Northeast Ohio Parent - December 2022

December insiDE

NortheastOhioParent.com

ON THE COVER: Carter, 6, visits A Christmas Story House in Cleveland (achristmasstoryhouse.com).

PHOTO BY KIM STAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY

NEED A WINTER BREAK IDEA?

Check out these camps and activities starting on pg. 52

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GIFT IDEAS TO LOVE

From babies to teens, and also you, parents, put these on your family’s wish list.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY GIFT IDEAS

Toys allow children to learn through play. Here are some of our top picks.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Fun, festive activities to entertain you and your crew this season, including ways to view holiday lights, New Year’s Eve for families and a parents’ night out.

LEARNING LOCAL

From the Money Museum to the Rock Hall, there’s plenty of fun, family-friendly and educational places to visit around Northeast Ohio. Check out museum profiles starting on pg. 22

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WHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA?

We break down the learning disability dysgraphia and how it can be similar and differs from common learning disabilities.

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EDITOR’S NOTE Out with old, in with the new 08

WORTH NOTING

Dealing with kids and fears, family holiday streaming, plus, reading room. 12

FAMILY FUN

Holiday treats and crafts you need to make a favorite. 16

departments 24

HEALTH We talk about your child’s eye health and why it’s important to them checked. 55

FAMILY CALENDAR Opportunities to learn, get out in nature, hear a story, make crafts and more family fun. 58

DAD MATTERS

Jason Lea, dad columnist, shares 10 ways families tolerate the winter season.

PHOTO BY PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY

Out with the Old, In with the New

While it feels like the holidays began after Halloween, it really ramps up in a few weeks. Kids and families will be ripping open presents of popular items such as Squishmal lows to the latest tech devices.

Despite rumblings about the economy, it seems spending is on the rise this season. The National Retail Federation forecasts that holiday retail sales during November and December will grow between 6% and 8% over 2021.

And it started earlier this year. I don’t know about you, but my shopping trip to Hobby Lobby, with long lines two weeks before Thanksgiving, felt like that was the case.

Don’t get me wrong, holiday shopping is fun and it’s the best feeling to give something to someone I love during this time of year. However, it does feel like I am adding to my pile or their piles. Yes, we all have that chairdrobe, not just with clothes, but with stuff. My kids, especially, with each age, accumulate more things as their true self evolves. And, after all the wrapping paper is thrown away, now we have to find a place for everything.

It might be a good time to think about what kind of “stuff” we have stored — espe cially after the past two years where it feels like we’ve seen everything we own.

So, after celebrating whatever holiday, and those decorations come down, see if there is anything that needs a second life. What can you rearrange or reuse? If upcycling seems overwhelming, have the family go through everything and donate, or even sell a few items online.

While it does feel like the holiday season can be about “stuff,” we all know it’s more than just that. For this issue, we sprinkle in gift ideas, but it’s also spending quality time with family and friends. My favorite part of this time is there’s so much to do and see. We provide happenings from seasonal events with the whole family to a few ways parents can connect on New Year’s Eve.

So as we look to 2023, whether we are asleep when it happens or cozy with the ones we love —maybe it can really be a fresh start for everyone, that’s my holiday wish, anyway.

PS. On a personal note, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we are missing someone this year in our holiday celebrations — my beloved 97-year-old grandfather, which will change family traditions as we have to create some new ones. For those of you who have an “empty chair” too, just know you are not alone.

december 2022

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Kids and Fears

By Annie Sofran

It’s common for kids to experience fears. So, how can parents help their children navigate those fears? Dr. Sarah Adams from Akron Children’s Hospital provides some tips.

FEARS CAN BE TRICKY

It can be tricky to figure out if your child is developing a fear. Adams says all children experience fear at some point due to their limited ability to understand the complexity of the world. Some common fears, for example, infants or toddlers can fear strangers, new faces, separation. For preschoolers, it can be imaginary creatures, the dark, loud noises. For older children, it can be fear of physical danger, bodily injury, school performance, social affairs, death and illness.

TECHNIQUES THAT HELP

“To help kids and these fears it is very important to acknowledge the fear and not to belittle it or exaggerate it,” Adams says. “Children can be susceptible to learning fear from their parents. So it is important to be a positive role model.”

When offering advice to parents, Adams says she tries to get to the root cause of the fear.

For example, around the holidays, there can be times when children get scared.

“It is very common to be afraid of Santa and other characters,” she says. “A fear of Santa has to do with the fear of a stranger. Reassure them that you will protect them and will not let anything or anyone harm them. Respect the child’s reaction to the characters and do not force them to spend time or visit Santa directly. Slowly introduce him to help them be prepared ahead of time. Understanding why they are afraid, accepting the fear, discuss Santa with excitement and be patient with your child.”

Adams also recommends guided imagery. Some people understand guided imagery as going to their “happy place.” The point is to distract them by occupying their mind with something else, something they like.

In younger children, you could use a technique Adams calls the “worry box,” where you write down some of the fears or worries a child has and put it in a box. You

might decide to decorate the box to make it more fun or you can simply use an old shoebox. Once it goes in the box, the stress, the worry, and the fear goes away.

DEVELOPING FEARS FROM MEDIA

Adams says children develop fears through reading, hearing about, or seeing frightening events in person or in media. She recommends having a family media plan.

“There are ways that parents can help kids avoid these and be proactive,” she says. “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has wonderful resources on how to create one if you need guidance.”

She notes some of AAP key aspects are to monitor what your children are watching, reading or are exposed to — respect age appropriate viewing guidelines. Also, help your child choose media that is age appropriate with positive heroes and heroins. Watch, read and discuss media together. Co-viewing can help you discuss right away anything that may seen as disturbing or scary to the child.

“Parents can acknowledge the fear — it is important your child feels comfortable expressing their fears and not hide them,” Adams says.

“Talk about their fears and help them cope and confront them because fears that are not confronted can persist,” she adds. “Reassure and educate your children about what they read, heard or saw and set realistic expectations of understanding. If they are younger just reassurance may be enough while older children may need more of an explanation.”

WHEN TO GET ADDITIONAL HELP

A fear can be problematic if it affects your child’s daily function. If you feel the fear is becoming more serious and is interfering with their normal function, talk to your pediatrician. For more information, visit akronchildrens.org

STREAMING IN DECEMBER 2022 

New holiday flicks are hitting streaming platforms just in time for winter break. Grab some hot cocoa, light the fireplace and snuggle in for a movie marathon that the whole family will enjoy.

The Santa Clauses — Scott Calvin is about to turn 65 and, realizing he can’t be Santa forever, sets out to find a suit able replacement Santa while preparing his family for a new adventure in life south of the pole. Rated PG. Disney+

A Christmas Story Christmas (2022) — The now-adult Ralphie returns to the house on Cleveland Street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child. Rated PG. HBO Max

Spookley and the Christmas Kittens — When a green cat and three stray kittens wind up at Holiday Hill Farm, Spookley the Square Pumpkin and his friends help the felines find their way home. Rated TV-Y. Netflix

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special — Star-Lord, Drax, Rocket, Mantis, and Groot

engage in some spirited she nanigans. Rated PG-13 Disney+

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol — On a cold Christmas Eve, selfish miser Ebenezer Scrooge has one night left to face his past — and change the future — before time runs out. Rated TV-Y7. Netflix

Spirited — Each Christmas Eve, the Ghost of Christmas Present selects one dark soul to be reformed by a visit from three spirits. But this season, he picked the wrong Scrooge. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. Rated PG-13. Apple TV+

Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Be fore Christmas — When Shaun’s hunt for a bigger stocking hits a snag, the whole farm sets out on a wild holiday adventure — complete with a sleigh! Rated G. Netflix

— By Shana O’Malley-Smith

Recipe of the Month SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

Aisha Taylor, Northeast Ohio Blogger of “FNPhenomenal,” shares this side dish for the cozy season.

INGREDIENTS

5 sweet potatoes

1 stick of butter

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup milk (Sometimes I substi tute for oat or almond milk)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon vanilla

TOPPING

3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon nutmeg

2 cups mini marshmallows (optional)

TOPPING

• Lightly grease casserole dish with olive oil (or melted butter)

• Cut sweet potatoes into large chunks

• Boil sweet potatoes in water for about 20-30 minutes and then drain

• Remove skin from sweet potatoes after the sweet potatoes are cool enough to touch (You can peel sweet potatoes before boiling, I just found it easier to remove the skin after the potatoes were cooked and cooled down a bit.)

• Put sweet potatoes back into the pot without water

• Stir in butter until melted and mash sweet potatoes

• Stir in both sugars and lemon juice

• In a separate bowl, mix milk, cornstarch, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla together

• Pour mixture into potatoes and stir

• Pour everything into prepared casserole dish

In a separate bowl, mix together walnuts or pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole dish

TO COOK: Bake for 1 hour

Last 10-minutes, top with mini marshmallows

Bringing Light to Children’s Hospital Rooms

Lights For Kids founder Olivia Messina of Solon hopes to make things a little better for children during a hospital stay.

Messina, a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati, says lights comforted her when she was un dergoing a derotational osteoto my of the left tibia in 2016.

Her experience led her to create Lights For Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making hospital stays easier for children across the U.S. The nonprofit seeks to create a comfortable experi ence through donations such as string lights for kids to decorate their rooms or other joy-bringing items used by child life specialists, which help distract children from the pain of medical procedures.

Since their start in October 2017, Lights for Kids has reached 34 children’s hospitals in 25 U.S. states. So far, it has donated 4,277 sets of lights and 634 joy-bring ing items with a goal in 2022 to donate an additional 1,500 lights and 500 joy-bringing items.

“The lights brought me com fort, joy, and cheer at a time when I was lacking in all three,” Messina said.

Visit lights4kids.org for more info

— By Georgia Lattas

Lights For Kids founder Olivia Messina of Solon (pictured below) is working to help bring joy to kids after her own experience with a hospital stay. PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY OLIVIA MESSINA

READING ROOM

December Children and Tween Book Picks

Join the Cleveland Public Library’s Cleveland READS! The goal of the city-wide reading campaign is to get Clevelanders to read 1 million books and/or minutes in 2023. The kickoff event will be held Saturday, Dec. 17 at 12 p.m. at Public Auditorium, 500 W. Lakeside Avenue in downtown Cleveland. To help you prepare for the reading campaign, the library recommends a few books for your family to cozy up to this holiday season.

