Savvy Kids - June 2013

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june 2013 • www.savvykidsofarkansas.com

ut O ck

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ways to Staycation

Quick adventures close to home

Fantastic

Father’s Day Memories

Che NEW LOGO OUR LOOK! NEW AND side In Plus...

summer Activities, Events & Projects

The Savvy Kids

Baby Book

Our annual issue features all you need to know about prenatal yoga, nutrition, safe sleep, coverage for lactation services and much more. JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds

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Give your baby the best start possible. Breastfeed.

Benefits for Baby

Decreased risk of infections and disease May protect a child from obesity Decreased probability of SIDS More easily digested

Breast feeding offers a number of benefits for both baby and mom. There’s no harm in just trying, and you and your baby could see real benefits. Conway Regional offers breastfeeding support with a licensed lactation consultant and Lactation Store. For more information on Breastfeeding resources and support call (501) 513-5721 or visit www.ConwayRegional.org/womensservices 2 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

Benefits for Mom

Reduced risk of Breast Cancer Decreased risk of Ovarian Cancer Helps reduce risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Increased bonding Saves money


NOW ENROLLING 2013-2014 PRESCHOOL CLASSES Ages 6 Weeks – 5 Years Old

DAY HABILITATION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES • Physical, Speech, And Occupational Therapies • Nursing Staff And Mental Health Professionals On Site • State Approved Preschool Curriculum

Pathfinder Preschool • 2400 West Main Street • Jacksonville • 501-982-0528 ext. 1400 Pathfinder Charles Bussey Child Development Center • 1410 West Daisy Bates • Little Rock • 501-375-7811 Available Transportation To And From School • www.pathfinderinc.org For more information email: pam.satterfield@pathfinderinc.org

Pathfinder is a private, non-profit, community based organization which provides an array of services for the disabled. Services are provided for those citizens, of Arkansas, with developmental disabilities. Our goal is for each participant to become a self-supporting, productive member of society. JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds

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contents JUNE 2013

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SAVVY KIDS BABY BOOK

ON THE COVER:

Phoenix Murphy, photographed by Ashley Murphy Images. Savvy Kids would like to thank Ashley for taking these beautiful shots!

Breastfeeding,prenatal yoga,safe sleep and more.

24

Mamie’S poppy plates Oranization helps parents who have lost a child

28

STAYCATION

Quick adventures close to home

40

FATHER’S DAY MEMORIES

Savvy Kids staff share their stories

26

SAVVY AWARDS BALLOT Vote for your favorites 4 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

DEPARTMENTS 8 Odds and Ends 10 Little Hero,Big Heart 12 Potts’ Picks 34 Book ofthe Month App ofthe Month 36 Savvy Arts 38 Pop Topics 42 Calendar of Events 46 Kids Eat Free 48 Eats & Treats 54 Savvy Science


Dad’s the man, so treat him extra special.

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www.edwardsfoodgiant.com JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds

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Editor’s Letter

The Holiday Road...

publisher

Alan Leveritt alan@arktimes.com

editor

With all the talk of Father’s Day, summer and staycations I This ph o on the to was taken came across while putting together this issue, I couldn’t help in Santa left, we aring a Fe, N but think of the near cross country road trip that I took with my “jou T-shirt with ro .M., in 1993. rnal,” w T ith my lled-up sleeve hat’s me dad, La my dad, younger sister and grandma. Then, I realized that rry, and s clutching sister A licia. this summer marks the 20th anniversary of that trip, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to write about it and share an extremely embarrassing photo. In June 1993, the four of us hit the road en route to, of all places, Las Vegas. Right off, it’s easy to start imagining the Griswolds and mishap after mishap, but the trip went relatively smoothly. We made lots of stops along the way: Oklahoma City, Santa Fe and some places in Arizona. We must have heard my dad’s mantra, “just to say we’ve been,” at least a few hundred times. I was 12, going on 13, so what I remember most about the trip is feeling way too cool to be in the presence of these people I was stuck traveling with and being embarrassed by the least little thing. I’m pretty sure most of the time I was crammed in the back seat with my little sister, wearing headphones and scribbling away in my “journal” (diary sounded so childish at the time). My sister, Alicia, who was 8 at the time, remembers an “ice chest” in the floor board beneath her feet, so she had to sit cross-legged the whole way. We made one of the shortest stops ever at the Grand Canyon, as my dad reports. I don’t remember much about it, other than I wasn’t impressed. (I also wasn’t impressed four years later when we went back! There’s photographic proof that time, but my sister forbid me from using it.) Another memorable incident occurred while visiting the • Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, but I was forbidden to discuss that as well. Now, looking back, it’s all just funny to me: being too cool for school, not caring about the Grand Canyon and • idea. And, the fact that my dad put up with me as an almost just the idea of the trip in general, which was my dad’s teenager, and really all of us, on that trip was pretty remarkable. He drove the whole way, broke up lots of bickering between me and my sister, and did his best to make sure we all had a good time. To this day, when I think of vacations and summer, I always think of my dad.

For innings.

been to provide the best

100 Rivendell Drive | Benton, AR 72019

digital media producer Bryan Moats

editorial art director Patrick Jones

account executive

Erin Holland erin@arktimes.com Lesa Thomas lesathomas@arktimes.com Ellen Weiner ellenweiner@arktimes.com

production manager Weldon Wilson

advertising coordinators

Roland Gladden, roland@arktimes.com Kelly Schlachter Carr, kellys@arktimes.com

graphic artists

Kai Caddy, Bryan Moats, Patrick Jones, Mike Spain

photographers

Brian Chilson, Patrick Jones, Chelsey McNiel, Ashley Murphy

controller

Weldon Wilson

accounts payable

Kelly Lyles From Little Rock, take I-30 West toward Hot Springs/Texarkana it director

Take exit 121 (Alcoa Road)

Robert Curfman

billing/collections Linda Phillips

circulation director

Anitra Hickman Turn right onto Alcoa Road, at the stoplight turn right onto Highway 5. Rivendell Drive is the first street on the left.

l health care while

ily. New beginnings are posHappy Father’s Day, Lar!

mission is “changing lives

healing.”Erica Sweeney, Editor ericasweeney@arktimes.com

We

Directions to Rivendell:

Erica Sweeney ericasweeney@arktimes.com

From Hot Springs, take Hwy 70 East to I-30 East ALL MATERIALS ARE HANDLED WITH DUE toward Little Rock CARE; HOWEVER, THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO Follow our Pins on Pinterest

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• Turn left onto Alcoa Road (follow directions above)

inned It!

savvykidsofarkansas.com

This month we’re helping you gear up for summer road trips. We’ve pinned some ideas for fun in-the-car activities. Check it out at www.pinterest.com/savvykidsmag.com.

1-800-264-5640 This cute dress-up-doll board will keep kids busy This multifunctional pillowcase stores books, for hours during a long trip. Get directions at www. games or snacks until naptime. Get directions at kiwicrate.com. http://followpics.net. 6 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

Travel bingo is a fun way for little ones to pass the time. Download a free template at www.tipjunkie.com.

Are we there yet? This road trip countdown will keep everyone up to date on the journey. Download a free template at www.thedatingdivas.com.


When You Need Help, Rivendell Is Here For You. The ACADEMY at Rivendell

An educational treatment program addressing emotional and behavioral challenges in teens age 13 to 17. Arkansas’s only adolescent residential program offering Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Recently rated number one in patient satisfaction!

Acute Care for Children and Teens

Short term inpatient care for ages 4 to 17 suffering from depression, anxiety, grief or loss. Treatment for mood swings, disruptive behavior, suicidal thoughts, trauma and abuse. Accepting most insurance plans, Medicaid/AR KIDS A, and TriCare/Champus.

Acute Care for Adults

An evaluation and stabilization unit specially designed to treat psychiatric and substance abuse issues in adults. Welcoming full time psychiatrist, Dr. Kathryn Bowman. This program accepts most insurance plans, Champus/Tricare and MEDICARE.

24 HOUR Assessments & Referrals

Call us today to schedule a confidential assessment and referral at no charge. We offer convenient mobile assessments during business hours and are available by phone 24/7.

1-800-264-5640

We accept Arkansas Medicaid (AR KIDS 1st “A”) ages 20 and under, most private insurances, as well as Adult MEDICARE. Call for questions on eligibility. Tricare/ Champus Certified Acute Care

Changing lives through compassionate healing www.rivendellofarkansas.com for over 27 years! JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds

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ODDS & ENDS

Thea Foundation Offers Free Arts Camp The Thea Foundation is offering a free summer arts camp to students, ages 6 to 13, who live in the Baring Cross neighborhood in North Little Rock. In its third year, Summer Arts camp is taught by qualified educators, who work to inspire confidence and motivation through self-expression. The classes are June 11-24 at the Thea Foundation, 401 Main St. in North Little Rock, at 9 to 11 a.m. for 6- to 9-year-olds and 2 to 4 p.m. for 10- to 13-year-olds. Call (501) 379-9512 to register by June 7. Classes are limited to 15 students each. Transportation will be provided by ACTS Church in North Little Rock. All materials and snacks will be provided. For details, visit www.theafoundation.org. The Thea Foundation is also offering paid summer camps, July 8-11, 1518, 22-25 and July 29 to Aug. 1. Call or go online for details.

Tinkerfest Kids’ Fire Academy The North Little Rock Fire Department is hosting a two-day Kids’ Fire Academy for ages 8 to 12. Sessions are July 11-12 and Aug. 1-2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Fire Station. Kids will have the chance to meet real firefighters and learn about fire safety, bike safety, first aid and more. They will also enjoy a fire obstacle course. Lunch is provided. Register by calling (501) 812-5942 or (501) 812-5941, or emailing fmo@nlr.ar.gov.

8 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

Tinker, fidget and toy till your heart’s content at the Museum of Discovery’s second-annual Tinkerfest on June 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features more than 50 activities, where tinkerers of all ages can build things and take them apart. As the title suggests, “Technology Take-Apart” lets individuals take apart computers and other technology to see what’s inside. This is a good way to learn about how all the parts contribute to the item’s functionality. “Comic Book Heroes” allows participants to create their own comic strips and watch it in action, as they make their own animated film. In “3D Printing,” individuals can have themselves scanned and printed out three-dimensionally to learn about this new technology. Other features include building and launching rockets at “Lockheed Martin,” learning about food and nutrition at “Tinkering Food” and more. Cost for Tinkerfest is $10 for adults, $8 for kids ages 1-12 and kids under age 1 are free. Museum members are free. To learn more, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.


Fly Into A Super Summer With Allied Therapy! Mother’s Day Out Starts June 10th at our Ward Clinic for 3 different sessions! Mondays & Wednesdays: 9-11:30aM • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9-11:30aM & 1:30-4pM • summer Tutoring with a certified teacher ~ private sessions • astronaut Therapy sessions • Kids yoga Classes start in June at our sherwood Clinic. • Massage Therapy ~ pediatric Certified Therapist offering massage from infants to parents! • Mommy & Me Massage classes beginning in June at BoTh locations.

ALLIED THERAPY & CONSULTING SERVICES, P.A. PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL & SPEECH THERAPY 1500 Wilson Loop Rd • Ward, AR 72176 501.941.5630 • www.allied-therapy.com • 501.834.0437 201 Country Club Rd • Sherwood, AR 72120

Serving the needs of children in the Central Arkansas area for 20 years

501.941.1522 • www.beyondboundariesar.com 2195 Peyton Street/Hwy. 319 Ward, Ar 72176 JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds | 9


LITTLE HERO Photo by Brian

little hero

Big Heart Teen works to promote equal rights and social justice By Erica Sweeney

After attending his first Diverse Youth for Social Change (DYSC) meeting about a year ago, 16-year-old Jacob Gresham felt right at home. Gresham made friends, felt accepted, and was inspired to join the fight for equal rights and raise awareness about social injustice. DYSC is a program of the Center for Artistic Revolution, an organization formed in 2003 by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Arkansans to promote equality, build a community and end oppression. DYSC provides a meeting place for LGBTQ youth age 13-23 and their straight allies, said coordinator Katrina Crisp. Joining DYSC was important for Gresham, who identifies as “gender fluid” or “androgynous,” which means identifying as both male and female and often a blend of the two. At DYSC, Gresham uses the name Violet and prefers being referred to with “gender-neutral” pronouns, like “they” and “their,” rather than “he” or “she.” Gender neutral pronouns have been used in this story when referring to Gresham. “I don’t believe in people making assumptions about who I am or what gender I prefer,” Gresham said. Many LGBTQ youth feel that there is no place for them and Gresham admits to having felt that way “thousands of times.” DYSC provides that safe, accepting place. “I can present myself any way I want and not be judged,” Gresham said. “People here love you no matter what and accept you. It’s a very loving group.” Gresham is committed to working to promote racial, socioeconomic, LGBTQ and gender equality. Gresham attended the group’s Rainbow Camp, along with 50 other LGBTQ youth, last year, and also traveled with Crisp to the National Gathering for the Gay-Straight Alliance Network. CAR is the Arkansas affiliate to the National Association of GSA Networks. While at the national meeting, Crisp said she heard constant praise for Gresham, how “engaged, driven, smart and focused they are.” During the recent legislative session, Gresham and other DYSC members participated in demonstrations at the Capitol to show their support for the DREAM Act and reproductive rights for women. They got the chance to talk with legislators of all political parties, Gresham said. These experiences have been important to Gresham, who said they feel a responsibility to educate the younger generation about LGBTQ issues, social injustice and equality. Playing an active role in these issues sets a good example. 10 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

