In the last year, they have paid utility bills, medical bills, provided Christmas presents for families, paid for a few vacations and set up spa days for mothers and daughters. The Foundation also helped with mortgage payments, rent payments, help with prescription drugs and back to school supplies for children. They also provided weekend getaways, movie tickets, theater tickets, gift cards, and even meals when needed. “Sunshine” is provided in the form of cards and phone calls. They send flowers to celebrate the good news, and encourage-ment or simply support when the news is not good. The goal of the Foundation – “Our number 1 priority is to bring as much joy, happiness

and laughter into their lives as possible.

For updates on the Foundation you can follow them on Facebook or contact them at: Megan S. Ott Foundation | P.O. Box 1372 | Noblesville, IN 46061 or www.megansottfoundation.org

Also, join us for “A Night For Magical Moments” Benifiting the Megan S. Ott Foundation Saturday, May 12th, 2012

The 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Friday, March 16th, 2012 in downtown Indianapolis starting at 11:30am. The Parade has over 80 units made up of high school bands, floats, catholic schools, Irish dancers, bag pipe & drum bands, Irish organizations, law enforcement, local media and celebrities. The Parade is FREE to the public. The Parade also hosts a tent party (10:00am – 3:00pm) on Vermont Street which is located in the middle of the Parade route and it is also FREE and open to the public. Come out rain or shine and enjoy one of Indy’s most popular events.

You don’t have to be Irish

[ ]Friday

11:30amMarch 16

One Mom’s Legacy

[ ]

The Tent Party is open to all ages and family friendly.There will be a food court, beer garden, and live entertainment.


Mindy Irish is one busy lady.

She’s busy because she’s an at-home mom with four kids ages 8 and under. That’s enough to fatigue just about anyone. She’s also a wife. And a general contractor. She writes three blogs, manages two websites, is a marketer, community volunteer, and a health nut. She also recently lost 90 pounds.

On paper she sounds like a wonder woman, yet she’s just a modern-day mommy making it work. Here’s how:

Irish was a teacher when she became preg-nant with her first child. She soon decided to quit her job and stay home to raise her son.

A short year later she and her husband Dan “got the wild desire” to get into real estate. They started DM Irish Building and Design (www.dmirish.com), building custom spec homes and contracting interior design. “We had a dream. We took a risk and opened a new chapter for our lives,” she said.

Immediately her role ex- panded from stay-at-home mom to general contract or, running the construction and renovation side

Real Moms

of the new business. In time her husband got his real estate license and she became the primary marketer for his sales work, which includes running a website and penning a related community blog and Facebook page called For You and the Crew(www.foryouandthecrew.com). As the hous-ing market slowed, she worked even harder on these marketing endeavors while also building three custom homes and completing six renovations. Along the way she and her husband added three more kids to the mix and moved six times. That’s right. Six. Phew.

Perhaps then it’s no stretch to learn Irish gained about 100 pounds while juggling the many aspects of her life.

Getting Herself BackMany moms can relate to the toll pregnancies can take on a woman’s body. In Irish’s case, her body endured four full-term pregnancies and one miscarriage in a six-year span.

She said, “The pregnancies were so back to back and I was in the middle of building and renovating that I didn’t make the list. I was taking care of the kids, being pregnant, working, helping Dan. By the end of the fourth pregnancy I looked in the mirror and I was 100 pounds heavier than I was in high school. I said, ‘I can’t live like this.’”

She admits to having led an unhealthy

The BIG Life of Mindy Irishlifestyle when she was pregnant and to experiencing some postpartum depression. “I never worked out. I didn’t eat healthy or worry about it. It was just a bad lifestyle that I very well could have continued and blamed it on the babies or being a mom,” she said. Instead, she took action and made a huge change.

She gives a nod to the Fishers YMCA for making a positive impact on her weight loss journey. Certainly the group exercise classes and facility played significant roles, but so too did the free childcare. Where else can a mom find two hours per day per child of free daycare?

”They made it possible. Definitely I did the work, but they have been an assistance to it because the childcare facility is safe and clean. I can put me as a priority then go through the rest of my day. I don’t have to line childcare up at home,” she said.

Within 26 months she had lost 90 pounds.She did not lose the weight from exercise alone, however. She also turned to Weight Watchers.

“I used Weight Watchers immediately after the birth of my baby," Mindy says. "I attended their weekly meetings with my kids in tow and made sure to take full advantage of the

by: Carrie Bishop, mom of 3

education that they offer. I loved how they

celebrated my weight loss along with me.

Even the simple 5-pound stars I would earn

really made my day and kept me motivated to

stay on track! They taught me so much and

their strategies helped me achieve Lifetime

status with them 13 months after the birth of

my baby!"

The remaining 10 were lost on the Body for

Life program. She’s also a Team Beachbody

Coach and credits drinking water and eating

minimal sugar to maintaining her healthy

weight of 135 pounds.

She said the weight loss is more than the

sum of her diet and exercise regimen. She

wanted to model a healthy and balanced

lifestyle for her family. “I wanted them to see

a life of balance, a mom who cared for them

because I took time to care for myself inside

and out,” she said.

Living BigAfter having four kids and realizing that the

childbearing part of life is now behind her, she

developed a personal slogan of Live Big. To

her Live Big is living the life she is meant to

live, doing more than she thinks she can, get-

ting out of her comfort zone and taking risks.

Its focus is inward as well as outward onto

the community.

In fact, her company’s For You and the Crew

blog is an extension of this resolve as she

developed it as a resource for affordable

community happenings. She also started Fit

Gal Club (www.fitgalclub.blogspot.com) in her

pursuit to help others. The Fit Gal Club exists

to link like-minded women interested in health

and fitness and includes posting from Irish

and her Weight Watchers leader and friend

Shannon Collins. Among other things, the site

posts 12-week health challenges and aims to

just keep people keeping on.

Finding the Time

Without question Irish leads a full life, but re-

ally how does she do it all?

On the health front, Irish does three interval

cardiovascular sessions each week, three

strength training sessions, one yoga class,

and eats what she describes as a very clean

diet.

As for the rest of it, she sets clear-cut goals

and creates a to-do list. It’s that simple. She

also has a neighbor who can watch her kids

on an as-needed basis and her husband

does the majority of the cooking.

She said planning and doing are innate within

her, but to execute her goals she focuses on

staying organized so she can get to her pri-

orities in both her professional and personal

lives. It seems to be working. Somehow she

even manages to gather her family together

for dinner every night and has weekly date

nights with her husband. Many moms would

be happy to accomplish just that.