Twelve Dinging Doorbells

By Tameka Fryer Brown and illustrated by Ebony Glenn

An all-holiday melody loaded with family, food, and love, ideal for all family festivities.

Go, Sled! Go!

By James Yang

Repetitive words and large types make this a perfect book for beginning readers. And the laughs and surprises keep coming until the very satisfying end.

Awe-some Days

By Marilyn Singer and illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

Discover and celebrate the Jewish holidays with this warm and engaging poetry collection by the acclaimed author of Mirror Mirror.

Eyes That Speak to the Stars

PowWow Day

By Traci Sorell and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Emphasizing the power and importance of neighborhood, one little girl learns to bond with her individuals differently.

The Secret Sunshine Project

By JoAnna

Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho

When a fellow pupil draws a disheartening drawing of him, a young Chinese American boy discovers himself; Soon, he finds his beauty and worth.

By Benjamin Dean

It doesn’t help that they have to move to the countryside with Gran. Still, Bea loves Riley so much and is determined to cheer her up. Thus, the secret sunshine project is born!

Visit clevelandreads.com for information.

Holiday Treats and

Crafts You Need to Make a Favorite

It’s that time of year — the season of food, festivities and fun. Enjoy these treats for whatever holiday you celebrate and allow your kids to participate in these creations.

Northeast Ohio

FIVE-INGREDIENT GRAHAM CRACKER HEATH BAR TOFFEE

Koski Carney says “This recipe is so easy, but it’s addictive. This toffee is a great addition to a holiday cookie tray, or bag it up and share it with teach ers, friends, neighbors, etc. as part of a sweet holiday treat.”

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

Web” shares a few family recipes, just in time for the season.

Here’s what you need:

15-18 graham crackers (enough to fill the baking sheet you have)

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup HEATH bits o’brickle

Optional: festive sprinkles for sprin kling all over

Here’s what you do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a large jelly roll baking sheet (mine was about 11×15 inches) with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper. Place graham crackers side-by-side, face up, in a single layer on the baking sheet. To help you reach the end, you may need to break graham crackers in half – this is okay because you’ll be breaking every thing at the end.

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, until it starts to boil. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, and stir so to ensure it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat, and pour mixture over graham crackers.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the graham crackers. Let the chocolate chips sit for a few minutes so they’re able to melt. Spread melted choc olate with a knife or rubber spatula. Sprinkle HEATH bites and sprinkles (optional) on top.

Let the toffee harden in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. After it’s hard, break the toffee into pieces or cut with a knife. Enjoy!

“I

ALMOND THUMBPRINT JAM COOKIES

Koski Carney says “There’s nothing like a cookie tray during the holi day season, and thumbprint cookies are a staple. These have become an annual favorite and my kids love helping out, especially the part where I encourage them to touch the cookie dough (with their clean thumbs). You can sub almond extract for vanilla, but there’s nothing like the combo of raspberry and almond!”

Here’s what you need:

For the cookie dough: 1 cup butter, room temperature 2/3 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam

For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon almond extract

1-2 teaspoons milk

Here’s what you do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Add in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.

Mix in flour until dough comes together. Refrigerate dough for at least 4 hours or overnight (this prevents cookies from spreading).

When ready, roll dough into about 1 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Make a small hole in the center of each ball, using your thumb and finger, and fill the hole with raspberry jam.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes in a preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Let cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet.

Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, 1 tea spoon almond extract and milk until smooth. Drizzle lightly over cooled cookies.

Parent Blogger Melissa Koski Carney of

Crashed The

BIMUELO

An easy Hanukkah treat to make with Kids (courtesy of pjlibrary.org)

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder a pinch of salt 1 egg 1 cup of milk

Vegetable oil for frying

Optional: honey, maple syrup, or powdered sugar for dipping or topping your bimuelos.

Directions:

Kids can help with making the dough, rolling batter, and choosing toppings. Grown-ups should handle all of the frying.

1. Mix the dry ingredients together.

2. Add the egg and milk, then stir until batter forms.

3. In a frying pan, pour in your oil (about two inches high) and warm your oil to about 365 degrees.

4. Drop the batter by tablespoons into the oil.

5. Fry the bimuelos until they are golden on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Use a slotted spoon to transfer your finished bimuelo to a paper towel lined plate to cool and allow the oil to drain.

7. Enjoy

A LAVA LAMP FOR HANUKKAH

According to PJ Library, the creators, “This upcycled art piece is also a mini lesson in density—and since it uses oil and light, there’s a very lively holiday tie-in. This Hanukkah themed activity is also a fun science experiment. This funky craft is a great addition to a night of enjoying foods fried in oil - and bonus, it also embraces the Jewish values of curiosity and learning. Plus at the end, you’ll have a wonderful set of groovy “lava lamps” (or calm down bottles) - a great way to facilitate shalom bayit or peace in the home.” (Courtesy of pjlibrary.org)

What do you need: Funnel Water

Various types of oil (olive, vegetable, even baby oil)

Food coloring

Rinsed and empty drink bottles

from the recycling

A drop cloth just in case things get messy

Directions:

1. Spread out your drop cloth and open up your bottles

2. Using a funnel, pour a small amount of oil into one of the bottles

3. Remove the funnel and add a few drops of food coloring

4. Fill the remainder of the bottle with water, stopping at ¾ of the way to the top

5. Put the cap back on very tightly

6. Gently shake the bottle

7. Observe what happens

8. Repeat the experiment with a new bottle, but try reversing when you add the oil and water

Hanukkah begins on December 18 through December 26. Families can add these festive ideas to their list of ways to commemorate the Chanukah season.

Healthy vision is so important because it has a direct impact on a child’s ability to learn, read, and develop in a healthy manner.

Dr. Allison Babiuch, pediatric ophthalmol ogist at the Cleveland Clinic, says uncorrected vision problems “can impact a child’s balance, coordination, ability to play sports, walking on schedule, and healthy brain development.”

In Ohio, pediatricians conduct vision screens every year. Also, starting in preschool, schools screen for vision as well. If there is a problem or concern, the child is referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist where they will do a full ex amination.

“Dilation is necessary to check for visual acu ity, eye structure and health, and to get an accu rate prescription for glasses,” Babiuch explains.

If your child needs glasses, Babiuch says par ents can be supportive with a positive attitude.

“If everyone has a positive attitude then the child will tend to be encouraged to wear glass es,” she says.

Although Babiuch doesn’t recommend an nual exams, because pediatric ophthalmologists rely on the vision screens, she says that if “the parents or caretakers notice anything concern ing their child’s eyes or if there is a family histo ry that could affect the child’s eyes, then those children should come in for a formal eye exam.”

Comprehensive eye exams can even be conduct ed if the child is non-verbal or pre-verbal.

Prevention and early detection of any eye problems are essential. Parents can support their child’s eye health by:

Knowing the signs. Your child may need glasses if he/she is squinting or tilting their head to look at things. “Holding items close isn’t nec essarily an indication that a child needs glasses because children tend to hold items close,” Ba biuch says.

Periodically check your child’s vision. Ask your child, “What do you see? What does the sign say? Or, ask other questions to ensure that the child can see what the parents can see.

Limiting screen time. “The trend is more towards near-sightedness (myopia) and genet ics can’t explain it all so researchers believe that there are environmental lifestyle factors that are playing into the rates of nearsightedness,” Babi uch says. “We can’t say for certain if tablets and computers and screens are contributing to near sightedness, but it isn’t helping.”

Also, take screen time breaks. Babiuch rec ommends, “every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look 20 ft away (20-20-20 rule) to give your eyes a break.”

Encouraging children to play outside. Studies have shown that kids who play outside more in the sunlight have less problems with nearsightedness.

Eye Health For Children

By Aisha Taylor

Writing Difficulties in Children — Is it Dysgraphia?

By Georgia Lattas

For some children, writing or reading might be difficult. Children learning how to write might not be able to translate thoughts into written words. Others will have trouble decoding written words.

We break down the learning disability dysgraphia and how it can be similar and differs from a common learning disability dyslexia.

WHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dysgraphia is a neurological condition and learning difference in which someone has difficulty with writing for their age level.

“Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder most often seen by writing disabilities,” Elizabeth Lipinski, Lower School Academ ic Dean at Lawrence School says.

“There’s some differences of opinion on the exact definition of the term dysgraphia,” Jennifer Murphy, school psychologist and

Director of Assessment at Achievement Advantage in Lyndhurst, says. “Some people look at dysgraphia as a difficulty with the physical act of writing. So, things like legibility and being able to write letters and numbers automatically. Others take a broader view and also include difficulty with expressing oneself through writing, and oftentimes we see students that have both of those concerns.”

“Students who have difficulties with dys graphia tend to have trouble recalling letters and how they’re formed, which interferes with their writing, whereas students who are dyslexic often have trouble producing the sounds and getting those written words down on paper,” Lipinski says.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it harder for people to learn to read.

“Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that causes individuals to have difficulty gaining access and manipulating sound structure or

spoken language,” Lipinski says.

“Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition for decoding and poor spelling skills,” Murphy says. “Oftentimes, we’ll see our clients with dyslexia also have deficits with phonological processing.”

“In both dyslexia and dysgraphia, we see issues with letter knowledge and spelling,” Greer Davis Cerveny, school psychologist and Director of Intervention Services at Achievement Advantage in Lyndhurst says. “Generally as an oversimplification to differentiate between the two we think of dyslexia as a difficulty with reading, and dysgraphia as having difficulty with writing.”

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS/ SYMPTOMS OF DYSGRAPHIA?

“Children with dysgraphia have difficulty holding a writing tool such as a pencil, a pen, or a dry erase marker,” Lipinski says.

Dysgraphia hinders a child’s ability to write letters and numbers. Here’s some answers to questions about the learning disability.

“They have difficulty writing in a straight line, have trouble recalling how to shape things, shape the letter. Writing is often oversized compared to peers, and often you’ll see them tiresome so sometimes even the letters start to look like they’re shaking. You’ll see their hand shake because it actually becomes very tiresome for them to write.”

THE CLEVELAND CLINIC LISTS THE FOLLOWING AS SIGNS/SYMPTOMS:

Difficulties with:

• Letter formation and/or legibility.

• Letter size and spacing.

• Spelling.

