Don’t Miss Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Block Party, October 8
Parent Atlanta’s No. 1 Parenting Magazine
atlanta
www.atlantaparent.com
October 2011
Calling the Shots Kids and Vaccinations
Dino-mite Fun! Money Problems: Clue in the Kids
Halloween Thrills & Chills n Top
Picks for Tricks and Treats n Neighborhoods with Spirit n Pumpkin Carving Tips n Costume Advice from a Pro
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NOW SERVING EAST COBB!
WellStar Medical Group welcomes two new practices to East Cobb! Pediatrics H 770-578-2868 l l l l
Same-day sick appointments and extended hours Comprehensive healthcare for newborn to 18 years Meet and greets available for parents to meet the physicians Complimentary “teddy bear” check-ups
A third pediatrician will join the practice this fall.
Amy Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., M.S. Pediatrics
Eva MontgomeryMcGuire, M.D., FAAP Pediatrics
10/11
Family medicine, internal medicine and Pediatrics H 770-973-2272 l l l l
Same-day sick appointments Adult, child and newborn well-exams Blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes management Transition of adolescents from childhood to adult care
Waldon Garriss, M.D., M.S., FAAP, FACP Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Mitzi Rubin, M.D., FAAP Family Medicine
3939 Roswell Road, Marietta GA 30062 H wellstar.org H 770-956-STAR 4 Atlanta Parent October 2011
www.atlantaparent.com
Inside October Vol. 28 Number 10
Features 22
34
Departments 8
A Thrilling Halloween Celebrate Halloween like a pro with carving tips from Atlanta’s top chefs and ideas from Disney On Ice’s costume designer. Also, find ways to make your house the envy of the neighborhood!
10 News You Can Use 12 Community Corner 82 Humor in the House Chores 2.0: Tasks for the 21st Century
Calling the Shots Children are getting more vaccinations than ever before. Health officials say all those sticks are necessary to keep kids well but some parents continue to wonder.
40
Family Fun Guide
Money Problems are a Family Matter
Kids usually know when times are tough, so talk to them. They may have their own ideas on how to cut costs.
52
Publisher’s Note
55
Not-to-Miss Events
56
Eating Out: Which Wich Must-See Exhibits
57 Free Fun 58 Closer Look: Motherhood the Musical
Digging Dinosaurs! In honor of International Dinosaur Month,
we journey into the prehistoric with fun activities and chat with a real dino-hunter.
Come out for All-Day Family Fun! Don’t miss Atlanta Parent Magazine’s annual Family Block Party. Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Mercer University’s Atlanta Campus. INSIDE: OUR FESTIVAL PULLOUT GUIDE
Magazine Association of the Southeast
2011 Award Winner
59 Exhibit: Living in Space 60 Playground: Mason Mill Park
Rug Rat Romp: Moms and Tots
62 Halloween Top Picks
64
Halloween Happenings
70
October Calendar
77
Fairs and Festivals
Atlanta’s Award-Winning Parenting Publication Publisher Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com
Associate Laura Powell publisher lpowell@atlantaparent.com
Editor Ann Hardie editor@atlantaparent.com BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT asmith@atlantaparent.com MANAGER Account Julia Sparks Executives jsparks@atlantaparent.com
Andi Levine
alevine@atlantaparent.com
Stacy LaVictoire slavictoire@atlantaparent.com Editorial Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com
D L I H C R YOU G? N I Z E E WH take part in a
TIRED OF
clinical research study!
If YES then consider volunteering for a clinical research study conducted at Emory University. This clinical trial is for children 1–5 years of age, who suffer from wheezing. We are trying to see if giving an antibiotic (azithromycin) for upper respiratory infections will help improve asthma symptoms and lower the incidence of more serious lower respiratory infections in preschoolers. You may be asked to participate for as long as one year (52 weeks) in this study.
Contact: Shanae Wakefield 404-727-5176 slwakef@emory.edu or Denise Whitlock 404-712-1773 drwhitl@emory.edu Study Includes:
• Pulmonary evaluation • Physical exam (by a MD) • Study drug • Compensation for time and travel
6 Atlanta Parent October 2011
STAFF WRITER Alexi Wilbourn calendar@atlantaparent.com
Editorial Robin Mintz production rmintz@atlantaparent.com ARTIST COPY EDITOR Glenn Emery Office Caroline Ward Coordinator cward@atlantaparent.com
administrative Marie Phelan Assistant mphelan@atlantaparent.com Marketing Mom Felicia Barman
Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699. Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. First class subscription only $30 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to Atlanta Parent magazine. Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.
© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2011
www.atlantaparent.com
Publisher’s Note Family Block Party to the Rescue!
Limited Run! Ft. Worth/Richardson Cast. Photo © Karen Almond.
FINALLY ... A SHOW FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES! From the producers of Menopause The Musical®
By Sue Fabisch
“A finely polished smash hit” - Variety
A baby is just the beginning. Motherhood is for life … This hysterical and poignant four-woman musical is a must-see for anyone who is, has, or knows a mom. It will remind you that it’s not just about Motherhood … it’s about you.
NOW PLAYING! 404-733-5000 www.woodruffcentertickets.org Great Discounts for Groups 10+ 888-440-6662 ext 1
14th Street Playhouse 173 14th Street • Atlanta GA 30309
www.MotherhoodTheMusical.com “Like” us on Facebook. Facebook.com/motherhoodthemusicaL
8 Atlanta Parent October 2011
We all know someone, maybe a neighbor, friend, fellow churchgoer, who has lost a job or is underemployed. Maybe that someone is you. No one needs to tell us that times are tough. But many of us may need reminding that there are still plenty of ways we can have quality family time – and fun – even as we struggle to make our budget work. I know what it is like to be financially insecure. When I was a new mom, I quit working to take care of my daughter, only to have my husband lose his job within months. Somehow, we survived. And our situation gave us the opportunity to start Atlanta Parent. This October, we begin our 29th year of publishing. For those of you with money problems, let me call your attention to our story this month on how to talk to your children about household finances. We all want to protect our kids from bad news. But children have finely tuned antennae, and chances are they already know that something is wrong. The story recommends that families be resourceful and look for affordable ways to spend time together. Those of you who read us every month already know to check out our Family Fun Guide and Calendar. Yes, you will find some great, big-ticket events there, but we also go to extra lengths to seek out free or low-cost options. Make sure to look for “Free Fun,” a new monthly feature that we are now giving our readers. It’s with budget-conscious families in mind that Atlanta Parent on October 8 hosts our annual Family Block Party at Mercer University’s Atlanta campus. We began this event in 2004. From the beginning, we wanted Block Party to be an affordable way for families to spend a fun fall day together. That first year, I distinctly remember wondering if anyone would come. And did they ever. It is so gratifying to see so many families with children, from toddlers to teenagers, sit rapt in our storytelling area, win books in our Book Walk, joyfully jump up and down on bubble wrap, listen to great live performances, and scream with delight down Trick or Treat Street. Best of all, the event gives us a chance to come face to face with our many devoted readers. No matter what your budget allows, be sure to make time to enjoy your family. See you at Block Party!
How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599
E-Mail lwhite@atlantaparent.com
Fax 770.454.7699
Website www.atlantaparent.com
The Old Fashioned Way 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341
We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.
www.atlantaparent.com
ItFigures by Cynthia Washam
Bewitching Bits 36 million
Number of children in the U.S., ages 5-13, who go trick-or-treating each year
20
Percent of Americans who visit a haunted attraction around Halloween
$17
Amount Philadelphia children collected in 1950 during the first Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF:
$148 million
Amount children nationwide have collected during the annual event in the six decades since then
Food Facts 26
Percent of people who hand out full-size treats to trick-or-treaters
$1
Price dentists participating in Operation Gratitude pay children per pound for unwanted Halloween candy to be shipped to U.S. soldiers overseas
25
Pounds of candy a double-bagged, brown paper grocery bag can hold
48
Pounds a standard-size pillow case can hold
1,352
Estimated number of houses you’d have to visit to collect that much candy, assuming a 50% success rate
90
Percent of a pumpkin that’s water
More than 20,000 Number of people who attend the World Championship Punkin Chunkin pumpkin-toss competition to be held Nov. 5-7 in Sussex County, Delaware
Sources: TheFasterTimes.com, PR Newswire, AssociatedContent.com, Slashfood.com, Myscienceproject. org, Halloweencandybuyback.com, Pumpkin-patch.com, Punkinchunkin.com, Whyguides.com, eHow.com
www.atlantaparent.com
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 9
News You Can Use
by Alexi Wilbourn
Contest Corner
Big Bird and Friends Take on Asthma and Lead Here are two more reasons to give the thumbs up to Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. A is for Asthma helps increase families’ understanding and awareness of childhood asthma through simple tips and online program materials. Lead Away! educates families about the health risks of lead and strategies to avoid lead exposure. For more information, visit sesamestreet.org/ asthma and sesamestreet.org/lead.
The New Look of the State Plate Georgia finally has a new license plate design, featuring a pastoral setting with a rolling green field and ripe peaches. The new version will become standard as people purchase new cars, move to the state or replace their old plates. Monroe County resident Linda Sosebee designed the winning plate, chosen from more than 500 entries. Her submission received more than 34,000 online votes – more than double the votes of the runner-up. Sosebee has created large murals for government, business and hospital organizations.
n Put A Face On Fun: Think your child is the cutest kid around? Submit his or her photo for Balloon Time’s national “Put A Face On Fun” photo contest by Nov. 6. Kids ages 3 to 11 are eligible to enter. The grand-prize winner will receive a professional photo shoot, a spot on Balloon Time’s packaging for next year, and a Disney Cruise Line family vacation for four (subject to availability). Fifty firstprize winners will be chosen to receive a Balloon Time 30 Helium Balloon Kit. Photos will be scored based on smile, age appropriateness, expression of fun and suitability for appearing on packaging. A portion of the final vote will also be determined by America! Upload your child’s photograph at PutAFaceOnFun.com or through Balloon Time’s Facebook page. n Think Outside the Box: Your next family meal – plus a year’s worth of other ones – may be only a box away! Use some creativity in the kitchen and enter the Hungry Jack Use Up the Box recipe contest by Nov. 2. Submit an original recipe in one of four categories: brunch, comfort foods, appetizers and sweet treats. One grand-prize winner per recipe category will receive a year’s worth of groceries in the form of a $6,000 check. Two runnerups from each recipe category will receive a gift basket of Hungry Jack brand products. Enter or vote for your favorite recipes at useupthebox.com.
Websites Worth Visiting n Funbrain.com Learning outside of school may sound like a snore to kids, but this website makes it fun. Funbrain, recommended for kids in grades K-8, offers free educational games, online books and comics. Kids can even read online books, like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Amelia Writes Again.
10 Atlanta Parent October 2011
n Marthaandfriends.com This website, complete with 3-D avatars of Martha Stewart and her friends, is a goldmine for creative kids. The online episodes are entertaining and colorful. Plus there are crafts and recipes from each adventure. The site even allows you to make a virtual craft box of your favorite ideas. Can’t make up your mind? Spin Martha’s “wonder wheel” to generate a random project.
www.atlantaparent.com
Save the Gorillas by Recycling
Americans consumed 24.7 pounds of candy per capita in 2010! Better get out those toothbrushes!
Are Cartoons Harming Your Child’s Mind? Many young children can recite the theme song to “SpongeBob SquarePants” by heart, but are fast-paced TV shows like these doing more harm than good? A new study from the University of Virginia published in Pediatrics seems to think so. The researchers assert that fastpaced programming affects children’s ability to think and concentrate. One group of children in the study watched “SpongeBob SquarePants” and the other watched a slower-paced PBS program or drew pictures. Tasks given to the children after the programming proved more difficult for the “SpongeBob” viewers, possibly due to the overstimulation of their young brains. Others studies show a connection between television and attention problems later in life, and the Virginia researchers warn about the long-term costs of attention problems.
Everyone has one – a stash of old cellphones in the junk drawer because you don’t know what to do with them. Cellphones and electronics contain hazardous substances that negatively impact the environment if not disposed of properly. Here’s an idea. Donate them! Zoo Atlanta and The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International are teaming up with Eco-Cell to recycle old cellphones and help the environment. A donation will be made to The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International for each cell phone received. Unusable phones will be recycled, others will go to charities that need them for emergency 911 use, and the majority will be refurbished and resold to first-time, low-income users in areas outside the United States. Recycling containers are located inside the zoo for your convenience, or you can mail your mobiles to: Cell Phone Recycling Program, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta, GA 30315. Learn more at zooatlanta.org/home/green_initiatives/ cell_recycling
Photo courtesy of Zoo Atlanta
Did You Know?
The Critical Difference is Critical
Thinking Critical Reading Critical Thinking Math Writing
Alpharetta l Crabapple l Dunwoody l East Cobb l James Creek l Midway-Forsyth l Peachtree Corners l Sugarloaf l Cumming
www.atlantaparent.com
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 11
Community Corner
A look at volunteering, good works and charity events
by Alexi Wilbourn
Will to Win Will Abernathy, with his shimmering whiteblond hair, vibrant blue eyes and an ear-to-ear grin that is heartbreakingly adorable, seems like any typical 3-year-old boy. He loves going to the swimming pool, playing on his riding toys, and swinging on the playground. But Will, who lives with his family in Cumming, is different from other preschoolers. In October 2010 he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma – a cancer primarily found in children that attacks the developing nerve cells. Will has the most advanced stage of the cancer for kids over age 1. So far, his treatment has included six rounds of chemotherapy and a tumor resection on his left adrenal gland. Because the cancer cells were relatively unresponsive to the chemo, he is undergoing a special MIBG therapy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “I don’t think Will understands what’s
Take the Pledge, Help a Child See Annual eye exams are key to keeping a child’s eyes healthy and ready to learn. VSP Vision has pledged to donate up to 50,000 eye exams, worth more than $19 million, as part of its “Eye Pledge” campaign. If you pledge to see a VSP doctor for an annual exam, VSP will donate an eye exam and brand-new pair of glasses to a Boys & Girls Club member on your behalf. Log onto SeeMuchMore.com and click on the Eye Pledge link.
happening,” says his mom Melody Abernathy, her voice quivering. “He just loves life, and after every treatment he just completely bounces back. Children are so resilient, much more than adults.” Kidz Cancer Fund, which raises money for families caring for a child with cancer, “adopted” Will as its first recipient. The organization was started by Joe Whitfield of Cumming, whose own daughter was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2010. Together, Kidz Cancer Fund and the Abernathys have planned a “Will to Win 5K and 1K Fun Run” to raise money for Will’s medical costs. The races will take place on Oct. 29 – exactly one year after Will’s diagnosis. Support Will and his battle with cancer by making a donation or attending the race. The event will be a fun-filled day with music, food, door prizes, goody bags and more! Prizes will be awarded in age categories, as well as overall male and female winners. Bring some Halloween spirit by dressing up and entering the costume contest.
Race-day registration begins 7:15 a.m.; 5K, 8 a.m.; 1K, 9 a.m. Lambert High School, 805 Nichols Rd., Suwanee. $25/person before Oct. 22; $30/person after Oct. 22.; Fun Run, $10. register at active.com or call 678-985-3921 for more information.
Help Feed the Hungry The Community Action Center Food Pantry, which serves the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody communities, receives an average of 950 visits per month – about 400 of those being families. The pantry is currently critically low on food and may not be able to give these families the assistance that they need. A wish list of needed items, such as paper towels, diapers, cereal and dry beans, can be found on the CAC’s website, ourcac.org. Check the expiration dates before donating and try to give standard-sized containers of items for easier transportation. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.4 p.m. 1130 Hightower Trail, Sandy Springs. 770-552-4889.
Giving the Gift of Books Forty percent of school-age children in Africa do not attend school, and 46 million African children have never stepped inside a classroom. Last year, Books for Africa (BFA), a nonprofit that believes education is the world’s great equalizer, shipped approximately 1.9 million books to 21 different African countries. With a mission to end the African book famine, BFA strives to create a culture of literacy and empower the next generation of parents, teachers and leaders in Africa. BFA distributes donated books to rural school libraries, orphanages, adult literacy programs and community resource centers. Want to help? Donate books or volunteer at the Smyrna warehouse. Volunteers must be at least age 14 and give two hours or more of their time. 2971 Olympic Industrial Drive, Suite C, Smyrna. Email coordinator@booksforafrica.org. To donate books, drop off or mail books – check the website, booksforafrica.org, for drop off hours and guidelines for appropriate books.
12 Atlanta Parent October 2011
www.atlantaparent.com
We’re experts at working in small spaces.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is the leader in ear tube procedures. If your child needs ear tubes, put her in the practiced hands of our specially trained pediatric surgeons and anesthesiologists. We perform more ear tube procedures than any other hospital in Georgia. That’s no small fact for parents who want the best for their child. To learn more, visit www.choa.org/eartubes
©2011 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals who perform services at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are independent providers and are not our employees.
www.atlantaparent.com
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 13
MERCER UNIVERSITY T I F T C O L L E G E O F E D U C AT I O N
EDstravaganza! Mercer’s Tift College of Education invites you to preview the college’s educational experience and academic programs through a special day of interactive presentations and workshops. Meet with faculty and admissions, and learn how our programs are designed to meet the needs of working educators. To see which programs are offered at each location, and to register to attend this event, visit: workingadults.mercer.edu/sessions MACON Saturday, October 8 10:00am - 1:00pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY Saturday, October 1 10:00am - 1:00pm
TIFT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
14 Atlanta Parent October 2011
HENRY COUNTY Saturday, October 8 10:00am - 1:00pm ATLANTA CAMPUS INFORMATION SESSION Monday, Oct 10, 5pm
www.atlantaparent.com
Atlanta Parent Magazine’s
family block party
Saturday, October 8 / 10 am - 4 pm / Mercer University — Atl anta Campus
festival pullout guide 2011
Top Reasons
for you to attend this year’s Atlanta Parent Family Block Party
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 10 am - 4 pm ~ Festival Pullout Guide ~
Mercer University • Atlanta Campus
l Stop by StorkBrokers.com
and learn how you can sell your no longer needed baby & kid items in an easy to use, online marketplace. Take a turn at the duck pond, enjoy face painting and more in the StorkBrokers Toddler-only zone.
l Look for Hot Tamales! l Great Entertainment:
n Jam with Radio Disney from noon until 2 pm n Don’t miss Cinderella and Jack Sparrow from Dream Friends, Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders and more!
l Visit Domino’s in their Mobile
Pizza Kitchen to sample one or all three of their New Domino’s Artisan Pizzas.
Present this flyer for
1 OFF
$
each admission! (Up to 4 People)
Save $1 online with promo code: earlybirdfbp
✔ ✔ ✔
StorkBrokers.com Toddler-only zone with mini-moonwalks, games, crafts and interactive inflatables.
✔
Game Truck Party is breaking out their awesome video game theater and parents can catch college football games in action. National Model Railroad Association will be presenting a miniature railroad display.
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Explore not-so-spooky Friendly Frights, check out the Trick-or-Treat Street and make your own Halloween mask with fluff, sparkle and sequins.
Test your sports abilities in the Comcast Sports Zone. Take a swing with the Atlanta Braves and shoot hoops with the Atlanta Dream. Animal lovers can cuddle a bunny or pat a fuzzy sheep at the Little Red Barn Mobile Petting Farm and saddle up with Mane Event Ponies! Check out the critters visiting from Zoo Atlanta.
Experience spa fun with Petite Priss, get a whimsical hair style from Be-Dazzle Do, and get glitter tattoos from Get Glittered. Come out and play! We’ll have moonwalks, a climbing wall, mini-golf, a train, police cars and a fire truck to explore. Don’t miss these awesome crafts from Family Block Party’s beneficiaries. Join in a community service project with Pebble Tossers and make quilts for the homeless and create scratch art with Familes of Children Under Stress.
ADMISSION: $5 per person children 2 & under FREE Paid admission includes three activity tickets Cash only the day of the festival
Buy Tickets
ONLINE!
www.familyblockparty.com
SKIP THE LINES! BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE
Northwest Parking
Big Wheels Stop
Two Men and a Truck
DeKalb County Police Dept. Food Vendors
Tickets
StorkBrokers Toddler Play Zone
StorkBrokers Duck Pond
Exhibitors
www.familyblockparty.com Save $1 online with promo code: earlybirdfbp
Storytelling Stage
Friendly Frights
Restrooms
Climbing Wall
Model Train
Mask Making Zoo Atlanta
Face Painting
Domino’s
Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Petite Priss Little Glam Area
Tickets Big Thinkers We s t Parking
The Little Red Barn Mobile Petting Farm
Trick or Treat Street Game Truck Party Video Truck West Entrance
Performance Area
Mane Event Ponies
New York Life Free Child IDs
Scavenger Hunt Teddy Bear Hospital
Atlanta Braves
Inflatable Playground Pumpkin Treasures
Young Audiences Hat Making
Project Karma
PLUS MUCH MORE!
East Parking
Atlanta Dream
Wheel of Fortune Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Center for Puppetry Arts
Activities subject to change. Map not to scale.
Train Rides
East Entrance
Proceeds will benefit:
www.atlantaparent.com Go online for entertainment schedule
678-222-1915
~ Festival Pullout Guide ~
Comcast Sports Zone
Per formance Stage
Family Block Party 2011 Performance Schedule: Main Stage 11:00 a.m.
Kidazzl Parties
11:30 a.m.
Atlanta Belly Dance
12:10 p.m.
Traveling Tim Dandy and Sandtown All-Stars
12:50 p.m.
Caroline Herring – Young Audiences, Woodruff Arts Center
1:25 p.m.
Kim Armstrong’s “A Popular Dance”
2:00 p.m.
Beebo & Ravioli’s Spectacular Circus – Imaginators from Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
2:30 p.m.
Talent Showdown Winners: Demi Willis and No Comment
2:50 p.m.
Mr. Greg’s Musical Madness
3:30 p.m.
Little Beat Music
DJ services provided by Little Beat Music. Plus don’t miss performances by our Talent Showdown finalists: Claudia Kelly, Da Crunk Squad, Alexis Starr, Principal’s List, Cameron Taylor, Cobe Jackson, Little Party Girls and Bria, McDonald’s The Gift winner. Children’s Performance Area DJ services provided by DJ Kiki, The Platnium DJs. *Schedule and performers subject to change.
Storytelling 11:00 a.m. Horizon Theater – Madeline 11:30 p.m. Lawrenceville Ghost Tours 12:00 p.m. TBA 12:30 p.m. Wren’s Nest – Akbar Imhotep 1:00 p.m. Wren’s Nest – Akbar Imhotep 1:30-2:50 p.m. Therapy Dogs International Chapter 193 3:00 p.m. Marty Barrett – Young Audiences – Woodruff Arts Center
Directions to MERCER UNIVERSITY Atlanta Campus Traveling north on I-85 From downtown Atlanta, take Exit 94 and turn RIGHT onto Chamblee-Tucker Road. At the second traffic light, turn RIGHT onto Mercer University Drive. Turn RIGHT onto Mercer Lane (campus entrance). Traveling south on I-85 From outside the perimeter, take Exit 94 and turn LEFT onto Chamblee-Tucker Road. At the third traffic light, turn RIGHT onto Mercer University Drive. Turn RIGHT onto Mercer Lane (campus entrance). Traveling on I-285 north/west Take Exit 34 and turn LEFT onto Chamblee-Tucker Road. Proceed for 1.2 miles, then turn LEFT onto Mercer University Drive. Turn RIGHT onto Mercer Lane (campus entrance). Traveling on I-285 east Head towards the I-85 S exit, following the Chamblee Tucker signs. Take the Chamblee-Tucker Road exit, turn RIGHT onto Chamblee-Tucker Road. Proceed for 1.2 miles, then turn LEFT onto Mercer University Drive. Turn RIGHT onto Mercer Lane (campus entrance).