“I can’t complain about not having rights if I don’t fight for them,” Gresham said. “You can’t just focus on yourself. If you just focus on yourself, there’s no one to fight the monster that’s keeping us down. There’s no solidarity.” While its weekly meetings are held at the Lucille Marie Hamilton Youth Drop-In Center at Second Presbyterian Church in downtown Little Rock, DYSC and CAR are not religiously affiliated. To show appreciation for housing their group, the DYSC youth have participated in fundraisers for the church, as well as for CAR and other community organizations, Crisp said. DYSC has about 350 youths on its roster and new members frequently join. Crisp leads the meetings using in-house curricula to teach the young people about life skills, positive role models, social justice and lessons in safe sex and being substancefree. Art of all media is incorporated as a tool for organization and advocacy, Crisp said. She explained that art can help individuals more easily tell their stories. For example, at a meeting last month, the youth wrote letters to their younger selves. Gresham, a sophomore at Little Rock Central High School, said art is important in their life. They said sketching helps “figure things out,” and they also like playing piano, making clothing and cooking. Gresham sometimes makes snacks for DYSC meetings and is making a dress out of newspapers for an upcoming fashion show. Gresham, who loves exploring different cultures, plans to be a scientist one day and is currently learning Spanish and Chinese. Through participation in DYSC, Gresham has learned a lot about who they are and how others see them. “I’ve learned that if you can’t love yourself, how can you love someone else?” Gresham said. The Center for Artistic Revolution is a community organization that provides education, advocacy and creative and cultural work to create a fair Arkansas, which values its diverse residents. CAR works to end discrimination and hate-driven violence; promote equality for all citizens; and make schools safer for all students, including those who are LGBTQ. Its Diverse Youth for Social Change (DYSC) program is the longest-running youth program for LGBTQ in the state and the Lucille Marie Hamilton Youth Drop-In Center is one of the largest spaces for LGBTQ youth in the southeast. For more information about CAR and its programs, to get involved or donate, visit www.artisticrevolution.org.


Y Babies don’t come with instruction manuals. But this is the next best thing.

ou’re expecting a baby - congratulations! Our team of pediatric experts has developed a user-friendly planner just for you. The New Parent Planner gives you important information about caring for your child – from how to make sure your baby receives the best medical care possible to dosage charts and safety tips. The New Parent Planner also helps you organize and keep track of important papers related to your baby’s care. Before or after delivery, if your baby is sick and needs special medical attention, call Arkansas Children’s Hospital and we’ll come! You have so many new things to learn, prepare and do for yourself and your baby. We want to help!

Request your FREE New Parent Planner from Arkansas Children’s Hospital!

archildrens.org

archildrens.org/NewParentPlanner.

Healing is in our nature. JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds

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Potts’ Picks

Sweet Treats to Beat Summer Heat By Jasper Potts Hello, children who get bored during the rambling months of summer. Hello, parents with children who get bored during the rambling months of summer. These are some ideas for what to do when you get bored during the… oh, you get the point. There are always the common activities of summer fun. Like the pool, of course. Going on a walk. Even sitting on the porch and eating ice cream keeps kids occupied. And the play date, too Going the more elaborate way, there are many crafts to look into. For a

younger child, you can make a fan out of paper and tape. Or a paper plate animal. Also, vandalizing your backyard with shaving cream is fun, but make sure you put it on things that can be hosed safely. Making a dessert, ranging in complexity for age and skill, is another fun summer activity. I like to make chocolate-dipped fruits. Oh, fine. Go the healthier way if you like, such as frozen fruit and yogurt pops. Or smoothies. Here are some recipe ideas that all kids will love. I hope you have a fun summer, with a little help from these suggestions!

Smoothies

8 ounces yogurt 2 tsp. sugar 1 cup fruit (any kind) 1. Put yogurt and sugar in a blender and add fruit, cut up if necessary. 2. Turn blender on high speed. Blend until thick and smooth. 3. Enjoy! 4. Add more fruit for a tasty blend!

Frozen fruit and yogurt pops 1 cup any kind of yogurt, like strawberry 1 cup any kind of juice, like orange (first juice) 1 1/2 cups any kind of juice, like raspberry (second juice) 8 popsicle molds or paper cups 8 popsicle sticks

1. Set molds or paper cups on a work surface. Spoon an equal amount of yogurt onto each mold or cup and even it out. Cover molds or cups with aluminum foil. Poke a popsicle stick through each foil cover, pushing it into the middle of the yogurt. Freeze for 40 minutes. 2. Remove the molds from the freezer. Lift off foil, leaving the sticks in place. Repeat process with juice one and then juice two, but after covering juice two, freeze until solid, about four hours. 3. To serve, slip pops from molds or peel away paper cups. Enjoy! Recipes are from the Williams Sonoma “Kids Cookbook.”

Jasper Potts is in fifth grade. She enjoys writing, of course, and sushi. She is probably doing her homework right now. 12 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013


Leaving no milestone unturned. Pediatrics Plus strives for excellence in all areas of our programs. From our state-of-the-art facilities to our professional development to our researchbased therapy and educational services, we are always looking to discover new and innovative ways to ensure that the children and families we serve have access to the best services possible.

Serving Children. Supporting Families. pediatricsplus.com facebook.com/PedsPlus

Therapy Services | Developmental Preschool | Community Connections

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Russellville

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The Savvy Kids

Baby Book

The Savvy Kids Baby Book features the latest news and information for bringing up baby. We have covered new guidelines for coverage of breastfeeding supports, safe sleep, heart screenings and more. We also discuss some ways for moms-to-be to stay healthy and fit, as they prepare for the arrival of their bundle of joy.

Photo by Ashley Murphy Images

14 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013


Glowing

Study Promotes Wellness for New Moms

WHAT IS

Photo by Patrick Jones

An ongoing study by the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center is assessing how the health of a mom-to-be prior to pregnancy or at the beginning of pregnancy affects her baby’s growth and development. The study’s ultimate goal is understanding the risk factors and possibly preventing childhood obesity. The GLOWING Study – Growing Life. Optimizing Wellness – is strictly observational. Participants are not asked to take medications, get injections or eat specific foods, said Christine Alongi, a registered dietitian and a recruiter for the Nutrition Center’s programs. “Nutrition has a direct effect on growth and development,” she said. The study is an effort to learn more. Participating in the study could possibly have a “positive impact on the children of Arkansas.” “We’re looking to see if there’s something happening in utero that programs kids to be obese,” she said. Researchers are seeking to enroll 320 women and complete the GLOWING Study by 2015. So far, about 160 have participated, Alongi said. To be eligible, women must be age 21 or older, healthy with a BMI between 18 and 25, and less than 10-weeks pregnant or planning to become pregnant with their second child. During the study, women must make six visits to the Nutrition Center, located on the Arkansas Children’s Hospital campus in Little Rock. Subjects’ nutrient intake, metabolism, body composition and activity levels are measured, Alongi said. Moms-to-be are provided with nutrition support to ensure they have a healthy pregnancy and keep their weight within healthy guidelines. The focus is on listening to the body for cues, having healthy snacks on hand during pregnancy, and learning about appropriate calorie intake and weight gain for pregnant women, which is 11-35 pounds depending on the woman’s size. Alongi said the old adage “eating for two” really isn’t correct. Actually, pregnant women only need 300 additional calories and women who are breastfeeding need an additional 500, she said. Once the baby is born, researchers collect the placenta and cord blood for testing. Additionally, babies must make 11 visits to the Nutrition Center, where nutrient intake, body composition and motor development is assessed until age 2. The Nutrition Center is one of six U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Centers in the country and one of only two that are pediatric. It is also the only one that is focused on prevention. All of the center’s studies focus on obesity prevention, infant nutrition, bone health and growth and development, Alongi said. For more information about GLOWING, visit www. arkansaschildrensnutritioncenter.com or call (501) 364-3309.

New Parent Planner Everyone knows babies don’t come with instruction manuals, but Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s New Parent Planner comes pretty close. And, it’s free. The planner, which came out earlier this year, provides useful information for new parents, including a pregnancy tracker booklet, labor and delivery packing list, general pediatric care, nutrition, safe sleep, safety tips and more, said Ellen Mallard, a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It is also categorized, with tabs, to help organize paperwork. “It’s a great resource to help get through the journey of having a baby,” she said. “It provides an organized means of keeping up with papers and information that you’re bombarded with during pregnancy.” The planner is also a great refresher for grandparents or parents who already have kids. “A lot has changed over the years,” like car seat and crib safety, Mallard said. Request a free New Parent Planner online at www.archildrens.org/Parent-Packet.

Normal Crying?

Anyone who’s been around a newborn knows how frustrating excessive crying can be. Most parents try everything they can think of to soothe their baby, many times to no avail. In extreme cases, excessive crying has led caregivers to shake the baby, causing death and injury. From two to eight weeks old, babies tend to cry more and more, said Dr. Maria Teresa Esquivel, pediatrician and assistant professor at the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. In fact, it’s normal for babies to cry up to five hours at a time, she said. “Many parents don’t realize what normal infant behavior may entail,” she said. To help educate parents on what is normal crying and how to cope with it, UAMS began providing the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome’s Period of PURPLE Crying materials to new parents who deliver babies at the hospital and in prenatal classes, she said. “The program is geared toward educating parents on normal infant crying,” Esquivel said. “We want to decrease the instance of Shaken Baby Syndrome by explaining what to expect and making parents aware of the seriousness of shaking. It doesn’t take long to cause an injury.”

Shaking a baby “is one of the most severe forms of child abuse,” and can lead to cerebral palsy, seizures and mental delays, she said. The Period of PURPLE Crying includes a 10-minute DVD and 11-page booklet. This information is free to parents, thanks to grant funding that UAMS has received. Now only available at UAMS and a few other hospitals around the state, Esquivel hopes that it is someday implemented statewide. PURPLE is an acronym to help parents understand what their babies are going though. It stands for Peak of Crying, Unexpected, Resists Soothing, Pain-Like Face, Long-Lasting and Evening. The program suggests ways to soothe a crying baby include walking around with the baby, singing or talking to the baby or cuddling the baby. And, of course, ask for help from friends or family. Esquivel said one of the key messages is that parents should avoid getting frustrated and that it’s OK to put the baby in a safe place and take a break or walk away for a minute. “Parents must be calm to calm them baby,” she said. For more information about the Period of PURPLE Crying or Shaken Baby Syndrome, visit www.purplecrying.info or www.dontshake.org.JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds | 15


Baby Book Barefoot Studio owner Breezy OsborneWingfield assists mom-to-be Justine Nardone with a pose during a prenatal yoga class.

A Hand On Heart, A Hand on Baby Prenatal Yoga Gives Moms-to-Be Peace of Mind and Body By Lisa Lakey

Photo by Brian Chilson

Most moms know all too well the joy, pain and stress that come along with pregnancy. As soon as those first tiny flutters are felt, so is pain in the back and other areas that can add up to a whole lot of hurt and stress. “My second pregnancy seemed to bring lots of physical discomfort,” says Amber Bagby of Little Rock. “I had heard of prenatal yoga, but thought its primary benefits were for women who delivered naturally rather than C-section. I decided with my third to try yoga in hopes that it would help prevent the aches and pains that accompany pregnancy. It worked! My third pregnancy was by far the easiest physically and mentally.” Yoga, a centuries-old holistic approach to well-being, aims to achieve tranquility, strength and balance through a series of controlled movements, breathing exercises and meditation. According to Breezy Osborne-Wingfield, yoga instructor, mother and owner of Barefoot Studio in Little Rock, prenatal yoga classes are not only a great way to find pain relief during pregnancy, but can prepare moms-to-be for childbirth. “It’s a good hip-opener,” she says. “Everything is connected right there in the core. If you have low or any kind of back pain, it’s going to strengthen your core and open the hips, which is going to help giving birth. And we focus, just like we do in the other yoga classes, on breathing and your gaze. You’ll need to be able to have a focal point to be able to let go of a lot of tension and possible pain.” Osborne-Wingfield says that as long as they are cleared for physical activity by their doctor, women can start at any point during their pregnancy. Yoga instructors will work with moms-to-be to ensure their comfort level and provide the maximum benefit for mom and baby, based on trimester. She also says that the amount of time spent doing yoga each week isn’t as important as finding a realistic schedule that works for you. “One of the greatest things I see is that when you take care of yourself, you are directly benefitting your loved ones,” she says. “And that’s really hard for a mom to do because when we have a baby it’s not about us anymore. But if you can take the time to do something good for yourself, like yoga, it will 16 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

benefit other aspects of your life. One of the best benefits of yoga is it is a stress reliever for the mom. It calms the mind.” An article published a few years ago by Harvard Medical School backs this up. It references a study in New Hampshire in which patients who suffered from an array of mental health issues, from severe depression to bipolar disorder, saw dramatic changes after taking a yoga class weekly. The study showed “after the class, average levels of tension, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, and fatigue dropped significantly.” That’s something to stop and take a breath for. Benefits like this and many more are why several of Osborne-Wingfield’s clients return to her classes even after their children are born. Ten months after the birth of her son, Bagby is still enrolled at Barefoot Studio. She says that her experience with prenatal yoga was “indescribable.” “I’ll never forget my first class. I was moved to tears on a number of occasions,” she says. “Breezy would lead us to put a hand on our hearts and a hand on our baby. This moment of connection made him no longer seem like number three. From that point on, I embraced him and our little bond each Thursday. It was my way of respecting and honoring myself and my pregnancy as well as him.” Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

Take the Class…

Barefoot Studio offers prenatal yoga on Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. For more details, visit www.barefootstudio.com or call (501) 661-8005.