In moments of reflection Irish taps into her

faith for strength to manage it all. “I constantly

evaluate if I’m doing too much, enough, or

the right things. I put my focus on my total

health and my calling in this down time of

housing for me. That has empowered me

to get to more in life, but with less effort

because I’m listening to a higher call. It’s a joy

to start to live the big life that’s been planned

for me,” she said.

May we all be inspired to lead a big life too. Catch Irish each month in her new Hamilton County Family column, "Fill Your Bucket".

There are no easy buttons. I cut out the excuses. I made myself a priority and got educated.

“ “

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

At the Y, we exist to strengthen community. Through our numerous programs and activities, we seek to impact the children, adults, and families of Hamilton County. Become a part of what’s happening! CALL OR VISIT THE FISHERS YMCA TODAY!

OUR MISSION: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

9012 E. 126th ST FISHERS IN 46038 317.595.9622

JOINING THE YMCA IS GOOD FOR THE HEART!

WWW.INDYMCA.ORG


From C kies to Const ruction

How many teenagers do you know who spend their free time creating a mobile library for children from a church across town? Or hanging drywall in an attic of a Drop-In Center in order to create a meeting room and chapel for at-risk and homeless youth?

Carmel High School Junior Amber Kriech has done both of these things and count-less other community service projects. Many of her projects started as part of her Girl Scout mission. Amber first became involved with scouting as a Daisy in the first grade. She has continued with Girl Scouts and is now a Girl Scout Ambassa- dor, the highest rank that can be achieved. “I’ll definitely be a lifetime member,” she said. And she still sells Girl Scout cookies.

In the 8th grade, Amber became involved with the East Tenth United Methodist Chil-dren and Youth Center in Indianapolis. The center provides daycare, preschool and after-school programs for very low-income families. She transformed an unorganized storage room at the center into a comfort-able and inviting library. Amber designed the room and provided bookcases, tables, and seating. She recruited volunteers and sorted, labeled, and shelved more than 2,000 books.

“I did this project because of my love of reading and books and I wanted to help the kids get excited about reading,” Amber explained. Amber has continued to collect and donate books to the center’s library that she helped create four years ago.

After completing the library, Amber contact-ed the Boner Community Center, which is across the street from the East Tenth United Methodist Children and Youth Center. They told her that they had a need for books for the children to be used during school breaks. The Marion County Library and Half Price Books donated book carts, and Amber began to fill them with approximately 300 books per cart to create mobile librar-ies. Many of the books came from Amber’s vast collection of children’s books.

Amber’s next mission became clear when, in 2010, she learned that there are more than 29,000 homeless youth in Indiana. “I just couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that there are teenagers, as young as 14, living on the streets alone, that don’t have basic necessities, who aren’t sur-rounded with loving family and friends, and wonder when they’ll eat their next meal or where they will sleep,” she wrote in the Jan - March 2012 issue of T.I.M.E.® Together in Ministry Everyday magazine, which is published by St. Luke’s United Methodist

Church. She was shocked and wanted to “make a difference in the lives of these youth”.

A member of her church connected her with a Christian ministry called Outreach, Inc., which is dedicated to equipping and empowering at-risk and homeless youth to exit street life. She toured their Drop-In Center and envisioned their 450-square-foot, unfinished attic as a space that could really make a difference if it were converted into a quiet place for prayer, counseling, and educational classes for the homeless youth who visit the Drop-In Center.

Amber used $2,000 from the Power of Children Award, plus the help of 42 gener-ous donors and 45 volunteers who con-tributed 2,000 hours of work, to create the Spiritual Center in the attic of the Outreach, Inc. building. The project took almost 12 months to complete.

She was constantly motivated to keep go-ing and find solutions to the many problems that hamper any remodeling project. “We were having trouble getting the project off the ground and I decided to write a special prayer for the people working on the proj-ect. We read it before every work session. It really was amazing how it kept everyone positive and motivated,” Amber explained. She also put up pictures of the kids on the walls. “It just reminds you of who you are doing this for and how much they need it,” she said.

In 2011, Amber set up an educational fund through the Christian Foundation of Indiana. The Foundation enables people to establish a charitable fund that is managed profes-sionally. Her fund is called the Youth For a Different Tomorrow Educational Fund and will benefit at-risk and homeless youth. The fund will be used for educational expenses

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that are not otherwise covered, like a second school uniform, school supplies, bus passes to get to school, standardized test fees, lab fees, and textbooks.

Amber is currently serving on the Hamilton County Youth As Resources Board, which is comprised of youths who award grants to youth-led projects to help the community. “It’s a really good way for kids to get experi-ence presenting their proposals in a lower-pressure situation. It’s easier to do that in front of people your age,” she said.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, work-ing with 4H, playing her flute with the Carmel Wind Symphony I, taking photographs, scrapbooking, and listening to music by her favorite singer, Elvis Presley. “I’m a huge Elvis fan!” she said. She is also looking forward to serving as a Page at the Statehouse on Girl Scouts Day with Representative Kathy Rich-ardson, who serves District 29 encompassing parts of Hamilton County.

As a junior, Amber is starting to think about college. She has scholarships to IUPUI and the University of Indianapolis as a result of the Power of Children Award for Community Ser-vice. “Those schools are definitely on my list. I’m trying to figure out what I want to do. I’ve definitely ruled out construction!” she said.

Amber has created a website which details her community service projects. She explains that the purpose of the website is “to inspire others to follow their passion, get involved and make a difference”. Please visit www.goodheartgoodworks.org for more informa-tion and to learn how you can start your own service projects.

At Hamilton County Family, we are always eager to hear about children who are making a difference in our community. If you know of a child who fits that description, please email Jennica Zalewski at [email protected].

by: Beth Campbell, mom of 3


The Worth of NOT Keeping Up with the Joneses

“She knows I don’t have money to buy everything. She’s grown up knowing that I’m doing the best I can. I just haven’t given her everything and she doesn’t expect every-thing,” O’Hara explained.

Put things in their place.Giving kids the proper perspective on pos-sessions will help them separate things from self. They will have an easier time identifying themselves and others in ways that don’t involve money. Kids need to hear specifically that they are great no matter what. Let them know that things can be nice, but things have nothing to do with them as people.

Actions speak louder than words.Parents caught up in maintaining a material lifestyle are feeding a mentality in their children that self worth is connected to material things.

“It’s often times very subtle. It can be an indirect undertone in the family that we see a lot of here in Hamilton County. Hamilton County in my opinion is quite a bubble,” Hall said. He believes if parents are talking the talk but not walking the walk, then they will have problems right out of the gate.

Give to others.Plug kids into ways they can give their time and energy to others who don’t have a lot.