The Book(s)
on Parenting
There are a gazillion books out there on parenting. We asked our Atlanta Parent Magazine Advisory Board and staff to read some of them and recommend a few. Here are their picks. n Chicken Soup for the Mother of PRESCHOOLER’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Maria Nickless & Elisa Morgan. $14.95 (Paperback)
n Reconnected Kids: Help Your Child Achieve Physical, Mental, and Emotional Balance by Dr. Robert Melillo. $15.95 (Paperback)
This book tells breathtaking stories to refresh the soul and rekindle the spirit of moms of little ones. All the stories are very moving and have humanistic values that my wife and I found very profound. Moms, as we all know, sometimes struggle. They can be sad, lonely, angry and so on. But overall, through their infinite love, compassion, forgiveness, great wisdom and care, they nurture little ones. Children are their source of strength, hope, consolation and perseverance. Reading this book, my wife and I, as parents to our 21-month-old son, not only learned new things about parenting, but also were reminded of how great mothers are. In today’s busy society, taking “slow-down” time helps us capture precious moments that nobody can take away and we can cherish for years to come. The book will bring you tears, joy, laughter, and especially peace and warmth in your heart. – Anthony and Sylvia Le
Dr. Robert Melillo, a chiropractic neurologist, researcher and expert in childhood neurological disorders, created the Brain Balance Program, recognized for helping children overcome illnesses without medication. In Reconnected Kids, Melillo educates parents, guardians and caregivers on how to deal with children with behavioral problems without drugs, drama or constant trips to the doctor. Furthermore, Melillo does not just tell the reader what to do to help their child, but also informs the reader of the “how” that is involved. Melillo charges parents and caregivers to be proactive in discovering the onset of potential childhood behavioral concerns and what steps can be taken to halt illnesses before they have a chance to take over the lives of families. The reader will walk away with usable, relevant and inexpensive tools on how to create a balanced life for children so that behavioral concerns can be non-existent for the entire family. – Laquanda Carpenter
n Priceless Inspirations by Antonia “Toya” Carter. $14.95 (Paperback)
n Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids: The One Brain Book You Need to Help Your Child Grow Brighter, Healthier, and Happier by Dr. David Walsh. $25 (Hardback)
This book starts by giving basic information on how the author, a BET reality star, became a teenage parent. (Growing up, Carter was shuffled from relative to relative as her mother sank into drug addiction.) At 15 she had a daughter with Dwayne Michael Carter, aka Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne, who writes the book’s forward. The author goes into detail about life lessons learned the hard way. There are also pointers on what to look out for in the future with your child. The book offers lessons on friendships, money and love between parent, child and absentee parent. It also details the importance of maintaining positive working relationships between parents who are separated. It appears that Priceless Inspirations was written with an open heart. I would recommend that anyone parenting or expecting a child read this book. – Erica W. McDonald
This book is the closest thing I’ve seen to a “how-to” manual that should come with your child. Walsh breaks down brain research into practical advice that can be used to help your child grow and develop in a healthy way. Reading this book was like having a good friend telling me the hows and whys of raising children. From ways to raise your child’s IQ to the effects of nutrition, exercise and sleep, each chapter comes with a parent tool kit to help understand the concepts as well as a do and don’t checklist for quick reference. The research is current and presented in an easy-to-understand format. Parents, teachers and education professionals would benefit from reading this book and gaining a better understanding of what is appropriate and relevant when we, as adults, set out to help our children succeed. – Leigh Middleton Cont’d on page 20
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October 2011 Atlanta Parent 19
The Book(s) on Parenting n Grow the Tree You Got: & 99 Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Adolescents and Teenagers by Tom Sturges. $15.95 (Paperback)
If you are interested in a parenting book that challenges you to accept the gifts that your adolescent offers, this is the book for you. The author shares easy tips to guide parents who may be anxious about raising successful young adults while wondering which guidelines to follow without creating power struggles. Highlighting the importance of quality time, the author offers ways to encourage children to be who they are rather than what parents plan for them to become. Yes, Sturges does encourage parents to set expectations and boundaries. However, the expectations are grounded within the young person’s values, interests and strengths. The book is about acceptance, support and the quest to raise thriving young adults. I was particularly impressed with the five areas that the author says every adolescent should know: right from wrong, passion, creativity, perceptiveness and trust. I would certainly recommend this book to other parents. It is an easy read with practical advice for common problems that parents of adolescents face each day. – Josette Bailey
n Cavemen in Babyland: What New and Expecting Mommies Should Know About New Daddies (So That They Won’t Kill Them) by Kindred Howard. $17.95 (Paperback)
We know that men and women are different. Those differences become more pronounced, much more, when pregnancy and parenthood enter the picture, says Kindred Howard, marriage coach, award-winning freelance writer and frequent contributor to Atlanta Parent Magazine. Although daddies could use a good dose of Howard’s insight, this breezy yet poignant book is written for mommies for one reason. “MEN DON’T READ PARENTING BOOKS!” Howard says. The book is divided into three parts: basic caveman (principles that expectant or new moms should know about their mates, such as, men are problem solvers, not encouragers); the pregnancy cave, which explores how men perceive pregnancy (not well when it comes to putting a crib together); and the baby cave, addressing how men feel once baby comes home (he may put in longer hours at work not to get away from the family, but to be a better provider). Howard is an accomplished writer and keen observer. Although this easy-to-read and amusing book is geared toward moms, it may be the one parenting book that dads actually will enjoy. – Ann Hardie
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Make Halloween
Spook-tacular! by Jessica Baldis
Watch a “scary” movie. Break out the popcorn and get comfy in front of the TV, but don’t go overboard on the scare factor. For the little ones, try Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (rated G) and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (rated G). For older kids, try Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (rated PG), Corpse Bride (rated PG), or The Nightmare Before Christmas (rated PG).
Make ghoulish goodie bags. Surprise your friends at school, playgroup or soccer team with Halloween goodie bags. Treat them to some Halloween candy as well as other goodies like glow sticks, ghost-shaped pencil erasers, silly string, spider rings and so on.
Gross out your little ghouls with touch-and-feel
boxes. Cut a hole in a cardboard box – just big enough for a small hand to fit in.
Read a spooky story. Get in the spirit of Halloween with one of the many Halloween-themed books. Your little one is sure to love the colorful pictures and rhythmical rhymes in Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming. For preschoolers through early elementary school, try Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman or The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams. For older kids, pick a classic like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.
Cover the opening with fabric to prevent peeking. Set up three or four boxes and fill them with all sorts of slimy, squishy, scary objects. Have the kids reach in and feel “eyeballs” (olives or peeled grapes), “worms” (cooked spaghetti), “severed fingers” (little sausages), “brains” (Jell-O cubes), etc. Listen to the kids squeal with a mix of fear and delight, and be sure to have wet wipes ready to wipe sticky hands.
Visit a pumpkin patch.
Instead of buying pumpkins at the grocery store, head out to a pumpkin patch for an afternoon of fun. Many pumpkin patches offer hayrides, corn mazes and even petting zoos, so take the whole family and enjoy. Remember your camera – the pumpkin patch offers great picture opportunities.
Take a nighttime nature walk. Arm your little ones with flashlights and head out after dark. There’s a lot to see, even if you stay on the sidewalk. Check out the night sky – can you spot the Big Dipper? Look for spider webs and other creepy crawlies. Maybe you’ll get lucky and spot an owl.
Enjoy an old-fashioned Halloween treat – popcorn balls!
Popcorn balls are not only delicious, but lots of fun to make. Use a kid-friendly recipe such as the following: (1) Pop 6 cups of popcorn and set it aside in a large bowl. (2) Melt ½ cup of butter and 1 large (16 ounce) package of marshmallows in a saucepan on mediumlow heat. Add orange food coloring to the mix for some Halloween fun. (3) Pour the marshmallow mixture onto the popcorn. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula, making sure the popcorn is evenly covered. (4) Grease your hands with butter – this is where it gets fun for the little ones. Once the popcorn mix has cooled enough to touch it, form it into balls. (5) Let the balls cool on wax paper and enjoy! Tip: Get creative and try adding M&Ms, nuts, gummy worms, sprinkles, candy corn, etc. to your popcorn balls.
22 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Make caramel apples. Whether you’re a gourmet who can make caramel from scratch or your cooking skills are limited and you simply microwave pre-packaged caramel – making caramel apples is a fun and delicious treat for the whole family.
Start a family tradition. Put together a slide show of past Halloween
photos. Pop some popcorn, sit down with the whole family, and enjoy the show! You’ll be surprised how much your kids love reminiscing about Halloweens past.
Make a scarecrow. Grab an old pair of jeans and stuff them full of
straw. Use rope to tie off the ankles. Stuff a flannel shirt with straw. Use rope to tie off the wrists and then tuck the straw-filled shirt into the pants and secure with rope. Get creative on what to use for the head – an old pillowcase filled with straw and painted with a face works, or for a more frightening scarecrow, try a plastic jack-o’-lantern bucket used for trickor-treating.
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October is a great time to get the family together and have some Halloween fun. From carving the perfect pumpkin to making creepy costumes and visiting some neighborhoods with spooky spirit, our tips will help make this Halloween sweet!
Transform your lawn into a graveyard. Cut out
cardboard gravestones and paint them gray. Splatter on some black paint for an aged effect. Add some silly names such as I. Emma Ghost, Hal O. Ween, Barry D. Alive, or Frank N. Stein, and then coat with a clear acrylic sealer. Duct tape a garden stake to the back of each gravestone and stick them in your grass.
Throw a spine-chillingly fun party. Gather
all your little ghosts and their goblin friends for some Halloween fun. Whether it’s a small group or the whole neighborhood, Halloween is a great excuse to get together. Invite everyone to come in costume. If your party guests are preschoolers, stick to fun decorations – bright orange pumpkins and friendly ghosts. If your guests are older, go for something scarier. Plan some creepy crafts, devilish delights and ghastly games. Check out all the different Halloween recipes and crafts online at MarthaStewart.com (marthastewart.com/halloween) or the Food Network (foodnetwork.com/topics/halloween).
Make lollipop ghosts. Lollipop ghosts are simple and easy – even your preschooler can get in on the action. To make a lollipop ghost: (1) Drape a white napkin over a lollipop. (2) Tie a purple, orange or black ribbon around the napkin at the base of the lollipop to create the ghost’s head. (3) Use a black sharpie to draw eyes and a mouth.
Toast pumpkin seeds. When you’re done carving your pumpkin this year, don’t let the seeds go to waste. (1) Separate and rinse the pumpkin seeds. (2) In a medium pan, bring 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. (3) Add the pumpkin seeds and boil for 10 minutes. (4) Spread 1 tablespoon of olive oil on a roasting pan and place the seeds on top. (5) In an oven pre-heated to 375 degrees, toast the seeds until they begin to turn brown – about 15 minutes. (6) Let the seeds cool and enjoy!
Create your own haunted house.
A haunted house can bring lots of spinechilling fun. Get the whole family involved in planning and creating. First, pick a location for your haunted house – the front walkway, garage, hallway, basement, family room, etc. Next, set up some spooky lighting. If you have windows or your haunted house is outside, you may want to use cardboard or drape dark sheets to block out extra light. Use black lights or colored light bulbs – available at most home stores for a few dollars. Next, bring out the Halloween props. Hang ghosts and skeletons from the ceiling, stretch spider webs in the corners, place jars of floating eyeballs (grapes or maraschino cherries frozen in ice cubes) on tables, etc. Remember to make your haunted house age-appropriate. If you have little ones, opt for more fun and less fright. Finally, add some scary sounds and special effects. A fog machine or witches cauldron bubbling with dry ice creates an eerie ambiance.
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Do-it-yourself! Remember the good old days when Mom used to make your Halloween costume? Get crafty and create your own costumes this year. Even if you don’t sew, there are lots of costumes you can put together – think rock star, pirate, construction worker or gypsy.
Download spooky songs. Make your own Halloween playlist. Include frightening favorites like “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr., “Monster Mash” by Bobby Boris Pickett, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “The Addams Family Theme” by Vic Mizzy.
Plan ahead for safe and fun trick-
or-treating. As it gets dark, drivers have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.. Pick up a few packs of glow sticks so your little ghosts will be illuminated on Halloween night. Plan your route ahead of time, and remember that little ones will go slower and visit fewer houses than older kids. If you plan to let the older kids split off, be sure they have adequate supervision – plan to go with friends or have family help out. Have fun watching the little ones ringing doorbells and collecting candy, and have a safe and spooky Halloween! c October 2011 Atlanta Parent 23
Make een Hallow -
Spooklar! tacu
Neighborhoods with
by Alexi Wilbourn
A chill blows through the air, and eerie, howling sounds hum from the windows of the houses in this established Buckhead neighborhood. The curvy, tree-lined street is bubbling with mobs of ghouls, goblins and witches, making it nearly impossible for anyone to escape. Life-sized pumpkins with old man and woman faces inch toward the children, extending their hands ominously. Some kids shrink back with fear, others laugh. But all these pumpkins want is to fill the sacks and buckets of the children with candy – 50 pounds of it by night’s end. It’s Halloween on Rumson Road, and the entire street is celebrating. Card tables piled with bowls of candy and treats line the end of driveways up and down Rumson, while literally hundreds of trick-or-treaters from all around dash from house to house, savoring the sweet taste of a good year’s haul. Paul and Pauline Weinzierl always take part in the festivities. With help from their son-in-law, Lee Burdett, their home is transformed into the “Pumpkin House” with at least 50 pumpkins of all sizes in the yard. Besides the pumpkins, there are skeletons in the trees and huge inflatables in the yard – Casper the Friendly Ghost, Oscar the Grouch, spooky cats. The Weinzierls have lived on Rumson since 1963 and have noticed Halloween getting bigger and bigger every year. They now have hundreds of trick-or-treaters, from toddlers to 60-year-olds, from all around and outside the area. “Once it starts, it’s a steady flow,” Paul says. The couple buys about a dozen five-pound bags of candy and joins their neighbors by setting up a card table at the end of the short driveway to pass it out. “They really make it the spirit of Halloween,” Pauline says. There’s a Halloween party for young kids by the neighborhood pool down the street earlier in the evening. The Weinzierls’ daughter, Loretta Burdett, and her husband Lee, the faces behind the old man and woman pumpkins, celebrate on Rumson every Halloween with their own kids. Loretta compares the scene to a big Mardi Gras celebration: “It’s gotten much bigger than when I was younger,” she says, noting that everyone tries to outdo each other with decorations. “When we grew up, we 24 Atlanta Parent October 2011
would go out in groups and the parents would stay home to give out candy. You even used to go inside the houses and never thought anything about it.” Her favorite part about Halloween on Rumson Road is the camaraderie among the neighbors – everyone laughs and talks the night away as they pass out (and run out of) candy. Loretta, a preschool teacher, loves to see her students coming through the neighborhood, “though I don’t always recognize them in costume,” she laughs. Not up for the crowds? The North Springs neighborhood in Sandy Springs has
a Halloween festival the weekend before the holiday. This year, Spookfest falls on Oct. 23, from 4-6 p.m. Kids and adults alike take delight in the colorful neighborhood festival, being catered this year by The Varsity. An old-fashioned red wagon and Adirondack chair set the scene for the outdoor photography studio for memories to bring home, complete with round pumpkins and autumn-colored mums, while sparkly pipe cleaners, a hodge-podge of beads, and a jar of candy corn welcome children to the craft table. A monster mouth-shaped corn hole game beckons visitors to try their hand at winning a prize, and adults bet it all with raffle tickets to win gift cards for Starbucks and CineMoms. Kids don their Halloween costumes for the event and march around the tombstoneand-ghost-laden Earlston Drive cul-de-sac for the parade and costume contest. Nicole Reagin, the social chair of the neighborhood homeowner’s association, laughs as she remembers the little boy who won last year for his garden gnome costume. She brings her own two boys to the festival every year: “They love seeing all their other friends from the neighborhood dressed up.” Spookfest is a bigger community event
The Weinzierl home
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Halloween Spirit for North Springs than the actual night of Halloween. “Everyone kind of does their own thing that night,” Reagin says, mentioning the pre-trick-or-treat parties that some residents host. Since their family home sits past a large hill, the Reagins only get a handful of trick-or-treaters. Reagin, who enjoys trick-or-treating with her children, sets up the bowl of candy outside the door and joins the many families happily skipping and strolling down the main street of the neighborhood. Another great neighborhood for a dose of Halloween cheer is Bridle Ridge in Johns Creek. Every year, the neighborhood social committee plans a fall festival for Halloween weekend. Residents can try their hand at whipping up some prize-winning chili or macaroni-and-cheese for the cook-offs or just sample everyone else’s. Cont’d on page 26
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Bridle Ridge neighborhood
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 25
Neighborhoods with
Halloween Spirit
North Springs neighborhood
Melissa Neff, 40, who, in the spirit of trickery, once won the neighborhood cookoff with a pot of Wendy’s chili, loves taking her three kids, ages 8, 12 and 14, to the annual festival. “Their favorite thing is the hayride,” Neff says. A neighbor decorates his tractor with fake cobwebs and Halloween lights for the kids to ride on to the pumpkin patch. He even puts it on hydraulics so that it bounces during the ride. Once the kids arrive at the pumpkin patch, they hear a spooky ghost story. Another fun festival feature is the pumpkin-carving contest. Families can bring their carved pumpkins to the festival to be judged for a chance to win things like a Target gift card. Last year’s winner was Cinderella’s coach. “It was beautiful!” Neff says. As for Halloween night, Bridle Ridge is adorned with spooks galore and fully decorated yards by many of the residents. Many trick-or-treaters, as well as their costumed parents, begin at dusk and go throughout the evening. People who live in cul-de-sacs congregate with their neighbors in camping chairs to distribute candy in one spot for the kids. And while the kids are trickor-treating, some adults spread their own Halloween cheer, pulling little red wagons filled with cocktails around the street. Whether you live in a neighborhood, on a street or in the middle of nowhere, everyone should have a scarily fantastic time on Halloween. It’s the one time of year when it’s socially acceptable to play pretend all evening, decked out in imaginative and fanciful costumes. If where you live is not the best place to celebrate the holiday, load up your family, take a drive to a nearby town, and join in their festivities. Can’t go anywhere else? Start a joyful tradition of Halloween in your own neighborhood and try to recruit others to jump on the bandwagon. c 26 Atlanta Parent October 2011
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A Halloween Homestead by Alexi Wilbourn
Who cares if you live on a “fuddy-duddy” street where everyone turns off the porch lights at 7 p.m. on Halloween? It doesn’t mean you have to! Start a neighborhood trend by decking out your house and yard with these simple tips: Embrace It
Be Innovative
Halloween isn’t just for kids to enjoy, so loosen up and have some fun making your house the spookiest attraction on the block! You might be surprised by the reactions – maybe your neighbors are dying to decorate but didn’t want to be the only ones doing it.
Yes, some Halloween decorations are tried and true for good reasons, but that doesn’t mean you’re eternally chained to the ratty old scarecrow that’s been living in your attic for the past few years. String up white sheet ghosts on fish line from the trees, play spooky music out the windows or make faux tombstones out of Styrofoam and stone-finish spray paint.
No one looks forward to cleaning up decorations. In fact, my own family has been known to leave Christmas lights strung around the back porch until March. This is all the better reason to put on your crafty hat and start sprucing up your property in early October for this ghoulish holiday. You will be able to admire your fake cobwebs and crumbling tombstones for weeks instead of days, making the cleanup seem much more worth it.
Recruit Helpers Not born with a glue gun in hand? Recruit your little witches and goblins to help whip up some simple and cute (or terrifying) Halloween crafts. This will take some of the responsibilities off of your shoulders, and you might even make some memories along the way.
Mouse Motel Pumpkin, hollowed out Carving knife Rubber mice Permanent marker
www.decor-medley.com
Using a marker, draw a circle for each hole. Cut out holes; shave edges smooth with a scraper if desired Fill holes with rubber mice (available at Halloween stores). Listen for screaming neighbors. Source: marthastewart.com
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www.marthastewart.com
Start Early
Spooky Silhouettes Black cardstock or poster board Pencil Scissors Sheets Trace a large outline of a creature (cat, tree, person, ghost) onto the black cardstock and cut it out. Tape the silhouette to the inside of the windows and hang the sheet behind it. Turn off the lights to the room and place a light directly behind the window (colors look especially creepy).
! N I W One lucky family will win 4 tickets for The Great Pumpkin Patch Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and a special gift pack.
Also enter to win 4 tickets to Disney on Ice Dare to Dream on Friday, October 14 at Philips Arena. Go to atlantaparent.com to enter. Deadline is Monday, October 10.
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 27
Make een Hallow
Spookl-ar! tacu
Costume Advice from a Pro Disney On Ice’s costume designer shares his secrets. by Alexi Wilbourn
Ivan’s son has fun with his friends in the homemade “adorable pumpkin” costume.
Not many men can transform a dinosaur mask, bicycle helmet and leotard into a giant, shiny, slithery serpent from the pages of Harry Potter, but Ivan Ingermann did just that. This down-to-earth 42-year-old has a hearty laugh and warm voice that fills the air like syrupy caramel coating a crisp Granny Smith apple at the fair. He has a sense of creativity that is extraordinary and an impressive resume that is pages long. Athensresident Ingermann wears many hats – father, University of Georgia professor, designer. His latest role? Costume designer for Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream. Ingermann’s journey has been like the fairy tales he designs for. His mother, a seamstress, would piece together Halloween costumes from his original drawings, driving his passion for costume design at an early age. An interview with Florida State University for the acting program led to a design scholarship. “I guess I was a better designer than actor,” Ingermann laughs. FSU became a stepping-stone for his graduate studies at New York University, which connected him with important people in the business and allowed him to apprentice under Tony Award-winning designers such as William Ivey Long, Susan Hiferty and Desmond Heeley. After Ingermann did a show for SeaWorld Adventure Park, the Disney On Ice crew contacted him to design for the two newest princess storylines – The Princess and the Frog and Tangled.
Cool Costumes, Simple Solutions: Although he recently has been designing flowing, intricate costumes for Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream, Ivan Ingermann has some fantastic no-sew Halloween creations to fit any budget.
Cont’d on page 31
28 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Adorable Pumpkin n Materials: Large “punch” balloon, masking tape, spray foam, rubber gloves, spray bottle (with water), acrylic craft paint, seriated knife, orange or black sweat pants, yellow shirt, battery-operated tea candle (optional)
All sketches by Ivan Ingermann
n What to do: Blow up the balloon to fit your child’s upper body. Use the masking tape to shape the balloon into a pumpkin (flatten on both ends, instead of egg shape). Laying it on the side, spray the balloon with the foam; make sure you have gloves on – it’s sticky. Lay down three lines at a time running “north” to “south” on the balloon, then spray with the water bottle – it cures the foam faster. Then rotate the balloon and move to the next section. Keep going, making sure that the foam has cured before you lay the balloon on the side with the foam. After the balloon is completely covered, let it sit overnight. In the morning, pop the balloon and you’ll have your hollow pumpkin shape. The foam is easy to carve at this point, just like a large pumpkin. Cut a hole for the head and arms. For the legs, you’ll need to cut one large hole just above the leg line of your child (basically the whole bottom) so he can walk easily. The face can be carved just as you would with a regular pumpkin, involving your child in the design. Painting the outer shell is also fun for them: Bright orange, yellow and even dribbles of brown give the pumpkin a real look. For added effect (and safety in the dark), you can slip in battery-operated tea light into the eyes and mouth. Never use real flame as the foam will melt.
