October 2014 - South Jersey MOM Magazine

FREE

OCTOber

n u F 5 Games Tonight

2014

Your Child’s

Education

HALLOWEEN Party Ideas!

Eat, Drink and Be Scary

increase

IMAGINATION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: E Meds at School E Stain Busters!

E Stay Fire Safe

2 | October 2014

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Contents OCTOBER 2014

mom 2 mom 8 Breast Cancer Before 40

know 2 grow 14

3 Rules for Exercise Every Parent of a Down Syndrome Child Should Know

16

Transporting Medicine to School

17

Stay Fire Safe

moms R women 2 20

Healing After Miscarriage

features

Eat, Drink and Be Scary 11 Increase Your Child’s Imagination

13 Outdoor Stain Busters 19 Families that Play

Together Stay Together

Facebook Art Contest Winners 2nd Place Mikayla is a third grade student that feels happy when she is vacationing in Wildwood Crest with her family. Riding the waves is the best!

3rd Place Hunter is a fifth grader that loves throwing art parties with his sister and brother. Hunter spends lots of time learning new art concepts from how-to videos.

also in this issue 5 Some of My Faves

12

Business Spotlight: Garden State Discovery Museum

18

Recipe Corner

21

Things to Do

22

on the Cover Cutest Kid In Town Winner: 1st Place Winner in the Facebook Art Contest, Michael, age 10, is a fifth grader. He loves soccer, skateboarding, drawing, music and playing with his friends. He has a 3 year old sister, Mackenna and a great family he loves a lot.

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Business Spotlight: Huntington Learning Center

October 2014 | 3

Join in the costume parade and competition, participate in holiday themed games, win some prizes, and enjoy some surprises!

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a letter from the EDITOR

T

he joys of Halloween are upon us this month. It’s great to have a holiday that is fun and lighthearted.

Times have certainly changed since I was a kid trick-or-treating in the seventies. Do you remember the plastic costumes? You know, the plastic masks where the eye-holes never lined up with your eyes, and two holes in the nose to breath. I remember placing the mask on top of my head between houses in order to cool off; it was like wearing a sauna on your face. And, the candy, did we get candy! Pillow cases full of the confectionary treats to rot my teeth. I remember the pillow cases being so heavy we would stop home to dump it out. Fast forward to present day and I would never allow my kids to eat that much junk! Our son was a high-energy boy who was very impacted by dyes and preservatives.

I tried letting him eat a treat every day for what

was weeks, but he’d never forget one stinking piece of candy if I tried to get rid of some of it. The tradition of my kids selling their candy to me grew out of my parenting frustrations during those early years. It was great fun to sort through the candy and make two piles “the keepers and sellers”. They thought it was a fun math game and they were motivated to sell the candy to get a toy at the store. They would tell me what they were charging for different sizes that were anywhere from a nickel to a buck for the big bars. They would spend hours adding up the amount and building excitement to get the toy they want. I always cap the payout at $20 bucks. The tradition still continues now that they are older and, yes, to my husband’s dismay I throw out the candy! To see fun Halloween Party Ideas check out the article, “Eat, Drink and Be Scary” (page 10). Make the most with your family this month and get out the board games for family fun. This month we featured game reviews for every age, “Families That Play Together Stay Together” (page 19). Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Your friend & fellow MOM,

Karen Ognibene karen@superiorgx.com

some of my

faves

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BioElixia Pure Cactus Bristle Dry Body Brush is great for exfoliating dead

skin cells and improves circulation. You begin at your feet and work your way up the body in an upward motion towards the heart.

It’s an invigorating feeling and awakens the senses! Bioelixia.com, $18

P.S. Don’t forget to purchase your Mom’s Night Out tickets for November 13th at www.southjerseymom.com!

OCTOBER giveaway H Brunswick Bowling family pack Visit www.southjerseymom.com to enter to win these prizes

“Like” South Jersey MOM magazine on Facebook and find out about local events, win prizes and connect with other moms in the area! www.facebook.com/SouthJerseyMOM

Calling All Vendors...

MAGAZINE

2015

4th Annual

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for South Jersey MOM Magazine’s 4th Annual Camp and Education Expo Sunday, January 25, 2015 Moorestown Mall •11-4pm Tables are selling out quick! Call Chris at 609-670-1794 October 2014 | 5

South Jersey October

MOM 2014

CEO/Publisher Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com

Get in the Halloween Spirit Early...

H

alloween is all about fun, that’s for

sure! Get ready with plenty of advance time in all kinds of ways. First, think of their Trick or Treat Bag. Take them to the dollar store and have them pick out a brightly colored, large bag to decorate. Perhaps, you can find Halloween stickers at the store or other festive Halloween decorations for their bag -- and also for the house! Give your child $5 to spend and I bet, he can find all kinds of Halloween decorations for the house AND his Trick or Treat Bag. If not, they can make their own with friendly ghosts hanging around the house or bright cheery pumpkins. (Since KIDFUN is written for children 2 to 7, I like to think of Casper the Friendly Ghost instead of a frightening ghoul!)

When you get home, there’s lots to do together -- decorate the front door, the windows, everyone’s bedroom door -- even the dining room table! THEN, you can start decorating that dollar store Trick or Treat Bag! Making your own is so much more fun.