“A classic quote from parents is ‘You don’t know how good you have it.’ The truth is, they don’t. You have to show them. You can’t talk about it. Show them. Go volunteer,” said Hall, who makes it a point to regularly volun-teer with his family at a church food pantry.

He adds, “It’s important you don’t just drop your kids off to do this. You do it with them. If you just want someone else to teach them it’s not going to happen. You are the influence for better or for worse. When you get involved in something you should try to do it as a family.”

Volunteering is an idea O’Hara and her daughter have tapped into as well. Each Christmas the pair adopts a Carmel family in need and delivers food baskets to them. “There’s a definite need for assistance in Carmel. Not everybody has designer clothes or shoes,” says O’Hara, a truth she wants her daughter to understand.

We had them doing commu-nity service and working with homeless rescue...It really opened their eyes to the other side of the spectrum.

Are you raising your kids in:

A) DisneylandB) A bubbleC) Hamilton CountyD) All of the above

If you answered D, then you are not alone. Hamilton County is among the wealthiest counties in the wealthiest country in the world. The median household income ap-proaches $82,000. People have described this region as both Disneyland and a bubble for this very reason.

Living here affords families excellent public and private schools, competitive athletic programs, engaging extracurricular activities, and much more. Much, much more –includ-ing living among neighbors who have lots of new, cool stuff. It can sometimes be too much, especially for kids who are trying to figure out who they want to be and be like.

Is this community of seemingly more haves than have-nots creating a storm of consumer kids? Are we raising the next generation of Joneses?

“ “by: Carrie Bishop, mom of 3

Patrick Hall, a licensed marriage and family therapist and president of the Lotus Group, believes that materialism is not necessarily bad, despite the negative feelings the word evokes. In fact, it’s a normal part of most cultures.

“There’s nothing wrong with a good lifestyle and having nice things, but put them in their place. Don’t allow them to be connected to your value or your child’s value,” Hall said. When kids, or any family member, tie posses-sions and activities to their own worth they move in a dangerous direction for their mental health and overall well being.

Scott McDermid, minister to youth at Carmel United Methodist Church, has worked with kids full time for a decade. Like Hall he sees and hears a lot from area youth.

“Carmel kids get a bad rap for being rich or snobby, which I don’t think is true,” McDer-mid said. He does, however, admit a material culture is part of life for Hamilton County kids.

“I don’t think it’s a conscious thing on their part. What I see is when a new thing comes out – a new iPhone or pair of UGGs, even when they turn 16 and everyone else is get-

ting a car – there’s this expectation. They are not throwing a tantrum, it’s just really an ex-pectation of ‘Why would I not get the newest and best thing?’ That’s just how they’ve been raised and how they understand the world,” he said.

To reign in a Jonesing mindset parents may opt to broaden their children’s understand-ing of the world. Here’s how Hall, McDermid and area parents are keeping material kids in check.

Just say no. Call it the school of hard knocks, but Hall says parents need to just say “no” to their child early on and reiterate that life isn’t all about things and stuff. Let kids struggle with wanting something. “Those are life lessons you let them walk through. Let them deal with it,” said Hall.

This is a path that has worked for Carmel mom Stacey O’Hara. O’Hara has been a single mom since her daughter was 3. Now 14, her once-toddler is in the thick of middle school years. O’Hara says her daughter is not one to be consumed with consuming, certainly due in part to having heard “no” along the way.

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David Keys, Carmel dad of three, also be-lieves volunteering is an excellent way to keep kids grounded. “Early on we had them doing community service and working with home-less rescue...It really opened their eyes to the other side of the spectrum,” he said. While he says the pressure to succeed academically is high with his two high school girls, he says neither are caught up with having things.

Give them a mentor.It can often be helpful for kids to have a reli-able adult, other than mom or dad, they can turn to for advice. McDermid recognizes this and says his church has put small groups in place to address this need. There are around five kids per group and each group is man-aged by an adult who knows them, cares about them and notices if they are not around as much. “Kids need advice and support and quite frankly when they get in trouble they need someone who will listen to them and not be angry,” said McDermid.

Keys is one of McDermid’s small group lead-ers. He describes the effort as a place where the kids can get together in an environment different than school and gain life lessons. “We’re teaching them biblical principles and those principles fly in the face of materialism and trying to keep up with everybody else,” Keys said. This, of course, nods to another avenue out of a consumer mindset: spirituality.

Friends help set the tone.Peer pressure exists, so it makes sense for parents to help kids form relationships with peers who are not overly concerned with material things. While no parent can make friends for their child, Nicole Todd, Carmel mom of three, says parents can help by be-ing positive about the friends who are good influences. What has helped her is knowing the parents of her boys’ best friends. “I think sometimes getting to know parents and what they stand for can be a positive,” she said. Her rule is that she always meets the parents of her kids’ friends. When they visit other kids’ homes, she walks up to the door and introduces herself. “If they want to go to Mrs. Smith’s house then they know I’m going to come to the door,” she said.

Call Hamilton County Disneyland, a bubble, or simply home, but living in a landscape of people who have makes it hard for kids to go without – even if that without is an iPhone 4S. Fortunately, living with things is not bad, as Hall points out. It’s the meaning attached to the things that matters. A life lesson worth learning.


This Sky Zone location is an independently owned and operated franchise.

317.572.2999 www.skyzonesports.com10080 E. 121st Street, Suite 182Fishers, IN 46037

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I view motherhood as a journey. Like any journey, it is nice to know you have people that support you along the way. It is not a quick journey either – no sprint. Rather, a long marathon. You hear of people in marathons pacing themselves. Taking their time – finding their stride. I am sure they need and have to calculate water breaks, moments of being on a high and times of feeling like they are going to die and they just want to quit. My good friend recently ran a marathon and she said motherhood was tougher than running 26.2 miles in a single timeframe. I am not a runner so I will have to take her word for it. Regardless, keeping pace, having moments of ease and then moments of agony, I can relate to that and it definitely sounds like motherhood. A journey – ups and downs, moments that make you breathless and moments that take your breath away. Nonetheless, a journey.

I was naive enough 12 years ago when I first became a mom to think that all moms on this journey would view it like me. I learned pretty fast back in Gymboree class with my infant daughter that there are, in fact, different kinds of moms. Although we are all on the journey of motherhood, that does not mean we are all running the race the same way.

There are different kinds of moms like there are different kinds of runners. I am a slow-and-steady kind of mom. I truly believe if you

keep your head down and do your very best that good will come from it. Because this is my philosophy, I tend to surround myself with other moms that think in a similar fashion. It is not that I am afraid of winning or losing or even afraid of confrontation. I am actually a very direct person and have no problem confronting people or holding myself or my kids to a high standard. I have, however, learned to pick my battles over the years. One of the battles that I have chosen NOT to pick is with the secret competitive mom. She, too, is on a journey of motherhood, but don't kid yourself – she is in it to win it and will TRIP you to keep you from crossing the finish line.