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Funny Old Man/Woman Mask n Materials: masking tape, thin wire coat hangers (or similar wire): wire cutters. Optional: feathers and/or old wig/ kerchief n What to do: Using the wire, carefully bend a shape the size of your child’s face. (Be careful with cut wire near the face.) Tape the ends securely to make a loop. Now make a loop going around the child’s forehead front to back. Secure with tape and attach to the face loop. Add a nose profile straight down the middle of the face, creating a large funny nose shape. Attach this to the forehead loop and the bottom of the face loop. Next make two eye loops, away from the child’s face. Attach to the mask. From this point you can add additional features such as eyelids, cheekbones and a chin. Or you can skip to covering the mask with a layer of masking tape. Run the masking tape north to south in one layer, then east to west in another layer. Repeat on the other side. The final layer of tape can have added wrinkles especially at the forehead, crow’s feet, and mouth area. Make sure you do not cover the eye loops or underside of the nose with masking tape. Also, cut a hole in the tape for the child’s mouth so that they can breathe and easily be heard. This idea can also be made as a 1/2 mask as shown for easier assembly and breathing. You can paint the masking tape with acrylic paint if desired, or just leave the tape as a skin tone. Add feathers for funny eyebrows and false eyelashes. This along with some thrift store finds for clothing (or from the unwanted clothes in your closet) completes the look. Cont’d on page 30
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October 2011 Atlanta Parent 29
Magnificent Mummy n Materials: Retail tag gun (available at Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft stores), white sweat suit or footed pajamas, stretch mesh fabric (most retail fabric stores), pot of old coffee n What to do: For the quick, nosew solution, use the tag gun to attach strips of the fabric mesh to the sweat suit in a wrapped pattern. Finish by soaking all in coffee in the bathtub over night for a distressed aged look.
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30 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Safety Tips n Stay visible! Use glow sticks, flashlights or reflective tape on costumes. n Make sure masks and other costumes don’t obstruct breathing or vision. n Look for flame resistant costumes, wigs and masks made of nylon or polyester. n Double check that your child won’t be tripping on a long or oversized costume.
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Costume Advice From a Pro Despite his 20 years of professional experience, design advice from Ingermann is anything but intimidating. His ideas are surprisingly simple and achievable (and won’t break the bank). Besides a lot of hot glue, all someone needs to create a great costume is imagination and time, Ingermann says. Parents with little sewing ability can cut and tie strips of fleece to make “seams” at the edges of the fabric or use retail-style tag guns, available at some fabric stores, to embellish designs onto plain clothing. “You can get some really great things at dollar stores,” Ingermann says, who even uses these items in professional shows. But how can you make, say, a one-eyed-purplepeople-eater costume from dollar store items? Easy – just take a stroll down the home goods aisle. Ingermann used two large plastic salad bowls to create the head and mouth of the monster, covering them with fake purple fur from a fabric store. Battery-operated tea lights and glow sticks are also great for adding lights to a costume for that “wow factor,” he says. It also adds a safety element to the costume since kids trick-or-treat at dark: “I’ve put them in seams so the costume itself will glow,” Ingermann advises. The biggest thing to think about when making a child’s
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costume is movement, Ingermann says. “You don’t want them to trip or fall. They like to have their hands and face free,” he says, adding that most young children don’t like to wear masks. His son Zachary, now 7, was a spider for his first Halloween. Ingermann attached eight spindly legs onto the Baby Bjorn carrier and red fangs onto Zachary’s black hoodie. A spider is nothing without his web, so Ingermann’s partner wore a black poncho, which was covered in criss-crossed rope in a web design. Another great idea for infants or toddlers is to use their stroller or a wagon as part of the costume. Zachary was once an Arabian prince, with a carpet laid over his wagon so it looked like he was flying from house to house Aladdin-style. This year, Zachary’s Halloween costume will most likely be a skeleton with a sombrero in honor of the Day of the Dead, since the family will be in Cancun for the holiday. Ingermann, a history buff, loves sifting through the library and watching the History Channel for inspiration on simple ways to make costumes. Stumped on what costume to make? Ingermann advises looking to your child’s favorite books for inspiration. “We make up our own stories about Harry Potter,
Zachary’s Harry Potter-inspired basilisk costume was made out of a bike helmet, dinosaur mask, and a leotard.
so we take that as a starting point and create other creatures that could be in that world,” he says of his and his son’s brainstorming process. This idea relieves pressure on parents to make outfits that match those of the character to a T. In addition, “When they go to school and there are 16 Spider-Mans and 16 pink princesses in their class, they have something unique to show,” Ingermann says. He also advises involving your child in the costumecreating process by having them draw sketches or cut out pictures from magazines of what they want it to look like. c
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 31
Make een Hallow
Spookl-ar! tacu
Pumpkins by Alexi Wilbourn The whir of power tools fills the air as the crowd looks on in excitement. The sun hangs low beneath the tree line as the clock strikes seven. Incandescent lanterns dimly light the contest area, and plastic tablecloths cover every surface. The chefs position themselves in front of their soonto-be masterpieces and wait for the signal to begin. Yes, it’s the annual pumpkin-carving contest at Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Festof-Ale, and the finest chefs from around the
Don’t Miss the 3rd Annual Great Chefs of Atlanta Pumpkin-Carving Contest Atlanta Botanical Garden. On Oct. 27, the 25-minute Halloween pumpkin-carving showdown is done using only knives and power tools during the Fest-of-Ale. The winner is decided based on audience applause. Contest, 7-8 p.m. The Garden’s Fest-of-Ale is held every Thursday in October, 5-10 p.m. The Children’s Garden closes at dusk. Regular Garden hours: Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; children 3-17, $12.95; 3 and under, free.
32 Atlanta Parent October 2011
! Antonio Alberto with his winning pumpkin in 2010.
metro area have been selected to participate. Pastry chef Victor Dagatan, 37, of the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, took home the title of champion in 2009, the first year of the competition. He met his match the following year in Antonio Alberto, former Hilton hotel kitchen artist for 18 years. The two Filipino men are friends and both grew up in Paete, Laguna, considered the woodcarving capital of the world. Dagatan and Alberto are true artists and showcase their incredible skills through detailed ice sculptures, intricate fruit carvings and the 25-minute pumpkin competitions. “Pumpkins are fun because each has a different shape, so I have to use my imagination,” Dagatan says. Some of his previous carvings include pirates, fairies and abstract designs. The fairy and princess designs are favorites of his daughters, Vilenda and Gladys. Although difficult to execute, he enjoys carving the pumpkins with his daughters and likes to use the pumpkin seeds as teardrops for crying pumpkin faces. Dagatan uses a boning knife, small paring knife, wood chisel and loop tools (found at most art supply stores) for his creations. Like Dagatan, Alberto, 54, has carved many pumpkins for his six children over the years. Now that his kids are older, he only carves pumpkins with his 4-yearold grandson, who loves his grandfather’s spectacular dinosaur designs. Alberto has been carving since 1991 and uses woodcarving tools for his threedimensional designs. He warns others to be very careful and only use those tools if they have prior experience. A basic carving knife, jigsaw blade and spoon to remove seeds are better options for at-home carvers, he says.
Dagatan’s Advice for At-Home Carving: n Begin with the design, and pick a pumpkin with a shape that fits the design. n The pumpkin must be at least 9" tall if a lighted candle is placed inside. n Make sure the pumpkin is clean and dry. n Draw the design freehand by using a water-based marker that will allow for any mistakes to be erased, but you can also use a stencil and transfer the design to the pumpkin. n Start in the middle of the design, moving outward to avoid touching and putting pressure on areas that are already carved. n The most important thing is to have fun while carving!
Alberto’s Words of Wisdom: n Bigger pumpkins work best for carving, especially the tall ones. n Carve the pumpkin about a week before Halloween so it still looks new on the 31st. n To keep the pumpkin fresh, soak it in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes to an hour every two days. n Place a low-wattage light bulb inside. Candles give off more heat and dry out the pumpkin. n Craft stores are good places to find stencils and patterns for designs. Kids can draw the designs and parents can carve them.
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Ice It
No carving required, and this activity is perfect for young children who cannot use sharp objects. Use stencils, paste-on gems, shaped craft foam or paint. Another option is to paint white glue over the surface of the pumpkin and cover it in colored glitter.
This idea is perfect for upcoming Halloween parties, or just for a delightful October dessert. Bake a cake in a circle or bundt pan, use orange icing, then hand your pint-size Picassos black decorator’s icing and let them go to work! If you have several children who want to work independently, let them make mini-pumpkins out of a batch of cupcakes. Boxed mixes produce a lot of cupcakes, so suggest bringing a few cupcake pumpkins to neighbors and friends to share the spirit.
Craft and hobby stores offer artificial pumpkins in a variety of sizes. Some are considered “craft” pumpkins, made of thick foam and can be carved. Others are “decorative” and perfect for painting. The best thing about faux pumpkins is that they will last for years and you’ll never have to explain to your children why their precious creations ended up in the garbage after Halloween.
www.atlantaparent.com
Paint It Who says Halloween pumpkins have to be pumpkins at all? Paint a paper plate with silly, spooky or happy jack-o’-lantern faces and glue a piece of green construction paper to the top for a stem. Another idea is to use a terra-cotta flowerpot. Paint it completely, or use markers to detail the face. A light can still be placed in this “pumpkin” if the pot is painted open side up. The pot can even be used as a candy dish! c
www.cakinitup.blogsp ot.com
Fake It
www.kaboose.com
Embellish It
m www.bhg.co
OK, so not everyone enjoys carving pumpkins. Pumpkin carving can be a daunting task – the goo, the seeds, the scooping and the fact that the carving utensils never seem to be precise in executing the jack-o’-lantern designs. But all is not lost. There are many alternatives to this Halloween tradition:
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 33
Calling the Shots: Children and Vaccinations by Lori Solomon
e
very parent in the pediatrician’s waiting room knows what the wails coming from down the hall mean. Shots. These days, babies, preschoolers, even teenagers are subjected to the infamous needle poke more often than ever before.
Don’t vaccines carry risks? As with any medicine, a vaccine can cause side effects – from rare, serious problems, including allergic reactions, to more frequent, minor, localized reactions such as redness or swelling. Swelling or redness can occur at the injection site in up to 1-in-4 children for vaccines such as DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B), according to the CDC. Mild rashes may occur in up to 5 percent of children receiving doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or the chickenpox vaccines. Severe reactions are very rare. In fact, severe allergic reactions to DTaP and hepatitis B occur in less than one in a million doses. Other serious reactions, including seizure, coma and brain damage, have been reported so infrequently that investigators have been unable to say that vaccines were the cause. While the side effects of vaccinations can sound scary, health officials say the risk of illness and death from preventable diseases is far greater. “Most known identified risks [from vaccines] are mild,” says Dr. Robert Wiskind, a pediatrician at Peachtree Park Pediatrics in Atlanta. Wiskind advises parents to look at what each vaccine wards off to gain some perspective. “Some are for very rare illnesses with very serious consequences like meningococcal meningitis. In other illnesses, like chickenpox, the vast majority [of patients who contract it] do just fine. Some, like hepatitis B, have life-long consequences. With hepatitis B, you have an increased risk for liver failure and liver cancer later in life.”
34 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Children in this country now receive an estimated 200 million vaccine doses annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recommended immunization schedule for children has grown both in number and complexity in recent years, causing parental uncertainty over which vaccines are necessary as well as increased concern over safety. Meanwhile, health experts are trying to reassure parents that the added vaccinations are safe and essential to children’s wellbeing. “We do have more immunizations than we used to, and from my perspective that is a great thing. Now we can prevent diseases that we used to not be able to prevent,” says Dr. Melinda Wharton, deputy director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease. Infants and young children, who are most vulnerable to contagious and potentially deadly diseases such as diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), receive vaccinations early. And a lot of them. In the first 15 months of life, children may receive up to 25 shots, including five new vaccines that have been introduced to the children’s immunization schedule since 1995: varicella (chickenpox); rotavirus (diarrheal disease); hepatitis A; pneumococcal (pneumonia); and influenza (flu). But even older children face more sticks these days. Doctors recommend that 11- and 12-year-olds get vaccinations to prevent meningococcal diseases, the flu and human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause genital warts, cervical and anal cancers. Some parents, especially those who have to battle to get their kids to the doctor, remain skeptical that this growing barrage of shots is really necessary. “While almost all parents know intellectually that vaccines keep their kids safe, a parent’s whole life is devoted to protecting this tiny being. It’s understandable that emotionally, for some, it just feels wrong watching [their kids] be stuck,” says Dr. Amy Baxter, director of emergency research for Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associates. www.atlantaparent.com
Why should I put my child through this? Vaccinations help protect against diseases or make diseases less severe if contracted. They work by introducing a body’s immune system to either a dead or recognizable live piece of a disease-causing virus or bacteria (antigens). The immune system then develops antibodies, or disease-fighting cells, which are then stockpiled to fight off the disease if the body is exposed to it again. A vaccine is designed to introduce just enough of these antigens to trigger the immune system to respond, but usually not enough to cause illness.
Do Vaccines Pose a Risk? Parents are learning about these new vaccinations in a climate of lingering doubt and confusion over the real risks associated with vaccinations and amid warnings by health experts of the potential perils of not vaccinating. Some parents question the number of shots given in a short amount of time to young children. Vaccinations do not overwhelm a child’s immune system, the American Academy of Pediatrics maintains, and, in fact, the germs contained in the shots pale in comparison to those that children are exposed to daily while playing, eating, even breathing. The number of antigens that children fight every day is estimated to be 2,000 to 6,000 – far greater than the number in any combination of vaccines on the current vaccine schedule (or 150 for the whole schedule combined). While the national recommendations for when and how many vaccines should be administered are the standard of care in pediatricians’ practices, there is some flexibility built into the schedule and some pediatricians are willing to spread out vaccinations within a given age range. “The vaccinations must be received on time to www.atlantaparent.com
achieve maximum protection possible,” Wharton says. “Some families choose to administer the vaccines within the range but not as many at one time. But, there is a limit to how many [office] visits most people want to make.” Allegra Goodman of Smyrna has four boys in her extended family with autism, a disorder that some parents maintain is linked to vaccines despite scientific evidence to the contrary. When Goodman had her own son, who is now 4, she did research and worked with her pediatrician on an alternative vaccination schedule that she felt comfortable with – including beginning immunizations at age 2 and not introducing new vaccines within two months of each other. She also breastfed her son until he was almost 2 – the time they began immunizations – to provide him additional immunity. “I’m not saying the vaccines caused [the autism]. It is probably some genetic predisposition, but I was not willing to take that risk,” Goodman says. Altering the schedule is harder for doctors, she acknowledges. “It is not cookie-cutter and some are not supportive.” But to address concerns over vaccine safety, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program was established in 1988. Since then, there have been only about 14,000 petitions filed claiming that the shots caused harm. Of those, 2,700 claims have been paid for injuries ranging from anaphylactic shock to permanent upper arm damage to polio infection caused by a vaccine. Vaccine safety rose to the forefront of medical journals and popular news reports following the initial publication of a nowdiscredited study in 1998 that claimed an association between the MMR vaccine and autism. The study by British researcher Andrew Wakefield, now exposed as an “elaborate fraud” by the British Medical Journal, did ongoing damage to public health. It is now known that Wakefield misrepresented or altered the medical histories of the 12 patients who were included in his study. Five of the children whom he described as “previously normal” actually had evidence of developmental problems before receiving the vaccine, and three were never diagnosed with autism. Additionally, Wakefield, whose medical license was revoked, failed to disclose that he had been paid more than $670,000 by a law firm that intended to sue vaccine manufacturers. However, when the study was published, it triggered widespread alarm. Subsequently, vaccination rates plummeted, leading to spikes in disease outbreaks around the world. Cont’d on page 36
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 35
Calling the Shots: Children and Vaccinations Although researchers have been unable to find any correlation between the simultaneous increases in autism rates and vaccinations, some parents remain unconvinced and are willing to forgo vaccinating their children. “We certainly had some discussion about whether to vaccinate,” says Jennifer Lockridge, a Morningside mother of a 9-month-old daughter and step-mom to a 9-year-old son with autism. “As a parent, we want to research everything and make the best decision for our child. I, myself, am a factsbased person and try to not be influenced by what is swirling around in the media. I know there are ideas, rumors and theories out there, but everything I came up with said there is a bigger risk to not vaccinate.”
Risk from Vaccination Refusal While the risk of any vaccine causing serious harm is extremely small, health experts say the risk from not vaccinating is very real. High vaccination rates are necessary to stop diseases from spreading or penetrating a community. The more people who are vaccinated, the more that helps protect those who may not be vaccinated, or whose immune systems are compromised (such as cancer and organ transplant patients), or those whose vaccinations did not fully work. CDC data shows that diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and rubella have been virtually eliminated in the United States. Hepatitis A and B have declined 89 and 81 percent, respectively, compared to prevaccine era estimates. Despite some parents’ concerns about shots, the country’s vaccination rates remain
While the side effects of vaccinations can sound scary, health officials say the risk of illness and death from preventable diseases is far greater. high. In fact, in September, the CDC reported that immunization rates for 19-35 month old children for most vaccine-preventable diseases are increasing or remaining at high levels, with rates for the most commonly recommended at or above 90 percent. But according to research from Georgia’s Immunization Program, the state’s childhood immunization rates peaked in 2004 at 81 percent and have dropped to 78 percent in 2008, the most recent year that data are
Who shouldn’t get vaccinated? Your pediatrician may delay a vaccine if your child has a moderate or severe illness. Mildly ill children generally can be vaccinated. n Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction – hives, difficulty breathing, shock, etc. – to a shot should not be given that vaccine again. n Patients with certain allergies, for instance, people with a severe egg allergy, should not get an influenza vaccine. Anyone with a life-threatening allergy to baker’s yeast should not get a hepatitis B vaccine. Tell your pediatrician if your child has any allergies. n A child with a weakened immune system due to cancer or AIDS should not be given certain vaccines. n Certain vaccines are OK for expectant mothers, while others are not. Make sure to tell your doctor if you might be pregnant. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
available. (Within the metro Atlanta area, immunization rates varied from 93 percent in Gwinnett County to 69 percent in Clayton. Fulton’s rate was below 75 percent.) “We have found through our work that people who refuse vaccinations cluster geographically,” says Dr. Saad Omer, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Emory’s School of Public Health. “If the refusals were spread out evenly, the risk might be lower.” “Your community’s refusal rates affect your child’s risk. Vaccines are very good, but they are not 100 efficacious,” Omer says. So, he says, even if you do the “right thing” and get your child vaccinated, it may not be completely effective in preventing disease. If your child is surrounded by unvaccinated people who are more susceptible to disease outbreaks, “their risk goes up depending on who is in their playgroup or whom they go to school with.” Pertussis, mumps and measles outbreaks continue to occur throughout the country. In 2010, nearly 9,500 cases of pertussis were reported in California alone, the most in 65 years. In the first four months of this year, 118 cases of measles have been reported in the country, the highest number since 1996, with many occurring in California Cont’d on page 39
36 Atlanta Parent October 2011
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The Emotional Sting of Vaccinations “The physiology is called ‘gate control.’ The nerve pathway is only big enough for two things. Pain doesn’t have as much room to squeeze through the ‘gate’ past the cold and the vibration.” Dr. Amy Baxter, developer of Buzzy
New research shows that while childhood vaccines can prevent serious illnesses, bad shot experiences may scar kids so badly that they don’t want to see doctors later on in life. Nearly 1-in-4 adults dislikes needles so much that they will delay or forgo medical care, and 75 percent of adults won’t donate blood because of a fear of needles (trypanophobia). Adults may not remember a specific event, but they hold that needle-induced trauma against the entire medical field, says Dr. Amy Baxter, director of emergency research for Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associates and a pediatric emergency physician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. “As pediatricians, we only see children as children. We don’t see the delayed effects of needle-phobia, when some patients actually avoid medical care later in life,” Baxter says. Current research suggests a fear of needles usually develops when a child is around 4 or 5 years old, she says.
There are several reasons shots can be so traumatic at that age, Baxter explains. Some kids can’t distinguish punishment from pain. “They can’t abstract that something painful is medicine to keep them safe,” she says. “Also, around age 5, kids start to have a less intense perception of pain. A 4-yearold will report higher pain than a 5-year-old for the same event.” After Baxter’s own son was so traumatized by shots that he would literally throw up at the doctor’s office, she developed Buzzy. The hand-held device, which comes in the shape of a plastic bee (also available in plain black for needle-hating grown-ups), uses a combination of vibration and cold to take the sting out of shots. Currently used in 150 children’s hospitals worldwide, Buzzy is about the size of a computer mouse and can also be used to lessen the pain of IVs and blood-draws. Parents may want to purchase one to tote to the doctor’s office or to treat stings and splinters.
Cont’d on page 38
Atlanta Parent’s
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October 2011 Atlanta Parent 37
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38 Atlanta Parent October 2011
The Emotional Sting of Vaccinations
“Like running cold water when you burn your finger, it soothes the pain,” Baxter explains. “The physiology is called ‘gate control.’ The nerve pathway is only big enough for two things. Pain doesn’t have as much room to squeeze through the ‘gate’ past the cold and the vibration.” Studies have shown Buzzy can reduce IV access pain by about 50 percent for kids 4 years and older. Baxter has received a $1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study Buzzy’s effectiveness for immunizations in children “in the hopes that if Buzzy reduces pain, they won’t grow up fearing doctors,” she says. The medical community may want to reexamine the vaccine schedule for kids’ emotional well-being, Baxter says. “Immunizations don’t hurt kids, but shots do,” she says. “I want to protect kids from preventable deaths and I would absolutely have kids fully immunized, but based on my research, around 5 is a better age to give shots. With more than three shots, a child’s coping mechanism decreases.” Another reason shots are hard on kids is the lack of control that children have over the situation. If your pediatrician’s office allows, you should let your child make some choices, she says. Does he want to sit on mom’s lap or on the table? Would he like a song or a book or game to look at? What treat would he like afterward? “We’re still analyzing how much, if any, Buzzy helps very young children,” says Baxter. “In adults, the more anxious they were, the more statistically effective Buzzy was. Babies and some kids still cry no matter what, but older children who know what shots usually feel like tell us how much Buzzy helps.” Buzzy can be purchased for use at home or at the doctor’s office at buzzy4shots.com or amazon.com for $39.95. – Lori Solomon www.atlantaparent.com
Calling the Shots
Our primary purpose is to show how much “We Care”in a pleasant surrounding with courtesy and understanding.