• Fine motor coordination.

• Rate or speed of writing.

• Grammar.

• Composition.

Specific ways dysgraphia can present include:

• Difficulties writing in a straight line.

• Difficulties with holding and con trolling a writing tool.

• Writing letters in reverse.

• Having trouble recalling how letters are formed.

• Having trouble knowing when to use lower or upper case letters.

• Struggling to form written sentences with correct grammar and punctuation.

• Omitting words from sentences.

• Incorrectly ordering words in sentences.

• Using verbs and pronouns incorrectly.

WHAT AGE GROUP IS MOST COMMONLY DIAGNOSED WITH DYSGRAPHIA?

“Definitely in elementary school,” Cer veny says. “It becomes more recognizable as students start engaging in writing activities at school. There will be some students with symptoms really early. For others, their dysgraphia can become more pronounced as the writing expectations become more challenging.”

IS DYSGRAPHIA COMMON?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, researchers estimate that 5% to 20% of people have dysgraphia. The estimated range is large because dysgraphia often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

“It is pretty common,” Cerveny says. “The prevalence depends on the definition that we’re using, but anywhere between 10 to 30% of children can experience difficulties with writing.”

WHEN SHOULD A CHILD GET TESTED FOR DYSGRAPHIA?

“The best point of defense is to work with your child’s school team to discuss any needs,” Murphy says. “Really being proactive and working collaboratively within the team is the best way to ensure that we’re interven ing as early as possible.”

WHAT TESTS/ASSESSMENTS DO HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS USE TO DETERMINE IF A CHILD HAS DYSGRAPHIA?

“If you’re focusing on the physical act of writing, a client will likely be provided a for malized handwriting assessment,” Murphy says. “When you consider written expres sion, we would give assessments that look at things like spelling, grammar, mechanics, the writing content, etc.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, healthcare providers and education spe cialists carefully assess your child’s writing difficulties to make a diagnosis.

Healthcare providers may use the follow ing assessments and tests in the diagnostic process:

Formalized handwriting assessments: These tests can help measure the speed and legibility of your child’s writing.

Beery Developmental Test of Visuomotor Integration (VMI): This test helps assess

the extent to which your child can integrate their visual and motor skills, which is neces sary for writing.

HOW DOES DYSGRAPHIA AFFECT CHILDREN IN SCHOOL? ARE THEY REQUIRED TO HAVE AN IEP?

“Students who do have dysgraphia often do have IEP goals that are related to writing,” Lipinski says. “Being able to keep up with the work in the classroom and in comparison to their peers can be very challenging. It can affect what they write down on paper. They may have these really phenomenal ideas in their head but that’s not what gets down on paper.”

“Students with dysgraphia are going to have difficulties with storing and retrieving letters and numbers and that leads to prob lems with automatically producing legible writing,” Cerveny says. “They might have other challenges related to expressions of spelling, grammar, mechanics and creating meaningful expressions in writing. Just be cause a student has dysgraphia doesn’t mean they necessarily automatically qualify for special education services at school. Schools will have their own evaluation process to determine if a child needs an IEP.”

DYSGRAPHIA IS COMMON WITH CHILDREN WITH ADHD AND/OR AUTISM. WHY IS THIS THE CASE?

“We can see fine motor skill deficits or weaknesses with certain executive func tioning skills or language in students with autism or ADHD,” Murphy says. “Those kinds of skills can also impact writing.”

CAN DYSGRAPHIA BE CURED?

“Just like dyslexia, there is no cure,” Lipinski says. “But certainly, you can help improve those fine motor skills, especially if you’re starting early. Help children with the letter formation, give them different ways to make it a gross motor task instead of a fine motor task. Assistive technology does

help students who not only have dysgraphia but other learning differences be able to get writing down without it being so taxing on themselves.”

“Dysgraphia is a lifelong condition,” Cer veny adds. “But there are certainly things that we can do to address the needs of individuals with dysgraphia to help improve the automaticity of their writing and other expression skills. Focusing on becoming automatic with letter writing is extremely important. Research shows that letter writ ing automaticity is often predictive of the length and quality of writing composition in elementary years. So, if you can get that under control early, you’re putting your child on the path to becoming a successful writer. If a student is having difficulty physically

producing appropriate writing, they would definitely benefit from working with occupational therapists. Focusing on letter formation like letter shape, size, spacing, and speed can help improve written out put. Instructing students on how to write in cursive can also help with the fluidity of their writing as well as correcting reversals, which we often see in students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. There are explicit writing programs out there such as Handwriting Without Tears, which is an extremely effective program for the actual physical writing.”

HOW CAN PARENTS HELP THEIR CHILD WITH DYSGRAPHIA?

“Recognize that writing is a challeng ing task for any child,” Lipinski says. “Recognize that quality over quantity is important in this situation. Understand that your child needs breaks when they do have something to write. Sometimes it might be helpful for a parent to dictate a response or have a child dictate it and a parent helps writing it down. Or, again, using that assistive technology piece at home and help guide them there as well. Make writing tasks in general more fun and help the kids with the formation of letters. Rather than doing paper and pencil, oftentimes we’ll use shaving cream or we make gel bags with the kids. Using different multi sensory surfaces to practice is important.”

“The first thing is understanding that it’s legitimately a difficult thing for your child,” Cerveny adds. “Oftentimes when adults see messy handwriting or short word responses we think that it’s a lack of effort, but that’s really not the case for students with dysgraphia. That’s the first thing to always keep in mind. If you’re concerned about your child’s reading or writing, be proactive and talk to their teachers, develop a plan to identify what their needs are and provide intervention that aligns with those needs. If your child is already getting evidence-based services privately or through the school system, those providers will likely have recom mendations about specific activities you can try at home. Some of the strategies include using a pencil grip or other tools to help make writing easier or graphic organizers to help brainstorm ideas and organize your child’s thoughts prior to writing. Ensure that your child always has access to assistive technology which will allow them to complete writing assign ments easier.”

New Heights ABA is one of several providers in the area that provide ABA therapy to children diagnosed with autism. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a therapy in which an individual works with a team of behavior technicians to build necessary skills and address behaviors that may interfere with aspects of day to day life using a variety of evidenced-based interventions.

New Heights ABA focuses on early intervention at their Warrensville Heights and Middleburg Heights clinics. A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) assesses a child’s skill level during the intake process and will create a treatment program targeted specifically for that child.

Clients of New Heights ABA work on communication, listener, independent

play, social, adaptive, and school readiness skills. Their goal is to fade out one-on-one therapy with clients and transition them into school when they show improvements across a broad range of areas. To do this, they need engagement and collaboration with those who typically interact with a child.

“Having parent partners involved in their child’s therapy has shown greater outcomes,” says Sandi Lehr, managing clinical director. “We provide clientfocused caregiver coaching and group caregiver training sessions that cover a wide variety of topics. Caregiver involvement is also a requirement for insurance.”

It can be a lengthy process to get a child diagnosed with autism. In addition, many clinics have long wait lists primarily due to staffing shortages since the

Covid-19 pandemic. New Heights ABA, a locally owned business, experiences those challenges too. Families and staff choose them because of their smaller scale and flexible scheduling. They are committed to the families they serve and are grateful for the staff who serve their families.

www.newheightsaba.org

HELPING KIDS REACH NEW HEIGHTS ONE SKILL AT A TIMEbehaviorally, socially and functionally.

Sensory Friendly Gifts for Kids

By Shana O’Malley-Smith

Sensory play engages your child’s senses – touch, hearing, sight, smell and taste, while helping to develop motor skills, encouraging experimentation and problem solving and can even help your child calm down if they’re feeling over stimulated. Whether they’re scooping and squeezing sand in a sand table or connecting and con torting tubes together, sensory-friendly toys allow children to learn through play. Here are a few sensory-friendly gift ideas for children.

1. Chuckle and Roar Sensory Fidget Box. The Sensory Fidget Box includes 10 items that provide a range of sensory inputs. From a fidget controller, sensory blocks to a squishy hedgehog — calming, popping, stretchy, twisty and satisfying for everyone ages 3+. target.com

2. Teeter Popper. In playful exploration, Teeter Popper improves core strength, stability, leg strength, bal ance, coordination and gross-motor skills. Ages 3+ fatbraintoys.com

3. Hand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubes. These tubes are designed to help children manage their emo tions, focus their attention and practice quiet, calm engagement with four colorful sensory fidget tubes. These securely sealed, easy-to-grip bottles offer movement patterns and provide a quiet option for kids who need help settling down. Ages 3+ $33.95, Sold at various retailers.

4. Learning Resources Helping Hands. Fine Motor Tool Set. Twist, scoop, squeeze and build little hand muscles. Help kids develop fine-motor skills and strengthen hand and finger muscles needed for writing. Includes Gator Grabber Tweezers, Handy Scoopers, Twisty Droppers, and Squeezy Tweezers. Ages 3+ $12.89, Sold at various retailers.

5. 2-In-1 Seek & Write Sensory Bin. The lid of the bin includes a zen sand garden where kids can work through sand-based writing and drawing activity cards. Inside the bin, kids can dive into a multisensory exploration experience. Over 92 things to find and tools including toy bugs, toy coins, toy gems, 62 let ters & numbers, a scoop, tweezers, a bowl, a die, and more. Ages 3-6. $19.99, chuckleandroar.com

6. Mobi Games Zoomi Hexagon Maze. Start the challenge by placing the ball at “start,” then twist, turn and tumble through the five mazes and finish the maze at the “stop.” Improve cognitive skills, concen tration and fine motor skills with many ways to play. Ages 4+ $26.99, playmobi.com

7. BUNMO 4pk Poppin PipesPop, Crinkle, Pull, Stretch! Stim ulate your child’s imagination and explore endless creative ways to play with Pop Tubes. Create shapes, letters, and make up games for hours of en tertainment. The tubes stretch over 2 feet and can connect for even more fun. Ages 3+. $6.99, bunmo.com

8.