At the LIttLe ROCK AthLetIC CLUB... FItness Is A FAmILy AFFAIR! ••• irOnKids & LiL’ jOey summer CamPs

8:30am-6pm Ages 6-12 (IronKids) • Ages 3-5 (Lil’ Joey)

Parent’s night Out june 7 and 21

June 3-7 Water, Sun & Fun June 10-14 Soccer Camp June 17-21 Bridges & Parks June 24-28 Basketball Camp July 1-3, 5 Discovery & Exploration July 8-12 Sports and More Camp July 15-19 Fun with the Arts July 22-26 Easy Summer Fun July 29-Aug. 2 Museums of Arkansas Aug. 5-9 Summer Finale Fun

501-225-3600 • 4610 Sam Peck Rd • Little Rock • www.lrac.com

FREE Admission

Celebrate Independence Day at the Clinton Presidential Center Thursday, July 4 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See what’s NEW at the Clinton Center! Jazz: Through the Eyes of Herman Leonard

Closes July 21, 2013 The Clinton Center pays tribute to some of America’s greatest jazz artists through iconic photographs from The Herman Leonard collection and memorabilia on loan from museums and private collectors nationwide.

Oscar de la Renta: American Icon

May 18, 2013 – December 1, 2013 This seminal fashion exhibition celebrates the worldrenowned work and inspiring life of designer Oscar de la Renta, featuring more than thirty of his iconic creations worn by leading arbiters of style, from First Ladies to Hollywood’s brightest stars. Photo credit: Photographers: Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin

George Washington’s Copy of the Acts of Congress

1200 President Clinton Avenue • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 501.374.4242 • clintonpresidentialcenter.org

June 29, 2013 - July 13, 2013 George Washington received the 106-page volume in 1789. It recorded the momentous first session of Congress and includes the ratified Constitution, the draft Bill of Rights and acts establishing the executive, state, judiciary and treasury departments.

JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds

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Baby Book

Support for Breastfeeding Moms Some insurance plans now cover lactation consultation and breast pumps, thanks to the Affordable Care Act By Erica Sweeney An Affordable Care Act women’s health initiative is making breastfeeding services and supports more accessible to new moms. The mandate, effective August 2012, allows for lactation consultation and breast pumps to be covered by some insurance plans. Coverage, however, is broad, said Jessica Donahue, an RN, lactation consultant and head of the outpatient lactation center at Baptist Health Expressly for You. Coverage only applies to private insurance plans affected by the ACA, and the best way for families to find out what’s covered is to call their insurance company’s customer service line. “Yes, there are provisions that support breastfeeding,” she said. “It’s quite complicated, but we’re trying to make it easier. What we’ve learned is that a majority are covered on consulting.” Most insurance plans offer 100 percent coverage for lactation support, including consulting, with no out-of-pocket expense, Donahue said. But for breast pumps, plans all seem to have different coverage. Donahue said some plans cover hospital-grade pumps, while others cover a basic manual pump. Some don’t cover supplies at all. “It will take a while for insurance companies to figure out what pumps to cover in order to meet the needs of the most patients,” she said. “Moms pump for different reasons. A mom with an NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) baby has specific pumping needs, much different from a mom with a healthy full-term infant.” All new moms receive lactation consultations while in the hospital, but when they return home, many need a little more help. Now, with potential insurance coverage, more moms

are receiving additional lactation consultations without having to worry about the cost, Donahue said. Donahue said many questions can actually be answered over the phone. Even before the mandate, Baptist has had a free toll-free Warm Line ((501) 202-7378) to assist moms with breastfeeding over the phone. Since the mandate took effect, Donahue said the number of patients at Baptist’s outpatient lactation center has doubled. This is a good sign, she said, but the next step is to understand what that means and how many moms continue breastfeeding. Now, about 80 percent of women who deliver babies at Baptist leave breastfeeding, but the number decreases to around 20 percent after a few months, Donahue said. The ACA mandate and insurance reimbursement for these services is creating more opportunities for breastfeeding moms to access care and support. Within the next couple of months, Baptist’s center will become a drop-off point for moms to donate breast milk to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas, Donahue said. Many hospitals in the state, like Baptist, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, purchase breast milk from the bank for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Donahue hopes that because now more women have access to breastfeeding supplies, like pumps, they may be more likely to donate to the milk bank. Donahue said she also hopes the ACA mandate will “expand the base of lactation consultants” to pediatricians’ offices and other organizations. Also, in the “discussion stages” at Baptist, is providing lactation consultation to outlying clinics via telemedicine, she said. “Over the next few years, I hope moms have more choices, and that breastfeeding assistance is automatic,” she said.

Does Your Plan Cover Breastfeeding Supports? The best way to determine if your insurance plan covers lactation consultants and breast pumps is to call your insurance provider’s customer service line or talk to your employer’s human resources department. Here are a few important questions to ask: • Are lactation services covered? • Where can I receive lactation consultation? • Is there a limit on the number of visits? • What is the allowable fee for lactation services? • What type of breast pump can I get? • Where can I get a breast pump? • Which HCPCS codes do you use for billing for these services? (HCPCS stands for Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. Codes are assigned to a specific procedure for billing purposes. The provider can also provide the codes that they use for billing.) • Once you have the code, what is the allowable for this code? 18 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013


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Baby Book

Creating a

Safe Sleep Environment Recent guidelines go beyond “back to sleep” By Erica Sweeney occurs, she said. Arkansas’s SIDS rate is higher than the national average, with 7.3 per 1,000 live births, compared to 6.2 nationally. There is also a higher rate of SIDS among African-American babies, Aitken said. Both Aitken and Palmer said smoking is a major contributor in Arkansas, along with lack of education about safe sleep. “There’s a big push to help parents better understand safe sleep,” Aitken said. “SIDS is something all babies are susceptible to.” Both ACH and UAMS are working to ensure that families get the message about safe sleep. At UAMS, safe sleep is demonstrated in the NICU and nurseries, and parents are educated on its importance, Palmer said. ACH also models safe sleep, and the ACH Injury Prevention Center partners with local health organizations to hold Safety Baby Showers around the state to educate expectant mothers about safe sleep and other issues, Aitken said. “If we demonstrate safe sleep in the hospital, parents are likely to do it at home,” Palmer said. For more information, visit www.archildrens.org/injury_prevention.

Safe Sleep Guidelines No Bed Sharing. Babies should not share a bed with adults or other children, but may sleep in the room with parents as long as they are sleeping in their own crib or bassinette. Safe Crib. Cribs must be approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, with firm mattresses and less than 2 3/8 inches between bars. Bare Crib. Do not place stuffed animals, soft bedding, pillows, bumper pads or wedges in the crib. Back to Sleep. Always place babies on their backs to sleep at night and for naps. Side sleeping is not safe or advised. Avoid using sitting devices, like car seats or swings, for sleeping. Comfortable Temperature. Dress the baby in clothes that you would be comfortable wearing, or place them in sleep sacks. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. Smoke Free. Avoid smoking during pregnancy and after the birth. Ensure that the crib is always placed in a smoke-free area. Breastfeed. Experts recommend that babies are breastfed for as long as possible, but at least for the first six months. 20 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

Photo courtesy of the National SUID/SIDS Resource Center

For years, parents and caregivers have been told that the safest sleeping position for babies is on their backs. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new guidelines for safe sleep, focusing on the sleeping environment as a whole. “They have broadened the definition of how to keep an infant asleep in a safe environment,” said Dr. Mary Aitken, professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and director of the Injury Prevention Center at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “Safe sleep is putting a baby in an environment that’s as safe as possible,” said Dr. Kristine Palmer, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology at UAMS and medical director of the UAMS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The AAP guidelines, which were issued in October 2011, go beyond positioning babies on their backs, also referred to as a supine position. The guidelines also state that babies sleep alone in a bare crib or bassinet, never with parents, and cribs should have firm mattresses, with no blankets, bumper pads or stuffed animals. When planning nursery décor, medical professionals are reminding parents to “decorate the room, not the crib,” Aitken said. Instead of blankets, Palmer recommends using “sleep sacks,” a kind of wearable sleeping bag that ensure babies stay covered without the danger of suffocation that loose blankets present. Other AAP guidelines include avoiding smoking in the home, breastfeeding and keeping babies in an environment with a comfortable temperature. A baby’s sleeping environment is a major risk factor for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, poisoning and other health concerns. While genetic predispositions for SUID can’t be controlled, the sleeping environment can, Aitken said. SIDS is the death of an infant less than a year old which cannot be explained, even after an investigation, autopsy or review of the baby’s clinical history. There are no warning signs for SIDS, Aitken said. To learn more about how environment may affect SIDS, medical professionals are educating coroners on recording all aspects of the baby’s environment when a death


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Baby Book

Screening Little Hearts

New state law requires pulse ox for all newborns By Erica Sweeney

Shortly after Stacy Cornwell’s daughter, Emma, was born, she noticed something about her baby’s breathing and color wasn’t right. Cornwell requested a pulse oximetry screening for Emma. Emma’s score on the screening was 85, a sign of a heart defect. She was diagnosed with total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR), a condition where the four veins that carry blood from the lungs to the heart are not attached to the heart’s left atrium. Doctors began treatment immediately, and Emma had surgery when she was nine days old. The pulse ox saved Emma’s life. The early detection of the heart condition and quick treatment completely corrected the problem, Cornwell said. Now, four years later, Emma is a healthy, happy little girl. Cornwell said many parents don’t know to ask for a pulse ox test. She knew to request the test because of a family history of congenital heart defects. Cornwell’s husband, Brian, was born with a congenital heart defect that could have been detected with a pulse ox when he was born, if the test had been conducted. Because his condition wasn’t detected until much later, he has suffered from health problems his whole life, she said. The Cornwells, who live in Benton, wanted to ensure that all families get this life-saving test for their babies. They worked with the American Heart Association,

What is a

Pulse Ox?

A pulse oximetry –commonly called “pulse ox” – is a “totally painless” procedure that measures blood oxygen levels to determine if a heart defect may be present, said Dr. William Benton, medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Baptist Health in Little Rock. For newborn babies, the test is conducted by wrapping a small band around the baby’s right hand and then foot. Most babies pass the test. If a baby fails, further testing in the form of an echocardiogram is performed to determine if a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD) has been detected, Benton said. In Arkansas, about 37,500 babies are born each year. Of those, 87 are expected to fail a pulse ox screen, and after the echocardiogram, 18 are expected to be diagnosed with CCHD, he said. “That’s about 20 babies whose lives are saved because of this screening,” 22 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

Arkansas Children’s Hospital and other organizations on the recent passage of Act 768 of 2013 sponsored by Kim Hammer (R-Benton). The new law requires that hospitals perform pulse ox screenings on newborns before discharge. Cornwell, who works at Children’s, and other families testified at the legislative committees. When they heard that the bill had passed, Cornwell said her family was “so excited” that they were able to make a difference and turn Emma’s negative experience into a positive. “We’re thrilled,” said Barbara Kumpe, government relations director at the American Heart Association in Little Rock. “We could potentially save these tiny lives if more emphasis is placed on assuring newborns are appropriately screened for heart defects before being sent home.” The law puts all newborns on a level playing field regarding early detection of critical congenital heart defect (CCHD). Many hospitals, like Baptist Health and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, were already conducting the test voluntarily, but this law ensures consistency, and that any baby, no matter where they live or their socioeconomic class, will have the pulse ox, she said. “Let’s catch it at an early stage and become more proactive than reactive,” she said.

he said. “If that can be prevented, it should be.” The pulse ox detects seven forms of CCHD, but does not prevent the defects. It catches CCHD before it can be deadly. When detected early, many babies can be treated and often go on to lead healthy lives, Benton said. If babies aren’t treated for these conditions until they begin demonstrating symptoms, it may be too late, he said. “If caught early, we are able to make a huge impact,” Benton said. “It really makes a big difference.” Baptist began conducting pulse ox screens for newborns in February 2012, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations, Benton said. He has worked to train health-care providers all over the state in conducting the pulse ox on newborns.