For more information
on vaccines and vaccine safety: n Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cdc.gov/vaccines
Cheryl Jones Kendall, MD, FAAP
• New Patients Welcome • Accepting Most Insurance Plans • Medical care for children Birth to 21
n Georgia Department of Public Health – Immunization Section health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization n American Academy of Pediatrics aap.org/healthtopics/immunizations.cfm n American Academy of Family Physicians aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/ immunizationres.html
and Minnesota. Almost 90 percent of the cases involved people who had not been vaccinated and who had contracted the disease while traveling abroad (both U.S. residents returning from travel and international visitors). Forty percent of the patients had to be hospitalized. Georgia has been spared outbreaks like those seen in California and Minnesota – so far. “There are pockets of measles in communities not fully immunized, and it could become more widespread if larger percentages of people are not vaccinated,” says Dr. Robert Wiskind, an Atlanta pediatrician. In Georgia, students who are not vaccinated can enroll in school if they qualify for medical or religious vaccination exemptions. Even so, during an epidemic, or even the threat of an epidemic, of a vaccinepreventable disease, children who are not immunized may be excluded from a school, daycare or other congregate setting until they get vaccinated or the threat subsides. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, experts say, children could end up missing months of school. Additionally, many pediatrician offices are adopting policies that bar patients who refuse to vaccinate their children. Consider this diplomatic language that appears on the website of one local practice: “At North Fulton Pediatrics, we feel that vaccinating children and adolescents is a vital part of our responsibility to promote health and well-being. … If you are firmly against vaccinations or you feel that you do not want to discuss this important health topic, then our practice may not be the best fit for you and your family.” c www.atlantaparent.com
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How to Talk to Children about Money Problems 10 Tips For Bad Times
1
Be Honest
2
Give Age-appropriate Explanations
Your children most likely already know something is wrong, so don’t make it harder for them by denying the reality they sense all around them. Your honesty will validate their fears as important and normal. Honesty is the first step toward gaining the cooperation of all family members.
You may need to have a separate conversation with each child, because children of different ages will vary in their ability to understand. Emphasize concrete demonstrations and minimize abstract theory. (For specific suggestions, see below.)
3
Ask the Children About Their Money Concerns
4
Ask for Suggestions on Saving Money
by Sharon Nolfi
Unemployment. Salary reductions. Shrinking home values. Foreclosures. These problems are common today and threaten the well-being of families everywhere. Parents face the additional challenge of explaining painful lifestyle changes to their children. It’s normal for parents to feel uncomfortable discussing money with their children. You wish to shield them from unpleasant realities, but this approach ignores your children’s ability to sense problems due to increased tension at home over finances. Your silence or denial will only cause them to worry more and to imagine situations worse than those that actually exist. Follow these tips to open up financial communication in your family so that all members can support one another through the crisis and work together toward effective solutions: 40 Atlanta Parent October 2011
5 6
Their answers may surprise you and will help you to address the real issues that may be bothering them. Never assume that you know what your child is thinking.
Children are more likely to follow a budget plan that they have a hand in creating. Listen and learn about their actual priorities before making spending cuts.
Be a Good Role Model Follow your budget and demonstrate that you can reduce your own spending. Children will cooperate more if they see that your actions match your words.
Plan Free Family Activities It’s more important than ever to share happy times together. Think up free or low-cost alternatives to your usual activities. Make a special effort to plan outings to free locations like parks and libraries. Look for discount coupons for other family attractions and take advantage of museums that offer “free admission” days. Bring snacks and lunch from home whenever possible. www.atlantaparent.com
Money Talk for Every Age Preschool and Kindergarten Give a minimal explanation, starting with the idea that pennies have value beyond their use in counting or stacking. Explain how money is earned by working and then exchanged for things we want and need. Use pennies and a piggy bank to show the difference between saving, where the money remains, and spending, where the money is gone.
Ages 6 to 12 Introduce the concept of budgeting, which simply means planning before spending. Start with several small-denomination bills and show how they can be sorted into piles in different ways for different expenses. Note that the total number of dollars remains constant. Discuss how certain necessities, like food and housing, must be paid for before spending on entertainment or new clothes. Emphasize that less income means less spending money.
7
8
Worry Away From the Children You are entitled to your feelings, but express them privately to your spouse or other adult. Children often wrongly assume that they are to blame for family problems, whether it’s lack of money or even divorce. Reassure your children that they are in no way to blame for current circumstances. Emphasize that the adults will find a solution to current difficulties.
Disagree With Your Spouse in Private Fighting in front of the children will only increase the children’s worries. Spouses blaming each other, whether children are present or not, seldom leads to the level of cooperation needed to solve problems.
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Teenagers Sit down with them and plan a budget for your family. Draw a pie chart where the total pie equals monthly income and proportional slices show necessary expenses like food, housing and transportation. See if anything is left over. Review the difference between necessary and discretionary expenses.
9
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Emphasize Emotional Security Real security is more about love than money. Explain to your children that finances may go up and down, but your concern for them remains constant. Demonstrate by your actions that they can depend on you emotionally.
Love, Laugh and Reject Guilt Extra hugs and a sense of humor help everyone feel better during stressful times. Don’t feel guilty about circumstances beyond your control. Keep in mind that children are adaptive, resilient and forgiving. Your family can survive and even flourish during bad economic times. The key to your child’s experience of the difficulties is how you handle the situation. c October 2011 Atlanta Parent 41 6222424_ATL_ASeck_ATLParentMag_2.313x9.5.indd 1
8/9/11 1:38 PM
Streamline the Back-To-School Paper Flood
Recycle Most Of It Initially, you will feel you must save everything in the belief it may prove important later on. Don’t do it. Ask yourself instead, “Will I die, will my child suffer, or will we experience serious social disgrace or compromise critical parent-teacher communication if I throw this away?” If the answer is “No,” toss it. You won’t even miss it. I promise. When you are unsure, invest in some inexpensive cloth wall pockets to temporarily store the papers you can’t bear to part with yet, like school directories or instructions for future events you plan to participate in.
Pick & Choose You’ll need to learn what to participate in and what to pass over. PTA? Yes. Fun run? OK. Basketball fundraiser? Maybe not this year. Scholastic book purchases every month? It’s up to you. Select what you can manage and don’t even think about doing more. Whatever you can handle, let it be enough.
Respond Immediately
by Christina Katz
T
he first day of school is promising. Your children are coiffed and coutured in their cleanest and newest. They are nervous, excited, maybe a little anxious. Surely there are a few tears to wipe away, maybe a couple of family members to call or email with reports of “how big” and “so brave.” Emotions and expectations surely run high, and then, guess what comes home along with the report on how the first day was? A deluge of paper. Piles form, teetering with appeals for donations, volunteer time, yearbook payments, extra-curricular enrichment and spirit wear. If you have multiple kids, you’d better act fast before the torrent of paper takes over an entire room in your home. After five years of dividing and conquering a volley of school communications, I’ve learned how to tame the perennial paper beast. Here’s how: 42 Atlanta Parent October 2011
By the third round of requests for payments for the annual yearbook, you won’t even hesitate to toss that sucker in the trash. Why? Because you always respond immediately to anything you want to participate in and you chuck the rest. Don’t confuse matters by waiting until later. Get out the calendar. Take charge and make the decision on the spot. If “immediately” doesn’t work for you, take care of these requests on Fridays or Mondays or whatever day works best. Then the next time the teacher is hollering that this is the 10th reminder to send in field trip money, you will smile smugly and recycle it, because you always take care of those requests the first time around.
But It’s Art You can keep it. But have some display cycles that you put your kids’ artwork through for maximum enjoyment before the works go to the big craft heaven in the sky (or the big plastic tub in the basement). In the meantime, hang up a clothesline in the kitchen, put up picture frames around the house, and hang magnetized or cork strips in their rooms for the parade of self-expression to come. If you openly display your child’s art for a while, and take photos of it on display, you might be willing to let go of it sooner instead of hanging onto it for posterity. Cont’d on page 44
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Local Moms on Taming the Paper Piles by Alexi Wilbourn
Give them the tools! Cathy Sisson, retired interior designer, knows that the key to keeping 14-yearold Hannah and seven-year-old Hank’s papers organized is to have them be the ones responsible for doing it. “They’re going to be at a loss if you just tell them to be organized. You really have to give them the tools, even if it’s ten dollars worth of boxes, and show them how it’s done,” she says. Sisson’s daughter has her own space for homework, which has six labeled magazine holders for papers for each school subject. There’s also a “Mom and Dad” bin that Sisson can check each night for papers she needs to sign. Hannah says that the organization makes her want to study! Hank, a second-grader at Summit Hill Elementary, has a “Friday Folder” that the school sends home with assorted tests to sign each week. Consider giving your child their own designated
folder so that you can deal with test and homework papers all at once and keep things organized. “It only takes one time of them not being able to find something to form a habit of organization,” Sisson says. n Sisson’s Advice: Dedicate an area in your house that is not the kitchen table and has nothing to do with your mail for their papers. Knowing there is only one space in the house for school papers relieves stress for you and your kids.
The key is in the calendar. Daily reminders about field trips, study groups and the like are transferred directly into Lucy Soto’s laptop calendar. Getting rid of excess papers is essential to manageability for this Buckhead mom of four. That, and mailing special papers and projects to the grandparents to keep them out of the house, but still appreciated. Routine also helps contribute to organization. Each child gets home, puts their backpacks in one place, lunchboxes
Labeled magazine holders keep Hannah Sisson’s papers organized and easy to find.
in another, and then one-by-one the papers from each child are addressed. “I take care of the sign-now requirements first, like agendas and homework pledges,” Soto says. She celebrates projects and grades immediately when brought home, then puts them aside until a later date so that it will be easier to part with them. She also hangs artwork in the playroom and on the refrigerator, but rotates out old things. Cont’d on page 44
imagine Your Child? What do you want for
Imagine a School where your child learns…
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Montessori School of Alpharetta
Now enrolling children ages 15 months – 12 years • www.MontessoriSchoolsofGeorgia.com www.atlantaparent.com
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 43
Local Moms
Paper Flood
n Soto’s Advice: Unless it’s something incredibly special or unique, it really isn’t going to matter in 10 or 12 years. Think about stuff in your parent’s attic, what would YOU want of old schoolwork to put in your house?
Preserve The Standouts Your child does not want to remember that she was the last one in class to memorize her math tables, so throw the evidence away. But she does want to remember the awesome story she wrote when she could barely spell. Set aside one large plastic tub for each child’s best artwork and ephemera. The best time to trim the clutter that accumulates is over the summer, once you’ve regained some detachment. Sort through each artwork tub at least once a year to keep the contents manageable.
My, That’s Bulky Have your child pose with the 3-D masterpiece of elbow noodles, glue and glitter. Get several shots. Make sure you get a good one. Then “store” the masterpiece in the basement or garage on a special shelf or rack set aside for amazing artwork. When the shelf is full, take some shots of the whole range of work, from many
File, file, file!
angles, and discretely dispose of the whole shelf’s worth at the beginning of each school year.
Share The Wealth Keep manila envelopes addressed and ready to mail to relatives so you can easily share some of the artwork. No need to hoard them all for yourself. c
“General paperwork goes into my own threesection filing system, which I go through each week,” former professional organizer Tamara Beck says and mom to an 11-year-old daughter and sixyear-old son. From her filing system, the work either goes into a labeled paper-sized box for each child or in an IKEA under-the-bed storage box for big things, like art projects. Each child also has a bulletin board to proudly display their work until it gets rotated into the box after three or four weeks. Routinely, Beck sorts through the boxes and inconspicuously removes things that they will not miss. This Grant Park mom also schedules time to browse her children’s school websites for information so that important dates will be available electronically and papers can be tossed. n Beck’s Advice: Hold onto homework and tests for the year and go through it at the end. Sometimes, you’re not sure what you are going to need, especially in times of academic difficulty (you may need work samples to show your child’s tutor). c
Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens
• Laughing Gas • Low Dose X-Rays • Free School Screening
Open House
Friday, October 21, 2011
Elyse M. Morceau, D.D.S., P.C.
770.926.3400 www.MyKidsDentists.com 205 Hawkins Store Rd., NW • Suite 100 Kennesaw, GA 30144 (Just off of Bells Ferry Road, North of I-575)
44 Atlanta Parent October 2011
www.atlantaparent.com
Ask a Teacher
Q: A:
My child wants to learn Spanish but is having a hard time grasping it. I don’t know Spanish either, but is there anything I can do to help him?
Arbor Montessori School Primary through Middle School (21/2 - 14 years)
A Preparation
As a Spanish teacher, I get this sort of question all the time. When thinking about tips or strategies that will help your child, it is important to remember that language is not learned. It is acquired. Think about how you teach a child to speak. You are constantly repeating words while showing objects that you are talking about. (Look at the light. Do you see the light? Is the light bright?) This is the same thing that you must do in another language – words must be repeated while looking at the objects Trisha Urrea that they represent. A tried-and-true way to make sure your child is repeating his vocabulary is to make flashcards. On one side, write the new word, and on the other side draw a picture that represents the new word. Having your child study his flashcards nightly will help him retain the new words that he is learning. And because it is a language, he needs to be saying the words out loud. The more he hears and says and sees the word, the quicker he will internalize it. Another way to make sure your child is seeing words is to label things around the house. An inexpensive pack of sticky notes and a magic marker can go a long way. Suddenly the whole family will be turning on the “luz” and snacking on some delicious red “manzanas.” Once these words are acquired, phrases can be added so speech patterns are being practiced as well. Your child also needs to be exposed to new words. Literacy is a key component to learning any language but picking up a chapter book to start may not be the best idea. Rather, reading children’s picture books will help your child tremendously. Again, because it is a language, reading aloud is imperative. Take a trip to your local library and see what you can find. There are probably old favorites that have been translated, and reading these stories together will be a great trip down memory lane. The most important thing to remember is that language acquisition takes time. When you start speaking, it isn’t going to be perfect. Encouraging your child to speak in class will naturally allow his teacher to correct him. The more he speaks, the more he will learn. ¡Buena suerte! – Trisha Urrea teaches Spanish at Marist School.
for life
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Lovett ad FINAL Atlanta Parent 4.875w x 4.625h
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offers parent observations has AMI Accreditation offers Parent Education Classes & Curriculum Nights has regular parent/teacher conferences
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learn from a proven curriculum learn in a mixed age environment are given the freedom to learn have the time to pursue extra-curricular activities learn without the pressures of competition are trained in conflict resolution & peer mediation
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Please call to register 404-321-9304 arbormontessori.org
2998 LaVista Road • Decatur, GA 30033
lovett Please join us for an oPen house: Sunday, November 13, 2011 K–Grade 5, 1:00 pm Grades 6–12, 3:30 pm
The Lovett School is an independent school for families seeking excellence in learning, character, and community in an environment that develops the whole child.
The Lovett School practices a nondiscriminatory admission policy. Financial aid is available.
Learn more at www.lovett.org
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 45
Is Your Child Too Sick for School? Early in the morning, it is often difficult to make a decision about whether or not your child is sick enough to stay home from school. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offers parents tips on how to make the call. With minor symptoms, you often cannot tell if he is going to get better or worse. Most of these problems need to be discussed with your child’s pediatrician to determine if an office visit is needed. (If your child has frequent complaints of pain that cause school absence, you should consider the possibility that your child is intentionally avoiding school. Bring this to the attention of the child’s doctor before a great deal of school has been missed.) On the other hand, children who don’t have a fever and only have a mild cough, runny nose or other cold symptoms can be sent to school without any harm to themselves or others. The following guidelines may help in your decision process:
46 Atlanta Parent October 2011
The main reasons for keeping your child home are: He’s too sick to be comfortable at school. He might spread a contagious disease to other children. As a rule of thumb, a child should stay home if he has: A fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit Vomited more than once Diarrhea A very frequent cough Persistent pain (ear, stomach, etc.) A widespread rash
www.atlantaparent.com
n A runny nose is the way many children respond to pollen, dust or a cold virus. Minor cold or allergy symptoms should not be a reason to miss school. Many healthy children have as many as six colds per year, especially in the early school years.
Great MindsSpotlight Start Young Come see how great minds learn and grow at The Davis Academy! Open House and Information Session Mechina: Kindergarten Prep and Kindergarten Sunday, November 13, 2011 • 10 am – noon
n Coughing, especially if it is persistent during the day, can indicate a worsening of cold or allergy symptoms. It may be a sign of a secondary infection (e.g., sinusitis, pneumonia), which may require medical treatment. It may also indicate mild asthma. If your child’s cough is worse than you might expect with a common cold, you need to consult your child’s doctor. You should do so immediately if the child is not acting normal, has a fever or has any difficulty breathing. n Diarrhea
and
www.davisacademy.org RSVP 678-527-3300 Proud Affiliate of:
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vomiting
make children very uncomfortable. A single episode of vomiting, without any other symptoms, may not be reason enough for the child to miss school, but be sure the school can reach you if symptoms occur again during the day. A single episode of watery diarrhea probably warrants not going to school. It could be very embarrassing and uncomfortable for your child to have another episode while in school. If diarrhea or vomiting are frequent or are accompanied by fever, rash or general weakness, consult your child’s doctor and keep the child out of school until the illness passes. n Fever (generally considered to be higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) is an important symptom – especially when it occurs along with a sore throat, nausea or a rash. Your child could have a contagious illness, which could be passed to classmates and teachers. While you can treat the fever, and usually make the child feel better temporarily, the cause of the fever (and the risk of passing it to others) is still there. Children with fever should stay home until there is no fever for 24 hours.
French classes for children Saturday program ages 18 mo-12 yrs • Buckhead location at Atlanta International School New Class: Bébé et Moi (Baby and Me) for children ages 18-36 months
Register for Classes
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Register online at: www.frenchschoolatlanta.org
770-634-6228
n Strep throat and scarlet fever are two highly contagious
conditions caused by the same bacterial infection. They usually arrive with a sudden complaint of sore throat and fever and often stomachache and headache. With scarlet fever, a rash usually appears within 12 to 48 hours. A child with these symptoms should see his doctor for diagnosis and treatment and should remain out of school until he is without fever and has been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Cont’d on page 48
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October 2011 Atlanta Parent 47
Too Sick for School? n Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis,
can be caused by a virus, bacteria or allergy. The first two are very contagious. The eye will be reddened, and a cloudy or yellow discharge is usually present. The eye may be sensitive to light. Consult with your child’s doctor to see if antibiotic eye drops are needed. Again, your child should stay home until symptoms subside and he has been on antibiotic eye drops at least 24 hours or until the doctor recommends your child return to school. n Middle ear infections can cause great discomfort and often fever, but are not contagious to others. Your child should see his doctor for diagnosis and treatment and should stay at home if he has fever or pain.
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S hare Atlanta Parent with a friend!
n Flu is a contagious virus that usually occurs in the winter months. Symptoms include body aches, high fever, chills, congestion, sore throat and, in some children, vomiting. Your child should stay home until these symptoms improve, usually five to seven days. Consult your child’s doctor for treatment suggestions to make your child more comfortable. n Impetigo is a staph or strep infection that creates a red, oozing blisterlike area that can appear anywhere on the body or face. A honey-colored crust may appear on the area. It can be passed to others by direct contact. Consult your child’s doctor for treatment and length of time your child should remain out of school, especially if the area cannot be covered. n Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral illness. It causes fever and an itchy rash, which spreads quickly all over the body, changing from red bumps to blisterlike lesions, then scabs. Your child needs to stay home until all bumps are scabbed and no new bumps have appeared for two days. Your child is contagious at least two days before the rash starts, so you need to let the school and playmates know, and consult your child’s doctor for treatment of symptoms. A vaccine is available for children who have not yet had chickenpox and is required for kindergarten. The vaccine will also be required for all new sixth graders who have not yet had chickenpox. n Scabies and lice brought into a school can quickly produce an epidemic of itching and scratching. Scabies are tiny insects that burrow into the skin and cause www.atlantaparent.com
We do one thing. And we do it really, really well. We’re an elementary school.
We educate young children. We give them the solid academic foundation upon which all future learning is based. We teach them respect, kindness and compassion. We prepare them for the world as it is and give them confidence in their ability to make their mark on it.
345 10th Street, NE I Atlanta, GA 30309
Chickenpox causes fever and an itchy rash, which spreads quickly all over the body, changing from red bumps to blister-like lesions, then scabs. severe itching. Lice are tiny wingless insects, like ticks, that thrive on the warm scalps of children and cause itching. Both should be treated immediately, with advice from your child’s doctor. Children need to stay home from school until head lice are dead and until the nits (eggs) are removed with a special fine-tooth comb. Head checks should continue for 10 to 14 days. Caution your child against sharing combs, brushes, hats or other clothing. In the case of scabies, children should stay home for 24 hours after treatment. All of these illnesses can be spread easily, both in school and in the family. Keep in mind that hand washing is the single most-important thing you can do and teach your child to do to help prevent the spread of infections. Whenever there is a doubt in your mind about sending your child to school, consult your child’s doctor before doing so. A phone consultation may be all that is necessary, or your child’s doctor may need to see the child in the office. You may also call the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s 24-hour nurse advice line at 404-250-5437 for advice when your child’s doctor’s office is not open. Make sure that your child’s school knows how to reach you during the day, and that there is a backup plan and phone number on file if the school cannot reach you. c www.atlantaparent.com
The Children’s School is a coed, independent elementary school that welcomes families of all races, faiths and cultures.
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At the MJCCA’s NAEYC-accredited preschools, our loving, highly-trained, and experienced teachers guide your child through our exceptional program. Flexible School Options: full- and half-day programs 2-day, 3-day and 5-day
preschool@atlantajcc.org atlantajcc.org
Age-appropriate programs, many of them new, for infants through Pre-K:
• Baby Sign Language • Zoo Phonics • Handwriting Without Tears
OPEN HOUSE: OCTOBER 18 THE WEINSTEIN SCHOOL 5342 Tilly Mill Road • Dunwoody For more information, contact Ileene McCain at 678.812.3833
• Ready, Set, Go... to Kindergarten • And more!
OPEN HOUSE: OCTOBER 28 THE SUNSHINE SCHOOL at Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road • Marietta For more information, contact Raye Lynn Banks at 678.812.3714
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 49
Scan this learn mor MJCCA pre
The Suzuki School is a private preparatory preschool for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our curriculum surrounds children with activities and experiences designed to maximize emerging growth in all areas of development.
Limited Fall Availability for 3 to 4 year olds
Program Components Infants through Kindergarten Enrichment Programs Include French, Spanish, Chinese, Gymnastics, Ballet, and Sports Movement Low Pupil/Teacher Ratios Degreed Teachers Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm founded 1976 2 convenient Buckhead locations
404.869.1042 www.suzukischool.com
Your Child Can Succeed in the Right Environment ■
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iLs - Integrated Listening Systems Before and After School Programs
770-594-1313 www.porteracademy.org
• 15 years of Montessori Curriculum • School & Summer Programs (up to 12 years) • FREE GA Pre K • 6 weeks to 6 years/ 6:30 am to 6:00 pm • Karate, Ballet, Art, Spanish, Music
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www.meadowsmontessori.com
❤ Pre-K to 5th Grade ❤ A Beka Curriculum
❤ Enrichment Curriculum Includes: Spanish, guitar lessons, piano, lessons, karate, and praise dance ❤ Onsite tutoring in all subjects ❤ Average 15:1 Student/Teacher Ratio ❤ Our Students consistently rank in the 75th - 90th percentile in National Standardized testing
770-803-6475
www.GSLCacademy.com 50 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Making Eating Vegetables Easier Worried your kids aren’t getting enough fruits and veggies? Urge your school to apply to receive a salad bar as part of the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools program. Produce for Kids and Publix Super Markets are teaming up to support the donation of salad bars to schools in the Southeast, including Georgia. The program aims to increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption and improve child nutrition. In the past year, over 800 salad bars have been donated to schools nationwide. Salad bars increase children’s access to a wide variety of produce, helping them to meet the government’s new proposed MyPlate recommendations to make fruits and vegetables half of every meal, including school lunch. Any K-12 school or school district can submit an application at saladbars2schools.org.
