Happy New Year - Gym Days are Back!

January 2016 News and Events
from the Near West Family Network!

January 2016

Happy New Year! The Near West Family Network is looking forward to a brand new year of exploring our city, meeting new friends, and strengthening our network to help families of all shapes in sizes on the near west side of Cleveland live boldly, love freely, and laugh together frequently.

This month we are excited to announce the return of GYM DAYS! Due to popular demand and with the help of our friends at Near West Rec, Gym Days will be held EVERY TUESDAY (starting this week, January 5) this winter at Franklin Circle Church from 9:30 - 11:30 am. As always we will have a few toys/balls and we will provide snacks and hot coffee. Bring a toy to share if you wish. Cost is a $1 donation to Franklin Circle Church. Can't wait to see you there!
School Alert!!
Screenings, lotteries and other signups for the 2016/2017 school year begin soon - be sure to know your options.
- Urban Community School (UCS) (pre-K through 8th grade) is having an open house on Saturday, January 24 from 1-3 pm for all families who are interested in learning more. UCS is located at 4909 Lorain Ave. For more information, visit the NWFN Website Events Page or the UCS website.
- Near West Intergenerational School offers a monthly school tour for parents interested in learning more. January's tour is Thursday, January 21st at 9am. More info is on the NWFN Events Page.
- NWFN will begin organizing tours for several additional elementary schools. Thanks to those who completed our survey to help us determine which schools to target). If you didn't fill out our survey, but would like to be added to our email list announcing the tours, please email Amy at akulisheck@nearwestfamilynetwork.org

There is a New Overnight Summer Camp Opportunity near Cleveland!

Camp Roosevelt-Firebird is less than a 2-hour drive from Cleveland in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. New owners, Joe Mendes and Cindy Larsen (Co-Founder of Lake Erie Ink) plan to build on the camp's 97-year history with programming and activities for kids 7- 15 years old that build confidence, leadership, social skills, and a sense of adventure.

On Saturday, January 9, Mendes and Larsen invite parents AND children to learn more about the camp, their vision, and to share what is important to them. This information session will be held on Saturday, January 9th from 3:30 - 5:00 at SPACES Gallery (2220 Superior Viaduct). Click here for the event flyer.

Nieghborhood Family Practice can help you with your
Affordable Care Enrollment!

The deadline for enrollment in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace is Sunday, January 31st. If you have questions or need help navigating your options, Neighborhood Family Practice can help. Call (216) 281-0872 ext. 2020 or read the attached flyer for more information.

Full details and links are found on our website

Tuesday, January 5 from 9:30 - 11:30: The first NWFN Gym Day of 2016!
- Gym Days meet EVERY TUESDAY - same time, same place :-)
Saturday, January 9
- 11 am - Tail Waggin-Tutors at Carnegie West Library
- 1-3 pm - FamilySPACES at SPACES Gallery
- 3:30 - 5:00 pm - Camp Roosevelt-Firebird Info Session
Tuesday, January 12 at 4pm Polar Freeze story and craft time at Carnegie West Library
Thursday, January 21 at 9 am: Parents Tour of Near West Intergenerational School
Saturday, January 24 from 1-3 pm: Urban Community School Open House
Sunday, January 31st: DEADLINE FOR AFFORDABLE CARE ENROLLMENT (need help? contact our health partner, Neighborhood Family Practice!)

On the Horizon

In February - Come Ice Skating with NWFN and NFP at Halloran Ice Rink! Details are still being worked out, but it will be fun!
Timing TBD - Cooking with Kids and an Upcyle Crafting Meet Up are still in the works. If you have ideas and energy to help us move these events forward, please contact Amy at akulisheck@nearwestfamilynetwork.org)

New events are added to our calendar as we learn about them. Also be sure to watch for announcements via Facebook page and Twitter throughout the month!

If you have an upcoming event you'd like us to include, please email all the pertinent infomraiton (title, date, time, location, description) to information@nearwestfamilynetwork.org

January 2015

HEALTHY MEALS

Strategies for planning meals that will boost your health

Why Plan Ahead?
Why plan meals ahead of time? Why make the time to shop for healthful ingredients and cook at home, especially in this busy age? Well, it all comes down to research. Home management experts assert that planning meals ahead of time is the number one way to save time, have balanced meals, control the food budget, avoid food waste, and reduce trips to the grocery store. So, how can you reap these benefits? Try the following tips and you’ll be on your way to healthful, balanced meals at home.

MEAL PLANNING TIPS

Try planning just a few meals a week instead of setting up a program for all seven days.
Have everyone in the family contribute their menu ideas and meal likes and dislikes.
Keep MyPlate in mind as you go. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, then stock the other half with a lean protein and a whole grain, then add low-fat dairy on the side.
Make sure that the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry are stocked with healthful foods — especially a variety of fruits and vegetables. After all, how can you fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables if there aren’t any fruits and vegetables in the house?

Stay Well,
Cheryl Sara
Wellness Program
Neighborhood Family Practice
216.281.8945
www.nfpmedcenter.org

As always, please forward this newsletter to anyone who is interested. We encourage everyone who shares our commitment to making the near west neighborhoods more family-friendly to become a member. Membership is open to everyone - download a membership form and mail it in, or you can also join online today!