The secret competitive mom. We all know one (or more) of them. She is nice to your face and seems helpful, but really she is digging for information so she can “one up” you. She is a ”know it all” about everything from the best restaurant to the best place to vacation. She will have no problems telling you that her child is the best of the best of, well, everything that is the best. Sound familiar? She is always on the run, but calm, cool and collected and makes you feel like a loser if you are late to a practice or don't socialize with the other moms before, during or after any event. She makes us feel badly about our-selves – even guilty. It rarely is ever about you and your child. Instead, it is typically about them, how amazing their child is and how lucky you are to be in their presence. The secret competitive mom talks a lot and she listens very little. She wants you to trust her, but only so she can judge you and make you feel inadequate about yourself. To be honest, I don’t like secret competitive moms. Life is too short to base my self worth on a mom who wants to prove that she is: smarter, faster, prettier, more organized, thinner and her kid is: well, you guessed it, smarter, faster...you get the point.

The good news is there are ways to “handle” or manage this type of mom. When I posted that I was writing on this topic on Facebook, I had several moms respond that the number one way to deal with a secret competitive mom is to walk away. Don’t deal with them. Ignore them. Don’t play their game. That works sometimes, but what about the times you have to face them? I have found that saying very little typically does not shut them up, but rather just gives them more room to enjoy the sound of their own voice. So when forced to interact, just get through it so you can move on from it. Kinda like a root canal.

A very smart mom once told me, “There is enough success for everyone. Be happy for those who succeed and encourage those

MommyMagicby: Mary Susan Buhner, mom of 3

The Secret Competitive Mom

Motherhood is a Journey Much like running a marathon.

who don’t.” I decided a long time ago that it was important to me to make others feel empowered and inspired. I don’t like people who make me feel guilty, small or stupid, so why would I want to make others feel that way? It is not my style. With that, I figured out that I had to start surrounding myself with moms with similar thinking and values. Moms who ran the race of motherhood sim-ilar to me – slow and steady and focused on working toward their own personal best and not busy judging me.

Sure, sometimes it feels like the competitive mom blows by me with perfect form, in the coolest running shoes without breaking a sweat. We both are going to cross the finish line and the people who love you most are proud of you no matter how or when you complete the race. The point is to run your own race. Set your own pace and know that there is enough success for everyone – even the secret competitive mom.

Remember, life is NOT just about winning. It is about how you handle winning (and losing). It is about connecting with others. Appreciating others success and knowing there is enough for everyone to be happy and be the best at what they are pursuing in life. After all, at the end of the journey, I doubt any of us will calculate the times we won or lost at anything. Instead, I hope we will focus on how we ran our own race.

Life is NOT just about winning. It is about how you handle the winning.“ “

Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of

“Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in

the Midst of Insanity.” Visit her website at: www.Mommy-Magic.com

March/April 2012 | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 19 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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Laundry, check. Bills, check. Your 8-to-5 job, check. Volunteer for the PTO event, check. Team Mom, check. Groceries and dinner, check. What’s missing? YOU are! You give and you give and you do such a wonderful job taking care of your family, friends, and commitments, but what about you? You made it to all of those events…sort of. Maybe you were tired, distracted or overwhelmed by the thought of all the responsibilities that you have on your plate right now? How can there ever be any “leftover” time for you?

There will rarely be any “extra” or “left-over” time for you. You have to get used to going first. Did I just say that? Yes, ma’am, you get to go first! I’m going to give you a makeover. It’s not about hair, clothes, and make up. It’s about focus-ing on how you structure your day, use your time, set your priorities, and give yourself permission to make the list.

If you’ve flown in an airplane, you’re familiar with the directions the flight at-tendants give for emergency situations. They specifically address those that are traveling with children. Their instruc-tions say, “The oxygen masks will drop down from the overhead compartments and you need to make sure to put it on yourself first. Then, once you are stable, put it on your children for their well being.”

Agreed! It has become my life mantra to “take care of you so you can take care of others”. However, unlike in the airplane, you don’t want to wait until an emergency hits to put yourself first. We’re changing that mindset right here and now. I am officially giving you permission from this day forward to put yourself on the list – at the top! That means all-things-you becomes the focus and then the rest of your priorities will fall into line. All of the things that

: Making Yourself a Prioritymake you who you are fall in the "you" spot for the day, every day. That includes the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental you. Sounds selfish, but it’s re-ally not!

So how do you even begin to do that when your life is a constant juggling act? It encompasses a lovely word called balance.

I love being in balance. All four parts of me are taken care of and the day flows so well. Things are orga-nized; I get tasks on my priority list accomplished; I’m at peace; I have time with my family; and I can manage any hiccups or surprises, big or small, along the way.

But when life is out of balance, it gets tough. Frustra-tion arises, my vision gets foggy, and self doubt sets in. How in the world can I make progress towards my goals in that state and condition? I start by realizing that I am not and never will be perfect, but I’m a work in progress. If I’m off balance, it’s possible my priori-ties are off kilter and now I’m taking steps backward, not forward. Have you been there or are you there now?

Balance for me is achieved with a combination of set-ting goals based off my priorities, using a daily to-do list to work towards those goals, and most impor-tantly, keeping in line with the higher calling that is placed on my life. Peace, progress, and results are the effects of that wonderful combination!

One of the group exercise instructors at the Fishers YMCA encouraged the class recently, “Quit putting so much on your to-do lists! Slow things down and fo-cus on what really matters in your life.” It’s the secret of turning up my filter and focusing on what’s in line with my priorities that keeps me moving forward and allows me to be the best me possible, inside and out.

It has become a priority to make myself a priority each and every day. The outcome is that I’m in bal-ance and I can effectively get to the rest of all that I’m called to do, care for, and accomplish in life. It’s a conscious daily effort made with diligence and self discipline to stay the course, but it is doable!

Are you ready? 2012 is going to be YOUR year! Watch this column for tips and ideas on how to live your life big on purpose and with intention rather than on autopilot. Stay updated with challenges on my website fitgalclub.com, on Facebook at the Fit Gal Club, and on Twitter @fitgalclub. Hats off to the new you….a priority now at the top of your list!

by: Mindy Irish, mom of 4


Spring has only just begun, which can only mean one thing…summer is right around the corner. It is time to start figuring out how you will keep the kids occupied while school is out of session. Fortunately, opportunities for summer fun abound in Hamilton County. Whether you are looking for weeklong programs to cover your work schedule or part-time activities to introduce your child to some-thing new, we’ve got you covered.