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Preserving Memories of Little Lives Lost By Erica Sweeney

Even at 24 weeks, Michelle Stapleton of Benton said her baby, Jackson, hadn’t moved or kicked much, just “little pokes.” He was her first baby so she wasn’t sure what to expect. After a doctor’s appointment, where Jackson’s heartbeat couldn’t be detected, he was diagnosed as stillborn. The next day, Jan. 14, 2011, her labor was induced and Jackson was delivered. While the devastation of losing her baby was too great to express, the most difficult part, Stapleton said, was the emptiness of returning home with a fleeting memory instead of her baby. “We never dreamed we’d wheel out of the hospital with nothing,” she said. To help cope with their loss, the family was thankful to be able to preserve Jackson’s memory in a tangible way, through Mamie’s Poppy Plates. Founded in 2010 by sisters, Sarah Adams and Britney Spees, Mamie’s Poppy Plates provides decorative plates to families that have experienced infant loss. Plates include the baby’s footprints, name, date of birth and any other details the family wishes to include, all to ensure the babies’ memories are preserved forever, Spees said. Forming the organization was bittersweet to Adams and Spees, because they know firsthand what the families they help are going through. In June 2009, Adams’ daughter, Mamie, was stillborn. Spees said it was excruciatingly painful for the whole family, and they felt “called to give back.” Mamie’s Poppy Plates was launched on Mamie’s first birthday with the initial goal of providing enough plates just for St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center. They have far exceeded that early goal and are now fully self-sufficient. Partnerships with hospitals – 13 in Arkansas, two in Texas and one in Memphis – and close relationships with bereavement nurses help get the word out about Mamie’s Poppy Plates, Spees said. When a family loses a child, the hospital takes a print of the baby’s footprints and provides the family with information on how to get a plate made. Families work with one of Mamie’s artists to create their personalized plate. “We’ve heard from numerous families that people are in tears when they receive such a beautiful memorial of their baby,” Spees said. Stapleton first learned about Mamie’s Poppy Plates at the hospital. She worked with Mamie’s artists to incorporate her husband Dean’s tattoo, featuring Jackson’s footprints and angel wings, into their plate. “It’s something physical we have of Jackson,” she said. “Our plate is a little part of him. It helped us cope and gives us a way to talk about him.” 24 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

She said people are often afraid to ask questions about Jackson, but she loves talking about him. The plate serves as a conversation starter. “It’s OK to talk about our babies,” she said. “We love hearing their names. It gives him a presence in the world.” Jackson’s plate “means the world to me,” Stapleton said. It hangs in the family’s kitchen, at “the heart of our home,” she said.

Race to Remember

The second annual Race to Remember 5K Run/Walk, benefitting Mamie’s Poppy Plates and families that have experienced infant loss, is set for June 22 at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. The event begins at 3 p.m. with a pre-race party, featuring food, live music and a silent auction with artwork from more than 30 local artists, said Britney Spees, co-founder of Mamie’s Poppy Plates. A balloon release, where participants may choose pink, white or blue balloons, commemorates the babies’ short lives, she said. The race begins at 6 p.m. Last year, Michelle Rundel-Stapleton participated in memory of her son, Jackson, who was stillborn in January 2011. She said the event brings families together who have had similar experiences and meeting the other families was “uplifting.” She said she’s looking forward to this year’s race. “We can celebrate those little lives that were not allowed to live on earth, and ensure they are not forgotten,” Rundel-Stapleton said. Last year was the first ever Race to Remember. Spees, who formed Mamie’s Poppy Plates with her sister, Sarah Adams, in 2010, said they were expecting about 300 participants, but more than 2,000 showed up. “We were overwhelmed to say the least,” Spees said, adding that they are expecting even more this year. For more information or to register for Race to Remember, visit www. mamiespoppyplates.com.


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Enter online at www.savvykidsofarkansas.com by July 1 for a chance to win a

Family Four Pack to Wild River Country. Deadline to enter is July 15.

ACTIVITIES Best Museum Best Place to Play Best Party Location Best Water Park/Pool Best Field Trip Best Sports Facility Best Dance/Gymnastics/Cheer Best Kids’ Festival Best Place Where a Parent Can Act Like a Kid Best Church Children’s Programs Best Library Best Park Best Camp EDUCATION Best Private School Best Public School Best Preschool Best After-School Care Best Daycare Best Art Lessons Best Music Lessons Best Tutoring Service

26 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

SHOPPING Best Local Place to Shop Best Toy Store Best Shopping Center Best Local Clothing Store for Kids Best Local Clothing Store for Parents Best Local Shoe Store Best Consignment/Resale Best Bookstore Best Furniture Store Best Party Supplies Best Grocery Store Best Garden Center FOOD Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant Best French Fries Best Macaroni and Cheese Best Pizza Best Cheese Dip Best Smoothie Best Ice Cream Best Frozen Yogurt Best Bakery Best Cupcake Best Birthday Cake

HEALTH Best Pediatric Clinic Best Obstetrician Best Dentist Best Orthodontist Best Hospital Best Pediatric Therapy Best Behavioral/Mental Health Therapy Best Special Needs Preschool Best Special Needs Elementary School Best Special Needs Daycare OTHER SERVICES Best Photographer Best Hair Salon Best Spa Best Car Dealership Best Bank Best Sitting Service Best Realtor Best Non-Profit Best Gym Best Farmer’s Market Ballots may also be mailed to Editor, Savvy Kids, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203-4010


A place where children with learning differences and developmental disabilities can grow and develop in an environment tailored to meet their unique needs.

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ca y t i o a t n S

4 Ways to

It’s that time of year again. It’s warming up outside, kids are out of school and parents are scrambling to find activities to keep them occupied. Planning a staycation is a convenient and inexpensive way to entertain the entire family, who, after months of school and cold weather, may be itching to get away for a bit. Savvy Kids has four ideas for staycations, all of which combine fun, learning and exposure to new things. Some of the destinations are right here in central Arkansas, while others are a short drive away

1

Back in Time

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Arkansas, the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission has created a Passport Program, where visitors get their passports stamped at 23 different Civil War sites around the state, like Pea Ridge Military Park or the MacArthur Military Museum. Once the passport is full, travelers can send in the back cover to receive an official Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial coin or patch. Kids will get a kick out of colleting stamps and not even realize they’re learning about American history. For details about the passport or to find out about other activities, visit www.arkansascivilwar150.com. The Delta Cultural Center (www.deltaculturalcenter.com) in Helena has exhibits for the whole family focusing on the Mississippi Delta region, as well as the Civil War battle that took place there in 1863. A live weekly 28 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

blues radio program broadcasts from the museum. This summer, the “Songs from the Field” exhibit opens exploring slave songs and filed hollers, from pre-Civil War to its influence on modern music. The exhibit includes many interactive components, including a listening station, instruments that kids can play and an Xbox Kinect gaming system technology putting visitors right in the fields. Only 120 miles from Little Rock, Helena has many other attractions that kids will enjoy exploring, even if they don’t fully understand the historical significance, like Freedom Park, cannons and more. Visit www. civilwarhelena.com for details. Other ways to explore history in central Arkansas include the Old State House Museum and Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock, and Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park and the Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott.


Mountain Harbor Resort on Lake Ouachita.

2

Nature Retreat Photo courtesy of Mountain Harbor Resort

Being the Natural State, there are countless ways to explore nature in all its parts. Mt. Magazine Sate Park (www.mountmagazinestatepark.com) is a near perfect example. Located near Paris in Logan County, less than 120 miles from Little Rock, Mt. Magazine sits more than 2,700 feet above sea level and has temperatures a little cooler than lower elevations, so it’s a great place to beat the summer heat. Visitors enjoy camping, hiking or just the scenery. Visit on June 21-22 for the Mt. Magazine International Butterfly Festival, featuring more than 90 species of butterflies. Mountain Harbor Resort (www.mountainharborresort.com) on Lake Ouachita is the ultimate nature retreat and offers something for the whole family. There’s fishing and hiking, along with a marina and cabins. For the notso-outdoorsy, the resort features a pool, spa and restaurant. Explore nature from above and get an adrenalin rush by zip lining. This “extreme” activity is gaining popularity in the state and is typically available to all ages, though height and weight requirements apply at some facilities. There are zip line parks all over the state including Zip Lines at Ouachita Bend (www. ouachitabendadventures.com) in Hot Springs, Loco Ropes (www.locoropes. com) at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Zippin Griffin at Griffin Park (www.gogriffinpark.com) in Hardy, Rowdy Adventures (www. rowdyadventures.com) in Okolona and the Buffalo River Canopy Tour (www. buffalorivercanopytour.com) in Ponca.

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| 29


Staycation

4 Ways to

3

The Artist’s Studio

4

Photo courtesy of Loblolly Creamery

The soda fountain at Green Corner Store 30 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

Family activities at Crystal Bridges

Farm to Table

Learning about food is a fun and different way to staycation, especially when exploring the whole farm-to-table process. Take the kids to visit farms to see where their food comes from. Hardin Farms and Market Too (www.hardinfarmsandmarket.com) in Scott is a good place to start. Hardin has fields of crops, along with a farmer’s market and restaurant. Holland Bottom Farm (www.hollandbottomfarm.com) in Cabot also grows and sells fruits and vegetables throughout the summer and is open to visitors. From blueberries, strawberries, peaches and more, picking their own is a fun, hands-on way for kids to explore where their food comes from. Wye Mountain Flowers and Berries (www.wyemountain.net) in Roland is open for blueberry and blackberry picking until late July. Collins Orchard (www.collinsorchards.com) in Conway allows visitors to pick peaches, plums, tomatoes, watermelon and more. If you can’t make it out to the farm, check out local farmers’ markets or food festivals, like the 57th Annual Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival on June 7, or the Hope Watermelon Festival on Aug. 8-10. The Arkansas Local Food Network (www.arlocalfoodnetwork.org) has a listing of many of the state’s farmers’ markets, many of which sell local meats, eggs, cheeses, as well as fruits and veg. Getting kids involved in cooking also enhances their understanding. Involve the little ones in flipping through cookbooks or searching the web for recipes that they would like to make using some of the items picked or purchased from the farmers’ market. And, of course, the all-American cookout is not only a summer tradition, it can also be a staycation. Create a themed cookout with themed burgers to create a special getaway vibe. There are lots of great recipes at www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com. Explore the past, while enjoying a sweet locally made treat at Green Corner Store (www. thegreencornerstore.com) in downtown Little Rock. Inside the store, Loblolly Creamy operates an old-fashioned soda fountain, dating back to the early 1900s, with delicious ice cream and sorbet made in Little Rock, often using local ingredients. Try an ice cream sandwich, with homemade cookies. A browse around the store also offers a lesson in sustainability and features many local products.

Photo courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

With free admission, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (www. crystalbridges.org) in Bentonville offers many programs and services to expose youngsters to art. In the museum’s lobby, parents can check out a free Art Tote for their little ones. The totes include interactive games and activities to keep kids engaged while touring the museum, and the activities get them thinking about shape, color and expression. The Experience Art Studio is a kid-friendly space with games, toys and touchable activities, like puppets, dress-up clothes and art stations. The museum grounds are full of trails for nature lovers and the museum restaurant, Eleven, offers a build-it-yourself PB&J or grilled cheese. In Little Rock, the Arkansas Arts Center (www.arkarts.com) is always a great place to expose kids to art. This summer features the exhibit, “Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of the Kenwood House, London.” Opening on June 7, this is a special treat for those interested in art because many of these works of art have never been shown in the United States.


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Hunter Taylor with a feisty rainbow trout

Get Hooked on a

Photo by Brad Wiegmann

Fishcation By Brad Wiegmann

The Natural State is blessed with abundant fishing opportunities. When combined with a summer vacation it becomes a fish-cation. Families don’t have to travel far anywhere in Arkansas to find rivers or lakes to go fishing. Fishing at local ponds, rivers or lakes are one option. Often many of these bodies of water are stocked with fish eager to bite. City lakes can also be great places to take young anglers fishing since the shorelines are normally wellkept and easy to walk around while fishing. But for those wanting to explore outside the city, there are plenty of options available. Just remember to always keep it simple when going fishing. Young anglers get excited just watching a bobber go under the surface. Remember that live bait like worms, crickets and minnows usually catch more fish, which keeps young anglers’ attention longer. Dry Run Creek There’s no place in Arkansas as special as Dry Run Creek located adjacent to Norfork National Fish Hatchery below Norfork Dam off Arkansas Highway 177. Only youth under 16 are allowed to fish this catch-and-release area. It’s loaded with hungry, eager-to-bite trout that can be easily caught on conventional or fly tackle. Only artificial lures that have a single, barbless hook can be used. All trout must be released immediately after being caught. Dry Run Creek features pools and shoals that young anglers can follow a path to fish. Due to the age restriction, overcrowding is seldom a problem. Fishing reports or lures are available at nearby fishing tackle retailers. White River Located just over two hours away from Little Rock in northern Arkansas is the White River below Bull Shoals Dam. The tailwater is renowned for its trophy trout fishing. Parents don’t need to own a boat or be an expert angler to catch trout, and there are no age restrictions so everyone in the family can fish. Fly fishermen usually wade the still water areas below the dam while other anglers often rent Johnboats to take out fishing. Another option is to hire a trout fishing guide. Guides normally furnish life jackets, rods, reels, lures, bait and everything else required except a fishing license or trout stamp the angler needs to purchase. There are numerous resorts along the White River including well-known Gaston’s Resort. No trip to the White River is complete without visiting the 32 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

James A. Gaston Visitor Center overlooking Bull Shoals Dam. The center features environmental education exhibits along with an observation tower, classrooms, interactive kiosks, Johnboat Theater and aquariums. Lake Ouachita Another option for a fish-cation is Lake Ouachita in central Arkansas. Lake Ouachita covers 66,000 total acres with more than 600 miles of shoreline to explore after fishing. Its scenic beauty and pristine water clarity set the stage for great fishing or swimming if the fish aren’t biting. You don’t have to be a professional angler to catch fish on Lake Ouachita during the summer months. Families can rent a boat from marinas located around the lake and catch bluegills on crickets and worms. Another option is to pay a guide who supplies the boat to take the family out. Guides normally supply everything needed except for a fishing license for a day out fishing. Brad Wiegmann is an outdoor writer, photographer and professional fishing guide. He has guided on Beaver Lake and Lake SWEPCO since 1989.