Not only a South Jersey Mom, Sharla Feldscheris a proud South Jersey Grandmom (Grammy, as she prefers to be called). The author of six books on creative ideas to do with young children, including two KIDFUN Activity Books published by HarperCollins, she has a blog at www.kidfunandmore.com with more easy-to-do KIDFUN ideas. Sharla has her own public relations business in Philadelphia. A real kid-believer, she began her career as the first PR Director of the Please Touch Museum and started her own business with Sesame Place as her first account, representing the park for 26 years.

Executive Editor Karen Ognibene • (609) 230-6280 karen@superiorgx.com Marketing & Business Development Specialist Michelle Scianni • (856) 986-9606 michelle@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries Marissa Josephick • (856) 537-7089 ocrazyjane@gmail.com Chris Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisasjmom@gmail.com Photographer Tiny Toes Photography Karen Seykot 609-617-3796 www.photographybytinytoes.com Contributing Writers Brie Latini, Dr. Kelly Moore, Ph.D., Deb McCarson, Matthew Brenner, Cheryl E. Potter, M. B. Sanok, Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio, Jen Dixon Special Thanks To Dr. Dietzek of Vein and Vascular Institute Huntington Learning Center Garden State Discovery Museum Submit Calendar Listing michelle@superiorgx.com www.southjerseymom.com

Created by Markations Adam Nichols • (215) 825-7499 Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM™ monthly and distributes it throughout the region.

The publication is available free of charge at select locations.

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6 | October 2014

Every month South Jersey MOM features a local child on the cover. If you think you have the “Cutest Kid in Town”, send a 4x6 photo to South Jersey MOM. P.O. Box 268, Wenonah, NJ 08090.

On back of photo write child’s name and age along with guardian contact info.

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October 2014 | 7

mom 2 mom

Breast Cancer

Before 40

By Brie Latini

Stephanie MacLeod, her husband Ryan, and her boys Max and Jack

I

met Stephanie MacLeod nearly six years ago at the wedding of a mutual friend.

Steph was a force of nature. Heavily pregnant at the time, she tended to her wedding duties with enthusiasm, love, and the energy of twenty toddlers. We danced the night away in matching purple dresses and celebrated the marriage of our good friend. Soon after, she and her husband Ryan welcomed a baby boy, Max, now 5, who joined his big brother Jack, now 7, in their Del Haven, NJ home.

Two years later at the age of 31, Stephanie was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Barely in her 30’s, with a happy marriage and two young sons, the news came as a shock.

Left with the task of choosing an oncologist, she decided on Dr. Julianne Childs with the New Jersey-based Hope Community Cancer Center. Dr. Childs had recently suffered two broken arms in a car accident, but when she heard of a young mother with breast cancer, 8 | October 2014

she made the decision to return to practice early. She was encouraged by friends and family to transfer to a big, Philadelphia/university hospital, but Stephanie believed in Dr. Childs.

She felt an instant connection to the confident oncologist who promised, “We are going for the cure.” On June 9th of 2011, she had her right breast and lymph nodes removed.

Twelve rounds of chemo followed her surgery. After her second round, Stephanie was sitting with her husband and found herself with a handful of her hair after absently running her hand through it. Stephanie was unprepared for how hard chemo would be on her body. She endured terrible migraines and often could only hold down Special K protein drinks. Between rounds, her ravaged body was either in bed or on the bathroom floor. The drugs fought off the cancer but left her with a weakened immune system, unable to fight off anything else.

Radiation treatments followed, a process that stretched over months due to complications.

In August of 2012, Stephanie discovered a lump in her left breast. With the risks of her cancer spreading beginning to mount, she underwent a second mastectomy that month to remover her remaining breast, a “piece of cake” compared to her first surgery.

Just over a year later, in March of 2013, Stephanie was admitted to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for breast reconstruction surgery using tissue from a large portion of her stomach area. Recovery was difficult and involved Stephanie spending two days flat on her back to allow her newly-attached skin to regain some elasticity.

Stephanie remains cautiously optimistic.

On a heightened alert for any bump, bruise, or tired day she has a fear that her cancer might return. For now, she remains NED-No Evidence of Disease- and though she bears some battle wounds, she’s still the force of nature I met a few years ago, dancing in a purple dress.✲ Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

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October 2014 | 9

Eat, Drink and Be Scary

By Jen Dixon

I

t’s the beginning of October and things are getting a little spooky around here! Time to Eat, Drink, and Be Scary with a Halloween Party that I created for Costume Express. I worked with The Creative Loft team for Birthday Express to create a party inspired by some of their products, especially this little black owl.

PARTY COLORS: Traditional orange, black, gray, and pops of red EAT: Red velvet cupcakes with cookies and cream frosting, hand painted skeleton key cookies, rock candy pops, a gorgeous fondant covered red velvet cake topped with fondant flowers and skulls, ghost meringues, and marshmallow pumpkins.

DRINK: A beverage table with assorted wines and spooky frames hanging over the table.

BE SCARY: Guests were invited to share their scariest faces for the camera using fun Halloween frames.

Jenny Dixon is a crafter, perpetual party thrower, and creator of Craft That Party blog and Etsy Shop. Her craft tutorials and parties have been featured on Tori Spelling’s ediTORIal, Parents.com, The Party Dress Magazine, Amy Atlas, and Hostess With The Mostess. Jenny is a proud mom of two energetic boys and loves to celebrate the DIY way. www.birthdayexpress.com & www.buycostumes.com

10 | October 2014

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Reading and Playing Can Increase Your Child’s Imagination

By Brandpoint

A

lbert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

It’s a pretty amazing statement when you consider just how much knowledge Einstein possessed. Today’s world always has a spot for creative, imaginative people. Whether they are designing the next dot com or the latest menu sensation, imaginative people are thriving everywhere.