Summer Camp ProgramsTeam Witsken Tennis brings tennis to children and adults by providing tennis in sites throughout Carmel, Fishers, Nobles-ville, Zionsville, Westfield, and Mt. Vernon. At Team Witsken we take pride in building positive relationships and experiences, while having fun learning vital aspects of the game of tennis. Our trained, profes-sional staff offers high-quality instruction for junior and adult players in a focused and energetic atmosphere. Our goal is for our students to enjoy their time spent with us and develop a love of tennis that will last a lifetime.

Visit www.teamwitsken.comfor more information.

Team Witsken Tennis

Creative Escape will be offering a variety of camps throughout the summer. Each Creative Camp will consist of four days of creative entertainment feature a 2.5 hour mixture of glass fusing, mosaics, silver clay jewelry and pottery painting based around various themes. There will also be a one day Pottery Wheel Camp offered each week where your child will receive 2 hours of instruction in throwing and painting their very own clay pottery piece spun on the pottery wheel. All camps are for children entering 1st grade through the 5th grade.

See Classes/Calendar page at www.thecreativeescape.com for more

information and registration forms.

Creative Escape

Monart Summer Art Camps are full of creativity and summer fun! Our campers have a great time as they learn different drawing and painting techniques and work in a variety of media, all centered on a specific theme. Every year we offer brand new projects, so returning campers are always drawing something new. From Animals to Cartooning and more, our campers come back year after year to create amazing art! Camps are open to ages 5-13, with weekly camps and one-day camps at our studios in Carmel, Noblesville, and Zionsville.

Visit www.indydraws.com to register.

Monart Summer Art Camps

The other day my son, Zane, and I were driving down the road. The little guy was staring out the window when from out of nowhere he says, “Mom, what did you want to be when you grew up?” My first thought was, wow – my kid is sitting in the backseat contemplating what he wants to be when he grows up and can contribute to society. My return question was, “Why do you ask?” I am that mom who answers a question with a question. He then simply says, “Because you like what you do and I want to have a job like that.” I loved his response. We talked more about this, discussing what he liked to do and he responded with, ‘‘Football, math, playing with army guys, drawing”. I explained to him that they are great options and he could get a job doing any of those.

Later that night I was reflecting on the conversation and it made me think back to my childhood. In 3rd grade we had career day. During this day we would dress up like the occupation that we wanted to be when we grew up. In addition, we had to draw a picture of the occupation we chose and hang it on our lockers. My occupation was…. to be an attorney for children who are in the foster system – a child advocate. Thinking about that makes me smile that I had that aspiration at such a young age. However, as often happens, life had a way to taking many turns and paths that led me to a much different career, but one that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

As parents, we may hope or wish that our children will be next the great surgeon, CEO or musician but in reality that may not happen. I have taken the approach that if Zane is happy and living ‘his dream’ that I will support him as long as it is a healthy occupation and contributes back to society. I don’t know what the future holds for him but I do know that I am creating the roots for him to grow and spread his wings and soar into the next phase of his life.

Strollers and

Stilettosby: Jenn Kampmeier, mom of 1

Jenn Kampmeier, MS. Ed, BS ‘MomPreneur’Mom Since 2005

1366 S Range Line RoadCarmel, IN 46032

317.569.8626

Now Enrolling for Summer Camps

www.TheCreativeEscape.com

Paint Your Own PotteryGlass Fusing • Silver Jewelry

Mosaics • Pottery WheelClasses & Parties Available

by: Karen Ring, mom of 2

What do you want to be when you grow up?

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Animals, Cartooning and More!Camps fill up fastso register early!

317.774.3729(DRAW)www.indydraws.com

Summer Art CampsWe Teach Everyone To Draw

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is extremely excited to present the 2012 Summer Camp Series, which features ten summer day camps, available to children ages 3-15. From our ever-popular Vacation Station to specialty camps focusing on theatre, art, science, and sports (just to name a few); our series is a great way for your child to select the type of camp that will have them talking all summer long.

Visit www.carmelclayparks.comfor details and ways to register.

Carmel Clay Parks& Recreation

Fishers Parks & Recreation will offer both nature and recreation summer day camps this season. Registration begins March 1. The department offers well-rounded camp experiences focused on a variety of physical, mental, and social learning opportunities with outstanding counselor to camper ratios. Participants may register for more than one camp.

www.fishers.in.us/parks/summercamp for more information and registration.

Fishers Parks & Recreation

Fishers YMCA has the overall goal of helping children and teens grow in spirit, mind, and body. You are sure to find a Y camp (or combination of camps) that is a perfect fit for your child. Weekly or part-time rates are available to fit any schedule and themes range from traditional day camp to sports camps to unique enrichment camps like Rock Band Camp and CSI Camp. There is something for everyone.

Visit www.indymca.org or call (317) 595-9622 for more information.

Fishers YMCASpringhill Camp is bringing its exciting day-camp experience to Northview Church in Carmel. Springhill Day Camps include awesome activities like the climb-ing wall, crafts, low ropes, slingshot, water activities, euro-bungee, flying squirrel, silly games and much more! Activities vary by each location.

Visit www.springhillcamps.com for more information and to register.

Springhill Camps

Summer Camp Programs ContinuedInternational Talent Academy presents 5 UNIQUE summer camps for boys & girls ages 3-12. Preschool children will enjoy FUN KINGDOM & FANCY NANCY TEA PARTY CAMPS that include music, drama, dance, etiquette & crafts activities. Youth participants ages 6-12 will enjoy performing in the DANCE AROUND THE WORLD & BROADWAY JAZZ CAMPS taught by an expert instructor with American and European experience. Finally, young girls ages 7-11 are invited to an exciting adven-ture with our popular AMERICAN GIRLS program where they will be transformed to young ladies with good manners and beautiful character.

For more details, please visit: www.InternationalTalentAcademy.org

or call 317-815-9381.

International TalentAcademy Sport Horse Inc. camps are based on the

introduction to horses through Safety, Respect and Fun. Each day consists of both a riding lesson and ground lessons. The ground lessons are meant to give campers the knowledge and skills to handle and give basic care to horses. Riding lessons consist of a variety of exercises, drills and games to develop balance, confidence and skills. With the correct foundation campers will be able to continue their equine interests in any discipline, pleasure or competitive. Camp-ers must be at least 5 years old.

For more information, visit www.sporthorseinc.net

Sport Horse Inc.


WAIT!Before you take that box of “stuff” to Goodwill or set it out for your garage sale, take a second look through it.