All the Fishy Details Norfork National Fish Hatchery www.fws.gov/norfork White River www.ozarkmountainregion.com/white-river Gaston Visitor Center www.ozarkmountainregion.com/gaston-visitor-center Lake Ouachita www.lakeouachita.com


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of the month

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Courtesy of the Children’s Department at the William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock

My Daddy is a Pretzel: Yoga for Parents and Kids By Baron Baptiste All dads are different. They can be veterinarians, gardeners, builders or even yoga instructors. This picture book explores and celebrates those differences. It also provides instruction for nine yoga poses, like the tree and bridge, for parents and children to do together, and encourages readers to stretch their bodies and minds.

Bertie: Just Like Daddy By Marcus Pfister In this sweet story celebrating fatherhood, little hippo Bertie wants to be just like Daddy. He wants to drink coffee, shave, use a credit card, just like Daddy, but keeps being told that he’s too young. Later, Daddy wants to be just like Bertie and play with his trains. This endearing picture book with colorful illustrations is great for sharing on Father’s Day or any time of year.

APP OF THE MONTH

Pack & Go Deluxe Packing List By Red Box Productions $2.99 This app is designed for families and allows travelers to create and customize travel checklists and task reminders. The “Briefcase” option lets uses passwordprotect important information, like driver’s license numbers. There are also ready-made packing lists to choose from, based on a child’s age or the type of trip being planned. Available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android devices.

34 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

Pip and Posy: Fun and Games By Nosy Crow $2.99 This app is perfect for pre-school ages and allows kids to connect with Pip and Posy of Axel Scheffler’s picture books about toddler life through games, puzzles and more. Users can color in scenes from the books and make faces in the mirror. This is a great app for traveling. Available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.


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LRSD Salutes 2013 Winning Teachers!

Dodd Sarah Buffalo (Pre-K) Fair Park ECC Kristen Brizzolara (Pre-K) Forest Park Carolyn Dillard (Grade 5) Franklin Tammy Smith (Grade 3) Fulbright Ashley Atkins (Grade 2) Geyer Springs Kathy Pennington (Reading) Gibbs Melanie Shaw (K) Jefferson Sharon Faulkenberry (Grade 3) M.L. King Cassie Hurtado (Grade 3) The Little Rock School District kicked Mabelvale Kristie Croom (Speech Path.) off Teacher Appreciation Week with McDermott Lori Kirchner (Art) its annual Crystal Awards Ceremony, Meadowcliff Kathy Thomas (Grade 1) celebrating outstanding educators, on Otter Creek Wendy Minor (Grade 5) May 6, 2013. Holly Brown, a third grade Pulaski Heights Tracy DeClue (K) teacher at Terry Elementary, was named Don Roberts Katie Leavitt (Grade 5) the Marian G. Lacey Teacher of the Year Rockefeller Heather Bishop (Grade 5) Winner. Elementary, middle and high Romine LaShawn Pettis (Grade 4) school level winners include: Mary Anne Stephens Donnyta Alexander (Grade 1) Struthers, Williams Magnet Elementary; Terry Holly Brown (Grade 3) Kasey Miller Neal, Mann Magnet Middle School; and Ryan Parson, Parkview Magnet Wakefield Gail Washington (Grade 2) Washington La Dina Hunt-Brister (Grade 2) High School. Watson Anthony Goods (Health/P.E.) Photo (left to right): Mary Anne Struthers, Western Hills Jennifer Carlin (Resource) Holly Brown, Ryan Parson and Kasey Williams Mary Anne Struthers (Grade 5) Miller Neal Wilson Susan West (Special Ed. 3-5) Woodruff ECC Caroline Seaberg (P3) Elementary School Winners Bale Dana Broadway (K) Middle School Winners Baseline Angela Saine (Grade 4) Cloverdale Christy Jenkins-Strong (Math 7) Booker Ruth Keogh (Reading Spec. 2-5) Cloverdale Gwendolyn Cokeley (Spec. Ed.) Brady Anna Friemel (Art) Dunbar Kelli Allen (Math 6-8) Carver Joy Thomas (Grade 5) Chicot Primary Diane Walker (Grade 1)

Dunbar Donterio Porter (Soc. Studies 7-8) Forest Heights Amy Walker (G&T) Forest Heights Adrienne Earnest (Social Studies 7-8) Henderson Tracy Andrews (Lib./Media) Henderson Michelle Mothershed (AVID) Mabelvale Stephen Lanford (Math 7) Mabelvale Alyce Zottoli (Soc. Studies, G&T) Mann Kasey Miller Neal (Math 7-8) Mann Loretta Davis (Spec. Ed.) Pulaski Heights Sharon Dallimore (Math 8) Pulaski Heights Jescena Sweat (Science 8)

Non-traditional School Winners Accelerated Learning Center Laura Nodine (Business Ed. 11-12) Felder Alt. Learning Center Carolyn Harshaw (Math 7-8) Hamilton Alt. Learning Center Amy Howard (Biology 10) Metropolitan Career-Tech Center Barbara Swihart (Special Ed. 10-12)

High School Winners Central Kimberly Burleson (Phys. Science) Central Scott Hairston (English 11) Central Sarah Schutte (English 9-10) J.A. Fair Kimmie Cleveland (Health Science) J.A. Fair Linda Hall (English 12) J.A. Fair Lecia Willis (Career/Tech Ed.) Hall Elizabeth Lucker (Family/Consumer Sci.) Hall Tracy Mason (AVID) Hall Amanda Warren (ESL Social Studies) McClellan Isaac Davis (Spec. Ed. Math) McClellan Katina Harper (English 10-11) McClellan Roy Vaughn (Comm./Journalism) Parkview Pam Ellis (Orchestra 9-12) Parkview Stacy O’Brien (Math 10-12) Parkview Ryan Parson (AP: US Hist. & Economics)

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Savvy Arts

Early Exposure to the Arts Wee Little Arts provides art education for youngsters of all abilities By Lisa Lakey Whether you have a budding Picasso on your hands or a young artist that just enjoys experimenting with colors, the Wee Little Arts program may be just what you didn’t know you were looking for. Wee Little Arts is an early childhood education program like no other. When young children, typically ages 3 to 7, walk through the door they are given more than just craft sticks and glue. They are introduced to the creative, imaginative and magical world of art and literature. “What you’ll see with these kids is they’re not doing handprints and foot prints in class,” says Jessica Riley, director of Wee Little Arts in Central Arkansas. “They are doing art history and self portraits. They’re learning about artists and their techniques in the class.” Riley started the first Wee Little Arts franchise in Arkansas in 2011, while researching art classes for her 2-year-old daughter. A registered nurse, Riley also had a desire to work with special needs children. After looking further into the company, she found what she was looking for and a new part-time career. “What interested me about Wee Little Arts is that it’s art history, not just crafts,” Riley says. “And they are learning about different artists as well as working on fine motor skills that could be beneficial for special needs children.” Each class begins with a story that relates to the project they will be working on. In a recent class, children discussed China and Children’s Day. They learned about Chinese culture and made fish kites. While the story captures the children’s attention, the focus of the class remains on art.

36 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

“Wee Little Arts has four sessions to begin with,” Riley says. “You start out with elements of design for session one. Session two is drawing, three is painting and four is dimension. In elements of design, they’re learning about color and pattern, texture and that kind of stuff. As they go on, they learn how to use watercolors and acrylic paint as well.” Riley says that she often hears parents commenting on more than just their child’s artwork. Many parents notice better critical thinking skills and that their child has learned “how to think outside the box.” Recent studies also show that engaging in an art program can help children with self-confidence and help them learn to express their feelings. Classes are taught in a variety of child-friendly settings. The Wonder Place on Rodney Parham is the only Little Rock location offering Wee Little Arts to the public at this time. Sessions are taught year-round for children ages 3-7. Registration has already started for summer camps. The three summer sessions will focus on mask-making, Latin American art and self-portraits and symmetry. Riley offers Wee Little Arts classes in Conway through New Life Academy and Community Connections. Summer camps will also be held at Hobby Lobby and Episcopal Discovery Day Camp in Conway. And, as always, children of all artistic backgrounds and skill levels are welcome. “I really try to teach them that everybody is an artist. Even though your self-portrait doesn’t look like the kid’s sitting next to you, it’s still good.” For more information on Wee Little Arts or to sign up for classes, visit www.WeeLittleArts.com. Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.


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POP TOPICS

Nobody told me this stuff:

You Know You’re a Father When… By Robert Bell Father’s Day is coming up soon. It’s a lot like Mother’s Day except that nobody cares about it. Or at least that’s how it was among my friends and family. I think maybe we got my dad a tie one year, but even then I remember that we all laughed about it, about how corny it was to get Dad a tie on Father’s Day. And this was back in the ‘80s, before self-awareness and ironic detachment had permeated every inch of our culture. So anyway, I was thinking about what exactly it is that makes you a father, other than having a child. The first thing that occurred to me was how actually the relatively straightforward act of fathering a child doesn’t necessarily make you a father. Maybe legally it does. But not in the shattering, utterly life-transforming way that actively being a father to a child does. These thoughts were rolling around in my head, and suddenly it occurred to me: I should probably try to come up with a bunch of clever quips about what it is that makes you a father. “You know you’re a father when...” would be my hook. I’d aim for coming up with 365 such witty observations and try to sell one of those daily desk calendars that used to be so popular, like where you rip off a page every day, and for each new day there’s a new Far Side cartoon or Bible verse, except in this case it would be a new funny fatherhood observation, and I would somehow make money off of the endeavor. I started jotting them down: “You know you’re a father when the booger you’re trying to discreetly flick off the end of your finger didn’t come out of your nose.” “You know you’re a father when you haven’t seen any of your friends in months.” “You know you’re a father when you only ever half hear or understand anything on the radio or TV or anything that anyone is saying, because now there’s someone who’s almost constantly yelling or banging a saucepan on the floor like some kind of maniac, or, more likely, doing both at the same time.” “You know you’re a father when pretty much nothing at all grosses you out anymore.” “You know you’re a father when the only thing you could imagine wanting for Father’s Day is to be able to sleep in past 6:45 a.m.” “You know you’re a father when you start keeping a mental list of all the tricks, pranks and shenanigans you got up to when you were a kid, because you’ve finally realized that the great wheel of karma cycles continuously and it ceases for no man, which means that you are really in for it.” 38 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

I thought, OK, this is a pretty good start. If I can come up with four or five good ones a day, I’ll have this calendar thing knocked out in a couple-three months. But the next day I took a look at my first few observations and thought, OK, but what’s the very last one going to say? I think I came up with it: “You know you’re a father when there’s a person (or people) who you love so deeply, so unconditionally that you’ll wipe their runny nose, clean up their crap (literally), let them scream in your ear, slap you in the face, jab your eye or barf all over you and you only love them more the next day.”

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F a t h e r ’ s

D a y

emorie M s The Savvy Kids team shares their stories about dad.

Capturing an Image By Brian Chilson

My father was a mixture of brilliant scientist, professor of Biochemistry and transplanted country boy fiercely proud of his roots. To our embarrassment, when he arrived home from the Washington University laboratories after a day of studying mindbogglingly tedious cells and cultures, he put his favorite Johnny Cash record on the stereo loud enough for our St. Louis-born and raised neighbors to hear and snicker at. My most vivid memories of my father are of the ever-present camera he used to document the lives of his three children. I loved taking photos, though, as a child, my camera was a simple point and shoot and my subjects ranged from the family cat to my sisters. Each year when we headed to Little Rock to visit my grandparents, I was sure to pack my trusty Kodak 110 so I too could document the trip. One year my father unwittingly set my life on a new course with the gift of a Kodak 828 pony, a camera he’d bought himself with money he’d earned doing odd jobs when he was young. He took the time to explain how the shutter speeds and f-stops worked. I understood none of it but shot roll after roll of badly exposed film. Years later my father and I were struggling to find common ground during my teenage years and my parents’ recent divorce, until I purchased a 35mm Pentax Camera Kit with my high school graduation money. He marveled at it and gave me tips on how to use my new wonder. For years after, photography was one of the few areas that we discussed. Later when I became a professional photographer, my father often called to hear about the adventures I’d been on and events I’d covered. As digital photography began taking over, he’d ask technical advice and recommendations. He once told my sister, though he never told me, “I wish I could do what Brian is doing.”

I took many photographs of my father over the years before he died, but only one really captured him as I knew him. He is standing next to a steam train, surrounded by steam, his camera raised to his eye as he frames a photo of the train’s large steel wheels. That love of photography and never-ending passion for the simple pleasure of capturing an image is quite possibly the greatest gift he gave me. Brian Chilson is the photographer for Arkansas Times publications, including Savvy Kids.

Brian with his dad, Oscar in the mid-1970s. (Inset) Brian’s photo of Oscar.