So how can you help to strengthen your little one’s imagination and ensure they are as creative as possible? From analog to the digital, there are more fun, innovative ideas that can foster imagination than ever before. The following tips can help you grow your child’s imagination while creating some enjoyable, long-lasting memories along the way.

Create the scene. Playing dress-up doesn’t have to be exclusive to tea parties. Encourage your child to dawn a costume and create a character based on that costume. The costumes can be lavish enough to include make-up or as simplistic as a new hat or mask. The important thing is that your child creates a new character or takes an existing character - depending on the costume - in a new direction using his or her imagination. Just make sure you dress up, too; this production needs a supporting cast.

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Travel with them to a faraway place. The genre-defining Skylanders video game series is best known for the innovation of bringing toys to life with games like Skylanders SWAP Force, Skylanders Giants and Skylanders Sypro’s Adventure. Now coming in October, Skylanders Trap Team, will continue to expand the bounds of your child’s imagination with an all-new adventure that reverses the magic of bringing toys to life and enables kids to pull characters out of the digital world into the physical world.

With Skylanders Trap Team you and your child have the opportunity to play together to seek out and defeat the most wanted villains in Skylands, pulling them out of the game and into living rooms by capturing them in magical Traps. Players can then send villains back into the game where they play as them in the fight for good. You’ll enjoy exploring and working together to capture each villain and you’ll see your child’s imagination grow as the gameplay options expand.

Encourage ad-libbing during story time.

Reading to your child is a great way to strengthen their love of books and their reading comprehension skills. If you want to grow their imagination as well, make reading more

interactive. Before you flip the page, ask your child what they think will happen next. They’ll create the story in their own mind and the answers may amaze you.

Give them room to make their masterpiece.

Art is one of the easiest ways to allow your child to develop their imagination. Create an environment that supports their artistic interests by setting aside space for a mini-studio.

Make sure to include paints, crayons, markers and a big roll of paper to serve as their canvas.

Line the area with newspaper because even the most determined little artists still make a mess from time to time.

Take time to explore. These warm-weather months are the perfect opportunity for that nature hike or trip to the park. Turn the trip into an expedition by asking your child to create their own archeological adventure. This will make the warm-weather journey more enjoyable for both of you.

A child’s imagination opens their mind to limitless possibilities and no matter where their imagination takes the two of you, you’ll enjoy spending the time together.✲

October 2014 | 11

business spotlight

Even MORE to Discover at the

Garden State Discovery Museum

By M.B. Sanok

B

et you didn’t know the Garden State Discovery Museum (GSDM), a South Jersey mecca for educational family fun, infant to age 10, celebrates their 20th anniversary this year! It began with two fellow South Jersey moms, both Franklin Institute colleagues, and their quest to bring an interactive play place to the wilds of South Jersey. According to Museum Director Kelly Lyons, advisers warned them that the project was impossible to undertake, but they brought it to life within two years!

What a fantastic place to discover and explore it is! From the Dinosaurium to the Silver Diner replica to the Flyers Mini-Rink and more, GSDM caters to any kind of kid’s interest. When asked what’s most popular, Kelly replied, “What’s most popular depends on the kid.

When we change things or take them away is when we hear the most feedback.” It’s no wonder they have such positive buzz, though, when you consider that their “staff creates and builds everything themselves… [we’re] very holistic in our approach.” With enthusiasm and ingenuity, they dream up what exhibits will stir up the most imagination in young minds, and their displays and programs are continually updated and refurbished to keep things fresh.

Look what programs they have in store for October through December! Check their website http://www.discoverymuseum.com/ for exact times/dates.

October: • Big Book Bonanza takes place Saturday, October 4, 2014, with appearances by local children’s authors, WHYY and, no monkeying around – Curious George!

• Who’s the fairest of them all? Dress up your prince or princess for the Fairy Ball on Friday, October 10, 2014, where they can take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage!

• Shake your candy corn at the Halloween Hootenanny on Friday, October 24, 2014 • And then stop by for their Trunk-n-Treat, also on October 24th, with a moon bounce and plenty of sweet treats!

12 | October 2014

November:

• New theater programs start! See a show when the kids are off from school!

December:

• Breakfast with Santa: By popular demand,

an extra day has been added for this merry event catered by Whole Foods.

• Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa – you name it, GSDM has it covered with special events showcasing your favorite winter celebration!

Why is there MORE to discover at the Discovery Museum? Here’s the scoop! Due May 2015, a new sister location in Atlantic City will open!

Taking over the entire second floor of the Claridge Hotel, the GSDM are expanding their unique and beloved family. “We wanted to create a new site that’s a complement to the Cherry Hill site, not competition,” says Kelly.

Since the hotel flourished during the Boardwalk Empire Era, they jumped at the chance to recreate the vintage 1920s for their new museum, concentrating on Atlantic City history and tradition. Stroll down the “Boardwalk” and stop by and explore the Giant Sand Castle; soar Up, Up, and Away on a vintage prop plane or for a mini-ride on a hot air balloon; greet Lucy the Elephant and take a ride down her trunk slide; and much more old Atlantic City ambiance to absorb including a restored carousel.