8. Wacky Tracks. This unique chain of clicking hinges is fun to bend and form into all kinds of creative shapes, letters, and numbers — or to just fidget with. Encourages fine motor skills, creativity, calmness. Ages 5+ , $6.48, fatbraintoys.com

9. Texture Brushes. Add cool patterns and textures to art projects with handy brushes— just dab, swirl or swoosh! Each brush has a unique texture, so it’s a cinch to create everything from floral shapes to cube de signs! Ages 3+ $16.99, lakeshorelearning.com

10. Harkla Hug. Inflate the sen sory pea pod and watch your child explore a new comfort spot in your home. The Harkla Hug provides deep touch pres sure in the form of firm tactile sensory input or proprioceptive input to the whole body, which has a calming, organizing effect on children and adults alike. Ages 2+ $99.99 harkla.com

10. 9.

11 River St., Ste. B Kent 330-697-4751 info@openarmsadopt.com openarmsadopt.com

Doing what’s best for the child is always at the heart of Open Arms Adoptions’ work. Every day, their compassionate social workers endeavor to find the best adoptive families for children in foster care. Did you know there are over 3,000 children in Ohio’s foster care system that have no one to be reunited with and are legally available for adoption?

Open Arms Adoptions also works to find families for children with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other serious physical and developmental disabilities. They will work with families to connect them to specialized and financial resources they need when caring for a child with special needs.

Open Arms Adoptions welcomes families from all walks of life.

o“It is unquestionably clear that everyone in this organization has a passion for helping find loving families for children who so deserve them.”

– Shawn & Keisha

and Learn Local Get Indoors at Museums]

By Vince Guerrieri

Winter’s at hand, which means that outdoor activities may be a little more limited, but there are plenty of ways to while away free time when holiday break is at hand. A trip to any local museum has the benefit of being culturally enriching and educational – as well as keeping you out of the elements. (And some of them can be done on the cheap.)

PHOTO BY HATTIE KOTZ

Museums]

JAMES A. GARFIELD NATIONAL HISTORIC

SITE

Mentor. In 1876, Congressman James Garfield and his family moved to a farm in Mentor, and the home was enlarged from nine to 20 rooms, with a free-standing adjacent building to house his voluminous library. The home became the centerpiece for his front-porch campaign in 1880, and his family returned there following his death after just six months as president. Today, the home is operated as a historic site by the National Park Service, with an adjacent museum, with memora bilia related to Garfield’s life. The home has been restored to look like it did in the late 19th century.

Interaction tip: Check all the books in his library. Read and discuss titles with the kids.

What to discuss after: What did James Garfield do before he was President? How did Garfield use his home during the presidential campaign?

u nps.gov/jaga

A CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE

Cleveland. Thanks to repeated TV airings on Christmas, “A Christmas Story” has become a part of the holiday experience. It’s partic ularly beloved in Cleveland, where parts of the movie were filmed. One location, a home on West 11th Street in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, was bought and restored to look just like the Parkers’ home – right down to the leg lamp in the window. Across the street is a museum full of memorabilia associated with the movie.

Interaction tip: Pick up the phone, toys on display. Crawl under the sink like Ralphie.

What to discuss after: Discuss the movies and thoughts about families in that era.

u achristmasstoryhouse.com

PRO FOOTBALL

HALL OF FAME

Canton. In 1920, owners of a variety of pro football teams – many based in Ohio – gathered at a Hupmobile dealership in Canton, signing papers to create what’s now the NFL. Because of Canton’s history as the birthplace of pro football, the Pro Football Hall of Fame opened there in 1962, and, as the NFL enters its second century, continues to update its offerings, sharing not just the history of the league, but the game itself, from artifacts from the league’s early days to interactive experiences. Nearby is the Hall of Fame Village, with retail offerings and other activities.

Interaction tip: Kids can match their size to these football legends, lots of listening opportunities to learn the game.

u profootballhof.com

PHOTO BY KIM STAHNKE

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES A. GARFIELD NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

PHOTO BY PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HALL OF FAME

Cleveland. The Rock Hall opened to great fan fare on Cleveland’s lakefront in 1995. The I.M. Pei-designed museum outlines the history of rock music, from its emergence as a combination of elements of jazz, bluegrass and gospel, to the present day. But the real attraction is the mem orabilia, including vehicles driven by rockers, instruments played in concert and handwritten notes detailing the creative process. There’s even a section devoted to rockers’ outfits, from outlaw leather jackets to elaborate stage costumes.

Interaction tip: Have your kids check out the gear in The Garage and around the museum. What to discuss after: Talk about the music they like and the instruments that would be cool to play.

u rockhall.com

MONEY MUSEUM

Cleveland. The U.S. Federal Reserve, the central bank for the United States, has 12 districts, each with its own Federal Reserve Bank. There’s one in Cleveland, and in this free mu seum, visitors can see the history of currency, from bartering in the earliest days to modern cyber currency. The 23-foottall money tree remains a big attraction as well. (Tours of the bank are also available by appointment.)

Interaction tip: There’s an opportunity to take a picture as the center of the one-dollar bill, and learn how counterfeiters are spotted as well.

What to discuss after: What is counterfeiting? How do they try to stop it?

FAM JAM EVENT,

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONEY MUSEUM

BY HATTIE KOTZ

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF CLEVELAND

For many years, Euclid Avenue just east of down town was known as a millionaire’s row, with Mark Twain calling it “one of the finest streets in Ameri ca.” Today, few remnants of those massive homes remain, but one, the Stager-Beckwith Mansion, underwent a $10 million restoration to reopen in 2017 as the city’s children’s museum. The museum features party rooms and art studios, but the piece de resistance remains the two-story play area. (NOTE: Visitation is only by reservation, which can be made on the museum’s website.)

Interaction tip: The water table remains one of the museum’s most popular attractions.

What to discuss after: After checking out the “Mak ing Miniatures” exhibit, talk to your kids about what they saw and how they think those were made. Go home and play building sets for inspiration.

u cmcleveland.org

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

Cleveland. Located at Burke Lakefront Airport since 1998, this museum tells the story of women in aviation, from the Wright brothers’ sister Katherine to the women who fly on space shuttles today.

Interaction tip: Kids can sit in flight simulators and play with a console from Cape Canaveral.

What to discuss after: Talk to your kids about the importance of women and space. If age appropriate, watch the movie “Hidden Figures.”

u iwasm.org

THE

MUSEUMS

AT UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

The area on Cleveland’s east side became known for its universities (Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, which merged in 1967 to become Case Western Reserve University) and its hospitals (it’s also home to both main campuses for the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals). But it’s also a popular tourist destination, thanks to a series of museums there.

THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART

The art museum was endowed by the city’s wealthy in dustrialists, and its collection includes everything from ancient Middle Eastern art to samples from the modern day. And admission is free (although occasionally, there are ticketed exhibits).

Interaction tip: Check out the Family Play Day: Illuminate on Dec. 4 from 12 to 4 p.m. What to discuss after: What was your favorite painting? What was your favorite era room?

u Clevelandart.org

THE CLEVELAND HISTORY CENTER

It has chronicled the history of the city and region for more than 150 years. See a variety of artifacts important in the city’s history. Not to be missed is the Crawford Auto Aviation Collection, with examples from the Cleve land Air Races, and cars that date back to the 1800s.

Interactions: You can ride the Euclid Beach carousel. Questions to ask afterward: What was your favorite car? Why did you like it?

u wrhs.org

THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has docu mented human and animal life for more than a century. Its collection, numbering more than 1 million items, includes a variety of remains from prehistoric animals, including dinosaurs and Lucy, the earliest known homi nid. There’s also an observatory and a planetarium.

Questions for afterward: Did you see Balto? Why is he famous?

u cmnh.org

PHOTO

and Learn Local Get Indoors at Museums]

Tours, free Workshops, & Contests for Middle & High School Students!

The 15th Annual Stop the Hate: ® Youth Speak Out essay contest and Youth Sing Out song writing contest cele brates students committed to creating a more accepting, inclusive society. Each year, through the generosity of a donor, the Maltz Museum awards $100,000 in scholarships and anti-bias education grants in recognition of 6–12th grade upstanders. Will you or your school be the next

To learn more about the Stop the Hate program please visit learn.maltzmuseum.org

The excitement in Northeast Ohio is building as the transformation of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History gains momentum. Featuring an expansion and a total reinvention of every exhibit, the Museum’s transformation is pioneering a new visitor experience— designed to engage all ages in learning about science and nature in fun, dynamic, and interactive ways. Upon its completion in 2024, the new Museum will be like no other natural history museum in the world.

”Amid these dramatic changes, the Museum is staying open every step of the way! This December marks an important milestone in the transformation as the Museum celebrates the opening of new and redesigned spaces, including the Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium and Smead Discovery Center—Presented by PNC, and a new lineup of exciting experiences, including 3D movies, virtual reality, exhibits of renowned works of art, and more.

“

mission, as it has been for more than 100 years, is to engage the next generation of scientists and leaders as they develop deeper relationships with the world around us.

– Sonia Winner, President & CEO

It was ten years ago when the Greater Cleveland Aquarium opened its doors on the West Bank of the Flats. The family-friendly destination is located on the ground floor of a powerhouse constructed in 1892 to provide electricity to streetcars. The historic building’s distressed brick walls and exposed ductwork juxtapose Northeast Ohio industrial past with the Aquarium’s nature and conservation focus.

Many of the Aquarium’s exhibits are freestanding and offer 180- to 360-degree views perfect for the little ones. An experience highlight is the opportunity to walk underneath the ocean via a 175-foot seatube that takes you through a 230,000-gallon shark habitat.

Each of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s immersive galleries is themed with regional décor, sounds and even scents. Guests are transported from a forested Ohio Lakes & Rivers Gallery to a weathered Coastal Boardwalk over the course of their visit. The Aquarium features both Northeast Ohio

Throughout the day, guests are likely to see SCUBA divers at work, exhibit feedings and pop-up outreach animal encounters. The Aquarium also offers outdoor urban birding programs, online tours and an array of seasonal events.

Parking is plentiful and admission is $0 - $19.95. Annual passes ($45 -$130) offer year-round admission for 1 – 8 guests, special programming, and gift shop and event discounts.

So, if your family would enjoy seeing a sea star’s tiny tube feet in action, watching a giant gourami gulp air, or examining the toothy grin of a sand tiger shark gliding overhead, you just might want to take a closer look at Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Nature. It’s a curious thing.

freshwater animals and saltwater fish from around the globe representing some 300 species. Visitor favorites include poison dart frogs, weedy seadragons, moon jellyfish, live coral, archerfish, and the giant Pacific octopus.