Daddy’s Girl By Erin Holland I have always been a “Daddy’s Girl.” While most little girls grow up playing with dolls and their mother’s makeup, I spent my evenings in the backyard with my dad learning to pitch a baseball, punt a football and chip a golf ball onto the literal golf green my dad mowed with expert precision into our backyard Erin with her dad, Tom in (complete with a tin cup hole). No, seriously. Sure, I did the late 1980s. (Inset) At the Buffalo Bills game. all the girly things, too—I took ballet and was on the local Pop Warner cheerleading squad—but it was those nights in the backyard, with my father telling me I would be the first female football kicker in the NFL, where most of my favorite childhood memories come together. While we have always shared almost everything in common, from the same hair and eyes to our love of dogs and 40 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

the same silly sense of humor, my father also managed to engrain his deep love for the “underdog” into my sports psyche at an early age. In this case, I refer to the oh-so-heartbreaking case of the Buffalo Bills, whom to this day still “make me wanna SHOUT!” (…usually at the television screen, but I digress). Every year, we would go to a game together, and despite the snow/freezing rain/seemingly inevitable heartbreak of a loss, it was something we both looked forward to every year. A few years ago, after I had graduated college and gotten a “real job” for the first time in my life, I decided I wanted to do something really special for him on Father’s Day, so I splurged on front row, end zone seats to the Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins game that year. I’ll never forget the sound of his voice over the phone when I told him or the look on his face as he took in the game from the front row for the first time in his life. It felt amazing to give my father, my Hero, the gift of an experience I know he would never be selfish enough to give himself. As we walked back to the parking lot that night, I shared with him that my only regret was how he hadn’t seen his daughter out there on the field, the first female kicker in the NFL. Looking down at me with a gleam in his eye, he smiled and asked, “Who says it’s too late for that?” I don’t know how I’ll top that Father’s Day gift, but you can be sure I will try. Erin Holland grew up in Syracuse, N.Y. She is an account executive for Savvy Kids.


Making Up for Lost Time By Patrick Jones

When I was a kid, my dad was a man’s man type of father. He hunted, fished, worked hard, and came home and watched TV, preferably without being disturbed too much. While Dad always provided for us and was always around, I think my brothers, my mom and I would have all liked it if he had been a little more “connected” to the family. But that’s what dads were like. Good guys who liked things their way. Skip ahead a few years and my father, my middle brother and I were all soldiers. Dad was full time, regular Army, and my brother and I were both serving in the National Guard, which had just made the transition from being the “safe way to serve” to being more like the regular Army. In short, if the U.S. found itself in a war, we were all subject to ship out. This is where my brother and father found themselves at the launch of Desert Storm in 1991. While they were there serving together (and seeing each other off and on), my father realized what he had missed out on while we were growing up. When he and my brother came home, my dad was a different guy. He was involved with the family; he made a huge effort to get to know his sons and began enjoying a rejuvenated relationship with my mom. My dad had gotten some time to bond with my middle brother, as well as with my younger brother who was still at home. Dad and I have had some great times getting to know each other as the years have passed. One particular memory was about three years ago when the whole family

(mom, dad, brothers, wives and kids) went to Florida for a week. My dad and I are both motorcycle riders. While we were on vacation, we rented a couple of Harleys, and spent an entire day riding the coast around Destin and Panama City Beach. Aside from having a sunburned head and arms, it was a really, really good day. Now, whenever we can, we are out on the bikes. Sometimes just the two of us, sometimes with a large group of other riders. It’s always an opportunity to make up for lost time, and we always come home with a story to tell. Patrick Jones is the art director for Savvy Kids.

Patrick (right) with dad, Ron. (Inset) Family vacation in Florida.

Wedding Memories By Kelly Schlachter Carr

April 21, 2012 was a memorable day for me. It was the day I exchanged the vows of a lifetime, the vows that would make Justin my husband and I his wife. I had been waiting, preparing, stressing for that day for a year or more. And, when the day arrived, I was a complete ball of nerves and anxiety seemed to mask my confidence and togetherness. Jump back a month before the big day. I decided I’d try my dress on again, this time, wearing the proper undergarments. I had lost weight again and the corset-like back would not lace up properly, making it too loose. I called the seamstress about alterations and it was a no-go. We were too close to the date to craft what it would take to master the fit. Forty-five minutes before my big debut, it was time to lace up. Those who know me know I’m not the all-eyes-on-me type of gal. So for my one big day I wanted to look as perfect as possible. My mother and bridesmaids began lacing the back when apprehension set in. What if the dress rips while tightening? What to do? The answer. He is a jack of all trades, a master of most, mastering education,

parenting, complicated home repairs, worldly travels and views, budget planning, etc. This is my dad. Filled with manliness and the greatest of delicacy, he laced my thirty-minute-ordeal of a dress with perfection and ease…making this a more memorable day than I ever expected. Kelly Schlachter Carr is an advertising coordinator for Savvy Kids.

Kelly with her dad, Randy on her wedding day.

Following Dad’s Path By Bryan Moats

Bryan holding a photo of his dad, George.

My father was an avid cyclist for most of his life. I can only guess how many miles of California roads he traveled on bike. Over time, he raced, had a handful of crashes, commuted on occasion (a 20-mile trip one way) and had a bike route named after him in Kings County in California. He knew that bicycles were a valuable part of the community as well as to an individual’s health, and was an advocate for getting more people on bikes. It was cool to have a dad who had legs that astounded my friends, but beyond that cycling was something my father did, not me. I gave it a shot, bought a bike and even raced once. (It did not go well, but I like to tell people that I did

so good I didn’t need to finish so they called me out of the race early.) I’m sure he was thrilled that I showed interest. But it didn’t take, and he never pressed the issue or made me feel like I was giving up. When he passed away in 1997, my mother, sister and I decided to entrust his bike to one of his close friends, a cyclist and bike shop owner. I followed in his footsteps by studying art and graphic design instead. Eleven years later, I was married and living in Bowling Green, Kentucky. My landlord gave me permission to claim the TREK mountain bike that had been chained to the garage for over a year. After freeing the bike with a rented grinder, I began riding to work at Western Kentucky University less than a mile away, mostly because it was more fun than walking. I have my dad’s old bike now and can’t stop riding. I live in Little Rock, with my wife and two sons who all show very little interest in riding bikes. And that is fine. I am thankful I never had a father who thought like a football coach. I doubt I would have discovered a love for cycling if my father had pushed me like fathers are “supposed” to. Bryan Moats is the digital media producer and illustrator for Savvy Kids. JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds

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Calendar

June2013 Calendar of Events Cheetah Chase 5K & 1K Family Fun Run June 1: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a 5K race and 1K family fun walk. The 5K starts and ends at the Zoo, where race participants get in FREE! Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and fun dress attire. Awards will be given for best animal costume and best “big cat” costume. (This is a family friendly event so dress appropriately). Event time: 8 to 9 a.m. For more information, call (501) 661-7208. $25-$65.

CARTI Tour de Rock June 1: Tour de Rock, presented by Coulson Oil Company, is a fundraiser for CARTI that caters to cycling enthusiasts and folks interested in having fun. This premier cycling event features a Fun Ride and the US Bank Advanced Ride. The Fun Ride is a leisurely 10 mile ride great for cyclists of all ages and biking experience levels. The ride departs from Burns Park Soccer Complex. The US Bank Advanced Ride, which departs from the Burns Park Soccer Complex at 7 a.m., is for the more experienced cyclists and will feature 30, 50, 68 and 100 miles with turn around points and eight fully equipped rest stops. To find out more, visit www.carti.com. Event time: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. $15-$40; children 12 and under are free. National Trails Day June 1: Celebrate and enjoy Petit Jean’s 20-plus miles of trails! This day will be filled with guided hikes and hiking-related programs for all ages. Contact the park at (501) 727-5441 for a schedule and more information. This event corresponds with American Hiking Society programs nationwide. Free. The Promenade Express Train Rides June 1-30: The Promenade Express Train Rides are back and on the move. Head over to the train stop next to Anthropologie and catch a ride! Hours of operation: Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.chenalshopping.com. $3 for kids under 13; $5 for adults.

June

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Faulkner County Library Summer Reading Program June 1 to mid August: Join the Faulkner County Library for reading programs for kids and teens. The program features ongoing activities and prizes. For details, visit www.flc.org or call (501) 327-7482. Little Rock Athletic Club Water, Sun & Fun Camp June 3-7: Ironkids & Lil’ Joey Summer Camp programs are for ages 6-12 (Ironkids) and ages 3-5 (Lil’ Joey) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (501) 2253600. Prices vary. Dig Into Reading at Laman Library June 3 to July 27: Make Laman Library your summer destination, by enjoying their 2013 summer reading program, featuring prizes and ongoing activities. Visit www. lamanlibrary.org for more information.

Anthony School’s Summer Adventures June 3 to July 29: The Anthony School has lots of summer activities: Math, Spanish fun, CreARTe, Every Day is a Holiday, Volleyball, Science, Basketball, Extreme Adventure, Safety Town (Safety Town runs June 10-14, call 552-3550 for more information), Fun around Town, and much more! Students from ALL schools are welcome. Program is for grades PreK3 through eighth grade. Call (501) 225-6629 for details. Wiggle Worms at MOD June 4, 11, 18 and 25: This weekly program at the Museum of Discovery introduces science to young explorers, age 6 and younger, and features an experiment. June 4 is Starry Night; June 11, Invertebrates; June 18, Superhero Science; and June 25, Local Foods with Argenta Market. Event time: 10 to 10:30 a.m. General Admission: $10, adults; $8, ages 1-12; free under 1; members free. For details, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org. 28TH Annual Steamboat Days June 7-8: Carnival, entertainment, 5K run, children activities, cook-off, food, arts & crafts, and car show all take place at this annual event. Event place: River at Main Street in Des Arc. For more information, call (870) 256-5289. Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of the Kenwood House, London June 7-30: This exhibition features 48 works representing the greatest artists of

their periods, including Rembrandt van Rijn, Thomas Gainsborough, Anthony van Dyck, Frans Hals, Joshua Reynolds, J.M.W. Turner and more. Most of these paintings have never traveled to the States before, and many have rarely been seen outside Kenwood House. Donated by Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh (1847-1927) and heir to the world’s most successful brewery, the collection features portraiture, landscape and 17th century Dutch and Flemish works. In addition to the masterworks from the Iveagh Bequest, the exhibition includes works acquired specifically for Kenwood. For more information, call the Arkansas Arts Center at (501) 372-4000.

2013 Arkansas Razorback Youth Football Camp June 8: Arkansas Razorback Youth Camp is for kids entering grades 1-4. This is a day camp. Cost is $50 per camper. Visit www. razorbackfootballcamps.com to register and get more information. Breakfast with Penguins June 8: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a delicious breakfast buffet at Café Africa and a unique keeper chat all about penguins. The Zoo highlights several animals during their breakfast series and provides guests with a special up-close-and-personal look at some of our most interesting creatures! Maximum capacity is 40 guests, unless noted. Seating is very limited and prior reservations are a must! Event time: 8 to 9:30 a.m. Admission: Members: adult $16.95, Child $12.95; NonMembers, adult $21.95 and child, $16.95. Reservations require a Visa, Master Card or Discover Card. Changes or cancellations are accepted through the Friday before the event by 2 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, contact (501) 661-7218. 16th Annual Youth Fishing Derby June 8: Lots of hungry fish will be biting at the 16th Annual Youth Fishing Derby. Fishing enthusiasts ages 15 and under are invited to join in the morning of fun and fishing. Prizes will be given. Date, time, & location subject to change. Registration: 7 to 8 a.m. Derby: 8 to 10 a.m. Event place: Dupree Park Lake (1700 Redmond Rd., Jacksonville). For more information, contact Dana Rozenski at (501) 982-0818. Free. 2013 Arkansas Razorback Senior High Football Camp June 9-11: Arkansas Razorback Senior High Camp is for kids entering grades 9-12. This is an overnight camp. Visit www.razorbackfootballcamps.com for cost, to register and for more information.

Saline County Library Summer Reading Program June 10 to July 20: Join the Saline County Library for reading programs for kids and teens. The program features ongoing activities and prizes. For details, visit www. salinecountylibrary.org or call (501) 7784766. Central Arkansas Library System’s Summer Reading Program June 10 to mid August: Join CALS’ summer reading programs for kids and teens, featuring ongoing activities and the chance to win prizes. For details, visit www. cals.org or call (501) 918-3000. Little Rock Athletic Club Soccer Camp June 10-14: Ironkids & Lil’ Joey Summer Camp programs are for ages 6-12 (Ironkids) and ages 3-5 (Lil’ Joey) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (501) 2253600. Prices vary. FBCLR VBS Day Camp June 10-14: First Baptist Church of Little Rock is having a VBS Day Camp for kids entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Event place: First Baptist Church of Little Rock, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive in Little Rock. Event time: 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call (501) 227-0010. Free. Arkansas Arts Center Junior Arts Academy June 10-21: This two-week program culminates with Play and Display, where students show off the work they have created and perform original short plays on the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre stage. This year’s theme is Amazing Artists and students will be introduced to new artists each day and explore their works, styles, and things that made them unforgettable. Children will also tour the special exhibition, “Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of the Kenwood House,” where they will view actual pieces created by world-renowned artists. Event times: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (501) 372-4000. Cost: $396 for Arkansas Arts Center members; $495 for non-members. Boating Education (AGFC Little Rock) June 11-13: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Arkansas Boating Education Safety Course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. This is necessary to reduce loss of life, personal injury and property damage while increasing boating enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts. Take the class and pass the test. The basic six-hour boating course includes: Arkansas boating law, boat classification, registration and trailering, personal flotation devices (life jackets, etc.), rules of the road, maintenance and boating accidents. You must attend all three days to complete the course. The event is at AGFC Headquarters Office (2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock). Event time all three nights: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Students under age 18 must have a parent or guardian signature on permission slip prior to attending class. Registration is required. Call (501) 223-6377.