The Atlantic City site will focus on hands-on and more physical activities suitable for several different ages. Benefiting both children in local beach communities and seasonal visitors, GSDM wants to play their part in revitalizing the city. They hope to bring the same excellent entertainment and educational opportunities to Atlantic City that reside in Cherry Hill! Cheers to another 20 years, GSDM!✲ Discover more information by contacting Garden State Discovery Museum at (856) 424-1233 http://www.discoverymuseum.com.

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Outdoor Stain Busters Laundry tips for active families

By Family Features

E

ngaging in outdoor activities are a great way for families to stay active and spend quality time together, but between tree-climbing, nature hikes and outdoor adventures can lead to piles of dirty, dingy and stained clothing.

Unwanted stains from grass and dirt can easily find themselves on unsuspecting clothing, and especially stand out on white and lightcolored apparel.

Stain Fighting Tips Maintaining bright, spot-less clothing doesn’t have to be complicated.

Get your family’s wardrobe into shape with these stain fighting tips:

• Act quickly when stains occur: If possible, begin treating the stain

immediately. For stains on the go, try applying club soda with a clean white cloth napkin. If none is available, just try and keep the spot wet with an ice cube until you can get home and wash.

• Don’t let laundry sit in the hamper: As a general rule of thumb, the longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove. Ensure stained clothing makes its way to the laundry room, rather than sitting in your child’s bedroom or hamper for several days.

• Soak clothes for best results: Remove tough stains with little effort by pre-soaking colorfast clothing overnight in a solution of OxiClean™ White Revive™ Laundry Stain Remover and warm to hot water. The color-safe solution cleans fibers and helps maintain and revive dingy whites without chlorine, harsh smells, yellowing or color damage.

• Add a scoop to the wash cycle: For stain fighting action, add a scoop of OxiClean™ White Revive™ to every wash load or toss in a pre-measured, single-dose pak. It works with your regular detergent to power out tough stains.

• Evaluate clothes before drying: The dry cycle can permanently set-in stains, so scan clothes to make sure the items are completely stainfree before putting them in the dryer. If any spots remain, pre-treat and run it through the wash cycle again.

• Keep your washer and dryer clean: Make sure to periodically clean your appliances to get rid of any built-up residue to keep your clothes as clean as possible. Run an empty wash cycle with hot water and two cups of white vinegar to thoroughly clean the washer. Then, vacuum the lint trap and vent on the dryer to keep it running in tip-top shape.

Don’t let messy stains derail you and your family from quality outdoor fun. Take part in a friendly game of soccer or hike at a local park and when you get home, keep these easy laundry tips in mind for bright, clean clothing all year long. For more information on fighting tough stains, visit www.oxiclean.com.✲ Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

October 2014 | 13

know 2 grow

3 Rules

for Exercise

Every Parent of a Down Syndrome Child Should Know By Matthew Brenner

A

s technology advances and virtual gaming becomes more accessible and addicting, getting any child to work up a sweat with exercise is challenging. Nevertheless, distractions, boredom, and motivation are only a few of your daily challenges if you are a parent of a child with Down Syndrome. While every child with DS has different capabilities, the most common challenges that any parent needs to be aware of are decreased muscle tone and hyper-flexibility. Meaning, your child’s flexibility around the joints is increased, while his or her strength is decreased. With these obstacles in mind, we have assembled 3 must-know rules for every parent of a child with Down Syndrome.

Be Patient Well sure, you already knew that. Any good parent knows that raising a child with disability demands patience. However, sometimes our patience can really test us when we think our child should be developing physically quicker than we originally hoped for. I have worked with many children with DS, and trust me; my patience has been tested too. What we have found to be the most effective way to avoid frustration is to set small- easy goals. As mentioned earlier, your child may not have all the muscles he/she needs to do an exercise. Physically, it may be impossible for your child to do one pushup. However, it is your job to help your child develop these muscles slowly but surely. One exercise we like to do with children with low muscle tone is reverse pushups. Rather than having your child start on his hands and feet, have him lay down on his stomach.

From here, your child must lift his stomach off the ground into a normal pushup position, and then slowly lower himself back to the ground. This will help him develop the chest muscles needed to do an ordinary pushup.

Low Impact Due to the increased flexibility on your child’s joints, injuries can plague an otherwise healthy exercise routine. Thus, it is best to stick to exercises that are low impact. For example, exercises like “high jumps” can be great for his legs, but terrible for his joints. Instead, choose other exercises that will not put as much pressure on his knees. We like to do simple squats. You can place a blow-up plastic ball behind your child and have him squat until his butt touches the ball, and then he has to stand right back up. The one rule is you cannot sit on the ball, only touch.

Make it Fun Working out should not be something your child dreads doing.

Just like anything else you want him to learn, it should be fun!

The more fun you make the routines (using toys, bags, water balloons, medicine balls) the easier it will be for your child to workout without realizing that is what he is doing. Isn’t that what we all want anyway? We like to do “row, row, row, your boat” sit-ups. This is when you sit facing your child with both of you in a sit-up position. Next, grab two sticks and have your child hold one end while you hold the other, so you should both be holding one end of two sticks, one in your right and one in your left hand. From here, you sing, “row, row, row, your boat….” and take turns rowing each other up into the sit-up position. This assisted sit-up is extremely helpful for children with low muscle tone in their stomach.✲ Matthew Brenner is a Martial Arts Instructor at Action Karate & Freelance Columnist. For questions or exercise tips, email him at akcinnaminson@gmail.com

14 | October 2014

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October 2014 | 15

Transporting Medicine to School

By Cheryl Lynne Potter

I

t’s not unusual to see kids taking medicine at school for a variety of medical problems. Kids today take medicine during the school day for such disorders as diabetes, allergies, asthma and even A.D.H.D. Yet, many moms and dads may be unaware of how to send medicine to school for their kids.