10825 East Blvd., Cleveland email: info@wrhs.org • social media: @CleStartsHere www.wrhs.org • 216-721-5722

Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) is Cleveland’s oldest cultural institution and one of the largest, most diversified historical societies in the United States today. WRHS’s mission is to inspire people to discover the American experience by exploring the history of Northeast Ohio. Founded in 1867, WRHS collects, preserves, and provides access to the stories of Northeast Ohio and beyond — stories about the people, artifacts, and archives that are the provenance for our region.

The Cleveland History Center (CHC), head quarters for Western Reserve Historical Society, is dedicated to connecting the community with the rich history of Northeast Ohio. The CHC contin ues to expand its in-person and online experiences to inspire guests in finding their own voices in the ever-evolving story of Northeast Ohio. By exploring the history of the region and immersing themselves in the triumphs and tragedies that define Cleveland, guests are encouraged to explore the role they play in their community. These stories of innovation, immigration, entrepreneurship and diversity create a connection to the past that can help inform the present and inspire us to shape the future.

At the Cleveland History Center, guests are encouraged to explore “Cleveland Starts Here,” sponsored by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation. This in-person and digital exhibit takes visitors on a journey through Cleveland’s history from 1796 to today. Its also home to the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, which features significant automobiles, planes, boats and other transportation artifacts. The exhibits within the Crawford work in tandem to weave together the intricate story of Northeast Ohio’s crucial role in the development and continuing innovation of the transportation industry. History buffs, sports en thusiasts, parents, grandparents, students, educators and Cleveland lovers around the world experience the region’s collective stories when they explore what the Cleveland History Center has to offer on site or at home. Through activities and programs, rarely seen images, films, art and historical artifacts,

guests are invited to celebrate local legacies as well as revel in the region’s promise and possibilities. The Cleveland History Center welcomes and encourages everyone to come together, explore, discover and make meaningful, long-lasting connections with the community and each other.

Hale Farm & Village is a living history museum operated by the Western Reserve Historical Society and is within the boundaries of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Explore 19th century life in the Western Reserve including 32 his toric structures, craft and trade demonstrations, farm animals and gardens. The costumed interpreters will provide a look into daily life on the farm.

HOLIDAY Gifts to LOVE

FROM BABIES TO TEENS, ALSO YOU, PARENTS, PUT THESE ON YOUR FAMILY’S WISH LIST

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

Babies and Toddlers

1. CoComelon

Boo Boo JJ Plush

Expresses where he’s hurt and when he’s healed. Kids can come to the rescue with themed bandages. Says phrases and plays songs. $34.97, ages 2+, Find at various retailers.

2. My Feelings Bean Bags

Great for social/emotional develop ment to promote self-confidence. These texture rich bean bag sets come with a drawstring bag for easy cleanup and a guide packed with activities and play ideas devel oped by experts. $24.99, ages 3+, educationalinsights.com

3. Lamaze (New Collection)

Early childhood development toys with contrasting patterns, crinkly fabrics, and engaging faces. Each toy incorporates multiple play pat terns and grow-with-me elements. $16,95-$34.95, ages birth-18 months, us.tomy.com

4. Ditty Bird First 100 Words Interactive Book

Help build early language ability and fine motor skills with this new interactive musical sound book. Features repeating words, imitating sounds and singing nursery rhymes to support children’s language learning. $19.49, ages 1-4, dittybird.com

5. Dingle Dangle

Keep the giggles coming with this adorable and innovative 3-in-1 toy. Can be used during diaper changes, as a portable mobile for a crib or stroller and a sensory rattle. $39.99, ages birth-18 months, dingledanglebaby.com

6. Clean n’ Sing Vacuum

Push it around to see a colorful light show, listen to a realistic vacuum sound, and watch the beads inside spin. Improve gross motor skills through play. $24.95, ages 2+. Find at various retailers.

7. REMI

A sleep trainer that sets up sleep routines for toddlers, helping them to know when it’s time to go to bed and get up. Also, a two-way baby monitor reachable from anywhere. Includes embedded music and bluetooth speaker, a clock, adjust able night light and lullaby player. $127.99, ages 1-10, urbanhello.com

8. Guess in 10 Junior Animal Kingdom

Use the Guider Tiles to ask questions and get clues to guess the animals — no reading required. The first player to win seven cards wins the game. $14.97, 3-6, Find at various retailers.

9. Little Wonders Pop-a-Tune Classic play — reimagined. Features fun sounds and experi ences. Change from classic piano to silly sounds with the push of a button and watch the ball float into the air. $29.99, ages 12 months+, playmonster.com

10. Tiny Love Treasure the Ocean 2-in-1 Musical Mobile Gymini

A beautifully designed ocean play mat that comes equipped with 18 engaging activities and 2 modes of use: musical starfish rotating mobile with 6 melodies and a spectacular lights show. $69.99, ages birth-2 years, tinylove.com

Tweens and Teens

11. Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron Millennium Falcon

Loaded with cool features: opening cockpit, rotating cannons, retractable landing gear, light-up thrust ers, motion-activated sounds and more. $44.99, ages 8+. Find at various retailers.

12. Springfree Large Oval Trampoline

With the springless design, flexible net, soft edge mat and hidden frame, this trampoline is perfect for large families and kids of all ages, who love fitness and activities. $1,799, ages 6+, springfreetrampoline.com

13. The Magical World of Disney Trivia Game

Fans of all ages can go on an adventure through time, with 2,000 trivia questions spanning nearly 100 years of Disney history with this trivia game. From the very first Walt Disney production, to the modern Disney and Pixar titles of today. $39.99, 6+, playmonster.com

14. The Rebel Girls Handbook

The ultimate ticket to trivia, activities, and more about 300+ extraordinary women. Includes amazing facts and stunning illustrations of Rebels from the past and present. Spotlights on the home countries and traits of trailblazing women. $14.99, ages 6+, rebelgirls.com

15. Joke King

A hilarious family game that allows players to use their imagination, creativity and storytelling skills to make unique card combinations to form comic strips. The funniest combination wins the round. $24.99, ages 10+, nuttheads.com

16. Little Knitty Bitty – Woodsy Series

Young crafters can choose from an adorable bear, fox or bunny to dress in cozy fashions. Each beginner project allows you to knit a shirt, hat and scarf with the mini loom knit kit. $18.99, ages 7+, playmonster.com

17. Solitaire Chess Magnetic Travel Puzzle

Combines the rules of chess with peg solitaire to bring you a fun and challenging brain teaser experi ence. $14.99, ages 8+, Find at various retailers.

18. Spirograph 3D

Create amazing designs and turn a blank page into a beautiful work of art that pops right off the paper. Make endless dimensional designs that will dazzle your eyes. $20.99, ages 8+, playmonster.com

19. GiiKER Super Blocks

An interactive handheld console for jigsaw puzzles. Explore over 1000 leveled-up games with learning modes and time-limited challenges. Helps develop cognitive skills, concentration, spatial insights and logical reasoning. $56.99, ages 6+, Find at various retailers.

Kids

20. Explorer X

This balance bike goes above and beyond to be the aid your kid needs to transfer smoothly into riding a bike. Has safety features like a frame pad, safe footrests and an adjustable seat that grows with your child. $99.99, ages 4-6, mobocruiser.com

21. T.A.P.E.S.

Approximate. Proportion. Esti mation. Showdown. A wild new family party game where players guess the size of objects in the room using 16 wacky units of measurement ranging from hon eybees, apples, playing cards, to squirrels. The player closest to guessing the actual size, wins. $27.99, ages 6+.

Find at various retailers.

22. LeapFrog LeapPods Max

Activities can take kids on an audio adventure. Includes a 14page Adventure Passport for en gaging soundscapes and animal sounds with detailed illustrations. Wirelessly connect to your own devices to listen to favorite music, podcasts and more. $34.99, ages 4+. Find at various retailers.

23. Moji the Lovable Labradoodle

A cuddly fur ball that responds to your touch and voice commands with over 150 unique reactions. Tail-wagging, head-tilting, and performing a dozen tricks like “High Five!” and “Speak!” make this new friend feel so life-like. $79.99, ages 4+.

Find at various retailers.

24. Superspace

A life-sized modular magnetic play space set that connects like magic. Allow children to create almost any structure they can dream up and then play in their innovations. Designed to create big structures, yet packs away into a small footprint. $299, ages 2-10, getsuperspace.com

25. Glitter Girls Hair Salon

Play stylist and discover fun ‘dos with this intricate and color ful 35-piece set that includes 3-tiered storage cart, salon chair, scissors, blower dryer and much more. $49.99, ages 3+ Find at various retailers.

26. VTech DJ Beat Boxer

A pawsome new musical friend. Each interaction adds layers to the music so you and DJ can create a new song together. Add in backbeats, harmonies or record-scratching sounds. You can even press DJ’s ear to record a quick phrase to drop into your song. $37.99, ages 3+, vtechkids.com

27. LeapFrog Magic Adventures Microscope

Young biologists can zoom in on flowers, animals, food, minerals and more using eight dou ble-sided smart slides. Discover answers to curious questions like: How do leaves change colors? What do plant cells look like? What is sand made of? $67.49, ages 5+, Find at various retailers.

28.

Amazon Kids+

A kid-focused content service with thousands of ad-free books, games, videos, music, apps, and Alexa skills. Includes brands like Disney, Lego, and PBS Kids. Kids and families can access this educational library on various devices. $48/year, ages 3-12. Find at various retailers.

32. UpRoar

The game of silly sounds, where mooing like a confused cow can win you the game. Take two cards, spot the matching pair of words, and first to sound them out wins the cards. $9.99, ages 7+, us.mcmiller.fun

33.

What the Fluff

Hidden inside the puffiest fluff is an adorable pet looking for their fluff-ever home. These soft, inter active pets transform to snuggle, pet, roll and play. Features a multi-step transformation with over 100 sounds and reactions. $34.99, ages 5+. Find at various retailers.

34. PAW Patrol Rubble X-Treme Truck

Rubble is ready for mega mis sions. Packed with fun features including a command center transformation, a secondary vehicle, articulated scoop, crane and accessories. $44.99, ages 3+, spinmaster.com

35. Switcheroo Coding Crew

38. DoodleJamz BrightBoard

A new line of squish n’ shape drawing pads that light up. Draw, blend and separate colors, now with light bursting through the frame. $24.99, ages 6+, doodlejamz.com

39.