Atlanta School Fair
111 Bells Ferry Lane • Marietta
“Where Children are a Blessing”
School Matters
Math Classes
for Gifted Kids (and those who aspire to be)
Try a lesson for free!
Pre-K to 8th grade Small classes (8 or fewer) Professional instructors Satisfaction guaranteed* *Call for details
The Prime School of Mathematics www.ThePrimeSchool.com Alpharetta / Johns Creek 678-240-9200 Dunwoody / Sandy Springs 404-643-4883
New to the area? Thinking about transferring your kids to a different school? Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. To make the decision a little easier, check out the Atlanta School Fair at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. This event is featuring more than 50 of Atlanta’s independent, public and charter schools. Educational consultants will be on hand to help answer all your questions, so come gather all the information you’ll need regarding these Atlanta area schools. Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m. 3417 Roswell Rd, Atlanta. 404-303-2150 ext. 284 or 404-842-5809.
Georgia SAT Participation Rate Rising, Scores Falling The good news: Georgia now has the fifth highest participation rate in the country for the SAT, up one spot from last year’s rankings. Participation rose 6 percent from 2010, with 72,510 students taking the exam. The bad news: High participation rates can inversely affect average scores. In Georgia’s case, the average SAT score for 2011 was 1445 out of 2400 – six points lower than last year. c – Alexi Wilbourn
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“That’s Not My Name” by Lara Krupicka
My daughter Katherine was engrossed in a book at the dentist’s office when her turn came. “Come on up, Katie!” the dentist called. She continued reading, oblivious. “Katie, your turn,” he repeated. Thankfully, she looked up and I subtly motioned her over to the dentist’s chair, ignoring his goof on her name. Situations like this can be awkward at best. For kids, particularly those with unusual names, conveying the correct pronunciation proves to be a challenge all its own. But with a few simple strategies, kids can be armed to confidently speak their name to others and learn how to pronounce unfamiliar names of those they meet. Getting Their Own Name Across n Children should speak loudly and clearly when stating their name, whenever they are asked. Encourage them to repeat it when others don’t catch it the first time. n Help your child appreciate her name. Elizabeth Bojang, founder of hearnames.com, a website dedicated to audio pronunciations of names, encourages parents to prepare their children emotionally for mispronunciations by emphasizing what makes their name special. “My daughter’s name – Nyima, pronounced ‘nee-muh’ – is often mispronounced when people look at the spelling, but I’ve shared with her how important her name is, why we chose it, and about her namesake who bore the name before her. She is proud of her name and so far is comfortable quietly correcting others when the situation calls for it,” Bojang says. n Find a mnemonic device your child can use to aid others, like a common rhyming word (for example: my last name, Krupicka, rhymes with “paprika”). In other cases, a word picture can make an unusual name easier to remember. Bojang suggests something like what she uses for the Vietnamese surname Nguyen (pronounced “win”): “Imagine that they like to win. Picture them smiling or jumping up and down and saying ‘Win!’” n Susie Higgins, a school speech pathologist from Manhattan, Kansas, recom-
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mends having the child spell out his name, if he’s old enough. Some names sound very similar to others and can be easily confused (like Alec and Alex, or Stephanie and Bethany). A simple spelling can clear up any uncertainty. n If encountering mispronunciations is traumatic for your child, consider giving him a nickname instead (for example: Aristoteles becomes “Telly” for short). n If others (like our dentist) try to label your child with a nickname she doesn’t care for, teach her to say, “I prefer to be called ______.” Learning Tricky Names n Train your child to be a good listener who makes eye contact. Sometimes seeing the words formed on the other person’s lips can offer clues to the pronunciation that the ear might miss. n Have her repeat back what she thinks she heard if it sounds odd to her. Chances are it’s a common name that got garbled in translation. n If you find your child continually tripping over the name of a classmate or teacher, check out some handy websites that offer assistance, such as Bojang’s hearnames.com or pronouncenames.com. These sites offer recorded (the former) or phonetic (the latter) pronunciations of commonly misheard or difficult-to-say names.
A final tip: If you’ve got a tongue-twister of a last name like me, take it easy on the little people in your life and go with something short, like “Mrs. K.” Do’s & Don’ts for Unusual Names Do n Repeat it back, multiple times if necessary. n Ask the person if you got it correct. He’ll appreciate your efforts, even if you didn’t. n Ask the origin of the name. It can sometimes help you understand the pronunciation and may work as a recall aid. Don’t n Substitute another, similar name. My name is Lara, not Laurie. n Mumble. It can come across as careless, or worse, disrespectful. n Avoid saying a person’s name. You may hope the individual won’t notice, but if they do, it appears thoughtless. n Be embarrassed if you have to ask a person to repeat his name. Desiring to get it right shows that you care. n Comment negatively on how unusual a name is. Chances are she already knows. c
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 51
Digging Dinosaurs by Alexi Wilbourn
Not many things are cooler than dinosaurs, the giant lizards that lived millions of years ago before strangely disappearing. There’s no phenomena quite like them! In honor of these large, mysterious creatures, October is International Dinosaur Month. These tidbits are sure to make your young explorers grin and set their sights on having a prehistorically good time. www.favecrafts.com
No pretend dinosaur is complete without a pair of giant feet to lumber through the forest in. You’ll need: 2 sheets of craft foam Scissors Hot glue (or regular glue for younger dinosaurs) 2 pieces of yarn or string Hole punch Cut out two identical dinosaur footprints from craft foam. In the heel area, make two 5-inch snips in an “X” shape. This is where you stick your human feet through. Hot glue triangle-shaped foam “claws” onto the dinosaur toes. Use the hole punch to make one hole each on the inside and outside edges of the foot. Tie the end of one strand of yarn to each of these holes. Repeat on other foot. These loops will keep your new dinosaur feet secure on your human feet! You’re ready to be the scariest dinosaur around!
VE A E L AIL R AT
ic t s ta Fan ssils Fo
Did You Know? Stegosaurus means “covered lizard” in Greek. It grew up to 40 feet tall and weighed around five tons.
You may not be able to find fossils in your own back yard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own with a little imagination and a cup of coffee grounds! You’ll need: 1 cup used coffee grounds 1/2 cup cold coffee 1 cup flour 1/2 cup salt Wax paper Mixing bowl Small objects to make impressions in the dough (shells, shaped cookie cutters, leaves, etc.) Empty can or a butter knife Toothpick, optional String to hang your fossil, optional
52 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Stir together the coffee grounds, cold coffee, flour and salt until well mixed. Knead the dough together and then flatten it out onto the waxed paper. Use the can to cut out circles of the dough or use the dull knife to cut slabs large enough to hold your “fossil” objects. Press your objects firmly into the dough and then remove, leaving a “fossil” impression. If you
Did You Know? Dinosaurs are believed to have become extinct about 65 million years ago.
want to hang the fossil, use the toothpick to poke a hole into the edge for the string. Let the fossil dry overnight (up to two days). Source: crafts.kaboose.com/fossil.html
www.atlantaparent.com
l Fernbank Museum of Natural History The museum features awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibits, including a fossil floor made of 40,000 limestone tiles! A family of bronze dinosaurs greets visitors to the Dinosaur Entrance Plaza. The large creatures, Lophorhothon atopus, are a species that once lived in Georgia. Fernbank also offers a permanent exhibit called “Giants of the Mesozoic” that recreates life in the badlands of Patagonia, Argentina, where the largest dinosaurs in the world were found. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. fernbankmuseum.org. Adults, $17.50; children 3-12, $15.50; 2 and under, free.
to e r Mo plore Ex
Q&A
with a Dino Hunter Bill Montante of Kennesaw – industrial engineer by day, dino hunter by night – has been going on fossil digs with professional paleontologists for some 15 years in places from Georgia to Montana, all for the thrill of discovery. He even helped find the first evidence of soft fossil preservation in Georgia and received a twoyear grant from National Geographic! Montante, 61, volunteers at the Tellus Museum to share his experiences and knowledge with visitors.
l Tellus Science Museum Take a trip to Cartersville to visit this 120,000-square-foot museum. The dinosaur gallery features a nine-foot-wide jaw of a prehistoric shark called a megaladon and a 40-foot T. rex! Young paleontologists can also pan for gems and dig for fossils. Shark teeth, snail shells and other fossils lie hidden in the sand. Children get to keep their favorite one as a souvenir. Download and print your official Fossil Hunting License before visiting the dig! Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. I-75 Exit 293, Cartersville. 770-606-5700. tellusmuseum.org. Adults, $12; children 3-17, $8.
Q: How did you get interested in fossil digs and dino hunting? A: It’s a hobby. I’ve been digging in the dirt ever since I can remember. The museum has opened doors for me to work with professional paleontologists. Q: What makes it exciting for you? A: The thrill of discovery is as simple as I can
make it. I tell the children [at the museum], “It’s all about the ‘D,’” with the ‘D’ being discovery. Every fossil has a story to tell, so it’s like reading a book. Paleontologists are professional storytellers.
Q: What’s been the toughest question a kid has ever asked you? Did You Know? Dinosaurs are members of the reptile family.
www.atlantaparent.com
A: “What was the first dinosaur?” is the toughest question to pin down. There’s no exact point in time when dinosaurs suddenly appeared. Q: What’s your favorite dinosaur? A: I’ll have to be with everyone else and say
T. rex. It’s one I’ve studied the most and has quite a fascinating personality. About four years ago, we discovered the second appalachiosaurus tooth ever found in Georgia. It’s Georgia’s primitive T. rex and is in the Tyrannasaurid family. It’s now on display at Tellus. – Alexi Wilbourn
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 53
Don’t Miss Atlanta’s BEST Block Party!
Saturday, October 8 Mercer University Atlanta Campus
10 am - 4 pm More than 50 family-friendly activities! Entertainment Toddler only play area Storytelling • craft activities Trick-or-treat street • Exhibitors • Food brought to you by Atlanta Parent Magazine www.atlantaparent.com 2011 beneficiaries:
Admission: $5 per person
(cash only at gate)
Children 2 and under FREE Admission includes 3 activity tickets
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Present this ad for $1 OFF each admission! (up to 4 people)
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Family Fun Guide * Eating Out
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Must-see Exhibits
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Not-to-miss events for October
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Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Block Party
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Calendar
een Hallowicks Top P 62 Page
Mercer University, Atlanta Campus Oct. 8. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Photo by Rod Reilly
This will be the best family festival this fall! Atlanta Parent is bringing your family more than 50 kid-friendly attractions for a fun-filled day. Kids will love listening to storytelling, bouncing on inflatables, taking a pony ride, strolling down trick-or-treat street and making crafts. Plus a “toddler only” play area and the chance to win cool prizes! 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta. 770-454-7599. $5/person; 2 and younger, free. Admission includes 3 activity tickets. Buy tickets online at familyblockparty.com
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Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream Philips Arena Oct. 12 and 13, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 14, 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 15, 11 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.; Oct. 16, noon and 4 p.m. Watch your favorite princesses in the hilarious, magical, musical story on ice. The two newest princesses from The Princess and the Frog and Tangled will be making their debuts! 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $14-$75.
The Great Georgia Air Show Peachtree City Oct. 8-9. Gates open 9 a.m.; pre-show at noon; show officially starts at 12:30 p.m. This aerial event features exciting performances by the Heavy Metal Jet Team and other aerobatic performers. Kids will have a blast with the flight simulators, inflatables and other fun activities. Earplugs are recommended for noise-sensitive small children. 1211 South Joel Cowan Pkwy., Peachtree City. 770-632-0365. thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com. Adults, $20; children 6-12, $10; military in uniform, free.
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October 2011 Atlanta Parent 55
Family Fun Guide Which Wich
Atlantic Station, 265 18th St. NW, Atlanta, 404-254-3260 Visit whichwich.com for information on more locations in Atlanta, Cumming, Hapeville, Norcross, Snellville and Alpharetta.
EATING OUT
We decided to give Which Wich a try because it boasts “superior sandwiches.” With soccer season in full swing, we are an on-the-go family looking for beyond-the-burger options that are quick, healthy and tasty. Which Wich easily met all of our requirements. Which Wich features over 50 sandwiches on the menu – all of which can be customized to your particular palate, plus a kiddie menu with six kid-pleasing options. Upon entering Which Wich, we each grabbed a bag and a marker, noted our name and menu selections on the bag, then turned in our bags as an order form. A few minutes later, we were noshing on our tasty selections. n What’s on the menu: What isn’t? Which Wich really is the home of superior sandwiches – there are well over 50 items you can select to build your ’wich. Of special note is the “Comforts” section with the Elvis Wich (peanut butter, honey, bacon and banana) and the BBQ Pork & Slaw Wich. Breakfast options are available all day and include huevos rancheros. n Why kids will like it: Many sandwich restaurants offer only the usual grilled cheese or PB&J on the kids’ menu. At Which Wich, my boys could choose among several “Kidswich” options, including roast beef and a cheese pizzawich. And they were especially happy to circle “no crust” on their wheat bread selections. Each kid’s meal also includes milk, chocolate milk, juice or soda and a Wich Krispie snack. After dining, my boys played a couple of games of “Which-Tac-Toe” featured on the back of the bags and
then decorated their bags for the amazing Which-bag art display at the Atlantic Station location. For dessert, we all shared a hand-dipped ice cream milkshake. n Why parents will like it: I don’t know of any other place that features such a vast range of toppings, including hummus, pesto, sauerkraut, salsa, mushrooms, coleslaw, hot pepper mix and even Cheez Whiz. The vegetarian options include a tasty black bean patty, and when topped with fresh avocado, salsa and an amazing olive salad, it easily merits a top spot on my personal favorite list. A Georgia dad made headlines after unsuccessfully attempting to eat “The Wicked” sandwich (five meats and three cheeses). My husband was tempted to try it, but decided to go with the Italian Grinder instead. Your “sandwichfaction” is guaranteed at Which Wich. Happy ’wiching! – Dana diLorenzo
Must-SeeExhibits Darwin Fernbank Museum of Natural History Explore the life and discoveries of scientist Charles Darwin, best know for his biological theories about evolution, featuring fossils and live animals, including a live five-foot green iguana. Visitors can walk through a recreation of Darwin’s study and participate in the “What is a Scientist” component, designed to engage children and adults in learning more about the tools, observations, curiosities and questions on every scientist’s mind. The museum’s IMAX theater is featuring Galapagos, a film that runs in conjunction with the exhibit, featuring remarkable wildlife and sights of the islands. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Mon.Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; children 3-12, $15.50; 2 and under, free. To include IMAX: adults, $25; children 3-12, $19.
Picasso to Warhol: 14 Modern Masters High Museum of Art
Once Upon a Time… Exploring the World of Fairy Tales Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta Bring your little princes and princesses to the museum’s newest exhibit, featuring seven fairy tales from around the world, including Beauty and the Beast, Lon Po Po and Thumbelina. Learn the meaning and history of fairy tales, all while having a lot of fun! Climb up a beanstalk, work at the cobbler’s bench, play interactive games, try on costumes and more! Then watch the mini-musical about how twins Sky and Raven learn to create an original fairy tale, complete with a happy ending. Oct. 1-Jan. 22. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 275 Centennial Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Adults and children 2 and older, $12.75; under 2, free.
56 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Family Fun Guide
Continuing its collaboration with New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the High Museum will feature 100 works by 14 of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, including Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. Better not miss this exhibit – it’s one of the largest concentrations of modern art masterpieces to ever be exhibited in the Southeast. Oct. 15-Apr. 29, 2012. Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Exhibit included with price of admission. Adults, $18; children ages 6-17, $11; 5 and under, free.
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Free Fun
Places to Stargaze
Plus... Museums on Us Bank of America cardholders can visit these great museums free of charge the first full weekend of every month: High Museum of Art and Atlanta History Center in Atlanta; Booth Western Art Museum and Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville. Fulton County residents with a valid I.D. also can get into the High Museum free the first Saturday of every month. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. high.org
Free Admission to Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Dunwoody Observatory This smaller observatory offers a more intimate look at the wonders of the night sky. Observation begins about 45 minutes after sunset. Open house, Oct. 8, or see the website to schedule an appointment on a different date. Georgia Perimeter College, 2101 Womack Rd., Dunwoody. 770-274-5000. gpc.edu/~dunpslb/Telescope/Telescopestatus.htm
Hard Labor Creek Observatory An hour from the city lights, the skies really open up. Three different research telescopes give stargazers an up close-and-personal look at their universe. During October, young astronomers should be able to see Jupiter! Oct. 29. 7:30-9:30 p.m. 2010 Fairplay Rd., Rutledge. 706-342-9051. chara.gsu.edu/HLCO/
Take advantage of Target Second Free Tuesday where admission is free to Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, from 1 to 7 p.m., on Oct. 11. Tickets will be given on a first come, first serve basis until the crowd reaches capacity. Check out the new exhibit, Once Upon a Time…Exploring the World of Fairy Tales,” which runs through Jan. 22. 275 Centennial Park Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437.
ow
N on w
e Vi Don’t miss this special exhibition featuring live animals, amazing fossils and an array of scientific tools used by Charles Darwin.
DARWIN
Plan your visit at fernbankmuseum.org/darwin. ®
Locally sponsored in part by The Isdell Family. Darwin is organized by the American Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the Museum of Science, Boston; The Field Museum, Chicago; the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada; and the Natural History Museum, London, England.
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Family Fun Guide
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 57
Closer Look:
Motherhood the Musical
A
Child Models We’ve booked kids for $2,000 per day and more, others at $50 - $60 per hour.
Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?
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tlanta actor Mary Kathryn Kaye isn’t at all like the stressed out, sarcastic, screaming mother of five she plays in Motherhood the Musical, on stage at the 14th Street Playhouse. Or is she? “I don’t lose my cool with my family, but I absolutely can relate with my character,” says Kaye, who lives in Grant Park with her husband and homeschools her 7-yearold son. “There are times I want to say, ‘Shut up,’ ‘Knock it off.’ I don’t.” The musical, produced by the same team behind Menopause the Musical, which Kaye also starred in, features a local cast and revolves around four women in different situations – a career mom, a divorcee, Kaye’s fertile character, and an anxious expectant mother (the play takes place at her baby shower). But it banks on situations – and emotions – that moms have in common. “All mothers can relate to the sense of love they have for their children,” Kaye says. There are comical numbers about shopping obsessively at Costco, swapping the red convertible for the minivan, threatening to strike over the chores. There are songs about the physical toll that comes with bearing children. Weight gain. Bladder control problems. Gravity. You’ll laugh. But you’ll probably shed a tear or two at some of the songs, including “I’m Danny’s Mom,” a heartfelt number about trading fame and fortune for the riches that come with parenting. “Every Other Weekend” will strike at the heart of divorced – and married – parents. “Every time I hear that song, I want to work on my marriage more,” says Lisa Shriver, the show’s director and choreographer who lives in New York City with her husband and 2-year-old daughter. She, too, struggles with motherhood. The show, which travels to different cities, requires that Shriver be separated from her
What To Know Before You Go Motherhood the Musical 14th Street Playhouse 173 14th St. NE, Atlanta 404-733-4750; 14thstplayhouse.org n Dates: Through Nov. 20. Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. n Cost: $45/ticket. $5 discount with the code MARCUS; $2 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Marcus Autism Center.
daughter for stretches. “I wonder all the time if I am doing the right thing,” she says. “But everything I do I do for her. I desperately want to make sure she is proud of me.” The show is not appropriate for kids. But it’s not just for moms, either. “It is not about a bunch of women coming together to gripe about their husbands,” Shriver says. “When we sing certain songs, women are responding, but men are responding too, because they have shared these experiences.” – Ann Hardie
Stone Mountain’s Indian Festival & Pow-Wow. Stone Mountain Park.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
58 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Family Fun Guide
Nov. 3-6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Experience the largest Native American gathering in Georgia! Learn about primitive skills, such as fire-starting and bow-making, crawl inside a tepee and participate in interactive experiences. This colorful and energetic event, complete with dance and drum competitions, skill demonstrations and crafts, was named a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society. U.S. Hwy. 78, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Adults, $27; children age 3-11, $21; under 3, free; parking, $10.
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Exhibit:
Living in Space at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center
T
he Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center is a quiet oasis and the perfect place to explore what life is like for an astronaut. The new Living in Space exhibit lends itself to a calm, selfpaced exploration of daily life aboard the International Space Station. And in October through November 3, visitors will be able to see a real moon rock on loan from NASA. The exhibit is hands-on and my children, two kindergartners and a second-grader, enjoyed dressing up in clothes real astronauts might wear and using special gloves to complete projects that help keep the space station working and on track. We learned how astronauts have to plan their day and how they use the bathroom, eat, sleep and play in zero gravity. Each part of the exhibit displayed real-life stories from astronauts who have lived on the space station as well as examples of things you might see and use while living in space. Our favorite was an area where children could build their own space stations using special LEGO-like building blocks. I felt that some of the workstations were a little
What To Know Before You Go Living in Space Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford 770-904-3500; gwinnetthc.org n Dates: Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. n Cost: Adults, $10.50; children ages 3-12, $6.50; 2 and younger, free. Gwinnett County residents receive a $3 discount.
confusing, but the staff was super friendly and helpful whenever I had a question. In addition to the moon rock, the center is particularly proud of a shipment it just received from NASA that contained a real work glove and pieces of the space shuttle that are displayed at the end of the exhibit. Even though my children stayed engaged in the activities, I feel this exhibit is more appropriate for older children and certainly for children who have dreamed of being astronauts themselves. – Leigh Middleton
H I G H Spend quality family time at the High Museum of Art! TODDLER THURSDAYS « Thursdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. SECOND SUNDAY FAMILY FUNDAYS « Monthly, 1–4 p.m. GREENE FAMILY LEARNING GALLERY « Open regular Museum hours
FEATURING
PICASSOTO WARHOL
FOURTEEN MODERN MASTERS Opens October 15! Family audio tours available
Buy a Family Membership for free admission for the entire family! High.org/membership HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA | TICKETS: HIGH.ORG OR 404-733-5000 Family Programs Blog: HighlyHandsOn.wordpress.com
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Family Fun Guide
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 59
REGISTER NOW!
Playground: Mason Mill Park
Calling all Beginners!
Fall Classes Info available on-line Let us introduce you to the Coolest Olympic Sport around!