Everyone accumulates treasures they know they will never use. Some people re-gift these treasures, but with a little thought you can easily repurpose them.

Breathe New Lifeinto Old Objects

It’s magical what a can of spray paint can do! Select the color of your choice and stand back to watch what new items you can create.

For your springtime home décor, take those old picture frames and paint them fresh colors then fill them with images of tulips to bring the colors of spring inside. You can also

by: Danielle Myers , ASID,RID, mom of 2

The NestReduce, Reuse, Recycle ... Time to Clean House

paint old mismatched glassware or vases and then fill them with a stemmed flower of choice – perfect to brighten a windowsill!

Do you have a wooden ladder that has seen better days? Paint it and lean it up against the wall in a bathroom. Use the steps to cre-ate a towel holder or magazine rack.Much like paint, fabric can quickly transform outdated pieces. If you have remnants of fabric, use them to create lampshades or pillow covers. On the flip side, if you have old pillows you can get fabric and recover them to create a new look, or add fringe, beading, and tassels to dress them up.

Repurpose With a Purpose

Need to organize your little ones’ ribbons, bows, or legos? Use mason jars or contain-ers that, on their own, might not look attrac-tive to create organizational containers. Make signs to label them with what’s inside and your little ones will know where to put things away.

Old suitcases make great statement pieces, but they can also be useful! Stack them up and adhere them to one another to create an interesting end table for your foyer. They also make great plant shelves.

Entertain With Impact

For your next party, use grandma's ancient candlestick holders and glue a plate on top to create an instant dessert platter that will have all of your guests talking.

Is your garage teeming with old flowerpots and their trays? Make cupcake stands out of them by turning the pot upside down and gluing a tray on top. You could also take the flowerpots and create lampshades out of them. Drill a hole through the bottom of the pot and run a cord with bulb through the bot-tom, plug in, and you have a unique lighting piece.

Old pillowcases make great chair covers. Slip them on the back of your chair and tie with a pretty ribbon. If you have assigned seating at an event, you could take the guests photos, use iron on transfer paper, and place a photo on each pillowcase – a unique way for guests to hunt for their seat!

You can repurpose just about any item you have. It will take a little thought, time, and imagination, but the end result is spectacular. You will feel pride in the fact that you made the item and your pocket book will be fuller since you did not have to purchase a new towel holder, end table, or whatever you decide to create with your treasures.

Make it a Creative Day!


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Memory LaneWhere did the time go? This is a question we often ask our-selves as we watch countless milestones in our lives come and go. Time flies, period. Do you remember when…? I think this runs through my mind daily as I watch my kids grow up too quickly. Blink your eyes and you have been married five years; turn around and your kids are in middle school; take a step back to realize you are expecting your first grandchild. You are constantly making memories, but life is so busy you don’t always take time to grasp opportunities, cherish the moments and remember the details. Memories can be vivid, have a smell and evoke so much warmth and emotion – you just have to be prepared to capture them… oh, and actually do it.

For the most part, on a typical day you know what you will be doing. If you are going to a preschool performance, you charge your camera the night before. If you are packing the suitcases for Disney World, your video camera is easily ac-cessible in your carry on bag with extra batteries. But if you are having a pizza and game night at home with the kids, you might forget to pick up your cam-era. Point being, your memory capturing devices should always be handy.

Clutter your countertop with the things you need – a notebook and pen are handy for jotting down clever things your kids say or things your spouse does to make you feel special; a camera is essential, and making sure it is fully charged and ready to go is equally im-portant. With technology today – digital cameras, video cameras, smart phones, tablets and free blogging sites – preserv-ing memories has never been easier.

Once captured, how you choose to store those precious memories is up to you. Starting a blog is one great way to keep your memories consolidated.

When Noblesville resident Emily Taylor thinks about memories with her boys, she is so happy she started blogging their family life from early on. “Having a blog is tough to keep up with and take the time to update but there is nothing I cherish more than scrolling back through all of my posts, look-ing at the photos and reading what I had to say at that time with the biggest smile on my face,” she said.

You can choose to keep your blog en-tries private or share them with family and friends. Maybe blogging isn’t for you and you prefer to keep things simple by stor-ing your pictures in photo boxes or framing them to decorate the walls of your home. Decide what your style is and go for it. You will never regret pulling out old photos or clever quotes from your kids.

When you think back to important days in your life, sometimes it’s hard to remember the details. We remember better when we see, hear or touch things that prompt our memories and take us back to a special time in our lives. Be prepared for those in-stances you will want to remember. Some of the silliest moments happen so quickly and being prepared can help capture a moment you may have otherwise missed. Remember to pick up your pen and note-book and write down exactly how you feel or what someone said that was meaningful and fill that empty space on your wall with old and new photos of your family. You are sure to have a smile on your face as you go down memory lane.

Cherish Memoriesby: Hannah Hilliard, mom of 2

memory capturing devices


We have always escaped this...don't know how. Our 10 year old just got his first nintendo hand held game for Christ-mas 2011...he was so surprised and happy he cried. He has wanted one for a while but never "asked" for it. He said a few days later after receiving it that he just never knew it was possible because it was so far out of our budget...

I don't think we talk about how expensive things are very much. I don't think kids should have to carry that burden, but at the same time helping them to understand that everything is not there for the taking. I know I have said to him "everyone has different priorities and lives their life in their own way"...We choose to spend our money one way and other people spend it their way.

Growing up, I looked to my parents as an example. We were not the first family on the block to have the "new" thing. In fact, we were usually the last. I think sometimes it bothered me as a kid, but now I appreci-ate the lesson that my parents tried to teach us. It's not about the "stuff." Our family is trying to follow the same example. Both of my kids are healthy, happy, and do well in school. It's not to say that they don't ask for things, but we have tried to provide "experi-ences" vs. "stuff." I hope in the end my kids will appreciate what I am trying to do, just like I look back and appreciate the values my parents tried to instill.

I think if you set boundaries and expecta-tions within your family of what is important to you, it is much easier not to worry about what others are doing because you have a firm foundation and plan with which you can agree on and stick to.

Angela R., Mom of 2, Carmel

Angela, Mom of 2, Noblesville

Mom of 2, Carmel

Mom of 2, Carmel

Rebecca, Mom of 5, Noblesville

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In Our OpinionMARCH/APRIL 2012

: LadiesEveningOut | : LadiesEveOut

March 4:March 8:

March 14:

Boys Superhero PartyTrunk Show by VeeVee FashionsChamber Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

We asked our Hamilton County Family Mom Panel the following:

Do you feel the pressure from your kids of Keeping up with the Joneses? Do they want the same things their friends have? Is it always a new “gotta have”? Let us know how do you handle?