A unique handbook, entitled A Guide to Your Children’s School: A Parents Handbook to New Jersey Schools, published by the New Jersey Department of Education, is helping parents learn how to send medications for their kids to school.

Here are some suggestions from the handbook: q Medicine should never be sent with a child to school, unless it’s “absolutely necessary.” q Medicine should always be sent to school in the original pharmacy labeled container. Never, ever, put a child’s medication in a bag or in an envelope. q The label on a medicine container must include: your child and the doctor’s name, the name of the medicine and how much and when you should give the medicine.

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q

q

Children are not allowed to take medicine by themselves at school.

If your youngster must take medicine at school, a note should be written by the child’s parent and sent to the school nurse. Some schools also require a written note from the child’s doctor.

Medicine must be taken to the school nurse’s office. Children must go to the nurse’s office to take their medicine.

Schools usually have a policy that advises parents about proper procedures for sending medicine to school. Some schools may even require a special form be completed by a child’s doctor and parent, before any medicine is given to a child during school hours.✲ For More Information: A Guide to Your Children’s Schools - A Parent’s Handbook to New Jersey Schools - www.state.nj.us/education.

Cherry Hill Robotics Club Summer Camps • Evening & Saturday Sessions

Our Robotics Club is geared for grade school and middle school boys and girls. We bring “STEM”(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to your child in a fun camp type atmosphere.

Interested applicants should send resume to michelle@superiorgx.com *Sales experience preferred

16 | October 2014

The camp is run by NJ Certified teachers

• LEGO,VIRTUAL and VEX Robotics • New Young Engineers for 6-8 year olds • Competition Teams now forming 2050 Fairfax Avenue • Cherry Hill

856.313.8816 • www.cherryhillrobotics.com Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

Stay Fire Safe

By Deb McCarson

F

ire prevention week is celebrated each October, commemorating the date of the great Chicago fire, which burned from October 8-10, 1871, and is considered one of the greatest American disasters of the 19th century. There’s a good chance your children will be participating in fire safety activities in school during this week. While they’re engaged, it’s a good time to discuss fire safety tips and facts as a family.

Mind the Children • According to the US Fire Administration, children of all ages set over 35,000 fires annually. Keep matches and lighters locked up and away from children. Children can also start fires with a magnifying glass which seems “really cool” and very tempting to try. Explain to children that fire is a tool, not a toy, and that it’s dangerous to play with it.

In the Kitchen • The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Always use a kitchen timer and stay in the kitchen if the stove is on.

• Don’t cook if you’re sleepy or drowsy.

• Do not wear loose hanging sleeves when cooking or place flammable materials near an open flame. See that the flames stay underneath the pot you’re cooking in. Overreaching flames can melt handles and cause burns.

General Safety Tips • Don’t overload electrical sockets with extension cords.

• Keep flammable materials at least three feet away from portable heaters.

• On average, 42 home candle fires are reported every day.

If you burn candles, place them securely in an appropriate holder, at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.

• Extinguish candles after use. Don’t go to bed with candles still burning.

• Never use a candle where medical oxygen is being used.

• Don’t use candles for emergency lighting. Use flashlights instead.

• Don’t force a three-prong plug into a two-slot outlet.

• Use power strips that have internal overload protection.

• Don’t use light bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage on fixtures.

• Avoid putting cords under rugs, across doorways or where they can be damaged or pinched by furniture.

• Electrical work should be done only by a qualified electrician.

The US Fire Administration recommends calling an electrician if you experience any of the following: • Recurring problems with tripping circuit breakers • A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance • Discolored or warm wall outlets or switches • Flickering lights • Sparks from a wall outlet Appliances • Replace damaged appliance cords immediately.

• Place all items securely in the dishwasher. Loose items can land on the heating element and cause fires during the drying cycle.

• Clean your clothes dryer lint screen after every use. Make sure your vent hose isn’t crushed or kinked, and your vent line isn’t restricted or clogged. Have your dryer serviced periodically.

In Case of Fire • Escape first, and then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family. Designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.

• Never stand up in a fire.

Always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason.

• Teach children not to be afraid of firefighters who may be wearing equipment that looks scary.

Remember, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.✲

Your child can win a personal computer by entering the Fire Prevention Poster Contest sponsored by the NJ Department of Community Affairs Division of Fire Safety and the NJ State Fire Prevention and Protection Association.

This Year’s Theme is “Prevent Kitchen Fires. You can download contest rules and an application at www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dfs

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October 2014 | 17

recipe corner

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ctober is one of my very favorite months, partly because I was born in October, but also due to the fact that it’s the perfect time to think PUMPKIN! Pumpkin can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, and it’s chock full of healthy nutrients that you can feel pleased about serving to your family. So happy fall ya’ll, hope you enjoy these recipes, especially the pumpkin soup which is a recipe I came up with for my husband who loves soup, and pumpkin, so it’s the perfect match!