2013 Arkansas Razorback Junior High Camp June 13-14: Arkansas Razorback Junior High Camp is for kids entering grades 5-8. This is an overnight camp. Visit www.razorbackfootballcamps.com for cost, to register and for more information.

benefit the campaign to restore the field and complex to better serve the city’s youth. Tickets are $10 and available at Sportstop (10720 Rodney Parham Road). For more information, visit www. lamarportercomplex.com or call (501) 951-4466.

Tinkerfest at MOD June 15: The second annual Tinkerfest at the Museum of Discovery features more than 50 building and taking-apart activities that are sure to please visitors of all ages. Activities include: Technology Take-Apart, Comic Book, Create an Interactive Sculpture, Lockheed Martin, 3D Printing and Tinkering Food. Event time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General Admission: $10, adults; $8, ages 1-12; free under 1; members free. For details, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

Father’s Day at MOD June 16: Dads get in free at the Museum of Discovery with a paid child. Event time: 1 to 5 p.m. General Admission: $10, adults; $8, ages 1-12; free under 1; members free. For details, visit www.museumofdiscovery. org.

Father’s Day Lake Cruise June 15: Treat dad to a day of cruising on Lake Maumelle. A park interpreter will be navigating the lake on the park’s pontoon to view the beautiful landscapes, historic structures and the lake’s resident wildlife! Event times: 9 to 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Event place: Jolly Roger’s Marina. Advance payment is required. Admission: $12 for adults, $6 for children age 6-12. Call (501) 868-5806 or visit www. arkansasstateparks.com/pinnaclemountain for details. 2013 Arkansas Razorback Specialist Camp June 15: Arkansas Razorback Specialist Camp (kickers, punters and long snappers) is for kids entering grades 6-12. Visit www. razorbackfootballcamps.com to register and for more information. $85 per camper. Baseball Hall of Famer to Celebrate Little Rock Field June 15: Little Rock native Brooks Robinson, who was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983, will lead the birthday festivities for the field where he first honed his skills. Lamar Porter Field, at the corner of 7th and Johnson Streets in the Stifft Station neighborhood, will mark its 77th year, making it the oldest actively used baseball stadium in Arkansas. The complex also includes the Billy Mitchell Boys and Girls Club. Event time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event features hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks. Robinson will be on hand to sign autographs. Proceeds

Father’s Day Sunset Canoe Float June 16: Explore the Big Maumelle River with dad as nighttime unfolds. Possible sights and sounds for the night include bats, coyotes, deer, owl, beaver, and maybe even the elusive alligator! Advance payment is required. Admission: $35. Event time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Event place: Big Maumelle Boat Launch. Call (501) 868-5806 or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/ pinnaclemountain for details. Father’s Day Fishing! at Wildwood June 16: On Father’s Day, Wildwood Park for the Arts opens Swan Lake to the public for catch and release fishing! The fish will be hungry so come out and enjoy family fun, hiking and lawn games. Event Time: noon to 4 p.m. For details, visit www. wildwoodpark.org. Free.

Lunch & Learn Summer Series June 21: Deescalating Defiant Behavior in children, adolescents and adults is the topic of this Summer Series with Duane Runyan, Ph.D. Discussion will include managing with medication. There will be a one-hour Continuing Education Unit (CEU), complimentary lunch and door prize drawings. Space is limited. Register via e-mail at sara.mcclain@uhsinc.com or call (501) 316-2138. Event place: Rivendell Gymnasium at 100 Rivendell Drive, Benton. Pokemon Club at CALS June 21: Bring your own Pokemon cards if you have them. Event is for children ages 6 and up. Event place: Amy Sanders location. Event time: 3:30 p.m. For more information, call (501) 835-7756. Free.

The Great War Memorial Balloon Race June 21-23: Approximately 20 to 25 hot air balloons from all over the country will be in town for a weekend of flying over the city in the mornings and “Glowing” in the evenings. There will be music, vendors and children’s activities throughout the weekend. This three-day event will take place in War Memorial Park surrounding the War Memorial Stadium. For more information, call (501) 350-5333. Free to attend; parking is $5.

Mt. Magazine International Butterfly Festival June 21-22: The festival begins at 8 a.m. in Mt. Magazine State Park with horticultural and butterfly seminars, nature walks and more. Several events in downtown Paris, Ark., including a motorcycle rally, photography contest and art show, will run in conjunction with the festival. For details, visit www. butterflyfestival.com.

Little Rock Athletic Club Bridges & Parks June 17-21: Ironkids & Lil’ Joey Summer Camp programs are for ages 6-12 (Ironkids) and ages 3-5 (Lil’ Joey) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (501) 2253600. Prices vary. WinShape Camps for Communities June 17-21: WinShape Camps for Communities combines sports, recreation, arts, Bible study and worship into one unforgettable week! Event place: Pulaski Academy. Event times: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. Cost: $189 per camper. Register online at www.winshapecamps.org or contact Warren Gorman, the Associate Director for Recreation Ministries, at (501) 748-3742 or warren@ibclr.org.

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Calendar

Race to Remember June 22: The second annual Race to Remember 5K Run/Walk benefits Mamie’s Poppy Plates and families that have experienced infant loss. The event features a pre-race party, food, live music, a silent auction with artwork from more than 30 local artists and a balloon release. Event time: 3 p.m.; the race begins at 6 p.m. Location Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. For Breakfast with Primates details, visit www.mamiespoppyplates.com. June 22: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a delicious breakfast buffet at Café Africa and a unique keeper chat all about How People Make Things Exhibit Opens at MOD primates. The Zoo highlights several animals during their June 22: This exhibit is inspired by Mister Rogers’ Factory Tours. Every object in breakfast series and provides guests with a special upour world has a story of how it is made. How People Make Things tells that story close-and-personal look at some of our most interesting by showing the ways in which familiar childhood objects are manufactured, and creatures! Maximum capacity is 40 guests, unless noted. the people, ideas and technology used to transform raw materials into finished Seating is very limited and prior reservations are a must! products. The exhibit brings the manufacturing experience to life, by taking visitors Event time: 8 to 9:30 a.m. Admission: Members: adult onto the factory floor through hands-on activities in cutting, molding, deforming $16.95, Child $12.95; Non-Members, adult $21.95 and and assembly where you create objects and participate in role-playing and live child, $16.95. Reservations require a Visa, Master demonstrations. For details, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org. General Admission: Card or Discover Card. Changes or cancellations $10, adults; $8, ages 1-12; free under 1; members free. are accepted through the Friday before the event by 2 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, contact (501) 661-7218.

National Park Community College Kids’ College June 24-27: The second annual Kids’ College at National Park Community College in Hot Springs will be an enrichment boost for students entering third through seventh grades. The focus is to cultivate new interests, expand knowledge, spark imagination and creativity in a non-graded environment, and inspire students to have an early awareness of some possible career goals and to become motivated to seek higher education. Event times: morning sessions, 8 a.m. to noon for the younger students; afternoon sessions, 1 to 5 p.m. for the older students. $60 for the 4-day week (Monday-Thursday). For details, call (501) 760-4312 or email mfoshee1@npcc.edu.

Art Extravaganza at the Arts Center June 24-28: The Arkansas Arts Center is holding week-long art extravaganza classes for kids this summer. “All About Me” is for ages 6-9; students get to explore all their favorites by drawing, painting working with paper mache, printmaking and more. Event time: 9 a.m. to noon. “Blue Dog Art” is for ages 10-14 and use Louisiana artist, George Rodriguez’s “Blue Dog” series to inspire pictures of pets. Event time: 1 to 4 p.m. Register online at www.arkarts.com. $131 for members; $164 for members. Little Rock Athletic Club Basketball Camp June 24-28: Ironkids & Lil’ Joey Summer Camp programs are for ages 6-12 (Ironkids) and ages 3-5 (Lil’ Joey) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (501) 225-3600. Prices vary.

Set Sail

The Grande Maumelle Sailing Club offers year-round memberships and summer camps to attract young people to this unique sport. Marcella Meyer, coordinator of the club’s junior program, says there are many misconceptions about the sport of sailing. For example, it is not an elitist sport and individuals do not need to own their own boats. “We don’t want the image that it’s hoity-toity,” she says. Sailing camps are open to all kids age 7 and up, as long as they can swim. And, newcomers are welcome. Learning to sail comes with a lesson in weather and the physics of wind, and a test of patience. It’s also an individual sport that requires lots of strength. Kids often learn to sail very quickly and can enjoy it for the rest of their lives, Meyer says. Junior Learn to Sail and Intermediate Sailing camps are June 10-14 and June 17-21 at the sailing club, 12000 Maumelle Harbour Road in Roland. Cost is $120 for club members and $160 for nonmembers. For more information, visit www.gmsc.org or email marcellameyer@att.net.

44 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013


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kids eat free

Kids Eat FREE! EVERY DAY

CiCi’s Pizza Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet. Conway: 1250 Old Morrilton Hwy, (501) 764-0600 Hot Springs: 3321 Central Ave., (501) 321-2400 Jacksonville: 120 John Harden Drive, (501) 241-2224 N. Little Rock: 2815 Lakewood Village, (501) 753-1182 Golden Corral Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet. N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605 JJ’s Grill Free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. All day. Kids 12 and under. Conway: 1010 Main St., (501) 336-1000 Larry’s Pizza Ages 4 and under. Bryant: 4500 Hwy 5 North, (501) 847-5003 Cabot: 2798 South Second St., (501) 843-7992 Conway: 1068 Markhan, (501) 329-3131 Little Rock: 1122 S. Center St., (501) 372-6004; 12911 Cantrell Road, (501) 224-8804; 801 S. Bowman, (501) 400-8260 N. Little Rock: 5933 JFK Blvd., (501) 812-5353 San Francisco Bread One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, after 5 p.m. Hot Springs: 261 Cornerstone Blvd., (501) 525-7322 Zaxby’s One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased. 5 p.m. to close. Dine in only. Jacksonville: 209 Marshall Road, (501) 241-0546 Maumelle: 104 Carnahan Drive, (501) 851-9777 Sherwood: 208 Brookswood Road, (501) 833-9777

MONDAY

American Pie Pizza Kids eat free after 4 p.m. Little Rock: 10912 Colonel Glenn Road, (501) 225-1900 Maumelle: 9709 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 758-8800 N. Little Rock: 4830 North Hills Blvd., (501) 753-0081 Chick-Fil-A First Monday of each month N. Little Rock: 4320 McCain Blvd., (501) 945-1818 IHOP (N. Little Rock Location Only) One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m. N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457 The Promenade at Chenal Get a free kid’s meal with a paid adult at the six restaurants located at The Promenade at Chenal: A.W. Lin’s Asian Cuisine, Big Orange, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Local Lime, The Tavern Sports Grill and YaYa’s Euro Bistro. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., lunch and dinner kids menu entrees only. Kids must be 12 and under (limit 1 kids meal per each adult entrée ordered). Drinks not included. Not valid with any other discount or offer. See restaurants for details. Little Rock: 17711 Chenal Parkway, (501) 821-5552. 46 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

Below is a listing of locations and days in which kids, 12 and under, can eat free with a paid adult (unless otherwise noted).

Shorty Small’s Up to two kids’ meals free per paying adult. Little Rock: 1110 N. Rodney Parham, (501) 224-3344 Ta Molly’s $1.99 kid’s meal with purchase of adult meal, 5-9 p.m. Bryant: 206 W. Commerce St., (501) 653-2600

TUESDAY

Arkansas Burger Company One free kid’s meal per adult meal purchase. Dine in only, 5-9 p.m. Little Rock: 7410 Cantrell Road, (501) 663-0600 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased, 4 p.m. to close. Maumelle: 115 Audubon Drive, (501) 803-3500 Denny’s Restaurant Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m. Little Rock: 4300 S. University, (501) 562-5651; 310 S. Shackleford, (501) 224-8264

Cabot: 2215 W. Main St., (501) 941-2601 (ages 12 and under) Conway: 3800 Dave Ward Drive, (501) 329-5000 (ages 12 and under)

THURSDAY

Captain D’s Benton: 1419 Military Road, (501) 778-7909 Hot Springs: 1906 Central St., (501) 321-4288 Jacksonville: 1109 W. Main St., (501) 982-3330 Little Rock: 6301 Colonel Glen Road, (501) 568-6244 N. Little Rock: 5320 JFK Blvd., (501) 758-5144 Mexico Chiquito One free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 12 and under. Dine in only. Conway: 1135 Skyline Drive, (501) 205-1985 Jacksonville: 1524 W. Main St., (501) 982-0533 Little Rock: 13924 Cantrell, (501) 217-0700; 11406 W. Markham, (501) 217-0647 N. Little Rock: 4511 Camp Robinson, (501) 771-1604

Golden Corral Discounted prices for kids 12 and under, and ages 3 and under always eat free. N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605

Moe’s Southwest Grill 4 p.m. to close. One free kid’s meal with paid adult meal. Bryant: 7409 Alcoa Road, (501) 778-3111 Conway: 625 Salem Road, (501) 336-6500 Little Rock: 12312 Chenal Pkwy, (501) 223-3378 N. Little Rock: 4834 North Hills Blvd., (501) 812-5577

Lonestar Steakhouse All day Little Rock: 10901 Rodney Parham, (501) 227-8898

SATURDAY

Mooyah Burgers One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, 5-9 p.m. Little Rock: 14810 Cantrell Road, (501) 868-1091 Pizza Hut 5-8 p.m., dine in only Little Rock: 11410 W. Markham St., (501) 228-7000 Stromboli’s One free kid’s meal (12 and under) per adult meal purchased at regular price. Dine in only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Conway: 605 Salem Road, (501) 327-3700

WEDNESDAY

IHOP (N. Little Rock Location Only) One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m. N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457 Larry’s Pizza (Conway) $1.99 buffet for kids 12 and under. Ages 4 and under always eat free. Conway: 1068 Markhan, (501) 329-3131 Zaxby’s One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased. Bryant: 2207 N. Reynolds Road, (501) 847-3800 (ages 10 and under)

Boston’s Gourmet Pizza Restaurant Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 Denny’s Restaurant Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m. Little Rock: 4300 S. University, (501) 562-5651; 310 S. Shackleford, (501) 224-8264 Luby’s Cafeteria Little Rock: 12501 West Markham, (501) 219-1567

SUNDAY

Boston’s Gourmet Pizza Restaurant Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 Corky’s Kid’s meals are half off, 4 p.m. to close Little Rock: 12005 Westhaven Drive, (501) 954-7427

If you would like to add your Kids Eat Free information to this list, contact us at (501) 375-2985.