Land of Dough Mini Cups

Curiosity in a cup. Features a va riety of themes in two matching color tones including Red Apple, Orange Fox, Yellow Sun, Green Frog, Blue Whale, Purple Flower, Pink Hearts, and Black Penguin. The adorable 1oz cups are con veniently sized for all occasions. $3, ages 3+, landofdough.com

40.

Care Bears Bean Plush

Treasure Box 5 Pack Value Set

A group of lovable, huggable BFFs on a mission to spread sharing and caring. Now you can join in on the fun with a whole rainbow of besties. $26.47, ages 4+. Find at various retailers.

41.

Claudie Doll, Book & Accessories

29.

Disney Junior Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Alice Doll & Magical Oven Set

Add a cup of imaginative fun to kitchen playtime. Press the Wonder Whirl button to watch the cakes magically spin and hear the sounds of Wonderland. $39.99, ages 3+, justplayproducts.com

30. Critter Creator Fossil Kit

Build, paint and fossilize ten different little critters with air-dry clay. The kit includes molds to create dragonflies, spiders, hornets, scorpions, lady bugs and more. $24.99, ages 7+, crayola.com

31. Create & Play Magnetic Monsters

A monstrously good time awaits as kids create one-of-a-kind monsters by mixing & matching magnetic heads, arms, torsos and more. All 20 parts turn a full 360 degrees to bring these monsters to life. $29.99, ages 3-8, lakeshorelearning.com

A vehicle-based interactive play set introducing kids to early STEM concepts through screen-free activities. Kids embark on chal lenge-solving rescue missions using a codable robot with three shells that transform into a police car, fire truck and construction vehicle to help save the day. $37.50, ages 4+. Find at various retailers.

36. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Magna-Tiles Structures

Experience the world as it comes alive. Your child will engage with their favorite story through hands-on play. This 19-piece set is compatible with all other Mag na-Tiles Structures and original Magna-Tiles sets. $44.95, ages 3-9, createon.com

37. Pinxies Butterfly Hot Air Balloon

Imaginations will soar as they take flight with Koral in this new STEM authenticated building set. Features highly detailed graphic paperboard panels, colorful plastic building links, accessories, and sticker sheets to personalize the set. $29.99, ages 6+, lukilab.com

American Girl’s newest historical character growing up during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance. Arrives in her signature outfit and includes the Meet Claudie book. Accessories set includes a cloche felt hat, a silver engraved pendant, and an era-authentic Baby Ruth candy bar. $151, ages 8+, americangirl.com

42.

Cake-N-Bake Challenge

Bring the excitement of cooking shows into the game room. A fast-paced, color-matching, cake-building game where the fastest baker wins. Complete with colorful, textured foam cake slic es and icing cards. $29.99, ages 4+. Find at various retailers.

43. Tonka’s Mighty Monster

RC Steel Dump Truck

Made with cold-rolled steel and 4-in-1 monster action. Load objects into the truck bed, secure them with the tailgate and then take over job sites. Remote control from up to 100 feet away. $69.99, ages 5+, basicfun.com

Parents

44. VersaNotes

These reusable sticky notes that can be used for home and office, limiting the waste or clutter of paper. This first-ever kind of technology in this category joins the rest of Boogie Board’s Versa product line, mixing aesthetic and practicality with modern design and powerless LCD writing capability. $24.99-$29.99, myboogieboard.com

45. The Parent’s Complete Guide to Ayurveda

An accessible primer to pediatric Ayurveda, with simple dietary, herbal, and self-care practices to promote well-being. This traditional holistic health system offers a wealth of effective life style advice and remedies for the whole family. $24.95, shambhala.com

46.

MINU V2

This stroller can do it all while staying small. Designed for your daily adventures and exciting excursions, the updated version offers modern convenience that’s portable and lightweight. $449.99, ages up to 50 lbs., uppababy.com

47. Milkmakers Rest + Rise Pregnancy Wellness Balms

With shea butter and jojoba oil, these soothing balms are infused with thera peutic essential oils that relax and awak en the senses. Dab them on wrists,

temples and pulse points for an instant dose of pre or post-natal self-care. $19.99, munchkin.com

48. Bamboo Seamless No Rub Thigh Saver

Made from premium bamboo fabric— ultra-soft, lightweight and breathable. With a seamless, smooth design and built-in gusset, these also work well as an undergarment for skirts and dresses. Choose the Maternity cut (with an overthe-bump panel and gentle support for your growing bump) or the Postpartum cut (which sits at your natural waist). $19.99, kindredbravely.com

49. Emotionally Resilient Tweens and Teens

Essential reading for parents of grade schoolers through teens experiencing bullying, social exclusion and teasing — with uplifting stories from young adults who have navigated those experiences and triumphed. $17.95, shambhala.com

50. Peek-A-Boo Convertible Hobo Backpack

Go from a hobo shoulder bag to a crossbody to a backpack with just a few adjustments. It can even be hung from a stroller—or on top of a luggage handle. Stylish and versatile. $165, twelvelittle.com

2022 Holiday Gift Guide

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Ongoing

THROUGH 12/18

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM. Photos with Santa, Candy Cane Forest, animals and more. Nickajack Farms, 2955 Man chester Ave., Canal Fulton, nickajackfarms.com

ELF, THE MUSICAL. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole and raised by elves. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, weathervaneplayhouse.com

THROUGH 12/21

NORTH POLE ADVENTURE. Families can climb aboard and join this journey of a lifetime to a North Pole Adventure. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Rail road, 330-439-5708, cvsr.org

THROUGH 12/22

FESTIVAL OF TREES. You will be surrounded by beautiful trees decorated by talented artists and designers. Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, clevelandplayhouse.com

LIGHT IT UP! A celebration of family, friends, community, and each person’s ability to make every day brighter. Allen The atre, 1407 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, clevelandplayhouse.com

THROUGH 12/24

‘BLACK NATIVITY.’ Langston Hughes’ famed retelling of the Nativity Story, performed in a gospel style and includ ing popular Christmas carols. Karamu House, 2355 E. 89th St., Cleveland, karamuhouse.org

SANTA’S VILLAGE AT CROCKER PARK. Visit Santa for festive holiday pics and ride the express train. Across from East Park next to The Cheesecake Factory, crockerpark.com

Holiday Happenings

THROUGH 12/30

ELF THE MUSICAL. This hilarious big-elf-living-in-a-small world comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity in a holiday bedazzled New York City. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org

THROUGH 12/31

TWINKLE IN THE 216. A holiday celebration featuring iconic Cleveland architecture and much-loved neighborhoods. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, cbgarden.org

Day-By-Day

12/2-18

JUNIE B IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS. A hilarious and endearing tale about everyone’s favorite first graders. Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, magicaltheatre.org

12/3

SENSORY-FRIENDLY NUTCRACKER BALLET. For families with individuals who have extrasensory needs. 2-4 p.m. Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway, Lorain, northpointballet.org

SANTA ON THE GREEN. Ushered into town in a shiny red fire engine, Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome all the good girls and boys to the gazebo on the green. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. hudson.oh.us

THE CELEBRATION OF KWANZAA. Experience a Kwanzaa table and learn through song and drumming. 2-3 p.m. Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, we247.org

12/3, 12/9-10, 12/16-18, 12/20-23

HOLIDAY LANTERN TOURS. Take a lantern-lit tour of the village and visit historic homes bustling with holiday prepara tions. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org

12/4

CHRISTMAS ON HOOVER FARM. Pictures with Santa, horsedrawn wagon rides, live music and more. 1-4 p.m. Hoover Park, 1875 E. Maple St., North Canton, walsh.edu

HANDS-ON HOLIDAYS: AKRON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM. Kids can design their own reindeer ant lers, visit the snow sisters, and make a snowman. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

12/6

JEWISH AKRON’S CHANUKAH EVENT. For community mem bers and donors. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Beth El Congregation, 750 White Pond Dr., Akron, jewishakron.org

HOLIDAY FAMILY SKATE. Welcome the holiday season and spend quality time with your family. 6:30-9 p.m. Mentor Ice Arena, 8600 Munson Road, Mentor, cityofmentor.com

12/8

BABES IN TOYLAND. Sensory friendly performances at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lake wood, beckcenter.org

12/8-18

CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERTS. An unfor gettable experience that will fill Mandel Concert Hall with the sounds of the holiday season. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com

12/9

TEMPLE FAMILY SHABBAT & EARLY HANUKKAH CELEBRATION. 5 p.m. The Temple-Tifereth Israel, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, ttti.org

12/10

CHRISTMAS AT ASH CAVE. Celebrate the season and enjoy the winter landscape. 5-7 p.m. Ash Cave, OH-56, Logan, ohiodnr.gov

SANTA’S WILD WORKSHOP ADAPTIVE PROGRAMMING. For children with sensory or developmental disabilities. 10 a.m.-noon. Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little Mountain Road, Mentor, cityofmentor.com

12/11

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: A MUL TICULTURAL CELEBRATION. Ex plore the universal message of joy and peace across all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. 1:30 p.m. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, maltzmuseum.org

TOWER CITY CENTER’S KIDS SHOPPING DAY. Characters help kids pick out presents for everyone on their lists. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 230 W. Huron, Cleveland, towercitycenter.com

SENSORY-FRIENDLY SANTA CARES. Visit Santa with the mu sic off and guest traffic limited. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Great Northern Mall, 4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, greatnorthernohio.com

REINDEER DAY IN PENINSULA. Live reindeer will be behind the Bronson Church from 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. 1712 Main St., Peninsula, peninsulaohio.com

12/11 & 12/18

12/15-18

12/19

BREAKFAST

WITH SANTA AT THE CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN. 9:30 a.m. and noon. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org

12/14-18

SCUBA CLAUS MEET & GREET. Talk to the magi cal man in red while he’s underwater with sharks, stingrays, eels and angelfish on his “nice” list. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium. com

THE NUTCRACKER. This magical production of the Cleveland Ballet promises to enchant and inspire all audiences. Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org

12/16

LUNCH WITH THE GRINCH. Lunch with the Grinch at The Bistro: Noon.-3 p.m. Vintage Carolers outside The Bistro: 7-9 p.m. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, gervasivineyard.com

MENORAH LIGHTING CER EMONY. A fun and festive community event filled with food, song, dance, and more. 6-8 p.m. 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, etonchagrinblvd.com