Lisa’s Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Soup • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth • 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, optional • 1 - 2 tbs. pure maple syrup • Sea salt, to taste • Black pepper, to taste Add broth to a saucepan over medium high heat and bring to a boil. Add pumpkin, mix well and reduce to simmer. Add heavy cream, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, salt and pepper and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Note: Top with croutons, cooked crumbled turkey bacon, pumpkin seeds or an additional dash of cinnamon before serving if desired.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie • 1 9-inch unbaked pie shell • 1 cup raw sugar or natural sugar substitute • 3 tbs. unbleached all-purpose flour • 1 (8 oz.) package plus 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger • 1/8 tsp. ground cloves • 1/4 tsp. sea salt • 3 eggs • 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) • 1 tbs. milk or unsweetened almond milk Preheat oven to 375°. Place pie crust in 9-inch pie plate as directed on package for one-crust filled pie. Bake about 8 –10 minutes or until light golden brown. In large bowl; beat sugar, flour and cream cheese with electric mixer until smooth; reserve 1/2 cup in small bowl. Add remaining ingredients except milk to cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed, scraping bowl constantly, until smooth. Pour into crust. Stir milk into the 1/2 cup reserved cream cheese mixture. Spoon over pumpkin mixture. Cut through cream cheese and pumpkin mixtures with knife in S-shaped curves in one continuous motion for a marbled design. Turn pie plate one-fourth turn and repeat. Cover edge of crust with piecrust shield or foil to prevent excessive browning; remove shield or foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes on cooling rack.

Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator. Top the pie with dollops of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon, if desired.

Pumpkin Bread • 1 cup sunflower or safflower oil 4 eggs, beaten • 2/3 cup water 2 cups canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) • 3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • 1 tsp. sea salt • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon • 2 tsp. baking soda • 3 tsp. non-aluminum baking powder • 2 1/2 cups raw sugar or natural sugar substitute • 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional) • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 2 large loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray. In small bowl combine oil, eggs, water and pumpkin. In large bowl sift together flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and sugar. Make a well in center of dry ingredients, add pumpkin mixture and blend just until moist. Stir in raisins or use chocolate chips in place of raisins. Add nuts if desired. Pour batter into the two loaf pans, sprinkle top with additional sugar if desired. Bake about 40 - 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Allow to cool on racks for 10 minutes before removing pumpkin bread from pans. * Note: Cooking time depends on oven, bread is done when toothpick inserted in center of pumpkin bread comes out clean, so keep a close eye while baking.

As always, Bon Appetit!

Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio is the author of “Seasoned With Love, Treasured Recipes” & “Lisa Ann’s Seasoned With Love II”, and the children’s book, “Snicker Learns An Important Lesson.” Visit her blog http://lisaanndinunzio.blogspot.com/ or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001935347501 18 | October 2014

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Families That Play Together Stay Together

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hat your child wants and needs most of all is your undivided attention to connect and play. Nothing bolsters a child’s self-esteem more than family time playing games where everyone is talking and laughing (occasionally add in the poor sport that’s cheating or losing). Board games are rich in learning opportunities and are an excellent way to spend unhurried time together. A bonus is that games satisfy your child’s competitive urges and the desire to master new skills. Below are some game reviews for every age.

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Flea Circus (6 & up) Step right up, it’s a wild time under the big top! A circus theme, simple rules, and cute little cat and dog figures make this quick card game lots of fun for kids as young as 4. Players use their best circus act cards to attract the most spectators (cats & dogs)! Watch out for the Animal Catcher or he’ll snatch your animals away. Whoever has the most cast and dogs at the end wins the game. Ages 6+ | MSRP $19.95 | Available at Amazon and RnRgames.com

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Strike a Pose (10 & up) Get ready to pose yourselves silly in this new party game where it’s your job to figure out who or what the other players are posing as. Each round, all but one player freezes into a statue of one of the people, places or things in a category, then hold the pose until the Statue Collector enters the room and decides who’s who. In a roomful of frozen friends, can you pick out the Tooth Fairy or the Teletubby?

The Eiffel Tower or the Taj Mahal?

Ages 10+ | MSRP $19.95 | Available at Amazon and RnRGames.com

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Time’s Up (12 & up) Party game where time is ticking as try to get your partner to guess as many celebrity names in the Deck of Fame as possible. Plays in 3 rounds that get trickier as the game goes on. Can you describe Beyonce? How about in just one word?

Great, but now it’s rounds three ... BE Beyonce! A terrific party game where big names and big fun result in loads of laughter. Ages 12+ | MSRP $29.99 | Available at Amazon and RnRGames.com

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Hide & Seek Safari Panda (3 & up) 4 It’s the classic game of “Hotter, Colder” made even more fun

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with animal friends! Comes in your choice of cute & cuddly plush animals, each with its own Seeker Wand that makes the animal’s sound when your child gets closer. Ages 3+ | MSRP $34.95 | Available at Amazon and RnRGames.com

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Birds, Bugs & Beans

(ages 6 & up) Tweet, clap and toot your way to victory! Players toss their cards into the center, waiting for a chance to catch the animals. Whenever a Bird, Bug or Bean shows up .. Act Fast! Be the first to tweet for the birds, clap for the bugs, or toot for the beans and you get to keep all the animals in the pile. Whoever has the most cards at the end wins! Ages 6+ | MSRP $6.95 | Available at Amazon and RnRGames.com October 2014 | 19

moms R women 2

Healing After Miscarriage

By Dr. Kelly Moore Ph.D.