Training Champions of all Ages All programs under the direction of U.S. Olympic Coach, Maestro Arkady Burdan 1530 Carroll Drive NW Atlanta 30318
(404) 603-3600 www.nellyafencers.com n Features: Two separate playgrounds sit right across from each other. The larger is best suited for older kids, ages 5-12. A giant pirate ship-shaped play structure with a threelevel tree house provides lots of playing, climbing and sliding opportunities. The tree house is for children who aren’t afraid of heights. It is a good climb up to two giant tube slides that land on a soft mulch-like surface that covers the ground of both playgrounds. There is also a separate climbing wall and four swings. (Each playground has an inclusive swing that
Have a Family Friendly
Calendar Event? tos your Send tion & pho a to m r infor eeks prio w t eigh ent to: v your e
calendar@atlantaparent.com fax: 770-454-7699 mail: Calendar Editor Atlanta Parent Magazine 2346 Perimeter Park Dr. Atlanta, GA 30341 60 Atlanta Parent October 2011
disabled children can also use.) The toddler playground has typical mini-slides and climbups in addition to two bucket swings and two regular swings. Both playgrounds have fences separating them from parking lots. A small, concrete basketball court, open green space, and a community garden also occupy the park. n Amenities: Plenty of benches and a long wall bench provide ample seating. There are several covered picnic pavilions. Bathrooms are clean and accessible, and water fountains are available. There is little to no shade. In the early evening, shade does cover the larger playground. n Directions: Mason Mill Park is located at 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur. From downtown Decatur, head north on Clairmont Road. Turn right onto McConnell. The new playground is next to the DeKalb Tennis Center. – Laura Powell
Rug Rat Romp: Moms and Tots at Gwinnett Place Mall
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oddlers have limited patience and can very easily grow bored and cranky during errands. Make shopping trips fun for your rug rat by joining Shelley Jelly Bean and friends for themed-adventures at Gwinnett Place Mall. This weekly program features fun games, stories and music every Wednesday and is a great way to entice little ones to be excited about a mall trip. Ages 4 and under. Oct. 5, Fall Festival Fashion Show; Oct. 12, Sesame Street and Friends; Oct. 19, Animal Kingdom Day; Oct. 26, Halloween Season Final Party. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Upper level Sears wing. 2100 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 770-813-6840. Must be a Kidgits club member, which costs $5. – Alexi Wilborn
Family Fun Guide
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HALLOWEEN HIKES Family Fun Nature Adventure!
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non-scary, guided hikes live music campfire costumed character storytelling arts and crafts All Ages - $8 face painting, and more! 2 and under free Trails not suitable for stroller
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October 2011 Atlanta Parent 61
HaLLoweeN TOP PICKS ( Treat Yourself! )
Out of this World Corn Maze The Rock Ranch Saturdays through November 12
The Rock Ranch is among only seven farms nationwide collaborating in an outreach program with NASA to celebrate 50 years of space exploration through agri-tourism. The Rock’s corn maze this year is the image of an astronaut. The attraction is filled with space-related hands-on and educational opportunities. After you escape the maze, stick around for Fall Family Fun Days. Themes: Oct. 1, Growing Up Green with Bob and Larry of VeggieTales; Oct. 8, the Official Day of the Cowboy; Oct. 15, Hot Air Balloon Rally; Oct. 22, the Great Outdoor Adventure & Jamie Grace Harper Concert; Oct. 29, The Not-So-Spooky Halloween Festival. Plus, train rides, hay rides, a petting zoo, zip lines, pony rides, the pumpkin cannon, Tiny Town and more. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. Adults and kids, $14; children 3 and under, free.
Pumpkin Festival
Stone Mountain Park / Weekends through Oct. 30 Get the kids decked out in their Halloween duds to compete in the children’s costume contest (mom and dad, you can dress up, too). The whole family can comb the park for clues to participate in scavenger hunts and compete in the game show Pumpkin Palooza. There’s also a Great Pumpkin Puppet Parade, pie eating contest, storytelling and more! Fri. and Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. U.S. Hwy. 78, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Adults, $27; children ages 3-11, $21; younger than 3, free; parking, $10.
The Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow
Center for Puppetry Arts / Oct. 18-30 The Headless Horseman needs a new head! This comedic version of the classic Washington Irving story is performed by the Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers with a hand-and-rod puppetry style. Schoolteacher Ichabod Crane must help the Headless Horseman find a scarier image and a new head. Unfortunately, Ichabod is forced to deal with a jealous Brom Bones who also has eyes for the lovely Katrina Van Tassel. Kids can also craft a “Hilarious Horse Rod Puppet” at the Create-APuppet Workshop. Tues.-Fri., 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $16.50.
Boo at the Zoo
Celebrate Halloween with more than 1,000 animals that call the zoo “home”. Zoo Atlanta will be transformed into magical paths with craft stations set up for little ghosts and goblins to create their own Halloween masks and bewitched creations. Costumed creatures will join in the festivities and your own creatures can enter a costume contest and win prizes. Kids will love meandering the new hay maze. For a special treat, bring your old cell phones to donate – the zoo can use them to raise money for the gorillas! Boo at the Zoo hours: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-5600. Adults, $20.99, children $15.99, younger than 3 free. ,
Lawrenceville Ghost Tours Aurora Theatre / Oct. 1-31
Come ready to howl. You’ll need to if Curtis, a crazy ghost of days gone by, is to be coaxed out of hiding. You’ll also hear spooky tales about an heiress who was buried alive, flying corpses and what really happens in the old jail. Though tamer than some other “haunted” towns, the tour is more appropriate for ages 10 and older. Sun.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m. 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. Pre-register. Sun.-Thurs., adults, $12; children 12 and younger, $9; Fri.-Sat., adults, $15; children, $12. 62 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Family Fun Guide
Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta / Oct. 22, 23, 29, 30
www.atlantaparent.com
Tour of Southern Ghosts
Stone Mountain Park / Oct. 13-30 Do you believe in ghosts? This 45-minute tour showcases some of the best ghost stories from the South. Your guide will meet you at the plantation gates to lead you on the eerie lantern-lit path. Along the way, six storytellers, all dressed in period-style costumes, will interrupt your stroll with a spooky, or not-so-spooky, tale. This is the 26th year that the Tour of Southern Ghosts will be held, so you know you’re in for a real treat. Thurs. and Sun., 7-9 p.m.; Fri.- Sat., 7-9:30 p.m. U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105. Adults, $15; 12 and under, $7; parking, $10.
Fright Fest Six Flags / Oct. 1-30 Maybe you expect to scream at the Dare Devil Dive. But what about just walking from one ride to the next? Your favorite amusement park transforms into a haunted, ghoulish place with ghosts and goblins, haunted attractions and family-friendly entertainment at the largest Halloween event in Atlanta. Watch out for the cobwebs with oversized spiders! Sat. 10 a.m.10 p.m.; Sun., noon-9 p.m. Oct. 21, 28, 6-11 p.m. 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell. 770-9489290. General admission, $54.99; kids under 48”, $39.99; 2 and younger, free; parking, $15.
Day of the Dead Festival
Atlanta History Center / Oct. 30 Celebrate the Mexican festival, known as “El Dia de Muertos”, with storytelling, crafts and elaborately decorated altars. Enjoy authentic Mexican food, music and entertainment. Families build altars to honor lost loved ones and decorate them with flowers, favorite foods, beverages and memorabilia. Noon5 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Free.
Halloween Night Hikes Chattahoochee Nature Center
Photo by Ren Davis
Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29 What says Halloween has to be scary to be fun? The Chattahoochee Nature Center offers guided hikes along its well-lit trails where children meet friendly forest creatures, including an opossum, beaver, bull frog and black widow, who chat about themselves, as well as what, and who, they like to eat! There also are some real animals on hand to see. This event, with live music, a marshmallow roast, hot chocolate and face painting, may not be scary but it is fun! Chattahoochee Nature Center. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. Hikes begin at 7 p.m. and run continuously. 770-992-2055. $8/ person; 2 and younger, free.
Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours Historic Oakland Cemetery / Oct. 28-30 Nothing sounds spookier than trekking through a cemetery at dark. Historic Oakland Cemetery is offering guided tours doing just that! Visitors walk through the moonlit paths of the cemetery, hearing stories from some of Oakland’s eternal “residents.” The tours last about an hour, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. It is over Halloween weekend after all, so feel free to wear your costume. Enjoy entertainment and fortune telling. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit Oakland’s Museum Shop for keepsakes and see beautiful candlelit mausoleums. 248 Oakland Avenue SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. Adults, $17.50; children, 4-12, $10; 3 and younger, free. www.atlantaparent.com
Family Fun Guide
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 63
Halloween Fun House. East Roswell Recreation Center. Enjoy face painting, magic shows, carnival games, inflatables, hayride and Trick or Treat Street! Ages 8 and under. Oct. 20., 4:30-7 p.m. 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. 770-5946134. Free. Haunted Museum: The Curse of Kennesaw Mountain. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Book a one-way ticket to terror at this spooky event (not recommended for children ages nine and younger.) Includes a Waxworks of Horror featuring a classic horror film and a secret scare at the end of the tour. Oct. 21-22. Fri., 6-10 p.m. Sat., 5-10 p.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Adults, $7.50; children ages 10-12, $5.50. Haunted Night at the Museum. Gwinnett History Museum. See the museum’s ghosts come to life. Enjoy spooky crafts, face painting and storytelling at this family-friendly event. Oct. 21-22. 7-9 p.m. 455 South Perry St., Lawrenceville. 770822-5178. Pre-register. $6/person; buy four tickets, get one free if you pre-register by Oct. 19. Haunted Museum: Villains in History. Downtown Kennesaw. Storytelling, puppet shoes, the Incredible Pumpkin Trail, inflatables, costume contest nightly at 7 p.m. around the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Oct. 21-22. Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 5-10 p.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-424-8274. Free.
HaLLoWeeN HaPPeNiNGS Halloween is the most wonderful season of all – for ghosts, that is!! Get ready for a month chock-full of pumpkins, corn mazes, scarecrows, haunted houses and candy. From trick-or-treating to ghost tours, there are plenty of Halloween events around Atlanta to keep your little goblins happy this October. Special Events Fright Fest. Six Flags. Your favorite amusement park transforms into a haunted, ghoulish place with ghosts and goblins, haunted attractions and family-friendly entertainment at the largest Halloween event in Atlanta. Weekends in Oct. Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-9 p.m. Oct. 21, 28, 6-11 p.m. 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell. 770948-9290. General admission, $54.99; kids under 48”, $39.99; 2 and younger, free; parking, $15. Pumpkin Festival. Stone Mountain Park. Weekends in October, enjoy attractions, entertainment and plenty of fall fun. Dress your own scarecrows, then let kids try the trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, see the Great Pumpkin Puppet Parade or the children’s costume contest. Sept. 30-Oct. 30. Fri. and Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. U.S. Hwy. 78, Stone Mountain. 770498-5690. Adults, $27; children ages 3-11, $21; under 3, free; parking, $10.
64 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Scarecrows in the Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Life-sized scarecrow creations, designed by local businesses, families, artists and organizations, can be spotted around the garden. Oct. 1-31. Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; children 3-17, $12.95; under 3, free. Scarecrow Harvest. Historic Downtown Alpharetta. Colorful scarecrows decorated by school children on display on Main Street. Hayrides, live music and food. Oct. 1. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Two South Main St., Alpharetta. 678-297-6078. Free. Candler Park Fall Fest. Candler Park. Atlanta’s largest neighborhood festival. Wear costumes, listen to live music, let the kids trick-or-treat, participate in a costume contest and more. Oct. 15-16. Sat., noon-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-8 p.m. Corner of McLendon Ave. and Candler Park Dr. See candlerpark.org/fallfest for more information. Free.
Family Fun Guide
Trick or Treat. Imagine It! The Children’s Museum. A night of fun, fall activities including crafts, prizes, games, and a costume parade. Come dressed in a costume. Ages 8 and under. Oct. 22. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Members, $6; nonmembers, $15. Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade. Findley Plaza. A large festival featuring live music, street entertainment, vendors, a costume contest and street parade. Oct. 22. Noon11 p.m. Parade, 4 p.m. Intersection of Moreland and Euclid Avenues, Atlanta. Free. Run Like Hell 5k and 1k Run Like Heck Races. Historic Oakland Cemetery. Runners of all ages can race through the cemetery and Grant Park then enter the costume contest. Oct. 22. 5k, 9 a.m.; 1k, 10 a.m. 248 Oakland Avenue SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. Pre-register at active.com. 5k, $27; 1k, $20. Boo at the Zoo. Zoo Atlanta. Enter the costume contest, explore magical paths, sample treats, meet a cast of characters and more. Oct. 22, 23, 29, 30. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Park hours: Sat.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-5600. Adults $20.99, children $15.99, under 3 free. Goblins in the Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Wear your favorite costume for an afternoon of treats and activities, including a parade, storytelling and more. Train and pony rides extra. Oct. 23. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $15; children 3-17, $12; under 3, free. Great Chefs of Atlanta Pumpkin-Carving Contest. Atlanta Botanical Garden. A 25-minute Halloween showdown using only knives and power tools during the Oct. 27 Fest-of-Ale. The winner is decided based on audience applause. Contest, 7-8 p.m. Fest-of-Ale every Thursday in Oct., 5-10 p.m. Regular Garden hours, Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; Children 3-17, $12.95; 3 and under, free.
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HaLLoWeeN HaPPeNiNGS Day of the Dead Festival. Atlanta History Center. Celebrate the Mexican festival and see elaborately decorated altars, listen to storytelling, enjoy authentic Mexican food, music, and much more. Oct. 30. Noon-5 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Free.
Spooky Mill. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. Go trick-or-treating in the Heritage Green, play games, enjoy spooky stories in a teepee. Fortune telling and a not-so-spooky haunted house. Oct. 28-29. 6-9 p.m. Fri., preschool only, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Johns Creek. 678-3663511. Activities are ticketed, free trick-or-treating.
Downtown Trick or Treat. Historic Newnan Square. Downtown merchants pass out Halloween treats to costumed kids. Oct. 31. 10 a.m.-noon. Historic Downtown Newnan Courthouse Square. 770-253-8283. Free.
Trick or Treat on the Square. McDonough Square. Trick or treat around downtown. Oct. 28. 3-5 p.m. 5 Griffin St., McDonough. 770-9573915. Free. BOO-seum Trick-or-Treat. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Enjoy a fantastic Halloween party with crafts, games, hands-on activities, and treats for kids in costumes. Visit the rest of the museum after you’ve had your fill of sweets! Oct. 29. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.767 Clifton Rd NE., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; children 3-12, $15.50; 2 and under, free. Family Fall Festival. Southern Belle Farm. Try the seven-acre corn maze, visit the pumpkin and flower patches, take a hayride, see the cow train and enter the kids costume contest at 6:30 p.m. judged by Doodle the Clown. Oct. 29. 3-7 p.m. 1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough. 770-288-2582. Adults and children, $12; 2 and under, free. Haunted Halloween Festival. Lucky Shoals Community Rec Center. Enjoy crafts, games, a costume contest, haunted hay house, hayride and more! Includes a walk-through dark attraction with incredible monsters and special effects for older children. 4651 Britt Rd., Norcross. 770-723-9516. Pre-register. $5/person. Train or Treat. Southeastern Railway Museum. Make special crafts, trick or treat around historic trains, participate in a costume contest and more. Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3593 Buford Hwy, Duluth. Adults, $8; children 2-12, $5; under 2, free; Wild West train ride, $3.
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Halloween Theater and Music The Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow. Center for Puppetry Arts. A comedic play about a schoolteacher who helps the Headless Horseman find a new head and a spookier image. Oct. 18-30. Tues.-Fri., 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Tickets, $16.50. BOO-seum Trick-or-Treat
Trek or Treat. Suwanee Creek Park. Trick-ortreat along the park’s greenway and participate in fall festival activities. Oct. 29. 11 a.m. 1170 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 770-945-8996. Free. Trick or Treat on Main Street. Downtown Fayetteville. See the jack-o-lanterns that decorate the Fayetteville Square and trick-or- treat at local businesses. Oct. 29. 4-6 p.m.; kids costume contest, 5 p.m. Main St., Fayetteville. 770-7194173. Free. Trunk of Treat. Kennesaw United Methodist Church. Wear your costume. Inflatables, a balloon artist, games, contests and more. Oct. 29, 4-5:30 p.m. 1801 Ben King Rd., Kennesaw. 770-4281543. Free. Donation of a non-perishable food item and bag of candy suggested.
Family Fun Guide
Ghost Tales & Trails. Woodstock. Hear spooky tales based on Woodstock’s history mixed with Paul Boehlert’s staged reading of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. October 21, 22, 28, 29. 6-11 p.m. 8534 Main Street. 678-494-4251. Adults, $11; under 13, $6. A Storybook Halloween. Atlanta Symphony Hall. Musicians and audiences wear costumes. Theatrical surprises will keep kids on the edge of their seats. Oct. 30. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4800. Tickets, $15-20. Halloween Concert. Michael C. Carlos Museum. Scary fun music for the whole family played by the Vega String Quartet. Wear a costume and collect treats. Oct. 30. 4-5 p.m. 571 Kilgo Circle, Atlanta. 404-727-5050. Adults, $8; children, $6. Cont’d on page 66
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 65
HaLLoWeeN HaPPeNiNGS Pumpkins Aplenty and Amazing Mazes Autumn is the best time of year for running outside through stalks of corn and bright pumpkin patches. Enjoy a hayride, roast marshmallows at a bonfire or see adorable animals at petting zoos.
Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches * designates pick-your-own 50 Years of Space Exploration Corn Maze. The Rock Ranch. This year’s maze is being done in cooperation with NASA. Space suit photo ops, train and hay rides, pumpkin cannon, food and more! Fall Family Fun Days on Saturdays, Through Nov. 12, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Highway, The Rock. 706-647-6374. $14/person. $2-off coupons at Chickfil-A locations. Cagle’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Ten acres of winding corn maze, along with farm tours, bonfires, hayrides and concessions. Choose a pumpkin before you go. Through Nov. 13. Fri., 5-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 362 Stringer Rd., Hickory Flat (near Canton). 770-3455591. Corn maze, $10/person; younger than 3, free; farm tour, $7/person; hayride to bonfire, $7/person. Buford Corn Maze. Buford. Jump on the hayride, run through the maze, play at the bubble station or get your face painted. Through Nov. 12. Oct. hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 1-11 p.m.; Sun., 1-9 p.m. Oct. 31, 1-11 p.m. Haunted Forest Friday and Saturday nights in Oct. dusk-11 p.m. Nov. hours, weekends only: Fri., 5-10 p.m.; Sat., 1-11 p.m.; Sun., 1-9 p.m. 4470 Bennett Rd., Buford. 678-835-7198. Corn maze/hayride, $12; Corn maze/ Haunted Forest/ hayride, $15. Burt’s Farm. Dawsonville. Come visit this beautiful farm in the North Georgia. Pick from thousands of pumpkins, stop by the store or take a hayride pulled by a tractor! Through Nov. 10. Hours through Oct. 30: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Oct. 31-Nov. 10: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 5 Burt’s Farm Rd., Dawsonville. 706-265-3701. Carlton Farms. Choose a pumpkin, play on the hay jump, shoot the corn cannon, visit the catfish farm and milking barn and explore five acres of corn and nearly two miles of winding trails. Haunted maze at night. Through Nov. 5. Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-9 p.m. 1276 Cartersville Hwy., Rockmart. 770-684-3789. Attractions, $7 for hayride, hay maze, animal barn and hay jump. $7/person for corn maze; haunted maze, $10/person. Pumpkin patch, free. Colonel Cobs Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. This year’s design is the Zoo Atlanta logo. Take hayrides, go down the mountain slide, visit the petting zoo and corn silo, choose a pumpkin. Through Nov. 6. Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., noon-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays in Oct., 1-7 p.m.; Fridays in Oct., 1-10 p.m. 797 Macedonia Church Rd., Oxford. 770-855-1530. $8/person; some activities extra.
66 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Jaemor Farm Market
Corn Dawgs Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. In addition to the Coca-Cola themed corn maze, try the inflatable maze, a zip line, petting zoo, giant checkerboard and choose from pumpkins galore. Open through Nov. 6. Fri., 5-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-8 p.m. 955 Leone Ave., Loganville. 770-7869000. Admission, $12; 2 and under, free. Enchanted MAiZE. Blowing Springs Farm. Find your way through this year’s maze, which is in the shape of the Coca-Cola logo. Through Oct. 30. Thurs.-Sun., see enchantedmaze.com for times. 271 Old Chattanooga Valley Rd., Flintstone. 706-820-2531. Adults, $9; children 4-12, $7. Goofy Rooster Corn Maze. Helen. Cook s’mores by the fire pit, ride the Barrel Train, pick out the perfect pumpkin and more. Bring a flashlight to explore the maze at night. Through Nov. 20. Thurs., 4-10 p.m.; Fri., 4-11:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Haunted Corn Maze, Oct. 8-29, Saturdays, 8-11:30 p.m. 7264 Hwy 75 Alt., Helen. 706-878-1777. Adult, $8; child, $6; add on hayride, $3-4. *Jaemor Farm Market. Take a hayride tour, pick your pumpkin, or try the apple slingshot! “Johnny Appleseed” is the theme of the corn maze this year. Bring your flashlights. Through Nov. 6. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.11 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. 5340 Cornelia Hwy., Alto. 770869-3999. Pumpkin patch, free; corn maze, adults, $10; children 4-7, $9; younger than 3, free. Kernel Kob Corn Maze. Jasper. Get lost in the maze, take a hayride or pony ride, visit the petting zoo and pick a pumpkin. Though Nov. 6. Oct. hours: Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. hours: Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1153 Salem Church Rd., Jasper. 706-692-4464. Adults, $8; children 5-11, $6; 4 and under, free. North Georgia Corn Maze. Cleveland. Find your way through the 7-acre maze, relax on the hayride, enjoy a movie at dark or venture into the haunted “House of Burm” and take the elevator down to the “Dungeon of Fear”! Through Nov. 20. Thurs., 4-10 p.m. Fri., 4-11:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 550 Tom Bell Rd., Cleveland. 706-348-7634. Adults, $10; children, $9; hayride and Barn of Fear, extra. *Southern Belle Farm Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Seven acres of corn stalks to wander through, plus pick a pumpkin for 50 cents a pound while you’re there! Through Nov. 6. Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. 1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough. 770-288-2582. Ages 3 and older, $12; 2 and younger, free.
Family Fun Guide
Uncle Bob’s Pumpkin Patch and Tricky Crop Maze. Redwine Farms. See farm animals, try the crop maze, listen to storytelling, take a hayride, see puppet shows and choose a pumpkin. Through Nov. 12. Fri. and Sun., 1-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3781 E. Happy Valley Cir., Newnan. 770-253-8100. $14/person; ages 3 and younger, free. Uncle Shucks Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Walk through 12 acres of stalks, feed goats as part of the “Great Goat Trek” attraction, and try the haunted maze on weekends. Then choose the perfect pumpkin, shoot the corn cannon and more. Through Nov. 20. Oct.: Sun.Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. -10 p.m.; Nov.: Fri. 4-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 4525 Hwy. 53 East, Dawsonville. 888-674-8257. $10/ person; 3 and younger, free. *Washington Farms. Eight and a half acres of ears to explore, with new jumping pillows. Take a ride on the cow train, see pig races, take a romp in the corn box or a hayride, then choose your perfect pumpkin. Through Nov. 12. Fri., 3-11 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. 5691 Hog Mountain Rd., Bogart.706-769-0627. Ages 5 and older, $12/person for farm fun and corn maze; 4 and younger, $8/person for farm activities and corn maze. *Yahoo Farm. Wander through the corn maze or try the Cosmic Corn Maze at night. Shoot the corn cannon, try fossil digging, take a hayride and visit the butterfly garden. Then choose your pumpkin! Open daily through Nov. 1. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Cosmic maze, Saturdays in Oct., 7-10 p.m. 4729 Waleska Hwy. 108, Jasper. 770-735-3638. Activities range from $2-$7.
Pumpkin Patch Only Big Springs Farm. Woodstock. Oct. weekends. Visit the petting zoo, pick from hundreds of pumpkins, enjoy a scenic tour of the farm on a wagon ride, or bounce on inflatables. Fri.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 2100 Sugar Pike Rd., Woodstock. 678-899-3900. Free, activities and goods extra.