12/20

A WHITE CHRISTMAS: CANTON PALACE THEATRE. Watch this beloved holiday film on Canton’s largest screen. 7:30 p.m. 605 Market Ave., North Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org

SEE THE LIGHTS

ONGOING THROUGH 12/23

Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru. Drive-thru family event fea turing classic lighted features. Carlisle Equestrian Ctr., 13630 Diagonal Road, Lagrange, loraincountymetroparks.com

Country Lights Drive-Thru. Enjoy the festivities from the warmth of your own vehicles. 6-8:30 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

THROUGH 12/29

Nature’s A-Glow. The beautiful botanical garden turns it into a winter wonderland. Friday-Sun day. 5-9 p.m. Beech Creek Botanical Garden, 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, beechcreekgardens.org

THROUGH 12/30

Deck the Hall 2022: Gracious Gathering! Come see the estate illuminated with over one million lights. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org

Wild Lights: Akron Zoo. Enjoy the wildest lighting display this holiday season. 5-9 p.m. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

Wild Lights: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Over 1.5 million lights across holiday-themed areas, including Candyland, Enchanted Forest, Starry Skies and more. 5:30-10:30 p.m. clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo

THROUGH 1/1

Magic of Lights. Family-friendly drive-through of holiday lights. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middle burg Hts., magicoflights.com

DAY-BY-DAY 12/1

Christmas Lighting of the Square. Colorful lights, live music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. 6:30-8 p.m. Chardon Square, chardonsquareassociation.org

12/3

Light Up Lakewood. The most joyous of Lakewood traditions is returning to Downtown Lake wood for the 16th annual cele bration. 4-8 p.m. 14701 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, lakewoodalive.com

12/6

Mentor Community Tree Lighting. Lighting of a stunning 27-foot Norwegian spruce and City Hall campus. 6-7:30 p.m. Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Boulevard, cityofmentor.com

12/9-20

Deck the Hollow. A lighted walk along Quail Hollow Park grounds with decorated trees, lights, and festive music. 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville, starkparks.com

12/26-30

Lights on the Lake. Experience a free lakefront drive-thru lighted holiday display at Lakeview Park. Dusk-10 p.m. 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, loraincountymetroparks.com

Think Hudson for the Holidays!

As the weather turns from falling leaves to magical snowflakes, our minds turn to holiday traditions with our families and friends.

Hudson is no stranger to tradition. The annual holiday walk began in 1984 when the area merchants joined forces to spice up the holiday shopping traffic. Businesses went all out in decorating, serving refreshments and having drawings and customers came out in force to support their local businesses.

Fast forward to 2022, and our 80+ local merchants are gearing up for the holidays and encouraging all to shop and dine local this holiday season. With $68 of every $100 spent at a local merchant staying in the community, your support helps to keep our unique local shops,

award-winning restaurants and superior service businesses alive. This December, we hope you will share in the traditions of downtown Hudson as we celebrate the season with music, “Shop Local” promotions, “live” windows featuring interactive characters, and a new Santa Crawl event. The annual Holiday Walk, held on Sunday, December 4 features a hot cocoa warm up station, horse drawn carriage rides, a toy drive to support local military families, and the everpopular live nativity scene with “Shadrach” the camel. Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Germany at the Christkindlmarkt December 9-11 or start your resolution early with a 1-mile fun run or 5-mile race during the Frosty 5 on Christmas Eve morning. These are just a few

of the many events that will take place throughout the holiday season. For a complete list of events visit www.hudson.oh.us/events.

The members of the Merchants of Hudson invite you to shop, eat and support local this holiday season and share the experience of Hudson and all it has to offer.

Happy Holidays from your friends in Hudson!

PARENT & CHILD Events

Pick-a-day

MONDAYS

Baby & Me Story Time. Interac tive session using songs, rhymes, puppets and musical instru ments. Through 12/12. 10 a.m. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., wadsworthlibrary.com

Toy Time Mondays. The Thomp son meeting room becomes the spot for creative fun and play. 10 a.m.-noon. 12/19-4/3. Thompson Branch Library, 6645 Madison Road, Thompson, geaugalibrary.net

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

Stroller Strides at Crocker Park. A functional, total-body condition ing workout designed for moms with kids in tow. Through 12/28. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Westlake, crockerpark.com

TUESDAYS

Cuentos en español-Stories. Hear stories in Spanish, dance and play with friends. 6:30 p.m. Through 12/6. Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville, morleylibrary.org

Stories and More! Enjoy books, rhymes, and songs with your child. Through 12/6. 10:15 a.m. North Hill Branch Library, 183 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, akronlibrary.org

Family Fun Storytime. Toe-tap ping, hand-clapping good time of stories, songs and rhymes. 11:30 a.m., 6 & 7 p.m. Through 4/18. Euclid Public Library, 631 E. 222nd St., euclidlibrary.org

Willoughby Young & Restless. Music and movement class for toddlers. Through 12/13. 10 a.m. Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, we247.org

WEDNESDAYS

Waddlers Storytime. Stories, songs, and rhymes for active walkers through 24 months old. Through 12/14. 11:15 a.m. Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., amherst.lib.oh.us

THURSDAYS

Wee Ones Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes and playtime. Through 12/8. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., barberton.lib.oh.us

FRIDAYS

Story Stop. Story, songs, and dancing. 10:30-11 a.m. Noble Neighborhood Library, 2800 Noble Rd., Cleveland Heights, heightslibrary.org

Wee Read and Play. Stories, active songs, rhymes and time to play. Through 2/24. 10:30 a.m. Jefferson Branch Library, 850 Jef ferson Ave., Cleveland, cpl.org

Finger Paint Fridays. Bring your little one to explore their creativity. 10 a.m.-noon. Mentor Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor, mentorpl.org

Day-by-day

12/9

Festive Family Story Time. Sing holiday songs, read holiday stories and more. 10:30 a.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org

12/17

Nature Story Time. Explore, play and create together in neigh borhood green space. 10:30-11:30 a.m. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., shakerlakes.org

E V E N T S

For Families

12/1-31

NYE Celebration Kit. Celebrate in style with hats, noisemakers, activities, and surprises for all ages. Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., amherstpubliclibrary.org

12/31

New Year’s Eve Nature Celebration. Toast at noon, activities and more. 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Rd., Russell, geaugaparkdistrict.org

Happy Noon Year Party. Celebrate with music, games, dancing, snacks and a balloon drop. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Men tor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., mentorpl.org

Tower City Center’s Noon Year’s Eve. Balloon drop, character meet and greets, dance parties, and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Skylight Park, 230 W. Huron, Cleveland, towercitycenter.com

Bubble Show. Celebrate the end of the year with Sue Du rante, the Bubble Lady. 10 & 11 a.m. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, smfpl.org

Noon Year’s Eve at Great Northern Mall. Starting at 11 a.m., enjoy music, contests, treats and a balloon drop at noon. 4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, greatnorthernohio.com

Noon Year’s Eve. Fami ly-friendly party with games, crafts and snacks. 11 a.m.-Main Branch, 11:30 a.m.-Mogadore Branch and 11 a.m.-Portage Lakes Branch. akronlibrary.org

Zoo Year’s Eve at the Zoo. Noon ball drop, crafts and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., akronzoo.org

New Year’s Eve Noisemak ers. DIY Noisemakers to bring in the New Year. Noon-1 p.m. Union Branch Library, 3463 E. 93rd St., Cleveland, cpl.org

Countdown to Noon! Special family storytime, craft and early countdown. 11:15 a.m.-noon. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org

For Parents

12/31

New Year’s Eve Bird Walk. End 2022 on an avian note. 9-11 a.m. Brust Park, 130 S. Main St., Munroe Falls, summitmetroparks.org

Disco Inferno’s New Years Party. Buffet dinner, open bar, balloon drop and more. 6:30 p.m. 532 W. Market St., Akron, thetangier.com

90’s New Year’s Eve with Fool House. Dinner buffet, open bar and more. 9:30 p.m. Thirsty Cowboy, 2743 Medina Rd., Medina, thirstycowboy.com

New Year’s Eve with the Mu sic of James Bond. Ring in the New Year with the Cleveland Pops. 9 p.m. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandpops.com

NYE After-Show Party at the House of Blues. A special party featuring Toby & Friends ft. members of Tropidelic. 11:59 p.m. 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, houseofblues.com/cleveland

New Year’s Eve Dinner on the Nautica Queen. Ring in the new year onboard the Nautica Queen. Cleveland, nauticaqueen.com

Noon Year’s Eve Brunch Sina tra Tribute. Why stay up late? Ring in the new year early.

11:59 a.m. Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, musicboxcle.com

GET SET IN 2023 WITH NORTHEAST OHIO PARENT

Subscribe to our digital issue and newsletters for up-to-date parenting information, happenings, special promotions and giveaways. Visit Northeastohioparent.com/subscribe

WINTER BREAK CAMPS

Adrenaline Monkey

Sign up today for their winter break day camps! Camps run all day from 12/19-1/2. Their camp includes ninja warrior, team building activities, games and contests, rock climbing, confidence building on the aerial ropes course, healthy lifestyle, leadership, and injury prevention instruction. Their camps are thoughtfully designed by ninjas and parents to provide everything your child wants and needs. Learn more by visiting adrenalinemonkeyfun.com.

GILMOUR DAY CAMPS

Discover winter fun at Camp Gilmour! Campers ages 5-12 are sure to enjoy their winter break renewing friendships and making new friends. Campers will have opportunities for swimming, ice skating, field trips, seasonal arts, games and much more. Camp days are December 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29. Each day is a separate registration. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register at gilmour.org/wintercamp. Questions? Contact Camp Gilmour at summercamp@gilmour. org or 440-473-8000 ext. 2267.