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ccording to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, studies have found that approximately 10-25% of recognized pregnancies will result in miscarriage within the first 20 weeks of gestation. Though there are many of us that make the decision to not become a mother by choice, for many other women, circumstances beyond our control can result in a delay or loss of our dream of becoming a mother biologically. The loss of a pregnancy at any point in those precious 40 weeks is sad, challenging, and full of confused questions that are difficult to answer.

Almost exactly one year before I gave birth to my first son, I experienced a very early miscarriage just days after my doctor confirmed my pregnancy.

I was so excited and we started telling people right away. A few days later, it was over. My doctor (who was fantastic, by the way) tried to reassure me that miscarriage is extremely common and I have to keep in mind that this happens to many women and it does not mean I will not be able to get pregnant and successfully carry a child in the future. But I just remember crying so hard for about a week and the one thought that kept going through my mind is “I will NEVER be a mother. Ever.” After confiding in a few people about what happened, I was shocked to realize how many women I knew had experienced miscarriages and infant loss that I never knew about because all I saw was them running around with healthy children! During those weeks after my miscarriage, I could not have ever imagined that I would have had a child the following year. I spent that whole pregnancy living in terror that it would all come crashing down. In my case, I was blessed to give birth to a healthy baby boy the following year. But I was left with the question about why more women do not talk about challenges with pregnancy or share their own stories of loss. And further, what are the important things to keep in mind if you have experienced pregnancy loss?

Expect to have a range of emotions, and be okay with feeling them I despise when people say “Don’t cry…” Why not?!! There is a popular stream of thought in our society that difficult emotions be extinguished as quickly as possible but that is not always healthy. It is totally appropriate to feel extremely sad, disappointed, angry, confused, and scared after a pregnancy loss. It will also seem as if the day after you experience that loss, everywhere you turn, it will feel like you are seeing tons of pregnant women and babies all over the place that you just never paid that much attention to before. Over time, hope will be restored as you come to heal from that loss and look forward to the next step in your journey towards motherhood. In the meantime, be okay with crying, journaling, running, or doing whatever you have to do to express those emotions.

Talk to a professional that specializes in treating women experiencing pregnancy loss There is no shame in needing the help of a professional to get support after a pregnancy loss. Ask your OB/GYN for some referrals of counselors or therapists in your area that can be a support if you need them. Also, talk to your doctor about your pregnancy and/or adoption options. There are 20 | October 2014

many paths to motherhood and part of your healing requires having a supportive medical team, family, friends, and other supports that can help you realize that dream of motherhood.

Look for supports, and BE one in the future!

Look online for various bereavement groups in your area that target pregnancy loss. Visit The Postpartum Stress Center online which also provides support for women that have experienced pregnancy loss. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and there are other families out there that can support you through this time. And once you have healed from your experience, don’t shut your story away. Be a support to other women that will experience that same loss. You never know how your story will be an agent of healing for another person going through the same thing.✲

Resources The Postpartum Stress Center www.postpartumstress.com Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, Inc. www.nationalshare.org/index.html American Pregnancy Association www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyloss

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For a complete list of events, log onto www.southjerseymom.com

To submit your event, send an e-mail to michelle@superiorgx.com.

Entries are due six weeks prior to the event and are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Space is limited. amusement rides, pumpkin carving contest, face painting, pumpkin painting, a costume contest, talent contest and more.

New this year is a scarecrow building station. For more information, call (855) 936-2467 or visit www.mainstage.org

CAMDEN COUNTY Blackwood Pumpkin Festival Sunday, October 5, 2014 11 am to 4 pm Enjoy a day filled with fun at the 23nd annual Blackwood Pumpkin Festival, sponsored by Mainstage Center for the Arts.

Mainstage Center for the Arts – Academy Hall, 29 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood, NJ. The rain date is Sunday, October 12th.

This festival offers food, games, live music and entertainment, plus crafts with more than 200 vendors. Activities include hayrides, a moon bounce,

Divorce, Death of a Loved One Loss and Life Transition Programs Starting If you are 1-5 years past a loss or a “forever change,” due to a divorce or relationship breakup, death of a loved one, life changing illness, trauma or any significant life transition, feel stuck and uncertain, The Afterwards Program is for you.

This 8 week program combines the healing of therapy and self empowerment of life coaching to help you get unstuck and emotionally transition toward the next chapter of your life.

Pre-registration required.

Thursday Evening, 6:45pm -8:45pm Oct. 2 thru Nov. 20th Your Center, 52 Berlin Rd (Rt 561), Ste. 1000, Cherry Hill NJ Contact: 856-270-2308

Ask the Doc

Q: Why do some women develop varicose

veins during pregnancy and what can they do to ease the pain?

A: It’s not uncommon for women to develop varicose veins during

pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your body increases its blood volume and decreases the speed that your blood returns from your legs to your heart due to the pregnancy within your pelvis. This increases pressure in the leg veins. There’s also a higher level of hormones which causes the veins to be more dilated or stretched. This may result in varicose veins during pregnancy.

There are things you can do to help ease the pain of varicose veins.

• Maintain your activity level. If you’re active, your calf muscles are squeezing and pushing blood out of the legs; which helps to decrease pressure.

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

or 856-905-9343 or email info@afterwardsprogram.com www.afterwardsprogram.com Monday Afternoon 4:15pm -6:15pm Sept 29. thru Nov. 17th The Starting Point 215 Highland Ave, Ste C. Contact: 856-270-2308 or 856-905-9343 or email info@afterwardsprogram.com www.afterwardsprogram.com

BURLINGTON COUNTY The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties Camp No Worries 20th Anniversary Celebration Aloft, Friday, October 3, 2014 7:00p.m.- 11:00 p.m.