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Eats & Treats

By Jacquelyn Pittman Summer is a time for us to celebrate family, enjoy the outdoors and hopefully take a little time off to rest and relax. I look forward to the time we get to spend with our babies outside and as much work as a vacation has become, I look forward to what we can teach our children that they cannot learn in school. No matter the type, travel is an amazing way to educate your children about food. We are blessed with ample amounts of farmland here in Arkansas and I cannot wait to take Phoebe and Jack to the farmers’ markets, food festivals and cultural events that are all made possible by the literal fruits of our farmers labors. This summer, we have the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival in Warren, the Purple Hull Pea Festival in Emerson, the Chicken and Egg Festival in Prescott and the Hope Watermelon Festival. All of these wonderful annual events were created to celebrate the deliciousness of the featured culinary delight. As a kid, my family traveled mostly out of state. I am looking forward to taking our children to local events that highlight things that we love about our home state. We make every effort to make eating fruits and vegetables as much fun as eating cupcakes and other delicious baked goodies. I have never needed to talk either of my kiddos into eating a cupcake, but I have needed to talk them into asparagus, tomatoes and peas. I’d like to say they come by it naturally; it’s as much just what they have come to know through daily exposure and

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experiences. We cook at home, we go to restaurants, we join friends at their homes for meals, we pack picnics....cooking and dining are our passion and we love to share that with our children. I have fond memories of shelling bag after bag of peas with my mom. We were never farmers but we shopped at farmers’ markets. I am a city girl but I am a country girl at heart, and the older I get them more I appreciate the need for everyone to slow down and let things happen in their own time. Commercial farmers race to meet the consumer demands; they pick fruits before they are ripe and force them to ripen with gasses and other means of quick production. These commercially raised products look nice and are there when you want them, but there is no comparison to savoring a local fruit or veggie when it has decided it’s ready for you. So, if you are like me and would like to see your little darlings make the decision to eat what is best for their bodies, take advantage of the local festivals that draw attention to these fruits and vegetables in a fun kid-friendly atmosphere that celebrates the peak of their local season. Let’s be realistic, your toddler is going to be much more likely to eat their peas when they are being celebrated with arts and crafts, parades and world championship tiller races! Jacquelyn Pittman and her husband, Jeremy, are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America and owners of Palette Gourmet To-Go & Catering. They live in Little Rock with their two children, 4-year-old Phoebe and 2-year-old Jack.


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Savvy Events

Beyond Boundaries’ Boot Scootin’ Bash & 5K Dash Photos by Chelsey McNiel

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Beyond Boundaries hosted its seventh annual Boot Scootin’ Bash and 5k Dash, benefiting its equine-assisted therapy program in April. Jordon Woodson, 13, of Cabot finished first in the race in the young adult age bracket. Kaden Ramsey, 8, of Cabot completed his first 5K and finished first in his age bracket. The western-themed event also featured children’s activities, a walk/run, riding demonstrations and much more. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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Victoria Atkinson Mary and Matthew Russell Cole Loar Kaden Ramsey Mike Hill with daughter Elizabeth Spurlock 6. Meredith Reidhar, Sadie York, Lola Bell and Karen York 7. Jordon Woodson

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Superclassico Ultimo - Mario vs. Donkey Kong Photos by Kimberly Dishongh, Jen Janecek and Shannon Nardi The 8-year-olds of FC Mario and Donkey Kong United took to the soccer field at Murray Park for the Superclassico Ultimo, the fourth game in this epic annual rivalry. Players came equipped with wrestling masks, capes, rainbow wigs, beards, and other crazy items. After players were introduced to the crowd, both teams had an impromptu dance off to “Gangnum Style” prior to kickoff. “Mud angels” were the goal celebration of choice for many players. The Mario vs. Donkey Kong superclassicos are an effort to put the fun back in youth sports. 1. Bennett Dishongh 2. Blake Mitchell, Daniel Swan, Sam Spencer and Bennett Dishongh 3. Jack Harbour and Nate Frago 4. Clark McKinnis and Austin Wild 5. David Ordaz and Jackson Canon 6. Clark McKinnis, Bennet Dishongh and Taylor Neubauer 7. Postgame handshakes! 8. Nate Frago and Sam Spencer savvy kids 50 | savvy k i dsJUNE JUNE2013 2013

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Our Mission: To glorify God by assisting families in the Christ-centered, biblically-directed education of their children. Arkansas Baptist School System admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. JUNE 2013 savvy k i ds

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Savvy Events

Helping Hand’s “Walk, Run or Wheel” for Special Needs 5K & 2K Photos by Patrick Jones

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Helping Hand in North Little Rock held its first-ever “Walk, Run or Wheel” for Special Needs in May, featuring a 5K race and a casual 2K for families with young children and individuals with special needs. The event also featured lots of family fun. Proceeds from the event went toward building phase one of an entirely wheelchair accessible playground.

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1. Jordan and Landon Smith 2. Sydnye Shuttleworth 3. The race kicks off! 4. Oliva Brown 5. Nathanael, Bryce and Grace Dodson 6. Avery and Ethan Caldwell 7. Matthew Thibodaux 8. Elizabeth Wiens and Bridgett Key 9. Roxy Rogers 10. Trinton Moore 11. Thomas Hall 12. Bailey and Megan Mills

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Little Rock Film Festival Hosts “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Event Photos by Patrick Jones As part of the Little Rock Film Festival, kids got the chance to meet cast members of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” at the Little Rock Zoo on May 18. Stars Zachary Gordon (Greg Heffley) and Robert Capron (Rowley Jefferson) were on hand to sign books and take photos with fans. Earlier in the day, the festival hosted a screening of the film at the Arkansas Repertory Theater, where the cast members answered questions from the audience. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Neha and Sriham Somepalli Ava Martin Zachary Gordon and Robert Capron Kierra Nelson Heidi Harrison Steven and Katie Bramlet Jacob Dempsey and Henry Mercer Kari Tidwell, Jamal Tidwell, Jackson Godfrey and Landon Gordon 9. Maddox Hanayik 10. Jarely Ramirez and Gabriela Abreu 52 | savvy savvy kids k i dsJUNE JUNE2013 2013

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AETN Student Selects Screened at 2013 Little Rock Film Festival

Photo Courtesy of Thea Foundation Cutline

• “Dear” (Lake Hamilton High School) • “Zombie PSAs” (Har-Ber High School in Springdale) • “Saturday” (Har-Ber High School in Springdale) • “The Illusion” (Har-Ber High School in Springdale) • “Vasudeva” (Fayetteville High School) • “Little Lonely Girl” (Jefferson Elementary) • “Fatty in Wonderland” (Gravette High School) The films will be broadcast on AETN later this year, but an exact date has not been set, Sanders said. Among the entries, four high-school seniors were selected to receive scholarships from the Thea Foundation for their individual roles in filmmaking. Most of the films were created by groups of students, but to be eligible for a scholarship, students are required to solely be responsible for an aspect of the film, Sanders said. Speaking after the screenings at the scholarship presentation, Thea Director and Founder Paul Leopoulos discussed the importance of the arts in young people’s lives. “Arts help young people do a lot of things better,” he said. Each of the four winners received a $2,500 college scholarship. Thea has partnerships with institutions of higher education all over the state, which match or exceed the scholarship awarded. The winners include: • Zak Heald, Gravette High School – Cinematography for “Fatty in Wonderland” • Robert Crisp, Har-Ber High School (Springdale) – Editing for “Saturday” • Joseph Largent, Fayetteville High School – Screenwriting for “Vasudeva” • Anna Thompson, Har-Ber High School (Springdale) – Directing for “The Illusion”

Photo Courtesy of Little Rock Film Festival

Claymation, public service announcements, silent shorts and narratives were among the 13 impressive youth films screened at the Little Rock Film Festival on May 16. These films, made by Arkansas students in kindergarten through 12th grade, were chosen for screening out of more than 100 submitted as part of the festival’s Youth Program (LRFF Youth!). Program director Casey Sanders said choosing what to screen was difficult, because so many great ones were submitted. “These are the best student-made films in Arkansas,” she said. “Many had the passion to look beyond the taupe cinder-block classroom in creating their films.” Many students were not able to attend the event at 610 Main St. because it conflicted with their graduation ceremonies, but students from Springdale, Cabot, Gravette and Little Rock were able to attend. The films screened include: • “How We Never Met” (Rogers High School) • “Killing Crime: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” (Cabot High School). • “Confidence Commentary” (Rogers Heritage High School) • “Life of a Giant” (Springdale High School) • “Cups” (Springdale District TV) • “Smoking Dead” (Springdale District TV)

(Top) Thea Foundation scholarship recipient Zak Heald, with Thea Director and Founder Paul Leopoulos. (Left) Scholorship winner Robert Crisp.

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Savvy science

Create the Earth’s Layers Project Courtesy of Museum of Discovery

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t School is out and you’re probably looking for some fun, yet educational, activities to do at home with the kids. Why not learn about the Earth’s layers while creating a clay replica of the Earth? Did you know the Earth is composed of four different layers? A crust, mantle, outer core and inner core make up our planet. The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth and is like the skin of an apple. It is extremely thin in comparison to the other layers. The crust contains about ten miles of rock and other loose materials. The mantle is the next and largest layer, with an estimated 1,800 miles of solid hot rock. The outer core exists under the mantle and is composed of about 1,400 miles of liquid molten lava which consists of iron and nickel. The inner core is the center-most layer of the earth and is a solid ball of metal. When learning about the Earth’s layers it helps to have a replica.

What You Need: • At least four different colors of clay (five if you want to mold the continents on the crust.) • A knife

Directions: First, roll the clay that will be the inner core into a ball. Then flatten the clay that will be the outer core. Once flat, place the clay around the inner core. Continue with the other layers. Once it is complete, you should have one ball of clay that looks like the Earth. With a knife, slice down the middle of the ball until you have two halves. Ask your kids to label each layer themselves as they learn about them.

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What this program can do for you: Free Public Workshops: These presentations take place at various locations in Pulaski County to inform residents of ways to avoid peak day and time demand watering; maintain a healthy landscape; and be more efficient with automatic sprinkler systems by using new technologies to ultimately save money on your water bill! Upcoming Workshops: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at these locations • June 4th - Roosevelt Thompson Library, 38 Rahling Circle, Little Rock, AR 72223 • June 13th - Terry Library, 2015 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212 • June 18th - Sanders Library, 31 Shelby Road, Sherwood, AR 72120

Site and Home Consultations: Receive a FREE evaluation of your home or business sprinkler system. See how to properly use all of the components and find out just how much water your sprinkler system is using. You can also get some helpful advice on landscape options that are more water efficient, call us at 501.340.6650.

Presentations for Civic Groups & P.O.A.s: These short presentations are for groups that want to learn about being more water efficient.

3 simple steps that can help reduce your water bill:

1. Avoid afternoon watering, as well as watering during the peak water usage time

of day from 5:30 – 7:30 am. Divide the watering session into half before the peak time of day and half after to get the most out of your watering and avoid run-off.

2. Keep an efficient sprinkler system. Make sure heads are working properly

and not leaking. Keep spray off of streets, sidewalks, and other hardscapes.

3. Install a rain shut off device. Consult an experienced irrigation contractor to install

a new rain sensor to keep your system from running during or after a rain shower.

Learn more at carkw.com or uaex.edu

501.340.6650

Scan this QR code to learn more about this important program.

carkw.com

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Acute and Residential Inpatient Services Offered Statewide Pinnacle Pointe helps families learn to live calmer, happier, and more productive lives by providing high quality behavioral health treatment programs in the following settings: Acute InpAtIent ReSIdentIAl InpAtIent SchOOl-BASed And OutpAtIent SchOOl-BASed The Pointe Outpatient Behavioral Health Services offer the same quality care for all ages. When your family needs help, please contact a facility near you. Let good things happen for your family. Contact us for a free and confidential assessment by calling 1-800-880-3322.

11501 Financial Centre Parkway Little Rock, AR 72211

56 | savvy k i ds JUNE 2013

2009

President’s Award for Outstanding Juvenile Programs

2011 & 2008 ATRS Facility of the Year

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2011

Governor’s Quality Award

2007

“TRICARE” is a registered trademark of the TRICARE Management Activity. All rights reserved.

APA Residential Facility of the Year for Outstanding Service


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