Winter Break EVENTS

12/14

STEAMing Through the Holidays. Give kids the gift of engineering, imagination and creativity this holiday season. 5:45-7:15 p.m. Strongsville Recreation Center, challengeisland.com/summit-medina

12/19-23

Camp Curiosity Winter Break Camp. Take a break from the gadgets and gifts for some hands-on space craft engineering. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

12/23-1/1

Winter Break Camp. Kids, ages 5-14, enjoy gym games, swimming, rock climbing and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ak ron General LifeStyles, 1940 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, my.clevelandclinic.org

12/27

Jolabokaflod Winter Break Family Book Swap. Join the Icelandic tradi tion of giving and unwrapping books on Christmas Eve, cozying up and reading into the night. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, we247.org

Progress With Chess

Enrich your child’s winter break with a winter chess camp! Students will learn and improve at the intriguing game of chess. Camps are conducted by Progress With Chess, an experi enced provider of after school chess programs in 50+ NE Ohio locations. Players K-8 of all levels, beginner to advanced, will receive plenty of individual attention in small groups, divided by age and skill level. Activities include a healthy mixture of interactive lessons and supervised play. progresswithchess.org/camps

YMCA Holiday Camp

There’s no place like the YMCA Holiday Camp! Kids ages 6-12 get time to discover what they are passionate about, form relationships and obtain a sense of belonging during the holidays. The exceptional staff members provide support and guidance. Kids can focus on their homework, make new friends, build social skills and create happy memories. Financial aid available. Locations in Cleveland, Avon Warrensville Heights and Vermillion. Learn more at clevelandymca.org/holiday-camps-cleveland-ymca

YMCA HOLIDAY

CAMPS FOR KIDS!

There's no place like the YMCA Holiday Camp! Kids 6-12 years old get time to discover what they are passionate about, form relationships and obtain a sense of belonging during the holidays! Our exceptional staff members provide support and guidance. Kids can focus on their homework, make new friends, build social skills and create happy memories. Financial aid available.

Available weeks: 12/19 and 12/26; Closed 12/23 and 12/26 in observance of the holiday.

Register by 12/12

Locations in Cleveland, Avon, Warrensville Heights and Vermillion.

Learn more at: www.clevelandymca.org/holiday-camps-cleveland-ymca or, scan the QR Code now!

WWW.CLEVELANDYMCA.ORG

Winter Break EVENTS

12/27-20

School’s Out Respite for Children with Special Needs. A safe place for campers to go when school’s out. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Dr., Akron, gotcamp.org

12/29

Middle School Career Day-Great er Cleveland Aquarium. Come with an open mind and leave with an abundance of information, and hopefully, career inspiration. 9 a.m.noon. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

12/20-1/3

Winter Break Nature Camps. Get the kids out of the house and into nature during their winter break. clevelandmetroparks.com

For more winter and holiday fun events go to NortheastOhioParent.com

December CA lenDAR

Find more events at NortheastOhioParent.com

Winter is Coming

12/10

The Fairmount Winter Wonderland Dance Performance. 2 p.m. Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Center, 400 E. Washington, fairmountcenter.org

12/16

Polar Pajamas Storytime

Adventure. Read the Polar Express and reenact a fun-filled train ride. 11 a.m.-noon. Cuyahoga Falls Library, 2015 Third St., fallslibrary.org

12/21

Winter Solstice Celebration. Celebrate the longest night of the year with music, crafts, and a candlelit route through the forest. 7:30-9:30 p.m. The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell, geaugaparkdistrict.org

Summit Lake Solstice Celebration. Family-friendly event with crafts, snacks and a hike. 3:30-5 p.m. 411 Ira Ave., Akron, summitmetroparks.org

pick - a - day

MONDAYS

Campus Life: Teens. Food, games, and conversations that matter to teens. That Place for Teens, 1480 Pearl Road, #10, Brunswick, thatplace4teens.com

TUESDAYS

Pick Your Caldecott. Grades 2-3 join a mock panel to vote for the 2023 winner, and see if our team gets it right. 12/6-20. 6:15-7 p.m. Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Road, rrpl.org

FRIDAYS

Friday Night Lights. The Cleve land Museum of Natural History will keep the lights on until 8 p.m. with special programming. 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org

FRIDAYS-SUNDAYS

The Rink at Wade Oval. Take winter out for a spin on the fresh ice through 2/26. Cleveland, universitycircle.org

SATURDAYS

Poem for Cleveland Workshops. Add your voice to the mosaic of Cleveland voices to tell the story of our city. 10:30 a.m.-noon. 12/3-2/4. Cleveland Main Library, 325 Superior Ave., 216-623-2800, cpl.org

SUNDAYS

Family FUNday. Family-friend ly games, movement-based activities, art, and more. First Sunday of the month. 1-4 p.m. Community Arts Center, West 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org

Mentor Marsh Family Hike. Come explore the forest. 2-3:30 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Nat ural History, The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, 5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, cmnh.org

Ongoing

THROUGH 12/16

Book Character Scavenger Hunt. Search for well-known book characters throughout the library. Shaker Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd., shakerlibrary.org

THROUGH 12/18

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The classic 1957 version of this beautiful tale. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, fineartsassociation.org

THROUGH 12/22

Explore Winterland at the Cleveland Public Library. Free family activities, music and more. 325 Superior Ave., Cleveland, cpl.org

THROUGH 12/31

Wild Hikes Challenge. Walk, hike, skip, jog, run or stroll on eight designated trails before Dec. 31 to earn a hiking staff and/or medallion. Portgageparkdistrict.org

day - by - day

12/5 & 12

Puppetry Workshop Series. Explore the craft of storytelling, and the art of performance, then present our own puppet show. 4 p.m. Noble Neighbor hood Branch Library, 2800 Noble Road, Cleveland, heightslibrary.org

12/8

Family Engineering Night. Friendly en gineering competition that challenges your STEM skills. 6:30-7:30 p.m. North Ridgeville Branch Library, 37500 Bainbridge Road, lorainpubliclibrary.org

Princess & Superhero Train Rides. Family ride through the holiday lights and Stow City Hall campus. 6-7 p.m. 3760 Darrow Road, stowohio.org

12/10

Snowflake Ball. An afternoon dance party for families. 2-4 p.m. Fairview Park Branch Library, 21255 Lorain Road, cuyahogalibrary.org

Jr. Pinterest. Grades 2-5 make a craft inspired by Pinterest. 4 p.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., mentorpl.org

12/13

Art Smart Plus. Art enthusiasts in grades 3-5 learn about an artist’s techniques and try their hand at it. 4:30 p.m. Hudson Library, 96 Library St., hudsonlibrary.org

12/16

Mess Makers at the Akron Art Muse um. Learn, play and explore creation stations designed with the messiest kids in mind. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

12/17

Super Science Saturday: Lovely Lights. Discover the technology of light. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, akronfossils.com

Super Saturday for Families. A funfilled day of activities for the whole family. 10:30-11:15 a.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

12/20

STEAM Lab: Myth-Busting. Explore science, technology, engineering, art and math. Ages 8-10. 6 p.m. Reed Me morial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, reedlibrary.org

ONGOING ATTRACTIONS

AKRON ZOO

ONGOING Legends of the Wild. How did the jaguar get its spots? How does the Andean condor car ry the sun into the sky? Learn the answers to the legends of these animals and more. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

AKRON FOSSILS & SCIENCE CENTER ONGOING Creation Education Museum. Comparing and contrasting scientific models like evo lution and intelligent design on the origin of the universe, and catastrophism and unifor mitarianism models on the geologic record. 2080 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CLEVELAND ONGOING

Adventure City. This multi-level environ ment, consisting of cozy corners and tall overlooks, encourages pretend play and limitless imagination. 3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, cmccleveland.org

CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN ONGOING Costa Rica Glasshouse. Experience the year-round exuberance you can find only in a Central American rainforest with towering trees, ever-blooming shrubs, and more. 11030 East Blvd., University Circle, cbgarden.org

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO ONGOING Australian Adventure. Visit koalas yearround at Gumleaf Hideout. See kangaroos and wallabies in Wallaby Walkabout, and visit Kookaburra Station for up-close animal encounters. 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

Through 1/8/23

Curious George: “Let’s Get Curious” and “Run!” Jump Fly! Adventures in Action”. A unique pair of hands-on special exhibi tions.601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM ONGOING

Shark Gallery & Sea Tube. With 230,000 gallons of water, this impressive space features three species of sharks, stingrays, eels and many other species of fish. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

MALTZ MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE ONGOING

This Light of Ours. Features works by nine activist photographers who document ed the clash between institutionalized discrimination and determined resistance by activists and volunteers. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

10 Reasons to Tolerate the Winter

By Jason Lea

Jason Lea has a son, a daughter and a full-time job at the Mentor Public Library. He also blogs for Northeast Ohio Parent in his nonexistent free time. You can find this East-sider on Twitter at @jasonmarklea or read his blog at northeastohioparent. com/bloggers

It’s cold outside and nobody likes driving in the snow. But the winter also gives us moments to cherish.

OK, maybe not cher ish. Tolerate. Here are some of my favorite things about the coldest season.

1 You can build an igloo. Remember last January when we got — this is an estimate — 400 inches of snow in three days. We put that powder to use and built a snow abode. Of course, we didn’t build a real igloo. That takes years of experience and actual math. We just made a big old pile of snow. (Easy.) And carved out the center. (Harder, according to my lower back.) For bonus fun, we used food coloring and a spray bottle to make “cave paintings.” One note: be careful when the thaw sets in. You don’t want the igloo to collapse with anyone inside.

2 Christmas lights are bad for stargazing and great for everything else. I love Christmas lights. Every display I see is like my neighbors saying, “I’m willing to pay more for my electric bill to give you this moment of joy.”

3 One word, sledding.

4 Winter isn’t just cold. It’s dark. Darker than a Goya painting. But there’s one upshot to all this darkness. It’s easier than ever to share a sunrise or sunset with your kids. You don’t need to skip bed time to enjoy some Rayleigh scattering with your little ones. (Yes, the phenomenon that makes the sunset colors has a fancy scientific name.) Bonus: There’s less water vapor in the air during winter, which means brighter sunsets. Double bonus: Did you know that Lake Erie is one of the few bodies of water where you can observe both the sunrise and sunset over it from land?

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You can watch all those Peanuts holiday specials and then try to remember why you liked them.

You know those kids who won’t get off your lawn? They’re gone until April.

No one ever had to cut weight to look good in a parka. It’s carb season. Let those holiday calories be a 2023 problem.

You can make snowmen — and not just those boring three stacked spheres either. Get creative and make something horrid or beautiful. Follow your muse. When it melts, you can explain why some things only last for a limited time to your children.

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You know what’s even better than pumpkin spice? Peppermint. And you can put it in everything until March.

10 You’ll probably get a gift from someone at some time for something.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JASON LEA