The event will feature an open bar with a variety of wine and beer (mixed drinks at a cash bar), hors d’oeuvres, dancing and a silent auction. Camp No Worries, a program of the Y, is a free, one-week summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings. Event proceeds will benefit Camp No Worries, which is run solely by volunteers and funded through donations. Tickets are $100 per

things 2 do

October Calendar

person and are available for purchase in person at both the Mt. Laurel YMCA and the Burlington Riverfront YMCA, online at www.ymca-bc.org or by calling 856.231.9622 x232. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Pam Hall at pamh@ymca-bc.org or 856.231.9622 x232.

Aloft -558 Fellowship Road Mount Laurel, NJ.

Mount Laurel Girl Scouts Fall Round Up Wed, October 8, 2014 5:30-7:30pm Mount Laurel Community Center, 100 Mount Laurel Road FREE We’re inviting school age girls and their parents to a magical evening full of fun activities and information. There will be games, crafts, and prizes as well as opportunities to register with Girl Scouts and get started on all this amazing program has to offer! Any questions can be directed to mtlaurelgirlscouts@ gmail.com

Dr. Charles Dietzek, Vein and Vascular Institute

• Elevate your legs. Raising your legs higher than the level of your heart can help improve circulation. Take frequent breaks from standing to sit and elevate your legs.

• Monitor your weight. Too much weight gain during pregnancy is especially hard on your veins. Wear support pantyhose or maternity compression stockings to help alleviate pain.

• Lastly, drink plenty of fluids and add extra fiber to your diet to avoid developing constipation.

If this is the first time you’ve developed varicose veins, you should wait a few months and they may go away on their own. Women who have more than one child tend to have a higher occurrence of varicose veins that are permanent. If the varicose veins don’t disappear within two to three months after pregnancy, you should have your legs evaluated and treated by a vein specialist.✲ October 2014 | 21

business spotlight

Huntington Learning Center

Your Child’s Education is Our Purpose

By M.B. Sanok

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ometimes, the homework help you offer your child and the teacher conferences you schedule are just not enough when your child truly struggles with their studies. When you’ve reached a brick wall, it’s time to contact Huntington Learning Center, located in Cherry Hill and Turnersville. With Huntington, their mission is to “give every student the best education possible.”

And who wouldn’t want that for their child?

There are good reasons that Huntington has been in business in South Jersey for 30 years – proven results. Richard Bernstein, Regional Director, notes that, “We have the only accredited learning centers in Camden and Gloucester Counties [besides schools], and our teachers are certified and need to understand [and implement] our process and curricula.” The instructors at Huntington will do what’s right for your child and not follow a one-size-fits-all policy. Each program is uniquely and individually designed for your child’s academic requirements and the specific issues contributing to their difficulties in school, whatever the subject may be. “We treat every learning situation seriously…and improve upon what skills the students do have,” continues Bernstein. Their aim is to make sure the struggling student catches up to the other kids in their grade and can compete fairly and equally in school.

How they achieve success for their students is on a very individual basis with a rigorous evaluation process that’s guided by six steps. These include: 1) Academic Evaluation – student takes a variety of tests to assess difficulties; 2) Analysis and Review – test results are examined; 3) Parent Conference and Learning Plan – instructors discuss the child’s proposed Learning Plan with their parents; 4) Tutoring –student begins instruction; 5) Interim Conferences – parents learn of their child’s progress; 6) School Visits – Huntington instructors work with the student’s school in combating their struggles and ensuring their success.

That way they feel a sense of accomplishment and gain a positive outlook before tackling harder topics.

If your child is a special needs student, do not be deterred from seeking Huntington’s assistance. Although there are more challenges present in this type of learning situation, they will make their best effort to design a program for the student. However, if they find that a student will not benefit from their program -- a rare occurrence -- they won’t promise something they cannot deliver and will make appropriate recommendations.

At Huntington, “we know how to get the students where they need to go,” says Bernstein.

No time is wasted during the tutoring sessions since every moment spent on the lessons is precious. “More hours are used, and we have a more assertive approach than other tutors. We don’t play games or stall.” So you can guarantee that your child will make improvements in their studies with Huntington’s work ethic.

If you view their website, you will see a variety of programs ranging from Early Education to College Prep in numerous subjects. Their most popular program that students partake in is the SAT-prep courses with which the majority of students need help. They also find general Academic Skills a commonly chosen program. So take your pick! With 93% satisfaction from parents and students, they stand by their mission statement to “give every student the best education possible.” Contact them today at http://huntingtonhelps.com/ or 1 (800) CAN LEARN .✲

Huntington has a very different approach where we get to the root of the problem and resolve it

Huntington has a “very different approach where we get to the root of the problem and resolve it,” says Bernstein. They dig to discover exactly why your child is “having trouble learning or understanding the subject…Our whole process is supervised, managed and adjusted for the individual student’s needs,” he continues. This includes providing a “safe, distraction-free” environment in their office where the student can concentrate and absorb lessons taught by professional, caring teachers. In order to ensure success, it’s suggested that students, instructors and parents fully commit to the program and attend all necessary sessions. They start students off with familiar material first and then work their way up to the more challenging fare.

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Big things are happening every day at Girl Scouts,

be part of the action.

1-800-582-7692

gscsnj.org/join Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

October 2014 | 23