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atlparent_zooatl_oct_11.pdf 9/21/2011 11:05:53 AM
HaLLoWeeN HaPPeNiNGS *Berry Patch Farms. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, enjoy apple cider, fried pie, boiled peanuts and the petting zoo. Oct. 2-30. Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 18-29, Mon.-Fri., 3:30-7 p.m. 786 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock. 770-926-0561. Free. Big Springs Farms. Choose your perfect pumpkin, take a wagon ride, see farm animals and more fall fun. Open weekends through Oct. Fri.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 2100 Sugar Pike Rd., Woodstock. 678-899-3900. Free to visit the patch. Cumming First United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch. Cumming. Pick your pumpkin to help the church raise money for mission trips. Story time for preschoolers on some days. Oct.131. Noon-7 p.m. daily; Storytime, Oct. 11-27, Tues.- C Thurs., 9 a.m.-noon. 770 Canton Hwy, Cumming. M cfpumpkins@aol.com. Free to visit. *Kinsey Family Farm. Hayrides, an apple cannon, fish feeding and pumpkins galore. Through Oct. 31. Fri., 1-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 7170 Jot-em Down Rd., Gainesville. 770-8876028. Activities, $1-$3.
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Pumpkin Fest. Pettit Creek Farms. Enjoy CY hayrides, a petting zoo and inflatables while you pick your pumpkin. Through Nov. 6. Farm hours, CMY Mon.-Fri., 2-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-K 8688. Adults, $10; children, $12; under 2, free. *Southern Tree Plantation. Take a ride on the kids train, roast marshmallows, take a hayride or pony ride, enjoy inflatables and more. Weekends Oct 9-24. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. 2531 Owltown Rd., Blairsville. 706-745-0601. Activities, $5 each; packages, $10-$12. *Yule Forest Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkin inflatables, talking chicken show, petting zoo, a pioneer village, haunted attractions and more. Oct.331. Mon.-Fri., 4-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Haunted house, hayride and trail, Fri.-Sun., 7 p.m.midnight. 3565 Hwy. 155 N., Stockbridge. 770-9549356. $6/person; free admission/hayride on Wed. to kids in costume. Activities range from $1-$7.
Corn Maze Only Buck’s Corn Maze. Traipse through the maze in the shape of a bald eagle. Haunted maze after dark. Through Nov. 6. Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov.: Fri. 5-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1923 New Hope Rd., Dawsonville. 706-344-8834. Ages 13 and older, $8; 12 and younger, $7; under 4, free with a paid adult. Cont’d on page 68
Netherworld Haunted House
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Family Fun Guide
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 67
HaLLoWeeN HaPPeNiNGS ®
Courtesy of Teatro SEA
By Teatro SEA of Puerto Rico and NY ual Bilingction: Produ h and Spanisglish En
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68 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Scary-etta Ghost Tour
Haunted Tours and Storytelling Lawrenceville Ghost Tours. Aurora Theatre. Hear spooky tales about an heiress who was buried alive, flying corpses and what really happens in the old jail. Oct. 1-31. Sun.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m. 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. Pre-register. Sun.-Thurs., adults, $12; children 12 and younger, $9; Fri.-Sat., adults, $15; children, $12. Roswell Ghost Tour. Roswell Square Bandstand. Learn about current paranormal phenomena in local homes and businesses. Oct. 1-31. Sun.-Thurs., 8 p.m.; Fri., 7-9 p.m.; Sat., 6-10 p.m. (These are start times, tours are about 2 hours long). 617 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-649-9922. Adults, $15; children 12 and younger, $10. Tour of Southern Ghosts. Stone Mountain Park. Professional storytellers spinning tales of Southern ghosts along lantern-lit paths of the plantation grounds. Oct. 13-30. Thurs. and Sun., 7-9 p.m.; Fri.Sat., 7-9:30 p.m. U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105. Adults, $15; 12 and under, $7; parking, $10. Family Storytelling: Spooky Stories. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Spooky stories for all ages, costume parade and contest and festive snacks. Oct. 21. 7 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd., NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Adults, $3; children, $1. Halloween Hikes. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Experience this guided night hike through lighted trails, meet friendly forest creatures, wear your costume, enjoy crafts, face painting and more. A nonscary alternative to Halloween events. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell . Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29. 7 p.m. 770-9922055. $8/person; 2 and younger, free. Dark in the Park. Little Mulberry Park. Take a special after-hours hike to visit the creatures of the dark. Oct. 22. 6-9 p.m. 3855 Fence Rd., Auburn. Preregister. $5/person; $15/family of 4. Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours. Historic Oakland Cemetery. Tours, lasting about an hour, go through the cemetery, while some of Oakland’s eternal “residents” tell their stories. Bring a flashlight, wear comfortable shoes, enjoy entertainment, fortune telling, and feel free to wear your costume. Oct. 28-30. Tours start at 5:30 p.m. 248 Oakland Avenue SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. Buy tickets ahead of time. Adults, $17.50; children, 4-12, $10; 3 and younger, free.
Family Fun Guide
Scary-etta Ghost Tour. Marietta Trolley Co. Hop abroad the trolley for a 90-minute, fully-narrated ride through the city, learning the history and hearing stories of the resident ghosts. Includes a brief period of walking, about 2 blocks. Oct. 7, Nov. 4. 8 p.m. 131 Church St., Marietta. 770-425-1006. Reservations needed. Adults, $25; children 12 and under, $12. Walking tours available every Thurs.-Sun. in Oct., 7:30 p.m. Adults, $15; 12 and under, $10.
Haunted Fun For Older Kids Haunted House. The Manor. A haunted house specially suited for kids ages 10 and older. Oct. 22, 28, 29. 7:30-11 p.m.. 9100 Fouts Rd., Roswell. 770-594-6134. $10/person. Netherworld Haunted House. Norcross. This terrifying haunted house, with two separate attractions, was named No. 1 in the Southeast! Not recommended for small children. Through Oct. 31. Sun., 7- 11 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 7:30- 11 p.m. Fri.- Sat., 7 p.m.midnight. Nov. 4-5, 7- 11 p.m. 6624 Dawson Blvd, Norcross. 404-608-2484. $22/person for the main haunt, The Nightmares; $27/person for The Nightmares plus Raw Meat.
Mall-oween Events Trick or Treating at the Mall. Northlake Mall. Kids can stock up on goodies from mall retailers and the first 200 trick or treaters receive a special Halloween bag. Oct. 29. 5-7 p.m. 4800 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 770-938-3564. Free. Boo Bash. Town Center at Cobb. Enjoy trick-or-treating, a bounce house, Halloween giveaways and costume photo opportunities. Oct. 31. 6-8 p.m. 400 Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-424-9486. $5. Trick-or-Treat at the Mall. Gwinnett Place Mall. Radio Disney hosts this frighteningly fun Halloween bash with interactive booths and more. Kids can trick or treat around the mall. Oct. 29. 6-8 p.m. 2100 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 770-476-5160. $5.
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HaLLoWeeN HaPPeNiNGS Trick-or-Treating. Mall of Georgia. Mall-wide trick or treating. Ages 12 and younger. Oct. 31. 6 p.m until the candy runs out. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-4828788. $5.
Monster Mashes and Bashes Mother/Son Halloween Dance. Bill Johnson Community Activity Building. Moms and sons dress in costumes and dance the night away. Games, prizes and snacks also included. 10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3760. Pre-register. Oct. 14. 7-9 p.m. $12 for Roswell residents; $18 for non-residents. Mother/Son Halloween Dance. George Pierce Park Community Rec Center. Dance with mom, enjoy refreshments and wear your costume. Ages 4 and up. Oct. 21. 7-9 p.m. 55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 770831-4173. Pre-register. $10/person. Family Halloween Dance. Pinckneyville Park Community Rec Center. Bring the whole family to this frightfully great Halloween dance, complete with light refreshments. Ages 4 and up. Oct. 28. 7-10 p.m. 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 770-417-2200. Pre-register by Oct. 14. $10/person. Play it Safe Halloween. Rhodes Jordan Community Rec Center. Special event for young children with cognitive disabilities. Wear costumes! Ages 12 and under. Oct. 29. 5-7 p.m. 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5414. Pre-register. Admission is one bag of individually wrapped candy.
Halloween Costume Ball. Rhodes Jordan Community Rec Center. Special event for teens with disabilities. Wear costumes and come to dance. Ages 13 and up. Oct. 29. 7-10 p.m. 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5414. Pre-register. $7/person. Spooktacular Dance and Play Party. Bogan Park Community Rec Center. Dress in costumes, play dance games, eat a snack and make a craft. Oct. 29. Ages 3-5, 2:30-4 p.m.; ages 6-10, 4-5:30 p.m. 2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford. 770-614-2060. Pre-register. $10/person.
Beyond Atlanta The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Kids can pick their own pumpkin, meet Charlie, Lucy and Snoopy, and enjoy hayrides and music. Wear your costumes. Oct. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30. Fri. departures, 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. departures, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 1-800-872-4681. Pre-register online at gsmr.com. Adults, $53; children 2-12, $31; under 2, free. Fall Hoedown. Vogel State Park. Celebrate fall with noon chili, hotdogs, 3 p.m. cakewalk, 4 p.m. hayrides, 5 p.m. bonfire and squaredancing, 6 p.m. trick or treating and 7 p.m. storytelling. Oct. 15. noon-8 p.m. 405 Vogel State Park Rd., Blairsville. 706-745-2628. Free, parking, $5.
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Fall Festival and Haunted Hayride. Seminole State Park. Take a haunted hayride, play games. Ages 12 and younger can participate in a costume contest. Hayrides begin at complete darkness. Oct. 22. 6-10 p.m. 7870 State Park Dr., Donalsonville. 229-861-3137. Parking, $5; hayrides, $1-$2. Not So Spooky Halloween Fest. The Rock Ranch. Try pumpkin carving and painting, a costume contest for humans or pets, and entertaining shows. Families can trick-or-treat all over the Ranch, then try the corn maze after dark with no lights! The Maze is celebrating 50 years of space exploration with NASA! Oct. 29. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-6476374. Adults and kids, $14. Haunted Cavern. Ruby Falls. Visit the terrifying Haunted Cavern and beware of the Cerebrus Virus — this spooky event takes place above and below ground. Not recommended for young children or pregnant women. Through Oct. 31. Fri.-Sat. nights, 8-11 p.m. Sun., 8-10 p.m. 1720 S. Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-821-2544. $20/person online at hauntedcavern.com; $22 at the door. Ghost Train Halloween Festival. Tweetsie Railroad. Take a visit to the Boneyard and the 3-D maze, the Freaky Forest and of course, the Ghost Train! Older kids and adults, visit the Haunted House. Fridays and Saturdays in October. 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. U.S. Hwy. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, NC. 877-893-3874. Adults and children 2 and older, $28; under 2, free. c
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Family Fun Guide
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 69
Calendar
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Visit our Calendar at www.atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.
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Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline.
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Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.
classes Moms and Tots. Gwinnett Place Mall. Join Shelley Jelly Bean and friends for a fun weekly themed-adventure. Ages 4 and under. Oct. 5, Fall Festival Fashion Show; Oct. 12, Sesame Street and Friends; Oct. 19, Animal Kingdom Day; Oct. 26, Halloween Season Final Party. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Upper level Sears wing. 2100 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 770-813-6840. $5 to become a Kidgits member.
Home Depot Kids’ Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety while building a craft and receive a kid-sized orange apron. October craft, “Fire Rescue Helicopter.” Ages 5-12. Oct. 1. 9 a.m.-noon. homedepot.com. Free. American Girl Crafts. American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Oct. 2, 16, Cecile & Marie-Grace’s Dance Slipper Craft, 1-3 p.m.; Oct. 20, Rebecca’s Movie Star Craft, 4-6 p.m.; Oct. 25, Cecile & Marie-Grace’s Embroidered Card Craft, 4-6 p.m. Ages 8 and up. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Free. Fairy House Fairy Market. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Come find out about natural building supplies for your fairy house, build a house in the village and earn fairy coins when you trade in a natural object. Oct. 9. 11 a.m.- noon. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. All ages $8; 2 and under, free. Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Moms and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-495-0253. Ages 1-4. $7/child; one adult free. Make It and Take It Weekend Workshops. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. A hands-on workshop for students ages six and up. Oct. 3, Quill Pens & Berry Ink; Oct. 10, OldFashioned Fun and Games; Oct. 17, Printmaking; Oct. 24, Play It Again; Oct. 31, Masquerade. 10-noon. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-4272117. Adults, $7.50; children 4-12, $5.50; 3 and under, free.
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Zoo Atlanta October 2, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Live entertainment, Latin music, photo-ops with Dora and Diego, and animal encounters. Talks from zookeepers will be translated into Spanish. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-6245600. Adults $15, children $10, younger than 3 free.
Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Oct. 1, Railroad Pets; Oct. 8, All Aboard the Southern Crescent!; Oct. 15, Let’s Go!; Oct. 22, Amusement Parks; Oct. 29, Mask-erade. 10-11 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Most appropriate for ages 3-5. Adults, $7.50; children 4-12, $5.50; 3 and under, free.
EnviroVentures Saturday Drop By. Piedmont Park. Kids make crafts while parents shop at the Green Market. Oct. 1, 15. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1320 Monroe Dr., Atlanta. 404-875-7275. Free.
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Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to complement the museum’s current exhibits. Appropriate for ages 2-4. Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4550. Free with admission. Adults, $18; children 6-17, $11; under 6, free.
Crafts for Kids. Lakeshore Learning Store. Oct. 1, Hang Around Spider; Oct. 8, My Art Portfolio; Oct. 15, Eye-Spy Binoculars; Oct. 22, Masquerade Mask; Oct. 29, Batty Buddy. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100. Free.
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Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb. Panola Mountain State Park. Explore the park’s canopy using a rope and harness. Moderately strenuous. Oct. 15. 1-4 p.m. 2600 Ga. Hwy. 155, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-registration required. $15/person; $5 for parking. INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Make a different craft each week this month. Themes: Pumpkin Week, Oct. 3- 7; Fire Fighter Week, Oct. 10- 14; Police Officer Week, Oct. 17- 21; Halloween Week, Oct. 2428. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900. $1/person in addition to museum admission, adults and children, $8. Art Workshop. Vinings School of Art. Take a drawing, painting or pottery class. Ages 2-13. Saturdays, 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-213-4278. Pre-register. $15/1 hr. workshop. Build and Grow Clinics. Lowe’s. Clinics on select Saturdays to teach kids to build wooden crafts. Kids receive a free apron, goggles and merit patch. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for locations. 10 a.m. 800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free. Creature Feature – Creepy Critters. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Come visit with resident animals to find out about “creepy” critters. Thursdays and Fridays at 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $8; children 3-12, $5; 2 and under, free. Lil’ Bean Heads Crafts. Bean Head Toys. Create an art project the first and third Wednesdays of the month. All ages welcome but smaller children may need assistance. 3-4 p.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-8512980. Free.
Family Fun Guide
Weekends in the Naturalist Center. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Activities include animal encounters, science explorations and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sundays, noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404929-6400. Activities included with price of admission. Adults, $17.50; children 3-12, $15.50; under 3, free.
dance & music Riverside Sounds. Riverside Park. The Dappled Grays perform. Oct. 1. 7-9 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3705. Free. Princess and Me Father/Daughter Dance. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Bring your daughter to the dance and enjoy memories with your little princess. Enjoy dessert buffet, beverages, a keepsake tiara for her and a $3 keepsake photo. Ages 4-10. 185 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Pre-register by Oct. 6. $9/person. Music At Noon. Centennial Olympic Park. Live music at lunchtime. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Oct. Noon-1 p.m. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free. Singin’ Bean Kids Karaoke. The Singin’ Bean. The coffee shop offers more than 94,000 song choices for kids. Ages 3 and up. Fridays in Oct. 6-8 p.m. 195 B. North Perry St., Lawrenceville. 678-534-5220. $3 minimum purchase. Ultimate Playdate. East Cobb Park. Enjoy family-friendly music from Jay Memory. Wednesdays in Oct. 5-8 p.m. 3322 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-591-3160. Free.
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Calendar
Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Block Party Mercer University, Atlanta Campus Oct. 8. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
exhibits “Museums on Us”. High Museum of Art. Bank of America cardholders have the opportunity to visit the high free the first full weekend of every month. Oct. 1-2. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4550. Free for cardholders. Regular admission, adults, $18; children 6-17, $11; under 6, free. Also free on Oct. 1 for Fulton County residents with I.D. Once Upon a Time…Exploring the World of Fairy Tales. Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Featuring seven fairy tales from around the world, visitors learn the meaning and history of fairy tales. Oct. 1-Jan. 22. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 275 Centennial Park Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Adults and children 2 and older, $12.75; under 2, free. Target Second Free Tuesday. Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Admission is free on the second Tuesday of the month until Dec. 13. Oct. 11, 1-7 p.m. 275 Centennial Park Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Free. Art in Nature: Nature in Art. Chattahoochee Nature Center. An exhibition of abstract artwork inspired by nature, scattered throughout the Nature Center’s grounds. Through December. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $8; children 3-12, $5; under 3, free.
Watch your children grin ear-to-ear at this exciting family event! Inflatables, pony rides, prizes, face-painting, storytelling and more will ensure that everyone has a great time! Proceeds benefit local nonprofits Pebble Tossers and FOCUS. 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta. 770-454-7599. $5/ person; 2 and younger, free.
Living in Space. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Inspired by the International Space Station, visitors become crew members for a day as they participate in various astronaut activities. Plan your day in space, perform work activities such as a simulated science experiment, engage in daily living activities and more. Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Adults 13 and older, $10.50; children ages 3-12, $6.50; Gwinnett County residents get $3 discount.
Darwin. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Explore the life and discoveries of scientist Charles Darwin, best know for his biological theories, featuring live animals and fossils. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Mon.- Sat., 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun., noon- 5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; children 3-12, $15.50; 2 and under, free. Heroes of Sandy Springs. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Exhibit honoring police officers and firefighters of Sandy Springs. Learn about the history of these departments through historical photographs, archives, artifacts and film clips. Through Feb. 15. Museum hours, Wed. and Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment. 6075 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Adults, $3; children ages 6-12, $1; children 5 and younger, free.
family concert A Storybook Halloween October 30 Sun: 1:30 & 3:30pm | Atlanta Symphony Hall Jere Flint, conductor | Lee Harper Dancers Wendy Bennett, vocalist Goblin good! The Orchestra’s annual laugh out loud horror show is a ton of fun for the entire family. Your kids will delight as maestro of the macabre Jere Flint and the players don costumes and scare up exciting classics while Atlanta favorites, the Lee Harper Dancers and singerstoryteller Wendy Bennett, spin devilishly delightful tales.
404.733.5000 | aso.org Woodruff Arts Center Box Office @ 15th & Peachtree Make it a group! 404.733.4848
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Family Fun Guide
a spooktacular afternoon for as little as
$15
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 71
Heavy Metal in Motion
Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family and others who lived in the Secret Annex, plus a replica of Anne’s room in the annex. Fifth grade and higher. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 12-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-206-1558. Free.
Fest-of-Ale. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Celebrate fall with a selection of season brews, live music, a woodland stroll. Also take in Scarecrows in the Garden. Thursdays in Oct., 5-10 p.m. Regular garden hours, Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; Children 3-17, $12.95; 3 and under, free.
Attic Treasures: Memories of the Carr Family. DeKalb History Center. A one-room exhibit of the history of the Carr family, best known for their construction business from the 1920’s to 1940’s. Mon.Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. 404-373-1088. Free.
Martinis and IMAX. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This exciting experience offers a sophisticated way to spend the evening with live music or a DJ, full bar, and an IMAX film. Every Friday from 6:30-11 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Tickets, includes admission to IMAX: adults, $12.
Exotic Ectotherms. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. See reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Saturdays in Oct. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Johns Creek. 678-366-3511. $3/person; $5/family.
Tellus Science Museum Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
movies for parents
Atlanta School Fair. Peachtree Presbyterian Church. This event is featuring more than 50 of Atlanta’s independent, public and charter schools. Oct. 6. 6-8 p.m. 3417 Roswell Rd, Atlanta. 404-303-2150 ext.284.
Sensory Friendly Films. Select AMC Theatres. Families affected by autism and other disabilities can experience popular films in a comfortable and accepting environment. Oct. 1, 10 a.m., Dolphin Tale. Discover Mills, Lawrenceville. Phipps Plaza, Atlanta. Southlake, Morrow. Autism Society of America-Greater Georgia Chapter, 770- 904-4474. All tickets $6 and available at ticket window on show day.
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Get up close with the Tornado Intercept Vehicle, a helicopter, a hovercraft and other incredible cars, trucks and more. This special day accompanies the Science in Motion exhibit on aircrafts and spacecrafts. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $12; children 3-17, $8.
The Smith Family and The Civil War Exhibit. Archibald Smith Plantation. Catch a glimpse of the activities surrounding the Smith family in this exhibit commemorating the 150-year anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. Mon.-Sat., tours start on the hour beginning at 10 a.m. with last tour at 3 p.m.; Sun., beginning at 1 p.m. with last tour at 3 p.m. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-641-3978. Admission to exhibit with regular tour ticket. Adults, $18; children, $15.
Motherhood the Musical. 14th Street Playhouse. Come laugh about the experiences of motherhood with people who understand. This musical is for anyone who “is, has, or knows a mother.” Through Nov. 20. Tues.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. 173 14th Street, Atlanta; 404-733-5000; 14thstplayhouse.org. All seats $45, with $5 discount with the code MARCUS; $2 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Marcus Autism Center.
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72 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Family Fun Guide
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Movies on Main. Stone Mountain Village. Bring a blanket, picnic and cooler and enjoy familyfriendly movies on the lawn in Stone Mountain Village. Tangled, Oct. 15. Movie at dusk. 922 Main St., Stone Mountain. 770-498-7334. Free. Movies Under the Stars. Gwinnett Place Mall. Play fun games, enjoy Kidgits Club activities, and watch Despicable Me. Oct. 8. Games at 6 p.m., movie at dusk. 2100 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 770-813-6840. Free. Outdoor Movie Series. Riverside Park. Bring a picnic along with lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy music before the movie starts at dark. Oct. 21, 7-11 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3727. Free. Galapagos. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Explore the natural wonders of the volcanic archipelago of the Galapagos Islands in this IMAX movie, presented in conjunction with the new Darwin exhibit. Through Jan. 1. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.; Sun., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.; Fri., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: adults, $13; children 3-12, $11; 2 and under, free. Hubble. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Learn about the journey of one of the most important scientific instruments since Galileo’s original telescope. Through Jan. 1. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m., 10 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: adults, $13; children 3-12, $11; 2 and under, free.
nature Stars Over Elachee. Elachee Nature Science Center. Learn about astronomy and how to use a telescope. Bring a flashlight and pencil. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Oct. 1, 7 p.m. Oct. 30, 6:15 p.m. 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. 770-535-1976. Pre-register. Adults, $10; children 2-12, $5. Sunset Tours. North Georgia Zoo. Watch the sun set over the zoo with a personal guided tour, meet some of the zoo’s baby animals and board the hay wagon while enjoying snacks. Oct. 1, 15. 6-8 p.m. Pre-register. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd., Cleveland. 706-348-7279. Adults, $28; children, $25; infants, free. Fly Fishing Clinic. Panola Mountain State Park. Focuses on casting, safety issues and tricks of the trade. Bring snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license required for anglers 16 years and older. Oct. 2, 9- 11 a.m. 2600 Hwy. 155, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. Panola Mountain Night Hike. Panola Mountain State Park. Hike to the top of the mountain at night. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. Oct. 8. 6:30 p.m. 2600 Hwy. 155, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $7/ person; parking, $5. Kiddie Gardener Series. Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Kids can walk through the gardens, listen to storytelling, sing and dance. Ages 3-5 only. Oct. 11, 25. 10 a.m. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. Pre-register. Kids, $5; adults, free.