My children are convinced that their friends are so much better off than us. According to my son all of his friends have their own cars while he has to share my Ford Taurus. As a divorced mom “keeping up with the Jones” is not even an option. Instead, I remind my children to be thankful for living in our great country and for having food, shelter and jobs. We, also, focus on the priceless things in life like family, friends and faith. I truly believe that my children will be stronger and more independent because they have to work hard for all their little extras.

We explain to them why we don't always get the things they want - too expensive, doesn't work for our fam-ily, etc. I imagine when it starts, we'll do the same. And if it's something they really want, it's something they can save their money for. Easier said than done, but I think it will be an important lesson.

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Did you know… cavities are the #1 childhood disease, five times more common than asthma?

Did you know… cavities are the #1 childhood disease, five times more common than asthma?

Spring brings warmer weather. For many, the increase in temperature usually sparks a change in our pursuit of better health. March is National Nutrition Month®, so it’s a great time to make a healthy focus for the whole family. This year’s national theme is "Get Your Plate in Shape," and one of the easiest ways is to look to the rainbow. By incorporating more color-ful fruit, vegetable and grain choices in your meals you’ll pump up the health benefits for the entire family. Here’s a recipe that’s easy to modify with your favorite colorful vegetables or new ones you’ve been mean-ing to try. So “Get Your Plate in Shape” and find the treasure of good health awaiting you and your family at the end of the rainbow!

Brown Rice & SautéedVegetable Wrap

3 cups cooked brown rice*1 Tbsp canola oil2 cups chopped onion1½ tsp dried basil1 cup diced red bell pepper1 cup thinly sliced carrot4 cups torn spinach1 cup chopped mushrooms or yellow squash¼ tsp salt3 garlic cloves, minced2 Tbsps low sodium soy sauce¼ tsp black pepper4 large flour tortillas (12-inch diam-eter)

Cook brown rice. While rice is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion & basil, sauté 2 minutes. Add bell pepper & carrot, sauté 4 minutes. Place spinach, mushroom, salt and garlic in pan. Sauté for 3 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Then, stir in soy sauce and black pepper. Remove from heat. Mix together vegetables and rice. Portion ¼ of mixture into each tortilla. Roll up tortilla, making sure to fold sides of wrap. Slice in half.

Makes 8 servings

*Protein source of your choice can also be added to the recipe. Reduce rice by 1 cup and substitute 1 cup of beans, shrimp, chicken or lean beef.

Healthy Family LivingChoosing Colorful Cuisine

by: Nicki Turner, RD, mom of 2


MARCH/APRIL 2012

March | mon 19 - sat 31

The fun is not just for Saturday mornings anymore! The pop-culture phenomenon “Schoolhouse Rock!” comes to the theatre stage instructing a whole new generation to “Conjunc-tion Junction” and learn that “Three Is A Magic Number.” See website for show schedule.

Price: Adults $15 & Under 18 $10Website: www.civictheatre.orgPhone: 317-843-3800Location: The Civic Theatre3 Center Green, Suite 200 | Carmel, IN 46032

Schoolhouse Rock Live!

March|mon 26

The Winter Kids Koncert series is an enriching and engaging experience for young children ages 2-5 years. Filled with classi-cal hits and sing-along favorites, each show lasts one hour. Koncerts are carefully crafted to be entertaining and allow for the children to dance and sing.

Time: 10am-11amPrice: FREEWebsite: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-573-5243Location: Monon Community Center1195 Central Park Dr. West | Carmel, IN 46032

Winter Kids Koncert

March|sat 31

Kids of all ages are invited to search for Easter eggs hidden throughout West Park. This egg-citing event has four different hunt areas to accomodate all ages. Pre-registration is encour-aged to avoid lines.

Time: 10:30am-11amPrice: $1/ChildWebsite: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-573-5243Location: West Park2700 W. 116th St | Carmel, IN 46032

Children's Egg Hunt

To Do With Your CrewMARCH/APRIL 2012

March 03 - April 28

Through April |sun 01

How do football players make it all look so easy? The secret is, they're masters of physics Stop by the Science Lab and find out why a spiral throw is so important, how speed and weight affect how hard players get hit, and how they keep their balance and direction while swerving through the air. Then it’s your turn to test your skills and learn about the forces behind every swing, kick, and throw you make.

Time: 10am - 3pmPrice: FREE with AdmissionWebsite: www.connerprairie.orgPhone: 317-776-6006Location: Conner Prairie13400 Allisonville Rd | Fishers, IN 46038

Science Lab:Science of Football

The Green Market is hosted inside the heated Red Barn every Saturday morning. Breakfast is served during the Saturday morning market in the Loft.

Time: 9am - 12:30pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.tpforganics.comPhone: 317-733-1700Location: Trader’s Point Creamery9101 Moore Rd. | Zionsville, IN 46077

Green Market at Trader'sPoint Creamery

March|tues 06

Let your child get messy in creativity and exploration this Easter. Each parent and child will create an Easter basket out of clay. Even the tiniest sculptors will be proud of the clay works they create in this hands-on art class.

Time: 8amPrice: $25Website: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-573-5243Location: Monon Community Center1195 Central Park Dr. West | Carmel, IN 46032

Easter Fun In Clay

March|fri 16

The Parade is made up of high school bands, floats, Irish dancers, bag pipe & drum bands, and much more. There is also a tent party (10:00am - 3:00pm) on Vermont Street. As is tradition the morn-ing of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Hoosier Lottery Greening of the Canal will take place at 6:00am.

Times: 11:30amPrice: all events FREEWebsite: www.indystpats.comLocation: Downtown Indianapolis

St. Patrick's Day Parade

March | mon 19 - sat 31

The fun is not just for Saturday mornings anymore! The pop-culture phenomenon “Schoolhouse Rock!” comes to the theatre stage instructing a whole new generation to “Conjunction Junction” and learn that “Three Is A Magic Number.” See website for show schedule.

Price: Adults $15 | Under 18 $10Website: www.civictheatre.orgPhone: (317) 843-3800Location: The Civic Theatre3 Center Green, Suite 200 | Carmel, IN 46032

Schoolhouse Rock Live!

March | mon 26

The Winter Kids Koncert series is an enriching and engaging experience for young children ages 2-5 years. Filled with classical hits and sing-along favorites, each show lasts one hour. Koncerts are carefully crafted to be entertaining and allow for the children to dance and sing.

