Certified master martial artist Master Tan Tran recently announced the opening of Master Tran's Martial Arts Academy at 4973 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany, in the Urban Active plaza.
Master Tran's Martial Arts Academy offers numerous forms of martial arts training, including Taekwondo, Haidong Gumdo, Muay Thai, Hapkido, Olympic-style competition training, Tai Chi Chuan and women's self-defense. Classes are offered Monday through Friday during evening hours and private lessons are available.

A master martial artist with more than 40 years of experience, Master Tran is a certified instructor in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Vo Tu Do (free-style kickboxing), Vo Binh Dinh (traditional Vietnamese Kung Fu), Tai Chi Chuan, Hapkido, Haidong Gumdo, Seven-Mountain Spiritual Kung Fu, Vo Thieu Lam Nam Quyen (southern style of Shaolin Kung Fu), Chi Kung and Ki-Healing. He also is an award-winning Olympic-style martial artist who offers specialized training in Olympic-style competition combat, yet he focuses the majority of his teachings on traditional, authentic Asian martial arts and practical, real-life self-defense. The Academy also focuses on maintaining good health, building self-esteem and having fun.

For more information, call (614) 599-1266, or e-mail mastertran@ TranMartialArts.com.



Children of America Educational Childcare has opened its first school in the state at 8360 N. High St. The new center welcomes parents to tour the facility to experience the specially designed classrooms and learn about the company's age-appropriate curriculums. The school offers educational programming for children ages six weeks to 12 years.

Curriculum is designed to promote:

• Sensory and motor ability development in a music-filled, reassuring environment for infants (six weeks to 16 months);
• Eye-hand coordination and socialization skills such as sharing and taking turns for toddlers (16 months to 2 1/2 years);
• Self-help skills, physical coordination, artistic expression and understanding of colors and shapes, language and letters for preschoolers (2 1/2 to 4 years);
• Supervised fun and homework assistance before and after school for students (5 to 12 years); and
• Fun-filled learning adventures throughout the summer months at Camp WOW for children ages 5 to 12 years.

Visit the school to complete an application Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (614) 985-1993.


Momstyle, your favorite e-magazine, is getting a makeover!

That's right, get ready for ColumbusMomstyle .com, launching February 1! It's a social network hangout just for moms. Well, and a couple of really brave dads who have great stuff to share.

We recently started recruiting discussion leaders, hoping for 15 to 20 chatty gals who could get the ball rolling. As I'm writing, we have surpassed 110! What's that tell us? That this is a much-needed service in central Ohio.

Discussion leaders were asked why they want to be a part of Columbus Momstyle.com and comments ranged from "I need a place to escape!" to "I want to connect with other moms and make new friends." It's also going to be a place to network, offer support, start groups based on your interests, and win all kinds of freebies and goodies. It's all about you.

And because it's backed by Columbus Parent Magazine, 10TV and The Columbus Dispatch, you know you'll get all the latest parenting resources, news and events around town. We're all thrilled to be a part of this big initiative. Join today!


Can you believe it's already time to start thinking about what your kids will do this summer? Companies that provide children's programming are setting their dates, creating camp and workshop curriculum and will be ready to showcase new offerings within the next couple of months. 

One of the best ways to learn about these programs is by attending the Summer Activities Expo. These expos provide an opportunity for you to visit more than 50 companies that provide children's programming - all on one night and all under the same roof. A wide range of companies exhibit, from dance and sports camps, to water ski and reptile programs, plus many more. Company owners and spokespersons are available to help you find the perfect program for your kids, provide in-depth information on their offerings and reserve space in their programs on-the-spot.


WPC Summer Camp/Activities Expo
Tuesday, March 9, 5:30-8 p.m.
Westerville North High School
950 County Line Rd.
www.westervillepta.org

7th Annual Summer Activities Expo at Olentangy
Tuesday, March 16, 5:30-8 p.m.
Orange Middle School
2680 E. Orange Rd., Lewis Center
www.orangems.olentangypto.org


Ryan Sheppard, CCPS and Joseph Messinger, CCPS, CLU, financial planning professionals with Capstone Wealth Partners, Ltd., have attained the Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) certification from the National Institute of Certified College Planners. There are fewer than 500 Certified College Planning Specialists in the country.

The National Institute of Certified College Planners (www.niccp.com) restricts the CCPS certification to registered investment advisers, licensed securities representatives, CPAs, attorneys and other higher education professionals who assist families in preparing for the cost of sending children to college. The organization provides educational resources and support to CCPS candidates and designees, including training and testing in the areas of paying for college, saving for college, and advanced college funding strategies.

Ryan and Joe can be contacted directly at Capstone Wealth Partners, Ltd., (614) 754-7805.