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Out of this World: Astronomy Weekend Image courtesy of IMAX Corp.
Outdoor Movie Series. Swift-Cantrell Park. Bring a blanket or comfortable chair to enjoy a movie on the giant inflatable screen, and arrive early for inflatables, games, face painting and giveaways. Yogi Bear. Oct. 1. 6 p.m. Movie at dusk. 3140 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw. Free.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History Oct. 15-16. Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m.
Tara’s Touch Tara’s Touch is now in Alpharetta inside Optimal Wellness Chiropractic. 5755 North Point Pkwy., Ste 48 Alpharetta 30022 Mention this ad and receive 10% off your 1st prenatal massage.
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Ready for some out-of-this-world learning? Explore space, astronomy and how scientists learn about our universe through activities and demonstrations. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; children 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free. Super Garden Explorers Build a Scarecrow. Oakhurst Garden. Go on a scavenger hunt, build a scarecrow, learn about the changing leaves, and go home with a craft to protect the garden. Oct. 29. 1-2:30 p.m. Ages 4-8. 435 Oakview Rd., Decatur. 678-642-4977. $20. Trail Hike. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Hike through the wetlands or woods with a naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays in Oct. 1 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055 ext. 237. Adults, $8; children, $5; under 2, free. New Manchester History Hike. Sweetwater Creek State Park. A mile hike leads to the five-story ruins of the Civil-War era New Manchester textile mill. Climb inside the ruins and view the whitewater rapids. Saturdays in Oct., 10 a.m.-noon. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871. $3-4/person; parking, $5. The Sky Tonight. Fernbank Science Center. An astronomer leads the tour through the constellations, planets and events of the evening sky. Saturdays in Oct. 11 a.m. 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta. 678-874-7102. Adults, $4; students, $3.
special events Bat Day. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Celebrate the opening of the new permanent bat exhibit with stories, bat dances, chances to ask questions about the creatures and more. Oct. 1. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $8; children 3-12, $5; 2 and under, free.
Family Fun Guide
Learning Concepts Tutoring and Classes ADHD, Dyslexia, Learning Difficulties-Gifted Multisensory, Structured, & Sequential Also Orton Gillingham Based Reading
• Reading and Spelling • Mathematics- All Levels • Writing • Creative Thinking • Technology for Students • Web Design/Programming • Social Communications Groups
Roswell - 770-714-4313 AtlantaLearningConcepts.com October 2011 Atlanta Parent 73
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Calendar AAUW Bookfair. Perimeter Mall. Over 75,000 gently-used books as well as age-appropriate categories for children’s books. Proceeds benefit education programs. Oct. 5-9. Wed.Sat., 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sun. noon-7 p.m. 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Suite 1360, Atlanta. Free to shop. Ride for the Kids. Great South Harley Davidson Newnan. A fully-escorted roundtrip benefit ride, silent auction, giveaways, raffles and food. Oct. 8. Pre-registration, 9 a.m.; ride, 10:30 a.m. 185 East Hwy 16, Newnan. fragilekidsride@yahoo. com. $25/bike; $10/ additional rider.
770.447.5311 www.drcrawfordortho.com
Doc Healey Carousel Party. Come ride Doc Healey’s carousel! This event, put on by Atlanta pediatric dentist Michael Healey, includes fresh popcorn, lemonade, face painting and a photo of your child on a horse. Oct. 15. 10 a.m.-noon. 1145 Hightower Trail NE., Atlanta. 770-993-9395. Free.
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Kids Fit & Fun Day. Dacula Park. Run the obstacle course, learn bike safety, earn your scouting health/fitness badge and more at this fitness and health fair. Oct. 15. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 205 Dacula Rd., Dacula. 770-614-2060. Preregister. $5/person. Oceans & Autos. Georgia Aquarium. See some extraordinary vehicles with whale sharks and beluga whales as backdrops. Oct. 22- 23. Sat., 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4301. Adults, $24.95; ages 3-12, $18.95.
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Chili Cook-Off. Leita Thompson Memorial Park. Bring your appetite and sample homemade chili from contestants, both professional and amateur. Oct. 29. 1-4 p.m. 1355 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3990. $20/person, includes ceramic bowl, all the chili you want to taste, a voting ballot and $5 worth of tickets.
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74 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Storytime for toddlers at the nature center. Ages 3-5. Oct. 5. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $8; children, $5; under 2, free. Children’s Garden Storybook Time. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Storytelling in the Children’s Garden’s Amphitheater. Wednesdays in Oct. 10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404876-5859. Garden admission: adults, $18.95; children 3-17, $12.95; under 3, free.
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Story Hour. Simon Malls. Listen to a story, participate in activities and join a raffle. Gwinnett Place, upper level Sears wing, Oct. 12, 19, 11 a.m.; Mall of Georgia, Kidgits Club Play Area, Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m.; Town Center, upper level JC Penney wing, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. Visit simon. com for addresses and phone numbers. $5 to become a Kidgits member.
770.754.0085
Family Fun Guide
Children’s Story Time. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Age-appropriate stories, followed by dance and sing period. Mondays and Saturdays in Oct. 11 a.m. 105 East Main St. #138, Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free. Ready! Set! Read! Preschool Storytime. Sandy Springs Branch Library. Pre-schoolers can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and occasional crafts! Tuesdays in Oct. 396 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Atlanta. 404-303-6130. Free
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Stately Oaks Plantation Sat., Oct. 22. 6:30-10 p.m. Listen to local musicians and storytellers until it’s time to follow guides along a moonlit path filled with storytellers. Story trail begins every 20 minutes. 100 Carriage Lane, Jonesboro. 770-473-0197. Adults, $7; children 5-11, $5. Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories. Storytelling three times a week; Thursday nights, milk and cookies provided and kids can come in pajamas. Sundays, 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, 11 a.m.; Thursdays, 7 p.m. 133A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free. Tales for Toddlers. Bean Head Toys. Stories read in the indoor tree house, then kids make a small craft to take home. Thursdays in Oct. 10:30 a.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. Free. Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest. Wren’s Nest Ramblers host a storytelling session every Saturday afternoon in Oct. 1 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-753-7735. Adults, $9; students, $8; children, $6.
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theater Into the Woods. Alliance Theatre. The Tony Award-winning musical with the central message, “Careful what you say… children will listen.” Through Oct. 2. See alliancetheatre.org for show times. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4650. Tickets, $2. Thoroughly Modern Millie. Earl Smith Strand Theater, Marietta Square. Based on the 1967 Oscar-winning film of the same name, the musical tells the story of a Midwestern girl who arrives in New York City with plans to marry for money. Through Oct. 2. Thurs.Sat., 8 p.m. Sun., 2 p.m.; Sept. 29-Oct.2, additional 2 p.m. show on Sat. 117 N. Park Sq., Marietta. 404-377-9948. Tickets, $27.50$48.70.
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Family Fun Guide
Come dance with all your favorites, including DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and Toodee! This hit Nickelodeon show is coming to the Fox to delight all your little ones! 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100. Tickets, $22-$48. La Cucarachita Martina. Center for Puppetry Arts. A well-known tale from Puerto Rico and Cuba, told in Spanish and English, is transformed into a funny, Latino rock ‘n’ roll musical about Martina, the Little Roach. Oct. 5-16. Tues.-Fri., 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Tickets, $16.50. Wicked. Fabulous Fox Theatre. The famous musical about how the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch got their start, long before Dorothy ever arrives in Munchkinland. Through Oct. 9. Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-881-2100. Tickets, $36-$133.
beyond atlanta Fall Family Fun Days. The Rock Ranch. Days throughout the fall season at The Rock Ranch with special features and activities. Oct. 1, Growing Up Green with Bob and Larry of VeggieTales; Oct. 8, The Official Georgia Day of the Cowboy; Oct. 15, Hot Air Balloon Rally; Oct. 22, The Great Outdoor Adventure; Oct. 29, “Not-So-Spooky” Halloween Festival. 5020 Barnesville Highway, The Rock. 706-647-6347. $14/person; 3 and under, free; $7 or $12 for zip line rides. Visit therockranch.com for specific event info. Historic Trolley Tour. Augusta. Take the Lady Liberty Trolley for a kid-friendly ride to see some of Augusta’s most famous homes and the Augusta Canal. Hear a ghost story of the Haunted Pillar and head over to the James Brown exhibit at the Augusta History Museum to boogey down to his best hits. Saturdays. 1-4:15 p.m. 560 Reynolds Street, Augusta. 706-724-4067. Pre-register. $12/ person, includes admission to Museum. c
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fallfestivals&fairs Charges may apply for some festival activities, such as inflatables and activity stations in addition to entrance fees.
Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival. Atlantic Station. A BBQ village featuring food from the city’s top BBQ spots, a kid’s area, live music and a BBQ cook-off. Oct. 1. Noon-8 p.m. 20th St. and Fowler St., Atlanta. Atlbbqfest.com. Adults, $6 in advance; $10 day of show; kids 12 and younger, free with a paid adult. Autumn Fest. Barrett Memorial Park. Arts and crafts, children’s activities, a petting zoo, food and inflatables. Oct. 1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Park Lane and Hickory Rd., Holly Springs. 770-3455536. Free. Crossroads at Crabapple Antique and Art Festival. Downtown Crabapple. Outdoor festival featuring arts and crafts dealers. Roaming musicians, kids’ activities from 2-4 p.m., trolley rides and concessions also available. Oct. 1. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 790 Mayfield Rd., Milton. 770-4483860. Free. High Point Elementary Fall Festival. High Point Elementary. Come enjoy train and pony rides, a rock climbing wall, pumpkin patch, face painting, bake sale, inflatables and more. Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 520 Greenland Dr., Atlanta. 404-843-7716. $15 for all activities; or $5 for arts & crafts, or games or rides. Kidsfest. Avondale Estates. A festival headlined by Laughing Pizza and offering hands-on art, musical entertainment, a sports and wellness zone, and nutritious food. Oct. 1. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Intersection of Pine and Franklin Streets, Avondale Estates. 404-292-9760. Free. Norcross Art Fest. Historic Downtown Norcross. Local and national artists display and sell folk art, photography, pottery, jewelry and more. Oct. 1-2. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Norcross. 770-452-1727. Free. Scarecrow Harvest. Historic Downtown Alpharetta. Over 100 scarecrows decorated by elementary school children, a farmers market, awards, music, hayrides to the log cabin, face painting, cornhole, storytelling, inflatables and activities. Oct. 1. 10 a.m. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. 678-297-6078. Free.
Southeastern Cowboy Festival and Symposium
Sunday in the Park. Historic Oakland Cemetery. Live music, Victorian costume contest, artists market, living history demonstrations, storytellers, Irish dancers, and a scavenger hunt. Oct. 2. Noon-6 p.m. 248 Oakland Avenue SE, Atlanta. 404-6882107. Free, but suggested donation of $5.
Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival. Decatur. More than 50 artists, seven bands, 5k run, neighborhood parade, African drumming and more. Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Corner of East Lake Dr. and Oakview Rd., Decatur. 404-3719583. Free.
North Georgia State Fair. Jim R. Miller State Park. Live music, free attractions. Shows, farm animals, fair food and more at the largest fair in metro Atlanta. Through Oct. 2. Mon.-Thurs., 4-11 p.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.-midnight; Sat., 10 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 12:30-10 p.m. 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. 770-528-8989. Adults, $5; students 7-18, $2; 6 and under, free. Ride tickets, $1 each.
Parktoberfest. Whittier Mill Park. Listen to live music and enjoy the 22-acre park and local food and beverages. Oct. 8. 3- 10 p.m. 2975 Wales Ave., Atlanta. 404-384-7884. $5 admission; $20 for adults to receive a cup that can be filled with local craft beer; children 12 and under, free.
Cumming Country Fair and Festival. Cumming Fairgrounds. Carnival rides, live music, fireworks, chainsaw carving and more! Oct. 6-16. Mon.-Thurs., 4-10 p.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.-midnight; Sat., 10 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 12:30-9 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-781-3491. Adults, $7; ages 5-18, $3; 4 and under, free; parking, $3. Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Block Party. Mercer University, Atlanta Campus. More than 50 kid-friendly attractions, storytelling, inflatables, pony rides and prizes. Oct. 8. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta. 770-4547599. $5/person; 2 and under, free. Marietta Grassroots Festival. Marietta Square. A music festival on the square, featuring Atlantaarea bands. Oct. 8. 2-8 p.m. Marietta Square. mariettagrassroots.org. Free. Taste of Suwanee. Town Center Park. Local performers, food from local restaurants, kids activities. Oct. 8. Noon. Buford Hwy. and LawrencevilleSuwanee Rd., Suwanee. 770-831-3159. Free admission, tasting tickets for a fee.
Harvest Balloon Festival
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Rice Festival. Stone Mountain Park. Watch a showcase of Asian dance, martial arts performances, and exotic cuisine from Asia. Oct. 9. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105. Free with $10 park entry fee.
Family Fun Guide
50th Anniversary Carnival. Hawthorne Elementary. Come have some fall fun with arts and crafts, carnival games, pony and hay rides, food and more. Oct. 15. Noon-4 p.m. 2535 Caladium Dr., NE, Atlanta. 678-874-2802. Free, activities from $.25-.50. Harvest Balloon Festival. Sterling on the Lake. Take part in balloon adventures, competitive races and tethered rides. On land, pumpkin carving, hayrides, face painting and a costume parade. Oct. 15-16. Sat., balloons launch 8 a.m., festivities 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Sun., 7:30 a.m., balloon launch. 7004 Lake Sterling Blvd., Flowery Branch. 770-967-9777. Festival free. Balloon rides, Sat. and Sun., 8:30-9:30 a.m.; adults, $10; children 12 and younger, $5. Harvest Square Festival. Glover ParkMarietta Square. Halloween games, family activities. See the scarecrows and more. Oct. 15. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. 50 Park Sq., Marietta. 770794-5601. Free. Barbeque and Fall Festival. St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany Episcopal Church. For all ages! Enjoy BBQ plates, arts & crafts fair, quilt show & raffle, and white elephant sale. Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3805 Braselton Hwy, Buford. 770-401-9446. Free. Cont’d on page 78
October 2011 Atlanta Parent 77
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fallfestivals&fairs Highland Games and Scottish Festival. Stone Mountain Park. Featuring musical entertainment, children’s events and more. Oct. 15-16. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Old Hugh Howell Rd., Stone Mountain. 770-521-0228. Sat., adults, $15 (at gate, $17); Sun., adults $13 (at gate, $15); both days, children $4 ($5 at gate); under 6, free. Advance purchase 3-day parking pass, $10. smhg.org Mall of Georgia Fall Festival. Mall of Georgia. Kids can enjoy crafts, games, a bounce house and stage performances. Radio Disney will also be on-site for entertainment. Oct. 15, 1-3 p.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-8788. Free. Pace Fall Fair. Pace Academy. A popular tradition that offers laser tag, a dunk tank, inflatables, a street market, fair games and more. Rain or shine. Oct. 15, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-240-7411. Free.
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Roswell Green Festival. Hembree Park. Features a vendor expo, a “Trashion” and fashion show, a kid’s area, and speakers with green living tips. Oct. 15. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. 850 Hembree Road, Roswell. Free. Country Living Fair. Stone Mountain Park. Over 150 booths of antiques and hand-crafted goods, plus a harvest market and general store. Oct. 2123. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105. $13/one day; $20/weekend pass; one-day parking, $10. Dunwoody Music Festival. Brook Run Park. The third annual festival, featuring multiple music stages, an enlarged children’s area, a “young adult zone”, vendors’ market and chili cook-off. Oct. 22-23. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. 4770 N. Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. $5; some activities extra. Taste of Atlanta. Midtown at Tech Square. Celebrate Atlanta’s best chefs, local farmers, music cafes and live cooking stages. Oct. 22-23. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Spring Street & 5th Street, Atlanta. 404-875-4434. Advance purchase, $25; at gate, $35; 13 and under, free with paid adult. Southeastern Cowboy Festival and Symposium. Booth Western Arts Museum. Children’s activities, pioneer demonstrations, Western gun fight reenactments, Native American dancing and more. Oct. 20-23. Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300. Adults, $10; children 12 and under, $3. Fall Jonquil Festival. Smyrna Village Green. Arts and crafts market, festival food, live music and kids’ activities. Oct. 22-23. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. 770-423-1330. Free. Flavors of Fall Festival. Smith-Gilbert Gardens. See artwork from local artists, listen to musicians play and stroll through the garden. Pack a picnic lunch. Oct. 22. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. $7/person.
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78 Atlanta Parent October 2011
Taste of Atlanta
Beyond Atlanta National Storytelling Festival. Jonesborough, Tenn. America’s favorite storytellers perform at this three-day outdoor festival. Nightly family-friendly ghost story concerts and much more! Oct. 7-9. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Historic Downtown Jonesborough. 800-952-8392, ext. 221. Tickets start at $10. See storytellingcenter.net for complete ticket package breakdown. Cotton Pickin’ Fair. Gay Family Farmstead. Enjoy musicians, folk dancers, marionettes and delicious Southern food on the 1828 family farm. Oct. 1-2. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 18830 Georgia Hwy. 85, Gay. 706-538-6814. Adults, $7; children 4-12, $3. Georgia National Fair. Georgia National Fairgrounds. Carnival rides, concerts, food vendors, livestock, live entertainment and more. Oct. 6, 3-10 p.m.; Oct. 7-16, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. 401 Larry Walker Pkwy., Perry. 478-987-3247. Adults, $8; children 10 and younger, free with paid adult. Ride tickets, $10 for a sheet of 18. Georgia Mountain Fall Festival. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Arts, crafts, history, music and more. Oct. 7-15. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. 706-896-4191. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com. $10/person plus $2 handling fee. Dahlonega Gold Rush Days. Dahlonega Gold Museum. Celebrate the 1828 discovery of gold with 300 arts and crafts exhibitors, a parade, gold panning, hog calling, buck dancing, wrist wrestling, live entertainment and more. Oct. 15. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 1 Public Square, Dahlonega. 706864-2257. $3.50. Fall Hoedown. Vogel State Park. Celebrate fall with noon chili, a cakewalk, hayrides, bonfire, line dancing, trick or treats and professional storytelling. Oct. 15. Noon- 8 p.m. See detailed schedule on gastateparks.org. 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville. 706-745-2628. Free; parking, $5.
Discovery Point Fall Festival. Discovery Point Woodstock. Games and prizes for children of all ages. Oct. 27. 7-9 p.m. 12055 Ga. Hwy 92, Woodstock. 770-926-5544. Tickets, 50¢.
Georgia Apple Festival. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. Handmade and handcrafted items, plus all the apples you can eat! Oct. 8-9, 15-16. Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1729 South Main St., Ellijay. 706-635-7400. Adults, $5; children 10 and under, free.
Family Fall Festival. Elachee Nature Science Center. See a live animal program, play games, make crafts, enjoy hikes. Also costumed animal characters, face painting and more. Oct. 29. 2-5 p.m. 2125 Elachee Dr., Gainesville. 770-5351976. $5/person.
Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival. Mossy Creek Barnyard. Have fun in the “Enchanted Forest.” Find arts and crafts and listen to live entertainment. Oct. 15-16. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 315M Lake Joy Rd., Perry. 478-922-8265. Adults, $5; children, $1. c
Family Fun Guide
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Call Andi to place your advertisement on this page. 678-222-1917. October 2011 Atlanta Parent 81
Humor
by Christopher Garlington
Chores 2.0:
Tasks for the 21st Century
L
ike all responsible parents, I’ve waited until my kids are taller than me and driving before giving them chores. The other day I told my newly teened boy to take out the trash. He asked me how much. I thought about it and told him I’d give him five bucks to take out the trash and the mountain of spent Diet Coke cartons in his mom’s office. He texted friends and outsourced it for $2.75. The problem was clear: My childhood chores (retread the tractor, build a three-acre windbreak. . .) were too Tom Sawyer for today’s teenage technophiles. They needed an upgrade. So I gave my kids 21st-century busy work. I present: Chores 2.0. Prune the DVR I can’t go five minutes into a show without the DVR letting me know it’s about to switch over to “Haunted Toolsheds of America” in five, four, three, two – FRAAK! It doesn’t matter if I hit cancel because 50 other shows are lined up on the ever-growing and gangly tree of DVR priority. I make Junior prune everything back to NEW ONLY. Maybe then I can watch “Extreme Lay-Z-Boy” for five minutes straight.
Play Dad’s character in Call of Duty 4 to jack him up a few levels I came late to video gaming. I mean, OK, no I didn’t. I admit I spent an ungodly amount of time playing Starcastle, but I eventually dropped it all when I discovered girls. Today I just don’t have the necessary skills. Today’s games are all about teambuilding, communication and multitasking. They’re like a management seminar you can play. My son is so good at first-person shooter games, he gets invited to play BETA versions. I don’t even know what it means. All I know is occasionally I’ll hear his machine cry out “Excellent Kill!” and from the other room I’ll silently fist pump and whisper, That’s my boy!
Click the ads on Dad’s blog Don’t look at me like that. It’s legal.
Tend my crops in Farmville I didn’t want to become a Farmvillager, but I accidentally clicked on a picture of a [chicken] and found myself on the ol’ virtual homestead hoeing a row of [corn] and couldn’t stop. Now crops need water, I have to get my [tractor] fixed, and Maw needs her rocker re-caned. I hate this game. I can’t spend more than two minutes as a virtual yokel before I want 82 Atlanta Parent October 2011
to run away to [New York] and become an [actor]. But I need those stupid rewards to beat my [friends] on Facebook, so I send Junior out into the [fields] so I can sport my own CHRIS JUST FOUND AN ABANDONED COAL MINE! update.
Tweet My publisher told me to tweet my deets. I don’t know what that means, so I just added it to the chore chart and 10 minutes later my daughter walked out of her room and asked me what kind of cerebral damage I had incurred from sitting on the couch and making up ridiculous chores. I said, “Just post quotes from famous writers!” This worked out until I found out her idea of famous was anything from Twilight and The Devil Wears Prada.
Edit my Wikipedia page I don’t know whom I teed off, but someone keeps editing my Wikipedia occupation to “monkey wrangler.” If I ever catch the guy, I’m gonna unfriend him on Facebook. Until then, it’s costing me a fortune to keep paying Junior to fix it.
Facebook maintenance I have something like 890 friends on Facebook that I can’t possibly keep up with. I pay my daughter to go through and post canned responses to all my friends’ urgent postings of ‘sitting in Starbucks’ or ‘what’s up with Fringe?’ She can post, OMG LOL! Wasn’t that in The Big Lebowski? and You Go Girl and/or Dude! Maybe my kids won’t know how to mow grass, prune a hedge or change a tire, but they’re learning real-world skills – and I can put their allowance on PayPal. c www.atlantaparent.com
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