Time: 10am-11amPrice: FREEWebsite: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-573-5243Location: Monon Community Center1195 Central Park Dr. West | Carmel, IN 46032

Winter Kids Koncert

March 08 - March 10

The Indy Kids Sale offers over 16,000 sq. ft. of new and gently used infant and kids clothes, equipment and toys. The Sale will be collecting diapers and wipes to donate to the Good Samaritan Network of Hamil-ton county during the sale.

Time: thurs: 9am-7pm | fri: 9am-5pm sat: 9am-1pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.IndyKidsSale.comPhone: 317-847-2529Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds2003 Pleasant St. | Noblesville, IN 46060

Indy Kids Sale and Diaper Drive

March | tues 13

For beginning, hesitant or struggling readers or those who love to read aloud. Improve your reading skills by reading aloud to our furry Pet Partner volunteer. Call to sign up for 15 minutes of reading time.

Time: 6pm-8pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.hepl.lib.in.usPhone: 317-770-3242Location: Hamilton East LibraryOne Library Plaza | Noblesville, IN 46060

Waggin’ Tales

March | fri 16

Experiencing nature at night can be fun and exciting. Begin your evening at the fire. Bring food and drinks for the campfire. We supply marshmallows and roasting sticks. Afterwards, we will explore the woods. Register by 3/9

Time: 7pm-9pmPrice: Fishers Resident $4 | Non-Resident $6Website: www.fishers.in.us/parksPhone: 317-595-3150Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve 10410 Hague Road | Fishers, IN 46038

Night Hike:In like a lion out like a lamb

34 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | March/April 2012 www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS CENTER FOR AUTISM

B A C A

Join us for our ZIONSVILLE open house!

baca-Z5801 South 650 East, Whitestown, IN 46075

Saturday, March 31 at 11:00 - 1:00

For more information and facility tours contact Devon

[email protected] or 317.288.5232

www.thebaca.com

Turn off the TV, get outside, and bring some hotdogs to cook over the fire for a well-rounded environmentally friendly afternoon. Games, left over crafts, roast-ing sticks, and marshmallows supplied. Pre-registration required by 4/6.

Time: 4pm-7pmPrice: Residents $4/ Non-Residents $6Website: www.fishers.in.us/parksPhone: 317-595-3150Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve 10410 Hague Road | Fishers, IN 46038

Enjoy a night of family fun while playing board games, doing puzzles, BINGO, open gym, and more. Snacks and games will be provided. Bring your family out for an exciting evening For all ages (not a drop off program).

Time: 6pm-8pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.fishers.in.us/parksPhone: 317-595-3150Location: Fall Creek Intermediate School12001 Olio Road | Fishers, IN 46037

March |sat 31

Kids of all ages are invited to search for Easter eggs hidden throughout West Park. This egg-citing event has four different hunt areas to accomodate all ages. Pre-registration is encouraged to avoid lines.

Time: 10am-11amPrice: $1/ChildWebsite: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-573-5243Location: West Park2700 W. 116th St. | Carmel, IN 46032

Children's Egg Hunt

April |thurs 26

For children ages 2-5 & their caregivers. This fast-paced interactive mix of fun-filled stories, rhymes, and songs paired with a simple craft is designed to introduce and practice critical early literacy skills. Registra-tion is required through Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. The registration deadline is one week prior to the start date of the program.

Time: 11amPrice: FREEWebsite: www.carmelclayparks.comPhone: 317-848-7275Location: The Monon Center1235 Central Park Dr. East | Carmel, IN 46032

Storytime Express atThe Monon Center

April 12 - May 25

Indy’s Child magazine is the proud spon-sor of this All-American classic musical

The Music Man

April | fri 13Fishers Parks and Recreation:Family Game Night

April | sat 14Green is Good Party

April | fri 27

Join us as we plant a tree in celebration of Arbor Day at Brooks School Park. If you want to sponsor the planting of additional trees, we welcome you. Simply contact us no later than Friday, April 6 and we can arrange for you to plant a tree along with us. Call the office at (317) 595-3150 or e-mail us at [email protected] for additional information.

Time: 6pm-8pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.fishers.in.us/parksPhone: 317-595-3150Location: Brooks School Park11780 Brooks School Rd | Fishers, IN 46038

Fishers Arbor Day Tree Planting

April | thurs 05 - sun 29

Enjoy this classic fairytale as it is presented with our vintage marionettes...performed in a quaint old fashioned stage, complete with velvet curtain and scenery. Great for ages 2-10yrs.

Time: see website for schedulePrice: see website for ticket infoWebsite: www.peewinklespuppets.comPhone: 317-917-9454Location: Peewinkle's Puppet Studio25 E. Henry St. | Indianapolis, IN 46204

Rumplestiltskin and theSpringtime Cabaret

April | sun 01

You’ve never been on a scavenger hunt of this kind. Solve the riddles before your eyes and your family may take the prize. Stop by any time to take part in this family event. Pre-registration is appreciated.

Time: 2pm-7pmPrice: FREEWebsite: www.fishers.in.us/parksPhone: 317-595-3150Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve 10410 Hague Road | Fishers, IN 46038

April Fools Family Fun Find

April | sun 22

During SymFUNy Sundays, families are encouraged to take part in fun and interactive pre-concert activities, includ-ing the Instrument Petting Zoo, and are invited to meet many of the artists after the performance. In this performance,

SymFUNy Sundays:Imaginations Run Wild

families will enjoy a colorful and exciting afternoon of entertainment when Dance Kaleidoscope and the ISO bring the characters of Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals to life.

Time: 3pmPrice: $25-$40 adults & $12-$20 childrenWebsite:www.indianapolissymphony.orgPhone: 317.639.4300Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre 45 Monument Circle | Indianapolis, IN 46204

comedy which features the tale of a loveable con-man, who - in order to sell musical instruments - convinces the town he can teach their children to play. The problem is he doesn't plan on falling in love and he can't play a note!

Time: see website for schedulePrice: see website for ticket pricesWebsite: www.beefandboards.comPhone: 317-872-9664Location: Beef & Boards9301 N. Michigan Rd | Indianapolis, IN 46268

©2012 IU Health 03/12 HY03112_49208” x 10.5” Full PageBuilt at size (100%)

©2012 IU Health 03/12 HY03112_4920

Our downtown Indianapolis location provides highly skilled physicians and the peace of mind that comes from our unsurpassed care. Riley at IU Health North Hospital in Carmel offers a depth of expertise in 23 different specialty areas.

Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health offers nationally ranked pediatric care at two convenient locations—Indianapolis and Carmel.

2011 U.S.News & World Report rankings

Find your strength at iuhealth.org/riley

INDIANAPOLIS | CARMEL

Two locations. One primary focus: your child.

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march/april 2012

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